Delaware Airport Commission Meeting Summary – July 16, 2026

The City of Delaware Airport Commission met on July 16, 2026, at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of the April 16, 2026 minutes, public comment from a consulting firm, and discussion of several capital projects and fuel sales operations. A new commissioner, Todd Poole, was welcomed.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the Motion Summary of the April 16, 2026 Airport Commission meeting was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously. Absent members (Mr. Lewis and Mr. Ratcliffe) were excused by unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matt Russo and Grant Jones, representing RSNH (an airfield engineering consulting firm based in Gahanna, Ohio), introduced themselves. They expressed interest in the airport's upcoming on-call engineering consulting contract and offered to assist with grants and other tasks.

Discussion Items

Taxilane and T-Hangar Reconstruction Project

• Public Works Superintendent Shane Harding presented that ODOT’s 2025 Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating identified hangars G, H, I, and J (taxilane) in poor condition (pink/purple on map) requiring full reconstruction, and an adjacent area in fair condition (yellow) requiring mill and overlay. The project is the last unpaved section and is estimated at $583,000 (95% state-funded, 5% local). The project is planned for 2027. Commissioner questions addressed pavement longevity (approximately 15 years before resurfacing), tenant feedback (none, but cracks are widening), and the absence of utility conflicts. The project's state funding application is being prepared.

Fuel Farm Relocation Project

• Harding explained that the current underground fuel storage system (two 10,000-gallon tanks, one for 100LL avgas and one for Jet A) is over 30 years old. In 2021, particulate was found in the 100LL tank causing temporary fueling disruptions; the Jet A tank was inspected last year and found acceptable. The plan is to decommission the underground system and install above-ground tanks. The total project cost is $1.3 million, with a state grant request for $750,000. The initial phase includes one 12,000-gallon Jet A tank and infrastructure; additional tanks (two per fuel type) would be added later. Commissioner Poole asked about decommissioning methods (fill vs. removal) and tank height (below building height, no conflict with flight operations). Staff noted that without fuel, the airport cannot operate.

Airfield Lighting Upgrade and Replacement

• Harding reported that during the Apron A expansion project, electrical testing (meg test) revealed the airfield lighting system (installed in the 1990s, direct-buried wiring) is shorting out and poses a potential fire hazard. A third-party inspection confirmed the issue. The proposed upgrade would replace all wiring, transformers, and incandescent lights with LED lighting, and install conduit to avoid future direct burial. Total project estimate is $2.5 million. Funding would come from FAA discretionary funds (roughly $2 million), with the state and city splitting the remaining 10% (city share approximately $130,000). Without discretionary funding, the project could be delayed 20 years. Commissioner Stevenson requested project cost figures to take to the Delaware County commissioners to seek county funding (noting the airport is often called "Delaware County Airport" despite no county funding). Staff agreed to email the figures.

Fuel Sales and Operations Update

• Airport staff reported that fuel sales are currently volatile, especially for 100LL avgas (current price around $7.14/gallon, higher than some nearby airports). The profit margin remains constant, so lower fuel prices benefit the airport. Jet fuel is less volatile. The airport switched fuel suppliers to Purvis Brothers in April, improving delivery reliability. Year-to-date jet operations serviced are 401, up from 348 at the same time last year. The airport recently passed an ODOT inspection with only minor signage issues. The FAA program manager also made an unannounced visit and complimented the pavement condition and terminal improvements, noting the airport’s proactive crack sealing program.

Open House / Static Display Discussion

• Commissioners discussed the possibility of an EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) chapter event, similar to one held five to six years ago. The EAA chapter would need to organize it due to insurance costs if the city hosted. The EAA prefers a two-day event (e.g., for a B-17) to sell enough rides. Balloon rides from Marysville were also suggested. No decision was made; the initiative rests with the EAA chapter.

Key Outcomes

• The meeting minutes from April 16, 2026 were approved unanimously.
• The commission excused absent members Lewis and Ratcliffe.
• The commission will continue pursuing state and federal grants for the three capital projects.
• The airport will provide cost figures for the lighting project to Commissioner Stevenson for potential county funding.
• No formal votes were taken on the discussed projects.
• The next meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2026.