Airport annexation on the fast track

Voters may decide on annexation of the Sisters Airport in November.

Attorney Liz Dickson requested a fast-track review by the Sisters City Council of the annexation papers that would bring Sisters Eagle Airport, owned by Benny and Julie Benson since 2011, into the city of Sisters.

Dixon said, "I am representing Benny Benson, who is the managing member of two entities that together own the Sisters Airport which includes the hangar building as well as the runway. As you may know, the Sisters Airport is currently outside of the city limits in Deschutes County. We are requesting permission of the City of Sisters to annex into the city.

"We have been discussing this for some time. We have just (on Wednesday, August 8) resolved a matter with Deschutes County that allows us to proceed with this. With all due haste we are ready to go," said Dixon.

The city charter requires annexation be approved by popular vote. Annexation is then formalized by the city council.

To make the November 6 election, the papers must be to the Deschutes County Clerk on or before September 6.

Dickson asked to be allowed to address the council at their August 16 workshop. She would like to work through the details of the annexation, and to get the council's approval for referral to voters at that time. The City of Sisters released an agenda for a special meeting at 9:30 a.m. at city hall (immediately after the 8 a.m. August 16 workshop) to address the referral. Councilor Pat Thompson will be out of town on August 16, and Mayor Lon Kellstrom will be out of town for the next scheduled meeting on August 23.

Councilor Holzman expressed her desire to have the presentation at the August 23 meeting to allow the council time to review the documents and their ramifications.

The presentation will be at the August 16 workshop.