Monte Vista council approves airport FBO contract, appoints Jed Ellethorpe

In front of you is the airport lease operating contract for the fixed based operator, Rob said as he introduced the agreement for council consideration.

The contract, presented as an agreement between the City of Monte Vista Municipal Corporation and Jed Ellethorpe doing business as Alpine Aviation LLC, would continue Ellethorpe's role as the airport's fixed-base operator (FBO). Rob said the operator's duties include light maintenance, monitoring lights and hangars, tracking tenants and operating the fuel system, and that the operator historically purchased fuel while the city received applicable fuel taxes.

Rob said the agreement offers the operator the use of two city-owned hangars for the operator's purposes and provides a one-year term with annual renewal options. "He has lessened the burden on myself and my staff tremendously," Rob said when describing the operator's work.

Councilors moved and seconded approval of the contract. The motion carried with four yes votes and one abstention; the council also appointed Jed Ellethorpe as the fixed-base operator under the contract.

The contract presented tonight is a continuation of the operator arrangement the council has extended for the last three years and allows the operator to choose annual renewals, as described by staff. No additional compensation from the city was described in the presentation beyond the hangar use and the contractual provisions discussed.

Council members who participated in the roll call and vote included Councilor Lorenz, Councilor Watson, Councilor Howard, Mayor Pro Tem Segula and Mayor Becker. The record captured the motion as carried with a 4-0-1 tally (four yes, one abstain).