George Sakas

The Chicago Executive Airport Master Plan outlines future planning and development initiatives, focusing on safety improvements, addressing aviation demand, adapting to new regulations, and ensuring financial viability. The plan update, conducted in phases, has addressed community noise concerns, analyzed aviation forecasts, and identified facility requirements, notably insufficient runway length. It aims to sustain the airport's role as a self-sufficient economic driver, generating regional economic benefits and tax revenues, while balancing community needs and airport growth, with operations projected to increase by 32% by 2036.

Key discussions during the meeting included financial reports showing operating revenues at 70.66% and expenses at 62.18% of the budget for the eighth month of the fiscal year, with the 2027 budget process underway. The Executive Director reported that 2025 operations exceeded 100,000 for the first time since 2007 and noted 568 customs clearances. A significant update was provided on the Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP), noting Phase 3 designs are complete and contractor award is planned for February/March 2026, while Phase 4 testing qualified most homes for insulation. Construction projects included signing a contract for Taxiway Echo/Hotspot Mitigation and pending actions for EMAS Replacement and Runway 6/24 closure. Updates were given on Federal Affairs, including an FAA Terminal Grant application submitted January 14th, and State Affairs. Board officer elections are scheduled for the following month. Two resolutions were approved: Resolution 26-001 for the payment of claims, and Resolution 26-002 authorizing an agreement with Wight & Company for architectural services for the new Administration Building, not to exceed $100,000.00.

The Board of Directors considered two agenda items. The first involved approving Resolution 26-001, which authorizes the payment of claims totaling $840,434.93, as detailed in the Check Register dated January 16, 2026. The second item concerned the approval of Resolution 26-002, which authorizes an agreement with Wight & Company, not to exceed $100,000.00, to provide consulting and architectural services for the development of plans for a new administration building, following a selection process.

The meeting included recognition of Charlie Boyle as the Airport Spotlight for October, highlighting his 43 years of service with the Civil Air Patrol and his career in broadcast journalism, which earned him five Emmy Awards. The Director of Finance reported on fiscal year-to-date budget metrics, noting operating revenues at 49.59% and expenses at 43.08% of the budget after six months. The Executive Director provided operational updates, noting an 8% increase in October flight operations compared to the previous year, 14 consecutive months of fuel flowage exceeding 8 million gallons, and the completion of several construction projects including the Northeast Quadrant New Tie Down Area and EMAS replacement. Updates were also provided on the Residential Sound Insulation Program, federal and state affairs, and a recent Air Taxi Conference in Europe. New business included the approval of resolutions authorizing the payment of claims, approval of annual airport insurance policies, approval of an updated scope of work with RS&H Inc. for an Environmental Assessment concerning Runway 6/24 decommissioning, and approval of the 2026 Board of Directors regular meeting schedule.

The Board meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Public comments included a discussion about implementing recommendations from the Part 150 Study, specifically regarding the 310 departure procedure, and encouraging a budget item for sound attenuation. A presentation on the Master Plan was given, detailing current forecasting work and future facility requirements, along with plans to distribute user surveys. Financial reports indicated the recovery of $18,000 in liens from a motel owner, with a future resolution planned for parking lot rental agreements. Key operational updates included the announcement of a maintenance technician's retirement, the success of the Tenant Appreciation luncheon, and progress on creating informational flyers regarding drone operation near the airport. Consensus was reached to update the Noise Exposure Maps to aid in seeking noise remediation funding. In New Business, the Board approved resolutions for a Professional Services Agreement with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly for the rehabilitation of Runway 16/34 and another agreement with the same firm for the construction of Taxiway L1 (Lima Bypass). The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss the sale or lease of property owned by the public body.