MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, May 15, 2025
12:00 noon
CIAA Board Room/ 3650 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue/Lake Charles, LA 70615
ATTENDANCE
Commissioners Present:
Mr. Nora Popillion, President
Mrs. Tuwanna Guillory-August, Vice President
Mr. Charles K. Dalgleish, Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Bill Hankins, Commissioner
Mrs. Denise Rau, Commissioner
Mr. Lee W. Boyer, Commissioner
Mr. Tad Martin, Commissioner
Others Present:
Mr. Kevin Melton, Executive Director
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
Mrs. Desiree K. Daigle, Admin. Specialist/Recording Secretary
Mr. Brett Downer, O’Carroll Group
Mr. Jack Jessen, O’Carroll Group
Chief Joshua Arnold, Centerra
Mr. Tyson Grenzebach, LandLocked Aviation Services
Ms. Scarlet Sullins, LandLocked Aviation Services
Mr. Robert Stanford, Million Air Lake Charles
Mr. Joshua Bennett, Rostan Solutions, LLC
Mr. Donnie Morris, Consultant
Mr. Bob Kleinschmidt
CALL TO ORDER
President Popillion 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 Popillion requested additions, deletions, and amendments to the proposed agenda and Mr. Melton announced there were none to report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS
Mr. Melton stated that we are moving forward with finalizing the Rostan Solutions, LLC Professional Services Agreement for the Program Management of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).
Mr. Melton stated that he and Mr. Chris Groh, Kutchins and Groh attended the Washington, D.C. trip and met with the congressional staff.
Mr. Melton stated that the CIAA Lease Negotiation Team efforts are moving along very well. Mr. Melton stated that letters to a few tenants will be forthcoming regarding confirmation of the continued need and commitment to build a Paint Hangar, 2-Bay Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Hangar, and Warehousing.
Mr. Morris gave a brief update of the negotiations with Northrop Grumman and LA Millworks.
Mr. Melton shared that Chennault will be attending the Family and Youth Annual Meeting on June 24, 2025.
Mr. Downer gave a brief summary of the ongoing marketing and public relations efforts. Mr. Downer shared video footage of the B-52’s and F-15 joint tactical training exercise that took place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Mr. Melton stated that both the B-52’s Barksdale Air Force Base and the Louisiana National Guard F-15 Wing Commanders and Operations Group Commanders were in attendance for the unique training opportunity. Mr. Melton stated that we had the very most senior military from those installations here looking at Chennault. Mr. Melton stated that we are continually trying to grow jobs, facilities, and also general aviation.
CREATION OF ONE NEW POSITION
Mr. Melton stated that the purpose of this position is to direct the human resources and payroll functions of the airport. PRESIDENT POPILLION 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 AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE CREATION OF ONE NEW POSITION, HUMAN RESOURCES AND PAYROLL SUPERVISOR.
ADDITIONAL VACATION LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES WITH 15 + YEARS OF SERVICE
Mr. Melton stated that the purpose of this effort is to align the airport’s leave policy with other entities. Mr. Melton stated that the recommendation is 5 weeks of vacation for employees with 15 years or more of service and 6 weeks for employees with 20 years or more of service. Mrs. LaFleur shared research data from several local airports and other entities. PRESIDENT POPILLION 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 INCREASE THE VACATION LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES WITH 15 YEARS OR MORE OF SERVICE RETROACTIVELY COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025.
BUDGET AMENDMENT
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
Ms. Hanks gave a brief summary of the budget amendment due to an increase in Contractual and Operating expenditures and an increase in Major Repairs expenditures due to insurance/recovery payouts. PRESIDENT POPILLION 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 MRS. RAU, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE PRESIDENT TO SIGN A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE AMENDMENT OF THE BUDGET FOR THE SPECIAL REVENUE FUND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025 WITH THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
YEAS: NORA POPILLION
TUWANNA GUILLORY-AUGUST
CHARLES K. DALGLEISH
BILL HANKINS DENISE RAU
LEE W. BOYER
KENNETH B. MARTIN
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAINING: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
CONTRACT – BUILDING 1020 HVAC ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) REPLACEMENT
Mr. Melton stated that the current system is no longer supported and obsolete, therefore needs to be replaced. PRESIDENT POPILLION 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 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR, SOLICIT FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR BUILDING 1020 HVAC ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) REPLACEMENT.
CONTRACT – REHABILITATE SOUTH APRON PHASE 4 PROJECT
Mr. Melton stated that this project is the South Apron Pavement Rehabilitation and will be funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), and Chennault International Airport Authority (CIAA). PRESIDENT POPILLION 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. HANKINS, 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 REHABILITATE SOUTH APRON PHASE 4 PROJECT.
FAA GRANT RESOLUTION – REHABILITATE SOUTH APRON PHASE 4 PROJECT
Mr. Melton stated that the resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the Rehabilitate South Apron Phase 4 Project. PRESIDENT POPILLION 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 ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT OFFER FROM THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) FOR THE REHABILITATE SOUTH APRON PHASE 4 PROJECT, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.
DOTD GRANT RESOLUTION
REHABILITATE SOUTH APRON PHASE 4 PROJECT
Mr. Melton stated that the resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the Rehabilitate South Apron Phase 4 Project. PRESIDENT POPILLION 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 ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT OFFER FROM THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT (LA DOTD) FOR THE REHABILITATE SOUTH APRON PHASE 4 PROJECT, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.
FAA GRANT RESOLUTION TAXIWAYS B, C, AND A SOUTH REHABILITATION PROJECT DESIGN ONLY
Mr. Melton stated that the resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the Taxiways B, C, and A South Rehabilitation Project Design Only. PRESIDENT POPILLION 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. HANKINS, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT OFFER FROM THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) FOR THE TAXIWAYS B, C, AND A SOUTH REHABILITATION PROJECT DESIGN ONLY, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.
DOTD GRANT RESOLUTION TAXIWAYS B, C, AND A SOUTH REHABILITATION PROJECT DESIGN ONLY
Mr. Melton stated that the resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the Taxiways B, C, and A South Rehabilitation Project Design Only. PRESIDENT POPILLION 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. DALGLEISH, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT OFFER FROM THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT (LA DOTD) FOR THE TAXIWAYS B, C, AND A SOUTH REHABILITATION PROJECT DESIGN ONLY, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.
MINUTE APPROVAL
PRESIDENT POPILLION 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. BOYER, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 24, 2025 REGULAR MEETING.
ADJOURNMENT
PRESIDENT POPILLION 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 MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. With no further business to come before the Commissioners, President Popillion declared the meeting adjourned at 12:56 p.m.