Advisory board recommends adoption of updated rules and regulations for Dario International Airport

The Rio International Airport advisory board voted at its meeting to recommend that the City Council adopt and implement proposed rules and regulations for Dario International Airport. The chair called for a voice vote after discussion and the motion passed.

Board members and staff said the updated rules modernize airport policies and will be reviewed regularly. A committee member praised the revision work, saying, "I just wanna tip my hat to you because I know you did a lot of work on that," and staff noted the regulations will be living documents that can be adjusted if gaps are identified.

Staff said the updated package includes new language for matters that had not been covered in earlier materials, such as unmanned aircraft operations. One staff member said the unmanned-drone provisions in the draft could be stricter, adding, "I actually wish the unmanned drone thing was a little bit stricter." Staff acknowledged the board had legal counsel assistance in drafting the update.

The motion on the floor was described on the record as a recommendation to the City Council for adoption; the transcript records a motion, a second and a voice vote but does not record the names of the mover or the seconder or a roll-call tally. The chair declared the motion passed by voice vote and staff said the rules will be maintained and updated on a regular schedule.

The board also emphasized enforcement and flexibility: staff said the rules are intended to give the airport chief clear authority to enforce standards and that, if something is omitted, it can be returned to the board for clarification.

Next procedural step: the advisory board forwarded the recommendation for City Council consideration and staff will notify the board if further changes are proposed.