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Commission discusses master plan revisions, drainage study, unleaded fuel, EV chargers and near-term CIP
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a near-redraft of the airport section of the comprehensive plan, requested a stronger outward-facing communications commitment, discussed a proposed drainage study and equipment requests, heard an update on unleaded fuel and EV infrastructure constraints, and reviewed CIP priorities (taxiway design, drainage study, runway design in later years).
Commissioners reviewed and suggested edits to a major redraft of the airport section of the city's comprehensive plan, discussed ongoing and proposed infrastructure studies, and received updates on fuel and electric-vehicle infrastructure relevant to airport operations.
Chair Lerman and staff described the proposed comprehensive plan language and said much of the data is drawn from the airport master plan. Commissioners recommended edits: move a purpose/vision sentence ahead of implementation items; clarify survey language so based-aircraft counts are not conflated with operations; and separate support for aviation businesses on the field from broader business travel uses of the airport. Alder Charles Myers and Commissioner Randall emphasized developing an outward-facing communications strategy to educate neighbors and highlight training and community events: "I want a section in the comprehensive plan about developing and implementing an outward-facing communication strategy for the airport," Myers said.
On drainage and maintenance, commissioners reviewed concerns raised by a nearby hay producer about drainage and vegetation management. Chair Lerman and staff noted the airport is built on wetland in places and a formal drainage study is part of grant assurances; the commission discussed an equipment attachment request to help manage vegetation and culverts. Staff said a full drainage study will provide longer-term capital planning guidance and that short-term maintenance scheduling should be set seasonally.
On fuel and electrification, Chair Lerman reported Bureau of Aeronautics discussion that alternatives to 100LL (unleaded) are still being evaluated and infrastructure remains limited in the region. On electric aircraft charging, staff noted practical deployments require very high-capacity chargers; "you really have to have a supercharger high class, class 3 charger at an airport," Lerman said, adding Class 2 chargers could serve ground equipment or smaller electrification needs.
On finances and capital projects, staff presented monthly financials with no major variances and included a BOA long-term capital plan. Near-term priorities for 2025 include design work for taxiway rehabilitation and a drainage study; runway reconstruction design and AWOS replacement are listed in out years (2027–28). Staff advised the commission to prepare CIP priorities for fiscal-year 2026–2030 during the summer and target September for formal CIP input to the city budget process.
The commission agreed to let staff and Chair Lerman refine the comprehensive-plan text and return a revised draft for the June meeting.
