Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Airport Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council introduces FAA lease for airport AWOS equipment; ordinance set for second reading
Summary
The council introduced on first reading an ordinance authorizing a 10‑year lease with the FAA for antenna and equipment space used by the airport's automated weather observation system (AWOS); staff said the lease formalizes a relationship that has been on a year‑to‑year basis since 2015.
The Visalia City Council introduced an ordinance on first reading to authorize a 10‑year airport lease agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration for space and equipment needed to operate the airport’s automated weather observation system (AWOS).
Airport Manager Jody Miller explained the lease covers antenna space and equipment rooms that support AWOS—technology that permits instrument approaches and operations during poor weather. Miller said the city has operated on rolling short‑term arrangements since a prior lease expired in 2015 and that the new ordinance would put the relationship on a formal 10‑year footing; the FAA’s equipment is stored in the business terminal closet and an equipment room in a tenant hangar, Miller said.
Councilmember motioned to introduce Ordinance No. 2026‑02 authorizing the city manager to execute the airport lease with the FAA; the motion was seconded and the council approved the introduction on a 4–0 vote with Councilmember Nelson absent. Miller also promoted an upcoming free public "Wings and Wheels" airport event Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The ordinance will return for a second reading and adoption according to the city’s ordinance schedule.
