Finalizing the hangar lease agreement

Last Thursday, Andy Van Tol presented changes to the lease agreement in order to resolve issues of renewal and termination in ways that make sense, especially tax-wise, for hangar owners. The Saratoga Airport Board was satisfied with the language, and as of the Jan. 14 meeting, it had been sent out to the town attorney.

The vast majority of the language had been borrowed from the commercial lease, according to Van Tol, with one sentence taken from Fort Collins. The changes, which largely determine responsibility and ownership in lease changes as well as assign value to hangars at the end of a lease term, satisfied other hangar owners in the audience as well. Because much of the language was borrowed from the commercial lease, board members favored a motion which allowed the changes to be sent to the council for approval in February before the next airport board meeting providing it receives approval from the attorney.

There was an issue that raised questions, and it’s an issue that is causing trouble for hangar owners dealing with insurance policies. Right now, the town cannot be held accountable if their negligence damages hangars or property. According to council representative sitting on the board, Richard Raymer, it is possible that the town attorney will not approve that change. In spite of that, the board itself does not disagree with holding the town accountable for its negligence, and the board moved to send the lease agreement to the town council barring no significant objections from the town attorney.

The airport board insists that it is time to move forward from what has been a long debate over the lease agreements. Other current issues at the airport include beautification and structural changes, which has included zoning officer Kent Smith’s recommendation to demolish the airport tower. The board would like to proceed with demolition, keeping in mind protocol for items like asbestos testing that will need to be performed. The board moved to continue with demolition of the old terminal building included lowering the fence near the highway and removing the cattle guard.

The next Saratoga Airport Board meeting will be Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. at Saratoga Town Hall.