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Council declines early termination of airport farm lease; lease remains through Feb. 29, 2027
Summary
The council voted against a tenant's request to end his airport farm lease one year early. The minutes show the lease runs March 1, 2024–Feb. 29, 2027 at $320/acre (≈59 acres); council discussed subleasing/custom farming rules and options before declining termination 5–2 (motion to terminate failed).
Council considered a request from tenant Leon Bachmann for early termination of his airport farm lease. Staff confirmed the current lease term runs March 1, 2024 through Feb. 29, 2027 and that the rental rate is cited in minutes as $320 per acre for roughly 59 acres.
Council discussion focused on agricultural productivity of the soil, whether the tenant could custom-farm or sublet the ground (staff said subleasing requires council approval and custom‑farming arrangements would be reviewed), and whether it would be preferable to allow the tenant to keep the lease and hire a custom operator versus terminating the contract early and re-leasing. Several council members noted commodity prices and market conditions as factors for future bids.
After debate, the council voted on a motion to approve the early termination. The roll-call recorded in the minutes shows the motion failed (5–2 recorded in the minutes as a decline of the termination), so the lease will continue through its current term. Staff and council noted that if the city later seeks new bids or sale, notification timing would be important (staff said notice must be given before September to affect the following crop/bid cycle).
Why it matters: The decision preserves the current lease and the tenant’s contractual rights through Feb. 29, 2027; it leaves open options for custom farming, sale or future bidding once the term ends.
Next steps: Staff will review the lease document at council direction to clarify sublease/custom‑farming language and report back if council wants to pursue sale or re‑bidding nearer the lease end date.
