The Regular meeting of the Franklinton Alderman and Mayor Darwin Sharp was held on Tuesday, April 14.
The most contentious item on the agenda called for reviewing and awarding a contract to repair the road and dredge the boat launch located behind the Sheriff's Office in downtown Franklinton. Alderman Seth Descant presented the Board with three potential contracts and emphasized the need to have this done for the community. This is the only launch in Franklinton with the other closest launch being at the State Park, he said
Descant also explained that the local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #47 is hosting a Memorial Day Weekend event. The group is partnering with Louisiana Seafood as a sponsor for the event and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is slated to attend. The Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board has graciously donated crawfish to boil for the event. All proceeds will go toward support for the Veteran's Memorial Park located on Hwy 10.
Descant added that this needs to be done for police and emergency use as well as for recreational users and this is built into the budget.
Alderman TJ Butler immediately challenged this by asking, "Why are we spending money each year? Why? They said it would last five years."
Descant did not recall this and replied that silt moves in based on even minor flooding in the area. He added that state Sen. Beth Mizell is working to make this area part of a bigger plan to bring business into the area.
Alderwoman Patrice Crain agreed with Butler that work previously done was to last five years and the items should have been two, separating road repair and launch repair. She suggested that the Parish Government be contacted to help with asphalting the road. Descant then explained that such a road in a flood area would need an aggregate of gravel and crushed asphalt since asphalt will wash out in a flood. Descant stated that he sees the value in recreation and he supports recreation in Franklinton.
Butler responded, "We are pouring money down the drain." Ms. Crain made it clear that she is trying to seek a solution while Mr. Butler added, "I'm talking about money. Money. Money."
Mayor Sharp attempted to explain that this area is slated for a bigger project, and the town must maintain the launch area by annually dredging it. It should be noted that the area is town property, he said.
Butler responded, "Citizens of Franklinton talk with me. Are we going to continue to pour money down a hole?" He later referenced that the money could be used for fire hydrants or roads and essentially this was dropping money into a hole.
The debate ended with Alderman Randy Reed suggesting seeking a long-term solution instead of a yearly thing. "We need a good foundation and fix it right."
Alderman Butler's final comment on the matter was "Go mow it --- you'd be surprised how nice it looks. Don't put this on the backs of Franklinton citizens."
The Board agreed to further investigate the matter and will bring it back to be discussed at the next meeting on April 28.
In other business the Board voted to approve the minutes of the March 24 Regular Meeting and introduce an ordinance to update the zoning ordinance including a new zoning map. Stephen Villavaso spoke on behalf of the Zoning Commission and explained that the new Master Plan is open for public viewing and comments/questions on the Town's website. This is the first such plan in Franklinton's history, he noted, so input is critical. Once the commission feels comfortable with community input, they will then bring adjustments to the Town Aldermen to accept.
Villavaso added that the Master Plan would bring the town up to the Department of Justice's standards and this is a great opportunity to help make decisions about the future of the town. He also stressed that the map and words in the Master Plan go hand in hand and should be studied together. To look only at the map or only at the plan will not give anyone a full understanding of the material.
Deann Davis from the Washington Parish Economic Development Board asked the Board to look into the properties in front of the industrial park that are currently zoned residential. She asked that they consider rezoning to industrial/commercial to capitalize on the potential of the park.
The Board then held a public hearing and afterwards adopted 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. Mayor Sharp added that this will bring the Town in line with the parish ordinance.
Next, the Board voted to have the Mayor sign a resolution to execute an intergovernmental agreement with Washington Parish Government for the next phase of the sidewalk project. This phase will address the eastern side of Main Street from Dobson to Bene Streets and around the block of Franklinton Junior High School. Alderman Lee Dillon expressed that this is great for the Town and the funds are provided by a grant.
The last action of the meeting was to award Jack's Tree Service a contract for cleaning portions of the Jones Creek canal. $110,000 was budgeted for this in October 2025, and Jack's bid came in below that at $77,500.
In final comments, Alderman Butler asked about the airport and potential tenants for the hanger. Mayor Sharp reminded him that this was completed three months ago.
Alderman Dillon expressed concern about Johnson Street ending at the town line, yet residences beyond that are receiving Town water and gas services. He suggested gating the street at the town property line and incorporating the houses with Town services. He feels the road currently lends itself to nefarious activities. Attorney James Knight added that this is a process and he will look further into it.
The meeting ended with Rev. Johnny Causey announcing "Bridging Generations Ministry" which is intended to unite and uplift the community's youth through mentorship, education support, fun activities, life skills talks and community services. This will kick off at Sweet Home Church of God in Christ on June 10.
The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 28.
