Laconia Airport Authority

1 LACONIA AIRPORT AUTHORITY 65 AVIATION DRIVE GILFORD, NH 03249 (603)524-5003 * FAX (603)528-0428 www.laconiaairport.com RECORD OF MEETING Thursday, March 21, 2024, 16:00L Terminal Conference Room Chairman Hosmer called the meeting to order at 4 pm. ROLL CALL:  PRESENT: Laconia Mayor Andrew Hosmer; Town of Gilford Selectman Dale Chan Eddy; Belknap County Commissioner Peter Spanos; Mr. Eric Tierno; Ms. Kim Weeks; Mr. Jason Larrere; Mr. Steve Cotter  ABSENT: Mr. Carl Dodge  GUESTS: Mr. Lee Avery; Mr. Brad Bechard It was noted that this is Ms. Weeks last meeting with the LAA. She will not be able to attend next month's meeting and has chosen not to serve a second term. AGENDA: 1. Action on Approval of 2/15/2024 Meeting minutes. MOTION: Upon a motion by Mr. Tierno, seconded by Ms. Weeks, the minutes of the February 15, 2024, meeting were unanimously approved as submitted by the recording secretary. 2. Public Input: There was no public input. 3. Review of Finances : A general discussion ensued regarding the Legal Fees Line Item, and how much of that expenditure is related to 15 Airport Road. 4. AIP Projects Update a. SBG-15 Obstruction Removal Project – Phase 1 of this project is nearing completion. The tree cutting is completed. Some planting along the brooks and seeding of grass will be done when the weather is warmer. b. SBG-20 Perimeter Fence Project – We are awaiting a response from NHDOT BOA regarding a relocation of the fence line. c. CROSSWINDS Development Project  2 i. A recommendation was put forward to bond a larger amount due to grant-related cash flow. The grant funding will not be available in time to be able to pay the contractor. 1. ACTION: A directive was given to move forward on seeking funding from at least two local banks. 5. Old Business a. The Authority received a proposal in the February meeting from John Gorham/McFarland Johnson to provide Support Services to the LAA for the Crosswind Runway Development project, specifically the development of the lots one through nine, not the West Side Access Road or the Taxiways E1, E2, and E3. After further discussion, a motion was made to sign the agreement for Support Services with John Gorham/McFarland Johnson. MOTION: Upon a motion by Mr. Tierno, seconded by Mr. Eddy, the motion to bring on John Gorham/McFarland Johnson to manage the development of the lots in the Crosswinds Development project for the LAA was unanimously approved. 6. New Business a. Release of Easement – A Gilford property owner has requested through his attorney that the easement that the airport has on his property be released. Upon seeking counsel from the LAA’s attorney, it was determined that the easement was no longer necessary and could be released. Authorization is needed for the Chairman of the LAA to sign the release on behalf of the LAA. MOTION: Upon a motion by Mr. Spanos, seconded by Mr. Eddy, authorization for the Chairman to sign the Release of Easement was granted by unanimous vote. b. Amendment to Access Agreement – Dave Emerson is seeking to extend his Access Agreement which he has with the LAA to access the airport from his property outside the fence. He has sold the property which immediately terminated the current agreement as written. He is requesting an extension of the agreement to nine months from closing date of the sale of the property, that being March 8, 2024, nine months being November 8, 2024, which will enable time to transfer the assets to inside the fence. Authorization is needed for the Chairman of the LAA to sign the Amendment Number 1 to Access Agreement. MOTION: Upon a motion by Mr. Tierno, seconded by Mr. Eddy, authorization for the Chairman to sign the Amendment Number 1 to Access Agreement was granted by unanimous vote. c. Lease with Runway 3517, LLC – Authorization is needed for the Chairman to sign a Lease Agreement with Runway 3517, LLC for DZ-9 of the  3 Crosswinds Development. Following a discussion, it was determined that the agreement include wording stating the required minimum size of the development/building(s) of 7,500 square feet, and the construction must be completed within two years of the lease signing, unless an extension is granted by the LAA. MOTION: Upon a motion by Ms. Weeks, seconded by Mr. Spanos, that authorization be granted for the Chairman to sign the Lease Agreement with Runway 3517, LLC contingent on the inclusion of the above wording being part of the agreement. Upon a vote, the motion passed unanimously. 7. Other Business a. Proposed helipad in vicinity of Rt. 11A – Alton/Gilford line – Mr. Eddy brought to the attention of the board the proposed development on Cherry Valley Road, and that the plans included a helipad. This raised a concern due to the development’s location being in the downwind pattern of turbine aircraft. It was determined that further investigation is warranted and the progress of the plans for the development be monitored. 8. Next Scheduled Meeting: April 18 , 2024 9. There being no further business to discuss, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 5:13 pm.