Delaware Airport Commission Meeting - April 16, 2026

The Delaware Airport Commission met on April 16, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall. Commissioners Acre, Goff, and Lulith were absent; Frazier, Ratcliffe, Stevenson, and Jefferson were present. Chair election was postponed, and the commission reviewed 2025 fuel sales, Hangar J completion, an unsuccessful fuel farm grant, a new fuel supplier, and plans for a major airfield lighting project.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Motion Summary (October 16, 2025): Motion by Commissioner Ratcliffe, seconded by Vice Mayor Frazier. Unanimously approved (4-0).
• Excusal of Absent Members: Motion to excuse those unable to attend. Seconded, passed unanimously (4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received or presented.

Discussion Items

• 2025 Year End Fuel Sales and Operation Numbers: Staff reported 710 jet aircraft serviced in 2025 (down from 736 in 2024). Jet fuel gallons sold: 142,000 (2021) vs. 148,000–149,000 (2024). AVGAS sales: 56,000 gallons (2024) vs. 48,000 (2025). Jet fuel profit declined from $324,000 (2024) to $263,000 (2025); AVGAS profit fell from $72,000 to $62,400. Staff attributed AVGAS volatility to price-sensitive customers, and noted a $1.08 per gallon increase in jet fuel cost between loads in March and April 2026, an unusually large jump. Commission discussed pricing strategy and the challenge of competing with nearby airports.
• Hangar J Construction: The 5,200 sq ft, four-unit hangar began construction last spring and received city occupancy on March 9, 2026. No new hangar projects are underway; the commission expressed interest in public-private partnerships but noted Airspace Place’s option has expired. Hangar rate increases (to $218 for older units) were implemented without issue.
• Above Ground Fuel Farm Project: Staff explained that an application for a $750,000 ODOT grant toward a $1.3 million project (one 12,000-gallon above-ground Jet A tank) was not selected. The project includes site development and provisions for future AVGAS and additional Jet A tanks. The city plans to reapply for 2027 funding. Commission discussed the condition of the parking lot (not grant-funded) and the possibility of electric aircraft charging infrastructure, but agreed to wait for FAA guidance.
• Staff Comments: Staff reported switching fuel supplier to Phillips 66 (via Purvis Brothers) effective April 1, 2026. Benefits include free annual inspections, in-person training, tech support, and reduced credit card processing fees (zero for Phillips 66 AV card). Staff also highlighted a pre-application to the FAA for a full airfield lighting replacement (LED, conduit) estimated at over $2 million, with $230,000 requested for design. The lighting system, mostly direct-buried from the 1990s, has significant deficiencies. Staff noted that no city funds would be required if ODOT funds the local match. Terminal building improvements done in-house (new lobby, pilot lounge, kitchenette) and maintenance hangar upgrades (insulation, heat, door) were also reviewed.

Key Outcomes

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair: Postponed to the next meeting due to multiple absences.
• Fuel Supplier Change: Effective; new contract with Phillips 66 will bring cost savings and support services.
• Fuel Farm Grant: Unsuccessful; city will reapply for 2027 ODOT funding. Project remains on the shelf.
• Airfield Lighting Pre-Application: Submitted to the FAA. If approved, design funding will be sought, with construction contingent on future grant cycles.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for July 16, 2026.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.