The Mayor and Board of Aldermen for Franklinton met on Tuesday, July 8.
Before the meeting began, Mayor Darwin Sharp asked Sergeant at Arms Alderman Seth Descant to review the Public Speaking Decorum Rules put in place when Sharp took office. A copy of this was placed on each chair in the meeting room.
Alderman Descant stressed that the Board and Mayor were present to conduct meetings that addressed the business of the town. In recent weeks, he said, there have been incidents of disrespect shown towards the officials as well as inappropriate comments made from the audience. Descant elaborated that rude behavior will no longer be tolerated and anyone who violates any of the rules will immediately be escorted out of the meeting.
Following this, an audience member spoke out with a question and comment about the three-minute time limit and the Mayor not allowing a speaker the full time allotted. He was immediately escorted from the meeting by a Franklinton Police Officer.
Alderman TJ Butler Jr. was seemingly outraged and had several questions. He stated he did not vote to make Descant the Sergeant at Arms, and the Mayor replied that he appointed him.
In closing comments Alderwoman Patrice Crain noted that she was "shocked" by the removal of an attendee and feels this needs to be discussed further. She added that the Board and Mayor need to be respectful of the public and the public should be able to express their concerns and needs during public participation. Mayor Sharp assured her that this will be discussed further.
The meeting proceeded with the approval of the minutes from the June 24 regular meeting.
The first item on the agenda was a vote to rescind the vote of the June 24 meeting to return $11,000 to Washington Parish Tourism. Before the vote, Mayor Sharp asked the Executive Director of Washington Parish Tourism, Patty Alford, to speak and clarify the situation that caused concern at the June 24 meeting.
Ms. Alford shared that the goal of the Tourism office is to "contribute to the quality of life of Louisiana citizens and visitors by promoting recreational, historical and educational opportunities to our state and local parish."
The Tourism Commission receives funds from the state to achieve that goal. It is solely the Commission's discretion as to how to use those funds, she said. She further explained that the $11,000 presented to the Town for the fireworks show during the Watermelon Festival provides for a recreational event for tourists and local citizens. Ms. Alford also explained that the proper paperwork was completed by the Town to obtain the funds and was approved by the Tourism Commissioners.
She said that there was no mistake in giving this money to the Town. Ms. Alford went on to say that the negative headlines and Facebook posts that come from chaotic, divisive government meetings make it very difficult to travel across the state and advocate for visitors to come to Franklinton. Mayor Sharp added that the Tourism Commission purchased an advertisement in Country Roads Magazine promoting the Watermelon Festival and the Bogue Chitto State Park.
Alford ended with an appeal to come together as a parish and community and focus on the positive. The Board then voted to rescind the vote to return the money to the Tourism Commission. The $11,000 paid for the fireworks show at the Watermelon Festival.
In other business, the board voted to approve alcohol permits for Jack Brown's Food Store, Akita Sushi, Dollar General 6110, and Dollar General 1283. The permits will be issued upon the results of pending background checks.
In closing, Alderman Descant expressed his sorrow for the families impacted by the July 4 floods in Texas. He also thanked the first responders present. Alderman Randy Reed stated that his prayers are with all who have lost loved ones. He urges evyeryone to "stick together and don't make it hard." Alderwoman Crain noted that there needs to be a discussion of the budget, and all aldermen need to see it. She understands that the Town is "at risk" and wants to assist Town Clerk Ellen Waskom in whatever way in order to "get ahead." Alderman Butler noted that we need to pray. During his tenure on the Board, he has seen Aldermen and Mayors almost fight but has never seen anything like this (removal of a citizen).
Butler said he represents the entire town of Franklinton. He ended with, "When you start showing favoritism -- that's a horse of a different color."
Alderman Lee Dillon expressed his sorrow and concern for the Texas flood victims. Alderwoman Crain interjected with the question, "What about our people? Did you speak to Rayburn?" The Mayor said he did not, but Ellen Waskom said she did. No one on the Board apparently heard her. The Mayor explained that sticks and limbs are still getting picked up three days a week, but it will take a while. He ended by reminding everyone of the Watermelon Festival events.
The next meeting of the Mayor and Alderman will be Tuesday, July 22
