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Board reviews proposal for Eli Lilly-sponsored rocket STEM event at Sheridan; insurance and operational concerns raised
Summary
A company-affiliated organizer proposed a one-day Eli Lilly rocket-launch STEM event at Sheridan in September that would close the field for the day and bring 200–300 attendees; board members requested a written proposal and explicit insurance/indemnification covering crop and property damage before granting approval.
Board members reviewed a preliminary plan for a one-day rocket-launch STEM outreach event hosted by an Eli Lilly-affiliated organizer at Sheridan Airport in September.
The presenter described the event as a community outreach/stem-day that would launch model rockets to about 2,000 feet, draw roughly 200–300 attendees arriving by bus, and require onsite portable toilets. “They would bring people in on buses because we don't have enough parking,” the presenter said, adding that the organizer would submit a written proposal.
Board members sought assurances on insurance and indemnification. One member said it “would be a lot more comfortable” if insurance explicitly covered damage to adjacent crop fields and other property and recommended the policy name the county and airport authority as additional insured. The presenter said the organizers believed they could obtain the standard county event insurance and would provide a certificate of insurance for review; staff agreed to route any COI to legal counsel for review.
Timing and operational concerns were raised: September was considered the riskiest month because tall corn fields could hide lost rockets; members suggested limiting event hours or considering a later (November) date to reduce agricultural risk. The presenter said organizers could shift the date plus or minus one day as a rain date and would prepare a written proposal and COI for legal review.
Why it matters: Large public events at smaller airports affect day-to-day operations, tenant access, insurance exposure and neighbor impacts; board approval would be contingent on adequate mitigation and documentation.
Next steps: The presenter will submit a written proposal and certificate of insurance; staff and legal counsel will review indemnification language and operational impacts before the board grants final permission.
