Mayor Greg Route and the Franklinton Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, August 27. The meeting was called to order and after the invocation by Pastor Kevin Golden of Sweet Home Church, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Minutes from the August 13, 2024, meeting were unavailable to approve and this was tabled until the next meeting.
The first item on the agenda was a listening session to seek input from the public about housing needs of the community and to propose potential solutions. This was part of recent requirements set forth by the Department of Justice following a judgment against the Town of Franklinton. Rev. Kevin Golden noted that it would be helpful if an explanation was given as to "where we are" and "how we got there." Town attorney James Knight explained that the "listening session" was to obtain a big picture and general idea of housing needs and ways to move forward to meet those needs.
Brenda Williams with Habitat for Humanity shared that she receives 10-15 calls per day from folks expressing the need for housing. Many of the calls she receives are from those who want to live in Franklinton and there just aren't enough housing units available whether it is apartments or homes.
The Board then voted to approve the resignation of Rickey Burkhalter from the Public Works Department followed by voting to approve the hiring of Podelski Dillon, Zephan Rochelle, Reginald Tate, Saderian Walls, Curtlin Bush, and Rodrick Barker for the Public Works Department.
The Board then voted to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with Washington Parish Government and the State Homeland Security Program for the installation and maintenance of five license plate readers. Police Chief Justin Brown explained that these readers will record the license plates of all vehicles entering and exiting the town at all times. This information will be used to aid in investigations as neighboring parishes and municipalities have them and they are linked for collective sharing to solve crimes.
The actual cost is $16,040 per year with a grant from Homeland Security for $15,000 for the first year. This means the police department's budget will pay the $1,040 difference for Year 1. The subscription is renewable each year for five years and the grant will also be available for application. The cost will have to be in the town's budget at the beginning of next year.
The units will be placed at all entrance and exit points of the town and if the grant is not funded, the town will be responsible for the cost. Chief Brown added that a recently solved crime was accomplished with this technology.
Next, Chief Brown recognized the department's newest employee, Officer Wil Dalton. Officer Dalton came to Franklinton from Tennessee and expressed a desire to become a policeman. He enrolled in the Police Academy and during this time a weather event took place in June in the parish. Officer Dalton was flagged down by a parish resident and informed of a handicapped person who was trapped inside a camper after a tree fell on it. Officer Dalton showed an extraordinary act of courage by returning to the scene and single-handedly rescuing the trapped man. Chief Brown extolled the bravery of Officer Dalton to put his own safety at risk while off-duty to honor the oath he took as a policeman to rescue the citizen. He received the Silver Star after being nominated by Lt. Shawn Rice. This is the second highest honor in law enforcement.
Chief Brown ended with sharing that due to a solid case file compiled after the murder several years ago of Crystal Washington, a guilty verdict was reached on three charges and the convicted person will be sentenced in October. He is pleased with the work of the FPD's detectives to help bring this case to a close.
Alderwoman Patrice Crain congratulated Officer Dalton and expressed that she hopes he continues to want to be in Franklinton which was echoed by Aldermen Sharp, Descant and Spears. She also asked for prayers for the hospitalized Town Clerk Ellen Waskom and reminded everyone to be vigilant of the heat and keep hydrated and to be aware that COVID cases are popping up in the area.
Alderman T. J. Butler expressed that it is good to see young people in police work and that everyone should push young males and females to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Mayor Route ended the meeting by thanking Officer Dalton for representing the town so positively. He also reported that he had a great meeting with Delta Regional Authority and received some great information on grants. The deadline for completion of the medical district water project is December 31 and he has high hopes for it to be completed on time. There will not be a recognizable difference in pressure, but the water will flow.
Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown. left, presents the award to Officer Wil Dalton.
