A jet sits on the runway at Roberts Field in Redmond. (Bulletin file photo)

REDMOND — The Redmond City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to reject Butler Aircraft Services’ application to provide fixed-base operator services at the Redmond Airport.

Butler, through a sublease with KC Aero signed in 2010, has provided aviation services such as fueling, maintenance and flight training to the airport. The council approved a recommendation from airport Manager Jeff Tripp to allow Butler 90 days to cease fixed-base operations at the airport.

“It’s too bad it’s come to this, but it is what it is,” Redmond Mayor George Endicott said.

In a letter sent to Butler on Jan. 29, Tripp highlighted four areas in which he considered Butler’s application to be deficient: expanded environmental impairment liability coverage; a more specific completion date for a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan; a valid sublease with KC Aero; and confusion over whether Butler was offering rental services or flight instruction.

“Is 90 days enough time?” Councilor Anne Graham asked, considering the airport’s readiness to maintain services once Butler ceases operations.

Tripp answered: “Yes, and we’ll maintain a continuation of services.”

Kurt Newton, Butler’s general manager, who spoke at the end of the council meeting during the public comment period, was livid.

“I’m appalled,” Newton said. “It sounds like we opened (this) shot down.”

Later reading from a prepared statement, Newton added that Butler was “dismayed that the current city staff in charge of the Redmond Airport has chosen to suddenly breach the agreements that have long been in place between Butler Aircraft Services and the City of Redmond.”

Redmond is facing lawsuits from Butler and KC Aero that charge the city with, among other things, fraud and breach of contract.

— Reporter: 541-617-7829,

beastes@bendbulletin

Editor’s note: This story has been corrected. The original version contained incorrect information about Butler’s contract situation at the Redmond Airport. The Bulletin regrets the error.