Airport Commission

Fitchburg Municipal Airport Commission Meeting Minutes October 18th, 2023 LOCATION: City of Fitchburg Legislative Building TIME: 6:01 PM Attendees: Airport Commissioners: Chair Clayton Raymond, Commissioner Beth Walsh, Commissioner David Ginisi, Commissioner Richard Liberatore. Other in attendance: Airport Manager Peter Kettle, City Solicitor Vinny Pusateri and Gale Associate Jackie Marks. Meeting Protocol: Meeting called to order by Chair Raymond. Chair Raymond introduced the Commission Members and all others who were in attendance. Previous Months Minutes-including special meeting minutes: Chair Raymond asked for a motion to accept the September Minutes. Motion was made by Commissioner Walsh, 2nd by Commissioner Ginisi to accept. All in favor, 4-0. 23-10-01 Action Items from Previous Meeting: Powered Para-Glider group: Mgr. Kettle reported to the Commission that the PPG did use the Airport to train but were forced to cut it short due to the rain. The event was very successful. Correspondence to the Commission: There were none. Project Review- Gale: Monthly Project Update Gale Representative Jackie Marks made her monthly update presentation. Environmental Assessment and Wildlife Hazard Assessment: AIP 3-25-0018-034-2023 Jackie explained to the Commission that the next round of Wildlife Surveys will consist of small mammal trapping to take place overnight for two consecutive nights on October 26th and 27th. The study has about 6 more months of survey to complete. Gale is finalizing the draft for the Environmental Assessment. The figures are being developed and wetland information is being incorporated. A draft will be circulated in advance to the Commission and will be discussed in detail at the November Meeting. A public notice announcement of the Environmental Assessment was posted on the Airport Wed-site on September 29th. Utility Expressions Study: Gale Associate Jackie Marks also spoke about the Utility Expansion Project, noting that the Airport Mgr. Peter Kettle has recently spoke with Phalen Construction and Phalen is waiting to hear from their steel supplier and then they can better determine the return on investment for City constructed hangars. Other Items: Gale reported that the Airport's annual CIP meeting took place on October 11th, and the FAA and MassDot agreed to accept a grant application for the reconstruction of the Airports Main Apron in 2024, provided that the milestone schedule seems feasible to obtain permits and receive Bids in time to submit the grant application. Gale is working with the Airport to provide additional necessary documentation to FAA and MassDot, which will consist of preparing a Proposed Project Worksheet by October 31 determining the size of the apron, updating the cost estimate, determining permits from the local level and developing a scope of work. Jackie did state that there are a lot of Projects the FAA must consider for 2025-2026 so it is best that the Airport move forward to get the Apron Reconstruction done in 2024. Airport Mgr. Kettle added that the reconstruction for this apron is costing 3.4 million dollars and the City has to pay $ 176 thousand dollars of which this money is already on reserve. Fitchburg Pilots Association (FPA): Mr. Daniel Walton, President of the FPA gave the report on the Young Eagles Event held at the Airport on October the 15th. There were 28 young students who really enjoyed their aviation experience. Thank you to the Airport for selling the fuel at a lower rate. All very appreciated by the Pilots Association. New Business: RFP for Non-Aviation Land Lease: City Solicitor Pusateri spoke in regards to the Land Lease for Non-Aviation Use. Solicitor Pusateri explained how the City will be taking a more robust approach in the Airport Land Lease. Working with Mary Delaney, the Chief Procurement Officer for the City a draft is being put together of interested parties. Airport Mgr. Peter Kettle will be meeting with the City Property Committee on October 30 to make his presentation of future plans to the Committee. Action- Airport Mgr. Kettle Old Business: RFP For Aviation Land Lease - Update: Airport Mgr. Peter Kettle explained to the Commission that Mr. Joseph Spinelli who won the bid for the 12,000 sq. ft. lot is still in the planning on what kind of structure he needs to put together on that property. Mr. Spinelli is not sure if it will be one large hangar or possibly two smaller hangars. No matter what he decides on the hangar will fit the 12,000 sq. ft. lot. Mgr. Kettle is hoping for more information from Mr. Spinelli at the November meeting. Action- Mgr. Kettle Land Lease N Number Holdings Update: Airport Mgr. Kettle reported that the City Solicitor completed the Land Lease Agreement and all parties have signed the document with the exception of Mary Delaney. They will be breaking ground in a few days to set the footings. City Solicitor Pusateri reminded the Commission that this is a 20 / 20 Agreement with re-evaluation for fair market pricing every 10 years. Action- Mgr. Kettle / City Solicitor Minimum Standards 2.3: It was reported by Chair Raymond that this document is still being managed by the Chair. No action at this time. Action- Chair Raymond Crawford Street Safety- Nick Erickson: Airport Mgr. Kettle has been in contact with Commissioner Nick Erickson from the City DPW and Commissioner Erickson is still waiting to get a report from the MassDot survey and additional documents from our local Police. Mgr. Kettle did add that the new illuminated signs placed at the end of Crawford Street have worked tremendously. He believes that the signs along with rumble strips will work out great together. There have been no accidents since the illuminated signs were posted. Action- Commissioner Erickson / Mgr. Kettle Financial Review: Approval of Commitments and Abatement's Mgr. Kettle had nothing to report at this time. Action- Mgr. Kettle Executive Session: There is no Executive Session scheduled. Next Regular Meeting: November 15th, 2023 Regular Meeting Adjourned: Chair Raymond motioned to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Walsh 2nd the motion to adjourn at 6:22 PM. All were in favor. Respectfully Submitted, Richard Liberatore Recorder