Francis said there’s not another hangar the size of Ottumwa’s in southeast Iowa, unless it’s at Burlington or Cedar Rapids. He also said “Cargill folks” fly in to the city airport, then drive to Ottumwa and Eddyville for site visits.

Another plus for Ottumwa is the category one inclement landing system, which Burlington, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids also have, according to Francis.

“Corporate planes come here because of the ILS system,” he added.

The council agreed on proceeding with the hangar project and voted unanimously to set the public hearing on plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated costs for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, in council chambers, City Hall.

Shafer said Interim City Administrator Mike Heffernan, also the finance director, indicated the additional financing option will be to borrow $250,000 in capital loan notes or bonds and set up a repayment schedule to finance the debt from Airport TIF revenue or property taxes.

In other action, the city approved the third reading of Ordinance 2989-2007 and adopted it. That means Fareway Stores, Inc., of Boone can move ahead on building a new store in the 1300 block of Albia Road.

Cindy Toopes can be reached at (641) 683-5376 or via e-mail at cindy@ottumwacourier.com.