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Airport manager outlines 2026 budget priorities, lease renewals and fuel-farm remediation plans

5446542 ยท May 28, 2025

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Summary

Airport staff reported early planning for the 2026 budget, a limited capital request including a vehicle and a friction-measurement device replacement, ongoing lease renewal with Michiana Air Activities, and a potential professional services engagement for fuel-farm removal with DLZ.

Andy Jones presented the airport management report, saying staff have begun 2026 budget planning and will likely request a limited set of capital items including a vehicle replacement and a new friction-measurement device for winter runway braking assessments.

Jones said Michiana Air Activities is in final stages of a lease renewal after expanding its fleet, and staff are working with the tenant's attorneys to finalize terms. He also described funds carried over to repair large hangar door wheels and planned asphalt sealing of the airport parking lot as weather permits.

Jones reported the mayor's office was reviewing a professional services quote from DLZ for removal (and not remediation) of two fuel farms and three above- or below-ground tanks at airport maintenance locations; staff hope to advance that work soon. He added the FAA would be on-site to replace fiber-optic cable that supports a remote transmitter used for nighttime pilot communications.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the friction-measurement device; Jones said it would replace an older unit described in the meeting as a Tapley ("Tapley gear") unit and described modern tow-behind and digital alternatives under consideration. No formal approvals were required at this meeting for the 2026 capital planning items.