Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority Meeting Minutes Page 1
July 16, 2014
155 Burr Street
New Haven, CT 06512
P 203-466-8833
Airport Authority Board of Directors
Minutes of July 16, 2014
Directors present: Adams; Constantinople; Constantinople, Jr.; Jacob; Nemerson; Petrini;Scarpati;Weiner and Volchek.
Directors absent: Arnold, O’Connell and Piscitelli.
Others in attendance: Tim Larson, Diane Jackson, Susan Godshall, Chuck Kurtz;Ozzie Moore; Tom Reich, John Harden; Jim McHugh; Eliot Jameson, Ken Robinson; Kurt Rodman, Kurt Kaminski; Kathy Grant, Maribel Lota, Serena Neal-Sanjurjo; Alicia Seremet; Mike Giordano and Mark Zaretsky.
Themeeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m., Mr. Volchek presiding.
1. The minutes of the meeting of June 18, 2014 were approved unanimously.
2. Executive Director’s Report
Mr. Larson stated that the parking lot project is down to punch list items and the wildlife fence is complete except for adjustments around the T-hangars on the east side.
Mr. Larson spoke to Mayors Maturo and Harp regarding recent news articles and will work to improve communications so we stay on the same page in the future.
Mr. Larson stated that he, Mr. Scarpati, Ms. Jackson and Ms. Godshall met with Ken Robinson about a possible new tenant at the FBO. He is excited about the range of services to be offered. Mr. Robinson’s request for approval is on today’s agenda.
3. Chairman’s Report
Mr. Volchek stated that today is his last Authority meeting, after seven rewarding years. He added that the Authority has come a long way since 2007; at that time, there were no Runway Safety Areas, no wetlands mitigation, no Noise Study, no Memorandum of Understanding with East Haven, and 60-year-old pavement on the main runway. He believes the airport is well-positioned for future growth.
Mr. Nemerson stated that Mayor Harp wants to extend her thanks to Mr. Volchek, who set a high tone for the position.
Mr. Scarpati expressed his thanks for the support Mr. Volchek gave to suggestions and recommendations by the Audit and Finance Committee.
5. Staff reports and Action items
a. Ms. Godshall presented Resolution#404, Approval of Agreement with M-B Companies, Inc. for Purchase of a Runway Snow Sweeper.Mr. Petrini moved approval of the Resolution, seconded by Mr. Scarpati. The Resolution was approved unanimously.
Ms. Godshall presented Resolution #405, Approval of a Consulting Agreement with The Jones Payne Group, Inc. for a Sound Barrier Feasibility Study, Residential Soundproofing Evaluation and Residential pilot Soundproofing Program. Mr. Adams moved approval of the Resolution, seconded by Mr. Scarpati. The Resolution was approved unanimously.
b. Ms. Godshall presented Resolution #406, Approval of an Agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health inspection Service for Wildlife Management Services. Mr. Scarpati moved approval of the Resolution, seconded by Mr. Constantinople. The Resolution was approved unanimously.
c. Ms. Godshall presented a request from the FBO, Robinson Aviation, Inc. for approval of a subtenant, American Flight Academy LLC. Mr. Scarpati described the due diligence taken by the Board, including a meeting with the proposed subtenant, and asked Mr. Robinson to describe the services to be offered. Mr. Robinson said that the FBO had offered flight instruction under the Robinson Aviation umbrella, but the market is changing so he sought out a company that specializes in this work. The proposed subtenant has an existing operation at Brainard Airport. The proposal for Tweed is “an interesting mix of training and aircraft rental.” Mr. Robinson is proposing a 1 year lease beginning September 1 to test the market, with renewal options. In answer to a question, he stated that the company will start with five pilots and five new planes and may grow from there.
Ms. Godshall described several insurance and indemnification provisions that were added to the proposed subtenant lease. All parties agreed on these terms.
Mr. Scarpati moved approval of the Robinson Aviation request, seconded by Mr. Weiner. The request was approved unanimously.
Ms. Godshall requested approval of a Lease with U.S. General Services Administration for TSA Office Space in the Old and New Terminals. She described the relationship between GSA and TSA, the prior lease which expired on June 30, 2014, and the terms and conditions of the proposed new lease including new rental rates. Mr. Weiner moved approval of the Lease, seconded by Mr. Petrini. The Lease was approved unanimously.
d. Airport Manager’s Report
Ms. Jackson reviewed the past month’s activity and stated that both tide gates are fully operational. The South End Road utility pole relocation project is finally complete. Staff positions including a new mechanic have been filled.
She participated in a hurricane drill at the Emergency Operations Center.
Ms. Jackson and Mr. Larson met with a representative of the T-Hangars to discuss fencing improvements in connection with the wildlife fence. The USDA completed wildlife training for the operations staff.
Ms. Jackson and Ms. Godshall held a pre-bid meeting with officials of four car rental companies.
e. Enplanements
Ms. Jackson distributed the enplanements report for June. The load factor is down but the airline is happy with the yield. She noted that this means that fares are up.
Mr. Petrini and Mr. Weiner commented that fares from Tweed are hundreds of dollars higher than fares from Bradley and LaGuardia. Ms. Jackson stated that it is hard to approach the airline during the merger transition but she is keeping an eye on it and will push for fare reductions at the right time.
Mr. Petrini asked Mr. McHugh if U.S. Airways would do a price/elasticity study for Tweed. (No, because those functions are now being directed by American Airlines.) Mr. McHugh stated that airline representatives have reported to him that they are getting the fares posted, even when the fares are increased.
Mr. Jameson gave a report on flight delays. On-time performance is improving and customer satisfaction is up. He described a change in objective under the American Airlines approach; emphasis has shifted from flight completion (regardless of delay time) to on-time performance, where a flight will be cancelled sooner so passengers can make other arrangements that same day.
5. Financial Reports– see Committee Reports
6. Other Business
Mr. Nemerson introduced a new director appointed by Mayor Harp, Serena Neal-Sanjurjo. Ms. Neal-Sanjurjo works with the New Haven Economic Development Corporation. The Board welcomed Ms. Neal-Sanjurjo.
7. Public comment– None
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Godshall, Esq.
Administrative Director