The Franklinton Mayor and Aldermen met on Tuesday, May 14 at the Town Hall. The meeting, in contrast to some in recent memory, lasted only a short while and addressed eight items of unfinished and new business items on the agenda.
An unexpected announcment from Mayor Greg Route occurred near the end of the meeting. He said he is placing the proposed park and childrens’ playground on the “back burner” for the time being.
The mayor noted that there has been much confusion concerning the proposed park and playground since it was first introduced two years ago. He said that there are other projects such as the medical district drainage and water and the airport that are on-going, so he feels it best that the park should be addressed again in the future after other items of greater need for the town are addressed.
In New Business at the meeting, Mr. Frankie Crosby addressed the Board about using the old armory building for a food pantry in conjunction with Second Harvest Food Bank. The need for the community is great. The plan for the armory is to provide a covered area so that folks are dry when picking up allocated food items. The first distributions each month will be to churches from across the parish who will then distribute to members in need. The second monthly distribution will be to approved residents. Much of the infrastructure for the food pantry has been donated and is already in place such as a fork-lift, refrigeration units, and technology equipment. Mr. Crosby is asking the town to waive the facility cost for two years while a funding source is secured. The area is subject to flooding and a plan is in place to address this. Mr. Crosby noted that Franklinton native Marc Vise who is employed by Second Harvest is working with this food pantry to make it a reality.
Next the Board approved alcohol permits for Family Dollar and Alford Shel 2 LLC. Then, with only Alderman Darwin Sharp casting a "no" vote, the Board approved the resignations of Trey Johnson and Brittany Sims from the Franklinton Police Department. Then the Mayor appointed Will Brumfield as director and T. J. Butler as alternate director to the LA Natural Gas Purchasing and Distribution Authority and this was approved by the Board.
The final item on the agenda was the appointments to the committee for the review of the town's Charter. Alderman Descant nominated himself to the committee despite the Mayor reminding him that it must be a citizen. When Mr. Descant held firm, the Mayor declared he will have to research to see if an alderman can appoint him/herself to the committee. Aderman TJ Butler nominated Mrs. Ola Magee.
Alderwoman Patrice Crain nominated Dr. Vincent Johnson, and the Mayor nominated Ms. Amanda Dillon. Alderman Sharp has contacted two people and is waiting to hear from at least one who agrees to serve on the committee. Alderman Spears was absent.
In public participation, local resident Bob Bateman asked for clarification about the current use of the old armory building and what is stored there. The Mayor explained that currently the Krewe of Pepe and the Lighted Christmas Parade floats are stored there along with the Town of Franklinton's Christmas parade float. Mr. Bateman asked if there was a lease agreement in place and the Mayor responded "no." However, as explained after Mr. Crosby's presentation, the Mayor is meeting with a realtor, as instructed by the auditor, to establish a "fair market price" to charge for the facility to be leased. Mr. Pepe Tate with the Krewe of Pepe and Tammy Fussell with the Lighted Christmas Parade are both interested in working to lease the area for the float storage.
Mayor Route pointed out that the district Louisiana Municipal Association meeting will be on June 11, which is a Tuesday this year and coincides with the regularly scheduled meeting of the Aldermen and Mayor. Mayor Route expressed his desire to move the meeting instead of simply cancelling it. After looking at dates, the meeting will be held on Monday, June 10 at 6:00 pm. This will enable the town officials to attend the district meeting.
The Mayor also reminded folks that there are many summer activities coming up. The parish library has many things to offer children during the summer. The Balloon Festival will be held May 31 through June 2, and the Watermelon Festival will be held July 5, 6, and 7 with fireworks on Saturday July 6 at 9:00 pm. The Social and Planning Committee is hosting a back-to-school event at the end of July. So, lots will be happening in the town in the next two months.
The Mayor ended with his appreciation of the Franklinton High School graduation and wished all the graduates well.
