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Board approves consent agenda including airport lease; public raises concerns about 50‑year term and lead emissions
Summary
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved its consent agenda (items 1–8) by roll call, including a long‑term airport lease at Palomar County Airport, while public commenters praised capital investment and questioned a proposed 50‑year lease term.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved the consent agenda (items 1–8) by roll call, with one supervisor recusing from the entire consent agenda on legal advice and the remaining supervisors voting aye.
Public comment on the consent agenda included support and opposition tied to airport leases and local projects. Byron Fox, identifying himself as a representative of TDA Investment Group and fiduciary for the Construction Laborers Pension Trust for Southern California, urged approval of the Carlsbad Jet Center lease, saying the trust has invested about $15 million in infrastructure and sustainability since acquiring the leasehold in 2019 and praising staff and the Palomar Airport Advisory Committee for their recommendation. "This is really a fine example of a public private partnership," Fox said.
Other speakers opposed a proposed 50‑year lease for a Palomar Airport tenant, calling the term too long and raising questions about pending litigation affecting airport leases. Robert Gurman (recorded as opposing item 8) said a 50‑year lease was inappropriate when strategic plans are updated every five years and that a shorter term would better match planning horizons.
Another public speaker thanked the board and staff for directing placement of Proposition 65 signs at county airports after concerns about lead emissions from general aviation aircraft were raised by the public.
At the board’s request, airport staff explained that a 50‑year lease is intended to enable tenants to access longer‑term financing to invest substantially in airport infrastructure; staff said lease updates and amendments would return to the board as needed. Supervisor Desmond recused himself from the consent vote on legal advice; the motion carried with all remaining supervisors voting yes.
The action approves routine items included on the consent calendar; specific contract terms and lease documents identified in the staff packet will govern the long‑term obligations and any conditions tied to environmental or legal contingencies. Several speakers asked the board to consider shorter lease terms, monitor pending litigation, and ensure any environmental signage or mitigation is handled promptly by airport staff.
The board’s roll‑call vote recorded the consent‑agenda approval as passed.
