MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, January 15, 2026
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. Kenneth B. Martin, Commissioner
Commissioners Absent:
Mr. Lee W. Boyer, Commissioner
Others Present:
Mr. Kevin Melton, Executive Director
Mr. Robert S. Kleinschmidt Jr., Legal Counsel
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. Clint Johnson, Airport Operations Superintendent
Mr. Brett Downer, O’Carroll Group
Mr. Donnie Morris, Consultant
Mr. John Gregory, HUB International Limited
Mr. Louis Todd, HUB International Limited
Mrs. Donna Teer, HUB International Limited
Mr. Russell Stutes, Jr., Stutes & Lavergne, LLC
Mr. Gary Loftus, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Chief Joshua Arnold, Centerra
Assistant Chief Jonathon Monceaux, Centerra
Mr. Chandler Levi, Allied Universal Security Services
Mr. Robert Stanford, Million Air Lake Charles
Mr. Mark McElveen, T-Hangar Tenant
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 the same; i.e. DELETE: Item #7 Semiannual Financial Update. Mr. Melton stated that the semiannual financial update is recommended by the auditor and it will be presented at the February 19, 2026 Regular Board Meeting. 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 PROPOSED AGENDA AS AMENDED.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Melton introduced Mr. Loftus, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Compliance Program Manager and Airport Certification Safety Inspector who is currently conducting Chennault’s Airport Certification Safety Inspection. Mr. Melton stated that the bid opening for the new Single Bay Paint Hangar “I” will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Mr. Melton shared pictures of the New Guard House at the Industrial Row Gate. Mr. Melton stated that this is another effort by Chennault to enhance and take the airport to a center of excellence. Mr. Melton thanked Mr. Shows with VSG Architects, his staff and the engineers for all their efforts.
Mr. Downer gave a brief recap of the marketing and public relations efforts regarding Chennault Airport’s 40th Anniversary and the upcoming Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Aviation Paint Hangar.
AWARDED CONTRACTS FROM JUNE 1, 2025 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025
Mrs. LaFleur stated that this reporting complies with the Financial Auditor’s recommendation to provide updates on awarded projects to our Board of Commissioners. Mrs. LaFleur stated that the listing contains who Chennault awarded the contracts to and what the cost was from June 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025.
| Project Name | Contractor | Award Amount |
| Building 1020 HVAC Emergency Management System Replacement (Northrop Grumman Admin.) | Trouth Air Conditioning & Sheet Metal, Inc. | $163,650.00 |
| FWPH #2 Tank-02 (Job West) Firewater Storage Tank Clean Out (Rebid) | AFCO 360, LLC | $17,200.00 |
| FWPH #2 Tank-02 (Job West) Firewater Storage Tank Inspection | Recon Management | $50,946.61 |
| Rehabilitate South Apron Pavement, Phase IV | Alfred Palma, LLC | $1,395,458.00 |
| Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) Concrete Paving & Flooring Replacement | Alfred Palma, LLC | $99,800.00 |
| Chennault Administration Building Interior Renovations | Scott Taylor Construction | $114,850.00 |
LEASE AMENDMENT – EP BREAUX UTILITY SERVICE, LLC.
Mr. Melton stated that EP Breaux Utility Service, LLC requested to extend their lease for an additional four 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. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO AMEND THE LEASE BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND EP BREAUX UTILITY SERVICE, LLC TO EXTEND THE LEASE FOR AN ADDITIONAL FOUR (4) MONTHS COMMENCING MARCH 1, 2026.
RATIFY PURCHASE OF PROPERTY INSURANCE – LOUISIANA MILLWORK (MASONITE CORPORATION)
Mr. Melton stated that Chennault Airport will continue paying for the property insurance and will invoice Louisiana Millwork (Masonite Corporation) as per their request during lease negotiations. 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. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MR. DALGLEISH AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO RATIFY THE PURCHASE OF INSURANCE FOR LOUISIANA MILLWORK (MASONITE CORPORATION) PROPERTY AS A SEPARATE INSURANCE POLICY.
INSURANCE POLICIES
Mr. Todd stated that there’s approximately $375,000.00 in savings over the last year. Mr. Todd stated that this year the carrier has moved the wind sublimit from $75,000,000.00 last year to a full wind limit coverage that matches and is based on the total value of Chennault Airport’s property at no additional premium this year. Mr. Todd stated that he has a new carrier that offered a quote on flood/earthquake coverage of moveable equipment only. Mr. Todd stated that he doesn’t think flooding is a real issue. 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 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, 2026.
RENEWAL OF EMPLOYEE GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE YEAR COMMENCING MARCH 1, 2026
Mr. Melton stated that we’ve previously had this conversation regarding benefits. Mr. Melton stated that people are what make this place thrive. Mr. Melton stated that if you don’t take care of people our mission is going to be affected. Mr. Melton stated that in February 2024 these rates went up 12.5% and in January 2025 our rates went up 3.5%. Mr. Melton stated that at some point we are going to need to look at the employer and employee ratios. Mr. Melton stated that the anticipated premium increase is going up another 10%. Mr. Melton stated that he recommends today that Chennault Airport maintain the employee deductible and the employee and employer contribution ratio. Mr. Melton suggested that the Administration/Personnel/Insurance Committee and Mr. Gregory discuss this item earlier next year. Mr. Melton stated that Chennault Airport can no longer continue to assume the significant increase in 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. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MRS. RAU, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE RENEWAL OF THE EMPLOYEE GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE AT THE CURRENT COVERAGE FOR THE YEAR COMMENCING MARCH 1, 2026.
ELEVEN (11) ELECTRICAL GATE CONTROLLER UPGRADES
Mr. Melton stated that the current eleven (11) Electrical Gate Controllers are consistently breaking down and repair parts are becoming unavailable and difficult to acquire. Mr. Melton further stated that the airport receives 6-7 security reports a week that the gates aren’t working properly. 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 AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR, ADVERTISE FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE ELEVEN (11) ELECTRICAL GATE CONTROLLER UPGRADES.
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 MRS. RAU, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION. The commissioners began the Executive Session at 12:50 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 1:51 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. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MRS. RAU AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 17, 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 1:52 p.m.