The regular meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for the Town of Franklinton was called to order on Tuesday, December 12 at 6:00 pm. Following the invocation given by Joe Felder of Cornerstone Baptist Church and the Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting began with the approval of minutes from the November 14 regular meeting and the November 30, special meeting. Alderman Seth Descant asked that the November 14 minutes be amended with the attachment of a copy of the actual submitted budget. This was approved by the Board.
New business began with Washington Parish School Superintendent Frances Varnado on hand to present a summary of items and events involving the school system since her last report in August.
Mrs. Varnado listed the accomplishments of the system which included a recent B School Performance Score by the Department of Education and ongoing projects such as the Franklinton Junior High School renovation amounting to $2,555,000 which were "COVID funds" received from the federal government. Mrs. Varnado was adamant that she did not deserve the credit for all the great things happening in the district and stated several times that all who are employed at the school district are to be commended for the great things that are happening in Washington Parish's ten schools.
Alderman TJ Butler asked about the FJHS auditorium. Mrs. Varnado explained that there is a new roof on the building but the inside in need of updates and repairs. The roofing was critical so that damage from leaks would be limited.
Mrs. Varnado ended with, "It takes all of us."
Next, Mr. Henry Powell gave an update on the Town's health insurance. At the one-year renewal the cost of insurance had a slight 12 percent increase in premiums. He noted that last year the town saved $95,000 and implemented a GAP plan which saved approximately $65,000. Costs in 2023 were $13,000 versus $80,000 previously paid for health insurance. The GAP insurance funds the employees' health insurance deductibles and is a great addition to the policy. Alderman Butler asked the reason for the increase.
Mr. Powell explained that things are "opening up after COVID" and 2024 insurance rates have increased everywhere. He still believes that the Town of Franklinton has a really good plan in place.
The Mayor and Board were to ratify and award the bid for the Medical District Water System Improvement Project contingent on Delta Regional Authority concurrence. However, Jay Pittman of Spangler Engineering LLC was on hand to explain that the engineers estimate the project should cost $500,000 and the lowest bid was $600,000. Mr. Pittman spoke with Delta Regional Authority, and they suggested to submit a request for additional funds. His recommendation was to table the item and grant no bid award. He also recommends extending the project 30 to 45 days from December 12. If there are no answers the project can still be extended another 30 days to hear from Delta Regional Authority.
Mr. Pittman feels that it seems favorable that the additional money will be available after January 1. Mr. Butler asked for a completion date, but Mr. Pittman stated he was not really sure. He is looking at March to begin the project. The Board agreed to table the item.
The next agenda item had the Mayor and Board review the quotes and award the contract for replacing the air conditioning ang heating system in the courtroom. Five local AC businesses were contacted to bid for this project and only two responded. The recommendation was to award the bid to Carney's AC and Heating located in Bogalusa. Carney's bid was $34,950 while the other bid was $48,500. Alderman Butler asked if Franklinton-based businesses were given the opportunity to bid and was told that they were, but none responded. Alderwoman Crain asked when the work could start and the Mayor responded, "Tomorrow."
The Board then voted to change the employment status of Bennie Spears to fulltime firemen as of January 1, 2024. The Board also voted to approve the holiday schedule for 2024 which is basically the same as 2023.
In financial business, the Board authorized the Mayor to sign an engagement letter with LaPorte APAC for the 2022-23 compilation and to sign an engagement letter with Kushner Lagraize LLC for the 2023-24 audit. Alderman Descant interjected here that 2023 was the first year Kushner Lagraize was used by the town, and it was quite expensive. Mr. Descant wants the audit report presented at a public meeting and the firm did not do this for 2023. He feels that the town wants 100 percent service for 100 percent of the money. This was approved. The Board also authorized the Mayor to sign an engagement letter with Kushner Lagraize LLC for the 2023-24 SAUPs as well as sign the Louisiana Compilation Questionnaire for the 2022-23 audit.
A public hearing then began on an ordinance setting the fees to use the car charging stations. No one came forward to speak and the public hearing was closed. The Board was then to vote to adopt the ordinance setting the fees to use the car charging stations. Alderman Descant asked that if the town moves forward, when will the chargers go online. The mayor responded, "Tomorrow."
Mr. Descant then explained that he has researched the American Disabilities Act and the spots where the chargers are located are not in ADA compliance. The money used to purchase the chargers was federal dollars and the spots must meet the ADA requirements or will be in violation. This created a slight upheaval with the assembled crowd as Mr. Descant stated that he feels this will open the town up to liabilities and civil lawsuits. His view is that the town must make the spot ADA compliant before turning the chargers on. He noted that there must be signage, markings, indications that the spots are for charging and not general parking, the height of the on-button must be accessible, angled parking is an issue and if corrected the spots will block the roadway for others to exit the parking lot.
Alderwoman Crain expressed that there are no regulations for charging stations because the Louisiana Public Service Commission does not regulate. The Department of Agriculture is the governing body. Mr. Descant responded that if federal funds are tied to this project, it must be ADA compliant. His frustration became evident as he reminded fellow council member that he printed all the pertinent information concerning this for their benefit. Ms. Crain responded that she spoke to the state Department of Agriculture which prompted Mr. Descant to say "I am one voice, if you want to open tomorrow…"
Mr. Butler asked if it will be inspected, and Ms. Crain explained that it will not as Franklinton will be part of formulating the guidelines. Mr. Descant reiterated that the town cannot use federal funds and discriminate. He added that if the chargers and station are out of ADA compliance, it opens the opportunity for a lawsuit.
Alderman Darwin Sharp asked to table the motion and Alderman Heath Spears asked if the attorney should investigate this because "if federal money is a whole different deal." Mayor Route explained that attorney James Knight has checked on all that he can check on and feels due diligence has been achieved concerning the chargers. Ms. Crain offered to contact the ADA office. Mr. Sharp said he wants to be sure the board is doing the right thing while Mr. Butler asked, "Can't we pass it (ordinance) and change?"
Mayor Route added that no one in this area with charging stations meets those guidelines. Mr. Descant responded that those were his concerns. The ordinance did not pass. Ms. Crain and Mr. Butler voted yes while Mr. Sharp, Mr. Descant, and Mr. Spears voted no.
The Board then approved the appointments of Darwin Sharp, Mike McNeal Jr. and Marty Roberts to the Airport Advisory Committee and voted to cancel the December 26, 2023, meeting.
Item number 16 on the agenda called for a reduced bid for the park to be presented. Ms. Crain explained the history of the park thus far. Two companies bid on supplying the park equipment and a bid was accepted if it met the requirements of the board. The cost was originally $695,000 and the company reduced the price to $499,999. The bid had a 15-year warranty, and a swing set was added at no cost.
The plans were adjusted to meet budget requirements, and Mayor Route pointed out the changes on diagrams. The new plans call for handicap accessibility so that special needs children can interact with others. The reduced amount of area lowered the cost.
Ms. Crain detailed the money thus far: $295,000 state money, $25,300 in donations and the towns contribution of $179,699. The cost was reduced to by $199,000 with the warranty and swings included.
At this point Alderman Descant asked, "Didn't we cancel the contract?" Ms. Crain replied, "No, we stopped because we disagreed." Mr. Descant continued, "We rejected bids for cause --- not enough money. We want a park. I am looking out for children. I am not a grinch. But, we rejected the bids so the that shut the project down."
He went on to say, "The project must start over with a $500,000 budget to include everything, and there is no committee, no input from the community; all we have is playground equipment."
Mr. Sharp asked if they have voted on a location as it was designated but not voted on.
At this point, the meeting became heated as the aldermen made their cases for or against the park. The mayor asked, "What is the problem?" Mr. Sharp asked to table the item. Ms. Crain replied, "We have done everything asked. I do not understand the problem. Franklinton does not have a place for children. This is about economic development. We have nothing to attract development. Teens must leave town…"
Mr. Descant countered, "If we went about the process correctly, we would have a park. This conversation is circular." The Mayor made a decision to move on as the discussion was going nowhere.
Departmental reports were presented. Superintendent of Public Works Reginald McMasters noted that Franklinton is only a short wait from having all water wells completed and online. However, Internet service providers are getting into the town's right-of-way. Sewer lines have been cut, a hydrant run over and other incidences. He feels the board should address this by charging to use the right-of-way. This way if someone tears up something, they pay for it. In other business, the town workers have been cutting grass, picked up 19 limb piles and 60 bags of trash, and spent 25 hours sweeping the streets. Mr. McMasters ended with stating that he is very proud of his staff. Public Works does not get the props, and nobody respects the department, but they deserve it.
Chief Justin Brown gave the police department report which included thanking officers from Rayburn Correctional and the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office for their assistance with the Christmas parade.
Chief Brown also cautioned that packages delivered to porches and doors are vulnerable to theft and wants the public to be aware and take measures to secure their deliveries.
His report of the past month noted that the FPD responded to 1,109 total calls with 22 arrests for 54 offenses. He also explained that theft by shoplifting is higher during the holiday season but until businesses prosecute, there is not much that can be done.
He also explained that Zellco Federal Credit Union's ATM machine was tampered with, and his department has thus far contributed the most information to this statewide problem and is ahead of other investigators.
Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle was thankful that there have been no grass fires in the past month and personally thanked the board for its support of the fire department. The new fire truck and new extrication equipment are in the firehouse and ready to be used. He is also pleased that the station now has paid personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mrs. Ellen Waskom gave the financial report for October and of note was an income of $113,000 for the month.
Alderwoman Crain cautioned that occupational licenses come from the town and not online with On the Avenue. The town has no contract with the online company and those seeking licenses need to come directly to the Town Office.
During public participation, a citizen expressed concern that the sign for Glynn's Electric blocks a clear line of sight at the intersection of Greenlaw and 11th Avenue. Both these streets are state highways, and the state will have to make the request to have the sign moved. Superintendent McMasters noted that the Town cannot make them move the sign, but it can be brought to the business owner's attention.
Four citizens spoke in support of Mayor Route and the proposed park and urged him to trust that God will work out the problems in the end. Another citizen questioned if all the aldermen lived in the city limits, and will they qualify in the next election if they do not? He also asked Alderman Sharp if he was running for mayor in 2024. Mr. Sharp responded that he is correct - he will be running for mayor.
During Council Discussion Alderman Butler expressed concern about the campers in the town during the Washington Parish Fair. He reminded the board that he suggested raising the fee for a camper by $10. The nearby Bogue Chitto State Park charged $32 per night during the fair week and that is how much the town receives for the week from each camper. He requested that Reginald McMasters look into this and see what is going on. He also shared that the town made $11,670 for the fair.
Mr. Butler also made mention that in a previous meeting he was told a letter was placed in his folder about police promotions. Mr. Butler and Alderwoman Crain are over the police department, and he was never informed that three officers were receiving promotions from Sergeant to Lieutenant. which will cost the Town over $17,000.
He then said that he learned the letter was placed in his folder about five or ten minutes before the meeting. He was shocked and hurt by this. He plans to meet with the mayor and if such things are going on, the mayor needs to call someone in and get to the bottom of it.
Mr. Butler expressed his concern for the financial security of the town. He ended with asking people to continue to support Franklinton and stated, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
Alderwoman Crain expressed that she has a heart for Franklinton. She reported that her nephew was recently in a car accident and people have been praying for him. She appreciates that and he may be coming home before Christmas. She ended with "I love you and won't quit fighting."
Alderman Spears wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Alderman Sharp assured everyone present that we will have a park and it will be done the right way. “We must follow state and federal guidelines.”
He also expressed that the three sergeants deserved a promotion because if "you don't promote, you don't retain." He implored people to pray for the police department as well as the fire department and Public Works. He ended with "We will come together and do it right. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."
Alderman Descant began with expressing that it had been a long evening and lots of passionate conversation. He believes that differences of opinion are okay, and it is not wrong for questions because "we need to be accountable."
At this point people in the audience were leaving and the Mayor interrupted Mr. Descant to tell Mr. Ben Sarro, "I have an open door -- your facts are wrong." Mr. Sarro replied that he gets his facts from the Mt. Hermon Web TV video of the meetings. The Mayor countered that he is offering him an opportunity to come see him. Mr. Sarro replied, "I quote you directly." (This is in reference to a letter to the editor written by Mr. Sarro that appeared in The Era-Leader.)
Mr. Descant continued with his comments that we need to work through these things. He stated to Mr. Butler that he doesn't support the police department. Mr. Butler took umbrage at this and vehemently stated, "That is not what I said."
The meeting deteriorated at this point and Mr. Descant left. The Mayor did mention that the letter in question that Mr. Butler was referring to that Mr. Descant said was attached to the proposed budget was never seen by him. The letter he finally tracked down was dated 2016, and it was not signed by him.
The Mayor reminded everyone that Santa will be at the Town Hall on December 22 and if anyone wants to help or make a donation, it will be greatly appreciated.
Mayor Route ended with, "We have to do better. I haven't done anything to hurt this town. I am trying move the town forward." He feels his record will speak for itself.
After two hours and thirty-three minutes, the final meeting of the year of the Board of Aldermen was adjourned.
