MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING

Thursday, October 16, 2025

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

ATTENDANCE

Commissioners Present:

Mr. Nora Popillion, President
Mr. Charles K. Dalgleish, Secretary/Treasurer
Mrs. Denise Rau, Commissioner
Mr. Kenneth B. Martin, Commissioner
Mr. Lee W. Boyer, Commissioner

Commissioners Absent:

Mr. Bill Hankins, Commissioner
Mrs. Tuwanna Guillory-August, Vice President

Others Present:

Mr. Kevin Melton, Executive Director
Mrs. 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, Admin. Specialist/Recording Secretary
Mr. Donnie Morris, Consultant
Mr. Brett Downer, O’Carroll Group
Mr. Ronald Childress
Chief Joshua Arnold, Centerra
Mr. Tyson Grenzebach, LandLocked Aviation Services
Ms. Cathy Brady, LandLocked Aviation Services
Mr. Robert Stanford, Million Air Lake Charles
Mr. Matthew Bruce, Northrop Grumman
Mr. Wejee Lechtenberg, Jr., Lechtenberg Consulting, Inc.

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/CORRESPONDENCE

Mr. Melton introduced Mr. Ronald Childress, who has been working on projects pertaining to the history, legacy, and heritage of Chennault Air Force Base. Mr. Melton stated that the status of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements have been delayed approximately a month and a half. Mr. Melton stated that final approval is anticipated in November 2025 and funding availability estimated early December 2025. Mr. Melton reported on the ongoing fiber installation at the airport. Mr. Melton stated that this is another infrastructure effort that we are moving forward. Mr. Melton stated that we should receive the Certificate of Occupancy for the Waste Water Treatment Building next week. Mr. Melton reported that newly executed contracts will bring in approximately $82,000 a month. Mr. Melton stated that Chennault is appreciative of the honor of being awarded the 2025 Airport of the Year in the general aviation sector by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). Mr. Melton called out the Chennault HVAC personnel and the great work they are doing. Mr. Melton stated that the airport has approximately 100 air conditioning units plus other equipment that they maintain and repair. Mr. Melton stated that the airport is saving taxpayers approximately $40,000.00 by having the equipment maintained by our specialized and fully trained personnel.

Mr. Downer gave a summary of the ongoing marketing and public relation efforts through social media outreaches.

Mr. Melton stated that lease negotiations are going well. Mr. Melton stated that nothing significantly has changed. Mr. Melton stated that there has been some push back, but we are standing our ground to change the business model that will course correct us for the long term. Mr. Melton stated that we are going to schedule another Business Development/Architectural/ Engineering Committee meeting before we bring it to the full board for approval.

Mr. Childress stated that he has personally taken on projects relating to recognizing the history of Chennault Air Force Base due to his grandson’s love of aviation. Mr. Childress stated that he started with the lengthy process of requesting a historical marker recognizing Lieutenant General Claire Lee Chennault. Mr. Childress stated that Nell Calloway, granddaughter of Lieutenant General Claire Lee Chennault, will be sponsoring the marker. Mr. Childress stated that McNeese State University has a great Chennault collection. Mr. Childress stated that he found the actual site plan of Chennault Air Force Base from the November 14, 1958, dedication ceremony. Mr. Childress stated that he is working with Sowela Technical Community College to convert it to an AutoCAD. Mr. Childress stated that he is also collaborating with Mr. Kyle Edmiston, President and CEO of Visit Lake Charles to develop a driving tour with a corresponding brochure of former sites located on the Air Force Base.

LEASE AGREEMENT – AMENDMENT #1
R.O.W.C., L.L.C. D/B/A DIAMOND D INDUSTRIES

Mr. Melton stated that the amendment is to reduce the footprint of R.O.W.C., L.L.C. d/b/a Diamond D Industries from 32.9 acres to 6 acres and to extend the lease to an additional six months. 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. BOYER, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SIGN AMENDMENT #1 TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND R.O.W.C., L.L.C. D/B/A DIAMOND D INDUSTRIES.

LEASE AGREEMENT – AMENDMENT #1
BECHTEL ENERGY/LOUISIANA LNG

Mr. Melton stated that Bechtel Energy/Louisiana LNG is increasing their footprint by 26.9+ acres that R.O.W.C., L.L.C. d/b/a Diamond D Industries is releasing. 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. BOYER, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SIGN AMENDMENT #1 TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND BECHTEL ENERGY/LOUISIANA LNG.

LEASE AGREEMENT – RATIFY
MARK DODGE

Mr. Melton stated that Mark Dodge will be leasing 1.37+ acres to park cars for inspection on a month-to-month basis for 6 months. Mr. Melton stated that the leased area is the parking lot of the former Mallard Cove Golf Course Club House. 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. BOYER, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO RATIFY THE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND MARK DODGE.

DOTD GRANT RESOLUTION – TAXIWAY GOLF “G” LIGHTING PHASE II PROJECT

Mr. Melton stated that the resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the Taxiway Golf “G” Lighting Phase II Project. Mrs. LaFleur stated that this grant is for additional funds the Department of Transportation and Development located for us in order to fund the whole 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. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MRS. RAU, 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 TAXIWAY GOLF “G” LIGHTING PHASE II PROJECT, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.

DOTD GRANT RESOLUTION – TAXIWAY ALPHA “A” NORTH REHABILITATION PROJECT

Mr. Melton stated that the resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the Taxiway Alpha “A” North Rehabilitation Project. Mrs. LaFleur stated that this grant is for additional funds the Department of Transportation and Development located for us in order to fund the whole 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. BOYER, 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 TAXIWAY ALPHA “A” NORTH REHABILITATION PROJECT, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.

MAINTENANCE CONTRACT – IES (INTEGRITY ELEVATOR SOLUTIONS)
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER (ATCT) ELEVATOR

Mr. Melton stated that the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) elevator has been a problem for multiple years and has become a potential safety hazard. Mr. Melton stated that this maintenance contract will allow for IES (Integrity Elevator Solutions) to repair the elevator when issues are found during inspections. Mr. Melton stated that the repair costs will be in addition to the quarterly charge for the maintenance agreement. 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. DALGLEISH, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A MAINTENANCE CONTRACT WITH IES (INTEGRITY ELEVATOR SOLUTIONS) FOR THE ELEVATOR AT THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER (ATCT) FOR INSPECTIONS AND REPAIRS.

BOARD MEETING DATE CHANGE

Mr. Melton stated that the purpose of the change in the date of the December 2025 Regular Board meeting is due to calendar conflicts. 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. BOYER, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO CHANGE THE DATE OF THE DECEMBER 2025 REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FROM DECEMBER 18, 2025, TO DECEMBER 17, 2025, AT 12:00 NOON.

AIRSHOW PRODUCTION AGREEMENT – HERB GILLEN AIRSHOWS, LLC

Mr. Melton stated that the airshow production agreement authorizes the Herb Gillen Airshows, LLC to coordinate and make arrangements for an Airshow at Chennault Airport. Mr. Melton stated that the financial risk for the show is the responsibility of Herb Gillen Airshows, LLC. Mr. Melton stated that Chennault will provide security at required gates, Fire and Rescue (ARFF Services), Police, Airport Operations and Maintenance Personnel for a safe execution of the event. 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. BOYER, SECONDED BY MR. DALGLEISH, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH HERB GILLEN AIRSHOWS, LLC.

JOINT SERVICES AGREEMENT – DEQUINCY AIRPORT

Mr. Melton stated that the terms of the agreement will be extended for an additional 10 years, and the annual payment increase beginning with the year 2026. Mr. Melton stated that the entity agrees to cooperate for the purpose of undertaking of construction, acquisition and improvement of public aviation projects or improvements. Mr. Melton stated that the funds will better promote parish-wide economic development. 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 AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO AND TO SIGN THE JOINT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR DEQUINCY AIRPORT COMMENCING IN 2026, PROVIDING PASSAGE AND PROMULGATION OF THE CHENNAULT TAX RENEWAL ELECTION SET FOR DECEMBER 10, 2022.

JOINT SERVICES AGREEMENT – SOUTHLAND FIELD AIRPORT

Mr. Melton stated that the terms of the agreement will be extended for an additional 10 years, and the annual payment increase beginning with the year 2026. Mr. Melton stated that the entity agrees to cooperate for the purpose of undertaking of construction, acquisition and improvement of public aviation projects or improvements. Mr. Melton stated that the funds will better promote parish-wide economic development. 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. BOYER, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO AND TO SIGN THE JOINT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR SOUTHLAND FIELD AIRPORT COMMENCING IN 2026, PROVIDING PASSAGE AND PROMULGATION OF THE CHENNAULT TAX RENEWAL ELECTION SET FOR DECEMBER 10, 2022.

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. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MRS. RAU, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 18, 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 MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. With no further business to come before the Commissioners, President Popillion declared the meeting adjourned at 12:59 p.m.