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Commission asks city to draft ordinance language on member expertise and reviews 2025–29 capital plan
Summary
Commission supported exploring changes to chapter 2.81 to encourage aviation‑relevant expertise among commissioners and asked staff and the city attorney to draft language; commissioners also reviewed the draft 2025–29 capital improvement plan that carries forward runway and taxiway reconstruction and lists an AWOS replacement and snowblower equipment as placeholder items.
The Middleton Airport Commission voted to ask city staff and the city attorney to draft potential amendments to chapter 2.81 of the municipal code to encourage (or require at a defined level) that commission members have aviation‑related background or expertise.
The chair described the proposal's intent as improving the commission's ability to provide educated, technical guidance to the Common Council. Commissioners broadly supported adding language that would raise the proportion of members with aviation experience while preserving discretion for the city in appointments. Staff said they will present draft language to the commission when available; the recommended next step is referral to the Licensing and Ordinance Committee and onward to the Common Council for any final ordinance change.
On capital planning, staff presented a preliminary draft Capital Improvement Plan for 2025–2029. Major carryover items from the prior year include taxiway A design and runway design/reconstruction; staff emphasized both projects are for reconstruction at existing dimensions and do not propose runway expansion. Replacing or upgrading the AWOS was noted as a potential 2025 petition to the Bureau of Aeronautics (BOA) for cost‑share funding. A snowblower replacement is currently included as a placeholder while staff investigates sustainable vs. standard equipment options and cost estimates.
Staff explained the BOA petition process and said eligible projects typically carry a 5% or 10% local match depending on project type; the taxiway design was eligible for BOA cost share and is a candidate for near‑term action. Commissioners were asked to review the draft and submit additional suggestions before the next meeting.
Next steps: staff to draft ordinance language (per commission direction) and provide more detailed cost and procurement information for the snowblower and other placeholder equipment.
