Because of the Memorial Day holiday coming up the last week in May, the Washington Parish Council moved its regular meeting schedule up one week, meeting on Monday, May 5.
First, the Council approved the minutes from the April 28 Regular Council Meeting. Parish President Ryan Seal then issued a proclamation in recognition of May being Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. On hand were members of the St. Tammany Chapter of American Bikers Active Toward Education (ABATE), which is the only recognized Motorcycle Rights Organization in the State of Louisiana. Most in attendance are residents of Washington Parish. ABATE is the only recognized Motorcycle Rights Organization in the State of Louisiana. It is not a club, but a non-profit organization dedicated to motorcycle safety, awareness and realistic motorcycle legislation open to all motorcyclists from all walks of life, riding all types of motorcycles.
Next, the Council adopted a resolution to appoint John Nathaniel to the Washington Parish Gas Utility District #1 Board of Directors. Nathaniel will replace Stanley Dean Seal. His term is effective immediately and will expire on December 31, 2025.
Sheriff Jason Smith gave an update on current conditions at the parish jail. The jail has 144 beds and 244 inmates. 16 are housed elsewhere, so the jail is 88 inmates over capacity. Smith explained that this is 161 percent of capacity, and the Washington Parish Jail is the most overcrowded in the state per capita. Smith also reported that the satellite jail facility in Varnado will require no significant restructuring, and the architect has proposed a plan for the addition of showers and other necessary facilities. The sheriff is pleased with the progress on that.
Smith noted that there is a special events ordinance, but it has not been historically enforced which makes it difficult for folks hosting such events. Councilman Reginald McMasters is taking the lead on this and there is an effort to let people know requirements. McMasters added that, "This needs a little bit more work, but safety is most important."
The Sheriff also reported that 911 Call Center will be operating beginning May 6 with a grand opening on June 7. "This has been a long time coming," the Sheriff added. Finally, the Special Olympics torch run will make its way across Washington Parish on May 19 with area law enforcement and high school JROTC's participating. (See separate article.)
Public Works Director Alex Sumrall reported that in April drainage projects on 31 roads for 58 miles were completed along with 16 culverts being installed. Crews graded 41 roads for 62 miles and bush hogged 130 roads for 252 miles. 497 bags of litter were collected on 43 roads and 19 signs were installed on 12 roads. With five new signs ordered, Sumrall noted that litter and stolen signs are equally problematic in the parish. Sumrall reported that the inspection officers have been especially busy. BJ McNeese conducted 111, Dewitt Williams 212, and Scott Dickerson 93. He added that Ashley Sumrall in the permit department has also been extremely busy as well.
Parish President Ryan Seal began his report by elaborating on a recent visit to the parish by Lt Gov. Billy Nungesser who, Seal said, does a great job promoting Louisiana. The Cortez Coaster is now open at the Bogue Chitto State Park. The brainchild of Mr. Toby Cortez, this is a one-of-a-kind mountain bike trail is unique in providing an inclusive design so that adaptive mountain bikers can experience the full excitement of the trail.
President Seal thanked Sheriff Smith for persistently bringing the 911 Call Center to its full potential since its inception in 2013. Seal also attended the recent Council on Aging Picnic at Bogalusa's Cassidy Park and shared that it was a great event. Finally, the President thanked everyone for the prayers, flowers, cards, and calls following the recent death of his mother. He and his family are most appreciative.
In Council Discussion, Councilman Steven Branch congratulated the 2025 graduates with Council President Kim Wagner encouraging the Council to attend a graduation if possible. She wished local graduates the best and stated, "Happy Graduation! We are proud of you! Go get your degree and come back to Washington Parish." The next council meeting will be held on May 19.
