Title
Resolution Authorizing The Execution Of A Revocable License Agreement Between The City Of Hampton, Advanced Aircraft Company, LLC and USA Waste of Virginia Landfills, Inc. to Use a Portion of Bethel Landfill, on a Temporary and Limited Basis, for the Purpose of Flight Testing Advanced Aircraft Company, LLC's HAMR Drone
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
Advanced Aircraft Company (AAC) is an aeronautical engineering and aircraft manufacturing startup company currently located in the City of Hampton, specifically located in REaKTOR (formally called Peninsula Technology Incubator). The company was created by Bill Fredericks, an Aeronautical Engineer employed at Nasa Langley Research Center where he led various projects and successful flight testing’s. AAC produces vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) targeting military and commercial markets. The company’s first product, the HAMR UAS, is a hybrid electric multi-rotor with a 3.5 hour maximum endurance. In order to support AAC’s testing, research and development needs, they require adequate space to fly their vehicles and our seeking permission/approval to fly over the Bethel Landfill.
Pursuant to Code of Virginia Sections 15.2-1800 and 15.2-2100, as they may be amended from time to time, a public hearing is required for Council to properly consider this lease. City staff recommends approval of the Resolution. This matter was advertised pursuant to Va. Code §15.2-1813.
Discussion:
See Purpose/Background above.
Impact:
See Purpose/Background above.
Recommendation:
Rec
Conduct a public hearing and approve the Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, USA Waste of Virginia Landfills, Inc. leases from the City certain real property addressed as 100 North Park Lane, commonly known as the “Bethel Landfill”, pursuant to that certain lease agreement dated May 1, 1986 (“Bethel Landfill Lease”);
WHEREAS, Advanced Aircraft Company, LLC ("AAC") is an aeronautical engineering and aircraft manufacturing startup company currently located in the City of Hampton, specifically located in the REaKTOR Business Technology Innovation Center (formally called Peninsula Technology Incubator). The company was created by Bill Fredericks, an Aeronautical Engineer employed at Nasa Langley Research Center where he led various projects and successful flight testing’s. AAC produces vertical takeoff and landing ("VTOL") unmanned aerial systems ("UAS") targeting military and commercial markets;
WHEREAS, AAC, in cooperation with the REaKTOR Business Technology Innovation Center, desires to use a portion of the Bethel Landfill Lease Property for unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) test flights;
WHEREAS, to begin initial operations, AAC obtained a temporary license agreement with the City of Hampton in September of 2020;
WHEREAS, approval of this resolution would extend the temporary license agreement for a one (1)-year term, with four (4), one (1)-year extensions available, should the City, USA Waste of Virginia Landfills and AAC mutually agree to so extend the term;
WHEREAS, in accordance with sections 15.2-1800 and 15.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia, the City Council has held a duly advertised public hearing on the proposed license agreement; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that granting the license agreement is in the best interest of the City of Hampton and its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia, that it approves the license agreement, and accordingly, the City Manager, or her authorized Designee, is hereby authorized to execute and deliver the license agreement in substantially the same form as attached hereto.