The Washington Parish Council met on Monday, March 9.
Prior to the regular meeting, a public hearing was conducted for comments concerning a proposed ordinance to name a bridge on Harvey Road that crosses Hays Creek as the "Deacon Hayward Partman Sr. Bridge." While no one spoke during this portion of the meeting, the ordinance was adopted during the regular meeting and Partman's youngest daughter, Katrina Smith, shared some of the family's thoughts on the matter. Shenoted that Mr. Partman was very active in the community and worked diligently to have the bridge repaired when it was no longer passable.
The family is very appreciative of the honor and that the Council recognized Mr. Partman's many contributions to the area.
Council President Reginald McMasters shared that he knew Mr. Partman his entire life and that he was a fine man, and it was a great loss when he died in 2024 at the age of 92. McMasters added that Mr. Partman worked for BellSouth for 35 years and never missed a day of work. As soon as a sign is delivered a ceremony will be held to officially dedicate the bridge's new name.
In the regular meeting, the minutes of February 23 meeting were approved before Parish President Ryan Seal issued a proclamation marking Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. On hand to accept the proclamation was Micah Quave from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. They will host a Bike MS event in Hammond next month called "Dat's How We Roll." Anyone interested in participating can contact Quave at Michah.Quave@nmss.org.
Next on the agenda was a brief presentation by District Court Judge Scott Gardner, who explained the Children and Youth Planning Board. This board will allow Judges Gardner, Duke and Haggerty more opportunities to work together and help direct parents to resources. The new board will have four members selected by the Parish Council. Judge Gardner is anxious to begin to create implementation plans to provide for the needs and services for children. He added that this ordinance will parallel a similar board in St. Tammany Parish.
The Council then introduced three ordinances. First was to establish the 22nd Judicial District Children and Youth Planning Board and to provide for the appointment of members by the Washington Parish Council and to provide for other matters in accordance with LA. R.S. 46:1941.1 ET SEQ. Secondly was an ordinance to amend and reenact Ordinance No. 06-412, adopted December 11, 2006, relative to building codes and permits; to update the adoption of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Pursuant to LA. R.S. 40:1730.21 ET SEQ. The ordinance will provide for automatic incorporation of future state-adopted code editions and provide for administration, permits, inspections, contractor registration, enforcement, penalties and appeals. The ordinance also will provide for reference to the Comprehensive Development Ordinance for Fees and provide for related matters. Thirdly, the Council introduced an ordinance prohibiting open burning within the unincorporated areas of Washington Parish and provide for enforcement, authorizing code enforcement and providing for penalties. A public hearing will be held on these three introduced ordinances at the March 23 meeting.
In other business, the Council adopted a resolution recognizing the Semi-quincentennial (250th birthday) of the United States and Washington Parish's Participation in the Washington's Unite National Collaboration.
President Seal explained that this is a group consisting of cities, counties and states with the name Washington. He is pleased that Washington Parish is participating in this national event that honors the legacy of George Washington.
The Council then adopted a resolution supporting the Varnado and Bogue Lusa Water Works Districts Infrastructure Improvement Project. Financial Director Lacy Burris added that this helps the parish assist waterworks districts secure funding through CWEF.
The Council’s final item of business was the adopting a resolution authorizing the Washington Parish Government to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Burris explained that the parish assists the department with funding to contribute to the support of the Veterans' Services Office by paying a total of $5,127.94 yearly in minimum monthly payments of $427.33 per month.
In Public Participation, retired firefighter Christopher McCarra presented a second comprehensive packet detailing the benefits of creating a new Washington Parish Fire and Rescue. At the February 23 meeting, McCarra provided a detailed description of what a consolidated fire department in the parish would look like and the benefits it would provide. The current packet presents a 10-year plan if such an organization was created as well as positive outcomes such a program would realize. Councilman Joe Culpepper assured McCarra that he has generated interest in such a plan; however, the Council needs to study the proposal and decide how to move forward.
DeAnn Davis, Executive Director of Washington Parish Economic Development, gave an update on work taking place to attract industry in the parish as well as other programs her office is working with to enhance the area.
In the President's Report, Transportation Manager Danny Knight reported that for the month of February, crews completed 27 drainage projects, provided 310 tons of asphalt on 11 roads, installed 21 culverts, hauled 2 yards of gravel on 8 roads, graded 36 roads, bushhogged 90 roads, installed 24 sign on 18 roads, and collected 361 bags of litter on 32 roads. Knight also reported that for the 6th consecutive year, Washington Parish is in full compliance with all Off-System bridges in the parish. This helps keep funding for repairs or replacements. The 2026 bid advertisement will go out next in The Era-Leader on March 11, 18, and 25 and on Bid Express on the 10th. There will be a Pre-Bid meeting on March 25 at 10:00 am in the Washington Parish Conference Room.
Parish President Seal announced that the burn ban has been lifted. He reported that the Police Jury Association Conference in Lake Charles was very informative, and he learned a lot about the opioid money.
Seal was pleased to have participated in Dr. Suess week at Bowling Green and Thomas Elementary.
The parish has received a $4,625 grant for the Keep Louisiana Beautiful Initiative in April.
Seal complimented Kelvin Brown and his crew on their efforts to beautify the outside of the Courthouse and proclaimed, "It's never looked better."
The Hwy 60 bridge is becoming a priority, thankfully.
Finally, Seal announced that Franklinton's Cargill has been sold to Bowers Saha. He is pleased with the new owner's commitment to Franklinton, and they are "all in for Franklinton."
The Council ended with congratulations to the Partman Family and Councilwoman Wagner especially appreciates the MS Week proclamation. Council President McMasters ended on a fun note by stating that the new Hayward Partman Bridge has long been known in the community as "Bethel Creek Bridge."
The next meeting will be held on March 23.
