The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Greg Route met on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes from the June 13, 2024, meeting were approved.
In new business, the Board reviewed the requests for qualifications for an airport administrator. MSH Architects LLC from Covington and Michael Baker International from Baton Rouge both submitted proposals that will be studied before a recommendation is made. Next, the Board reviewed quotes by two auto vendors for the purchase of a vehicle for the public works department. The Board voted to go with the lowest quote from Walt Massey. A new truck will be purchased for the maintenance department for $41,699. The annual budget allows for the purchase of two trucks, but it was agreed that the first will be bought and the Board will deal with the other on another day. The Board then voted to approve renewal alcohol permits for Fair City Truck Stop, Market Max, Winn Dixie, Alford Shell 2, Jack Browns, CVS, Don Juan's, Town Crier 7, Town Crier 12, 1231 Daiquiris, Akita Sushi and KB Grocery.
At this point, the Board voted to enter Executive Session to discuss ongoing litigation with the Department of Justice/Quail Run. The meeting was temporarily adjourned, and the Board and Mayor left the room to meet in private. Approximately 15 to 20 minutes later the open meeting resumed and the Board voted to approve a settlement with DOJ/Quail Run and authorize the Mayor to sign consent judgment resolving the matter, including payment of a fine in the amount of $25,000. Alderman Descant abstained from this vote.
In Public Participation, Frankie Crosby, Sr. asked the Board to elaborate on the circumstances concerning the settlement with the DOJ/Quail Run. The Mayor and Town Attorney James Knight explained that this could not be publicly disclosed until the litigation ended and the DOJ accepted the settlement. Mr. Crosby persisted and asked what led to the judgment; however, the situation could not be discussed in a public meeting until the DOJ gives the okay. Mr. Crosby also announced his intention to run for Alderman in the fall election. It will be his third time to run and he hopes his last time.
(Editor’s note: The Department of Justice/Quail Run situation stems from an Equal Housing complaint that dates back to the previous Town of Franklinton administration. Once the settlement is accepted by the Department of Justice, The Era-Leader will publish a report concerning the situation.)
In departmental reports, Superintendent of Public Works Reginal McMasters reported that recently he and town maintenance workers attended a week of classes held at the maintenance department and were recertified in the gas department. Along with regular water, gas and sewage tasks, the maintenance department has been cutting grass across the town, edging sidewalks, picked up 66 piles of limbs and 64 bags of trash and spent 16 hours cutting grass at the airport. Mr. McMasters also announced that the new mosquito sprayer is enroute to Franklinton, but the company will not be able to calibrate it until after the July 4 holiday. In other business, the lines at the EV chargers have been painted and the chargers will be activated as soon as possible.
Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle was not in attendance, so Captain Bennie Spears gave the departmental report. In the past month the fire department had 48 total calls with 33 of those medical calls. He also reported that the tanker truck should be back in service by the end of next week.
Town Clerk Ellen Waskom reported that in May the Town collected $265,720.08 in sales tax. This figure is down compared to last year's May; however, the year-to-date collection of sales taxes is up at $1,972,474.49. Also, the Town had an income of $327,052.84 in May with expenses of $486,524.31 resulting in a loss for the month.
During Public Participation, Clyde Oyler commended the efforts of the town on committing to improve the airport facilities. He feels that the airport is a "diamond in the rough" and can provide economic growth, education opportunities, and enhance tourism. He is excited about he future of the airport and believes steps are being taken in the right direction.
In Council Discussion, Alderman Sharp reported that he met with WST engineers and Mr. McMasters, and they plotted the underground electrical, water and sewage for the airport. They are moving forward, and he plans to be available when work begins. Mr. Descant reminded everyone to be aware of the heat not only for themselves but for pets as well. The Mayor reiterated that it is hot, and he wishes Franklinton had a splash pad. He also gave an update on the medical district water project. Engineers and construction will be meeting with the administration of the hospital and nursing home to coordinate the work schedule so that everyone knows when water service might be disrupted. The plan is to break ground the first week in August and this project is too serious to drag along. Mayor Route also reminded everyone about the Watermelon Festival July 5-7, with fireworks on July 6. He encouraged everyone to attend as it will promote not only the parish melon industry but the town as well.
