Public Meeting
England Economic & Industrial Development District
· 4:00 p.m. announced
England Authority Board Room, 1611 Arnold Drive, Alexandria, LA 71303
Meeting documents
Commission Agenda – March 27, 2025 agenda
Open official PDF ↗ 5 pages sha256:43d49b9b8c15…
- A. CALL TO ORDER
- B. INVOCATION
- C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
THE ENGLAND AUTHORITY
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
March 27, 2025
AGENDA
- Additions to the agenda may be made by unanimous consent
Solicit and hear public comments on Agenda items.
- Motion to approve the minutes of March 11, 2025, Executive Committee meeting. (Information Binder Index #2)
THE ENGLAND AUTHORITY
ADMIN/LEGAL
March 27, 2025
Members: STEVEN MANSOUR, CHAIR; CHARLIE WEEMS, VICE-CHAIR Taylor Cottano, Dennis Frazier, Myron Lawson, Jr., Jamar Gailes, Oday Lavergne, Joe McPherson, Patrick O’Quin, Zeb Winstead
AGENDA
- Additions to the agenda may be made by unanimous consent
Solicit and hear public comments on Agenda items.
- Motion to approve the minutes of February 27, 2025, Admin/Legal Committee meeting. (Information Binder Index #3)
THE ENGLAND AUTHORITY
FINANCE/AUDIT COMMITTEE
March 27, 2025
Members: JOE MCPHERSON, CHAIR; DENNIS FRAZIER, VICE-CHAIR Taylor Cottano, Jamar Gailes, Myron Lawson, Jr., Charlie Weems, Steve Mansour, Patrick O’Quin, Zeb Winstead, Oday Lavergne
AGENDA
- Additions to the agenda may be made by unanimous consent
FINANCE/AUDIT COMMITTEE (Continued)
Solicit and hear public comments on Agenda items.
- Motion to approve the minutes of February 27, 2025, Finance/Audit Committee meeting. (Information Binder Index #4)
- To receive schedule of paid invoices for the month of February 2025. (Information Binder Index #5)
THE ENGLAND AUTHORITY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
March 27, 2025
Members: PATRICK O’QUIN, CHAIR; JOE MCPHERSON, VICE-CHAIR Taylor Cottano, Dennis Frazier, Myron Lawson, Jr., Jamar Gailes, Oday Lavergne, Steve Mansour, Charlie Weems, Zeb Winstead
AGENDA
- Additions to the agenda may be made by unanimous consent
Solicit and hear public comments on Agenda items.
- Motion to approve the minutes of February 27, 2025, Economic Development Committee meeting. (Information Binder Index #6)
- Motion to authorize Executive Director to execute Amendment #1 between EEIDD and Micro Abrasives Corp. for building #2537 and a section of building #2533. (Information Binder Index #7)
- Motion to authorize Executive Director to execute Airport Use Permit between EEIDD and Pelican State Motorcycle for use of space for motorcycle training and a riding academy. (Information Binder Index #8)
- Motion to authorize Executive Director to execute a lease agreement between EEIDD and Cenla Christian Childcare Center for building #3506 located at 1005 Seip Drive. (Information Binder Index #9)
THE ENGLAND AUTHORITY
CAPITAL PROJECT COMMITTEE
March 27, 2025
Members: CHARLIE WEEMS, CHAIR; TAYLOR COTTANO, VICE-CHAIR Steven Mansour, Dennis Frazier, Myron Lawson, Jr., Jamar Gailes, Oday Lavergne, Joe McPherson, Patrick O’Quin, Zeb Winstead
AGENDA
- Additions to the agenda may be made by unanimous consent
Solicit and hear public comments on Agenda items.
- Motion to approve the minutes of February 27, 2025, Capital Project Committee meeting. (Information Binder Index #10)
- For updates on Capital Projects (see Information Binder Index #11)
THE ENGLAND AUTHORITY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Zeb Winstead, Chair Dennis Frazier Oday Lavergne, Vice-Chair Charlie Weems Jamar Gailes, Secretary/Treasurer Patrick O’Quin Steven Mansour Joe McPherson Taylor Cottano Myron Lawson, Jr.
REGULAR MEETING
March 27, 2025 England Authority Board Room AGENDA
- A. Call to Order
- B. Roll Call
- C. Public Comments or Questions
- D. Active Items
- Motion to approve the minutes of February 27, 2025, Regular session meetings. (Information Binder Index #1)
- Motion to authorize Executive Director to execute Amendment #1 between EEIDD and Micro Abrasives Corp. for building #2537 and a section of building #2533. (Information Binder Index #7)
- Motion to authorize Executive Director to execute Airport Use Permit between EEIDD and Pelican State Motorcycle for use of space for motorcycle training and a riding academy. (Information Binder Index #8)
- Motion to authorize Executive Director to execute a lease agreement between EEIDD and Cenla Christian Childcare Center for building #3506 located at 1005 Seip Drive. (Information Binder Index #9)
- Motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss prospective litigation involving January 23, 2025, demand made to Eastern 737 Asset Holdings, LLC for unpaid hangar rent. See LSA-R.S. 42:17(A)(2).
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
(By unanimous vote)
- E. Comments by Legal Counsel
- F. Comments or Questions by Commissioners
- G. Comments by Executive Director
- H. Staff Reports – 1) Financial
- Air Traffic
- Economic Development/Operations
- I. Public Comments or Questions
- J. Adjourn
Commission Minutes – March 27, 2025 minutes
Open official PDF ↗ 10 pages sha256:318773dc9454…
THE ENGLAND ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR SESSION MARCH 27, 2025
The England Economic and Industrial Development District met in Regular Session in the England Airpark Board Room, 1611 Arnold Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana, on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Mr. Zeb Winstead, Chair of the England Authority, called the meeting to order at 4:11 p.m. and requested a roll call.
Present: Chair, Zeb Winstead, Vice Chair, Oday Lavergne, Secretary/Treasurer, Jamar Gailes, Dennis Frazier, Myron Lawson, Jr., Joe McPherson, Patrick O’Quin, Charlie Weems and Steven Mansour.
Absent: Taylor Cottano
The invocation was led by Mr. Jamar Gailes , and the Pledge of Allegiance by Mr. Zeb Winstead.
Also present were members of the England Authority staff: Mr. Ralph Hennessy, Executive Director, Mr. David Broussard, Deputy Director, Mr. Scott Gammel, Director of Aviation, Ms. Summer Steiner, Director of Finance & Human Resource, and Mr. Matt Nowlin, Legal Counsel.
Chair, Mr. Zeb Winstead, asked if there were any public comments or questions. Hearing none, Mr. Winstead proceeded with the action items.
The England Economic and Industrial Development District was duly convened as the governing authority of said District by Mr. Zeb Winstead, Chair, who stated that the England Economic and Industrial Development District was ready for the transaction of business.
MOTION TO APPROVE ACTIVE ITEMS 1 THROUGH 4 AND AMENDED ITEM 3 AS CONSENT. Motion by Mr. Jamar Gailes, second by Mr. Oday Lavergne, to approve active items 1 through 4 and amended item 3 as consent. The Chair called for any comments from the board or public. There being none, a vote was called, and motion carried.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2025, REGULAR SESSION MEETING. Motion by Mr. Zeb Winstead, second by Mr. Jamar Gailes, to approve the Minutes of February 27, 2025, regular session meeting. The Chair called for any comments from the board or public. There being none, a vote was called, and motion carried.
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT #1 BETWEEN EEIDD AND MICRO ABRASIVES CORP. FOR BUILDING #2537 AND A SECTION OF BUILDING #2533. Motion by Mr. Zeb Winstead, Second by Mr. Jamar Gailes, to authorize the Executive Director to execute Amendment #1 between EEIDD and Micro Abrasives Corp. for Building #2537 and a section of Building #2533. The Chair called for any comments from the board or public. There being none, a vote was called, and motion carried. THE ENGLAND ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR SESSION MARCH 27, 2025
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AIRPORT USE PERMIT BETWEEN EEIDD AND PELICAN STATE MOTORCYCLE FOR USE OF SPACE FOR MOTORCYCLE TRAINING AND A RIDING ADADEMY. Motion by Mr. Zeb Winstead, Second by Mr. Jamar Gailes, to authorize Executive Director to execute Amendment #1 between EEIDD and Pelican State Motorcycle for use of space for motorcycle training and a riding academy. The Chair called for any comments from the board or public. There being none, a vote was called, and motion carried.
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EEIDD AND CENLA CHRISTIAN CHILDCARE CENTER FOR BUILDING #3506 LOCATED AT 1005 SEIP DRIVE. Motion by Mr. Zeb Winstead, Second by Mr. Jamar Gailes, to authorize Executive Director to execute a lease agreement between EEIDD and Cenla Christian Childcare Center for Building #3506 located at 1006 Seip Drive. The Chair called for any comments from the board or public. There being none, a vote was called, and motion carried.
MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PROSPECTIVE LITIGATION INVOLVING JANUARY 23, 20 25, DEMND MADE TO EASTERN 737 ASSET HOLDINGS, LLC FOR UNPAID HANGAR RENT. SEE LSA-R.S. 42:17(A)(2). At 4:38 p.m. a motion was made by Mr. Jamar Gailes , Second by Mr. Patrick O’Quin , to enter Executive Session to discuss prospective litigation involving January 23, 2025, demand made to Eastern 737 Asset Holdings, LLC for unpaid hangar rent.
At 4:53 p.m. a motion was made by Mr. Oday Lavergne, Second by Mr. Jamar Gailes, to exit the executive session.
Upon exiting the Executive Session, Mr. Zeb Winstead, Chair, read the motion to be put forth to the Board of Commissioners as: To authorize EEIDD Legal Counsel to commence litigation against Eastern 737 Asset Holdings, LLC and any related entities regarding collection of unpaid rent, penalties, and attorney fees regarding occupancy of Hangar 525. Motion by Mr. Oday Lavergne, Second by Mr. Patrick O’Quin. On vote, motion carried.
Comments by Legal Counsel: Mr. Matt Nowlin reminded the Commissioners that the Tier 2.1 Personal Financial Disclosure Statement is due May 15, 2025, whether a tax extension is filed.
Questions by Commissioners: There were no questions or comments by Commissioners.
Comments by Executive Director: Mr. Hennessy briefed the Commissioners on the launch of the Fly Local marketing campaign event on March 19 th. Brochures and Fly Local stickers were shared with the Commissioners. Mr. Hennessy noted that he will be traveling to Washington, DC the week of March 31st. Mr. Hennessy will be meeting on the hill with our delegation as well as attending the American Defense Communities Conference. LAFA formerly Fort Port Progress will be hosting their fly-in during this same time. THE ENGLAND ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR SESSION MARCH 27, 2025
Staff Reports:
- Financial: Ms. Summer Steiner reported revenue is ½% over budget and expenses are 7% below budget.
- Air Traffic: Mr. Scott Gammel stated American Airlines is scheduled to upgrade their equipment to the ER175. He also noted that it has been a busy week for military air traffic which contributed to us having a good month overall for air traffic and fuel sales.
Mr. O’Quin noted he had someone reach out to him regarding a problem with the paid parking lot. Mr. Hennessy noted that we are the first airport for the current provider, but he did confirm there are three ways for a traveler to pay for parking. We will, however, be looking to change companies due to continued issues. Mr. Hennessy reported that the revenue from parking has increased since upgrading to the current system.
Mr. Wee ms inquired about the status of updating the baggage claim system at the terminal . Mr. Hennessy stated replacing the baggage system will be a priority for the fiscal year 2025/2026. We are putting monies into next year’s budget as well as applying for FAA grants.
Mr. O’Quin noted he was flying back to Alexandria recently and that he and several other passengers were locked in the secure area, and they didn’t know what to do or how to contact a deputy. Mr. Gammel apologized for the situation and noted the deputy on duty must have been called out for an emergency. To alleviate the problem in the future, a sign will be posted at the gate with phone numbers and after-hour procedures.
- Economic Development/Operations: Mr. David Broussard reported that recently he and Mr. Hennessy met with LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois and our partners at Cleco. Mr. Broussard stated w e are engaged with the administration and working closely with them on behalf of England Airpark as well as the parish.
Two projects were submitted this month. Project Clara, a rare earth minerals project, which requires 2030 acres. It is estimated to create 184 jobs and 295 million Cap Ex. England Site E1 was submitted. The second submission was Project Kraken, a medical equipment assembly company, requiring 2030,000 square feet initially with room to expand. This project is estimated to create 25 jobs and 22.4 million Cap Ex. Building #806 was submitted for this project.
Mr. Broussard reported that we have had two interested parties inquire about the former gym. He noted that the people who are interested in the facility are interested in it for recreational purposes. Mr. Broussard noted we are still looking into the conversion of the facility but have discovered the building has a 4” slab. If we looked at this building for manufacturing purposes in the future, additional slab work would be required.
THE ENGLAND ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR SESSION MARCH 27, 2025
The former Civil Air Patrol building is available for lease and there has been some interest in office space.
There have also been two parties interested in Building #832, the former catering building. One party is from out of state and caters to the airline industry such as the ICE flight and they are looking to expand their operation to Alexandria. The other party is a local caterer who is looking for larger space.
Mr. Broussard reported he was contacted by site selector from Chattanooga, Tennessee on behalf of a food manufacturing and processing facility. Mr. Broussard submitted Building #806 as well as a green field site for a new build.
Mr. Broussard noted it is grass cutting season and we are operational with our staff as well as contract providers. Mr. McPherson recommended we research our actual cost for grass cutting as this has become a large line item in our budget.
Public Comments or Questions – There were no public comments or questions.
There being no further business, Mr. Zeb Winstead adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m.
Zeb Winstead, Chair England Economic and Industrial Development District Board of Commissioners
Jamar Gailes, Secretary/Treasurer England Economic and Industrial Development District Board of Commissioners
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
THE ENGLAND ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT March 27, 2025
The regular meeting of the Executive Committee of the England Economic and Industrial Development District was held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in the England Authority Board Room, 1611 Arnold Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana.
The Chair, Mr. Zeb Winstead, called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. and requested roll call.
The following were present: Mr. Zeb Winstead, Mr. Oday Lavergne and Mr. Jamar Gailes.
MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 2025, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING. Motion by Mr. Jamar Gailes, seconded by Mr. Oday Lavergne, to approve minutes of March 11, 2025, Executive Committee meeting.
On vote, motion carried.
Mr. Winstead stated that there were no further items to discuss and asked if there were any public comments or additions to the agenda.
There being none, Mr. Winstead adjourned the Executive Committee.
Chair, Mr. Zeb Winstead called upon Commissioner, Mr. Steven Mansour, Chair of the Admin/Legal Committee.
Mr. Zeb Winstead, Committee Chair EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ADMIN/LEGAL COMMITTEE THE ENGLAND ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT March 27, 2025 The regular meeting of the Economic Development Committee of the England Economic and Industrial Development District was held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in the England Authority Board Room, 1611 Arnold Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana. The Committee Chair, Mr. Steven Mansour, requested a roll call. The following were present: Mr. Steven Mansour, Mr. Charlie Weems, Mr. Dennis Frazier, Mr. Myron Lawson, Jr., Mr. Jamar Gailes, Mr. Oday Lavergne, Mr. Joe McPherson, Mr. Patrick O’Quin, and Mr. Zeb Winstead. Absent: Mr. Taylor Cottano MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2025, ADMIN/LEGAL COMMITTEE MEETING. Motion by Mr. Joe McPherson, Second by Mr. Dennis Frazier, to approve minutes of the February 27, 2025, Admin/Legal Committee meeting. On vote, motion carried. Mr. Mansour stated that there were no further items to discuss and asked if there were any public comments or additions to the agenda. There being none, Mr. Mansour adjourned the Admin/Legal Committee. Chair, Mr. Zeb Winstead, called upon Commissioner Joe McPherson, Chair of the Finance/Audit Committee. Mr. Steven Mansour, Co mmittee Chair ADMIN/LEGAL COMMITTEE
FINANCE/AUDIT COMMITTEE
THE ENGLAND ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT March 27, 2025
The regular meeting of the Finance Committee of the England Economic and Industrial Development District was held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in the England Authority Board Room, 1611 Arnold Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana.
The Committee Chair, Mr. Joe McPherson, requested a roll call.
The following were present: Mr. Joe McPherson, Mr. Dennis Frazier, Mr. Jamar Gailes, Mr. Myron Lawson, Jr., Mr. Charlie Weems, Mr. Steven Mansour, Mr. Patrick O’Quin, Mr. Zeb Winsted, and Mr. Oday Lavergne.
Absent: Mr. Taylor Cottano
MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2025, FINANCE/AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING. Motion by Mr. Jamar Gailes, Second by Mr. Zeb Winstead, to approve minutes of the February 27, 2025, Finance/Audit Committee meeting.
On vote, motion carried.
TO RECEIVE SCHEDULE OF PAID INVOICES FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025. The Commissioners reviewed the schedule of paid invoices for the month of February 2025. There were no questions or comments upon reviewing.
Mr. McPherson stated that there were no further items to discuss and asked if there were any public comments or additions to the agenda.
There being none, Mr. McPherson adjourned the Finance Committee.
Chair, Mr. Zeb Winstead, called upon Commissioner Patrick O’Quin, Chair of the Economic Development Committee.
Mr. Joe McPherson, Committee Chair FINANCE/AUDIT COMMITTEE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE THE ENGLAND ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT March 27, 2025
The regular meeting of the Economic Development Committee of the England Economic and Industrial Development District was held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in the England Authority Board Room, 1611 Arnold Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana.
The Chair, Mr. Patrick O’Quin, requested a roll call.
The following were present: Mr. Patrick O’Quin, Mr. Joe McPherson, Mr. Dennis Frazier, Mr. Myron Lawson, Jr., Mr. Jamar Gailes, Mr. Oday Lavergne, Mr. Steven Mansour, Mr. Charlie Weems, and Mr. Zeb Winstead.
Absent: Mr. Taylor Cottano
MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2025, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING. Motion by Mr. Patrick O’Quin , Second by Mr. Charlie Weems, to approve minutes of February 27, 2025, Economic Development Committee Meeting.
On vote, motion carried.
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT #1 BETWEEN EEIDD AND MICRO ABRASIVES CORP. FOR BUILDING #2537 AND A SECTION OF BUILDING #2533. Motion by Mr. Zeb Winstead, Second by Mr. Jamar Gailes, to authorize the Executive Director to execute Amendment #1 between EEIDD and Micro Abrasives Corp. for Building #2537 and a section of Building #2533.
On vote, motion carried.
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AIRPORT USE PERMIT BETWEEN EEIDD AND PELICAN STATE MOTORCYCLE FOR USE OF SPACE FOR MOTORCYCLE TRAINING AND A RIDING ADADEMY. Motion made by Mr. Zeb Winstead to correct and amend this agenda item by replacing Airport Use Permit with Amendment #1. Second by Mr. Patrick O’Quin. Motion by Mr. Oday Lavergne, Second by Mr. Zeb Winstead, to authorize Executive Director to execute Amendment #1 between EEIDD and Pelican State Motorcycle for use of space for motorcycle training and a riding academy.
On vote, motion carried.
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EEIDD AND CENLA CHRISTIAN CHILDCARE CENTER FOR BUILDING #3506 LOCATED AT 1005 SEIP DRIVE. Motion by Mr. Jamar Gailes, Second by Mr. Patrick O’Quin, to authorize Executive Director to execute a lease agreement between EEIDD and Cenla Christian Childcare Center for Building #3506 located at 1006 Seip Drive.
On vote, motion carried.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
March 27, 2025
The Vice Chair, Mr. McPherson, stated that there were no further items to discuss and next called for any additions or public comments.
There being none, Mr. McPherson adjourned the Economic Development Committee.
Mr. Zeb Winstead called on Mr. Weems, Chair of the Capital Projects Committee.
Mr. Patrick O’Quin, Committee Vice Chair ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE England Economic and Industrial Development District CAPITAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE THE ENGLAND ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT March 27, 2025
The regular meeting of the Capital Projects Committee of the England Economic and Industrial Development District was held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, The Community Center at England Airpark, Alexandria, Louisiana.
The Committee Chair, Mr. Charlie Weems, requested a roll call.
The following were present: Mr. Charlie Weems, Mr. Steven Mansour, Mr. Dennis Frazier, Mr. Myron Lawson, Mr. Jamar Gailes, Mr. Oday Lavergne, Mr. Joe McPherson, Mr. Patrick Q’Quin, and Mr. Zeb Winsted.
Absent: Mr. Taylor Cottano
MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2025, CAPITAL PROJECT COMMITTEE MEETING. Motion by Mr. Jamar Gailes, Second by Mr. Mr. Zeb Winstead, to approve the minutes of February 27, 2025, Capital Project Committee meeting.
On vote, motion carried.
Mr. Weems informed the Commissioners the updates for the Airside Capital Projects were provided in writing for review. Mr. Joe McPherson requested that staff provide the Commissioners with updates for Airpark Capital Projects in addition to the Airside Capital Projects. Mr. Ralph Hennessy confirmed the staff would provide Capital Project Updates for both Airside and Airpark Capital Projects starting with the next Capital Project Committee meeting.
There being no further items to discuss, Mr. Weems adjourned the Capital Project Committee
Mr. Charlie Weems, Chair CAPITAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE England Economic and Industrial Development District
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