The Regular Meeting of the Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Darwin Sharp was held on Monday, November 10. In October, the Board voted to meet only once during November and December due to holidays. The regular Tuesday night meeting time for November was moved because of Veteran's Day on November 11.
Following an invocation offered by Mayor Sharp and the Pledge of Allegiance, all veterans present were asked to stand. Mayor Sharp and Alderman Lee Dillon were the only two present and an appreciative round of applause was offered by the audience. Alderwoman Patrice Crain asked to add an item of business to the agenda concerning the purchase of equipment by the Fire Department. The Board then voted to approve the minutes of the October 28 Regular Meeting.
The first item in new business was added by Alderwoman Crain and explained by Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle. The current "air packs" that all firefighters are required to wear will become obsolete and in 2027 and must be replaced. The budget for 2026 has allocated funds for purchase of four. However, Chief LaSalle has the opportunity to purchase four additional units and realize substantial savings. He is willing to purchase these from the Fire Department's savings account which is fed each year by a two percent insurance rebate.
The Fire Department serves not only the town of Franklinton but also some nearby rural areas which increases the rebate money. Therefore, piggybacking on a grant by St. Landry Parish, the department can purchase 8 new units for $70,263 which demonstrates a significant savings. The Board approved this action.
The Board then voted to adopt a resolution for the CIP and Pre Application for the 2026-2027 airport projects. Mayor Sharp explained that the resurfacing of the runway will be a three-year project and this will cover the cost completely. The next item was a vote to hire Amanda Oalmann as a full-time dispatcher. Alderman Butler had several questions regarding Ms. Oalman and her former employment. Alderman Descant clarified that she is an experienced dispatcher that has previously worked for the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
Alderman Butler took umbrage at the fact that Police Chief Justin Brown was not present at the meeting. He stated, "The Mayor needs to think about that and take it into consideration. I won't vote "for" next time if the 'guy' is not here."
Ms. Oalmann was voted to be hired. The Board then voted to change the employment status of Dawna Olsen from full-time to part-time. It was explained that Ms. Olsen wishes for a "semi-retirement" position.
Next, the Board voted to change the employment status of Myles LeCompte from part-time to full-time. Fire Chief LaSalle added that LeCompte has been working fulltime hours since the summer and is currently attending the fire academy.
The final agenda item was a "recap" of Samsara and the potential benefits to the municipality by representative Bryce Bullock. He reminded the Board that Samsara serves the City of Bogalusa, agencies in New Orleans, the Washington Parish School Board, and the City of Covington to name only a few. Bullock estimates that Franklinton can realize savings of $75,000 to $80,000 with an initial investment of $22,000. Mayor Sharp reminded the Board that this has been budgeted for in 2026 and that after 12 months, the town can opt out of the program at no further cost. Bullock added that a significant discount is available because the equipment is on the state contract list.
Alderman Lee Dillon uses Samsara in his job on an ambulance and had positive things to add that the Samsara program offers. Dillon feels 'The system pays for itself." He also suggests that devices are placed on all movables that the town owns from lawn mowers to police units. Mayor Sharp added that such programs will be forced on municipalities in the next few years, so it is a good thing to get ahead. After further discussion, the Board approved the Samsara agreement for five years with the option to cancel if dissatisfied.
In Board discussion, Alderman Randy Reed shared that he has heard things from the public about a black/white "thing" happening on the Board. He stated, "We are all here to do the right thing, not a black/white thing. We are united."
Alderman Dillon felt that despite some complaints that trick or treating was held on October 30, it was one of the best Halloweens in Franklinton in a long time. Large crowds made their way through his neighborhood and he was pleased. He also reminded everyone to "hug a Veteran" in remembrance of Veteran's Day.
Mayor Sharp added that the broken gas line on Hancock and Washington Street is waiting on parts to finish repairs. He reminded everyone that pipes are old and an engineer is going to be needed to prepare the town for replacement of water, sewage, and gas lines.
The town offices will be closed on November 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving. The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be on Tuesday, December 9.
