DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb Airport Advisory Board met Sept. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Airport Advisory board of the City of DeKalb, Illinois, held a regular meeting on September 24, 2024, at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport, 3232 Pleasant Street, DeKalb, Illinois, in the FBO West Community Hangar.

Chair Robert Owens called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

A. ROLL CALL

Chair Robert Owens called the roll, and the following members of the Airport Advisory Board were present; Robert Owens/ Chair, Bernard Pupino/Vice-Chair, James Rhoades, Derek Hiland, and Matt Duffy. Also present, Airport Operations Manager Ben Trompeter, Andy Raih, Bill Nicklas, and Bob Redel.

B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Jim Rhoads moved to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by Bernard Pupino. Motion passes by a majority voice vote of those present.

C. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Matt Duffy moved to approve the August 27, 2024; minutes as presented; seconded by Bernard Pupino. Motion passed by a majority voice vote of those present.

D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

a. City Manager Bill Nicklas recognized Robert Owens and James Rhoades for their combined service of 66 years as Airport Advisory Board Members. The City of DeKalb is grateful for their dedicated service to the Airport.

E. OLD BUSINESS

1. Rehabilitation Runway 9/27 (DKB-5063)

a. Ben Trompeter updated the board on the progress of the runway project. Runway 9/27 resurface project is complete.

b. Final Inspection/walk through was complete on September 6th

i. Waiting on Stated to send finial inspection punch list.

1. Grass needs to be established/removed weeds

2. Clean runway and taxiway lights of hydro mulch

3. Walk along runway for debris

4. Concrete pile at West end parking ramp

2. Remove and Replace Portion of Aircraft Parking Ramp (DKB-4924)

a. Ben Trompeter updated the board on the Apron Project. 1,486 cubic yards of concrete was poured. The pad is 10 inches think, allowing larger and heavier aircraft to be parked on the ramp. The project is scheduled to be done by September 28, 2024.

3. Corporate Aircraft Association (CAA)

a. Ben Trompeter updated the board on the process of becoming a CAA preferred FBO. From October 1, 2024 to October 7, 2024 CAA members have to opportunity to cast their vote for DKB to become a preferred FBO. If DKB becomes a preferred FBO we will sell Jet A Fuel at a discounted price to CAA members. CAA has over 12,000 members which will result in increased business at DKB.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Runway Broom Sweeper Truck Invitation to Bid (DKB-4906)

a. Ben Trompeter reported on the Runway Broom Sweeper Truck Capital Improvement grant. The bid documents we submitted and approved by IDOT Division of Aeronautics. The bid was posted on the city web site on September 4, 2024. Bid opening will occur on October 4, 2024, at 11AM.

b. The grant is a total of $650,000, the state will give $585,000 towards a broom truck and the local share is $65,000.

2. Everest Fuel Agreement

a. Ben Trompeter presented a potential fuel agreement with Everest Fuel. We would sell Jet and AvGas at a discounted price to their members.

i. Contract fuel Jet A will be $0.25 lower than retail price

1. Margin = ~$1.40 - $1.50 per gallon (Retail is between $1.60 and $1.70 per gallon)

2. DKB will be part of the Everest FBO network of 1,000 plus airports

ii. Contract AvGas with Everest Fuel will be $0.60 below FS price.

iii. Margin = ~ $0.60 to $0.65 per gallon (SS margin = $0.50)

iv. AvGas Contract will be with Everest Fuel and AOPA Members

1. AOPA has 300,000 plus members

2. Largest 100LL discount program in the US

3. FBO will be advertised across AOPA network and AOPA will heavily promote the program to its members.

4. Program is set to be launched 1st quarter of 2025

b. The board discussed the potential partnership with Everest fuel and decided not no pursue the partnership any further at this time.

i. The contract agreement ties the city in for three years without an out.

ii. The airport can reach out to charter companies and try to have a direct partnership with the company rather than going through Everest Fuel.

iii. The airport will focus on the partnership with CAA, and potentially look at Everest Fuel again in the future.

3. Rezoning of lot at Peace Rd and Pleasant St.

a. Bill Nicklas advised the board the plot of land at Peace Rd. and Pleasant St has been rezoned from industrial to commercial use. The hope is to lease the land for hospitality type business. The goal for 2025 is to find interested parties in possible developments on the lot.

O. ADJOURNMENT

Bernard Pupino moved to adjourn, the motion was seconded by Matt Duffy, the motion passed by a majority voice vote of those present.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09242024-2590