The Washington Parish Council and Parish President Ryan Seal met on Monday, April 8 in the Council Chambers at the Washington Parish Courthouse. The meeting began on a sad note as a moment of silence was observed in memory of the recent untimely passing of Danielle Keys, Bogalusa City Councilwoman. This was followed by the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes for the previous meeting, March 25 were approved.
First on the agenda was a brief presentation by Joseph Dominick, Executive Director of the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center. The purpose of the presentation was to inform the Council of the upcoming tax renewal slated for Saturday, April 27. Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center (FPJDC) serves the parishes of Washington, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, St. Helena, and Livingston. Located on Hwy 190 between Covington and Robert, it is the largest detention center in the state and serves only the five parishes listed. The tax millage is the primary funding source for the center. Director Dominick added that kids and law enforcement have been his life's work, and he runs a tight ship with an efficient and effective staff. The Center has been a national recipient of The Center for Improving Youth Justice Award of Excellence in 2016, 2020, and 2023.
The FPJDC assists in keeping families safe with 2,348 admits in the past four years. However, the center is more than a jail for teens. It provides a myriad of services including drug screening, psychiatric and healthcare, anger management, substance abuse and trauma counseling. The center is also a year-round school and has a partnership with Northshore Community College for vocational and education training. Director Dominick ended with asking the Council for a resolution of support for this renewal tax that only costs the average homeowner $16.30 a year. The Council then amended the agenda to adopt a resolution in support of the millage renewal for the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center.
Next, the Council adopted an ordinance declaring a certain parcel of land being 100 feet by 75 feet, more or less, Washington Parish as surplus property and authorizing the date for private sale.
The Council then adopted a resolution of appointment for the Washington Parish Fire District No. 8 Board of Directors. Cody Davis will join the board with a term ending December 31, 2025.
The final act of the Council was to adopt a resolution to close YACC Road for thru traffic. Quality Assurance Officer Alex Sumrall explained that this is Location 2 where equipment and supplies are stored for road maintenance. There has been a good deal of theft and there will now be a fence added at each end of the road with gates.
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The gates will be open during elections (polling location) and the Animal Shelter side on Highway 10 will be open during business hours.
During public participation, Frankie Crosby Sr. spoke to the board on the importance of following the Home Rule Charter when hiring personnel. As a member of the Washington Parish School Board, Mr. Crosby recognizes the importance of doing things the "right way." He also cautioned the Council that if things are not done correctly, expect feedback and push-back. He ended by reiterating, "Do it right when hiring."
Director of Finance Donna Graham began departmental reports by informing the Council that advertisements will be posted in the newspaper for a public hearing on May 20 concerning ad volorem taxes. This is a reassessment year so millages must be set. It is a confusing process, but millages must be "rolled forward" to maintain the funding they provide as voted on. Mrs. Graham informed the Council in case they are questioned about the process.
Transportation Manager Danny Knight gave his report for March. Among other jobs, the maintenance department completed drainage projects on 42 roads for 71 miles; graded 38 roads for 71 miles; installed 11 culverts; picked up 415 bags of trash on 32 roads; bushhogged 180 roads for 310 miles and installed 20 signs on 19 roads.
Quality Assurance Officer Alex Sumrall reported that after meeting with the DOTD, plans for the Mitch Road bridge are coming along and plans for the Cleve Kennedy Road bridge are 98 percent complete. He also shared that the Washington Parish Jail Renovation is progressing nicely. There is also a renovation in the Courthouse of Judge Black's office with new ceiling, flooring, LED lighting and bathroom updates. In other news, Mr. Sumrall reported that the Animal Shelter held a Shelter Paw event and received many donations of food. Finally, he explained that 2024 roads to be paved are out for contract and advertising will begin next week. It will be approximately 27 miles and can be completed by an in-house crew. Mr. Sumrall also shared that Mrs. Terry Morgan is feeling better but continue to remember her in prayer.
Parish President Ryan Seal began his report by lauding the late Danielle Keys. She had a servant's heart and will be greatly missed not only by her constituents and the Bogalusa City Council, but also by her many friends. He reminded everyone to especially remember her young son.
Piggybacking on Alex Sumrall's comments concerning the jail renovation, Mr. Seal reported that the Sheriff's office and other areas on the second floor look great. There is now glass installed making the area more open and more secure.
President Seal reminded everyone that April 27 is the Team Up to Clean Up event in the parish and parish government is providing bags and pickup of trash bags. The parish is pleased to be a part of this event. Finally, he also reminded everyone to continue to pray for former administrative assistant to the Parish President Terry Morgan.
In Council discussion, Clark Harry asked when visitation at the jail will resume, especially since the COVID pandemic is over. President Seal replied that this would be a decision made by the Sheriff. Kim Wagner reminded everyone about the Team Up to Clean Up event and mentioned a Midway Mega Show (car show) to be held at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds. She also encouraged folks to get out and enjoy all the wonderful festivals happening in neighboring parishes. She closed with her own tribute to Danielle Keys and her admiration for this late public servant. Councilman Reginald McMasters reminding everyone that the Town of Franklinton and the WPSB are involved in the Team Up to Clean Up event. Shawn Rice announced that the Franklinton Demon Baseball Team will be playing for the district championship and he encourages a show of support. President Joe Culpepper added his own condolences for the Keys family and continued prayers for Terry Morgan.
Finally, parish attorney Wayne Kuhn reminded everyone that in addition to the Florida Parish Detention Center tax renewal on April 27, there is also a renewal tax for maintenance for District 2 of the Washington Parish School District. He emphasized that this is not a new tax but a renewal of a longtime tax.
