cover
TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Steve Andras, P.E., Airport Manager
DATE: May 5, 2026
SUBJECT:
Requesting an approval of a resolution renewing the airport maintenance contract with Airfield Maintenance Services, LLC whose contract expires December 31, 2026. To prevent any interruption in service during inclement weather and to allow the contractor to acquire financing for equipment replacement, we are recommending the approval of a new five-year contract with two one-year automatic renewals (see attached agreement).
PURPOSE:
Airport maintenance requires specialized training and certifications as prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Aurora Municipal Airport, ARR is open 24 hours a day and has earned a reputation as a safe and reliable reliever airport.
BACKGROUND:
Airfield Maintenance Services, LLC (AMS) is owned by John Broz and has successfully performed the maintenance responsibilities for the Aurora Municipal Airport for over three and a half years.
Since Airfield Maintenance Services, LLC has taken over maintenance responsibilities they have proven their knowledge, organizational skills, efficient equipment use and command of the required tasks associated with airfield maintenance.
It is important to note that Airfield Maintenance Services, LLC is on call 24-7 and provides staff who reside on site for airfield emergency services, making them uniquely qualified to perform all maintenance activities due to the need for immediate response as required by the FAA; the supporting staff also live within close proximity to provide supplemental services as needed for unplanned maintenance and emergencies. In addition to performing winter operations such as snow removal and airfield de-icing, AMS performs grounds keeping operations over the airport's approximately 1,100 acres during the warmer months. AMS also services high voltage airfield lighting and signage systems and sanitary sewer lift stations. AMS does not perform these services for any other airport
The initial contract amount beginning January 1, 2027 for Airfield Maintenance Services reflects a 3.9% increase over their current contract amount adjusted per the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as well as an increase to comply with the City's new insurance policy minimums.
The new contract will provide an escalation clause tied to the CPI and will also be capped at 4%.
DISCUSSION:
Funds are provided for in the City's budget under account no. 504-4454-433.38-25 to pay for these services.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The approval of this contract will have no negative impact to the City of Aurora and will allow for uninterrupted maintenance service at the Aurora Municipal Airport.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The airport staff recommends the approval of this resolution providing for a renewal contract for Airfield Maintenance Services
cc: Building, Zoning, Economic Development Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the execution of an Airport Maintenance Operations Agreement with Airfield Maintenance Services, LLC for five years with two automatic one-year renewals in the initial amount of $461,500.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora owns operates and maintains the Aurora Municipal Airport; and
WHEREAS, the existing Airport Maintenance Operations Agreement with Airfield Maintenance Services, LLC expires on December 31, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora wishes to renew an Airport Maintenance Operations Agreement with Airfield Maintenance Services, LLC; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to 2-335 of the Code of Ordinances and the City’s home rule powers vested in its City Council, the City is authorized to enter into this Agreement as a means to exercise its power and perform any functions pertaining to its government and affairs including, but not limited to its power to select sources and let contracts in any manner not prohibited by law, except as such power may be lawfully preempted in accordance with the constitution of the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, funding for this service is budgeted annually in account 504-4454-433.38-25.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that an airport maintenance operations agreement with Airfield Maintenance Services, LLC in the initial amount of $461,500 shall be and hereby is authorized consistent with the purposes and intent of this Resolution; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the duration of said agreement shall be for a period of five (5) years with two one-year automatic renewals.