TO: Indian River County Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
THROUGH: Jennifer W. Shuler, County Attorney
FROM: Susan J. Prado, Deputy County Attorney
DATE: August 27, 2025
SUBJECT: First Renewal for Sublease Agreement for Airmaster Radio Control Club, Inc.
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BACKGROUND
On June 3rd, 2005, the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida entered into a lease agreement with Indian River County, Florida, for 165.24 acres now known as North County Regional Park. The original Lease Agreement, Lease No. 4490, was established to conserve and protect natural and historical resources, as well as to support resource-based public activities and educational programs. Indian River County pays a yearly administration fee of $300 and is set to expire on June 2nd, 2055.
On December 13th, 2005, Indian River County entered into a Sublease Agreement, Sublease No. 4490-01, with the Airmasters Radio Control Club, Inc., a Florida nonprofit (“Airmasters”) for a 20-year initial term with one ten-year renewal option. The Airmasters agreed to use the land at North County Regional Park solely for operating and maintaining radio-controlled model airplane events, as well as for flying radio-controlled model airplanes by members of the Airmasters. The Airmasters are required to provide proof of insurance as well as pay Indian River County $200 on a yearly basis. The Airmasters are also required to submit a written statement stating they are exercising their right to renew at least one year before the expiration of the initial term. That statement was received on January 26th, 2024.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Per the current lease with the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust, Indian River County pays a $300 administration fee on a yearly basis for 165.27 acres of property known as North County Regional Park. The Airmaster Radio Control Club subleases 48.73 acres of the North County Regional Park and pays the County $200 a year in rent. Furthermore, County Staff confirmed there is no running water on the subleased premises, and any electricity is generated by solar panels owned by the Airmaster Radio Control Club. Inc.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
On May 24, 2005, the Board of County Commissioners approved the 50-year lease agreement with the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida for North County Regional Park. The lease commenced on June 3, 2005, and is set to expire June 2, 2055. Subsequently, on December 13, 2005, the Board of County Commissioners approved and entered into a Sublease Agreement with the Airmasters Radio Club, Inc., for a portion of the North County Regional Park.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
The State has asked that the renewal of the Sublease agreement to be approved before proceeding with an amendment to add a 19-year renewal option that would terminate 6 months before the expiration of the original lease with the State.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the First renewal to Sublease Agreement and authorize the Chairman to execute same.