Franklinton Mayor Darwin Sharp and the Board of Alderman met on Tuesday, May 26. The Board approved the minutes from the May 12 Regular Meeting with only one correction by Alderwoman Patrice Crain. She wanted the minutes to reflect that she stated that the budget should be amended in July instead of August, as the minutes stated.
The Board then held a public meeting on the ordinance to update the Franklinton zoning ordinance including the new zoning map. Stephen Villavaso was again on hand to explain that after the night's meeting, all comments on the map and text would be pulled together and posted on the Town's website for public perusal. He feels that by the second meeting in June there should be significant discussion to decide and the zoning commission will be ready for the final draft. Alderman Seth Descant inquired about the feedback and Villavaso mentioned the zoning of the industrial complex, residential/commercial zoning on some secondary streets, and the projected riverfront development near the boat ramp was what most of the input centered on.
The Board then closed the public hearing and voted to allow the Mayor to sign a cooperative endeavor agreement in connection with the Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund (Known as the Louisiana FastSites Program) between Louisiana Economic Development and the Town of Franklinton.
D'Ann Davis, director of the Washington Parish Economic Development Foundation, spoke briefly about this. She thanked the Board for its energy, time, and consideration for this project. FastSites selected on 19 sites in the state for this new project and Franklinton is one. $150 million in state funds is being invested to help sites be ready for industry by having all infrastructure in place upon purchase.
Franklinton has been granted a $1.2 million interest free loan to do this, and it will ultimately lead to jobs and revenue. Alderman TJ Butler clarified that the loan is interest free for only four years and questioned the interest rate. Davis expressed that it would likely be around eight percent. She also reiterated that the money can only be used for actual physical work and not be used for services such as engineering and advertising.
Alderwoman Crain also noted that whatever of the $1.2 million used will be paid back at $240,000 per year and this money will be from a landfill rebate fund that is usually placed in the Economic Development Fund. With that said, money the Town has used for activities and local recreational groups will have to be watched carefully.
Attorney James Knight will draw up a document to be approved by the Board that sets the parameters of how this will be done. Ms. Davis added that a sale in the industrial complex will go towards paying back the loan. Mayor Sharp stated, "This is a work in progress, and it will bring in industry and jobs."
Finally, the Board voted to hire Clinton Magee for public works pending a background check and pre-employment physical exam. Once again Alderman Butler expressed his frustration that no one from the potential department was on hand to answer questions about where the person is from, etc. The Mayor responded that Magee is from Franklinton. Attorney Knight interjected that the Board needs to be cautious discussing such matters in a public meeting as potential employees have rights as citizens. Mayor Sharp asked Mr. Butler to come by and see him privately to discuss such matters as the Board should be wary of violating anyone's rights. Alderman Lee Dillon got clarification that this is a public works position and Mayor Sharp added that this is a "fill in" position so there are still four positions vacant in the Public Works Department.
In Council Discussion, Alderman Descant emphasized the excessive amounts of rainfall in recent days and urged residents to let the town know if there are debris blocking drains. He also urged citizens to "be cautious, courteous, and safe" during such weather events. Alderman Randy Reed added that school is out for summer and he urged residents to be careful and aware of wasps, animals, and other dangers. He ended with, "let's keep moving forward."
Mayor Sharp asked for the Board's selection of representatives on the Bogue Chitto Landing Board as the project moves forward. Alderman Descant named Bryan McElveen, Alderman Dillon named Chip Burris, Alderman Butler named Ola Magee, and Alderman Reed and Alderwoman Crain will have names at the next meeting. The Mayor put forth Patty Alford with the Tourism Office and Penny Jones from the Chamber of Commerce. These folks will serve as liaisons with the project's board and the Town.
Mayor Sharp also reminded everyone about the Balloon Festival taking place May 29-31. The Town's next meeting will be Tuesday, June 9.
