The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Darwin Sharp met on Tuesday, March 25 at the Franklinton Town Hall. Before new business, the Board voted to approve the minutes from the March 11 regular meeting and the March 14 special meeting.
Prior to the new business, Mayor Sharp recognized Dr. Chris Foret who spoke to the Board representing the Children's Advocacy Center/Hope House. Dr. Foret briefly explained that he is asking for financial support of approximately $2,000, which is what municipalities normally donate. He noted that a forensic interview with an abused child costs $1,400, and no victim is ever charged. Mayor Sharp took the request under advisement along with the Board and he said that it will have to be voted on.
In new business the Board approved hiring Charles Stogner as an investigator with the police department. Alderman TJ Butler, Jr., stopped the voting at his turn to question if this was a part time or fulltime position. Alderwoman Patrice Crain had spoken with Stogner, who can only work part time and is willing to do so as an additional investigator is needed.
A full-time position is available, but no applicants have come forward for the position. Currently there are not enough officers to pull to help with investigations. Butler asked where Stogner is from and Alderman Lee Dillon responded, "He is the only one wanting to work."
The Board then voted to introduce an ordinance authoring the Town to hold its tax sales online. According to attorney James Knight, this has been done for the past two years but an ordinance is needed to continue to do so.
The Board then voted to authorize the Mayor to sign a cooperative endeavor agreement between the Town of Franklinton Police Department, Washington Parish School Board, Franklinton Hogh School, Franklinton Jr. High, and Bowling Green School. The Board also voted to authorize the Mayor to sign a cooperative endeavor agreement between the Town of Franklinton and the Watermelon, Fruit, and Vegetable Association Corporation. Mayor Sharp clarified that this is the group that sponsors the Watermelon Festival.
The Board then voted to change the speed limit on Chess Jones Road to 20 miles per hour. Mayor Sharp added that many town residents walk for exercise on this road that was initially intended as an emergency access road for the town.
There will need to be new signage for the road as well as extra police patrols to be sure the new limit is adhered to by motorists.
The Mayor then appointed the members of the Special Events and Parade Committee. Police Chief Justin Brown will serve as Chairman with the committee including Rebekkah Smith, Chairman of the Fair Parade; Tammy Knight, Chairman of the Lighted Christmas Parade; Polanski Tate from Krewe of Pepe; citizens Steve McCune and Christy Burris, and Aldermen Randy Reed and Lee Dillon.
Next, the Board voted to engage Jack's Tree Service to dredge and underbrush the boat launch and remove a tree and underbrush at the animal control location at $15,000 for both jobs. There were three bids with Jack's Tree Service tapped for the jobs. Jack Bickham was on hand for questions and believes the job will not be as extensive as the last time the area was dredged. Bickham explained that silt will always accumulate, and maintenance is key. The job should be underway in about two weeks with Bickham assuring the Board, "You get more than you pay for since it's my hometown."
Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle gave his departmental report but had unwelcome news concerning the department's tanker truck. The new motor is great, but the truck now needs a transmission. Three of the five shops LaSalle contacted are willing to take on the job but only one has given a quote. The financial hit will be $12,798 but the repairs are critical as the insurance rating will be set soon. This will affect the cost of homeowner's insurance and Mayor Sharp is eager to see the rate move from the current 6 down to a 4. LaSalle also explained that through tax rebates provided by the parish government, he will be able to source hydrant care to an outside provider and take the burden from the public works department. The town's budget will not be affected, and the more accurate records can be used when applying for grants. This is to be voted on at the next meeting.
Public Works Superintendent Reginald McMasters gave a report for his department. Noteworthy was 86 piles of limbs from recent weather events and 119 bags of trash picked up in town. Ms. Crain asked about mosquito spraying which should start in about another month. There are also surplus items in McMaster's department, and he will have a list for the Board's approval at the next meeting.
Before public participation, Mayor Sharp added that the budget will need to be amended for the fire truck repair and for the work that Jack's Tree Service will be doing.
James Tate spoke about issues he has concerning the status of police chief and questioned why no resumes and applications have been taken for police chief. He also questioned what is "going on" at the police department. He then ventured into what can be termed as hearsay concerning the March 2 shooting and was stopped by Mayor Sharp as the incident is still under investigation. When his allotted three minutes were over, he alluded to the timekeeper and stated, "that's politics."
In closing comments, Ms. Crain stated the town's need for prayer and to pull together. Alderman Reed echoed those comments and stated, "communication is key." Alderman Butler also stated, "communication is key and if [you] don't communicate, [you] don't know what's going on." He added, "We all are a part of Franklinton. We have good people but people who will not tell the truth." Mr. Butler says he is not against the Police Department, but “things are going on at the Police Department. There's no communication. That's the problem. Pray and work together." Aldermen Lee and Descant had no comments to add.
Mayor Sharp reminded everyone of the April 5 trash pickup day from 8:00 to 12:00 and changed the meeting spot to the Town Hall. He ended the meeting by imploring everyone to "Pray for the Board, me and the Town."
The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen and Mayor will be Tuesday, April 15 at 6:00 pm.
