Council reconsiders and approves Vance Brand hangar lease to Mile High Skydiving Center

The Longmont City Council reconsidered an airport lease item and unanimously approved a bill authorizing the City of Longmont to lease Vance Brand Municipal Airport Hangar Parcel H‑34D to Mile High Skydiving Center.

Background: The item had previously failed to pass on second reading, producing a tie. Council voted unanimously to place the reconsideration on the Jan. 28 agenda and then, following discussion, voted to approve the lease.

Why it matters: Airport leases can affect airport operations, tenant services and compliance with Federal Aviation Administration and grant assurances. Council members who opposed the item earlier said they had unanswered questions about off‑site landing operations and other operational details; supporters argued that declining to renew the lease would put the city at legal risk and could limit airport services.

Council discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Hidalgo Faring said she asked for reconsideration because she believed the earlier vote did not address the operational questions (including off‑site landing data) and that non‑renewal would not resolve those concerns. Legal counsel advised council about contract obligations and statutory mechanics for reconsideration. After additional remarks, council reconsidered and then approved the lease.

Vote: Motion to reconsider passed unanimously. The ordinance authorizing the Vance Brand Municipal Airport Hangar Parcel H‑34D lease to Mile High Skydiving Center then passed unanimously on council vote.

Next steps: Staff will execute the lease and coordinate with the airport tenant and airport operations on required insurance, FAA coordination, and any operational conditions included in the lease.