Berlin Airport Authority
October 30, 2008
Present at the meeting were Chair David Bertrand, Commissioners Donovan, Cayer and McCue who was sitting in for Commissioner Lafleur; absent were Commissioners Grenier, Goudreau, Gagne and Lafleur. Others present at the meeting were: James and Marsha MacKinnon, Patrick MacQueen, Eric Kaminsky, and Blandine Shallow
Minutes
On a motion from Commissioner Donovan and a second from Commissioner Cayer, the minutes of the previous meeting, August 20, 2008, were accepted. All vote d in favor.
Financial Reports
Chair Bertrand noted that at the last meeting there were questions about the financials and they were answered. Including the reports that were tabled at the last meeting, there are financials from March through September.
There was one question regarding the line item titled Operating Equipment that is quickly going over budget. Mr. Kaminsky explained that he mistakenly under- budgeted the line item which is for the fuel used to operate the equipment. Authority members advised to show the actual expenses in the account which will continue to go in the red. Commissioner Donovan moved to accept the financial reports from March through September of 2008 and place on file.
Release of Airport Property to James & Marsha MacKinnon
Mr. Kaminsky reported that in order to move the sale of property to Mr. & Mrs. MacKinnon, the Airport Authority has been advised to record an official vote to approve the appraised value of the two parcels and vote to obligate the proceeds from the sale for airport purposes. Mr. MacQueen clarified that the sale proceeds will go to the airport fund and be used only for airport purposes.
Commissioner Donovan voiced that Airport Authority can use the money for a specific purpose if it so chooses. Commissioner McCue preferred that the funds be used for capital improvements rather than the operating budget of the airport. Mr. MacQueen suggested adding a project into the city's CIP if the BAA wants to add a project.
Commissioner Donovan moved with a second from Commissioner Cayer to approve $25,001 as the appraised value of the two parcels in question; the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Donovan moved to release the appraisal to the McKinnon's; Commissioner Cayer seconded and the motion carried.
Commissioner Donovan moved to use the proceeds from the sale of the property exclusively for airport purposes; Commissioner Cayer seconded and the motion carried.
Coleman Agreement
Mr. Kaminsky explained that AJ Coleman had projected that they would purchase 15,000 to 30,000 yards of sand from the airport and the budget was calculated with that in mind. So far, in a year, Coleman has moved 7100 yards of sand. Mr. Kaminksy proposed that the airport get out of the agreement so that sand can be sold to others if they want it.
Coleman has agreed to forego the agreement. Mr. Kaminsky noted that in order to continue to operate the face of the pit, it does not make sense to hydroseed. He recommended breaking ties with Coleman and releasing them of their obligation to slope and hydroseed the pit so that we can sell to others if the opportunity arises.
Commissioner McCue stated that regardless of whether Coleman is on board with the contract being nullified, we have to make it clear that they no longer have the right to 15000 yards of sand. We need an agreement stating that the original agreement is null and void.
Commissioner Donovan moved to accept the terms to terminate the current pit agreement contingent upon receiving a document that states the original agreement is null and void; Commissioner Cayer seconded and the motion carried.
Airport Manager's Report
Snow Removal Equipment Building. Mr. Kaminsky reported that the old building was taken down. Couture is waiting for rebar specs to move forward. The cement should be poured next week and the building will be up by mid December. The contractor asked for a small extension to finish the project from December 15 to January 15.
There was a problem with the lead content of the scrap from the old building and it was not acceptable at Mt. Carberry Landfill. Chair Betrand recommended that if Couture Construction asks for more extensions they should not be cut a lot of slack. This is not complicated building.
Airport Brochure. Mr. Kaminsky stated that he is proud of the job that was done on the new airport brochure. He added that he gives one to all the pilots that come through the airport; however no distribution schedule has been set yet.
Carol Niewola is looking into whether there is a mailing list available. The brochure should be given to other airports; grand resorts; and charter services. There were 1,000 brochures in the initial printing. The airport is eligible for $350 from AV Fuel as part of their marketing initiative.
Granite State Airport Manager's Association (GSAMA) Meeting Held September 19. There were several airport managers from all over the State who attended the meeting. The topic of discussion was winter operations at the airport.
Tillotson Grant. Mr. Kaminksy reported that he applied for Tillotson grant funds to help with the BAA's match for a multi-use front end loader. Though this is a capital item for the 2010 budget, scoping the piece of equipment needs to begin soon. The four yard loader would replace a 1962 grader that it is at the end of useful life.
Mr. Kaminsky indicated that Mr. Godbout has not signed a lease for the land that was made available to him. Chair Bertrand stated that if he has not signed a lease or paid anything, he should be put on notice that if a lease is not signed within 30 days, the agreement is null and void. Commissioner Donovan moved to notify Mr. Godbout that his option for a lease is null and void after 30 days and the property would become available to anyone who expressed interest; Commissioner McCue seconded and the motion carried.
Driveways. Mr. Kaminsky noted that the airport was put on notice by the State of NH DOT that there are too many driveways at the airport. There was a pilot concern that closing one of the driveways would be a safety issue. The gravel pit access will also need to be closed. Mr. Kaminsky proposes to close the driveway but to maintain it for emergency vehicles only.
Commissioner Donovan wanted to hear why the State is coming up with all these regulations. He asked Mr. Kaminsky to get in touch with Jack Ferns to see what is going on. Commissioner McCue suggested Mr. Kaminsky contact the fire departments as well to see if they have any input on emergency access.
Economy. Commissioner McCue asked what the impacts of the slowing economy are on the airport. Mr. Kaminsky reported that fuel sales are down but the numbers are not alarming. The sand revenue will likely help the bottom line.
Fuel prices are at $5.10 on low lead and $5.60 on jet. Mr. Kaminsky stated that the AV Points Programs works to add fuel sales.
There being no further business Commissioner Donovan moved to adjourn; Commissioner Cayer seconded and the motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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