The Town of Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Greg Route publicly met on July 11, 2023. Following the invocation by Rev. Esco Burton, Sr., pastor of St. John's Temple Church of God in Christ and the Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes from the June 27, 2023, were approved. The Board then moved to new business.
A short public meeting was held so that the rate for the 2023 millage rates for properties located within the city limits of the Town of Franklinton could be discussed. Although these millage rates had been previously approved, a typographical error was discovered, and the process was repeated with corrections. No one came forward with questions or comments and the Board approved a resolution to levy the 2023 millage rates. The Board then voted to approve an ordinance authorizing the sale of the town-owned property at 22096 Denise Road as well as an ordinance accepting the donation of property owned by Babington Properties.
Next, the board approved placement of two Four-Way Stop signs. One is to be located at the intersection of Pearl and Bickham Streets and the other at the intersection of Easter Hill and Desmare Streets. Both intersections have seen accidents in recent weeks and the four-way Stops are to further ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians.
Mrs. Faith Bahm then addressed the Mayor and Board concerning the boat ramp access to the Bogue Chitto River that is located behind the Sheriff Department and the former Franklinton Police Department. Mrs. Bahm explained that many Franklinton residents (her husband and son among them) enjoy putting their boat in at the ramp to go fishing on the river. It is the only river access for boats currently within town limits.
However, the build up of silt has made it nearly impossible to launch a boat. One must go into the water to pull a boat off its trailer and then cannot crank the motor until a fair distance from the launch because of the silt.
Mrs. Bahm stated she is simply asking that the town dredge the area if possible and make it easier for locals to access the river. She noted that the area around the boat ramp is very pleasant with picnic tables and benches, but it too needs to be kept up.
Alderman Seth Descant has voluntarily done some clean up and shared that he thinks the boat ramp area is a "hidden gem" in the town limits. The road also needs some work. Mr. Descant believes this is a "key property" and the Town needs to push forward with developing it further.
Mayor Route assured Mrs. Bahm that the town will investigate what can be done as far as the dredging. Alderman Heath Spears also noted that an emergency could arise on the river and this area would be needed, and that should be considered as well. Although all agreed that a flood will likely create the problem all over again, it is definitely a place locals can enjoy.
In other business, the board voted to authorize the Mayor and/or Code Enforcement Officer to notify the owners of a house on 16th Avenue to show cause why the buildings should not be condemned. The police department provided the Mayor with photos of the home, and he was visibly troubled at what he saw. He confirmed that residents are living in the home. This is a situation that will have to be handled with care. The Mayor did note that the Town is applying for a Clearance Grant to handle tearing down blighted properties with the permission of the property owners. He explained that there are lots of houses in Franklinton that need to be torn down. It is important to compile a list of such properties and bids for the tearing down work to know how much to ask for in the grant proposal.
In departmental reports, Town Clerk Ellen Waskom reported that the June 2023 sales tax income was $337,819.20. This is up $97,000 from the same time last year. She did note that this very large amount is due to the state collecting the sales tax and then remitting it to the municipalities. Thus, the amount likely included months prior to June.
In public comments a business owner informed the Board that he recently had a situation with a customer. He called the police department who referred him to the Justice of the Peace who he was unable to speak to. His frustration stemmed from "no one checked on me!" The mayor pledged to look into the incident. Another citizen reported that a neighbor had a car catch fire with the gas tank exploding. His concern is the safety of himself and other neighbors. The yard with the burning car has several cars parked there and is apparently a business for others to get parts. The yard in question is well-kept, but the cluster of autos do pose a concern in the case of a fire. Mayor Route pledged to have code enforcement check on the matter.
Alderwoman Patrice Crain was pleased to announce that the charging stations for electric vehicles have been installed at the parking lot located between Main and Cleveland Streets. The company will make sure all is working correctly, and that power is being supplied. However, the Town must set the price for the charging service and approve it as an ordinance. She did note that these are "fast charging" stations, and the closest others are in Slidell, Hammond, and McComb, Mississippi.
Mayor Route ended the meeting by praising the Watermelon Festival, back after a 20-year absence. He was very proud of the wonderful fireworks show provided by the Town. This along with the recent Balloon Festival was held with the blessing and assistance of the Washington Parish Free Fair Association who owns the property. The Mayor also reported that the Bene Street Well samples taken by the Department of Health and Hospitals had no flags, and the well is working wonderfully. He announced that the grant writer has taken an inventory of all departments and is compiling a list of needs for each. Finally, there will be a back-to-school rally help at the Town Hall on Friday July 28. There will be prizes and school supplies and the Mayor urges folks with school-aged children to be sure to attend. Also, anyone wishing to participate and/or donate money for the event can come by the Town Office.
