Council signs several airport ground leases and approves temporary sublease with Fort Lewis College

Tony Vicari, aviation director, presented a package of ordinances to authorize new ground leases for three existing hangar lessees in the South General Aviation complex. Vicari said the leases follow airport leasing policy with base terms of 15 years given the structures’ ages and market alignment; the airport advisory commission had unanimously recommended approval. He estimated the leases would produce modest long-term ground rent (example figure: about $3,500 annual for one hangar at the city’s current rate) and ongoing aeronautical fees.

Council approved each ordinance by roll call with no substantive public opposition recorded. Vicari also described related airport construction and design projects that were included earlier in the budget amendments presentation.

Separately, J. H. Desrosiers of the Prosperity Office introduced an ordinance authorizing a sublease with Fort Lewis College for roughly 1,200 square feet at 835 Main Avenue to establish a collaborative community hub and temporarily house the Prosperity Office during City Hall construction. Desrosiers said the annual rent would be $23,870 ($19.25 per square foot), that the space would host partners including the FLC AI Institute, La Plata Economic Development Alliance, Colorado SBDC, and others, and that the city anticipates moving in late August or early September.