The Washington Parish Council met on Monday, February 26 at Council Chambers in the Courthouse. Following the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes from the February 12, 2024, were approved. One item of note on the agenda was the appointment for the Washington Parish Director of Public Works to replace the retiring Ken Wheat. Parish President Ryan Seal shared that a candidate was to be presented; however, the candidate removed himself from the hiring process for reasons that were not publicly shared. Therefore, the personnel committee and President Seal will regroup and continue the search while Mr. Wheat remains in the position. With this development, the resolution of appointment was removed from the agenda.
First on the agenda was the newest CEO of Riverside Medical Center, Darrell Lavender. Mr. Lavender was introduced to the Council by Tammy Magruder, Chairman of the Riverside Board of Commissioners. Mr. Lavender joined Riverside in November after two decades in healthcare and community experience. He has served as a Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer in community healthcare settings.
He and his wife have settled in the Enon community and love their new home and the area. Mr. Lavender shared that he is committed to promoting the services Riverside Medical Center offers. Last year 57,000 people utilized the hospital services and/or the clinics under the Riverside umbrella. There were 15,000 emergency room visits. Mr. Lavender is proud of the services the hospital currently offers as well as the team of medical staff employed there. He also shared the "state of the hospital." In 2023 the hospital had net revenue of $35,800,000 with $33,4000,000 in expenses. This resulted in a net income of $2,300,000 which was a strong year for the hospital. Mr. Lavender ended by thanking the Parish Government for its continued support of the hospital and explained that a Community Health Needs Assessment is planned soon to determine what areas future planning will address.
Next, the Council heard from Candidate for District Attorney Vincent Wynn. Mr. Wynn is a native of St. Tammany Parish. He has tried over 400 cases with the District Attorney and 300 cases in private practice. He said that he is firm but fair and will not tolerate crime but will offer tools for rehabilitation when possible. He also promises to be fiscally responsible and is committed to reopening the Bogalusa District Attorney's office. He feels Washington Parish has been somewhat forgotten and that the DA's office must "do better" here. He wants to hire local employees and "fix the office."
The final item of business was the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Washington Parish Government to apply for and administer grant funds, of up to $140,000,000, through the Office of Community Development-Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF), and that the President of Washington Parish is authorized to sign all forms, applications, reports, plans, notices and all other documents and paperwork necessary to administer the project and accomplish the purpose of the resolution. Director of Public Works Ken Wheat added that this is a grant application that will be good for the Varnado Water Works to update their system.
In Public Participation, Roger Stevens of the Pine Community asked the Council if it has any plans for economic growth for Washington Parish and are there plans to bring in businesses? Councilman Reginald McMasters responded that it is the President's job to do such, and the Council is the governing board. Next Mr. William Barse from Mt. Hermon presented the idea of Pickleball to the council. It is the fastest growing sport in the nation, and he has a friend interested in building a facility in Washington Parish that caters to Pickleball. Mr. Barse feels such a project will enhance youth activities and bring revenue to the parish. Councilman Carley King is interested but would like more information. Candidate for District Attorney Vincent Wynne added that the new highway from Bush to Interstate 12 is projected to bring in approximately 2,400 new homes in the Village of Sun area and the parish will have opportunities to pursue for new jobs and businesses.
In the President's report, Director of Transportation Danny Knight reported that 328 bags of trash were collected on 25 roads and the Bogue Chitto State Park asphalt project is nearing completion. Quality Assurance Officer Alex Sumrall reported that the parish is in full compliance with the DOTD Bridge Program. Out of 64 parishes, 25 percent are not compliant. He also noted that the Old Columbia Road and Hayes Creek Road bridges will be worked on. Mr. Sumrall also asked for prayers for the health of Terry Morgan, Administrative Assistant at Parish Government.
President Ryan Seal informed the Council that he signed a burn ban that will be in effect for 14 days due to dry weather conditions. If conditions change, he will rescind it. He ended by reaffirming that his office is looking for opportunities to widen the work force in Washington Parish and will continue to do so.
