A central topic of the meeting was the planning and proposed changes at the airport, specifically concerning the Triumph Grant adjustments and new FAA information. The council considered an extensive airport layout plan, which includes funded and partially funded projects, and those without current funding. A detailed presentation by Kobe Townson, accompanied by Liberty Partners, shed light on various projects such as runway expansion, addressing obstructions, road and fence relocation, as well as the necessity of an environmental assessment.

The runway expansion project was a focal point, with the council exploring the possibility of splitting the project into two phases, starting with the hump correction and environmental assessment, to mitigate potential delays. A Triumph sketch was presented. The financial implications of road relocation were discussed, with emphasis on cost savings and logistical considerations.

Property acquisitions and road developments related to the airport expansion were thoroughly examined. The council showed a preference for using ARPA dollars for acquisitions to minimize strings attached to the property. The impact on nearby residents, access considerations, and the integration of various projects were debated. The feasibility of leasing property to private entities for construction was also discussed, along with apron expansion, fuel farm, and the potential revenue generation from additional lease spaces for hangars.

The council weighed the necessity of a substantial reservation fee or pre-sale fee for construction time and the alignment of building out anchors with the airport’s overall development process. There was a consensus on the importance of parallel planning for ground leases and other airport activities alongside the runway construction. The potential construction of two fuel farms to meet the needs of diverse users, including air medical services and military operations, was proposed, with estimated annual fuel sales of approximately $300,000.

Liberty Partners provided an overview of a funding application for the construction of hangars 18 through 20, emphasizing the potential economic impact and job growth. The council discussed the reallocation of funds from hangar construction to other infrastructure projects, considering potential impacts on runway visibility and other operations.

Barge representatives presented updated cost estimates for airport infrastructure projects, addressing topographical challenges and construction requirements. The council members sought clarification on the feasibility of alternative construction locations and orientations, expressing concerns about the cost implications and the optimal placement of proposed constructions.

The potential relocation of funding from the north-south runway to the east-west runway prompted a discussion. Complaints about the dirt runway, such as dust and debris affecting planes, led to proposals to move the east-west runway 300 feet westward to save costs. The council also discussed the future of the dirt runway, with suggestions ranging from repurposing it for ground leases to maintaining it for smaller aircraft. A pilot’s input suggested improving the north-south runway using salt.

The council addressed the rental and usage of office space in both the current FBO building and the new terminal, considering maintenance issues and the potential return on investment from leasing. Interest in selling aviation-related retail items in the new terminal was acknowledged, with a need to assess the building’s condition before proceeding.

Further, the meeting discussed the potential removal of two buildings to make way for new hangars, the impact on FAA regulations, and the need for a justification study. The bidding process for the runway project and its timeline, the length of the dirt runway during construction, and the impact on aviation traffic were debated.

The economic impact of the airport expansion, including a cost analysis and concrete revenue projections, was questioned, with a focus on job creation and attracting corporate interests. The council discussed seeking grants and funding opportunities, expressing caution over committing to matching funds without full clarity on funding terms. Conversations with state and federal officials about funding were also part of the meeting.

Lastly, the council prioritized funding for water and sewer infrastructure over other projects due to limited funding availability. The city’s lobbyist was instructed to pursue the Governor’s Job Growth Grant, with the motion approved. Gross and net fuel sales at the airport were reported, and a motion to move forward with Liberty Partners’ application for the Triumph sketch amendment was also approved. The approval of Barge Design Solutions Runway 927 environmental assessment task order and the Airport terminal Phase 2 development project were notable decisions, setting priorities for funding runway expansion, terminal development, taxiway and access road, and apron rehab. The retention of the north-south Runway and maximizing hangar pad rental sites were discussed, with the mayor highlighting the long-term planning value for the airport’s industrial and entertainment sectors.