The regular meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for Franklinton was held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. Following the approval of the January 24 minutes, a short tribute to Black History was presented. Franklinton High School 11th grader Shyanne Burris gave a rousing rendition of "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou followed by Bro. Wayne Rudison, who read a poem he wrote "through Christ" entitled "It's Black History Month Again."
Mayor Route, with assistance from Police Chief Justin Brown, next gave a brief explanation of the new radios purchased for the Franklinton Police Department. The $377,000 radio system is on the state contract list, and it was not necessary to put the purchase out for bids. The business office completed an intergovernmental transfer from the Streets and Drainage account to purchase the radio system. As soon as the money earmarked for the purchase is received and deposited into the town account, Streets and Drainage will be reimbursed.
The next three items on the agenda each required a brief public hearing. Following the public hearings (with no comments or questions) the Board voted to adopt the following ordinances: The Town of Franklinton will now charge a $25 fee for connecting or transferring water or gas utility services; a portion of Williams Street from T.W. Barker Drive to Skip Street will be renamed Rayfus Martin Drive; and 18th Avenue will be renamed T. J. Butler, Sr. Drive.
All ordinances passed unanimously by the Board.
In departmental reports Superintendent Reginald McMasters brought the Board and public up-to-date on the street paving in Franklinton. The road crews are currently grinding up the existing pavement and preparing it for new layers of asphalt. McMasters reminded everyone that while this is an inconvenience, it does signal that more improved road surfaces are on the way.
Police Chief Justin Brown reported 553 calls for service in the period of January 24 to February 13. He also reported that there were 19 arrests for a total of 49 charges.
Town Clerk Ellen Waskom informed the board that $282,266.03 was collected in sales tax and this figure is up $9,686.89 from the same period in 2022.
During council discussion, Alderman T. J. Butler stated his pride in the fact that so much is going on in Franklinton to improve the quality of life for residents. He specifically mentioned that the water tower project on Bene Street is about to be complete and the system will go online in approximately 30-45 days. Mr. Butler also commended Shyanne Burris and Rev Wayne Rudison for their presentations and expressed how important Black History is. Heath Spears, Patrice Crain, and Seth Descant all reiterated their pleasure that everyone is working to together for a better community.
Mayor Route asked Attorney James Knight to work on an ordinance to condemn blighted property in town and spoke briefly about attending the recent LMA Winter Conference. He explained that the number one threat to municipalities is cyber-security or lack thereof. Mayor Route attended an in-service and training at the conference that truly opened his eyes to the dangers of cyber-attacks. He also commended the various projects taking place around town, including continuing to address adjudicated property and pledged to continue to make the town playground a reality. Mayor Route ended the meeting with, "It will take work from everyone to move Franklinton forward."
