Airport Advisory Commission
Regular MeetingPekin, IL · August 26, 2025
Minutes
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, AUGUST 26, 2025 AT 3:00 PM
CHAIRMAN HUEY PRESIDING
Pledge of Allegiance
Call to Order
Chairman Steve Huey called the meeting to order at 3:01 PM
Chairperson Huey confirmed all 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
RESULT: [5 to 0] (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER: Commissioner Thompson
SECONDER: Commissioner Mike Reed
AYES: Commissioners Huey, Thompson, Reed, and Brian
Approval of Minutes
- Motion by Commissioner Reed to approve minutes of May 28, 2025 and August 8,
2025 jointly, seconded by Todd Thompson.
Motion passed unanimously
4.1. Minutes from the May 28, 2025 Meeting
4.2. Minutes from the August 15, 2025 Meeting
Correction noted: agenda listed August 15; correct date is August 8.
- Attendance correction: Steve Foster was absent from the August 8
meeting.
Public Input
none
Manager Reports
6.1. T-Hangar Construction and Pavement project wrap up
Construction complete; final landscaping (seeding, mulching, grading)
pending after August 20 per state rules.
Asphalt: 4 inches thick with 12 inches of rock base, raised 2 inches above
grass line.
Closeout will occur after grass establishment, likely in 2026.
Hangars are open; approximately six new tenants have moved in. Four
hangars remain vacant, with advertising to follow via flyers and social media.
6.2. Airport Solar Project cancellation with Alder Energy
Alder Energy canceled its planned solar lease following loss of federal
subsidies in July.
Although City Council approved the lease unanimously, Alder withdrew
before signing due to financial infeasibility and Ameren’s lengthy interconnect
timeline.
Lesson learned: future projects should require upfront due diligence
payments and letters of intent.
No effect on the farm lease; renewal discussions underway to align with FAA
farming plat requirements.
New Business
7.1. Fuel Tank replacement project
Project total: $1,065,000, funded by $800,000 state grant, ~$100,000 in fuel
tax and CARES Act funds, and $25,000 local budget amendment.
Brandt Construction awarded the contract; pre-construction to begin soon.
Tank removal RFP to be published separately; estimated cost $40,000–
$42,000.
No interruption to fueling operations expected during construction.
7.2. Terminal Roof Replacement project
Estimated at $150,000, funded through state allocation.
Scope: complete tear-off to metal deck, new sloped foam insulation (R-25 to
R-27), and EPDM/rubber membrane installation.
Architect preparing specifications; $5,000 estimated fee.
Anticipated construction: Spring/Summer 2026.
7.3. Virtower traffic monitoring by state department of aeronautics
State installed ADS-B tracking antennas to record operations at every Illinois
airport.
Data will refine fuel tax allocations and provide real-time tracking on airport
monitors.
Non-ADS-B aircraft will not be captured but may be estimated by state
multipliers.
7.4. T-Hangar HVAC, electrical, wall attachment, modification spec
suggestions.
Draft hangar modification form introduced.
Standards include:
- No drilling in walls or floors.
- Unistrut with beam clamps required for attachments.
- Electrical modifications by licensed electricians with permits and
inspections.
- Foam board insulation (not spray foam), taped and fireproof painted.
All modifications require approval via the form; unauthorized work prohibited.
Other Business
- Carport Request: Contractor Jeff Worms requested permission to erect a temporary
carport for equipment storage during his three-year contract. Consensus was to permit
under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with liability provisions, not a lease.
Carport must be removed at the end of the contract.
- Community Recognition: The Commission recognized the passing of Ted Lambasio
and honored his lifelong contributions to aviation, including training 138 private pilots
and leaving a lasting impact on the Pekin aviation and central Illinois Aviation
community.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 4:16pm
Agenda
City of Pekin
REGULAR AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025
3:00 PM
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Call to Order
3. Approve Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes
4.1. Minutes from the May 28, 2025 Meeting
4.2. Minutes from the August 15, 2025 Meeting
5. Public Input
6. Manager Reports
6.1. T-Hangar Construction and Pavement project wrap up
6.2. Airport Solar Project cancellation with Alder Energy
7. New Business
7.1. Fuel Tank replacement project
7.2. Terminal Roof Replacement project
7.3. Virtower traffic monitoring by state department of aeronautics
7.4. T-Hangar HVAC, electrical, wall attachment, modification spec suggestions.
8. Adjourn