Airport Advisory Commission

City of Pekin PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PEKIN, ILLINOIS, HELD AT PEKIN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT 13906 AIRPORT LN. PEKIN, IL 61554 ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 AT 3:00 PM Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Call to Order Chairman Steve Huey called the regular meeting of the Airport Advisory Commission to order at 3:00 PM. Chairperson Huey confirmed Commissioners were physically present. Attendee Commission Title Status Arrived Name Steve Pekin Municipal Airport Commission Present 3:00 PM Huey Advisory Commission Chairperson Todd Pekin Municipal Airport Commission Present 3:00 PM Thompson Advisory Commission Member Steve Pekin Municipal Airport Commission Absent 3:00 PM Foster Advisory Commission Member Mike Reed Pekin Municipal Airport Commission Present 3:00 PM Advisory Commission Member Murray Pekin Municipal Airport Commission Present 3:00 PM Brian Advisory Commission Member Also Present: Michael Cruce, Airport Manager Approve Agenda A motion to approve the agenda as presented was made and seconded by Todd Thompson. Motion carried unanimously. Approval of Minutes 4.1. Minutes from the August 26, 2025 Meeting  Commissioner Murray Brian noted a correction regarding Steve Foster’s attendance, clarifying that Foster arrived near the end of the previous meeting but was effectively absent. The correction was accepted. A motion to approve the corrected minutes was made by Mike Reed, seconded by Todd Thompson, and carried unanimously. Public Input There was no public input. New Business 6.1. Fuel Tank replacement project Airport Manager Mike Cruce reported that the contract with Brandt has been signed, and Brandt will serve as the General Contractor. Engineering drawings are under review by Hanson Engineering. Fuel tank fabrication is underway with a several-month lead time. A pre-construction meeting is being scheduled, after which a Notice to Proceed will be issued. Initial construction will include foundation and underground piping work, possibly beginning within the next month. Tank removal will be handled separately under a locally funded project, scheduled for spring 2026. A green tag extension from the State Fire Marshal, valid through December 31, 2025, allows continued fueling operations. 6.2. Farm Lease renewal and setback adjustment The current farm lease expires October 31, 2025. FAA compliance requires adjusting the runway farming setback to 306 feet from the runway centerline for corn and 278 feet for soybeans, where current farming encroaches to 177 feet. The farmable area will be reduced from 121 acres to approximately 107 acres. The Commission discussed converting the restricted acreage (~12–15 acres) to alfalfa grass to avoid mowing costs and generate limited revenue through hay cutting at $140 per acre. Mark Weyrich, the current lessee, is expected to continue leasing the adjusted acreage at the same per-acre rate due to market conditions. Mike Cruce will finalize acreage calculations with the City GIS department and include FAA setback language in the lease and have the city attorney finalize the lease. The lease will be a two year lease to ensure no more adjustments need to be made. Manager Reports 7.1. Hangar Rentals and Transient Policy Three hangars are currently vacant (one older, two new). One hangar will be designated for transient aircraft. The Commission reccomended a $30 nightly rate for a one-year trial period. The hangar will feature keyless entry and a credit card payment option through a Square or similar system coordinated with the City’s finance department. The Commission supported this as a valuable amenity to attract visiting pilots. 7.2. Maintenance and Equipment Door repairs to the terminal are delayed due to fabricator not being available due to health issues. The repair requires modifying the aluminum frame to inset the electric lock. The John Deere tractor’s PTO clutch switch was replaced, and the Kubota tractor is awaiting service for an overheating issue. Approximately 800 feet of airport fencing have been repaired, with about 200 feet remaining. A temporary vehicle awning agreement for JW Lawn Service is under review and includes removal at the end of their service contract. Adjourn A motion to adjourn was made by Mike Reed and seconded by Todd Thompson. Meeting adjourned at 3:56 PM.