The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Greg Route held their most recent meeting on Tuesday, November 8 at the Town Hall.
Immediately after the opening prayer by Bro. Joe Felder and the National Anthem sung by Ms. DeeDee Graves, local veterans were honored by the town government. Rev. Bruce Brown shared an original poem dedicated to all who have served entitled "Thank You is Not Enough."
Following this short program, the regular meeting began. The aldermen heard a report from Henry Powell of Cadence Insurance, who will be the town employees' insurance provider. Mr. Powell reiterated to the board that "We work for YOU, not the insurance company." He explained how his office will strive to provide the most value and best benefits for the lowest premium possible. When questioned by Alderman Darwin Sharp about potential policy changes, Mr. Powell stated there would not be changes, but opportunities to make it better for the employees of Franklinton.
In other business, the board approved a motion to transfer the title of a bus currently owned by the town but used exclusively by the Council on Aging. Mayor Route explained that the bus was purchased as a result of a grant funded in 2003 under the tenure of the late Mayor Earle Brown, and unbeknownst to Mayor Route, the Town of Franklinton still was named as owner on the title. The aldermen approved this transfer.
There was lengthy discussion after a short presentation by Hope Westmoreland on the dangers of "dumped" dogs in the town as well as surrounding neighborhoods.
town does not currently have a fulltime animal shelter. Dogs are held for seven days and then transferred to the Humane Society for potential adoption. Alderman Seth Descant is working to make Franklinton a partner with Best Friends, a free animal program that is eager to work with small, rural towns and provide services for abandoned animals. He will report on his progress at the next meeting.
In departmental reports, Chief of Police Justin Brown reported that it was a "fantastic fair." He noted that there was approximately $30,000 of additional security on hand throughout the five-day event that did not cost the town or fair association a cent. He urged the board and mayor to plan a recognition and/or official “thank you” for these neighboring law enforcement entities who came to offer their services.
Chief Brown reported that in the period of September 13 to November 7, the FPD responded to 1,628 calls with 48 arrests for 90 citations. He then urged the audience to look at Sir Robert Peel's (Father of Modern Policing) second principle of policing which states, "To recognize always that the power of the police to fulfill their functions and duties is dependent on public approval of their existence, actions and behavior, and on their ability to secure and maintain public respect." Chief Brown explained that there must be a reciprocal respect for police and citizens and not an idea of retaliatory policing. He went on to explain that he is a staunch advocate of protecting the public and that anyone who tarnishes the name of the police department while he is chief will not be tolerated. He further explained that if anyone feels the patrolmen in Franklinton are failing to treat everybody with respect and are mistreating citizens during traffic stops, he will investigate and take proper action. Chief Brown stated that his officers know to "treat others with respect and do your job." He closed by reminding everyone that "my office is always open."
Town Public Works Superintendent Reginald McMasters concluded his statistical gas/water/sewage and street activity by praising the men who work in the Public Works Department. October saw two homecoming parades and the fair parade as well as the increased traffic of fairgoers. Mr. McMasters has been very pleased with the work of his department in keeping the streets clean and their preparations for the Washington Parish Fair. Alderman TJ Butler responded with, "Ya'll [are] doing an excellent job keeping Franklinton looking good."
Town Clerk Ellen Waskom reported that in October the town received $253,411 in sales tax; however, this number was less that the same period in 2021.
Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle received approval by the board to purchase a 2023 model pumper truck to replace the current pumper that is a 2005 model. The cost of the new truck was quoted as $433,000, but the company is offering incentives that will reduce that amount to $420,000. The truck is being assembled in South Dakota but will be delivered to the Franklinton Fire Department in 2023 when completed.
Before the meeting adjourned Alderwoman Patrice Crain again thanked veterans for their selfless service and shared that her father was a Korean War veteran, and she is proud of his service. TJ Butler reminded those present of two local young men who never returned home as they were killed in action. These were Bernis Burris and Charles McMasters, father of Town Public Works Superintendent Reginald McMasters.
The meeting was then adjourned.
