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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Steve Andras, P.E., Acting Airport Manager
DATE: October 11, 2021
SUBJECT:
A resolution approving a direct aviation operating agreement at the Aurora Municipal Airport with Gambit Aviation, LLC and terminating an existing agreement with Bunker Aviation.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval of a direct aviation operating agreement with Gambit Aviation, LLC.
BACKGROUND:
Jared Sebesta, chief flight instructor and Mitch Wagner, president of Bunker Aviation, LLC have mutually agreed to dissolve their company, Bunker Aviation. Both have also agreed that Sebesta will form a new company called Gambit Aviation, LLC under which Sebesta will act as president and possess full control. Bunker Aviation's operating agreement was approved by City Council under resolution R20-127 on 7-14-20.
Gambit Aviation, LLC will also operate out of a different hangar at the airport, located at 43W772 U.S. Route 30, Sugar Grove, IL 60554.
DISCUSSION:
With the exception of the names and addresses, this operating agreement is identical to that of Bunker Aviation's agreement. There are no additions or deletions from the Bunker Aviation operating agreement. The Resolution will also direct and authorize the Airport Manager to terminate the City's agreement with Bunker upon the execution of the agreement with Gambit.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
There will not be any negative impact by approving this proposed direct operating aviation agreement.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
We respectfully request that you approve this operating agreement.
cc: Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the execution of a direct aviation operating agreement with Gambit Aviation, LLC, and the termination of a direct aviation operating agreement with Bunker Aviation, LLC.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City owns, operates and maintains the Aurora Municipal Airport ("the Airport"), and
WHEREAS, on or about July 14, 2020 and pursuant to Resolution R20-127, the City authorized a five-year direct operating agreement with Bunker Aviation, LLC ("Bunker") to conduct advanced flight training at the Airport; and
WHEREAS, Gambit Aviation, LLC ("Gambit") wishes to commence advanced flight training at the Airport under the same terms and conditions as set forth in the City's agreement with Bunker; and
WHEREAS, Bunker has requested that that the City permit Gambit to operate under a new agreement that will resemble an assignment of Bunker's 2020 agreement with the City in order to permit Bunker to wind down its business at the Airport;
WHEREAS, Gambit has agreed to pay a minimum annual amount of $3,600 for the privilege of conducting business at the Airport; and
WHEREAS, the City is amenable to the proposed termination of its agreement with Bunker and the execution of a substantially similar agreement with Gambit;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the direct operating agreement attached to this Resolution as Exhibit A shall be and hereby is approved; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that Mayor shall be and hereby is authorized to execute a direct operating agreement with Gambit Aviation, LLC in substantially the same form as set forth in Exhibit A; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the upon the execution of the operating agreement authorized by this Resolution, that the City's consent to the termination of its direct operating agreement authorized by R20-127 with Bunker Aviation, LLC shall be and hereby is granted.