The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Greg Route met on July 9, 2024, at the Town Municipal Building. The Board voted to approve the minutes of the June 25, 2024, and then moved to New Business. First on the agenda was the approval of hiring Michael Baker International of Baton Rouge which is a planning and engineering firm for the airport. The vote also authorized the Mayor to sign the contract for these services. Alderman Sharp stated that this was a very highly qualified group, and he is excited about the future of the airport.
The Board then approved the resignations of Timothy Partman and Clinton Rochester from the Public Works Department and voted to approve advertising for five positions with the Public Works Department. This was followed by approving the hiring of Clay Arceneaux as a reserve officer for the Police Department. Alderman T. J. Butler expressed his concern about the turnover in the Maintenance Department and the Police Department.
The Mayor quickly added that the resignations from the Maintenance Department were primarily due to salary. Alderman Sharp agreed with, "It's hard for a man to make it on $12 per hour." The Board generally agreed that the pay scale for such positions needs to be revisited.
In what proved to be a slightly controversial move, the Board discussed introducing an ordinance to change the sewer rates charged for campers during the week of the Washington Parish Free Fair. In discussion, Alderman Sharp asked what the new rate be. Alderman Butler has championed this move for some time. He replied that the rate is $38 per camper now and he has asked at the State Park, universities (tailgating) and other places around the state and feels the rate should be $75 per camper. Mr. Butler stated, "We are losing every which kind of way. We have no choice."
The Mayor explained that Mr. Butler is referring to the G1 sewer line near the courthouse which has issues during the fair due to the massive influx of visitors to the fairgrounds that burdens the system. Superintendent Reginald McMasters was not present to explain it further, but the fair crowds cause problems with the aging sewer lines.
Mr. Sharp countered that the monthly minimum charge is $21, and the Town is currently charging $38 for a five to seven day stay. He added that this will be a tremendous increase for folks to come bring families to enjoy the fair. Alderwoman Patrice Crain does not believe this will be the case. Mr. Butler reiterated that this increase in fees will going to the town of Franklinton for the cost of repairs. Mr. Sharp countered that this a significant increase at one time. He suggested small increments over several years instead of a large increase at one time. "We don't want to run people away from the fair," Mr. Sharp stated.
In continued discussion, Mayor Route shared that he has been approached by someone who wanted to rent his personal motorhome for the fair. Citizen Brenda Parker who has a small camping area on 10th Avenue added, "We already pay for usage. The schools are closed that week. So, campers use as much [water and sewage] as the town's schools? This is not a money-making business for me by the time I pay liability insurance and the $38 fee per camper as well as the water, sewage, and electricity for the area. This is not a year-round campground-it is for one week only." Ms. Crain suggested Mrs. Parker increase the rate of the camper spots to absorb her costs. Ms. Crain added, "There is no 'fair tax.' Going up on costs will not keep people from coming to the fair. We are trying to pay public works and costs on equipment."
After further discussion, the Board was reminded this is only an introduction to an ordinance to raise the fee with no amount specified. Alderman Heath Spears interjected that he would be for an increase of $5 per year. This led Alderman Sharp to make a motion for an ordinance to add $5 this year and $5 next year. A vote was taken with only Alderman Descant voting no. Thus, at the next meeting a new ordinance will be introduced to raise the camper fee to $43. It will be an introduction only and will be voted on at the earliest at the first meeting in August.
The final item of business was the approval of a contract with Villavaso & Associates, LLC/Stephen Villavaso to assist with the professional planning assistance regarding master planning and zoning matters, including the Master Plan, zoning ordinance, zoning map and land use codes for the Town of Franklinton.
In Public Participation Steve McCune expressed that the Board needs to look at the competitiveness of the maintenance department salary scale. The Mayor responded that the Town can have a free "raise study" done and indicated he will pursue this.
In final comments Alderman Sharp informed the Board that the airport project is moving forward with updating the underground utilities. The Mayor invited everyone to the "Franklinton Then and Now" exhibit at the Varnado Museum. A back-to-school rally will be held at the Town Municipal Building on July 26 from 6:00-7:00 pm. Also, the Louisiana Municipal Association will be in Shreveport August 1, 2 and 3.
