Informational Meeting
Re: Utilizing and Promoting the Berlin Airport
September 10, 2007
Executive Councilor Ray Burton organized this meeting; however panelists Alice Desousa of the NH Office of Vacation and Travel and representatives of the Mt. View Grand, the Mount Washington Hotel and the Balsams did not attend.
In addition to Ray Burton, Beano Lamontagne, North Country Economic Development Director was at the meeting as well as BAA Commissioners Paul Cusson, Paul Grenier, Richard Lafleur, Tim Donovan, Jennifer Boucher, Ron Hamel, and Chair Robert Danderson. Media present were Barbara Tetreault of the Berlin Daily Sun, and Bob Barbin of WMOU. Staff included Eric Kaminsky, and Patrick MacQueen. Al Cayouette, Paul Ingersoll, Mike Fortier and others were also present.
Executive Councilor Ray Burton stated that the goal of this meeting is to see how to partner with users of the airport. How do we get a new airport directory and a place on the State website? Any ideas are welcome.
Chair Danderson suggested selling what we have such as expanding on fishing and hunting. There are many who are surprised that we have a 5,000 foot runway. We could possibly make an alliance with car dealerships for rentals to be available to air travelers. Commissioner Lafleur commented that we have a major ski industry here and it is likely that skiers could be enticed to fly in.
Commissioner Cusson made the point that the local airport can provide whatever the air traveler needs. We are a user friendly airport and we can do most for them. Conference times are in October and April through June. Commissioner Donovan noted that he is tired of studies; it is time to take on the tasks ourselves. The BAA could apply for promotional funding and send Mr. Kaminsky on the road to promote the airport. Chair Danderson agreed that sending out a representative is a good idea but it has to be done within the budget.
Commissioner Lafleur asked what the Governor and Council could do for the airport and what can the State do? Ray Burton responded that there is $35,000 left in a promotional program and for those who apply, qualifying dollars are matched by the State. There is a chance that the Berlin Airport could draw Federal transportation money from ME & VT; however the emphasis for funding is on highways.
Commissioner Boucher confirmed that airport events are on the City's web site. If the airport page caters to the target market, we should show people all the services offered in one stop. To a question about whether ads are permitted on the web site, City Manager MacQueen noted that if we allow ads, we would need to provide a clear policy.
Commissioner Grenier stated that the airport's self image has to be marketable. The logo is outdated and the marketing is terrible. We need to get something other than a bi-plane as our new face.
Commissioner Cusson noted that pilots coming into the airport need to have a list of things to do. Commissioner Donovan asked if the fuel company is willing to come to the table. There are 750,000 pilots registered in US and we need to know how to communicate with them. Mr. Kaminsky commented that he works hard to have a good relationship with fractionals, such as NetJet. Flight operation companies know what and who to contact. Paul Ingersoll commented that a discount on jet fuel may entice pilots to come.
Jim Wagner noted that the Chamber of Commerce would be happy to help with new flyers. Mr. Kaminsky reasoned that it has been suggested to change the name to the Berlin Regional Airport and it may be the right time to change the name.
Mr. Lamontagne commented that changing the name could be a way to get support of the airport from the region.
Commissioner Donovan stated that he would ask permission of the Airport Authority to make appointments with the grand hotels with Mr. Beano Lamontagne and Mr. Kaminsky.
Ray Burton commended Mr. Kaminsky for the work he is doing and the way that he conducts himself and the Berlin Airport.
Ron Hamel commented that the Pilot's Lounge has no computer or television. The White Mountain Flyers would pay for the satellite Internet connection and a TV for the lounge.
Airport Authority Meeting
Chair Danderson opened the Airport Authority meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Minutes
Commissioner Grenier moved to accept the minutes of the previous meeting; Commissioner Donovan seconded and the motion carried.
Financial Reports
Commissioner Donovan moved to accept the financial reports; Commissioner Grenier seconded and the motion carried.
Commissioner Donovan suggested making an adjustment to the fuel prices to pay for marketing. Mr. Kaminsky indicated that pilots often make their decisions on whether to buy fuel based on the weight they are carrying.
Mr. Kaminsky reported that he had a conversation with Coleman about sand. Mr. Coleman wants to put something formal together. We want to be sure to get reclamation out of the deal.
Airport Managers Report
McKinnon's. Mr. Kaminsky indicated that he has a list of what needs to be done to satisfy the FAA with regard to the property the McKinnon's want to buy. Some of the items are in the works, some are done and others need to be done. This will cost them between $7,000 to $10,000.
Civil Air Patrol. The Civil Air Patrol was at the airport for the weekend of August 24, 25 & 26th. They were accommodated and they purchased fuel throughout the weekend.
Hazard Beacon Fire. On August 2nd there was a small brush fire at the site of one of the beacons.
Beacons. They need work and they are overgrown. The lines have not been cleared in a long time. Commissioner Cusson asked for photos of the conditions.
Dodge One Ton. The truck has not been used for two years. Commissioner Lafleur moved to accept bids on the truck; Commissioner Grenier seconded and the motion carried.
Commissioner Grenier moved to allow Commissioner Donovan, Beano Lamontagne and Erik Kaminsky to represent the airport at meetings with sales representatives of the grand hotels; Commissioner Lafleur seconded and the motion carried.
Commissioner Donovan moved to enter into a wi-fi agreement for Internet service and to acquire a television for the pilot's lounge; Commissioner Cusson seconded and the motion carried.
Public Comments - none
BAA Comments - none
Commissioner Donovan moved to adjourn; Commissioner Lafleur seconded and the motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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