The Franklinton Board of Aldermen met for its regular meeting on September 27, 2022, at the Town Hall. A relatively short number of items began with the approval by the Aldermen to donate a Brinks armored vehicle to the Bogalusa Police Department. Town attorney James Knight explained that the vehicle had been donated to Franklinton's Police Department by Covington. Originally it was to be donated to St. Francisville but is no longer needed by that department. Therefore, the board approved passing this vehicle along to neighboring Bogalusa.
In other business the board approved the hiring of Randall Gros, a post certified officer, to a full-time position with the Franklinton Police Department. In departmental reports, Chief Brandon LaSalle of the Franklinton Fire Department report that there had been 25 calls for assistance in September with 15 of those being classified as "medicals." Chief LaSalle also reported that a structure fire on Skip Drive is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal. LaSalle asked that if anyone has any pertinent information on this fire to please come forward. He also reminded the board that we are currently under a Red Flag which means no burning due to dry conditions, and he further reiterated that there is no burning allowed in the town limits.
Town Clerk Ellen Waskom gave the financial report for August 2022. The general fund income during August was $542,524.23 with a year-to-date balance of $4,078,457.03.
Expenses for August from the general fund amounted to $866,587.66 which resulted in a loss of $324,063.43 for the month. Alderman Descant questioned this large expense, and it was explained that a new sewer truck and maintenance truck were purchased by the town and the cost fell into the August accounting. Mrs. Waskom further reported on several other, smaller accounts and reminded everyone that budget projections need to be turned in by the end of October so that the 2023 budget can be finalized before the end of the year.
In public participation a citizen remarked that to sell anything during the Washington Parish Free Fair, there are permits that must be acquired from the town and that vendors must set up at least eight blocks from the fairgrounds except for peanut sales. Two other citizens also spoke on this matter and asked for a clarification on the insurance that is required to sell in the town limits. Attorney Knight explained that a liability policy must be obtained to protect the vendor as well as the landowner if there is a problem.
In final comments Alderman TJ Butler questioned the completion timeline for the water project on Bene Street and its proximity to the fairgrounds making work during the fair difficult. Mayor Route is admittedly frustrated by the nearly two years this project has ended up taking and is hopeful it will soon be complete. The mayor assured the board that he will take whatever steps necessary to ensure that the project is finished in as timely a manner as possible. Mayor Route recognized the Franklinton Planning and Social Committee for a wonderful breakfast it recently hosted. The mayor ended the meeting by asking the board to approve closing the Town Office and the Public Works division during the fair. The offices are already closed on Wednesday and the remaining two days see almost no business being conducted, and public works employees can get little done with the influx of visitors. There will be an emergency crew on standby if needed. The board approved this and wished all of Franklinton a safe experience at the fair.
