PROVINCETOWN AIRPORT COMMISSION - 6 OCTOBER 2004

PROVINCETOWN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

The Provincetown Airport Commission met for its monthly meeting at the Provincetown Municipal Airport Conference Room on 6 October 2004. Those in attendance were Richard Silva, Steven Tait, Steven Page, Leonard Alberts, Joan Drysdale, Commissioners, Jason Stover, alternate, Butch Lisenby, Airport Manager. Guest included J. Salter, TSA, D. Waldo, TSA, J. Barker, TSA, S. Sullivan, TSA, R. McCaffery, TSA, M. Haynes, Cape Air, Sgt. J. Golden, Provincetown Police Dept., B. Schneider and R. Murray, residents, and Conor Berry, reporter for Cape Cod Times. Richard Silva called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM.

Prior to the open meeting, the Commission went into executive session on a motion by L. Alberts and seconded by S. Tait at 5:33 P.M. The Commission then returned to open meeting by motion of L. Alberts, seconded by S. Page at 5:39 P.M.

I. AIRPORT SECURITY/PASSENGER SCREENING

Discussion was held among those present regarding the issue of how passengers are being screened, the removal of questionable drugs/medications from inspected baggage, the bad reputation the airport and Provincetown is receiving, and the need to resolve these issues. J. Salter said TSA has no flexibility regarding items, which could be construed as illegal not being handed over to LEO (local police). This includes poppers, which are illegal in Massachusetts. The Commission said it is supportive of TSA and its duties but resolution is needed on these issues. J. Salter explained that because baggage in Provincetown is inspected manually, and in public view, the personnel must remove the questionable items, even though they may not be a threat to security. It appears that Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are inspected in back rooms and have no such problem. Even Hyannis, inspected publicly, has no such problem. It appears to be a discrepancy between other airports and here, according to S. Tait. L. Alberts asked if it was necessary to remove such items and if they are considered a threat to security. J. Salter said if questionable they have to be turned over to LEO. R. Silva asked if it was not the duty of TSA to look for items that cause harm to which Salter answered in the affirmative. R. Murray asked if this was not a judgment call here more so than at other airports due to the manual vs. mechanical inspection and was answered in the affirmative. J. Salter’s final response was that (1) once the item is turned over to LEO, it becomes their responsibility and (2) for him to be able to answer any questions on what take place and /or how to resolve any issues, all questions must be placed in writing and presented to him. He further said that he would have to discuss any issues with legal counsel prior to returning to the issue with the Commission. As he left, he thanked the Commission for allowing his personnel the use other conference room.

M. Haynes said if the issue is not resolved it that could affect the viability of year round service in Provincetown.

II. LOGAN AIRPORT PEAK PERIOD PRICING UPDATE

A major problem is the time frame for getting an exemption. A 90-day request, 30-day response could adversely affect Cape Air passengers, many of whom book months and ever a year in advance. MassPort has stated that all Cape Air terminals with the exception of Provincetown will be exempted because they are essential service airports. Provincetown is not and no more EA ratings are being issued.

A meeting with Sen. Kennedy and others will be held on 12 October to draft a request for Provincetown being exempted right now as it fits all criteria.

A Public Hearing for proposals will be held in Hyannis on 19 October.

III. PARKING APRON/SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT UPDATE

There is no change in status.

IV. MASTER PLAN UPDATE

Information and data is still being gathered. The next stage is several months away.

V. PAYMENT VOUCHERS

A. ROBERT OUR - apron project $1,200.00

Motion: To pay Robert Our $1,200.00

Moved: L. Alberts

Seconded: S. Page

Vote: 5 yes 0 no 0 abstentions

B. N. E. TRAFFIC CONTROL - sec. equip. repair $806.00

Motion: To pay N. E. Traffic Control $806.00

Moved: L. Alberts

Seconded: S. Page

Vote: 5 yes 0 no 0 abstentions

C. KDAL $1,723.11

Motion: To pay KDAL $1,723.11

Moved: L. Alberts

Seconded: S. Page

Vote: 5 yes 0 no 0 abstentions

D. EPSILON - environmental mitigation $1,556.99

Motion: To pay Epsilon $1,556.99

Moved: S. Tait

Seconded: S. Page

Vote: 4 yes 0 no 1 abstentions (L. Alberts)

VI. OTHER BUSINESS

The Commission would like to hold a work session with interested parties regarding the screening/security issue. This is to include commissioners, police and Cape Air representatives.

It was announced that a 15th anniversary gala for Cape Air would be held at the airport on 16 October. All Commissioners are invited and may bring a guest.

VII. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting of 1 September 2004 were presented.

Motion: To accept the minutes as presented.

Moved. L. Alberts

Seconded: S. Tait

Vote: 5 yes 0 no 0 abstentions

The next meeting will be held on 3 November 2004

The meeting was adjourned with unanimous approval at 7:23 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan M. Drysdale, Commissioners

Recording Secretary

APPROVED: DEC 2, 2004