MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, June 26, 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
Mr. Kenneth B. Martin, Commissioner
Commissioners Absent:
Mrs. Denise Rau, Commissioner
Mr. Lee W. Boyer, 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
Mr. Mitch O’Neal, Director of Operations
Mrs. Desiree K. Daigle, Admin. Specialist/Recording Secretary
Mrs. Pam Doucet, O’Carroll Group
Mr. Kyle Jones, Rostan Solutions, LLC
Mr. Donnie Morris, Consultant
Mr. Dylan Royer, Allied Universal Security
Chief Joshua Arnold, Centerra
Mr. Jon Greer, LandLocked Aviation Services
Mr. Haden Cooley, LandLocked Aviation Services
Mr. Robert Stanford, Million Air Lake Charles
Mr. Mark McElveen, T-Hangar Tenant
Mr. Wejee Lechtenberg, Jr., Lechtenberg Consulting, Inc.
Dr. Neil Aspinwall, Sowela Technical Community College
Mr. Robert Kleinschmidt
CALL TO ORDER
President Popillion 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 Popillion requested additions, deletions, and amendments to the proposed agenda and Mr. Melton announced that there were none to report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE:
Mr. Melton stated that he, Mr. Hankins, and Mr. Walker, President and CEO of the Chamber Southwest Louisiana Alliance Foundation attended the International Paris Airshow. Mr. Melton stated that it was a very productive week.
Mr. Melton stated that Chennault representatives will be attending the Mayor’s Armed Forces Patriot Ball on June 28, 2025.
Mr. Melton stated that he wanted to publicly recognize Senator Gerald “Jerry” Theunissen not only for his friendship and dedicated service to Chennault Airport but also to the community, region, and the State of Louisiana.
Mr. Jones gave a brief update regarding the status of the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) funding.
Mrs. Doucet gave a brief summary of the ongoing public relations and marketing efforts.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Ms. Hanks gave a brief financial update on the Amended Budget for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025.
AWARDED PROJECTS FROM JANUARY 1, 2025 THROUGH MAY 31, 2025
Mrs. LaFleur gave an update of the awarded contracts from January 1, 2025 through May 31, 2025 as follows:
| Project Name | Contractor | Award Amount |
| 2025 Airfield Markings | Hi-Lite Airfield Services, LLC | $300,527.60 |
| CIAA Building No. 1 (Louisiana Millwork) Drainage & Lateral Erosion Control Improvements | Alfred Palma, LLC | $209,826.00 |
| Maintenance Shop Building Adjustable Inlet Air Louvers & Hoods | Air Conduit, LLC | $16,800.00 |
| New Guard House At Industrial Row Gate | Scott Taylor Construction | $690,000.00 |
| Building 3007 Renovations | Lewing Construction Co. | $247,959.00 |
PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MR. DALGLEISH AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026.
Ms. Hanks presented a brief overview of the proposed budget for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026. There were no comments from the public pertaining to the budget.
PRESIDENT POPILLION SOLICITED PUBLIC COMMENTS AND THERE WERE NO COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026.
PROPOSED BUDGET
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 TO AUTHORIZE THE PRESIDENT TO SIGN A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026; 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: NORA POPILLION
TUWANNA GUILLORY-AUGUST
CHARLES K. DALGLEISH
BILL HANKINS
KENNETH B. MARTIN
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAINING: NONE
ABSENT: DENISE RAU
LEE W. BOYER
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 $17,988,594.00 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 Popillion read the resolution aloud in its entirety. 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. DALGLEISH, 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 2025, WITH THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
YEAS: NORA POPILLION
TUWANNA GUILLORY-AUGUST
CHARLES K. DALGLEISH
BILL HANKINS
KENNETH B. MARTIN
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAINING: NONE
ABSENT: DENISE RAU
LEE W. BOYER
LEASE – SOWELA TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Mr. Melton stated that Sowela Technical Community College will lease approximately 10 acres to build a new flight school building. Mr. Melton stated that this 30-year lease will allow the development of a flight school program. Mr. Melton stated that there is no cost because Chennault directly leases land from the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) at no cost to Chennault therefore, it is not appropriate to charge Sowela Technical Community College in this case. Dr. Aspinwall stated that Sowela is in the design phase of building a classroom and a hangar. Dr. Aspinwall stated that he hopes that the design will be complete within a month, then Sowela will go out for bid, and hopefully start construction by the end of the year, first of the new year. 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 NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO A GROUND LEASE WITH SOWELA TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FLIGHT SCHOOL.
ARFF SERVICES – MODIFICATION #1 – CENTERRA
Mr. Melton stated that this contract is for the airport fire services for a one-year term. Mr. Melton stated that the cost has gone up approximately 13%. Mr. Melton stated that we are looking at a one-year term in order for Chennault to review the costs. 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 AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER MODIFICATION #1 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH CENTERRA FOR ARFF SERVICES BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL
Mr. Melton stated that the only proposal solicited was from the American Press for the
designation of the CIAA Official Journal. Mr. Melton stated that the Official Journal publishes the CIAA minutes of the Regular and Special Meetings, legal documentation, bid requests, and other matters. Mr. Melton stated that the current Official Journal designation expires on June 30, 2025. Mr. Melton stated that the one-year designation is to begin July 1, 2025 and end June 30, 2026. 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 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, 2025 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026 (R.S. 43:171).
LEASE – R.O.W.C., L.L.C.
D/B/A DIAMOND D INDUSTRIES
Mr. Melton stated that R.O.W.C., L.L.C. d/b/a Diamond D Industries requests to extend the lease for the 32.9 acres of Site 3 along Prien Lake Road for a laydown yard for electrical material in support of a Jeff Davis Electric project for six more months commencing July 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2025. 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 ENTER INTO A SIX-MONTH LEASE COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2025 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025 BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND R.O.W.C., L.L.C. D/B/A DIAMOND D INDUSTRIES.
LEASE – EP BREAUX UTILITY SERVICE, LLC
Mr. Melton stated that EP Breaux Utility Service, LLC will lease 6.76 acres of Site 3 along Prien Lake Road for storage of electrical equipment. 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 MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND EP BREAUX UTILITY SERVICE, LLC.
PERSONNEL & ADMINISTRATION POLICY MANUAL
Mr. Melton stated that we wanted to add to the hiring policy how we would hire from an administrative standpoint. Mr. Melton stated that we are articulating that anytime there is an open position, we will notify all current employees. Mr. Melton stated that we also added that after fifteen years of continued service, employees shall accrue vacation leave at a rate of 200 hours (5 weeks) per year and after twenty years of continued service, employees shall accrue vacation leave at a rate of 240 hours (6 weeks) per year as previously approved by the Board. PRESIDENT POPILLION 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. GUILLORY-AUGUST, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT THE REVISIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION POLICY MANUAL.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FARM SERVICE AGENCY (USDAFSA)
Mr. Melton stated that the resolution is required to authorize the Executive Director to execute all documents required by the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDAFSA) for the farm property purchased from Amoco Production Company. Mr. Melton stated that we are not currently leasing the farm property, but we want to maintain our farm number in the event that we do in the future. 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. DALGLEISH, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FARM SERVICE AGENCY (USDAFSA).
AIRPORT RULES, REGULATIONS, AND MINIMUM STANDARDS
Mr. Melton stated that Update 1 establishes the Airport Construction Standards for any/all new builds on the Airport. Mr. Melton stated that since this stand-alone document can be updated at any time based on Airport A/E input, Local, State, or Federal directives, the Airport Rules, Regulations, and Minimum Standards will simply establish the requirement to follow these construction standards. Mr. Melton stated that Update 2 articulates Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Policy regarding non-aeronautical use of airport hangars. Mr. Melton stated that in order to ensure and get access to our grants, we can only house aviation assets in any airport hangar. Mr. Melton stated that we already utilize these obligated guidelines in the T-Hangar leases. Mr. Melton stated that we have to follow Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance. Mr. Melton stated that I want to add that to the Airport Rules, Regulations, and Minimum Standards since we are obligated to follow. Mr. Melton stated that regarding the leases we do need to start looking at aviation only, as much as we can. PRESIDENT POPILLION ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THERE IS INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. Mr. Greer stated that speaking on behalf of Mr. Grenzebach, he might have a consternation with limiting it down solely to airplanes themselves or something of that nature. Mr. Melton stated that this is straight out of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policy and I didn’t add any verbiage to it so unfortunately, he doesn’t really get a say. Mr. Melton stated I am so sorry. Mr. Greer stated that it would be great to review the policy beforehand, is what I imagine Tyson would say. Mr. Melton stated that it is available to you, and I can give that to you. Mr. Melton stated that it is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policy and we’re just adhering to what the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says what we have to do. Mr. Greer stated that I understand the intent. Mr. Melton stated that I see no reason why we don’t move forward with the rules and regulations since we’re obligated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to do it. Mr. Melton stated that unless you want to sacrifice the potential of losing grant monies. Mr. Popillion stated not at all. MOTION WAS MADE BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, SECONDED BY MR. HANKINS, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT UPDATES TO THE AIRPORT RULES, REGULATOINS, AND MINIMUM STANDARDS REVISED JUNE 26, 2025.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
PRESIDENT POPILLION 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. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO RETAIN THE SAME SLATE OF OFFICERS – NORA POPILLION, PRESIDENT; TUWANNA GUILLORY-AUGUST, VICE PRESIDENT; AND CHARLES K. DALGLEISH, SECRETARY/TREASURER FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
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 ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS STRATEGIC PLANNING AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING. The commissioners began the Executive Session at 1:05 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
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 RECONVENE THE REGULAR SESSION. The Regular Session was reconvened at 2:03 p.m. with no action taken during the Executive Session.
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 MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 15, 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 2:03 p.m.