Commission approves five-year Robin Hood Airport ground lease after lessee urges longer terms

The Big Rapids City Commission voted to approve a ground lease at Robin Hood Airport for the parcel referenced in the meeting packet, setting a five-year initial term with two 10‑year extension options and current annual rates of $490.

Mark (staff member) summarized the lease and said it is similar to recent agreements but includes some differences such as the reversion language and rate review mechanisms; he recommended approval.

In public comment, Matt Vance, a recent hangar purchaser who identified himself to the commission, urged longer initial terms. “Five years is too short,” Vance said. He described national and regional trends showing airport leases long enough to allow buyers to obtain bank financing and recommended a 10‑year term, noting the city might then modestly increase rates while remaining competitive. Vance said he had been contacted by staff shortly before a prior meeting with proposed term changes and asked commissioners to consider how term length affects market competitiveness.

Commissioners moved and seconded the resolution to approve the lease. The motion passed by voice roll call.

The approved lease authorizes staff to execute the agreement under the terms presented; the commission did not amend the five‑year initial term at the meeting. Staff noted commissioners plan to continue reviewing rates over time.

The commission’s action is procedural approval of the lease as presented. Any future changes to lease-term policy, including a shift toward routinely offering 10‑year initial terms, would require further commission discussion and a formal policy change.