MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
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
Commissioners Absent:
Mrs. Tuwanna Guillory-August, Vice President
Mr. Bill Hankins, Commissioner
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
Ms. Loretta Hanks, Director of Finance
Mr. John McMullen, Director of Facilities & Maintenance
Mr. Mitch O’Neal, Director of Operations
Mr. Brett Downer, O’Carroll Group
Chief Joshua Arnold, Centerra
Mr. Chandler Levi, Allied Universal Security Services
Mr. Tyson Grenzebach, LandLocked Aviation Services
Mrs. Scarlett Grenzebach, LandLocked Aviation Services
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. AMEND Item #6 – Discuss and take appropriate action to authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement with Stulb and Associates for the audit of the financial statements. AMEND: Item #12 – Discuss and take appropriate action to authorize the Executive Director to sign Amendment #2 to the lease agreement between Chennault International Airport Authority and R.O.W.C., L.L.C. d/b/a Diamond D Industries. AMEND: Item #13 – Discuss and take appropriate action to authorize the Executive Director to sign Amendment #2 to the lease agreement between Chennault International Airport Authority and Bechtel Energy/Louisiana LNG. DELETE: Item #7 – Discuss and take appropriate action to authorize the Executive Director to enter into a Letter of Agreement between Chennault International Airport Authority and the Aviation Academy to utilize office and classroom space for Flight Training Operations. 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 APPROVE THE PROPOSED AGENDA AS AMENDED.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS
Mr. Melton gave a brief legislative update regarding he and Mr. McMullen’s trip to Washington, D.C., May 11-13, 2026. Mr. Melton stated that it was a good briefing and all the members, congressional staffers, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were receptive. Mr. Melton stated that Senator Jeremy P. Stine will read a resolution that will recognize Chennault International Airport Authority in the Senate Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in honor of the airport’s 40th Anniversary. Mr. Melton stated that he is meeting with the Barksdale Air Force Base Wing Commander and the Reserve Unit Operations Group Commander to promote continued B-52 operations into Chennault. Mr. Melton stated that Chennault International Airport Authority will be considering levying a special tax of 5.45 mills on the dollar of assessed valuation on all property subject to taxation within the limits of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, for tax year 2026 at its Regular Board of Commissioners Meeting, Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 12:00 noon which will be held in the Chennault Boardroom, located at 3650 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue, Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Mr. Downer gave a brief summary of the ongoing marketing and public relations efforts which include Chennault International Airport Authority’s 40th Anniversary and how we can take Chennault Airport’s marketing efforts to the next level. Mr. Downer stated that the NOAA National Hurricane Center chose Chennault International Airport Authority as one of the five cities they picked this year to conduct their hurricane awareness tour. Mr. Downer stated that they showcased advanced storm-tracking technologies and shared the importance of hurricane awareness and preparation at the May 6, 2026, event.
AUDIT SERVICES AGREEMENT
Mr. Melton stated that we received a proposal from Stulb and Associates for a three-year period to perform the audit for the years ended June 30, 2026, 2027, and 2028. 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 AN AGREEMENT WITH STULB AND ASSOCIATES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR A THREE-YEAR PERIOD.
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) GRANT RESOLUTION – TAXIWAYS BRAVO, CHARLIE, AND ALPHA SOUTH 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 Taxiways Bravo, Charlie, and Alpha South Rehabilitation 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 MR. DALGLEISH, 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 BRAVO, CHARLIE, AND ALPHA SOUTH REHABILITATION PROJECT, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT (DOTD) GRANT RESOLUTION – TAXIWAYS BRAVO, CHARLIE, AND ALPHA SOUTH 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 Taxiways Bravo, Charlie, and Alpha South Rehabilitation 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 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 BRAVO, CHARLIE, AND ALPHA SOUTH REHABILITATION PROJECT, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) GRANT RESOLUTION – REPAIR/REHABILITATE/MODERNIZE THE SPONSOR OWNED FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) CONTRACT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER (ATCT)
Mr. Melton stated that the resolution will authorize the Executive Director to accept the grant, submit reports, and sign reimbursement requests for the Repair/Rehabilitate/Modernize the Sponsor Owned Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Contract Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) 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 FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) FOR THE REPAIR/REHABILITATE/MODERNIZE THE SPONSOR OWNED FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) CONTRACT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER (ATCT) PROJECT, AND TO SIGN ALL APPLICATIONS, FORMS, GRANT AGREEMENTS, ASSURANCES, REPORTS AND REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANT.
ARFF SERVICES AGREEMENT – CENTERRA
Mr. Melton stated that the proposed contract is for the airport fire services for a four-year term with three additional one-year options to renew, commencing July 1, 2026. Mr. Melton stated that we have compared our costs with other airports and they are relatively in line. Mr. Melton stated that this still seems to be a pretty strong company and probably with the best prices for the most part. 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 MRS. RAU, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH CENTERRA FOR ARFF SERVICES BEGINNING JULY 1, 2026.
LEASE AGREEMENT – AMENDMENT #2 R.O.W.C., L.L.C. D/B/A DIAMOND D INDUSTRIES
Mr. Melton stated that the amendment is to relocate the lease space and extend the lease an additional three months with an option to extend on a month to month for three more months but they are reducing their footprint from 11.3 acres to 6.76 acres. Mrs. LaFleur stated that EP Breaux Utility Service, LLC lease expires on June 30, 2026, and they are moving out. Mrs. LaFleur stated that R.O.W.C., L.L.C. d/b/a Diamond D Industries has agreed to relocate to the area EP Breaux Utility Service, LLC is currently leasing because they can use a smaller footprint. 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. RAU, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SIGN AMENDMENT #2 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 #2 BECHTEL ENERGY/LOUISIANA LNG
Mr. Melton stated that Bechtel Energy/Louisiana LNG is increasing their footprint by 11.3 acres and that EP Breaux Utility Service, LLC (6.76 acres) and R.O.W.C., L.L.C. d/b/a Diamond D Industries (4.54 acres) are releasing. Mrs. LaFleur stated that Bechtel Energy/Louisiana LNG will lease the properties R.O.W.C., L.L.C. d/b/a Diamond D and EP Breaux Utility Service, LLC are 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. MARTIN, SECONDED BY MR. DALGLEISH, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SIGN AMENDMENT #2 TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND BECHTEL ENERGY/LOUISIANA LNG.
AIRSHOW – ALCOHOL SELL AUTHORIZATION
Mr. Melton stated that the purpose of this Resolution is to grant permission for alcoholic beverages to be sold at the airshow. Mr. Melton stated that the permission is one of the requirements for the airshow’s application for the permit to sell liquor, beer, and wine. 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 GIVE WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FOR THE HERB GILLEN AIRSHOWS, LLC TO SELL OR DISTRIBUTE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF HIGH AND LOW ALCOHOL CONTENT AT THE AIRSHOW, AUGUST 28-30, 2026, AT CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
DELTA SOUTH LOUISIANA GAS COMPANY, LLC, – RIGHT OF WAY FOR UTILITY CORRIDOR FOR HANGAR “I” PAINT HANGAR
Mr. Melton stated that the Delta South Louisiana Gas Company, LLC (formerly CenterPoint Energy) needs a 10’ x 5’ defined Right of Way for a Utility Corridor. 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 ENTER INTO A SERVITUDE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, CITY OF LAKE CHARLES, AND DELTA SOUTH LOUISIANA GAS COMPANY, LLC GRANTING A RIGHT OF WAY FOR THE UTILITY CORRIDOR FOR HANGAR “I’ PAINT HANGAR.
DELTA SOUTH LOUISIANA GAS COMPANY, LLC, – TWO RIGHT OF WAYS FOR THE UTILITY CORRIDOR FOR HANGAR “I” PAINT HANGAR
Mr. Melton stated that the Delta South Louisiana Gas Company, LLC (formerly CenterPoint Energy) needs two 10’ x 5’ defined Right of Ways for a Utility Corridor. 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 ENTER INTO A SERVITUDE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD, AND DELTA SOUTH LOUISIANA GAS COMPANY, LLC GRANTING TWO RIGHT OF WAYS FOR THE UTILITY CORRIDOR FOR HANGAR “I’ PAINT HANGAR.
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 MR. DALGLEISH, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 16, 2026, 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 MRS. RAU AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. With no further business to come before the Commissioners, President Popillion declared the meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.