Mark Thibodeaux

The meeting included reports on airport facilities and staff recognition, passenger statistics, and successful charter flight operations. Key agenda items featured final acceptance of the New Lafayette Terminal program, approval for a new gate installation at the Quick Turn Around facility, and the decision to maintain 2027 lease rates. Furthermore, the commission approved various infrastructure and maintenance work orders, received updates on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, capital improvement projects including airfield electrical and lighting replacements, and legislative updates from The Picard Group.

The board meeting included a review of airport projects, hangar expansion plans, and the introduction of a new commissioner. Discussions covered the status of the new terminal building, specifically addressing roof and ductwork repairs and the outlook for final acceptance. The executive director provided reports on passenger statistics, an emergency response tabletop exercise, and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, noting that participation goals are currently being exceeded. Additionally, the commission reviewed various consensus items, including service agreement extensions, construction and demolition contracts, and airfield lighting upgrades, while also discussing the implementation of LED lighting and Title VI training requirements.

The Lafayette Regional Airport's Title VI Plan outlines its commitment to ensuring non-discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in all its programs and activities. Key components include administrative responsibilities, grant assurances, community outreach, and procedures for handling complaints. The plan also details the collection and analysis of community demographics, including limited English proficiency populations, to identify and mitigate potential discriminatory impacts, and outlines training and compliance measures for staff and partners.

The commission discussed updates on federal and congressional meetings held in Washington, reviewed passenger statistics and Fly Lafayette Club performance, and evaluated strategies for recruiting new airline service. Key business included the approval of several consensus items such as project implementation services for the Capital Improvement Program, amendments to firefighting services contracts, and updates to ADA/504 procedures. Additionally, the commission addressed ongoing maintenance issues related to terminal roof leaks, confirmed the status of terminal grants, and received reports on the DBE program and other operations.

The meeting included reports on airport staff, the introduction of a new financial comptroller, the purchase of new vehicles, and updates on airline activity and passenger statistics. The Commission discussed various business items, including the ratification of a change order for the Taxiway B realignment, the rescission of a prior tree service agreement, and the approval of a new contract for tree services. Several consensus items were approved, such as the compliance questionnaire, records retention policy, various service agreements, and lease renewals. Additionally, there was a detailed update on terminal programs, including ongoing construction projects and efforts to resolve water intrusion issues related to ductwork.