The Franklinton Mayor and Board of Aldermen met most recently on March 10. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes of the February 24, 2026, Regular Meeting were approved.
The Board then addressed new business.
First on the agenda was to adopt the Fleet Monitoring and Vehicle Use Policy. This item was tabled at the last meeting so that Aldermen would have more time to study the document.
Mayor Darwin Sharp assured the Board that all the suggested changes have been made. Alderwoman Patrice Crain took issue with the language that town vehicles were to be driven only by town employees or other designated drivers. Mayor Sharp explained that this was for service personnel when vehicles or equipment were being worked on. However, Ms. Crain felt that it should be more specific as she sees this as a gray area and possible loophole.
Ms Crain made a specific reference to a town-owned tractor that had been used by a non-employee without permission. This sparked some discussion by the Board with Alderman Seth Descant questioning Ms Crain about whether the Mayor should be able to conduct day-to-day business.
Ms. Crain's issue was with the wording "people" vs "employees." Descant added that if such an occurrence takes place, the mayor should be charged with malfeasance.
Alderman T. J. Butler asked that it be looked at a little longer. He received a phone call from a citizen claiming someone took a camera down (a non-employee) and used town property.
After discussion, Ms. Crain asked that the document read "an employee or repair company personnel." Mr. Butler asked, "All - police cars?" Mayor Sharp stated firmly that if someone is caught using town property without authorization, "you're gone." The motion was then adopted with the suggested changes. The Mayor assured the Board that all employees will receive a copy of the policy and sign it.
The Board then introduced an ordinance to amend Section 3-9 - Proximity to churches, schools, synagogues, public libraries, or public playgrounds, of the current ordinance governing the sale of alcohol.
The Washington Parish ordinance concerning this measures door-to-door when determining if the sale of alcohol is allowable. A distance of 300 feet is mandated. However, the town's ordinance measures property line to property line. Alderman Butler questioned why change it? "We are a town."
Alderman Randy Reed asked if the establishment was already selling alcohol and could be grandfathered in. Alderman Lee Dillon added, "This is not to take away but add. The goal is to be the same as the parish ordinance, so it is the same law. Door-to-door is more realistic."
Max Bahm explained that he recently purchased Pizza Pete’s. He researched the law and was led to believe that it was door-to-door and he could sell beer with pizza. He assured the board that he has no intention of selling anything other than beer. Under the town's current ordinance, he said, Pizza Pete’s is 289 feet from First Baptist Church's property line. The ordinance that aligns with the parish ordinance means he will be 315 feet.
Antonio Morales, owner of the Swamp Monster restaurant on Washington Street, then spoke and explained that under the town's current ordinance is he 18 inches short from Centenary Methodist Church and is unable to sell alcohol with his seafood menu. Folks leave his establishment and go to other seafood restaurants that serve alcohol, usually outside of Washington Parish, he said.
Both Morales and Bahm reminded the Board of the tax money their establishments bring in. They said they respectfully appreciate the Board's consideration of this matter. This was an introduction only and will be voted on at the March 24 meeting.
The final order of business was a vote to advertise for a fuel and oil supplier. In council discussion, Alderman Butler stated, "Here we are in February (he was corrected that it is March) and we need to start looking at the budget, so we have a chance to talk about them in August intelligently. Bring it to Ellen and we need to start in August. We have three months. We have to look at this, or we will be up the creek without a paddle."
Alderwoman Crain questioned that the Krewe of Pepe was sent a bill for security. She said the current Town policy is that the organization is exempt from security charges. She asked that Chief Justin Brown be notified so that he can rescind the bill.
But Mayor Sharp responded that the town is providing services to private organizations and that it is illegal. He will talk to the Chief. He added that the new Krewe of Odysseus paid $1,800 for security during its parade. The special events committee formed in 2025 is addressing this matter, he said. This policy will have to be changed at a future meeting.
Mayor Sharp announced the annual town Easter Egg hunt will be held on April 4 at 10:00 am with lots of activities for children as well as prizes. He was also pleased to announce that the Franklinton Industrial Park has been selected as one of 19 in the state for the Louisiana Development Fast Sites Program. The mayor said he is excited about the possibilities of the industrial park.
The next meeting is Tuesday, March 24.
