Berlin Airport Authority
March 31, 2015
Present were: Chair Paul Grenier, Commissioners Mike Rozek, Dick Lamontagne, Russ Otis, Mike Gentili, and Peter Higbee; absent was Coos County Commissioner Tom Brady
Others present were Airport Manager Eric Kaminsky and City Manager Jim Wheeler
Chair Grenier called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Minutes
Commissioner Rozek moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting; Commissioner Otis seconded and the motion carried.
Financials
Mr. Kaminsky reviewed the financials with the Authority stating that over spending in the account for fuel for operating equipment is primarily due to the severe winter. The reported revenue does not include sales for March which are about $9,500 of fuel sales and about $1,244 of sand sales.
Commissioner Rozek asked how far the sand pit is spent down. Mr. Kaminsky stated that the property was surveyed and reclaimed to an elevation closer to grade. There is still sand in the pit. There are potential revenue generating fuel sales coming up with the Presidential election and the potential to see an increase in air traffic. The Balsams may also have an impact.
Commissioner Gentili asked if the Federal prison has had an effect on the airport. Mr. Kaminsky replied that they have used the airport three times and they usually buy 100 low lead. In response to Commissioner Rozek’s inquiry about the largest jet that the airport can accommodate, Mr. Kaminsky stated that the Vice President has come in on a DC 9 in the past; however that is not an airplane that we would want to host consistently. A Falcon 20 is more the size that can easily come in and out. Commissioner Otis confirmed that the city pays the difference for the amount of costs over revenue for the airport.
Affirmation of Engineering Firm
Mr. Kaminsky recommended that the BAA continue with the same engineering firm, HEB for another 3 years. Commissioner Rozek asked how they have worked out and Mr. Kaminsky reported that there have been a few problems with the current project; and HEB is working hard to resolve those problems. When they were first hired, they were associated with Gayle Associates, a firm with aviation experience. They are no longer partnered with Gayle. The state is very pleased with their work.
Commissioner Rozek moved with a second from Commissioner Lamontagne to re-affirm HEB as the airport’s Engineer of Record for the next three years. So moved, the motion carried. Chair Grenier abstained from the vote.
Request from Robert Chapman Jr.
Mr. Kaminsky explained that the processes are the same for all potential land sales by the airport. There is first an independent appraisal which is then sent to the State and they make a final determination of value. It is a long process that has taken several years on past sales. The engineering firm on the new requests will be HEB.
Bob Chapman Jr. is interested in a large property on the east side of the runway encompassing 430 acres of land. The question is whether the BAA is willing to sell the property? Commissioner Rozek asked about the distance from runway which is 400 feet from the edge of the runway. He confirmed that no one else has inquired about this property.
Commissioner Rozek asked what the State says about selling the parcel and Mr. Kaminsky reported that he checked with Aviation Planner Carol Niewola and she did not say no. She did say that avigation easements would have to be put in place. Chair Grenier stated that the airport has owned the land since 1942 and there has never been an opportunity to do anything with it. He was leery about making the decision at this time with the Balsam’s project about to begin. It would be a shame to sell the property if it has a potential for economic development.
Commissioner Rozek asked if it is possible to get a value on the land and Mr. Kaminsky stated that there would be an expense to that. Commissioners were in favor of revisiting the issue in one year. Commissioner Higbee moved to revisit the possible sale of 430 acre parcel on the east side of the runway after one year’s time; Commissioner Rozek seconded and the motion carried.
Request from Michael Kelley
Mr. Kaminsky reported that Mr. Kelley wants to purchase two pieces of property abutting his property which he has leased for a long time. He asked if the BAA is willing to move forward. HEB would be asked to push forward with the process of getting an independent appraisal and approval from the State.
Commissioner Rozek moved to go forward with the appraisal process for land requested by Michael Kelley on the East Side River Road; Commissioner Higbee seconded the motion.
In discussion Commissioner Higbee asked about kayak access and Mr. Kaminsky thought that the State’s 100 feet of right of way would stay in place; however if the State were to give up that right of way, it would increase the value of the land. The motion carried unanimously.
Non-Public Session
Commissioner Rozek moved with a second from Commissioner Lamontagne to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A:3 (d) Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property… The motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Mr. Kaminksy reported that the State’s review of the appraisal came in at $35,000. Originally Mr. Chapman wanted to buy a 10 acre parcel and he felt it was too much money. He then asked to buy a 7 acre piece which triggered a new appraisal. State DOT has already advised that the BAA can’t accept anything less than $35,000 for the property.
Commissioner Rozek moved to authorize the City Manager to execute the final documents for the sale of seven acres of land to Robert Chapman Sr. for $35,000; Commissioner Otis seconded and the motion carried.
Commissioner Rozek moved to come out of non-public session; Commissioner Otis seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Commissioner Rozek moved to adjourn; Commissioner Otis seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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