The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Greg Route met on Tuesday, June 27 at the Franklinton Municipal Building. Following the opening prayer by Rev. Frankie Crosby Sr., Mayor Route's granddaughters presented the Pledge of Allegiance. Paisley, age 6, led the pledge with 11-year-old Sole' presenting the pledge by sign-language. The girls are the daughters of Mayor Route and wife Emma's daughter Phairon and husband Jarrel Vernon.
Following the pledge, the minutes from the May 23 regular meeting were approved as were the minutes from two special meetings held on May 25 and June 14. The meeting then began with new business. The Board voted to approve the hiring of Ricky Burkhalter III to a fulltime position with the Department of Public Works. The Board also approved authorizing the Mayor to sign documents effectuating the sale of town-owned property on Denise Road. Next the board approved accepting a donation of property by the Babington Properties. This property begins on the river next to Wendy's and stretches to the back of the Washington Parish School Board property. Many will remember the property as part of the "practice field" prior to the building of the current shopping center. The Mayor has checked with the Corp of Engineers in order to clear the property.
The Board then entered a public meeting on the 2023 millage rates for properties within the city limits of Franklinton. Alderman TJ Butler pointed out that the millage is basically the same as it has been. There were no public comments, and the Public Meeting was closed. The Board then voted to adopt the resolution to levy the 2023 millage rates.
Alcohol permit renewals were approved for Town Crier #12, Town Crier #7, Dollar General Store #6110, Dollar General Store #1283, 1231 Daiquiris, Don Juan's Mexican Restaurant, Akita Sushi, Market Max Franklinton, Fair City Truck Stop, Sav A Lot, and CVS Pharmacy 5451.
Dr. Vincent Jemison, Economic Development Coordinator was introduced to the Board and public. Dr. Jemison is a grant writer from Baton Rouge, and Mayor Route explained that he charges a $2,000 retainer fee. However, he explained that if no grants are secured by Dr. Jemison, the $2,000 fee is returned to the town. Dr. Jemison is retired from the US Army and has begun working on grants for small municipalities in Tangipahoa Parish. His military background is in logistics and budgeting, and he has a small team of individuals who work tirelessly to help such small areas grow through grant funding. He said there are numerous grants both state and federal available for areas the size of Franklinton. He feels confident in securing some of these and only asks for a retainer to not be a burden to the community. Dr. Jemison feels he and his team can help Franklinton grow and use grant money to enhance the living experience for the citizens of the area.
The Board voted to award the bid for playground equipment for a proposed park on Chess Richardson Road. The committee studied bids closely to be sure of warranties, maintenance, and safety and is very excited about the company that will help supply the equipment for a playground that will last and be an area that is appealing to parents and children for a long time to come.
With all that said, Alderman Seth Descant announced that the bid is being awarded to Planet Recess. The bid is for $685,000. Alderman Sharp asked if this was a selection or if the bid was negotiable as far as bringing the price down. Alderwoman Patrice Crain explained that the company is more than amenable to change the order if necessary. The company for the bid needed to be selected in order to move forward with the project. The Mayor feels confident that the money will be available through grants, matching funds, and gifts. He assured that the park will be well done and something that those providing funds will forever be remembered for. The Mayor also assured the Council of transparency in all dealings for the playground.
In departmental reports, Public Works Superintendent Reginald McMasters detailed the jobs performed by the department in the past month. He also reported that daily mowing is taking place throughout the town and mosquito spraying is also underway. The new water well is online and doing quite well. A grant providing money for the water system in the medical district has been awarded and work will begin soon on this project.
A question was asked about mosquito spraying and the reported increase in malaria cases. Mr. McMasters explained that if you spray too often the mosquitos will become immune so every once in a while, the spray formula is switched.
Fire Chief Brandon Lasalle gave a report for June and reported 20 active members on the roster currently for the fire department. The new fire truck should be in the factory by the end of the week and was still on schedule to be done by July. However, it will likely be pushed to the first or second week of August.
Town Clerk Ellen Waskom reported on the financial statements from May 2023. The general fund had income for the month of $364,000 and income year-to-date of $3,450,000. There were expenses for the month amounting to $658,000 and year-to-date of $3,296,000. After transfers and interest income, the town had a loss for the month of $294,000 and an income year-to-date of $134,000.
In other business, the Board voted to approve Monday, July 3 as a state holiday for town employees.
Jason Smith, candidate for Sheriff, addressed the Board and Mayor about the upcoming election in October. Mr. Smith gave his credentials and spoke on the primary thing that people want is peace. He is running for sheriff because in the seven years since he has returned to live here, he as seen a deterioration in the security situation in the parish. People want peace, and he feels he has the perspective and ability to bring that to Washington Parish residents.
In public participation Pastor Cecealine Tate asked about the number of dogs a resident can have in his or her yard. He stated he recently passed a house with 30 dogs in the yard and feels this is a potential health and safety problem for the resident and those passing the home.
Rev. Frankie Crosby thanked the town for initiating a new park/playground. He noted that the last town park was the Sunshine Park that was located where the current police department headquarters is located.
Jamal Tucker announced that he and others are trying to become informed about happenings in Franklinton and invited everyone to a church program they will be hosting to become organized to work for the betterment of the town. It will be on July 30 with activities to follow along with back-to-school giveaways.
James Tate asked for a clarification if folks donate to the park, will their name be displayed. The Mayor explained that this will be done for everyone who donates to the construction of the park.
Nicole Warren asked how much the benches for the park would cost. The Mayor explained that this information would be forthcoming when the decision is made on the type of the benches that will be in the park.
In final remarks Mayor Route stated that the annual audit is complete and has been submitted the legislative auditor's office. The audit will become public information once it is accepted and approved by the governmental agency. He also received a letter that the official census count is 3,662 people. The state recently passed a bill that states if a population is 6,000 or below, capital outlay money does not have to be matched. This is good news for Franklinton.
Mayor Route also addressed signs that in the town that have been stolen. He is appalled that street signs are being stolen, and they cost quite a bit to replace. He is also quite concerned that many of these signs are indicating a special needs child and he is worried that a child may be harmed as a result.
The Watermelon Festival will be back after 20 years and will open on Friday, July 7 with a parade at 6:00 pm and fireworks at 9:00 pm.
