Commission defers RFP decision for airport manager contract pending attorney review

Commissioners reviewed a draft request for proposals for the airport manager services contract that expires in 2026. Staff presented revised anti‑lobbying language that would prohibit contacts "to advocate for their RFP response or candidacy for the position," while still allowing vendor questions to staff. Brian described the draft as an initial proposal and welcomed commission feedback.

Commission discussion focused on timeline and ethics. Commissioners sought dates for submission and award so potential proposers would know transition timing if a new operator were selected; the commission also discussed the separate fixed‑base operator (FBO) contract and existing 5‑year extension option that the FBO may exercise. Charles Myers specifically asked whether commissioners or other local aviators who might have financial ties to current operators would need to recuse, and multiple members said the city attorney should advise.

Commissioner Charles Myers moved "incorporating Brian's comments as my motion" to continue discussion to a future meeting pending consultation with the city attorney; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission directed staff to provide the attorney with scenarios to evaluate possible conflicts and recusal requirements and asked staff to return with clarifying language and recommended timelines for the RFP process.

What’s next: Staff will consult the city attorney about recusal/ethics questions and report back at a future meeting; the commission deferred decisive action on issuing an RFP until that guidance is received.