Berlin Airport Authority
March 2, 2009
Present were: Chair Bertrand, Commissioners Lafleur, Donovan, Cayer and Commissioners Goudreau and Grenier at 5:55 p.m. Others present were Mike Deletetsky of Oest Engineering, Eric Kaminsky, Patrick MacQueen, City Councilors Tom McCue and Lucy Remillard, Susan Tremblay as well as public.
Minutes
Commissioner Donovan moved to accept the minutes of the January 22, 2009 meeting and place on file; Commissioner Cayer seconded and the motion carried.
Review and Accept Loader Bids
Mike Deletetsky explained that the process of bidding a loader for the airport started months ago when Mr. Kaminsky met with representatives of John Deere. Specifications were gathered from that meeting and some were used to bid the piece of equipment. When the first bids were opened it became obvious that the vehicle that JD puts out is something no one else could do. After consulting with the State, bids were rejected and the project was re-bid.
This time Case, John Deere and Volvo bid; however Case does not make the differential that the other manufacturers make and their product does not meet the specification. Though the bid bond was $800 off, the engineer’s recommendation is to go with the Volvo. They and JD are bidding the same product.
Commissioner Lafleur confirmed that the City’s maintenance people are capable of maintaining any of the three possible loaders. Mayor Bertrand questioned the Frink and Henkey plows, noting that the bid is for a Henkey and it has been stated that the Henkey is not able to float on the pavement without leaving a furrow of snow in the plow path. Mr. Kaminsky indicated that he has been assured by the representative that the Henkey system will not have the problem.
Mr. MacQueen commented that the whole point of bidding is to accept the lowest responsive bidder. Mr. Kaminsky recommended accepting the lowest qualified bidder which is the Volvo.
Commissioner Donovan moved to accept the bid from Chadwick Baross at $239,827 for a Volvo loader with plow attachments; Commissioner Cayer seconded and the motion carried. Commissioner Grenier voted against stating that he feels the John Deere is a better piece of equipment.
Election of Officers
Chair Bertrand stated that the election of officers was postponed from a previous meeting. By Charter, the Mayor of Berlin is the Chair; other positions are Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Commissioner Lafleur moved to appoint Commissioner Grenier to serve as Vice Chair until the next election; Commissioner Cayer seconded. In discussions the term was in question as Commissioner Grenier is the County representative and not elected at the same time as the municipal representatives. Commissioner Lafleur withdrew the motion; Commissioner Cayer seconded.
Commissioner Lafleur moved to appoint Commissioner Grenier as Vice Chair for a term to end when the next BAA board is appointed; Commissioner Goudreau seconded and the motion carried. Commissioner Donovan opposed explaining that he felt the executive positions should be held by the Berlin commissioners.
Commissioner Grenier moved to appoint Commissioner Cayer Secretary until his term on the City Council expires; Commissioner Lafleur seconded and the motion carried.
Commissioner Grenier moved to appoint Commissioner Goudreau as treasurer until his term on the City Council expires; Commissioner Lafleur seconded and the motion carried.
Other
Furnace. Mayor Bertrand asked for an update on the furnace and Mr. Kaminsky noted that technicians at Munces condemned the furnace; however our in-house technician has checked it out and found no cracks. Though it is not likely the most efficient furnace, it is not dangerous. A co2 detector was purchased for the terminal building as an extra precaution. Mr. Kaminsky indicated that he will ask for recommendations prior to the next heating season.
It was suggested that Berlin Insulation be contacted for a quote on insulating the terminal building.
Credit Card Reader. Mr. Kaminsky stated that he has not yet contacted AV Fuel to see if they will participate in the cost of a credit card reader. The unit has stopped printing receipts. It was determined that we should not put any more money into the machine when a new machine is budgeted for the upcoming year. There is a notice on the machine that the machine will not print a receipt but one can be obtained from an attendant.
Commissioner Goudreau commented that credit sales require a receipt. Mr. Kaminsky responded that a receipt is available from an attendant. He added that the credit card company did not advise that there is an issue.
Comments. Commissioner Donovan took issue with having a County Commissioner presiding over meetings of a body that is funded primarily by the City of Berlin.
Stimulus Funding. Commissioner Lafleur asked if there would be any stimulus funding for the airport and Mr. Deletetsky indicated that the loader is the last project for the airport until the apron expansion. There was some question about hazard beacon clearing which has been deemed a maintenance project and not eligible for funding. Mr. Deletetsky said that he would talk to the state about the project.
Update on SRE Building Chair Bertrand noted that he signed a certificate of substantial completion. Mr. Kaminsky reported that he is satisfied with the building and the next meeting can be scheduled at the airport in the new building.
Commissioner Grenier moved to adjourn; Commissioner Goudreau seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 6:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Timothy Cayer
Secretary
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