Jason G. Griffith

The board meeting includes presentations featuring an airport spotlight and an aviation academy. Agenda items include reports from the Director of Finance and Executive Director, as well as several resolutions: authorizing the payment of claims, awarding an airfield remarking contract, approving a professional service agreement for public relations, and rescheduling a future board meeting. An executive session is scheduled to discuss collective negotiating matters and the sale or lease of airport property.

The board meeting focused on three primary resolutions. First, the board authorized the payment of claims as detailed in the provided check register. Second, the board approved an updated schedule of rates, charges, and fees for airport operations, effective for the upcoming fiscal year. Finally, the board awarded a contract for grounds maintenance services to Milieu Landscaping following a competitive procurement process, noting their experience and competitive proposal for a two-year initial term.

The board meeting included a presentation from the Ninety-Nines International regarding their aviation safety seminar. The Director of Finance provided an update on operating revenues and expenses, and the Executive Director reported on airport operations, fuel flowage, and customs clearances. Progress updates were provided for the Residential Sound Insulation Program, various construction projects including Taxiway Echo and EMAS, and federal and state legislative affairs. The board also passed a resolution authorizing the payment of claims and conducted the appointment of officers for the positions of Vice Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary.

The Board of Directors held a budget workshop to discuss the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan and the fiscal year 2027 budget. Key topics included a detailed financial report covering revenue sources such as fuel flowage fees, leases, and sewer fees, alongside an analysis of personnel, service, and supply expenses. The discussion further addressed debt management, the Vehicle and Equipment Reserve Fund (VERF), and capital project categories including sewer, land, and building improvements. Board members questioned the classification of reserve funds, the impact of CPI adjustments, overtime scheduling for U.S. Customs, and the future transition of fuel types to electric infrastructure.

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.