Lake Isabella council continues airport lease talks, directs staff to return with options

The Village of Lake Isabella Village Council on July 21 received an update on the village-owned airport and directed staff to return the matter to a future meeting for additional information and counsel review.

Interim Village Manager Manley told council the update covered the Airport Association's LLC formation, the status of a proposed lease agreement, the expiration of the village's Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) grant obligations, and the results of a recent MDOT inspection, which identified required tree trimming and other inspection items.

Why it matters: the village still owns the airport, and outstanding MDOT obligations and inspection findings affect both operational maintenance and any future transfer of ownership. Manley noted that the village must consider charter requirements and the potential implications of not completing the required inspection items.

Council discussed continuing lease negotiations and which party would be responsible for airport maintenance while ownership remains with the village. Council did not take a formal vote on the lease but directed staff to place the airport matter on a future agenda, determine the ramifications of not completing the inspection items, and continue working with legal counsel on the proposed lease agreement.

During public comment, resident Jeff Grey urged that the village attorney prepare the airport lease rather than relying solely on a draft provided by the Airport Association, citing the village's ownership interest. Council acknowledged the comment and noted legal counsel was already involved in the lease review.

Next steps: staff will return with additional information, including legal counsel feedback and options for addressing the MDOT inspection items, at a later meeting.