Franklinton Mayor Greg Route began the January 24, 2023, meeting with six Good Citizen Awards. Recipients were Eric Pierce, Duniele "D-Black" Anders, Penny Jones, Michelle Westbrooks Handy, Marsha Brown, and Violet Tate. The mayor had Alderwoman Patrice Crain read about each award recipient and their stellar community involvement whether through their business, clubs and organizations, or religious convictions. Mayor Route expressed how much he appreciated each individual's efforts ranging from providing for the needy to showcasing Franklinton.
Following the presentations, the Board of Alderman addressed a fairly small agenda of items. First the board heard an update on the return of the Watermelon Festival to Washington Parish. Mr. Perry Talley stated that it has been 20 years since the last Watermelon Festival, and he and his committee are excited to see it return on July 7, 8 and 9, 2023, at the Washington Parish Fair Grounds. Planned activities with include a parade, Flag Raising, Fireworks, a Wild West show, live entertainment, a carnival, a queen's contest for a wide range of ages and traditional watermelon activities such as seed spitting and melon size.
The board then addressed the approval of an alcohol permit for Bayou Seafood on Washington Street. A member of the audience interrupted the agenda to question the proximity of the establishment to a church, and it was deemed that the distance was within the parameters of town policy. Therefore, the permit was approved. In the final agenda item, Patrolman Chris McElveen was promoted to Sergeant. McElveen was named the Franklinton Police Department Employee of the Year earlier in January.
Superintendent of the Public Works department Reginald McMasters presented his monthly report and was pleased to note that despite a cold and wet December, there were no frozen wells or burst pipes. He did remind those present that should water pressure drop during such weather events, a boil-water advisory might be necessary. However, McMasters reiterated that such an advisory is declared in an abundance of caution and does not necessarily mean that the water supply is tainted. Alderman Seth Descant questioned McMasters about limb piles being picked up in resident's yards. McMasters explained that there is a difference in limb piles that have been gathered during routine yard maintenance and piles resulting from having trees cut down or bushes removed. He did remind residents that yard debris can be taken to Boat Ramp Road near the softball fields and gun range, and this is free to Franklinton residents Superintendent McMasters concluded his report with announcing that the Louisiana Department of Health audited the Franklinton Water Department and awarded a grade of A on the water system for 2022.
Town Clerk Ellen Waskom reported that in December the town collected $258,159.61 in sales taxes which was up $20,433 over the same time period last year. Fire Chief Brandon Lasalle was called away on a fire call and was unable to give a report for his department.
In closing remarks, Alderman Descant informed everyone that there was a recently two loose dogs in town who attacked a third dog resulting in its death. He further reminded the board and public that there is a leash law in Franklinton and all pets should be on a leash when out of its "home." Alderman Darwin Sharp informed the board that construction of a new annex for the police department complex is ready to move forward. Finally, Mayor Route announced work being done on a Capital Outlay project for 2024 to repave all the streets in Franklinton. He did note that this did not include state Highways 10, 16, and 25 as well as 430 and 436. He was also pleased to announce that Delta Regional Authority has awarded Franklinton $665,653.00 to install new water mains in the town's medical district. This will also affect approximately 50 families who live in that area. He plans to put this project on the "fast track" as the improvements are greatly needed in that area."
