Keywords:
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday,
December 17, 2025
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. Lee W. Boyer, Commissioner
Commissioners Absent:
Mr. Kenneth B. Martin, 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 ONeal, Director of Operations
Mrs. Desiree K. Daigle, Admin. Specialist/Recording Secretary
Mrs. Caitlyn Guinn, Accounting Clerk
Ms. Paulette Moss, Human Resources & Payroll Supervisor
Mr. Donnie Morris, Consultant
Mr. Brett Downer, OCarroll Group
Mrs. Kristine S. Carter, Stulb & Associates
Mr. Joshua Richard, Stulb & Associates
Chief Joshua Arnold, Centerra
Mr. Tyson Grenzebach, LandLocked Aviation Services, LLC
Mrs. Scarlett Grenzebach, LandLocked Aviation Services, LLC
Mr. Robert Stanford, Million Air Lake Charles
Mr. Keith Thompson, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
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. ADD: Item #12(A) Discuss and take appropriate action 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 a right of way for the utility corridor for Firewater Pumphouse #3. ADD: Item #12(B) Discuss and take appropriate action to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Executive Director to enter into a servitude agreement between Chennault International Airport Authority, SOWELA Technical Community College, and Delta South Louisiana Gas Company, LLC granting a right of way for the utility corridor for Firewater Pumphouse #3. 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. BOYER, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED AGENDA AS AMENDED.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Melton stated that we had a great Blue Angels Media Day on December 4, 2025, and thanked all those that attended. Mr. Melton stated there has been a significant effort administratively supporting the Thunder Over Louisiana Air Show and tickets are on sale now. Mr. Melton stated that Governor Landry did confirm that he will be in attendance for the Hangar I groundbreaking ceremony. Mr. Melton shared the Hangar I Administrative Schedule. Mr. Melton stated that Chennault Airports annual Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspection is scheduled for January 14-16, 2026.
Mr. Downer shared the current marketing and public relation coverages relating to Chennault Airport securing more than $20,000,000.00 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the hangar expansion, Blue Angels Media Day, and Mr. Meltons opportunity to speak with Mr. John Bridges on KBYS 88.3 FM McNeese Radio regarding these topics.
Mr. Melton stated that there was a phenomenal amount of work that has taken place between Mrs. LaFleur, Mr. Morris, Louisiana Millwork (Masonite Corporation) and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation staff regarding the lease agreements. Mr. Melton stated that we negotiated as you would expect. Mr. Melton stated that we have the agreements as part of our proposed agenda items because we want the Board to have the opportunity to review and agree with what we are doing. Mr. Melton stated that each agreement requires the tenant to pay a fair market rate, the insurance, and a maintenance repair deductible.
Mr. Boyer thanked the Chennault team for the professional and businesslike job they did. Mr. Boyer stated that we now have a standard lease template and are on the path that will allow us to conduct business as it should be. Mr. Boyer stated that the fair market rates will set us up for economic development and creating jobs in the future like were supposed to do. Mr. Melton, Mr. Popillion, and Mr. Dalgleish concurred.
ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT FOR
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
Mr. Richard reported that Chennault Airport had no findings on the audit this year. Mr. Richard stated that the Chennault team did a fantastic job regarding their standards, compliance, and providing supporting documentation. Mr. Richard highlighted the capital assets, lease income increases due to the team working towards getting the leases to a fair market value and paying down long-term debt. Mr. Richard further reported that Chennault Airport had an increase in expenses, the bulk of it relating to the announcement of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) project. Mr. Richard stated that Chennault Airport had to pay based on the obligatory amount to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for that contract. Mr. Richard stated that the second report is the Control and Compliance (C/C) areas identified in the Louisiana Legislative Auditors (LLAs) Statewide Agreed-Upon Procedures (SAUPs) for the fiscal period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Mr. Richard stated that every two years they update the procedures that need to be performed and if you have no exceptions in year one than in year two that set of procedures is exempt. Mr. Richard stated that for the year ending June 30, 2024 (Year 1) there were no exceptions, therefore excluding the retesting for the year ending June 30, 2025
(Year 2). Mr. Melton and Mr. Popillion thanked Ms. Hanks, Mrs. Bull, Mrs. Guinn, and Ms. Moss for their efforts. 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. HANKINS, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO RECEIVE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO APPROVE THE ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025, AS PREPARED BY STULB & ASSOCIATES.
FIREWATER PUMPHOUSE #2 TANK-02
(JOB WEST) FIREWATER STORAGE TANK
REPAIR, RECOAT, AND UPGRADE
Mr. Melton stated that the interior coating on the tank is in need of being recoated. Mr. Melton stated that recoating the tank will allow for the inspection of the tank to be performed every 5 years as required by NFPA 25 requirement. 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. BOYER, 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 FIREWATER PUMPHOUSE #2 TANK-02 (JOB WEST) FIREWATER STORAGE TANK REPAIR, RECOAT, AND UPGRADE.
ARFF SERVICES CENTERRA CONTRACT
Mr. Melton stated that the proposed contract is for the airport fire services for a one-year term with two additional one-year options to renew, commencing July 1, 2026. Mr. Melton stated that we initially did a one-year term because the cost increased. Mr. Melton stated that we are comfortable with the cost and confident that we arent going to find much difference in prices. Mrs. Rau asked how long have we been with Centerra. Chief Arnold stated since February 1996. Mrs. LaFleur stated we have gone out for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in the past. Mrs. LaFleur stated that it shows that we are checking prices and doing our due diligence. Mrs. LaFleur stated that we arent required to go out for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) since this is a professional service. Mrs. LaFleur further stated that the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) arent based on the dollar amount but based on qualifications. Mr. Melton stated that for the record we will look at this at the end of this term and every five years from then. 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. BOYER AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NEGOTIATE AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH CENTERRA FOR ARFF SERVICES COMMENCING JULY 1, 2026.
NEW SUBLEASE NORTHROP GRUMMAN
SYSTEMS CORPORATION
Mr. Melton stated that the new Sublease between Chennault International Airport Authority and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation will go into effect January 1, 2026. Mr. Melton stated that the sublease is for an initial five-year term with two additional five-year options to renew. Mr. Melton stated that Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation specifically wanted a resolution stating that he was authorized to sign. Mr. Melton stated that the agreement is included in the proposed agenda packet. Mr. Hankins requested clarification between whether this is a lease or sublease. Mrs. LaFleur stated this is a Sublease because the property that Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation leases is owned by the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), the City of Lake Charles and the Parish. Mrs. LaFleur stated that Chennault Airport has a 99-year lease and subleases it to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation. 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 ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A NEW SUBLEASE BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2026.
AMENDMENT #5 LOUISIANA MILLWORK
(MASONITE CORPORATION)
Mr. Melton stated that he was authorized by the Board to negotiate and sign Lease Amendment #5 on November 20, 2025. Mr. Melton stated therefore, no action is needed. Mr. Melton stated that this is an amendment for another year using the same model at an increased lease rate. Mr. Melton stated that Louisiana Millwork (Masonite Corporation) was not prepared to do a multi-year agreement and needed more time to work these changes out.
Mr. Hankins asked what changes were the most significant to them. Mrs. LaFleur stated that they were going to pay the insurance, an increased lease rate, and be responsible for a maintenance repair deductible of up to $25,000.00. Mr. Melton stated that we are going to continue paying our insurance and invoice them. Mr. Melton stated that we tried to convince them that they could probably get a cheaper rate. Mrs. LaFleur stated that they were recently purchased by Owens Corning and are still going through that process. Mrs. Guillory-August stated that she was curious if there was an incentive for locking it in longer. Mr. Morris stated yes, there was. Mr. Melton stated that our intention is not to go below fair market rate. Mr. Melton stated that the model still remains and we will get to a fair market value. President Popillion stated that the item was for review and therefore, no action is needed. NO MOTION REQUIRED TO REVIEW AMENDMENT #5 TO THE LEASE BETWEEN CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND LOUISIANA MILLWORK (MASONITE CORPORATION).
SURPLUS EQUIPMENT
Mr. Melton stated that the underwing stands are no longer utilized. Mr. Melton stated that there will be a minimum bid requirement set at $500.00 and the items will be sold as is where is. 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. BOYER AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO DECLARE EIGHT (8) UNDERWING AIRCRAFT STANDS AS SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ADVERTISE, OPEN BIDS, AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO SELL THE ITEMS TO THE HIGH BIDDER OR TO NEGOTIATE A SALE IF THE BID IS DETERMINED TO BE UNREASONABLY LOW.
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. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MRS. RAU AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 20, 2025 REGULAR MEETING.
DELTA SOUTH LOUISIANA GAS COMPANY, LLC
& CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
UTILITY CORRIDOR RIGHT OF WAY
FIREWATER PUMPHOUSE #3
Mr. Melton stated that 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. BOYER, SECONDED BY MR. HANKINS, 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 A RIGHT OF WAY FOR THE UTILITY CORRIDOR FOR FIREWATER PUMPHOUSE #3.
DELTA SOUTH LOUISIANA GAS COMPANY, LLC
& SOWELA TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
UTILITY CORRIDOR RIGHT OF WAY
FIREWATER PUMPHOUSE #3
Mr. Melton stated that 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. HANKINS, SECONDED BY MRS. RAU, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A SERVITUDE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, SOWELA TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AND DELTA SOUTH LOUISIANA GAS
COMPANY, LLC GRANTING A RIGHT OF WAY FOR THE UTILITY CORRIDOR FOR FIREWATER PUMPHOUSE #3.
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. BOYER, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. With no further business to come before the Commissioners, President Popillion declared the meeting adjourned at 12:31 p.m.
MR. NORA POPILLION, PRESIDENT
MR. CHARLES K.
DALGLEISH,
SECRETARY/
TREASURER
Jan 15 1t
2091132
Notice Cost- $425.50