Board directs staff to negotiate lease with Sterling Foundation for proposed museum hangar

During the public‑comment portion of the Nov. 20 meeting, Larry Larman introduced himself as founder of the Sterling Foundation and described plans to build an aircraft museum and a technical training program at the airport.

Larman described proposed hangar dimensions (a 70‑foot‑wide door 16 feet high and a secondary 22‑foot door) and said the project funding would come from himself and the Sterling Foundation. He said the facility would be used for community programming, aircraft restoration training and potential EAA‑style activities.

Board members discussed airport layout and regulatory steps. One board member advised not to begin construction work until a lease agreement is in place and an Airport Layout Plan (ALP) update and environmental review are completed. The board moved that Jessica work with Larman on a lease agreement for the board to vote on next month; the motion was seconded and the board recorded that the motion carried.

What was authorized: the motion authorized staff to negotiate a lease; it did not authorize construction, site work, ALP changes, environmental approvals or permits. Board members reminded the public that ALP updates and FAA airspace approvals would be required before the project could proceed.

Next steps: staff (Jessica) will work with the Sterling Foundation on a draft lease for the board’s review; additional procedural steps—ALP update, environmental review and any FAA airspace approvals—remain prerequisites to construction.