The Washington Parish Council held its first March meeting on Monday, March 13 in Council Chambers.
Following the adoption of the minutes from February 27, 2023, Chairman Shawn Rice asked the Council to add Adopt Resolution No. 23-1221 to the agenda.
Public Works Director Ken Wheat explained that the resolution concerns the 911 cell tower and communications equipment located on Hwy 10 in Sheridan. Wheat explained that the tower and equipment are outdated and upon inspection it was found that the tower was beyond repairs and needs to be replaced. He further explained that the old tower can be demolished and the new tower installed without a disruption of 911 services due to a back-up system at the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
While this is a much needed project, Wheat regretted the timing that prevented the Council's policy of allowing the public input on such matters. The item is added to the agenda because contact was made with Parish Government on March 8 concerning this, and the grant application was due on March 10. Congresswoman Julia Letlow needed the information so that she will have all she needs to help secure this grant funding.
The added agenda item authorizes the Parish President to administer a Community Project Funding appropriations request through the Congressional appropriations subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development for the purpose of replacing the Washington Parish Communications 911 tower and communications equipment. Upon Mr. Wheat's explanation the resolution was adopted by the Council.
The Council next heard an introduction of an ordinance to amend the 2023 Washington Parish Government Annual Operation Budget-American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Fund. A public hearing will be conducted for this proposed ordinance at the March 27 meeting.
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The Council then adopted a resolution to authorize the Parish President to sign agreements between the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and Washington Parish Government for funding of sidewalks in Franklinton through Louisiana DOTD 2023 Transportation Alternative Program. Public Works Director Ken Wheat added that this current grant will mean new sidewalks on Main Street from the Washington Parish Courthouse to the Washington Parish Fairgrounds. He has high hopes that this project will be completed before the Fair in October. He also added that a new grant proposal is seeking more funding to add new sidewalks from Jackson Street to Riverside Medical Center.
The final resolution adoption of the night authorized the Washington Parish Government to join the State of Louisiana and other local governmental units as a participant in the Louisiana State-Local Government Opioid Litigation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and any subsequent formal agreements necessary to implement the MOU, including but not limited to, the execution of the settlement participation forms of the National Settlement Agreements, releases and other documentation approved by the counsel representing the Washington Parish Government. Parish Government attorney Wayne Kuhn deferred to Ross Legarde of Legarde Law to explain the particulars.
According to Mr. Legarde, Washington Parish Government joined the lawsuit quite some time ago, and a first settlement has been reached. He reiterated that the resolution on the agenda was strictly for allowing the Parish President to execute settlement documents and future settlements. Mr. Legarde explained that Louisiana is receiving a 350-million-dollar settlement in this national lawsuit. A matrix of data based on prescriptions, population, deaths, etc., determined that Washington Parish Government will receive 1.7 percent of the 350 million. The money will be distributed yearly for 18 years. The projected amount is $264,000 per year. The money must be used for opioid abatement which is essentially treatment of the problem and its cause. Five appointees/board members will control the task force that will oversee this settlement. Legarde is also confident there will be future settlements but cautioned that some major pharmaceutical companies have declared bankruptcy and that means no money from these defendants.
After questions from Councilmen McMasters and Fornea, Legarde further explained the appointed Task Force will review plans for administering the settlement and assured the Council that the money "couldn't be used to build a bridge." It must be used for opioid abatement.
Mr. McMasters expressed that his concern is the money might "fatten people's pockets" and not be used appropriately.
Councilman Fornea quoted 2020-22 County HealthWay statistics, "Nationally out of 100,000 people, 19.6 died because of an overdose. In Louisiana that statistic rose to 31 per 100,000 and in Washington Parish it was 88 per 100,000." Mr. Fornea's concern is that the amount of money is not based on need alone but also population numbers. Mr. Legarde assured that parish government will write the plan for Washington Parish which will then be approved by the Task Force.
Parish President Thomas interjected, "There will be rules just like anything else." During public participation a citizen expressed concern that the amount is too little. Essentially Mr. Legarde responded that the funding matrix is based on several factors, population and need among them. Attorney Wayne Kuhn concluded Mr. Legarde's comments by expressing, "This is an extended, complex program, but ultimately at this point it is getting the money distributed from these companies and getting it distributed to the state of Louisiana."
Parish President Richard Thomas then gave a brief President's Report that highlighted the upcoming 100-year anniversary of the Washington Parish Health Unit. He hopes Parish Government can be involved in some way with this celebration, and there will be more information forthcoming.
On Thursday, March 23, at 2:00 pm, there will be a broadband update held in the Parish Government Chambers in the Courthouse.
In committee reports Director of Finance Donna Graham will email all council members the amended budget and spoke briefly on the Clearance Program which will be opening in April for grant proposals. This will be for the removal and/or demolition of residences or community structures deemed unsafe. She sees this as a possibility for the parish.
Public Works Director Ken Wheat thanked the Council for its continued support for seeking grants such as the 911 center and the sidewalk project.
Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt gave his report which revealed how busy the road crews have already been in the new year.
In final comments Mr. Fornea reminded everyone that opioid usage is a serious issue in our parish and we cannot put our heads in the sand hoping it will go away.
Chairman Rice concluded the meeting by commending Mr. Wheat and his staff for work in the tedious process of applying for grants. He also assured all present that Washington Parish will accept any money awarded to fight the opioid issue and use it in ways that best benefit the citizens of Washington Parish.
