The Washington Parish Council recently met on Monday, February 13, 2023. Following the approval of the January 23 minutes, the Council heard from Tammy Magruder, who is Chairwoman of the Riverside Medical Center Board of Commissioners. Mrs. Magruder reminded the Council that Peter Sullivan, CEO of Riverside Medical Center, retired in January. Upon his notice of retirement, the Board of Commissioners completed an extensive hiring process for his replacement. Over fifty applications were accepted for the position, and Sean Johnson was hired as the CEO effective January 27, 2023.
Mr. Johnson is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, and a graduate of the University of Mississippi. He obtained a master's degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Johnson explained to the Council how pleased he is to be working in southeastern Louisiana and feels he has "hit the ground running." He also stated that he welcomes anyone who may have issues with the hospital as well as a pat on the back and praise for a job well done.
Johnson said he is approaching his position with a policy of transparency and is looking forward to getting to know the community better and making Riverside Medical Center an even better facility.
Following the remarks by Mrs. Magruder and Mr. Johnson, the board approved a resolution of appointment for Grayson Ball for the Washington Parish Riverside Hospital Board of Commissioners. Ball is replacing Donna Steele, and his term will expire on December 31, 2023.
There being no further business, the Council then heard public participation. Vincent Chauvin, a bus driver for the Washington Parish School System spoke on behalf of the students he transports as well as his own travels through the parish. Mr. Chauvin is deeply concerned about several roads in Ward 6 that are in poor condition. He feels the main reason is the increased traffic of semis hauling dirt to the new highway project in Bush that will connect that area with Interstate 12. He named several roads that he travels on for his bus route and how the roads are deteriorating to the point of being unsafe for school bus travel. Councilman Reginald McMasters assured Mr. Chauvin that parish government is working as diligently as they can to remedy road problems in the parish and noted the unusually wet month of January and the weather's effects on roads. Parish President Richard Thomas also pledged to work on the situation. Thomas explained that there is a state law that when creating new infrastructure and destroying other infrastructure in the process, the project must be held accountable and replace damage to its original shape. President Thomas will investigate the situation and seek some type of resolution.
Parish President Thomas then gave a brief report on upcoming activities, highlighting the dedication of the Gary C. Magee Track and Field at Bogalusa High School on February 17. He noted that this is a well-deserved honor for the nearly 60-year educator and coach. Thomas also reminded everyone that the Parish Government Offices will be closed on Monday, February 20 for President's Day and Tuesday, February 21 for Mardi Gras. Mr. Thomas concluded his report by announcing that the Tourism Office has received a grant for ten garbage cans through the Keep America Beautiful program, and these will be placed throughout the parish.
Director of Finance Donna Graham provided the Council with a preliminary financial report for December 2022 and stated that all funds are in the positive category with all accounts within budget range. By March she will have the final 2022 budget report and the parish will be audited in May. Mrs. Graham was pleased to announce that through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), eligible parish employees received a second check for premium pay earned during the COVID pandemic. Parish Government is also using a portion of these funds to provide a grant to the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office to provide for premium pay, and the finance office is finalizing data to determine who is eligible. Mrs. Graham further explained that the ARPA funds are meant to provide premium pay to essential workers who were deemed to be at the greatest risk of exposure during the pandemic while earning the lowest pay. ARPA money is earmarked for rural and small municipalities to provide this pay beginning in March 2020 until Governor Edwards ended his executive order in March 2022.
Following the report of Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt on the parish's roads and a Happy Mardi Gras from Councilman Rusty Fornea, the meeting was adjourned.
