The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Darwin Sharp held their Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 24. Mayor Sharp began by acknowledging members of the press who were present from Mt. Hermon Web TV and The Era-Leader newspaper. The Board then approved the minutes of the February 10 Regular Meeting.
An item was added to the agenda to approve a resolution of support to endorse a joint grant for community water enrichment funds. This grant money will be used to purchase more water meters for the Town. Alderwoman Patrice Crain added that the grant is amendable up to $36,000 if a water emergency occurs while the grant is in process. The Board then awarded Del Sol Consulting a contract for disaster relief. Alderman Lee Dillon made the motion and stated this was a local company located in St. Tammany Parish that is community minded and involved. He also has had personal dealings with the company and has been very satisfied.
Next, Mr. Johnny Green addressed the Board concerning the donation of streets in the Pineridge/Creek Run subdivision. Green developed the area 20 years ago and explained that at the time the sewer and water lines were given to the town and it has earned money from this.
The streets were not donated at the time and Green's wish is to correct this. The subdivision was intended to be controlled by a homeowner's association that never came to fruition. He feels it will be a "win-win" situation for all involved. There are some repairs that need to be made, and Mayor Sharp, Superintendent of Public Works Reginald McMasters and Green will meet and establish what should be done to the streets prior to the town assuming ownership.
Alderwoman Patrice Crain thanked Mr. Green for his donation and Mayor Sharp assured everyone that this will be taken under advisement and moved forward. Green added that this will help protect the existing homeowners.
The Board then voted to authorize the Mayor to sign a Municipal Water Pollution Prevention resolution. This is a routine, yearly occurrence.
After consideration of proposals presented at the previous meeting, the Board approved expenditures for Franklinton Girls Softball Association and Franklinton Youth Baseball Association. It should be noted that money is not "given" to the associations to spend freely. The groups present a list of items needed and the Town makes the purchases directly. This year the Girl's Association needs include a 20 by 20-foot canopy over bleachers to match the existing canopy at a cost of $8,500. The group also needs two batting cages made from galvanized tubing instead of the current wooden structures that are rotting. These will cost a combined $16,700. The Board approved $25,000.
The Baseball Association asked for $17,514.23 to cover the costs of an infield groomer, paint striper, field conditioner, practice baseballs, glyphosate, and bleachers. Alderman Randy Reed suggested a Corporate Endeavor to ensure that moveable items are not sold or bought over and over again. Alderman Seth Descant added that infrastructure is not moveable and cannot be sold. Mayor Sharp stated that the Town can set that up.
Alderman TJ Butler questioned the amount of money given to both associations and questioned if football and soccer would be given the same amount. He added, "These people live in this town. I don't want to short-change anyone. We should have enough money to go around." Mayor Sharp answered that not everyone may need the same amount. The Economic Development and Recreation account currently has a balance of $1,821,623.65 and supporting youth sports is one of its only expenses.
Superintendent McMasters reminded the Board that this is an investment in our children that does pay off. High school teams that these youngsters feed into are putting Franklinton "on the map" and we need to invest in our youth, he said.
In another point of business, McMasters encouraged all Board members to attend the March managers meeting on March 17. This meeting determines the town's rating, and this determines success when applying for grants. McMasters further explained that attending Board members will learn how to make better decisions concerning the water department and this helps the water system grow. Town Clerk Ellen Waskom is prepared to register anyone who will attend, and the Board was urged to commit to this.
The next meeting will be held on March 10.
