The Washington Parish Council met on Monday, July 24 in Council Chambers at the Courthouse. Following the pledge, prayer, and roll call, the minutes from the July 10 meeting were approved.
The agenda consisted of two items. The first was to adopt Resolution 23-1233. This is a resolution authorizing the Washington Parish Government to apply for and administer a grant through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Program.
The next item was adopting Resolution 23-1234. This is a resolution declaring and confirming that the legal name of Gas Utility District No. 2 of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana is the same entity as Washington Parish Gas District No. 2, Washington Parish Gas Utility District, Washington Parish Gas Utility District No. 2. At this point Melissa Haley, Washington Parish Gas Utility Superintendent, came forward to address the Council. Ms. Haley stated that she is applying for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant to help in the enormous cost of replacing gas lines. However, the problem she is encountering is the name of the gas district and the year it was created. Prior to the Resolution 23-1234, the gas utility agency was listed with two separate names. The word in question is Utility. One agency name contains Utility while the other does not. However, the agency is one and the same. Another discrepancy is the date the agency was created.
One source has it listed as created in 1963 and another has 1972. To enable to Ms. Haley to continue to seek the Infrastructure grant, Resolution 23-1234 was adopted.
Parish President Richard Thomas began his report with a proclamation recognizing Coach Jeff Tageant who recently retired from the Washington Parish School System after 36 years of teaching and 35 years as head baseball coach at Franklinton High School.
The proclamation included:
“During his tenure, Coach Tageant coached 885 Varsity games with a record of 565 wins, 318 losses and 2 ties. He also built from a hill of red clay a baseball facility with an excellent playing service, lights, fencing, bleachers and press box, concession stand, restrooms, in-ground dugouts, covered cages and a locker room with weight room and storage. Coach Tageant also inspired a new generation of respectable young men who may one day follow his outstanding example. His dedication to the baseball program will likely never be matched; however, he is on-hand to assist the new head coach of Demon Baseball, his son Clay. His son Evan is the head baseball coach at Belle Chasse High School.”
President Thomas added here that it would be great to see the two teams play each other. Therefore, Washington Parish President Richard Thomas Jr. "recognizes and acknowledges the outstanding accomplishments of Coach Jeff Tageant and honors him for the contributions he has made for the youth of Franklinton High School and the Washington Parish School System and being a steady presence for the young men of Franklinton." Coach Tageant received a standing ovation from those present as he accepted the proclamation from President Thomas.
On other business, President Thomas announced the hiring of a new maintenance supervisor and mentioned that the old silos at the new Location 1 in Franklinton were coming down, marking the finish of the remodeling and restructuring of the property. He also reminded residents that Hwy 62 from Sheridan to Pine will be closed until August 2 as crews replace much needed drains. Detour signs are up and visible in Sheridan, Pine, and Franklinton for motorists.
President Thomas also announced that an "Always Stop" sign will be posted at the intersection of Highways 16 and 450 for study purposes. There is already a blinking caution light at the location but traffic in this area has greatly increased in recent years. This is a project spearheaded by Senator Beth Mizell for the safety of Louisiana motorists.
Director of Finance Donna Graham reported that up to June 30, all major funds are in a positive balance and that sales tax collections are up compared to previous years. It is currently at 60% of the budget whereas in past years on June 30 it was only at 40%. Mrs. Graham was pleased to inform the Council that interest revenue is also doing quite well. In other business Mrs. Graham reported that the fire insurance rebate check has been received and will be forwarded to fire districts within the next week. She also received notice that the LBCDG grant cycle for the next funding is opening and this usually targets streets and roads, so work will begin on applications. There is also a new Clearance Program for blighted properties that she is learning more about. Finally, the audit report was not given due to illness of auditor, but it will be given at the next meeting.
Public Works Director Ken Wheat reported that the "skyline of Franklinton is changing." This was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the silos at 1151 Dobson Street (new Location 1 facility) being taken down. He referenced that these were historical structures that dated back to the Magee Feed Mill when the area was at its peak of agricultural production. He commended the staff's recycling of older materials in the new remodel and is extremely proud of the "spectacular equipment yard" that the parish has created. Transportation Manager Danny Knight, whose crews use Location 1, is appreciative of the yard. He reported that along with regular monthly duties, asphalt crews are continuing overlays in the parish despite the record heat the area is experiencing.
President Thomas noted here that due to the diligence and hard work of the staff writing grants for refurbishments, Locations 1, 2 and 3, which used to be an embarrassment, are great working environments now. As President Thomas looks towards his own upcoming retirement, he is pleased and proud of how parish government is moving forward.
The meeting ended with continued congratulations by individual council members to Coach Jeff Tageant. Councilman Reginald McMasters fondly remembered the days when he and Jeff Tageant played football together at Franklinton High School. Council President Shawn Rice played baseball for Coach Tageant and thanked him for all he has done for Demon baseball and the men he has nurtured in the past 35 years.
