DeLand approves leases with Cloud Dancer Aviation after tenant objections over ramp access and lease type

The DeLand City Commission on Nov. 3 approved two agreements with Cloud Dancer Aviation Inc. — a ground lease for a hangar and a 10‑year ramp‑space lease — after members of the public raised concerns about transparency and the potential effect on other airport tenants.

Gus Sprang, who identified himself as a 27‑year tenant and hangar operator at the airport, told commissioners the ramp lease ‘‘is, in my humble opinion, in violation of FAA grant assurances’’ and argued the document should be classified and priced as a building lease rather than a ground lease. ‘‘You're leasing a building for about half of market rate,’’ he said, and warned that a 10‑year ramp lease could ‘‘lock up’’ tie‑down space needed for future fixed‑base operator (FBO) development.

City staff responded that the agreements were treated as ground leases in line with existing airport practice and that the 10‑year term aligned with remaining renewal rights on the tenant's prior lease. Staff explained the shorter term was chosen to allow a significant rent increase now rather than renegotiating an entirely new ground‑lease package. ‘‘It is a ground lease and always has been a ground lease since its accept inception,’’ staff said. The city also noted it has ‘‘significant grant assurances with the FAA that we can't discriminate,’’ and that the airport would not bar comparable rental opportunities if similar circumstances presented themselves.

Commissioners asked about the number and use of tie‑down spaces near the leased facilities; staff referenced figures in the low‑to‑mid‑20s for the spaces in question (speakers mentioned 22–25 spaces) and said the lease language requires active use of spaces rather than long‑term derelict aircraft storage. Staff also described rent adjustment mechanics: CPI adjustments with typical annual adjustments and periodic market readjustments; ramp lease adjustments use a market survey every two years.

After the exchange, the commission moved and seconded approval of both items; both motions passed by voice vote and the chair declared the motions carried.

What happens next: The leases were adopted as presented and will take effect per their terms. Commissioners and airport staff noted that airport master‑plan policy and future discussions about additional FBO development may deserve separate commission consideration.

Quotes in this report come directly from speakers during the Nov. 3 DeLand City Commission meeting.