The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Darwin Sharp met on Monday, June 8. The meeting was moved from its regular Tuesday slot so that members and the Mayor could attend the Louisiana Municipal Association's District Meeting.
Minutes from the May 26 meeting were approved.
The only item on the prepared agenda was that Rev. Pepe Tate would address the Mayor and the Board concerning personnel and budget findings. He was not present, and Dr. Vincent Johnson asked to speak. He noted that school buses making the turn at Alford Street and TJ Butler Sr. Drive to proceed to Franklinton Primary School need police support to ensure that oncoming traffic yields to the buses and everyone is kept safe.
Rev. Tate arrived at this point and was given the opportunity to speak. He first presented a photo only to the Board and questioned if a hire was made by the police department that did not go before the Board. Mayor Sharp responded that personnel is not discussed in a public meeting. He said Alderwoman Patrice Crain and Alderman Seth Descant are the Town Personnel Committee and Tate can speak with them privately. The mayor did confirm that the last hires at the police department were all presented to the Board for approval.
Tate then questioned if town employees are allowed to use town-owned equipment on weekends. He elaborated further that a town-owned tractor was seen on a Sunday, "slinging mud on the streets" and was observed moving into the town's Public Works lot. There was no further elaboration.
Next, Rev. Tate questioned why the lease proceeds from the airport are not listed on the financial documents or budget. Mayor Sharp responded that Aldermen Descant and Lee Dillon are the Town Financial Committee and could meet with Tate to discuss this further.
In closing comments, the Aldermen wished all a Happy Father's Day. Mayor Sharp reported that the sidewalk project is nearing completion, and the medical district will soon be tapping into the new water line. The town is also waiting for the contract to move forward with the Safe Haven Baby Box project.
He added that the Watermelon Festival will be held July 11 through 13 with fireworks on the night of the 12th.
Anyone trying to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles in the Town Municipal Building recently was met with a closed sign as the air conditioning unit was down. At a special meeting on June 11 a contract was awarded to Carney's AC for the repairs.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, June 24.
