Berlin Airport Authority
February 4, 2013
Present: Chair Grenier, Commissioners Michael Rozek, Russ Otis, Denise Morgan Allain, Peter Higbee
Others present: Eric Kaminsky, Patrick MacQueen
Financial Reports
Chair Grenier asked if there were questions regarding the financial report and Mr. Kaminsky mentioned that the equipment maintenance account was charged with an aviation fuel purchase and that will be corrected. Chair Grenier asked that, rather than accept a report that will be changed; that a corrected copy be e-mailed to authority members.
Jet Fuel Tank Purchase
Mr. Kaminsky reported that the airport is in the process of getting a capital improvement program grant from the State and FAA to replace the Jet A storage facility at the airport. The project was put out to bid last year and the bids were found to be too high with one submitting a non-conforming bid due to the tanks quoted not meeting specs. The project needs to be re-bid. Chair Grenier noted that the FAA was only going to participate with 2.5% last year and this year they will pay 5% with the airport’s cost being at about $8,000 less for project. Once the bid numbers are in, the grant can be submitted.
Land Sale
Mr. Kaminsky explained that Mr. Bob Chapman approached the Airport Authority in 2011 to purchase ten acres adjacent to his business in Milan. The BAA agreed to sell him the land and they wanted it staked out and divided. The project got pushed back due to unforeseen circumstances.
Mr. Kaminsky said that he will attend a Milan Planning Board meeting regarding a boundary line adjustment for the parcel to get the town’s approval. The appraisal has been done; however we have not received a copy; we’ve been told it came in at $44,000. Chair Grenier asked, assuming that we come to terms on price, how long will it take for the FAA to approve? Having it done by the end of the calendar year is a good estimation.
Lease Agreement
Pat MacQueen explained that a lease has been drafted for the apartment above the terminal building; and there is a revised employment agreement for Mr. Kaminsky for the Authority’s consideration. NHRS audited the city and determined that a portion Mr. Kaminsky’s compensation was not earnable under NHRS rules because some of it was going toward the apartment. We contacted the City Attorney and NHRS’ Attorney who reviewed the documents and agreed that if we make the proposed changes and make it clear in the employment agreement that rent is not included, Mr. Kaminsky would get credit under NHRS. The changes do not amend Mr. Kaminsky’s pay; however they do require a new lease and new employment agreement effective January 1.
Commissioner Rozek moved to authorize a new lease agreement for the apartment above the terminal building and employment agreement and to authorize Chair Grenier to sign on behalf of the Airport authority; Commissioner Morgan-Allain seconded and the motion carried.
Other
Mr. Kaminsky reported that he is optimistic about fuel sales and he hopes to see a spike when the weather gets warner. He is watching with interest to see what will happen with the Balsams as there may be an opportunity to sell fuel on a pre-buy basis.
Commissioner Otis asked if the Airport does any marketing. Mr. Kaminsky explained that we have taken out ads in American Flyer; and we are on Flight Aware and Airnav which are web sites frequented by the flying public. There is not a lot the airport can do to have people fly here if they don’t have other business in the area.
Chair Grenier asked if Mr. Kaminsky has looked into going back to BP for aviation fuel. Mr. Kaminsky commented that the fuel companies are much the same. AV Fuel is the more prominent name. We also have some load sharing capabilities with Whitefield having the same fuel company.
There being no further business to come before the Berlin Airport Authority, Commissioner Rozek moved with a second from Commissioner Morgan Allain to adjourn. The meeting ended at 6:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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