The Lamar City Council voted Dec. 2 to approve the city’s Federal Airport Capital Improvement Program submittal for fiscal years 2027–2031 to the Federal Aviation Administration. Projects in the submittal included airport apron expansion, lighting upgrades, a parallel taxiway, fencing and gate work, and parking-lot expansion. Staff said about 90% of the listed projects’ funding is federal.
Council members asked questions about hanger occupancy, vehicle versus aircraft parking adjacent to new hangars and revenue sources; staff confirmed the primary funding source for CIP projects is federal grant funding. The council moved and carried a motion to approve the submittal.
Earlier in the meeting the council approved consent items that included approving the Nov. 18, 2025 meeting minutes, listing bills for period ending Nov. 30, 2025, approving a street closure request for Ameriprise Financial and event requests (Power Players, snowmobile club), a police department hiring list, and liquor-license renewals for Willow Creek Bar and Grill, Pizza Hut, Habituate Coffee House and Bakery, Blue Tequila Family Table and a new five-day liquor license for the Plymouth County Historical Museum; a motion to approve consent items 1–6 carried by voice vote.
Public-safety update: Kevin Vandevac, the city’s chief of police, reported "4 reportable accidents and a couple non reportable" over the winter storm weekend and said the department issued 34 parking citations; he said citations will continue while the odd/even parking ordinance remains in effect.
What’s next: The CIP submittal will be sent to the FAA per staff recommendation; consent approvals will be implemented by the appropriate city departments.