Airport management reported a series of operational issues July 8 that prompted near-term responses: the airport will pursue two new ground-power units (GPUs) to support larger business jets, consider short-term GPU rentals for the remainder of the season, and implement ramp-management enforcement measures to limit auxiliary power unit (APU) run-time.

Staff said existing portable GPUs cannot reliably serve some newer large-cabin business jets; procurement of two new universal GPUs was under way but carries a roughly 32-week lead time. Commissioners and staff asked operations to seek short-term GPU rentals to reduce aircraft APU runtime and associated noise during the remainder of the season.

Operations also reported a baggage-belt system malfunction over the July 4 weekend that caused intermittent operation of the belt; contractors and TSA were scheduled to troubleshoot hardware and potential software interactions. Staff said they had used overtime to manually handle bags while the belt was unreliable.

Fuel supply: the barge scheduled to deliver 20,000 gallons experienced a mechanical problem, reducing the airport’s incoming jet-fuel inventory. Staff said they were forecasting sales (roughly $20,000/day at current burn rates) and would consider staged restrictions — beginning with general-aviation corporate customers and preserving airline supply — if inventories fell toward critical levels. Staff also asked the commission to help secure additional deliveries through supplier contacts if possible.

Noise and enforcement: operations reported 18 initial APU warnings in May (16 complied or provided valid reasons) and issued two secondary warnings; overall noise complaints were down (four new complaints in May). Staff noted two drone sightings over the weekend and reminded the public that drone operations within the airport area require FAA clearance.

Why it matters: GPUs, ramp-management enforcement and fuel availability affect daily airport operations, passenger experience and community noise exposure; installing the correct hardware and enforcing APU limits are steps staff said will reduce noise and emissions while supporting operational reliability.