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Commission sets public hearing for Iowa National Guard ground lease at airport
Summary
The commission voted to set a public hearing next month on a proposed ground lease with the Iowa National Guard that would add roughly an acre of land to guard control and bring about $9,000 a year in rent; commissioners discussed lease terms, impacts to farmland and nearby hangar development.
The Airport Commission voted to set a public hearing next month on a proposed ground lease that would give the Iowa National Guard additional land around the reserve building, commission members said.
The proposed lease would add roughly an acre of ground to the area around the reserve building and is expected to generate about $9,000 a year in rent, staff said. The additional ground would include one area for exclusive use and an adjacent shared drive so the guard can make a north-end turn, according to the discussion in the meeting.
Commission members said the federal government will continue to control the underlying ground lease for the next 35 years; this agreement addresses use of the surface ground around the building. Commissioners discussed the lease’s initial and option terms: an initial two-year term with subsequent five-year options, and periodic rent adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index when options are exercised. Staff said the lease will include notice provisions so the airport can terminate the portion of the farm lease covering the area before construction begins to avoid paying crop damage.
Commissioners asked whether the additional fenced area would limit hangar depth or placement for private developers; staff replied the change would reduce available depth in the west area and could limit construction of very large hangars in that location.
A motion to adopt a resolution setting the public hearing on the ground lease was made and seconded; the chair called the vote and the motion passed. The public hearing and a formal vote on the lease will be held next month, staff said.
The commission’s packet included a site map showing the two parcels—one for exclusive guard use and another to be shared as a drive—and staff said the lease will require coordination with the farm lease currently in place for the south end of the property.
The commission directed staff to finalize lease language, correct typographical issues, and distribute the draft lease to tenants for a public comment period (anticipated at a February or March meeting) before final adoption. The commission also noted the lease contains standard FAA compliance language; the guard will be expected to operate in accordance with FAA regulations while on airport property.
Votes at a glance: The commission approved a procedural resolution setting a public hearing on the Iowa National Guard ground lease (motion moved and seconded; vote called and recorded as approved). The meeting also approved the minutes from the Dec. 12 meeting by motion and voice vote.
