On Tuesday, February 28, the Franklinton Board of Alderman and Mayor Greg Route held their regular meeting at the Franklinton Municipal Building.
Following the prayer, pledge and approval of minutes from the previous meeting, the Board heard a brief presentation from Sean Johnson, the new Administrator for Riverside Hospital. Mr. Johnson explained his background in hospital administration as well as his personal satisfaction in returning from northeast Dallas, Texas, to a position only two hours from his childhood home in Jackson, Mississippi. Johnson, who has lots of ideas for Riverside, also urged suggestions as well as letting him know about issues as he plans to be visible and accessible. Mayor Route reminded Mr. Johnson that a major water project is being planned and will hopefully begin in September.
The Board of Alderman then heard from Brad Bebee with WinWater Baton Rouge about the water meters in Franklinton. Mr. Bebee proposed replacing all the current RG3 meters with the MasterMeter. The new meters will be installed, and water usage will be routed through a laptop as "meter-readers" drive past the home. Franklinton Town employees will receive training on each facet of the MasterMeter from installation to billing by WinWater.
Mayor Route expounded on this by explaining there is a large number of broken meters currently and the town is basically losing money from this. The cost of the new meter system will be $248,925 and the town has the money through ARP funds. Mr. Bebee said that new meters can be installed within the next few weeks, weather allowing. The MasterMeter comes with a 20-year warranty, and Mr. Bebee said, "We will be here for ya’ll."
The Board of Alderman approved the purchase and entering into a work relationship with WinWater Baton Rouge.
Continuing to address the aging infrastructure in Franklinton, Administrative Assistant Candace Bickham explained the current phone service at the main office, police department, fire department and public works building. The current phone service was purchased about eight years ago, and the phones are already outdated. There are constant issues with the phones, especially in bad weather.
A new system from Intellicom is being installed and will allow the Town Hall, PD, Fire, and Public Works to communicate seamlessly in case of a natural disaster and/or power outage. The new system is much more user friendly according to Ms. Bickham, and will greatly enhance the efficiency of town offices.
During department reports, Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle stated that during 2022, the fire department responded to 365 calls with a group of 18 volunteers.
He also informed the Board that three volunteers would be attending fire school beginning May 1. On March 11 there will be a controlled "live fire burn training" at FHS in the evening if anyone wants to attend. Later in March there will be a "night landing with AirMed" at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds' midway. Chief Lasalle said to check the Franklinton Fire and Rescue site on Facebook for the actual date.
During public participation TJ Taylor, Coach of the Louisiana Sharks, asked for permission to use a baseball field near the old armory behind Riverside Hospital. Taylor assured the Board that this would be a practice facility only with no actual games, and the Sharks organization will make improvements on the field and provide the upkeep. Town Attorney James Knight suggested a lease and secured that the Sharks have the appropriate insurance.
Mrs. Iris Foxworth also came forward to make the Board aware of vacant houses on TW Barker and Bene streets and the damage falling limbs are causing on her adjacent property. The Mayor assured her this would be looked at by proper authorities.
In final comments, Alderwoman Patrice Crain noted her excitement about the progress in the town and stated, "Thanks Franklinton for what you do for us --- not what we do for you." Alderman Darwin Sharp commended Barriere Construction on the great job they are doing paving the streets echoed by Alderman Seth Descant. Alderman T. J. Butler is also pleased with the street paving and commended the Mayor, "Money is out there and our mayor is going after it."
Mayor Route finished the meeting with three items. There will be a "Keep our 'Toe of the Boot' Polished" meeting at 9:00 am on April 22 at 1950 Washington Street in preparation for the Cleanest City Contest. There is also an on-line survey the town is conducting about the new playground being build on Chess Jones Road. He urges everyone to scan the QR code and complete the survey. If the QR code cannot be scanned, the survey can be accessed at
https://www.menti.com/alp9opc29f1r/0?fbclid=IwAR1vQ7ueehTxRoRP4CUIbz06U…
Finally, Mayor Route made an announcement that despite what the rumor mill might be churning out, he will be a candidate for Mayor of Franklinton in 2024 as his "ReRouting" will take four more years.
