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Clinton County Legislature approves Tailwind lease at Plattsburgh International Airport after debate over utilities
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Summary
Lawmakers approved a lease with Tailwind MC, LLC for a restaurant at Plattsburgh International Airport amid concerns over a flat utility fee and rent protections tied to enplanement thresholds; the measure passed 8-0-2. The Legislature later extended an FBO contract by one year in a separate, split vote.
Clinton County legislators voted May 23 to authorize a lease with Tailwind MC, LLC to operate a restaurant at Plattsburgh International Airport after a brief, at-times contested discussion about utility costs and rent protections.
The lease (Resolution #396) was moved by Legislator Robert Hall and seconded by Legislator Pete Keenan. Legislator Christopher Rosenquest said he was concerned about the proposed flat utility rate for the county-owned building and recorded a no vote; Legislator Robert Hall also voted no, citing objection to rent protections that would apply if annual enplanements fell to 100,000. Legislator Simon Conroy said enplanements are expected to rise “about 150,000 to 200,000,” and supported the lease. County Administrator Michael Zurlo said lease negotiation details are not always printed in resolutions but are negotiated during contract talks. The measure carried 8-0-2, with Hall and Rosenquest voting no.
Supporters said allowing Tailwind to establish service in the terminal will benefit travelers and enhance concessions revenue. Airport Committee members had recommended the lease after reviewing concession and grant opportunities; the County had also discussed seeking a NYS Department of Transportation aviation grant earlier in committee deliberations.
During the meeting, legislators asked operational questions: Legislator Rob Timmons asked whether utility usage by the restaurant could be separately determined; Deputy County Administrator Rodney Brown said it could not be determined from available data. Timmons also asked who sets insurance requirements for on-site alcohol service; Zurlo said Tailwind MC, LLC must meet the county's insurance requirements.
Later in the evening the Legislature approved an amendment (Resolution #429) to extend the Fixed Base Operator contract with Eagle Aviation Services by one year, making it a two-year agreement. That amendment passed 6-4; Chairperson Harry McManus and Legislators Simon Conroy, Patty Waldron and Christopher Rosenquest were recorded in the negative.
The session included routine committee scheduling and other omnibus resolutions that were approved with little debate. The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.