The Washington Parish Council and Parish President Ryan Seal met on Monday, January 27. They met in Council Chambers at the Courthouse at the new start time of 5:30 p.m.
The meeting began with a Project Performance Closeout Public Hearing. The purpose was for the Council to hear comments from the public concerning the Parish's performance of the activities funded under the FY2023 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Program (LCDBG). This 1.5-million-dollar grant provided for street improvements in target areas throughout the Parish which generally consisted of Mitchell City Road area near Bogalusa, the Varnado area, Sleepy Hollow Road, and Mockingbird Hill Road near Franklinton. Additionally, the Parish gave notice to residents that the Washington Parish Government intends to file documents to close out this project.
The hearing was an opportunity for anyone to present any comments, questions, or grievances regarding this project. Councilman Joe Culpepper added that the Mitchell City area is in his district and the folks who live there are very pleased with the project results. Roads in the area were in terrible shape. The parish's work crews replaced the culverts with Barriere providing the asphalting. The Council also noted the receipt of a lovely thank you card from Gloria Ball and family expressing their gratitude for the project as well as photos of the "new" roads.
Following the approval of the January 13, 2025, regular meeting minutes, the Council adopted two ordinances that were also addressed in the public hearing. First, the Council adopted an ordinance approving the extension of the contract with Workforce Group, LLC for the purpose of disaster debris monitoring and management services. The Council also adopted an ordinance approving the extension of the contract with DRC Emergency Services LLC. for disaster debris removal and disposal services. Director of Finance Donna Graham noted that both companies completed a Request for Proposal which enables an extension for one year.
During public participation Sheriff Jason Smith gave an update on the parish jail. There are currently 254 inmates with 226 in Franklinton and 28 housed off site at a cost of approximately $28,000 per month. The Sheriff also reported that he has "hit the pause button" on the Varnado jail satellite site in order to rethink some things. He also attended the Mardi Gras celebration in Washington D.C. and learned of lots of positive economic measures happening for Louisiana. Sheriff Smith added that he wants to speak with each Council member concerning this.
During the President's Report, Donna Graham reported that each Council member has a copy of the 2025 budget with lots of explanations on how funds are determined, the amounts allocated and other pertinent information.
Mrs. Graham noted that there is a good section on Capital Projects for 2025 and the scope of each proposed project and the funding sources. Mrs. Graham also provided a recap sheet of all major funds in 2024. She noted, however, that there are still receivables coming in and negative fund balances should go away after this is all recorded. She foresees no problem closing out the 2024 budget. Chairwoman Kim Wagner questioned the timeline which is usually mid-March with auditors arriving around the end of April.
Public Works Director Alex Sumrall presented transportation monthly statistics for Danny Knight. Parish crews maintained four parish-owned locations and picked up 335 bags of trash on 24 roads. The crews also cleared snow from the courthouse steps on Thursday, January 24 to make entrance safe for reopening the following day. Bridges were also salted in preparation for the snow event.
Sumrall had praise for the crews who worked on Monday, January 20 (a holiday) preparing for the weather. There were not many power outages, and they were restored in a timely manner, he said. Sumrall added that the parish works closely with WST in such events.
Crews also delivered sand to Riverside Medical Center so that emergency vehicles could access the hospital if needed. Sumrall expressed his relief that there were not many limbs or trees down but noted that some roads were unsafe for travel. He is thankful that there were not more accidents than the few that were reported.
Parish President Ryan Seal shared that he attended the recent Economic Summit hosted by State Rep. John Wyble. He said an optimistic forecast was made, and it was a nice event organized by Rep. Wyble.
Seal shared that the Police Jury Conference will be hosted in Franklinton February 12-14, and he hopes all Council members plan to attend.
The Franklinton Branch of the Washington Parish Library is partnering with the Animal Shelter for donations of pet food, toys, and other items. This will run through February 7 at the Franklinton Branch.
Seal ended with kudos to the entire parish government family for excellent work during the recent snow. He especially thanked Bobbie Jo Breland, Director of Emergency Preparedness, and her staff for organizing three warming centers and being ready for whatever situations might occur. He also thanked the road crews for excellent work. He ended by sharing that he attended a Martin Luther King, Jr. program and it was very nicely done.
Council Vice-Chairman Reginald McMasters noted that a news program reported a Boil Water Advisory for areas in Washington Parish but failed to be specific. He assured those in attendance that it was not Franklinton or rural Franklinton. He also has information for his constituents on the broadband situation in his district.
Council Chairwoman Kim Wagner added, "The snow was beautiful, but it is always a challenge." She also thanked Joe Culpepper for helping with her transition to Chairwoman as well as Vice-Chair Reginald McMasters for his assistance. She ended the meeting by thanking the Council for their confidence in her and voting her in as chairwoman.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025.
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