Franklinton Mayor Darwin Sharp and the Board of Aldermen met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 22. The Mayor gave the invocation and Alderman Randy Reed led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board then voted to approve the minutes of the March 25 and the April 8 meetings.
The first item on the agenda was a vote to engage Fire Management Solutions to inspect and maintain the town's fire hydrants. Alderwoman Patrice Crain elaborated that the company will check flow pressure, flush annually, and provide maintenance to all 184 hydrants at a cost of $7,659 per year. She reiterated that this will not cost the Town as the Fire Department receives a rebate each year from parish government usually amounting to $30,000 to $40,000. The company is located in Springfield, Louisiana.
The Mayor added that the town's firefighters cannot do this for this price, and it will also relieve the public works department of this task. This action was followed by a vote to amend the budget to include the cost of the contract with Fire Management Solutions. It is noteworthy that even though this service will not come from the town's budget, it must be included as an expense for the fire department.
Next, the Mayor recognized Mt. Thomas Mitchell from the Children's Advocacy Center at Hope House in Bogalusa. Dr. Chris Foret attended a Council meeting earlier in the year to ask for a donation for this cause. Mr. Mitchell further explained that when a child is abused sexually or physically, trafficked, or is a victim of another crime, a forensic interview is conducted by the professionals at Hope House. The forensic interview is mandated by the state legislature. The facility has worked closely with the 22nd Judicial District, Franklinton Police Department, the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, and the Louisiana State Police for over 30 years since its establishment in 1994. The facility also works closely with the Washington Parish School System and the St. Tammany Parish School System.
Mr. Mitchell noted that Hope House provides a direct service to Franklinton and its residents. Following Mr. Mitchell's presentation, Alderwoman Patrice Crain made a motion that the Town donate $2,000 to Hope House. The motion was approved. Mr. Mitchell also offered the Mayor and Board a tour of Hope House whenever convenient.
In Departmental Reports, Public Works Superintendent Reginald McMasters gave a list of tasks completed in the water, sewage, gas, and maintenance departments during March. Of note were 46 piles of limbs picked up, 63 bags of litter collected, the repair of 12 gravel driveways and cutting of grass daily.
McMasters said the water project on South Main Street is ongoing as is the sidewalk project on North Main Street. Workers have been busy moving water meters and sewage lines to assist with the project. McMasters added that the sidewalks will only be on the west side of the street and he and the Mayor are working on something for the east side of the street.
He noted that there were 20 hours of street cleaning; however, the street sweeper is 24 years old and experiencing mechanical issues. McMasters said that replacing it could cost upwards of $300,000. He added that the public works department has a few pieces of equipment that need replacing. He added that Alderman Reed has been very helpful at the sewage plant to keep things online.
The Mayor stated, "We need to look at the budget in regard to equipment and buildings."
Another pressing issue was brought up by Alderman Butler. He recently visited the public works facility and noticed a worker that was "filthy." McMasters sent the employee home to shower and change his uniform. He said this is a common occurrence when working on water leaks, sewage issues, and other "dirty jobs." McMasters and Mayor Sharp are in discussion on adding showers to the facility so that workers can "clean up" after a dirty assignment. McMasters agrees that the department will appreciate adding showers to the facility and this will "keep things moving," He feels the men deserve such facilities and added that "people don't [always] realize or appreciate what we do."
Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle gave monthly statistics which included four grass fires. He reported that the tanker truck's new transmission is ready to be installe. He also reported that there are nine full kennels at the animal shelter and he is hoping to move some animals to a facility in north Mississippi.
LaSalle explained that residents are calling to report a vicious dog when in actuality the dog is quite friendly. A "vicious dog call" gets immediate response. LaSalle added that the town has a leash law and urged residents to communicate in a friendly manner with neighbors who are dog owners and allow the dog to leave their property. Otherwise, the dogs are taken to the shelter.
In other business LaSalle is hosting a recruitment fair to promote interest in fire service. The fire department needs volunteers.
Town clerk Ellen Waskom gave the financial reports for March. The general fund had an income of $325,511.08 with a year-to-date income of $2,146,400.99. There were expenses in March of $373,942.17 and year-to-date expenses of $2,181,600.02. This resulted in a loss for the month of $48,431,09. The net income for the month of March was a loss of $67,325.55 and a loss year-to-date of $114,148.25. Waskom also gave reports on other Town of Franklinton accounts.
Alderman Butler questioned the losses and Mrs. Waskom explained that there were several unexpected expenses including major repairs to town property. She did warn the Board of an upcoming liability insurance payment that "will be a lot." There is not an extremely significant increase in the premium over last year and the Town should be able to handle the expense. Waskom noted that sales tax collections are "holding steady." Mayor Sharp added that ironically, "sales taxes are holding steady while other costs are increasing."
In closing comments Mayor Sharp noted that the previous meeting honored five police officers who received an award for actions following a shooting at the state football championship in New Orleans. Chief Justin Brown also received the award but did not include himself in the presentation.
"The chief wanted no public recognition," he mayor said.
Sharp also recognized a short essay presented by Bowling Green 4th grader Turner Knight on the police being his heroes.
On April 5, 19 bags of litter were picked up at the Keep Louisiana Clean event. Prior to Easter, the Town hosted an Easter egg hunt with 93 children and 53 adults attending. Sharp also cautioned residents that power poles are being changed in town as well as the sidewalk project and water project on Main Street. "Be aware," he said.
May 1 will be a National Day of Prayer and a program will be held at the large flag on Main Street at 12:00 noon.
The mayor finished the meeting by encouraging folks to volunteer for the fire department and he also said that there are job openings in the public works department.
The next meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen will be held on May 13.
