City of DeKalb

Key discussions focused on new business items, including a proposal from the Airport Manager to purchase a 2026 Sky Mark 5,000-gallon Jet A refueler, for which three quotes were received. Performance review of the 2024 and 2025 fuel program indicated that fuel sales increased approximately 10% year-over-year, with total fuel volume rising over 20%, leading to a significant improvement in net operating performance of over 80% compared to the prior year. Additionally, the board members were provided the Minimum Standards document for future discussion.

The agenda for the meeting included a roll call, approval of the agenda, and public participation time. New business primarily focused on a public hearing regarding a petition for a variance at 200 Saint Andrews Drive. This variance sought permission to construct a 6-foot-high privacy fence and a detached garage in the front yard, contrary to existing Unified Development Ordinance standards concerning fence height and accessory structure setbacks. The commission's review detailed findings of fact regarding undue hardship, neighborhood character impact, and property values, with staff recommending approval for the garage variance but denial for the fence location as proposed by the applicant, suggesting an alternative fence location.

The meeting included a public hearing and subsequent recommendation for text amendments to Article 13 of the Unified Development Ordinance concerning sign regulations. These amendments address non-residential uses in 'MFR1' and 'MFR2' districts and permit electronic changeable copy signs (wall and projecting signs) in portions of the 'CBD' Central Business District. This proposal was specifically prompted by a request from Stagecoach Players regarding digital signage. A second public hearing was held regarding a variance petition by Sigma Phi Epsilon to allow an eight-foot-high privacy fence in their rear yard at 920 W. Hillcrest Dr. to deter repeated trespassing and damage to their existing fence, which was recommended for approval subject to landscaping additions. The staff report also noted the City Council's recent approval of the Pilot Travel Center project.

The agenda for the meeting scheduled for February 17, 2026, included preliminary roll call, agenda approval/deletions, approval of the February 2, 2026 minutes, public participation, and new business. The sole item for new business was a Public Hearing regarding a petition by the City of DeKalb for text amendments to Article 11 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), specifically concerning Floodways, Floodplains, Storm Drainage, and Erosion Control. The meeting minutes from February 2, 2026, detailed two public hearings: the first concerning text amendments to Article 13 of the UDO regarding sign regulations for non-residential uses in multifamily districts (MFR1 and MFR2) and allowing electronic changeable copy signs in the Central Business District (CBD), which the Commission recommended approving. The second public hearing involved a petition for a variance to allow an eight-foot-high privacy fence in the rear yard at 920 W. Hillcrest Dr. to address ongoing trespassing issues, which the Commission also recommended approving subject to landscaping conditions. The staff report for the February 17 meeting detailed seven proposed changes to Article 11 of the UDO intended to update references to FEMA documents, reconcile omissions, and enhance public safety by requiring mechanical equipment elevation above base flood elevation to maintain community discount status.

The Airport Advisory Board meeting included updates on the perimeter fence project, which is substantially complete with a final inspection conducted. Representatives from McClure Engineering presented information regarding a potential strategic partnership with the City of DeKalb. Airport staff provided an overview of upcoming projects in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIPS), including Taxiway B Rehabilitation, replacement of the Perimeter Fence, rehabilitation of Taxiway B Aprons, and rehabilitation of Runway 2/20 Lighting and update airfield guidance signs. The Board agreed to move the AWOS replacement project into the 2027 fiscal year.