Airport staff report new golf cart, heater installation and plans to replace tractors; FAA paving grant sought for hangars D–F

Delaware City Airport staff provided several operational updates at the Jan. 16 Airport Commission meeting, including small equipment purchases, a recent heater installation in a maintenance hangar, plans to replace aging tractors, and a paving project for hangars D, E and F.

Staff said a golf cart was purchased at the end of 2024 to improve passenger transport between the terminal and a larger apron area. "That golf cart is gonna be very beneficial for us," the staff member said, noting the apron has doubled in size and the cart will ease movement of pilots and passengers to aircraft.

On facilities, staff reported that a furnace had been installed in the maintenance hangar and that the unit tested successfully; insulation has not yet been installed, so the space is not yet in regular use. The staff member described the change as important for mechanics and snow removal operations because equipment can be pulled inside to thaw or be serviced.

Regarding equipment replacement, staff said the city currently uses two tractors but plans to trade both for one larger, four-wheel-drive tractor with a heated cab (brand noted as John Deere rather than Kubota). Staff said the purchase was budgeted at $50,000 and that expected trade-in values of the two existing tractors should make that budget sufficient.

Staff also briefed the commission on a planned paving project for hangars D, E and F. The airport has discussed a grant application with the Federal Aviation Administration; staff said the project is expected to be "just under $800,000" and that the FAA grant would carry a 90% share, leaving a 10% local match. The staff member said the work will likely require soil stabilization under the pavement because of poor base conditions discovered during prior assessments; the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) was shown to commissioners as part of the presentation.

Commissioners asked several operational questions about liability and equipment details; staff responded that insurance constraints affect some services (for example, the city has previously been advised against providing a courtesy car). No formal procurement or grant acceptance votes were taken at the Jan. 16 meeting; staff indicated further budget or procurement actions will be brought later if grant funding is awarded or if purchases require formal authorization.