Council approves city hay-lease bids for airport farmland and smaller tracts

The Mobridge City Council approved two lease awards at its Dec. 29 special meeting: an airport farmland lease to a single bidder and leases for several smaller tracts.

Staff reported that the airport farmland request produced one bid from Tanner Ulmer for $17,002.95 per year under a one-year term with two one-year renewal options; staff recommended the award, saying the bidder has a "great working relationship with the city" and does a good job on the property. The council moved, seconded and approved the airport lease award.

For several smaller tracts, staff said they received a single bid from Chris Zeller for $3,400. Staff recommended approval based on past performance; the council moved and approved the bid.

Staff and council characterized the approvals as routine lease renewals and awards; follow-up tasks include finalizing lease paperwork with the successful bidders.