Airport budget counts on federal grants for runway work; hangar repairs and lagoon grid replacement included

The airport director presented the airport fund budget, highlighting federal grant funding for runway and other projects and planned maintenance items.

Bill Lance, the airport director, told council members the airport anticipates roughly $4.74 million to $7.36 million in grant revenue for current and future projects; the packet noted estimated grants for runway improvements, an airport-layout plan and snow-removal equipment. Overall, staff estimated approximately $5.9 million in grant proceeds tied to runway and related projects, though the director said grant figures are fluid and subject to change.

Lance said administrative payroll has fallen roughly 29% after staffing changes: the airport now operates with a full-time airport director and a part-time administrative assistant shared with IT. He proposed capital items including $150,000 for terminal canopy repairs and $250,000 for a lagoon grid replacement (a Kevlar net system used to deter geese) that needs full replacement after damage from high water and ice. He also said two aging fleet trucks planned for replacement should be eligible for federal grant coverage, leaving a small city share.

The director said hangar rents and lease income are conservatively estimated; all hangars are leased except one t-hangar stall, and he plans to use $35,000 from the hangar fund for repairs including hangar-door maintenance and seal replacements. The packet also shows a transfer of $770,000 involving the general fund but staff said that transfer is lower than last year’s expectation.

Council members asked about the lagoon grid age and repairs; Lance said the grid was originally installed in 2016, suffered water-level and freeze damage in 2017 and requires rebuilding rather than patch repair.

Lance closed by noting grant timelines and administrative changes make the airport budget subject to adjustment as federal funds and project timing firm up.