12-12-2022 BEVERLY AIRPORT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
DECEMBER 12,2022
LOCATION: 50 L.P. Henderson Rd., Beverly Airport East Side
PRESENT: Commissioners Paul Trefry,Aaron Henry, Peter Gentile, Josh Doxie and Jeffry Schlichte
OTHERS PRESENT: Steven Rawding
ABSENT:
PUBLIC: Mark Zuberek,Ace Chase, Tony Bettencourt, Rachel Abel and Peter Eichaely
RECORDER: Christine Martin Barraford
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Trefry called the meeting to order at approximately 6:OOPM, which is being audio and video
recorded as a hybrid meeting.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Trefry led those in attendance in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Public Comment
Mr. Trefry invited public comment.
Ace Chase appeared before the Commission.He noted that there is a new housing development
being built in Wenham called Cherry Hill, and he suggested that as part of the lease there is signed
acknowledgement that tenants are informed of the fact that aircraft flies overhead.
Mark Zuberek appeared before the Commission.He stated that he has not received an answer to
his question as to whether public comments submitted as part of public participation meetings
were included in the report of the master of plan submitted to the FAA. He has not received an
acknowledgement of his comments. He also complained that he has not been able to reach Mr.
Trefry by telephone, and Mr. Trefry commented that he is available.
Mr. Henry stated that the master plan has gone through several iterations and has been posted on
the website. Mr. Schuster later stated in his presentation that the comments were included in the
master plan as an appendix.
Rachel Abel appeared before the Commission. She stated she is currently a student at the Beverly
Flight Center at the airport and stated that the center fully supports its good neighbor policy. She
stated her appreciation and gratitude for the safe aviation training opportunities provided by the
airport.
Peter Eichleay, President of FlightLevelAviation, appeared before the Commission. He reported
on successful operations over the last eight months,with five of the eight months exceeding the
previous months for fuel flowage, etc.New fuel programs and agreements are being considered.
He is working with the Corporate Aircraft Association to attract Part 91 individually-owned flight
operators to the Boston area.
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Paul Boulier appeared before the Commission and expressed his continuing interest in leasing
Building 45 for a non-aviation use. Mr. Trefry explained that several parties are interested in the
space and the RFP process will be followed to ensure fair market value. Mr. Boulier is ready to
participate in the process, and his hope is for summer occupancy.
3. Acceptance of Minutes—November 14,2022
Upon motion duly made by Mr. Henry and seconded by Mr. Schlichte, it was unanimously voted
to approve the above minutes as amended. Motion passed 5-0,unanimous.
4. Reading of the Financial Report—Mr.Rawding
Mr. Rawding reported the following revenues for November, 2022 as compared with November,
2021: a) fuel flowage fee at$7,031.10 represented a decrease of$466.10;b)traffic count at 6,712
represented a decrease of 305; and c)landing fee revenue at$11,407.00 represented an increase of
$944.64. The tracking equipment has been replaced.
Revenues year to date are $262,535.47 and expenses $217,879.49 with an available budget of
$347,490.08.
S. Airport Solutions Group Presentation —Mr. Schuster
Mr. Schuster reported that comments were received from the FAA on October 19t'',which AG and
Jviation have addressed. The master pan and airport layout plan were uploaded to the FAA webite
on October 27'for internal departmental review. Discussion ensued on the delayed response. Mr.
Henry surmised that if there was substantial comment,the airport would be heard by now. Mr.
Schuster will follow up with Jviation.
Based on the October 2I't email from Colleen Maillox, FAA Head Planner for Massachusetts
Airports, describing revisions to the CIP,the data collection for permit support for reconstruction
of RW 17-34 and Taxiway E has been moved to fiscal year 2024.
The original CIP had the environmental assessment(EA) and environmental notification form
(ENF) and permitting as one project. Based on the Mailloux memo noted above,the FAA decided
to split the EA/ENF project in 2023 and then permitting to 2024.
The last aeronautical study for runway 16-34 and 9-27 was completed in 2010. To support the
reconstruction and extension of Runway 16-34 the FAA is requiring the airport to perform an
aeronautical study for both runways as a 2023 project.
The runway 16 localizer needs to be studied for potential relocation due to the proposed Runway
34 300-foot extension. This would put an end of the runway too close to the localizer exposing the
localizer to jet blast. The airport will front the cost of the project through an FAA reimbursable
agreement through the FAA grant process.
The cold storage building is on hold per MassDOT pending it being shown on the airport layout
plan and as discussed in the master plan document.
ASG provides airport management services of Mr. Rawding two days/week.
6. Airport Manager's Report
Mr. Rawding reported on the tragic gyrocopter accident on December 4t'resulting in the death of
Jeffrey Mullen. He recognized the prompt response of the Beverly Fire and Rescue and Police
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Department and airport tower management. David Muise was on the scene within moments.
Nichelle Brickman assisted in coordinating the investigation by the NTSB and the FAA and was
also helpful in assisting the family. Through the assistance of Hanscom Air Force Base,
emergency lighting was provided. Mr. Trefry thanked Mr. Rawding on behalf of the Commission
for his extraordinary professional response to the tragedy.
Mr. Rawding also reported that the first snow event of the season was handled well by David
Muise and his team. The new equipment worked very well in promptly addressing snow buildup
and clearing the runways,which were open the entire duration of the storm.
The faulty flight tracking equipment was replaced, and he will follow up on any potential loss of
data and issuance of reports.
B. NEW BUSINESS
Noise Abatement and Good Neighbor Policy
Mr. Schlichte reported that the subcommittee had reviewed the various drafts of the noise abatement
policy for the purpose of generating a final draft for discussion by the Commission. It was suggested
that the tower manager and the City Solicitor also review and comment on the draft. At the conclusion
of the discussions, a draft will be generated for presentation to the public. The good neighbor policies
from the two flight schools will also be reviewed for the purpose of combining them into one policy.
Discussion ensued on the need for a central document that everyone supports that will be pared down
to have the maximum impact. Information on noise abatement generated by other airports may be a
good resource for consideration of best practices. Having a solid policy in place before the new airport
manager came on board would bring the issuer front and center and indicate the priority of this issue
for the manager's attention with the full backing of the Commission. A timeline of presentation to the
public was suggested in February.
Mr. Henry noted that the Select Board had tentatively scheduled a public hearing on December 20t'@
6:OOPM for the purpose of providing an opportunity for airport abutters to weigh in on their ongoing
concerns with noise and other environmental impacts in their neighborhoods. This meeting may be
postponed due to the holiday rush.
Mr. Trefry noted the importance of the FAA being involved in these discussions as a source of factual
information. Oftentimes the public has overestimated the authority of the Commission to effect change
in certain areas. Mr. Henry will follow up with the Town Manager's office to relay the importance of
the FAA presence at these meetings.
Update of Airport Manager Vacancy
Mr. Trefry reported that HR is still accepting resumes from a number of candidates for the position of
airport manager. A panel will be established including Commissioner Doxie for the interview process.
The hiring of the manager will dovetail with the assignment of new members to the Commission.
Update on Recruiting Members to the Commission
Mr. Doxie reported that he is in contact with the Mayor on the recruitment of new members. The
combination of five current members without the resource of full-time management has created a
difficult situation for the Commission. Mr. Trefry reported that he had sent a blast email to airport
stakeholders inviting them to apply for membership on the Commission. He noted the importance of
aviation-experienced members as providing a valuable point of view to the various deliberations of the
Commission.He also advised the Mayor of his intention to retire from the Commission after seven
years of service when new members are appointed.
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Public Comment
Ace Chase appeared before the Commission.He complained of the three-year delay in replacing up
7K/sf of fencing from Delta down to the Cherry Hill project. Mr. Schuster responded that,due to
delays in the manufacturing of the fence,MassDOT monies were lost for funding the project.
Discussion ensued on the security and safety issues caused by access of wildlife to the runway area.
Extensions to the runway cannot be considered without secure fencing. This matter will continue to be
prioritized either through the general budgeting process and/or direct reimbursement from MassDOT.
Tony Bettencourt appeared before the Commission and complained that the Commission is not doing
enough to address the continuing issues of noise and other environmental concerns. Mr. Henry stated
that the Commission is committed to establishing a sound noise abatement and good neighbor policy.
Discussion ensued on the changes in prevailing wind direction over the past several years impacting
noise. Mr. Schlichte stated that the Commission is working on concrete steps to address the problems.
C. ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion duly made by Mr. Doxie and seconded by Mr.Henry, it was unanimously voted to
adjourn. Motion passed 5-0,unanimous.
The meeting adjourned to 7:55PM.
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