MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING

Thursday, December 21, 2023

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

ATTENDANCE

Commissioners Present:

Mr. Charles K. Dalgleish, Vice President
Mrs. Tuwanna Guillory-August, Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Andrew D. Hankins, Commissioner
Mrs. Denise Rau, Commissioner
Mr. Tad Martin, Commissioner

Commissioners Absent:

Mr. Bill Hankins, President
Mr. Nora Popillion, Commissioner

Others Present:

Mr. Kevin Melton, Executive Director
Mr. Robert Kleinschmidt, Legal Counsel
Mr. Gerald Theunissen, Consultant
Ms. Loretta Hanks, Director of Finance
Ms. Andrea LaFleur, Director of Executive & Airport Affairs
Mr. John McMullen, Director of Facilities & Maintenance
Ms. Paulette Moss, Admin Specialist/Recording Secretary
Mr. Brett Downer, O’Carroll Group
Mr. Wejee Lechtenberg, Lechtenberg Consulting, Inc.
Mr. Steve Shows, VSG Architects
Mr. Randy Liprie, Liprie Engineering, LLC
Mr. Josh Arnold, Centerra
Mr. Tyson Grenzebach, Landlocked Aviation LLC
Mr. Tony Guillory, CPPJ
Ms. Kristi Carter, Stulb & Associates

CALL TO ORDER

Vice President 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

Vice President Dalgleish requested additions, deletions, and amendments to the proposed agenda and Mr. Melton announced the same; i.e. AMEND: Item #13 – Discuss and take appropriate action to authorize the Executive Director to extend the Letter of Intent with Gulf Coast Intermodal Energy Complex LLC (“GCIEC“) for an additional 120 days. VICE PRESIDENT 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. A. HANKINS, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED AGENDA AS AMENDED.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS

Mr. Melton reported that the Chamber Banquet is scheduled for Thursday, January 18, 2024 and that Chennault has five seats to fill. Mr. Melton reported that the Mayoral meeting with Chennault’s tenants will be in January/February 2024.

Mr. David Whitaker gave an update summary pertaining to Air Cargo opportunities.

Mr. Brett Downer gave a brief summary of the public relations ongoing efforts.

ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT

Ms. Carter gave an overview of the audit report. Ms. Carter reported that there were no findings for the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. VICE PRESIDENT 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. A. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2023 AS PRESENTED BY STULB & ASSOCIATES.

PERSONNEL & ADMINISTRATION POLICY MANUAL

Mr. Melton stated that the change is adding one hour to the harassment training section. VICE PRESIDENT 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. A. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT THE REVISIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE PERSONNEL & ADMINISTRATION POLICY MANUAL.

AIRPORT RATES AND CHARGES

Mr. Melton stated that this is correcting a base rate for ARFF trucks and ARFF personnel. Mr. Melton also stated that this will clarify cost for engine runtime and non-engine run time. VICE PRESIDENT 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. A. HANKINS, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT THE AIRPORT RATES AND CHARGES FOR CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY.

HANGAR “A” ANNEX AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT

Mr. Melton stated that this is to replace the equipment because the equipment cannot be repaired. VICE PRESIDENT DALGLEISH 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. A. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MRS. RAU 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 A ANNEX AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPEMNT REPLACEMENT.

ENTRACNCE SIGN PROJECT

Mr. Melton stated that this project will be a cooperative endeavor between Chennault, National Guard, and SOWELA. Mr. Melton also stated that the sign will be located outside of the National Guard’s leased area along Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Ave. VICE PRESIDENT DALGLEISH ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THAT THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. A. HANKINS, 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 ENTRANCE SIGN PROJECT.

UNDERGROUND UTILITIES PROJECT

Mr. Melton stated that this project will relocate the overhead electrical lines to underground Mr. Melton also stated that this project is necessary in order to construct FWPH #3. VICE PRESIDENT DALGLEISH ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY INPUT THE PUBLIC. LET THE RECORD SHOW THAT THERE IS NO INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC. MOTION WAS MADE BY MR. A. HANKINS, 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 UNDERGROUND UTILITIES PROJECT.

SITE UTILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

Mr. Melton stated that the infrastructure and utilities project will bring the necessary infrastructure/utility lines up to the battery limits which is approximately 10’ off of the south edge of the shoulder of the Chennault Parkway road. Mr. Melton also stated that this supports the new FWPH construction project. VICE PRESIDENT DALGLEISH 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. A. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH TRAHAN CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,565,000.00 FOR THE SITE UTILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT.

EXTEND LETTER OF INTENT 

Mr. Melton stated that the lease of the property is for sites 5, 1, 6, and 2. Mr. Melton stated the lease would be a long term lease with the lessee developing the facility. VICE PRESIDENT 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. A. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MR. RAU, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXTEND THE LETTER OF INTENT WITH GULF COAST INTERMODAL ENERGY COMPLEX LLC (“GCIEC”) FOR AN ADDITIONAL 120 DAYS.

LEASE AMENDMENT #3 – NATIONAL GUARD

Mr. Melton stated that the lease amendment will adjust the National Guard’s leased area for the construction of the new entrance sign for Chennault, National Guard and SOWELA. VICE PRESIDENT DALGLEISH 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. A. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SIGN AMENDMENT #3 TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND THE STATE OF LOUISIANA THROUGH THE MILITARY DEPARTMENT (NATIONAL GUARD).

CIAA, SOWELA & NATIONAL GUARD – CEA/LOA

Mr. Melton stated that the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement/Letter of Agreement is necessary in order for the cost of the Entrance Sign Project to be divided between Chennault, National Guard, and SOWELA. VICE PRESIDENT DALGLEISH 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. A. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT/LETTER OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, SOWELA TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND THE STATE OF LOUISIANA THROUGH THE MILITARY DEPARTMENT FOR THE ENTRANCE SIGN PROJECT.

NOVEMBER 2023 FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Ms. Hanks stated this is an overview of the monthly financial statement for Chennault International Airport Authority. VICE PRESIDENT DALGLEISH 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. MARTIN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2023.

MINUTE APPROVAL

VICE PRESIDENT 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. A. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MRS. GUILLORY-AUGUST AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 9, 2023 REGULAR MEETING.

ADJOURNMENT

VICE PRESIDENT 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. A. HANKINS, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. With no further business to come before the Commissioners, Vice President Dagleish declared the meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m.