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, MARCH 24, 2026 AT 3:00 PM CHAIRMAN HUEY PRESIDING Pledge of Allegiance The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Call to Order The regular meeting of the Airport Advisory Commission was called to order at 3:00 p.m by Chairman Huey. 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 Present 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 Approval of Minutes 3.1. Minutes from the February 24, 2026 Meeting The Commission reviewed the February 24, 2026 meeting minutes. During discussion, it was noted that Dave Nutter had attended the previous meeting  as a member of the public and should be added to the public comment section of the record. RESULT: [5 to 0] (UNANIMOUS) MOVER: Commissioner Thompson SECONDER: Commissioner Reed AYES: Commissioners Huey, Thompson, Foster, Reed, and Brian Public Input Chuck Barth And Rick Woldow were in attendance New Business 5.1. Fuel Tank Replacement Project The Airport Manager provided an update on the Fuel Tank Replacement Project. Work had officially begun after several years of delays. Crews were compacting the site, drilling holes, and preparing to install bollards. Plans included pouring an eight-inch reinforced concrete pad and associated sidewalks, weather permitting. The Airport Manager explained that wet soil conditions had temporarily delayed compaction work until required density ratings could be achieved. Bollards and grounding rods were expected to be completed before concrete placement. The new fuel tanks were scheduled for delivery during the week of April 20, while removal of the old underground tanks was planned for the week of April 15 in coordination with the Fire Marshal. Discussion followed regarding current fuel inventory and fuel pricing. The Airport Manager reported that jet fuel inventory had been depleted and that approximately 700 usable gallons of 100LL remained. Rising wholesale fuel prices were discussed, with expectations that retail 100LL prices could exceed $6.00 per gallon once the new tanks were placed into service. The Commission also discussed required soak and leak testing procedures for the new tanks prior to operation. The Airport Manager indicated that only the minimum amount of fuel required for testing would be purchased unless a larger quantity was mandated by the Fire Marshal. The projected operational date for the new fuel system was discussed. The contractor anticipated potential operational use by approximately May 4, 2026, with full operational status expected by June pending completion of testing and inspections.  Additional discussion included temporary ramp closures and logistics associated with the removal and installation process. The Airport Manager advised that closures would remain as limited as possible during construction activities. 5.2. Fy 27 Draft Budget The Airport Manager presented the proposed FY27 Airport Budget to the Commission for review prior to City Council consideration. Discussion included planned capital and operational expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed budget includes a request for the purchase of a new snow plow to support winter airfield maintenance operations. In addition, funds were requested for the City’s local share portion of the Airport terminal roof replacement project, which is anticipated to be largely funded through federal reimbursement assistance. 5.3. Commissioner Reed Retirement It was announced that this meeting would be Commissioner Reed’s final meeting after 16 years of service on the Airport Advisory Commission. The Commission acknowledged and thanked Commissioner Reed for his years of dedication, service, and support of the Airport. Members wished him well in his upcoming move and future endeavors. The Commission was also informed that Chuck Barth had been appointed by the Mayor to fill the upcoming vacancy on the Commission following Commissioner Reed’s departure. Adjourn A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Mike Reed and seconded by Commissioner Brian Murray. The motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.