Mayor Darwin Sharp and the Franklinton Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, February 11. The minutes from the January 14 meeting were approved.
The Board then heard a brief presentation by representatives of the Franklinton Girls Softball Association. Eric McDaniel and Cody Sumrall explained the usage of the money that the Town has given the association in the past three years as well as the volunteer work done by themselves and other volunteers in the association.
The most recent work on the complex, located behind Riverside Medical Center, was the addition of canopies over two sets of bleachers. The association is basically self-sufficient with utilities and insurance paid and even road work done at the entrance and exit by volunteers. They added that approximately 300 girls participate in the softball season.
Alderman Lee Dillon stated he was open to matching last year's funds which were approximately $11,000 to continue with improvements and upkeep of the property. Alderman TJ Butler was somewhat hesitant and expressed his concern that other sports associations may come before the Board to ask for funds. He stated, "We can only go so far."
Alderman Seth Descant made a motion to give $11,000 to softball since it is Town property. Mr. Butler agreed to match the previous year and go from there. The motion passed with Mr. Butler expressing that "we may run into problems. Everybody that comes in will want that. We have to look at the money we have to spend." Alderman Dillon thanked both McDaniel and Sumrall for their volunteer work.
In other business, the Board approved the resignations of Jared Graham and Stephon Rochelle from the Public Works Department.
The next item was the approval to advertise for these two positions. The Board then approved the resignation of Candace Bickham from the administration office followed by the approval to advertise for an accounts payable and payroll clerk.
The Mayor and Board were then slated to approve the hiring of Charles Stogner as a part-time investigator with the Franklinton Police Department. Alderman Butler questioned how many investigators are currently on staff with Mayor Sharp verifying that there are three and this will be a part-time position. Mr. Butler responded that he wanted to see what is going on and questioned if there is a shortage. He also noted that department heads need to be at the bi-weekly meeting to answer such questions. Mayor Sharp clarified that departmental reports will be given at the second meeting each month and that is the reason Chief Justin Brown and other department heads were not present. Alderwoman Crain asked if Mr. Stogner was making the position fit to his demands and questioned if he wanted to be only part-time. The Mayor responded that he did not know if the department needed a full-time investigator and suggested tabling the item until the next meeting.
The final two pieces of business were the approval of the alcohol permit for Dollar General and the authorization for the Mayor to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Washington Parish Government.
In closing remarks, Alderman Randy Reed thanked the softball volunteers and shared his appreciation for the audience in attendance. Alderman Butler reiterated that his concern is money. He reminded everyone that the Fire Department recently lost over $30,000 when work on a truck that was paid for was not completed. With that in mind, he requested a monthly report on the Fire Department's money. "We want details," he said, "This is taxpayer money." Town attorney James Knight added that the District Attorney has taken the matter of the unrepaired fire truck, and restitution should be provided upon conviction. The Town can also file a civil suit, he said, but "the wheel of justice moves slowly."
Alderman Dillon reminded everyone to pray for the military and announced that local resident Jimmy Siebert is now the CEO of Riverside Hospital and will be coming soon to report to the Board on the hospital. Alderwoman Crain reminded everyone that it is Black History Month, and everyone should remember the struggles that all people have endured. Ms. Crain also questioned the Mayor about the departmental designations for the Board which have not been released.
Mayor Sharp thanked the town departments for their work during the recent snow and he thanked Creel Brothers for clearing the snow off the streets at no cost to the Town. He ended the meeting by encouraging everyone to "look out for one another."
The Board of Aldermen and Mayor's next meeting will be Tuesday, February 25.
