The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Greg Route held the first meeting of the new year on Tuesday, January 9.. Pastor John Franklin of First Pentecostal Church gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The first order of business was the approval of minutes from the December 12, 2023, regular meeting.
In new business the Board opened a public hearing on an ordinance governing the participation in open meetings by those with ADA-recognized disabilities. No one came forward to speak so the public hearing was closed. Then, the Board adopted an ordinance governing the participation in open meetings by those with ADA-recognized disabilities.
The Board then voted to introduce an ordinance to lease property within the Franklinton airport to John M. McNeal, Jr. and to Marty L. Roberts. The ordinance was approved but Alderwoman Patrice Crain questioned the length of the lease which is 25 years. Her question was, "Why so long?"
Alderman Darwin Sharp explained that most leases in such cases are 10 to 25 years. Both men previously had a 25-year lease and he saw no problem with granting them another 25 years. He added that the town is leasing the land only and not the hangers. The hangers are not town-owned. Mayor Route added that it is the town's intention to construct new hangers to be owned by the town. Ms. Crain explained that she is looking at this from a business viewpoint and property values are continuing to rise. Mr. Sharp responded that the previous lease was for $75 per year and the new lease is $600 per year which gets the Franklinton Airport in-line with other airports. The airport is an ongoing improvement project.
Next, the Board adopted a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an intergovernmental agreement between the Town of Franklinton and Washington Parish.
Bob Bateman, a resident of East Acres, approached the board to speak about the proposed park to be located "in his backyard" on Chess Jones Road. Mr. Bateman first stated that he is not opposed to a park and feels the town needs one. However, he questions the proposed location. He suggested that the town use its property behind Riverside Hospital where infrastructure is already in place. Mr. Bateman said he has talked with many of his neighbors in East Acres and none of them want the park to be on Chess Jones Road.
He added that most of those he spoke to mentioned the property behind the hospital as the best location.
Mr. Bateman is also concerned about the funding and the fact that the town has had parks that have failed and been torn down.
He would like to see the town produce a master plan and see how the park will be funded beyond the purchase of playground equipment. Mr. Bateman expressed his appreciation for being able to speak and have the attention of the board.
Mrs. Emma Route thanked everyone for their participation in Christmas event held at the Town Hall. The event was so well attended that the suggestion was made to move it to a new larger venue next year. Mrs. Route was so appreciative of the folks who donated time and/or money to make sure the children of Franklinton had a great Christmas. It is her committee's goal to see that children have a fun event to look forward to every holiday. Mrs. Route, a retired educator, recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for children. She then noted that Mayor Route, her husband, has a degree in physical education and recreation and is well-versed in designing a park. Mrs. Route reminded everyone that other parks in neighboring towns were visited and that there was a survey (which appeared in The Era Leader) that enabled folks to have input on what they wanted to see in a town park. An architect with connection to the town drew up the plans and waived his $64,000 fee. Mrs. Route ended with reminding everyone that both she and the Mayor are God-fearing citizens who put the Lord first and have been blessed because of that.
Pastor Pepe Tate took the podium next and explained that he rode by the proposed park location on Sunday and he and his wife wished it were there and open so that they could walk and enjoy it. Pastor Tate is praying that the animosity concerning the park will cease and plans can move forward. Pastor John Franklin added that he would like to see the park become a reality. He feels too many young people are leaving Franklinton and not coming back to make their homes because of the lack of opportunities for families. Bro. Franklin would like to see everyone come together and work to keep people "home." James Tate recognized Mr. Bateman's reluctance to have a park in his backyard. However, he said, this is change and change is often painful. Mr. Tate believes it is time for a change.
In Council Discussion Alderman Seth Descant feels positive about the new year and feel progress will be made on the park issue. He is excited about what is ahead for the town. Alderman TJ Butler expressed his concern that a water main broke during the holidays. The Mayor actually discovered the break and Mr. Butler is so impressed with the men who sacrificed their holiday time to repair it. Alderwoman Crain responded to Mr. Bateman's comments by stating that there is a plan in place for the proposed park. Also, the property Mr. Bateman suggested floods and is not a viable option. The former armory was considered for the police department to utilize for training and interrogation, but DEQ must complete a study to determine if that is possible because of the flooding issue. Ms. Crain added that she too spoke with folks in the East Acres neighborhood, and they are excited about the possibility of a park. She assured Mr. Bateman that there is a master plan for this project. She then reminded folks to be careful in the freezing weather and to check on the elderly.
Before the Mayor's comments, he recognized Mr. Collin Sims who is a candidate for District Attorney. He is currently the acting District Attorney since the untimely death of Warren Montgomery. He is a career prosecutor, and he has had about forty felony jury trials. Mr. Sims has prosecuted just about every crime imaginable. He has found satisfaction in rebuilding the office of the District Attorney and trust in the system after the terms of former DA Walter Reed. Mr. Sim's reiterated that St. Tammany and Washington Parish is home and "if we don't stand up for and protect our home, there's nothing worth protecting."
Frankie Crosby, Sr. then took the podium to talk about expectations of leaders. His comments included that leaders must be able to work with everybody. When leaders refuse to work together and compromise, what is that saying about them? Mr. Crosby referenced his position on the Washington Parish School Board when he explained that he had been on the losing end of votes for certain issues; however, the nine members of the board do not "fall out" about such things.
In final comments the Mayor said he was not going to talk about the proposed park, but he wanted to give Mr. Bateman (who had departed the meeting) some information. The Major shared that a wonderful Christmas gift the town received was a $50,000 donation to the park by a company that he did not name. He is gathering all the information he has on the park to present to the Board. He stated that he will "lay it out" to the Board and they will vote. If the park is not approved, he is done with it until his next term if he is re-elected. He also plans to meet with each Alderman/woman and show each the plans for the park.
In response to putting the park behind the hospital, the Mayor reminded everyone that the old and new sewer plants are located in that area, and he just does not want children playing so close to the plants.
In other business, the bid for the water and drainage project in the medical district was more than the grant money received. Delta Regional is working with the town to provide additional money for this.
Mayor Route also reported to concerned citizen Lenward Thompson that the sign at the corner of Greenlaw and 11th Avenue has been moved back to allow motorists a clearer view of oncoming traffic. The Mayor finished by cautioning everyone that flu and COVID is spiking in Louisiana so be careful and stay safe from illness.
