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Chillicothe council allows limited overnight camping under aircraft wings; council keeps sublease approvals case-by-case
Summary
Council authorized Airport Manager Toby Caliver to permit pilots and companions to sleep under aircraft wings at approved locations with a signed hold‑harmless agreement, and directed that private terminal sublease requests remain subject to City Council approval on a case‑by‑case basis.
The Chillicothe City Council on July 13 approved a request from Airport Advisory Board President David Warren to allow pilots and their traveling companions to sleep overnight under the wings of their planes at city‑approved locations, provided they sign a hold‑harmless agreement releasing the city from liability. The motion, made by Councilman Manny Morales and seconded by Councilwoman Pam Jarding, passed 5-0.
City Auditor Allison Jeffries told council members that the city's insurer, Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (MIRMA), did not recommend the practice. Council discussion produced a compromise: authorize Airport Manager Toby Caliver to approve specific locations and occupants on a case‑by‑case basis so long as the hold‑harmless agreement is signed. The minutes record the policy as limited and administrative rather than a blanket permission.
Separately, David Warren asked the council to change ground lease language to permit private terminal owners to sublet interior space. City Attorney Robert Cowherd explained the current lease already allows subleases with prior City Council consent; council members said they preferred to continue reviewing sublease requests on a case‑by‑case basis. Cowherd said he would clarify lease language to reflect that subleasing requires prior council consent.
Warren also reported that the June 20 airport Fly‑In was a success: 77 youths and two police officers took rides in aircraft, and the event drew strong community participation. Mayor Theresa Kelly also recommended Mike Murrell to the Airport Board; the council approved Murrell’s appointment by vote earlier in the meeting.
