MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, November 20, 2025
12:00 noon
CIAA Board Room/ 3650 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue/Lake Charles, LA 70615
ATTENDANCE
Commissioners Present:
Mr. Charles K. Dalgleish, Secretary/Treasurer
Mrs. Denise Rau, Commissioner
Mr. Kenneth B. Martin, Commissioner
Mr. Lee W. Boyer, Commissioner
Commissioners Absent:
Mr. Nora Popillion, President
Mrs. Tuwanna Guillory-August, Vice President
Mr. Bill Hankins, Commissioner
Others Present:
Mr. Kevin Melton, Executive Director
Mr. Robert S. Kleinschmidt Jr., Legal Counsel
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. Amanda Bull, Purchasing Agent
Mr. Donnie Morris, Consultant
Mr. Brett Downer, O’Carroll Group
Mr. Kyle Jones, Rostan Solutions, LLC
Chief Joshua Arnold, Centerra
Mr. Chandler Levi, Allied Universal Security Services
Mr. Tyson Grenzebach, LandLocked Aviation Services
Ms. Cathy Brady, LandLocked Aviation Services
Mr. Robert Stanford, Million Air Lake Charles
Mr. Wejee Lechtenberg, Jr., Lechtenberg Consulting, Inc.
CALL TO ORDER
Secretary/Treasurer Dalgleish 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
Secretary/Treasurer Dalgleish requested additions, deletions, and amendments to the proposed agenda and Mr. Melton announced there were none to report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Melton stated that Mr. Lechtenberg, Jr., has been leading the fiber upgrade and installation project as we continue to focus on infrastructure improvements here at the airport.
Mr. Lechtenberg, Jr., gave a brief status update on the ongoing fiber installation to each CWF designated facility. Mr. Lechtenberg, Jr., stated that the installation will be completed by the end of this year.
Mr. Melton stated that he was approached by Mayor Simien, Jr., who proposed the City of Lake Charles Annexation of the Chennault International Airport Authority Site 3. Mr. Melton stated that by annexing Site 3 the City of Lake Charles would collect the tax revenue off of that property. Mr. Dalgleish stated that if it is annexed then the City of Lake Charles would have to provide sewer and water. Mr. Melton stated that this is why I am coming to the Board. Mr. Melton stated that he will relay to Mayor Simien, Jr., that the Board would expect some kind of improvements in infrastructure. Mr. Melton requested approval from the Board to continue the conversation with Mayor Simien Jr., for which he was given approval from all board members in attendance.
Mr. Jones gave a status update regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) obligations and projected funding.
Mr. Melton gave an update on the status of the Louisiana Department of Economic Development funding for the construction of the new single bay paint hangar. Mr. Melton stated that we received letters supporting the construction from Senator Jeremy P. Stine and the Chamber. Mr. Melton stated that we are required to sign a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.
Mr. Morris gave updates from the Northrop Grumman Corporation and the Louisiana Millwork (Masonite Corporation) ongoing lease negotiation meetings.
Mr. Melton stated that he intends to bring the final agreements to the Board of Commissioners to review before he signs. Mr. Melton stated that because we are making significant changes and setting a precedence moving forward on how we are going to do business, he wants to make sure the Board is completely comfortable.
Mr. Melton introduced Mrs. Bull, Chennault’s new Purchasing Agent and Mr. Chandler Levi, the newest Security Manager from Allied Universal Security Services.
Mr. Downer shared announcements regarding Chennault Airport’s upcoming 40th Anniversary, and the Herb Gillian Airshows “Thunder Over Louisiana” Air Show being held August 28-30, 2026, at Chennault International Airport.
LEASE AMENDMENT #5 – LOUISIANA MILLWORK (MASONITE CORPORATION)
Mr. Melton stated that the proposed Amendment #5 is to extend Louisiana Millwork’s current lease for one year with modifications to the lease rate and Louisiana Millwork to cover insurance on the facility. SECRETARY/TREASURER DALGLEISH 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 ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SIGN LEASE AMENDMENT #5 BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND LOUISIANA MILLWORK (MASONITE CORPORATION).
LEASE AGREEMENT – HANGAR “I” LANDLOCKED AVIATION SERVICES
Mr. Melton stated that this lease will be for the new paint hangar (Hangar “I”). Mr. Melton stated that this will be a stand alone lease separate from the current LandLocked Aviation
Services lease. SECRETARY/TREASURER DALGLEISH 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 NEGOTIATE AND TO SIGN A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND LANDLOCKED AVIATION SERVICES FOR HANGAR “I”.
HANGAR “H” TRENCH DRAIN REPAIRS PROJECT
Mr. Melton stated that the Hangar “H” Trench Drains are popping up in areas causing issues with the flooring and moving aircraft. SECRETARY/TREASURER DALGLEISH 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 PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR, SOLICIT FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR HANGAR “H” TRENCH DRAIN REPAIRS.
FIREWATER PUMPHOUSE #1 ACCESS ROAD PAVING PROJECT
Mr. Melton stated that this project will include concreting the rock road near Firewater Pumphouse #1 and will also reduce the amount of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) in the Air Operations Area (AOA). SECRETARY/TREASURER DALGLEISH 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 PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR, SOLICIT FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR FIREWATER PUMPHOUSE #1 ACCESS ROAD PAVING.
JOINT SERVICES AGREEMENT – DEQUINCY AIRPORT
Mr. Melton stated that the terms of the agreement will be extended for an additional 10 years 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. Mr. Melton stated that the primary changes are as follows: 1. No escalation 2. If there is a reduction in funds CIAA receives, there will be a corresponding reduction in payment to DeQuincy Airport. Mr. Melton stated that Chennault acknowledged the importance of DeQuincy Airport and is being a good community partner. SECRETARY/TREASURER DALGLEISH 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 AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO AND TO SIGN THE JOINT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR DEQUINCY AIRPORT COMMENCING IN 2026, BASED FROM THE PASSAGE AND PROMULGATION OF THE CHENNAULT TAX RENEWAL ELECTION ON 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 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. Mr. Melton stated that the primary changes are as follows: 1. No escalation 2. If there is a reduction in funds CIAA receives, there will be a corresponding reduction in payment to Southland Field Airport. Mr. Melton stated that Chennault acknowledged the importance of Southland Field Airport and is being a good community partner. SECRETARY/TREASURER DALGLEISH 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 ENTER INTO AND TO SIGN THE JOINT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR SOUTHLAND FIELD AIRPORT COMMENCING IN 2026, BASED FROM THE PASSAGE AND PROMULGATION OF THE CHENNAULT TAX RENEWAL ELECTION ON DECEMBER 10, 2022.
SERVICE AGREEMENT – RELEVANT INDUSTRIAL, LLC
Mr. Melton stated that the service agreement is for the facilities air compressors preventative maintenance. Mr. Melton stated that we get a price break with the 5-year agreement. Mrs. LaFleur stated that the $117,400.00 is for 5 years and we can cancel the contract after 2 years.
SECRETARY/TREASURER DALGLEISH 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 AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A 5-YEAR SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH RELEVANT INDUSTRIAL, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $117,400.00 FOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE FOR AIR COMPRESSORS.
COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT (CEA) – BETWEEN CIAA AND THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – NEW SINGLE BAY PAINT HANGAR
Mr. Melton stated that this is to formalize the terms and conditions agreed to in the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between Chennault International Airport Authority and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development for the funding for the construction of the new single bay paint hangar. SECRETARY/TREASURER DALGLEISH 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 SIGN A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT (CEA) BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE BAY PAINT HANGAR AT CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
SECRETARY/TREASURER DALGLEISH 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 ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION. The commissioners began the Executive Session at 1:04 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
SECRETARY/TREASURER DALGLEISH 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 MRS. RAU, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO RECONVENE THE REGULAR SESSION. The Regular Session was reconvened at 1:11 p.m. with no action taken during the Executive Session.
MINUTE APPROVAL
SECRETARY/TREASURER DALGLEISH 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 OCTOBER 16, 2025 REGULAR MEETING.
ADJOURNMENT
SECRETARY/TREASURER DALGLEISH 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, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. With no further business to come before the Commissioners, Secretary/Treasurer Dalgleish declared the meeting adjourned at 1:12 p.m.