City of Pekin Airport Advisory Commission met Aug. 26.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
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 Name | Commission | Title | Status |
| Steve Huey |
Pekin Municipal Airport Advisory Commission |
Commission Chairperson |
Present |
|
Todd Thompson |
Pekin Municipal Airport Advisory Commission |
Commission Member |
Present |
|
Steve Foster |
Pekin Municipal Airport Advisory Commission |
Commission Member |
Absent |
| Mike Reed |
Pekin Municipal Airport Advisory Commission |
Commission Member |
Present |
| Murray Brian | Pekin Municipal Airport Advisory Commission | Commission Member | Present |
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
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