BAA Meeting
August 20, 2008
Present were: Chair Bertrand, Commissioners, Eric Gagne, Paul Grenier, Tim Cayer; others present included Eric Kaminsky, Ron Hamel, and Ray Godbout
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Minutes
Commissioner Grenier moved to accept the minutes and place on file; Commissioner Gagne seconded and the motion carried.
Financial Reports, March - July, 2008
Commissioner Grenier had a number of questions on the financial reports. He asked what the accumulated deficit to the City of Berlin is from previous years. Mr. Kaminsky estimated $74,000 and stated that he would get the exact amount from the City's Finance Director.
Commissioner Grenier also questioned negatives in the month to date expenses for June. Mr. Kaminsky noted that these are likely prepaid expenses but he would seek additional information. Chair Bertrand recommended not approving the reports until additional information is received.
SRE Building (Snow Removal Equipment)
Mr. Kaminsky reported that a pre-construction meeting was held on August 14. Construction will start in September. Cost will be $13,695 for the BAA and State, with the remainder being paid by the FAA. Commissioner Grenier confirmed that the capital cost of the SRE building is in the Capital budget and it can be paid for over two fiscal years. The contractor for the project is Couture Construction with Gosselin doing the plumbing and Vaillancourt doing the electricity.
Request from Ray Godbout
The Authority received a letter from Ray Godbout asking for space to build hangar. It was determined that space could be found to share a hangar for the time being or a lot could be provided at the end of Hangar Alley. The lot would not be on pavement but is within the confines of the Master Plan.
Mr. Godbout stated that he wants to review his options and would prefer to have his own hangar. Commissioner Grenier moved to allow the BAA to lease a section of land 50 x 50 near the Currier hangar according to the specs of minimum standards; Commissioner Gagne seconded and the motion carried. Chair Bertrand clarified that the lot is at the northwest corner of Hangar Alley and not on pavement. The Airport could pave at a later date.
Airport Manager's Report
Mr. Kaminsky presented the Authority with the latest version of the brochure and stated that he would like to push forward and not wait for another meeting to get the brochure done. Commissioner Cayer suggested that the Authority see the proof by e-mail prior to going to print.
Mr. Kaminsky estimated that there is 20,000 to 25,000 yards of sand left in the sand pit. Though Coleman has a contract with the Airport, they have not been buying sand lately. Mr. Kaminsky added that it may be prudent to keep the remaining sand for city, Water Works and airport projects. He suggested sending a letter to Coleman asking them for projections of what they will take from the pit. Chair Bertrand agreed that a letter should be sent for planning and budgeting purposes and depending on the response, further decisions can be made on the future of the sand pit.
Ray Burton is having his annual airport tour on Friday, August 22.
The Granite State Airport Manager's Association meeting will be at the Berlin Regional Airport on September 19 at 11:00 a.m.
With regard to the McKinnon property, there is a letter from Oest Associates that explains where we are. It was copied to Mckinnon's. The details of the appraisal are being worked out and that could mean that the bottom line would change. The hope is that the transaction can take place by the end of October. The FAA has asked that the BAA vote to use the money from the sale for the operational use of the airport. That vote will be requested when a final sale price is determined. Commissioner Grenier noted that the money could go toward the operational deficit.
Mr. Kaminsky reported his intention to apply for a grant from the Tillotson Foundation for the operation of the airport. Authority members cautioned that those who disburse the funds are not likely to fund operations.
Commissioner Grenier moved to accept the Manager's Report; Commissioner Cayer seconded and the motion carried.
Public Comments
Ron Hamel, 1154 Milan Road commented about a light flickering and asked if it could be repaired.
He went on to say that the choice of the spot for the new building could have been better for the airport adding that the plans should have been posted. He felt it is a safety issue that one of the driveways will be removed.
With regard to the driveway, Mr. Kaminsky indicated that it was a compromise with the State who say that the airport has too many driveways.
BAA Comments
Commissioner Grenier asked that the airport manager's salary be included in the financial reports.
Commissioner Grenier moved to adjourn; Commissioner Gagne seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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