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Sebastian council approves FDOT grants, new hangar lease and Gulf Apron design at municipal airport
Summary
Council approved FDOT and FAA‑linked steps to repair runway 10‑28 and design an access road and utilities for the airport's northwest corner, approved a five‑year lease for Mullins Aviation and a design agreement for Gulf Apron Phase 1; a former councilman raised concerns about past cost overruns and staff clarified airport obligations are funded from airport operating revenue.
The City Council approved a slate of airport actions Feb. 23 that included accepting an FDOT grant to begin lighter repairs on runway 10‑28, accepting FDOT funding to design an access road and utilities for the airport’s northwest corner, approving a new five‑year lease for Mullins Aviation at Hangar G2, and authorizing a service agreement for Gulf Apron Phase 1 design with Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering.
Airport staff member Mr. Sabbo told council the runway work is intended to address cracks, holes and surface reseal and that the bulk of construction funding is expected from an FAA grant (anticipated at 90% and expected in mid‑summer); the city will not proceed until FAA funds are in hand. For the northwest corner, the FDOT design funding will enable utilities to serve future leasable airport property adjacent to the recently completed taxiway Golf.
Council approved the Mullins Aviation lease (five years, with the option to extend) for hangar G2; staff said the business will perform heavier aircraft refurbishment and structural repairs. Council also approved the Gulf Apron Phase 1 design agreement to develop usable apron space for future hangars and aircraft parking.
A public Zoom commenter, former councilman Damian Gilliam, criticized previous airport projects for cost overruns and raised concerns about contractor selection and budget discipline. Council members and staff responded by noting that the airport’s matching funds come from the airport operating budget, not from the city general fund or property-tax revenue.
Votes: each item passed on roll call with Mayor Jones, Vice Mayor McPartland and Council member Dodd voting yes.
Next steps: staff will await FAA funding for runway construction before proceeding, pursue Gulf Apron design work per the agreement, and execute the Mullins Aviation lease.
