HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-28 Minutes
New Hanover County Airport Authority
January 28, 2026
Page 1
NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
January 28, 2026
CLOSED SESSION
Chairman Rhodes called for a motion for the Authority to enter into Closed Session to consult
with legal counsel pursuant to N.C.G.S. §143-318.11(a)(3) and to discuss matters relating to the
expansion of industries & Economic Development pursuant to N.C.G.S. §143-318.11(a)(4). Mr.
S. Thompson MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. J. Thompson, for the Authority to go into closed session.
Upon vote, the MOTION WAS APPROVED.
The Authority went into closed session at 4:20 pm.
Mr. J. Thompson MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Jones, to return to open session. Upon vote, the
MOTION WAS APPROVED.
OPEN SESSION
The Authority returned to open session at approximately 4:50 pm. Chairman Rhodes reported
that the Authority completed its consultation with legal counsel and discussion of matters
relating to economic development.
No action was taken.
CALL TO ORDER
The New Hanover County Airport Authority met on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Wilmington
International Airport, 1740 Airport Boulevard, Wilmington, North Carolina. Chairman Nick
Rhodes called the meeting to order at 4:54 p.m. Ms. Pierce led the Authority in the pledge of
allegiance. Chairman Rhodes asked Authority members if they had any conflict of interest
. No conflicts of interest or potential
conflicts of interest were identified.
Airport Authority members present were Nick Rhodes, Chairman; Jason Thompson, Vice
Chairman; Faison Gibson, Secretary; Spruill Thompson, Past Chairman; Wanda Copley, Andrew
Jones, and LeAnn Pierce. Kemp Burpeau, Senior Deputy County Attorney, was also present. ILM
staff present included Jeff Bourk, Airport Director; Robert Campbell, Deputy Airport Director;
Granseur Dick, Deputy Airport Director; and Rose Davis, Executive Assistant.
Approximately 17 guests from the public attended the Authority meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Authority has reviewed the minutes of the Authority meeting on December 3, 2025. Mr. S.
Thompson MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. J. Thompson to approve the minutes of the December 3,
New Hanover County Airport Authority
January 28, 2026
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2025, meeting as submitted. Upon vote, the MOTION WAS APPROVED.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
2025 CY ILM Employee Certifications
Scotson Jenkins EMT
Sean Marquette EMT
Erin McNally CM
Brandon Sherman ACE
Louis Woodman - EMT
2025 CY ILM Employee Longevity Acknowledgements
Bob Campbell 10 Years
Janice Davis 10 years
Cynthia Mitchell 35 Years
PUBLIC COMMENTS None.
ACTION ITEMS
Mr. Campbell recommended approval of the following:
a. A Non-Federal Reimbursable Agreement between New Hanover County Airport Authority
and Federal Aviation Administration for a total estimated cost of $175,000.00. The
purpose of this five-year agreement is for the FAA to provide maintenance and repair of
the runway 6 Instrument Landing System (ILS) with associated Distance Measurement
Equipment (DME) at ILM. Mr. Jones MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. J. Thompson to approve
the Non-Federal Reimbursable Agreement between New Hanover County Airport
Authority and Federal Aviation Administration as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION
WAS APPROVED.
b. A Professional Services Agreement between New Hanover County Airport Authority and
DKMG Consulting, LLC. The agreement extends the contract for 2 years at a cost not to
exceed $30,000 per year. Mr. S. Thompson MOVED, SECONDED by Ms. Gibson, to
approve the Professional Services Agreement between New Hanover County Airport
Authority and DKMG Consulting, LLC. as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION WAS
APPROVED.
c. A Resolution Authorizing New Hanover County Airport Authority to execute and deliver
an Option Agreement with ILM Airport Hotel Partners, LLC, and other matters relating
thereto. Mr. Jones MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. S. Thompson to approve the Resolution
Authorizing New Hanover County Airport Authority to execute and deliver an Option
Agreement with ILM Airport Hotel Partners, LLC, subject to review and approval of
outside council. Upon vote, the MOTION WAS APPROVED as amended. (A copy of the
New Hanover County Airport Authority
January 28, 2026
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Resolution Authorizing New Hanover County Airport Authority to execute and deliver an
Option Agreement with ILM Airport Hotel Partners, LLC, and other matters relating
thereto is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book III,
page 235.)
d. Amended and Restated Option to Lease Agreement between New Hanover County
commences on February 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2026. The Hotel will pay $50,000
upon execution of the agreement (non-refundable), an additional $50,000 upon closing
of their financing, and rent payments will resume immediately upon execution and
delivery of the amended and restated sublease agreement. Mr. S. Thompson MOVED,
SECONDED by Mr. J. Thompson, to approve the Amended and Restated Option to Lease
Agreement between New Hanover County Airport Authority and ILM Airport Hotel
Partners, LLC as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION WAS APPROVED.
None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None.
NEW BUSINESS None.
Prepared by: Respectfully Submitted:
Rose M. Davis
_______________________________
Faison Gibson, Secretary
Date of Approval: February 25, 2026