MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING

Thursday, August 24, 2023

12:00 Noon
CIAA Board Room/ 3650 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue/Lake Charles, LA 70615

ATTENDANCE

Commissioners Present:

Mr. Bill Hankins, President
Mrs. Tuwanna Guillory-August, Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Nora Popillion, Commissioner
Mr. Tad Martin, Commissioner

Commissioners Absent:

Mr. Charles K. Dalgleish, Vice President
Mr. Andrew D. Hankins, Commissioner
Mrs. Denise Rau, Commissioner

Others Present:

Mr. Kevin Melton, Executive Director
Mr. Robert Kleinschmidt, Legal Counsel
Mr. Gerald Theunissen, Consultant
Ms. Andrea LaFleur, Director of Executive & Airport Affairs
Mr. John McMullen, Director of Facilities & Maintenance
Ms. Paulette Moss, Admin Specialist/Recording Secretary
Mr. Mitch O’Neal, Director of Operations
Mr. Brett Downer, O’Carroll Group
Mr. Steve Shows, VSG Architects
Mr. Alex Shows, VSG Architects

CALL TO ORDER

President B. Hankins called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll was called and a quorum was established as indicated above.

PROPOSED AGENDA

President B. Hankins requested additions, deletions, and amendments to the proposed agenda and Mr. Melton announced the same; i.e. DELETE: Item #18 – Discuss and take appropriate action to authorize the Executive Director to enter into a professional services agreement with VSG Architects, A Professional Corporation for the design of the new paint single bay paint hangar. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. POPILLION, SECONDED BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED AGENDA AS AMENDED.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS

Mr. Melton reported that Commissioner Rau is attending the LIDEA Statewide Economic Development Summit September 12-13, 2023 in Baton Rouge. Mr. Melton reported that Dr. Lauren Scott’s Annual Economic Update will be October 3, 2023. Mr. Melton reported that he went to Baton Rouge and briefed LED Secretary, Don Pierson. Mr. Melton reported that he and Mr. Theunissen will be going to Washington D.C. to brief Congressional Delegation September 25-28, 2023.

Mr. Kyle Jones gave a brief FEMA claim update.

Mr. David Whitaker gave an update summary pertaining to Air Cargo opportunities.

Mr. Brett Downer gave a brief summary of the public relations ongoing efforts.

SYSTEMS SURVEY & COMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIRE

Mr. Melton stated that the completed Systems Survey and Compliance Questionnaire is required by the Legislative Auditors and must be presented to and adopted by the Board of Commissioners (governing body) annually as part of the financial and compliance audit. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MR. POPILLION, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE COMPLETED “SYSTEMS SURVEY & COMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIRE” & SUBMIT IT TO STULB & ASSOCIATES FOR USE IN ITS ANNUAL AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CIAA AS OF JUNE 30, 2023.

PERSONNEL & ADMINISTRATION POLICY MANUAL

Mr. Melton stated brief descriptions of the changes in the policy manual. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. POPILLION, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT THE REVISIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE PERSONNEL & ADMINISTRATION POLICY MANUAL.

BYLAWS

Mr. Melton stated that he wanted to make sure the bylaws were up to date. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MR. POPILLION AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT THE REVISIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY BYLAWS.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT – VSG ARCHITECTS

Mr. Melton stated that this project (FWPH #3 Infrastructure) will generate future expansion capabilities of the airport, specifically site 1. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THAT THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. POPILLION, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH VSG ARCHITECTS, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION FOR THE DESIGN OF FIREWATER PUMPHOUSE #3 AND INFRASTRUCTURE.

FAA GRANT – REHABILITATE SOUTH APRON PAVEMENT– PHASE 3

Mr. Melton stated that the Resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit, reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the project Rehabilitate South Apron Pavement – Phase 3. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT OFFER FROM THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION FOR THE PROJECT TO REHABILITATE SOUTH APRON PAVEMENT – PHASE 3, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.

DOTD GRANT – REHABILITATE SOUTH APRON PAVEMENT– PHASE 3

Mr. Melton stated that the Resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the project Rehabilitate South Apron Pavement – Phase 3. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MR. POPILLION AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT OFFER FROM THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PROJECT TO REHABILITATE SOUTH APRON PAVEMENT – PHASE 3, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.

FAA GRANT – AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER RAINSCREEN

Mr. Melton stated that the Resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit, reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the Air Traffic Control Tower Rainscreen. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT OFFER FROM THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION FOR THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER RAINSCREEN, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.

DOTD GRANT – AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER RAINSCREEN

Mr. Melton stated that the Resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the Air Traffic Control Tower Rainscreen. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. POPILLION, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT OFFER FROM THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER RAINSCREEN, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.

FAA GRANT – AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER RADIO REPLACEMENT

Mr. Melton stated that the Resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit, reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the Air Traffic Control Tower Radio Replacement. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT OFFER FROM THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION FOR THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER RADIO REPLACEMENT, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.

LEGAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

Mr. Melton stated that the legal services agreement expires September 30, 2023 and recommends renewing the agreement with the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO RENEW AN AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES WITH THE CALCASIEU PARISH DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2023.

GENERATORS PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION

Mr. Melton stated that the purchase and installation of the generators at FWPH #1, FWPH #2, Localizer, and Glideslope will protect the equipment during power outages. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THAT THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. POPILLION, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR, ADVERTISE FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE GENERATORS PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION.

HANGAR D HVLS FAN AND EQUIPMENT REPAIR

Mr. Melton stated that the existing exhaust fans in Hangar D are in need of replacement or repairs. Mr. Melton stated that at least two of four fans are hurricane repairs. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. POPILLION, SECONDED BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR, SOLICIT FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR HANGAR D HVLS FAN & EQUIPMENT REPAIR.

COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT –  BETWEEN CIAA, STATE OF LA AND LANDLOCKED AVIATION SERVICES

Mr. Melton stated that this is to formalize the terms and conditions agreed to in the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between Chennault International Airport Authority, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development and Landlocked Aviation Services for the funding for the construction of the new single bay paint hangar. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THAT THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SIGN A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND LANDLOCKED AVIATION SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE BAY PAINT HANGAR AT CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY.

DOTD GRANT – PERIMETER FENCE REHABILITATION (DESIGN & CONSTRUCT)

Mr. Melton stated that the Resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the Perimeter Fence Rehabilitation (Design & Construct). PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT OFFER FROM THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PERIMETER FENCE REHABILITATION (DESIGN & CONSTRUCT), AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.

MINUTE APPROVAL

PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 20, 2023 REGULAR MEETING.

ADJOURNMENT

PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. POPILLION, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. With no further business to come before the Commissioners, President B. Hankins declared the meeting adjourned at 1:04 p.m.