The Mayor and Aldermen of the Town of Franklinton met on Tuesday, August 12. Bro. Derek Dantin from Oak Grove Baptist Church offered the invocation and Alderman Seth Descant led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Darwin Sharp reported that a clarification from legal counsel was obtained concerning the public participation time in meetings. Citizens' questions and comments are to only be concerning agenda items to be voted on for the meeting. This encompasses issues that directly affect the town.
Furthermore, the Mayor reiterated that issues with water, sewer, employees, etc. should be handled by contacting the Mayor or Board members to attempt to solve before a meeting. Sharp emphasized, "This is how it is to be operated and how it will be done. Problems can be solved before coming before the Board. If not, the issue will be put on the agenda."
Before the approval of minutes, Alderwoman Patrice Crain asked for clarification of when the Krewe of Odysseus Mardi Gras parade will roll. Alderman Lee Dillon, whose son is an officer of the new Krewe, will have the organization make this clear on social media. The Board then voted to approve the minutes of the July 22 meeting.
The Board then held a public hearing on an ordinance authorizing the Town to hold its property tax sale online. Alderman TJ Butler asked if this was the first time going online with Town Attorney James Knight clarifying that this has been done online for several years and an ordinance needs to be established. Alderman Butler seemed confused about paying one's property taxes online and the proposed ordinance being about a property tax sale online. He asked that this be tabled until the next meeting for clarification. The public hearing was closed and the agenda item to vote on the ordinance was tabled.
Next was council discussion. Alderman Lee Dillon thanked everyone for their prayers for his father who recently had heart surgery.
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He then shared that he has made available handouts on job opportunities, a hurricane checklist, and warned everyone about a West Nile diagnosis in a neighboring parish. He also urged hurricane preparation. Dillon shared that a survey has been received from Fair City Rehab which means one more step has been completed in order to sell town-owned property for a proposed expansion of the facility.
Dillon then offered information about a fleet management company that his employer (an ambulance company) uses. SamSara helps to improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of vehicles used in municipalities as well as other companies. He feels this is a great venture for the Town to pursue and will prove to be beneficial financially.
Alderman Randy Reed stated that he felt there was a transparency problem, and things are going on that "we" know nothing about. A concerned citizen contacted him that dashcams and trackers have been installed on town vehicles. He stated that he was embarrassed that he knew nothing about it. Mayor Sharp interjected that this is a trial/test by SamSara to indicate potential benefits. A camera and tracker were installed on a police vehicle, a fire vehicle, the sewer truck, and the mayor's vehicle.
Alderman Reed said he just wants to be informed and stressed the need to communicate. Mayor Sharp added that there is no obligation; it is simply a test in case the Town decides to engage the company.
Alderman Butler said he wants to get on the ball and get prepared for the annual audit. Mayor Sharp responded that management procedures are being worked on, and it will take him and all five aldermen to work on policies in preparations for the audit. Things were done in 2016 and 2018 and nothing has been updated.
Alderwoman Crain suggested that as the contract with AmWaste is being considered, the Town may want to contract for the removal of large items such as appliances and furniture. She also mentioned several grant opportunities and would like departments to contact her if they need anything. She is especially interested in a water grant and aviation grants.
Alderman Butler noted that the budgeted money for the airport is not enough to meet the airport's needs. Alderwoman Crain will also be at the Town office to continue studying the budget before amending it.
Alderman Descant reported that he is impressed with the benefits SamSara can offer the town and excited for the other Board members to learn about it. He also mentioned that the street sweeper is an ongoing concern, and a new one is quite expensive. He is looking into leasing options as well as quotes for a new one and will keep the Board posted on the progress.
The Mayor explained the SamSara program further and added that insurance companies will start requiring this in the next five years due to a new state law. He is also looking for a licensed contractor to make repairs on one of the airport hangers that can potentially be leased as well as roof replacement for the sewer plant. The roof was previously replaced in 1985, and it is worrisome that the room with air compressors and generator for the system is located in the building.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 26.
