Council approves one-year airport hayland lease bid at $85 per acre

The council approved staff’s recommendation to award a one-year lease for approximately 30.8 acres of airport hayland to Jake Johansen and Bobby Johansen at a bid rate of $85 per acre, for a total of $2,618 for the year.

Cole explained staff re-advertised the lease after no multi-year bids were received and noted the one-year term has no renewal option because airport construction anticipated in 2026 may affect the acreage available for haying. Cole said funds collected from the hayland lease are credited to the airport fund.

Staff will prepare a lease agreement with the Johansens pending council approval. Councilors approved the bid and asked staff to proceed with drafting the contract.

Discussion vs. decision
- Discussion: Staff explained the re-advertising and rationale for a one-year lease due to expected airport construction in 2026.
- Direction: Staff to prepare a one-year lease agreement with Jake and Bobby Johansen and credit funds to the airport fund.
- Formal action: Council approved the one-year lease bid and directed staff to draft the lease.