City council votes to select new airport fixed-base operator
The Paso Robles Airport.
Council follows advice of ad hoc committee to award Loyd’s Aviation 40-year lease
– The Paso Robles City Council met Tuesday night for its regular meeting. At the meeting, the council voted to follow the guidance of the ad hoc airport committee to enter into negotiations with Loyd’s Aviation as the fixed-based operator services at Paso Robles Municipal Airport for a 40-year lease term.
Proposals for the plans during the leasehold were submitted by both candidates, ACI Jet and Loyd’s Aviation, and the combined report on the proposals can be found here.
The ad hoc committee reached the conclusion that “Loyd’s Aviation’s support for piston engine and general aviation aircraft, including Loyd’s Aviation’s willingness to provide onsite aviation maintenance by owning and operating the maintenance shop; Loyd’s Aviation’s ability to service jets; Loyd’s Aviation’s culture and fit with the city; Loyd’s Aviation’s development vision as related to the needs of the Paso Robles Airport, and the ability for the city to retain local control of the airport.”
After the proposal presentations, a public comment period was held as well as an extensive discussion between council members and staff.
Councilman Chris Bausch said that “change would be disruptive,” and believed that the public supported choosing the other candidate, the current operator, ACI Jet. Bausch said ACI’s plan would leave the airport more improved, that he believes that there’s more of a shift to commercial aviation which the ACI Jet plan would support.
Councilman Fred Strong said the public in general is likely not as knowledgeable as people directly involved in the industry regarding this decision. He believed that the current general aviation usage at the airport sets the airport apart and makes it a more attractive option for a spaceport.
Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Gregory said that he, “has been hearing a lot of concerns about general aviation maintenance,” with the current operator.
Councilmember Chris Bausch was the only dissenting vote of the council members who could vote on the issue, which included Steve Gregory, Fred Strong, and Sharon Roden. Mayor John Hamon recused himself before the discussion began due to concerns raised for conflict of interest, as Hamon is also a leaseholder at the airport.
Other council actions
The meeting started with a Juneteenth proclamation given by Mayor John Hamon. June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Click here to read the proclamation.
The council approved the consent agenda unanimously.
A public hearing was held confirming the existence of weeds creating a potential fire hazard at 12 different properties in the city. The council approved the official confirmation of the properties out of compliance as a public nuisance, now allowing the fire department to order their abatement.
The council voted 4 to 1 to adopt the Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Years 2024-25 and 2025-26 and Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Click here to view the full budget report.
Related: Día de los Muertos celebration approved for city park
Watch the complete meeting which was live-streamed on YouTube below:
