City of Dekalb Airport Advisory Board met Nov. 25.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Airport Advisory Board of the City of DeKalb, Illinois, held a regular meeting on November 25, 2025, at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport, 3232 Pleasant Street, DeKalb, Illinois, in the FBO West Community Hangar.
Chairman Robert Owens called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chairman Robert Owens called the roll, and the following members of the Airport Advisory Board were present:
• Robert Owens
• Matt Duffy
• Derek Hiland
• Katherine McLaughlin
• Melissa Amedeo
• Scott Carlson
Absent members:
• None
Also present:
• Airport Manager Ben Trompeter
• Assistant City Manager, Bob Redel
Guests
1) Mary Soderstrum Avcon Inc.
2) Scott Smith, McClure Engineering
3) Andy Maysent, McClure Engineering
4) Adam Thompson, McClure Engineering
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Melissa Amedeo moved to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Scott Carlson. The
motion passed by a majority voice vote of those present.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Derek Hiland moved to approve the minutes from November 25, 2025, as presented, seconded by Melissa Amedeo. The motion passed by a majority voice vote of those present.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
OLD BUSINESS
1. Perimeter Fence Project Update
Airport Manager Ben Trompeter provided an update on the perimeter fence project. The project is substantially complete, and a final inspection was conducted with a punch list identified. Updates included:
• Uniform stand of grass established
• Pedestrian gates adjusted to ensure full closure
• Broken concrete and rocks removed around Gate H2
• Gate operators at Gates H1, H2, and M1 restored to normal operation
• Loop detector sensitivity adjusted at Gate W2
• Rocks removed and topsoil smoothed along the entire fence line
• Wildlife skirt adjusted near Gate M3 and the pedestrian viewing area to ensure above-ground skirting is flush with the fence fabric
• Concentrated stormwater flows connected to the existing ditch along Peace Road with shaped entrances to encourage controlled, dispersed flow and stabilization to prevent erosion
NEW BUSINESS
1. McClure Engineering Presentation
Representatives from McClure Engineering presented information regarding a potential strategic partnership with the City of DeKalb. A handout was provided to Board members to follow along with the presentation, which lasted approximately 20 minutes and included a question-and-answer session.
Following the presentation, the presenters were asked to step out of the community hangar while the Board discussed the proposal. The Board expressed a favorable impression of the firm. It was decided that a formal vote on the partnership would be placed on the agenda as an action item for the December meeting.
2. DKB 2027 TIPS Program Overview
Airport staff provided an overview of upcoming projects in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIPS), including:
• Taxiway B Rehabilitation (2027)
• Currently in the design phase
• 35% design submitted on November 21, 2025
• Based on aircraft usage, the airport is currently eligible for a 35-foot-wide taxiway rehabilitation; however, Taxiway B is presently 50 feet wide. Airport staff are working with the FAA to justify and obtain approval to rehabilitate the full 50-foot width.
Additional Planned Projects:
• Taxiway A Rehabilitation (2027)
• Replace Perimeter Fence – Phase 2 (2028)
• Rehabilitate Taxiway B Aprons (2028)
• Rehabilitate Runway 2/20 Lighting and update airfield guidance signs (2029)
• Replace Perimeter Fence – Phase 3 (2029)
The replacement of the Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS) was also discussed. The Board agreed to move the AWOS replacement project into the 2027 fiscal year.
ADJOURNMENT
Scott Carlson moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Melissa Amedeo. The motion passed by a majority voice vote of those present.
https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12162025-2788
