Committee backs backdated Avis parking lease, approves hangar lease assignment and hears airport update

The Facilities, Capital & Strategic Planning Committee recommended approval of a backdated parking lease with Bay Leasing and Renting, doing business as Avis Rent A Car, and recommended approval of a lease assignment that transfers one quarter of a quad hangar to Airport Manager Mick Higgins.

Airport Manager Mick Higgins told the committee enplanements "are up 260 over last year’s enplanements," said contract fuel sales for January were up while retail sales dipped because of weather, and reported that all airport equipment is operational. He said the county will rebid the T-hangar construction contract with work expected in spring 2026, two runway plows are on track for May 2026, cameras will be added in place of inspection ladders at no additional cost, and the airport layout program is awaiting FAA approval.

On the lease with Bay Leasing and Renting (DBA Avis), Higgins said the lessee has operated at the airport since November 2025; the committee recommended approval of a one-year lease backdated to Nov. 1, 2025, at $1,500 per year with a 3% annual increase and an option to extend for one additional year. The committee recorded a roll-call recommendation vote with Commissioners Fournier, Konarzewski, Kozlowski and Chair Todd Britton voting in the affirmative.

The committee also reviewed an assignment of lease conveying a quarter-share of a quad hangar from Howard E. Riley Jr. to Edward (Mick) Higgins. Members noted that Exhibit A in the draft was incorrect and asked Manager Higgins to provide a corrected exhibit and to explain the quad configuration at the full board meeting. The committee recommended approval of the assignment as presented.

The committee will forward both recommendations and the updated lease exhibit to next week’s full board meeting for final action.