Franklinton Mayor Darwin Sharp and the Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, January 13. After approving the minutes of the December 8 Regular Meeting and the January 8 Special Meeting, the Board tackled a 14-item agenda.
First, the Board voted to authorize the Mayor to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Washington Parish Government with the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the federal sidewalk project. The Mayor explained that this agreement is for sidewalks on the eastern side of Main Street from Pearl Street to Riverside Hospital. The Mayor also noted that the sidewalk upgrades have not cost the Town anything. All have been done because of grants written by parish government. Sharp added that despite some social media reports, this has been a great "gift" by parish government and he is very appreciative.
Next, the Board voted to authorize the Mayor to sign an IGA with Washington Parish Government and Washington Parish Homeland Security for the housing of a decontamination trailer in the armory. This created questions by Alderwoman Patrice Crain who was concerned about contaminants being introduced into Franklinton. Aldrerman T. J. Butler joined in with questions of his own. Mayor Sharp assured the Board that the unit has been housed in Bogalusa at the National Guard Armory, and Franklinton was asked to store it in the old armory on Boat Ramp Road. The unit would only be used in an emergency and then taken to an appropriate site to clean.
Ms Crain insisted that definitive assurance be provided that the unit wouldn't contaminate the community. Jerod Steven, a member of the audience who is employed as a Fire Chief in Denham Springs explained that the unit is similar to a first aid kit and only used if a situation merits it. The only dissenting vote was that of Alderman Butler who stated his no vote "was for the children." The Board then voted to adopt a resolution for the IGA with Washington Parish Government and Washington Parish Homeland Security for the housing of a decontamination trailer in the armory with all Board members voting yes.
The next four items concerned the upcoming audit of the town's finances and administrative procedures. First the board voted to authorize the Mayor to sign an engagement letter with Mauldin and Jenkins, LLC for the 2024-2025 compilation, which is an assembling of information. Using a separate organization from the audit group created questions from the Board with Alderman Butler stating, "I am confused." This is a process that must be completed each year with the Board authorizing it after some discussion.
The Board then voted to authorize the Mayor to sign an engagement letter with Kushner Lagraize LLC for the 2024-2025 audit and in the next item authorized the Mayor to sign an engagement letter with Kushner Lagraize LLC for the 2024-2025 SAUPs. The final audit-related item was a vote to authorize the Mayor to sign the Louisiana Compilation questionnaire for the 2024-2025 audit.
The Board then voted to authorize the Mayor to sign an airport lease with Levon Malkhasia, who will lease a hangar for $200 per month for one year. The hangar has been renovated and is ready for a plane.
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According to Mayor Sharp, Mr. Malkhasia has been waiting for some time for the hangar to be ready. Alderman Lee Dillon inspected the renovations and assured the Board that all is done.
The Board held a public hearing on an ordinance regulating the use of the Town of Franklinton limb and yard debris dump. Commercial companies have been cutting down trees and then placing them in the limb dump which is meant for town residents who have completed yard work and need a location for small limbs and cuttings. The current limb dump will be full quickly if unauthorized entities continue to use it. The Board then voted to adopt the ordinance regulating the use of the Town of Franklinton limb and yard debris dump. Once cited for illegal usage, violators can be assessed fines of $500 for first offense and $1000 for 2nd offenses. There will be signage put in place and a method of monitoring established.
The final public hearing was for an ordinance governing scrap metal collectors, scrapped motor vehicle dealers, or scrap metal recyclers within town limits. Jerod Steven of Franklinton Metal Recycling introduced himself and explained his background along with his desire to be involved in the community. The new facility ,located on Lee Street at Dewey Street, near the former Thigpen Concrete, will have an 8-foot tin fence. Deann Davis from Economic Development personally vouched for Mr. Stevens who also offered a tour to the Board.
There was then a disagreement among Board members on the wording of the ordinance. Alderwoman Crain would like the ordinance to read that the Town will adhere to changes in the state's ordinance. Attorney James Knight explained that the process will have to begin again if anything is changed as the public will not have an opportunity to participate. He added that the ordinance in question already follows state law that is in place. The ordinance failed to be adopted on a vote of 3-2. Aldermen Dillon and Descant for in favor with Reed, Butler, and Crain voting no. The final act of the Board was adopting the holiday calendar for 2026.
In final comments Alderman Reed informed the Mayor that Public Works employees want to have a meeting and conversation with him about some concerns. Alderman Butler asked for carryover budgets for everyone under the umbrella of the town's budget and asked how much does the town make off the fair? The Mayor will supply him with both documents.
Alderman Dillon wants to see what can be done with the site of the former McDonalds on Washington Street. He also wished everyone a happy carnival season and urged safety along with fun.
Alderwoman Crain pointed out a Facebook post concerning the FPD's special events procedures and that it needs to note the special events/parades that are not charged.
Alderman Descant added that Kushner Lagraize needs to give a complete audit report presentation so the public can see the Town's financial and administrative practices.
Mayor Sharp ended the meeting by announcing the gas line repair on Hancock and Washington Streets is wrapping up but warned everyone about the infrastructure needing other repairs that will prove costly.
The next meeting of the Aldermen and Mayor will be on Tuesday, January 27.
