Airport staff told the council the airport's rules and minimum standards have not been updated since the mid-2000s and that the FAA encourages updates every five to 10 years; outside counsel reviewed the proposed language to ensure consistency with federal grant assurances.

Kyle, the airport's FBO manager, also presented a request for a 15-day change-order extension on the apron/taxilane rehabilitation project; the project is NCDOT grant-funded and staff said there will be no additional city cost. For the proposed new hangar-in-common (approximately 40,000 square feet), staff recommended moving forward with a professional-services agreement with Wilson Groups and Architects; the project will be funded 100% by a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant and requires an independent fee estimate and related grant compliance steps.

Council members asked for examples of behaviors the updated rules would prohibit; Kyle said rules would address aircraft blocking egress routes (a safety concern where fire apparatus must have clear access) and similar operational hazards. On funding and operations, Kyle said the hangar would be grant-funded at no local cost and that rental proceeds would go to airport operations.

What happens next: council will consider the ordinances, change order and professional-services authorization at the regular meeting; staff will proceed with grant compliance steps if council approves.