Laconia Airport Authority

LACONIA AIRPORT AUTHORITY 65 AVIATION DRIVE GILFORD, NH 03249 (603)524-5003 * FAX (603)528-0428 www.laconiaairport.com RECORD OF MEETING Thursday, July 16, 2020, 4:00 PM Airport Terminal 65 Aviation Drive, Gilford, NH _________________________________________________________________________________ PRESENT: Chairman, Mayor Andrew Hosmer; Vice Chairman, Gilford Selectman, Dale Chan Eddy; Treasurer, William Moran; Clerk, Robert Glendening; Authority Member, Eric Tierno; Authority Member, Dale Crumb; and Belknap County Commissioner, David DeVoy ABSENT: Authority Member, Paul Gaudet, Jr. Meeting Minutes: Chairman Hosmer called the meeting to order at 4:02 pm. The Chair began by asking for each Authority member present to introduce himself. I. Action on approval of June 11, 2020 meeting minutes and June 23, 2020 Special meeting minutes: Without objection, the Chair declared the minutes approved as submitted by the recording secretary. II. Discussion on Traffic Pattern for Runway 26 A discussion took place among the Authority members, with some input from guests who were present, regarding concerns for continuing with the right traffic pattern for runway 26 versus returning to a left pattern. Recognizing that there are advantages and disadvantages to both patterns, the one constant concern that needed to be considered was the interruption to the quality of life for the residents along the shoreline of Winnipesaukee that was being disrupted by the noise from the increased air traffic over their residences. MOTION : Mr. Tierno made a motion, seconded by Mr. Eddy, to return the traffic pattern for runway 26 to a left pattern not prior to Labor Day, September 7, 2020, to avoid making a change during the airport’s busy season, and contingent on investigating the possibility of mitigating, to whatever extent possible, the concern posed by the obstruction of Locke’s Hill. The Chair called for a roll call vote:  Mr. Tierno Aye Mr. Crumb Aye Mr. Eddy Yes Mr. DeVoy Yes Mr. Moran Aye Mr. Glendening Aye Mr. Hosmer Aye The motion passed unanimously. Further discussion then occurred regarding the process involved and what measures could be taken to mitigate air traffic over those residences until such time as the traffic pattern could be changed, such measures including implementation of noise abatement procedures to direct traffic away from the affected residences/residential areas. III. Public Input: Some residents present expressed their thoughts and concerns regarding the changed traffic pattern. IV. Finance Report: Treasurer Moran led a discussion regarding the status of the Authority’s finances. V. Old Business A. AIP Projects Update a. SBG – 15 Obstruction Removal On and Off Airport – process is ongoing in gathering of information, contacting property owners, and permitting to put the project out to bid. b. SBG – 16 Pavement Maintenance and Marking – still on target to begin after Labor Day. VI. New Business A. Mower Purchase – The used mower that was purchased three years ago has served well but is needing to be repaired too often. After extensive research, it was determined that a Ferris mower from Ready Equipment LLC in Meredith is the best choice for a mower for the airport to purchase for $12,579.03. MOTION: Upon a motion by Mr. Eddy with second by Mr. Moran, the purchase of a Ferris IS3300 mower from Ready Equipment LLC for the amount of $12,579.03 was approved unanimously. B. Pedestrian Gate on Airport Road – In the interest of providing access to Kitchen Cravings restaurant from the airfield for pilots who want to fly in to get breakfast or lunch, a pedestrian gate is needed for them to exit through the fence and then be able to return to their aircraft. This can be accomplished  with a pedestrian gate which would be fabricated and installed in the fence line near 20 Airport Road by Superior Fence Co. for $3,250.00. MOTION: Upon a motion by Mr. DeVoy with second by Mr. Tierno, approval was granted for the expenditure of $3,250.00 to have a pedestrian gate fabricated and installed in the fence line near 20 Airport Road by unanimous vote. VII. Closed Session The Chair called for a Closed Session of the Authority in accordance with RSA 91 – A:3, II (d) Consideration of acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Tierno Aye Mr. Moran Yes Mr. Crumb Aye Mr. Glendening Yes Mr. Eddy Yes Mr. DeVoy Yes Mr. Hosmer Yes By unanimous vote, the Authority entered Closed Session at 5:15 pm. The Authority came out of Closed Session at 6:18 pm. VIII. Next Meeting: August 20 , 2020 IX. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 pm.