MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, August 20, 2026
12:00 Noon
CIAA Board Room/3650 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue/Lake Charles, LA 70615
ATTENDANCE
Commissioners Present:
Mrs. Tuwanna Guillory-August, President
Mr. Charles K. Dalgleish, Vice President
Mr. Lee W. Boyer, Secretary/Treasurer
Mrs. Denise Rau, Commissioner
Mr. Kenneth B. Martin, Commissioner
Mr. Nora Popillion, Commissioner
Commissioners Absent:
None
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
Mr. Carl Service, Facilities/NAVAID Safety Inspector
Mr. Brett Downer, O’Carroll Group
Mr. Kyle Jones, Rostan Solutions, LLC
Mr. Randy Liprie, Liprie Engineering
Chief Joshua Arnold, Centerra
Mr. Chandler Levi, Allied Universal Security Services
Mr. Tyson Grenzebach, LandLocked Aviation Services
Mrs. Scarlett Grenzebach, LandLocked Aviation Services
Mr. Robert Stanford, Million Air Lake Charles
Mr. Matthew Bruce, Northrop Grumman
Mr. Anthony Bartie, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Mr. Tony Guillory, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
Mr. Mark McElveen, T-Hangar Tenant
Mr. Bill Hankins
CALL TO ORDER
President Guillory-August 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 Guillory-August requested additions, deletions, and amendments to the proposed agenda and Mr. Melton announced the same: i.e. DELETE: #14 Motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss potential litigation. DELETE: #15 Motion to return to Regular Session. PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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. RAU, SECONDED BY MR. DALGLEISH, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED AGENDA AS AMENDED.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Melton acknowledged Mr. Hankins and Mr. Popillion for their years of service on the Chennault International Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. Mr. Melton thanked Mr. Bartie, Mr. Guillory, and Mr. Stanford for attending. Mr. Melton reported that the LandLocked Aviation Services and Louisiana Millwork leases are being finalized, Paint Hangar “I’ is coming along really well, and there has been a 38% increase in air traffic since July 2019. Mr. Melton reported that the VIP tents and general admission tickets are close to being sold out for the Thunder Over Louisiana Airshow on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Mr. Melton shared that Mr. Service just completed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Medium-Intensity Approach Lighting System (MALSR) hands on training with plans to attain certification in the future.
Mr. Jones gave an update of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) obligated dollar amount summary for the New Paint Hangar “I” Project, the Climate Controlled Warehouse Project, and also pending award projects. Mr. Jones stated the Rostan team is also working closely with the Office of Community Development (OCD) regarding funding. Mr. Melton stated that the Chennault Airport Board previously approved the design of the 50,000 square foot Climate Controlled Warehouse. Mr. Melton stated that the design phase is complete and Chennault Airport will move forward bidding out the project once funding is received. Mr. Melton stated that we are ready to move forward thanks to the efforts of the architects and engineers years ago regarding the utility corridor projects. Mr. Melton stated that though the pending award of $156M sure would be great to get, Chennault Airport on our own cannot pay all the matching dollar amounts, contingency fees, etc. Mr. Melton asked that the Audit/Fiscal Affairs Committee continue to meet and have a series of discussions and reoccurring updates with Mr. Jones to make sure that we stay on the right course and don’t overextend. Mr. Melton shared that Chennault Airport partnered with Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Mosquito Control and the U.S. Air Force using a C-130 aircraft to combat mosquitos by treating approximately 80,000 acres of land.
Mr. Downer gave a brief summary of the ongoing public relations, marketing efforts, and the upcoming promotion of the Thunder Over Louisiana Airshow in conjunction with Herb Gillen Airshows.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Ms. Hanks gave a brief financial update on the Fund Balance as of June 30, 2026. Ms. Hanks stated that the projects that Rostan is talking about is a great opportunity for Chennault. Ms. Hanks stated that the thing moving forward in the future is going to have to be a Chennault Board discussion on how we can move forward to get additional funds from outside sources to pay Chennault’s portion.
AERONAUTICAL AND NONAERONAUTICAL LEASES
Mr. Melton stated that Chennault Airport will continue to update all aeronautical and nonaeronautical leases in an effort to standardize lease practices and also implement changes to the areas requiring corrective action per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Compliance Inspection Findings as a result of the Chennault International Airport Authority Land Use Compliance Inspection conducted June 16, 2026, through June 18, 2026. PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. Mr. Grenzebach stated that he wanted to acknowledge and thank the Chennault Board for their patience with the lease negotiations on Hangar “I”. Mr. Grenzebach stated that it is in motion and we’re excited to get it finalized as quickly as we can. Mr. Grenzebach stated that we’re excited to let everyone know that we closed on the former CARC property. Mr. Grenzebach stated that it is very related to our effort to grow jobs out here. Mrs. Guillory-August asked how many jobs will the new building produce? Mr. Grenzabach stated that we’re 140 right now. Mr. Grenzebach stated that we’re hiring and our target is 4 a week for 10 weeks and we should be well north of 200 people. Mr. Melton stated that I think what she’s asking is about the contract and don’t quote me, but I think it was about 100 jobs tied to Hangar “I”. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. DALGLEISH, SECONDED BY MR. BOYER, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO AMEND ALL AERONAUTICAL AND NONAERONAUTICAL LEASES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) FINDINGS/AREAS REQUIRING CORRECTIVE ACTION.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP)
Mr. Melton stated that the Resolution is required in order to participate in future projects funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). Mr. Melton stated that we are looking at an ALSF-1 enhanced approached lighting system in the 2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) timeframe. Mr. Melton stated that the MALSR system we currently have is unsustainable and you can’t get parts and pieces. PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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 PREPARE AND SUBMIT A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) REQUEST TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) VIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT (DOTD).
HANGAR “A” FIRE SUPPRESSION FOAM SYSTEM REPAIR AND RECOMMISSIONING
Mr. Melton stated that the Hangar “A” Fire Suppression Foam System has been inactive for multiple years. Mr. Melton stated that the project addresses deficiencies found during the last Hangar “A” Fire Suppression AFFF 5-year test cycle report which was July 15, 2021. Mr. McMullen stated that Northrop Grumman is required to have a fire suppression foam system in order to promote military projects. Mr. Melton stated that Chennault Airport is paying and is responsible per the lease. PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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 HANGAR “A” FIRE SUPPRESSION FOAM SYSTEM REPAIR AND RECOMMISSIONING.
BUILDING 3009 SUSPENDED HEATER EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
Mr. Melton stated that all original suspended heater equipment will be replaced. Mr. McMullen stated that this is Northrop Grumman’s Warehouse. Mr. Melton stated that the heaters are no longer serviceable and will be replaced with brand new. PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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 PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR, SOLICIT FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE BUILDING 3009 SUSPENDED HEATER EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT.
BUILDING 1020 CHILLER EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
Mr. Melton stated that the chiller system heat exchanger is heavily corroded. Mr. McMullen stated that this is Northrop Grumman’s main office building. Mr. McMullen stated that the exterior air conditioning systems are failing and becoming unreliable. PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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 PREPARE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR, ADVERTISE FOR, OPEN BIDS FOR AND AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE BUILDING 1020 CHILLER EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT.
SURPLUS EQUIPMENT
Mr. Melton stated that the equipment is too costly to repair. Mrs. LaFleur stated that there will be a minimum value assigned to each item and the items will be advertised in the newspaper. Mr. Melton stated that the items will be sold “as is where is”. PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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 DECLARE EQUIPMENT AS SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ADVERTISE, OPEN BIDS, AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO SELL THE ITEMS TO THE HIGH BIDDER(S) OR TO NEGOTIATE A SALE IF THE BID(S) IS DETERMINED TO BE UNREASONABLY LOW.
METRIE LMI, LLC (LOUISIANA MILLWORK)
LEASE AGREEMENT
Mr. Melton stated that the current sublease expires on December 31, 2026. Mr. Melton stated that the new sublease will follow the new business structure of market rate. Mr. Melton stated that the Sublessee pays the insurance and will be responsible for up to $10,000.00 for maintenance and repairs for each occurrence. PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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 NEGOTIATE AND SIGN A SUBLEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND METRIE LMI, LLC (LOUISIANA MILLWORK).
MINUTE APPROVAL
PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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 JULY 16, 2026, REGULAR MEETING.
ADJOURNMENT
PRESIDENT GUILLORY-AUGUST 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, President Guillory-August declared the meeting adjourned at 12:46 p.m.