Report Prepared by: Karen Baker, Development Associate, Merced Visitor Services
Title
SUBJECT: Renewal of the Merced Regional Airport Agricultural Ground Lease
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers Renewing an Agricultural Ground Lease at Merced Regional Airport with John Gurr.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving as recommended by the Regional Airport Authority; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Assistant City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by Council; or,
3. Deny the request completely; or
4. Refer back to staff for reconsideration of specific items as requested by Council; or,
5. Continue item to a future Council meeting (date to be specified in City Council motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2017-18 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The City of Merced owns property north and south of the runway located at Merced Regional Airport. The property was acquired to protect the takeoff and landing flight lines at the Airport from dense or incompatible land uses, and is zoned Agriculture (A-G, previously A-1-20.) Other than agriculture, land uses such as residential, commercial, and industrial are restricted, which is consistent with the Merced Airport Master Plan. Past leases have been approved for cattle grazing by the City Council.
The Merced Regional Airport has had an agricultural ground lease with Mr. John Gurr, a local rancher, for 78.84 acres along the Merced Regional Airport flight line (See Exhibit B of Attachment 1). The land is being used for beef cattle pasture. Mr. Gurr, according to the agreement, cuts and removes all weeds on the premises, which is an assistance to the Airport.
Mr. Gurr has indicated that he would like continue leasing the land from the City at the Airport he currently uses, as described in Exhibit A and Exhibit B of the proposed Lease (see Attachment 1.) Mr. Gurr requested that the lease rate stay at $ 3,034.00 due to work that needed to be done on the property and in consideration of the previous several years high stand by fees with MID during the drought. Staff agreed to a one-year agreement at that term.
The Regional Airport Authority considered the Lease Agreement on June 27, 2017, and recommended approval of the agricultural lease to Merced City Council.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Gurr Lease Agreement