MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING

Thursday, February 20, 2025

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

ATTENDANCE

Commissioners Present:

Mrs. Tuwanna Guillory-August, Vice President
Mr. Charles K. Dalgleish, Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Bill Hankins, Commissioner
Mrs. Denise Rau, Commissioner
Mr. Tad Martin, Commissioner

Commissioners Absent:

Mr. Nora Popillion, President
Mr. Lee W. Boyer, Commissioner

Others Present:

Mr. Kevin Melton, Executive Director
Mr. Robert Kleinschmidt, Legal Counsel
Mr. Gerald Theunissen, Consultant
Mrs. Andrea LaFleur, Director of Executive & Airport Affairs
Ms. Loretta Hanks, Director of Finance
Mr. John McMullen, Director of Facilities & Maintenance
Mr. Mitch O’Neal, Director of Operations
Mrs. Desiree K. Daigle, Admin. Specialist/Recording Secretary
Mr. David Whitaker, DVW Aviation Advisor
Mr. Brett Downer, O’Carroll Group
Mr. Tyson Grenzebach, LandLocked Aviation Services, LLC
Mr. Abraham Lopez, LandLocked Aviation Services, LLC
Ms. Scarlet Sullins, LandLocked Aviation Services, LLC
Mr. Robert Stanford, Million Air Lake Charles
Chief Joshua Arnold, Centerra
Assistant Chief Andy Zeunik, Centerra
Captain Nick Savoie, Centerra
Firefighter Brandon Long, Centerra
Mr. Chris Wentworth, Allied Universal Security
Mr. Randy Liprie, Liprie Engineering, LLC
Mr. Steve Shows, VSG Architects
Mr. Wejee Lechtenberg Jr., Lechtenberg Consulting, Inc.
Mr. Louis Todd, Todd & Associates
Mr. Mark McElveen, T-Hangar Tenant
Mr. Dane Bolin, Calcasieu Parish Policy Jury
Mr. Josh Booth, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Mr. Tony Guillory, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Mr. Ron Hayes, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Ms. Sarah Fontenot, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Ms. Morgan Martel, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Mr. Marshall Simien, Jr.
Mr. Donnie Morris, Consultant

CALL TO ORDER

Vice President Guillory-August 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

Vice President Guillory-August requested additions, deletions, and amendments to the proposed agenda and Mr. Melton announced there were none to report.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS

Mr. Melton acknowledged Mr. Dane Bolin, newly elected Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Administrator effective April 1, 2025. Mr. Bolin presented the Chennault Airport Board Members and Staff with the original Master Plan for the Lake Charles Air Force Base book of surveys and engineering exhibits dating back to 1957. Mr. Bolin stated that the book was located in their vault and he felt it needed to be in the hands of the rightful owners. Mr. Bolin introduced Mr. Tony Guillory and Mr. Ron Hayes as the Calcasieu Parish Police Juror liaisons to Chennault Airport. Mr. Melton thanked the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury (CPPJ) and stated that the book is in safe hands.

Mr. Melton introduced Captain Nick Savoie and Firefighter Brandon Long and thanked them for their service to Chennault. Mr. Melton stated that the firefighters perform nightly checks and one particular night found and reported knocked out concrete. Mr. Melton stated that the runway was shut down for a short period of time and repaired. Mr. Melton stated that this is a testament to the great work that the fire department does and their attention to detail.

Mr. Melton stated that we are trying to establish a more enduring process for the airport with regard to leases and long term financial sustainability. Mr. Melton stated that leases are critical and that is why Chennault is building a team to create the framework and assist negotiating leases. Mr. Melton stated that the team will consist of Mr. Donnie Morris, Consultant and Mr. Dallas Kingham, Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements, and Shaddock, L.L.P. Mr. Melton stated that Chennault will also capitalize on Mr. Lee W. Boyer’s experience as well as our appraiser. Mr. Melton stated that he wants to make sure that we do this right, that we have fair leases, and that they enable the airport to be more enduring from a lease perspective versus as to what we have had in the past. Mr. Melton introduced Mr. Morris. Mr. Morris briefed the board on his past work experiences and background. Mr. Morris stated that it is important to get a sounding board in order to strategize and present leases to the tenants. Mr. Morris stated that the utmost goal of the tenants should be to create jobs. Mr. Melton stated that the goal is to have a team in place before we start renegotiating the Northrop Grumman lease, which expires at the end of this year.

Mr. Melton reported that we have broken ground on Firewater Pumphouse #3 (FWPH) and we are essentially complete with the Site Utilities Corridor and Infrastructure Project. Mr. Melton stated that as you all know we have signed the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the City of Lake Charles on February 11, 2025, pertaining to the property swap of Chennault’s Site 10 and the City’s Public Works Site. Mr. Melton stated that Chennault is now the owner of the former Public Works Facility.

Mr. Melton stated that he has continued to stay in touch with Governor Landry and Mrs. Bourgeios, Secretary of the Department of Louisiana Economic Development. Mr. Melton stated that during Governor Landry’s recent travel to and from Chennault, it seems that support from the state is looking favorable.

Mr. Melton confirmed that as of February 5, 2025, Chennault is now under contract with Allied Universal Security.

Mr. Melton shared the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspection Closeout Letter. Mr. Melton stated that the inspector noted in the out briefing that it was obvious that every single one of the Chennault employees understand the vision and mission of the airport. Mr. Melton congratulated Mr. O’Neal, Director of Operations, Mr. McMullen, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, and the entire team on a job well done. Mr. McMullen stated that the inspector has only given four perfect inspections in his entire career, Chennault being one of them. Melton stated that Mr. Carl Service, CIAA Facilities/NAVAID Safety Inspector was praised as having a benchmark program.

Mr. Melton shared the extensive listings of current and completed capital projects and stated that this is tangible evidence and a testament to the hard work of our directors, architects, and engineers.

Mr. Downer reported on the recent television interviews with Mr. Lechtenberg speaking about the Site Utility Corridor and Infrastructure Project and Mr. Liprie speaking about the Building 3005 Waste Water Treatment Plant on behalf of Chennault. Mr. Downer spoke of the invaluable partnership Chennault has started with Sowela Technical Community College. Mr. Downer stated that it is a type of cross promotion where Chennault promotes “work here” and “learn there” and vice versa. Mr. Downer shared a slide spotlighting a student that recently graduated from Sowela Technical Community College and went to work for LandLocked Aviation Services, LLC located at Chennault. Mr. Downer said that this will be an ongoing series spotlighting Chennault and Sowela’s value of partnership via social media. Mr. Downer reported on a new upcoming quality of life and livability publication targeting those living outside of the area. Mr. Downer stated that it highlights the reasons to come live and work here in Southwest Louisiana. Mr. Melton stated that he and Mr. Downer made a conscious effort to collaborate and promote a hometown, Americana type feeling for those who would potentially relocate here.

Mr. Whitaker stated that he and Kevin had a significant visit on February 10, 2025, with Mrs. Jane Hamm, Charter Sales and Operations Planning Manager with National Airlines. Mr. Whitaker stated that National Airlines conducts light maintenance activities on a ramp sometimes with an adjacent support facility. Mr. David Whitaker stated that the lack of a hangar is not a deal breaker and there is still potential for light maintenance activity. Mr. Whitaker stated that a ground handler would make using CWF easier. Mr. Whitaker stated that there could be a potential meeting with their maintenance team. Mr. Whitaker stated that the mention of using Chennault for maintenance is still alive. Mr. Melton concurred that is was a great visit. Mr. Melton stated that National Airlines does their own maintenance and would like to get out of it. Mr. Melton stated that Mrs. Hamm mentioned that she likes Chennault and this would be a good place. Mr. Melton stated that you have to have hangars in order to do maintenance, which is the thing that continues to plague us. Mrs. August-Guillory asked if we can effectively accommodate National Airlines today? Mr. Melton stated that yes we can accommodate them on the ramp. Mr. Melton stated that it does require ground handlers, which we don’t have because we made a conscious decision that we must have the tenants that require the ground handlers before purchasing the equipment. Mr. Melton stated that this would have to be addressed. Mr. Melton stated that they can do their offloading on the ramp. Mr. Melton stated that they don’t need the logistic center that Citadel Completions, LLC leases. Mr. Melton stated that we can do business today but there are somethings that have to occur first.

Mr. Melton stated that the latest update regarding Site 1, the former Mallard Cove Golf Course, is that we are currently on hold because we have done about as much as we can afford. Mr. Melton stated that we are working to schedule a meeting with City and Parish representatives, architects, and engineers to start an initial conversation regarding the required public access road for Site 1, Hangar and Maintenance Repairs and Operations (MRO) Facility. Mr. Melton stated that before we do anything we have to have a road, which is approximately a $30,000,000.00 to $40,000,000.00 endeavor. Mr. Melton stated that he isn’t suggesting that it is Chennault’s responsibility. Mr. Melton stated that it is certainly a City requirement and hopefully the parish will want to join in. Mr. Melton stated that this is an effort for 5 – 7 years in the future.

INSURANCE POLICIES

Mr. Melton stated that the Administration/Personnel/Insurance Committee met on February 13, 2025. Mr. Melton stated that the 2025 Insurance Policy Renewals came in with a total year over year savings of $586,622.20 however, it comes in with a 5% deductible.

Mr. Melton stated that the total wind coverage is based on the total value of Chennault’s property, which is $90,086,875.00. Mr. Melton stated that we suggest Option #3 with a wind deductible buyback option of 2%, at an additional $145,036.50 to the premium. Mr. Melton stated that the current renew premium is $2,203,722.17. Mr. Melton clarified that the wind coverage is $75,000,000.00, an increase of $10,000,000.00 from last year. VICE PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF INSURANCE POLICIES FROM TODD & ASSOCIATES AND PHYLLIS DUGAR-THIBODEAUX FOR GENERAL LIABILITY, PUBLIC OFFICIALS LIABILITY, AUTOMOBILE, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION, AND PROPERTY AND LIABILITY COVERAGES FOR THE YEAR COMMENCING MARCH 1, 2025.

FISCAL AGENT

Ms. Hanks reported that she looked closely at the checking account because the CD’s vary. Ms. Hanks stated that we previously received permission from the Board to go to any bank for CD’s. Ms. Hanks stated that our main thing was looking at what we can get on the checking account interest rate. Ms. Hanks stating that after reviewing the numbers on the date she picked, First Horizon had the best rate and the fees were a little lower. Mrs. Rau asked, “How did we chose the three banks?” Mrs. Hanks stated that we had people that contacted us. Mrs. LaFleur stated that we advertised. Mrs. Rau asked, “Are those the only three that responded?” Ms. Hanks stated yes. Ms. Hanks shared that we are currently with Capital One and this will be a huge transition for us, but I think Chennault is better off with First Horizon. Ms. Hanks stated that we have previously invested in CD’s with First Horizon because they had the best rates. VICE PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MR. DALGLEISH, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE SELECTION OF FIRST HORIZON AS FISCAL AGENT FOR A TWO YEAR PERIOD, WITH AN OPTION TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT FOR TWO ADDITIONAL YEARS IF MUTUALLY AGREEABLE, COMMENCING MARCH 1, 2025, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PREPARE AND SIGN A FISCAL AGENT AGREEMENT FOR THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS PROPOSED.

DVW AVIATION ADVISOR – LETTER OF ENGAGEMENT (LOE)

Mr. Melton stated that the intent of this Letter of Engagement (LOE) is to provide Chennault International Airport assistance in attracting commercial air cargo activity and the term is for 12 months. Mr. Melton stated that we haven’t had a lot of success in the last couple of years. Mr. Melton stated that this agreement is totally different from the previous. Mr. Melton stated that it is a payment for services. Mr. Melton gave a brief overview of the proposed Letter of Engagement (LOE). Mr. Melton stated that we would continue to pay his pre-approved business travel of $1,500 per day. Mr. Melton stated that his hourly rate is $225.00 an hour for pre-approved, non-travel, related authorized work assignments. Mr. Melton stated that Chennault is currently receiving .08 cents/gallon fuel flowage fee from Million Air Lake Charles. Mr. Melton stated lastly that this contract is a success payout, which is .04 cents/per gallon of the jet fuel dispensed into commercial aircraft as defined, half of what we receive from Million Air Lake Charles. Mr. Dalgleish stated that he is the board member that has been pushing air cargo for the last eight years. Mr. Dalgleish stated that Mr. Whitaker has done a great job as far as getting Chennault’s name out in the industry but air cargo just hasn’t come. Mr. Dalgleish stated that we shouldn’t give up on air cargo. Mr. Dalgleish feels there is still a future here for air cargo. Mr. Dalgleish said he would like to continue doing business with Mr. Whitaker but not investing as much as we were investing at this moment. Mr. Melton stated that in six months if we haven’t produced anything we’re probably going to pull the plug. Mr. Melton stated that Mr. Whitaker has been more than fair with his costs. Mr. Melton stated that he doesn’t see this as a significant liability for the airport if we produce some tangible results. Mr. Dalgleish stated that he thinks if it wasn’t for Mr. Whitaker, National Airlines wouldn’t have come and visited our airport. VICE PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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. DALGLEISH, SECONDED BY MR. HANKINS, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ENTER INTO A LETTER OF ENGAGEMENT (LOE) WITH DVW AVIATION ADVISOR PERTAINING TO ATTRACTING COMMERCIAL AIR CARGO ACTIVITY COMMENCING MARCH 15, 2025.

MINUTE APPROVAL

VICE PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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. DALGLEISH, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 16, 2025 REGULAR MEETING.

ADJOURNMENT

VICE PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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. DALGLEISH AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. With no further business to come before the Commissioners, Vice President Guillory-August declared the meeting adjourned at 12:52 p.m.