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Commissioners hear T-hangar steel delay could push construction; board approves trainings, officer slate and lease waiver
Summary
Engineering and airport staff told the Elkhart City Aviation Commission that a steel manufacturer backlog could delay T-hangar erection until after August, with a target completion of November; the commission approved staff training travel, elected officers, and waived one tenant—s February lease payment.
At a recent meeting of the Elkhart City Aviation Commission, engineers and airport staff reported that a backlog at the steel manufacturer for the T-hangar project could delay delivery until August and push final construction toward November, though contractors said they still expect to meet the November deadline if the steel arrives on schedule.
The commission was told the contractor expects to complete site work, including dirt work, asphalt and concrete subgrade, during spring and summer. The engineer representing Butler, Fairman & Seibert said the manufacturer has backlog that currently extends to August; the contractor estimates 60–90 days to erect the steel once it arrives.
Commissioners and staff framed the delay as manageable if delivery matches the manufacturer—s new schedule but flagged weather and logistics as remaining risks. The engineer said the delay gives airport staff time to market the new hangars along County Route 6 and pursue pre-leases for twin-engine aircraft owners.
Airport staff also reported other items connected to operations and future development. Andy (airport staff) said Hangar 39 tenants — identified in the meeting as Patrick Industries, Walsh Packaging and NIPCO — are exploring building a new hangar and may sell their interest in the existing Hangar 39 to help fund new construction. Staff said they are reviewing the tenant—s existing land lease and that the tenants might request a lease extension to increase the value of the existing hangar prior to any sale.
A separate operational request from an airport tenant to offer aircraft deicing at the field drew discussion. Staff said the airport currently does not allow chemical deicing and that the airport—s IDEM permit and well-field protection status require careful review. Commissioners and staff agreed that any deicing operation would need legal and environmental review, permits, containment and inspection plans; Brian Kress of public works was recommended as a regulatory contact to consult on IDEM and EPA requirements.
In other business the commission approved several motions by roll call:
- The board approved sending maintenance chief David Sandsmark to the AAAE snow and ice control symposium in Buffalo in April; commissioners said training and travel funds were in the adopted 2025 airport budget.
- The board approved sending Andy to an airport safety and operations specialist training in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in March; staff said travel/training funds are budgeted.
- The commission approved waiving the February lease payment for tenant John Ferguson (T-135) after he provided advance notice that he sold one of his aircraft and would vacate the hangar; staff noted the lease requires 30 days— notice and said Ferguson remains a tenant in other hangars.
- The board elected Maggie as secretary of the aviation commission after a motion and roll-call vote.
Engineers and staff also addressed logistics and contracts: Butler, Fairman & Seibert reported the steel supplier is currently scheduled to ship in August and the contractor said it expects to complete erection within 60–90 days after delivery. Staff noted the project has federal grant funding and referenced a recent presidential executive order that briefly paused some federal grants; staff said they did not expect that order to affect the T-hangar funding but said they would monitor any federal action.
Tower operations and facilities were also discussed. Mike Heller, the tower manager, reported a new full-time controller hired in December with extensive prior controller experience and a new part-time hire from Valdosta, Georgia. Staff also said Johnson Controls has a contract to assess HVAC across city buildings and that ongoing repairs (including the tower stairwell heater and boiler work) were underway.
Commissioners said they would expect staff and legal to present any permitting or environmental reviews required before the commission considers allowing on-site deicing or any lease amendments tied to hangar sales. The commission did not take final action on deicing; staff will return with additional legal and environmental analysis.
The meeting closed after approvals of the listed motions and a motion to adjourn.
