MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, June 20, 2024
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. Andrew D. Hankins, Commissioner
Mr. Tad Martin, Commissioner
Mr. Nora Popillion, Commissioner
Mrs. Denise Rau, Commissioner
Commissioners Absent:
Mr. Charles K. Dalgleish, Vice President
Others Present:
Mr. Kevin Melton, Executive Director
Mr. Robert Kleinschmidt, Legal Counsel
Mr. Gerald Theunissen, Consultant
Ms. Loretta Hanks, Director of Finance
Ms. Andrea LaFleur, Director of Executive & Airport Affairs
Mr. John McMullen, Director of Facilities & Maintenance
Mr. Mitch O’Neal, Director of Operations
Mrs. Desiree K. Daigle, Administrative Specialist/Recording Secretary
Mr. Brett Downer, O’Carroll Group
Chief Joshua Arnold, Centerra
Mr. Wejee Lechtenberg, Jr., Lechtenberg Consulting
Mr. Tyson Grenzebach, LandLocked Aviation Services
Mr. Abraham Lopez, LandLocked Aviation Services
Mr. Michael Flatt, Northrop Grumman
CALL TO ORDER
President B. Hankins called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. 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 that there were none to report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS
Mr. Melton stated that this was Mr. Andy Hankins last meeting as a commissioner and thanked him for his stewardship and service to Chennault. Mr. Melton recognized Mr. Michael Flatt with Northrop Grumman, congratulated him on his upcoming retirement, and thanked him for his friendship and support. Mr. Melton reported that Chennault will be attending several upcoming events including the Family and Youth Annual Meeting, the LegisGator Luncheon, and the Lake Charles Resiliency Summit as a show of support to local organizations. Mr. Melton reported that Chennault will also be attending the Farnborough and Breakbulk Americas Trade Shows later this year. Mr. Melton stated that Chennault is continuing to work towards hosting Governor Landry and Susan Bourgeois, Secretary of the Department of Louisiana Economic Development. Mr. Melton stated that Governor Landry’s Policy Team will visit Chennault on July 9, 2024. Mr. Melton reported that Citadel is now leasing The Logistic Center, formerly referred to as Air Cargo. Mr. Melton reported on several Capital Projects that are vital to infrastructure in support of the continued growth at Chennault.
Mr. Brett Downer gave a brief summary of the ongoing public relations and marketing efforts.
Mr. David Whitaker reported that he is working closely with Chennault and consultants to identify facility plans and further define sites. Mr. Melton stated that we are building out a ground view concept rendering to promote and potentially entice new tenants to come and build something for themselves.
AWARDED PROJECTS FROM JANUARY 1, 2024 THROUGH MAY 31, 2024
Mr. Melton gave an update of the awarded contracts from January 1, 2024 through May 31, 2024 as follows:
| Project Name | Contractor | Award Amount |
| Site Utility Project | Trahan Construction | $4,565,000 |
| Building 1022 Renovations | Shannon Smith Construction | $79,350 |
| I-210 Entrance Sign | Lewing Construction Co. | $136,443 |
PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. POPILLION, SECONDED BY MRS. RAU AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2024 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2025.
Mr. Kevin Melton spoke on a few proposed budget highlights for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025. There were no comments from the public pertaining to the budget.
PRESIDENT B. HANKINS SOLICITED PUBLIC COMMENTS AND THERE WERE NO COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. POPILLION, SECONDED BY MRS. RAU AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2024 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2025.
PROPOSED BUDGET
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. RAU TO AUTHORIZE THE PRESIDENT TO SIGN A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025; AUTHORIZING TRANSFERS TO CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO MAKE CHANGES WITHIN THE DESIGNATED BUDGET CLASSIFICATIONS WITH THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
YEAS: BILL HANKINS
TUWANNA GUILLORY-AUGUST
ANDREW D. HANKINS
DENISE RAU
NORA POPILLION
TAD MARTIN
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAINING: NONE
ABSENT: CHARLES K. DALGLEISH
SPECIAL TAX
Mr. Melton stated that the CIAA millage rate is 5.38 mills. Mr. Melton stated that the levying of this tax will produce approximately $17,264,833.00 in funds which are used to maintain, operate, relocate, and perform construction improvements to the airport facilities or industrial properties. Mr. Melton stated that the resolution and affidavit must be adopted by the Board of Commissioners to levy the special tax. President B. Hankins read the resolution aloud in its entirety. 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. RAU, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION LEVYING THE SPECIAL TAX OF 5.38 MILLS ON THE DOLLAR OF ASSESSED VALUATION ON ALL PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION WITHIN THE LIMITS OF CALCASIEU PARISH, STATE OF LOUISIANA, FOR TAX YEAR 2024, WITH THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
YEAS: BILL HANKINS
TUWANNA GUILLORY-AUGUST
ANDREW D. HANKINS
DENISE RAU
NORA POPILLION
TAD MARTIN
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAINING: NONE
ABSENT: CHARLES K. DALGLEISH
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Mrs. Rau stated that the Officer Selection Committee considered prior experience and how to develop leadership within the organization when choosing the nominations. Mrs. Rau stated that the nominations are Mr. Nora Popillion as President, Mrs. Tuwanna Guillory-August as Vice President, and Mr. Tad Martin as Secretary/Treasurer. Mrs. Rau stated that the committee is recommending the slate of officers and to vote on the nominations as a slate. 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 MRS. RAU TO NOMINATE THE SLATE OF OFFICERS – MR. NORA POPILLION, PRESIDENT; MRS. TUWANNA GUILLORY-AUGUST, VICE PRESIDENT; AND MR. TAD MARTIN, SECRETARY/TREASURER FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2024 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2025.
A SECOND MOTION WAS MADE BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST AND SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN TO NOMINATE MR. CHARLES DALGLEISH AS PRESIDENT AND THEN WAS WITHDRAWN DUE TO LACK OF VOTES.
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 MRS. RAU, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS FOR THE SLATED OFFICERS – MR. NORA POPILLION, PRESIDENT; MRS. TUWANNA GUILLORY-AUGUST, VICE PRESIDENT; AND MR. TAD MARTIN, SECRETARY/TREASURER.
AIRPORT RATES AND CHARGES
Mr. Melton stated that the airport rates and charges are necessary to update and maintain the facility as Chennault continues to grow. 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 THE AIRPORT RATES AND CHARGES FOR CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY.
BUILDING 1020 HVAC ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REPLACEMENT
Mr. Melton stated that the current system is no longer supported and obsolete, therefore needs to be replaced. 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 MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR, SOLICIT FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR BUILDING 1020 HVAC ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REPLACEMENT.
HANGARS F AND G FIRE ALARM PANEL UPGRADE
Mr. Melton stated that the current panels don’t report which devise is in alarm and is obsolete. 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. RAU, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR, SOLICIT FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR HANGARS F AND G FIRE ALARM PANEL UPGRADE.
LOW LEVEL CUTOUT CONTROLS AT FIRE WATER PUMP HOUSE #2 (FWPH)
Mr. Melton stated that this project will enable the pumps to shut off and prevent the pumps from burning up. This is a redundant system like the Fire Water Pump House #1 (FWPH). 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. RAU, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR, SOLICIT FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF LOW LEVEL CUTOUT CONTROLS AT FIRE WATER PUMP HOUSE #2 (FWPH).
(4) 400 HZ CYCLE POWER UNIT REPLACEMENTS IN HANGAR D
Mr. Melton stated that the current units in Hangar D are inoperable and cannot get repair parts. Mr. Lechtenberg stated that this is a power unit that the aircraft uses at 400 Hz Cycle so the airplane can be plugged in and tested. PRESIDENT B. HANKINS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THAT MR. TYSON GRENZEBACH, WITH LANDLOCKED AVIATION SERVICES AKSED IF THESE UNITS ARE IN ALL THE HANGARS. MR. LECHTENBERG REPLIED NO, THESE ARE ONLY IN HANGAR D AND WE ARE REPLACING THEM. MOTION WAS MADE BY MRS. RAU, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PREPARE SPECIFICATIONS FOR, ADVERTISE FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE (4) 400 HZ CYCLE POWER UNIT REPLACMENTS IN HANGAR D.
CART BARN RENOVATIONS
Mr. Melton stated that this project will provide a climate controlled space to store Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). Mr. Melton stated that Chennault is required to store the foam for the Fire Department under climate control. 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 AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR, SOLICIT FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE CART BARN RENOVATIONS.
PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF LIGHTING FOR THE B52’S
Mr. Melton stated that the purpose of this project is to remove elevated lighting and replace with in-pavement lighting to allow the B52’s to land at Chennault without any obstructions.
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 MRS. RAU, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO
PREPARE SPECIFICATIONS FOR, ADVERTISE AND/OR SOLICIT FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF LIGHTING FOR THE B52’S.
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES – LEASE AMENDMENT #1
Mr. Melton stated that Amendment #1 is to expand the original Surface Lease Agreement to approximately 0.089 acres more or less located alongside I-210. 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. A. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SIGN AMENDMENT #1 TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES.
ARFF SERVICES – MODIFICATION #3 – CENTERRA
Mr. Melton stated that the modification is to enter into the last option for services and to adjust the scope of work. 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. A. HANKINS, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER MODIFICATION #3 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH CENTERRA FOR ARFF SERVICES BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL
Mr. Melton stated that the only proposal solicited was from the American Press for the
designation of the CIAA Official Journal. The Official Journal publishes the CIAA minutes of the Regular and Special Meetings, legal documentation, bid requests, and other matters. Current Official Journal designation expires on June 30, 2024. One year designation to begin July 1, 2024 and end June 30, 2025 according to Louisiana Revised Statute 43:171.
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 DESIGNATE THE AMERICAN PRESS AS THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR CIAA FOR A ONE (1) YEAR PERIOD COMMENCING JULY 1, 2024 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2025 (R.S. 43:171)
JEFF DAVIS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE – ONE AND A HALF (1 ½) YEARS LEASE
Mr. Melton stated that Jeff Davis Electric Cooperative will lease 2.0 acres of site 3 along Prien Lake Road for storage of electrical equipment. 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 ENTER INTO A TERM OF ONE AND A HALF (1 ½) YEARS LEASE COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2024 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025 BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND JEFF DAVIS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE.
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 MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 16, 2024 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. A. HANKINS, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. With no further business to come before the Commissioners, President B. Hankins declared the meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.