The Martha’s Vineyard Airport Commission voted Feb. 4 to awarded airport manager Sean Flynn a new three-year contract worth $138,882 annually, a 1.4 percent increase over his current salary of $136,906. Mr. Flynn’s current contract, a five-year agreement which began in 2010 at a salary of $115,000, ends June 30.
Agreement on a new contract followed several extensions and an extended period of negotiation. The contract takes effect July 1. Mr. Flynn is entitled to a step raise of up to 2 percent in each subsequent year, based on a positive performance review. Mr. Flynn will also receive an annual cost-of-living adjustment tied to the federal Consumer Price Index.
The contract automatically renews for one year, unless the airport commission gives Mr. Flynn notice that it does not intend to renew the contract one year before the end of the three-year contract term.
The airport commission vote provides some protection for Mr. Flynn, who finds himself in the thick of the legal battle between the airport commission and its appointing authority, the Dukes County commission, over control of the Island airport.
Under the terms of the contract, if the airport commission dismisses Mr. Flynn, the commission must pay him through the end of the three-year contract. The commission, by majority vote, could terminate the contract for cause by meeting a number of conditions. The commission must give the airport manager 30 days notice of the vote, as well as time to correct any deficiencies identified. The commission must also conduct an impartial hearing at least 10 days before the scheduled vote.
The Dukes County commissioners are expected this month to fill three expiring seats on the airport commission.
Airport commission chairman Constance Teixeira and commissioners James Coyne, Denys Wortman, Norm Perry, and Beth Toomey approved the contract. Commissioner Christine Todd, who is also a county commissioner, and Rich Michelson, a former airport employee, voted against the contract.
The commission, by a vote of 6 to 1, also approved a new three-year contract for assistant airport manager Deborah Potter. Mr. Michelson was the only dissenting vote. Ms. Potter will earn $105,326 under the terms of the new contract, which takes effect July 1. She also is entitled to a 2 percent step raise, based on a positive review, and an annual cost-of-living adjustment.
Ms. Teixeira and Mr. Coyne are seeking reappointment to the airport commission. Mr. Wortman, whose three-year term will also expire, will not seek reappointment.