The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Greg Route met on Thursday, June 13 The meeting was held on June 13 to accommodate the Louisiana Municipal Association District Meeting held on Tuesday, June 11. Following the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes of the May 28 meeting were approved.
The first item on the agenda was a well-deserved award presented to Reserve Officer D'Andrea Brock by Police Chief Justin Brown. Chief Brown explained that following a recent traffic accident, a person was taken to Riverside Medical Center and law enforcement subsequently received confirmation that the person had a warrant out for his arrest. He was read his rights and taken into police custody. However, the person was able to evade the medical team at the Emergency Room and flee the hospital. He was then classified as an escaped prisoner. Officer Brock was monitoring his radio at a town gas station and heard the description of the escapee. Ironically, he saw the escapee, approached him and an arrest was quickly made.
The American Police Hall of Fame issued a Merit Award for Excellent Arrest to Officer Brock for his actions. Chief Brown expressed that Reserve Officers such as Brock are an invaluable resource to the Franklinton Police Department.
The mood was unfortunately broken when citizen James Tate questioned Chief Brown about a rumored lack of police support for the victims of the recent Franklinton murder/suicide. Chief Brown refused to answer to "unfounded rumors and talk on the street."
The agenda was opened to the public and the audience was then given an opportunity to speak concerning the adoption of an ordinance to set fees for using the car charging station. James Tate asked, "Why haven't we put them into service? No sense to have top of the line chargers with black bags over them." The Mayor explained to Mr. Tate that was the purpose of the ordinance --- to begin using the chargers with a fee. The ordinance passed even though Alderman Seth Descant expressed reservations about the location being ADA compliant and how the modifications were financed. Alderwoman Patrice Crain explained she contacted ADA and there are no regulations concerning charger stations. Public Works Superintendent Reginald McMasters also expressed his due diligence with the modifications the town crew made. Alderman Descant voted no for adopting the ordinance.
The Aldermen then authorized the Mayor to settle the EEOC claim of William Manning by signing all necessary paperwork and making a settlement payment of $7,000. Next was the approval of an alcohol permit for Mains Market (renewal). The final item of business was the reviewing of quotes and voting to purchase a mosquito sprayer and to adjust the budget for the cost of this purchase. Superintendent McMasters explained that if one of the sprayers the town currently has breaks down, there will be another to replace it. Only two are used with a 5 to 7 year lifespan. Mr. McMasters emphasized that the sprayers do not kill mosquitos but controls them. He added that this is a wise investment.
An budget revision was also approved to pay for the sprayer.
In public comment Dr. Vincent Johnson questioned why two of the Aldermen did not attend the LMA meeting the previous Tuesday and asked if they would be charged the cost the Town paid. The Mayor explained there was no charge, and it was up to the Aldermen to attend if they wanted.
James Tate again came to the podium and the meeting deteriorated at that point as he made accusations against Alderman Descant concerning his personal life. Continuing to speak after his time limit elapsed, Chief Brown turned off the microphone and urged Tate back to his seat. A third citizen (who did not clearly state her name) appeared for the second time this month to complain about property behind her home and debris that may prove harmful during a weather event with high winds. She also complained about a sign that warned drivers of an approaching stop sign. Mr. McMasters explained the sign is temporary as drivers must become accustomed to a 4-way stop where one has never been present. The woman said that all the other signs were 100 feet from the intersection, but the one at her yard was only 65 feet.
In council discussion, Alderwoman Crain congratulated Mayor Route and wife Emma for being named the King and Queen of the Bogalusa Juneteenth Celebration parade. Alderman Darwin Sharp gave an update on the airport project that is moving forward. There are folks contacting him about leasing the property to build hangers, and he feels this can grow into a lucrative situation for the town. Alderman TJ Butler Jr. asked if a small jet could land there and it was explained that the current runway is not enough long enough and treetops must be cut. Alderman Sharp added that there is $37,500 in grant money already at the town's disposal for cutting trees. The town is advertising for an airport consultant with a June 28 deadline for applications.
Alderman Descant expressed his disappointment that after several meetings of calm professionalism, once again the meeting had moments of inappropriate behavior for a public government meeting. He stated, "Order would be nice."
In closing comments, the Mayor mentioned his sadness after a recent murder/suicide in Franklinton. He has hopes and is sending prayers that Franklinton does not experience this type of incident again. He emphasized, "We need to pray for the town and each other and love one another." He reminded everyone that qualifying for town offices in the 2024 election is July 17-19 and, "A mudslinger should not be running --- run on your own merit." He closed with a reminder that it is hurricane season and folks should be prepared and he wished all the dads a happy Father's Day.
