A new era began for the Washington Parish Council on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. After sixteen years as Parish President, Richard "Ned" Thomas retired, and Ryan Seal attended his first regular meeting of the Parish Council as Parish President. Prior to the meeting, Judge Ellen Creel officially swore in the Council with its newest member, Steven Branch, representing District 5.
The traditional election of Chairman and Vice Chairman was led by Parish Government attorney Wayne Kuhn with Joe Culpepper being elected as Chairman and Kim Wagner as Vice Chairwoman.
Mr. Kuhn noted that Mrs. Wagner was the first female to serve on the Council and the first female officer. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes dated December 18, 2023, were approved.
Interim District Attorney Collin Sims was on hand to introduce himself and announce his candidacy and qualifications for District Attorney.
Mr. Sims has been a prosecutor for 18 years, and as one of the youngest assistant district attorneys, he has worked on a variety of cases. He feels that if one has never prosecuted a felony, he or she cannot be a district attorney. Mr. Sims, who successfully convicted former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain, vows that the district attorney's office will never "go backwards" and politics will never leverage a case. He finished with a statement of intent to work hard every day for Washington and St. Tammany Parishes.
In other business, the Council adopted a resolution of appointment for the Washington Parish Fire Protection District No. 1 Board of Directors. Jackie Nunemacher, Nickey Smith and Bradley Cooper were appointed with terms expiring December 31, 2025.
The Council also adopted two resolutions approving the holding of an election in Washington Parish Fire Protection District No. 4 and District 8, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, April 27, to authorize the renewal of a special tax therein. Michael Herring questioned why this was being held in April and not on the ballot with the District Attorney special election in March. Director of Finance Donna Graham explained that both dates are election dates and likely this involves a timeline that must be met. Councilman Carley King added that Parish Government only pays for elections when there is an item the government office is pursuing such as the renewal tax. There is nothing on the March ballot concerning Parish Government. Next, the Council approved the appointment of Arthur Westbrook and Cynthia August for the Washington Parish Riverside Medical Center Board of Directors. The term for both will expire on December 31, 2030. Finally, the Council adopted a resolution to adopt the 2024 Annual Operating Budget of the Washington Parish Tourism Commission.
In Public Participation, citizen Patricia Harvey invited Parish President Ryan Seal to take a ride on Sundance Road and see the conditions those living and visiting on the road face. Then, Ben Sarro congratulated the new Council and President. He also reminded them that the Washington Parish Concerned Citizens Committee has not gone away. Mr. Sarro wants to see the enforcement of guidelines for solar projects, specifically the vegetative barrier placed between the solar farms and roadways and residences. He added that the Sunlight Project neighbors generally hate the sight of the solar farm and hopes this will be taken care of in a timely manner. During the President's Report, President Seal responded that he would be happy to meet Mr. Sarro at the Sunlight project and walk it with the concerned neighbors to ensure the ordinances concerning such projects are enforced. Mr. Seal added that Washington Parish is a parish of ordinances, and he will uphold these and maintain an open and honest dialogue with citizens.
Michael Herring then offered his congratulations to everyone and is hoping and looking forward to good things happening in the parish. He then challenged the Council to "vote your conscience" and look at everything honestly. Mr. Herring then resigned his position on the Washington Parish Planning Commission as he is not aligned with it anymore. He encouraged the Council to continue to support the Commission and remember what each "is here for" and "serve the people of the parish."
In his first President's report, Ryan Seal stated that it is the honor of a lifetime to be the Washington Parish President. He thanked former president Richard Thomas for his assistance during the transition and stated that he is ready to get to work. Ironically, immediately following his inauguration on Monday, January 8, he signed his first emergency declaration because of Monday's severe weather. President Seal reminded everyone that cold weather is expected in the next few weeks and to protect pipes, pets, and people. He also warned of the dangers of carbon monoxide and space heaters.
Director of Finance Donna Graham reported that government agencies must complete sexual harassment training. She was happy to add that there have been zero complaints, and all employees are compliant with training which will now be filed. Mrs. Graham also reminded everyone that the Parish Government Office will be closed on Monday, January 15 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. She ended with her congratulations to President Seal and that she is looking forward to collaborating with him to continue moving the parish forward.
Director of Public Works Ken Wheat thanked Mike Herring for his service on the Planning Commission and congratulated Mr. Seal and the Council. He feels there is "much joy found in doing right for the people of the parish." He then summarized the projects that were completed in 2023 and currently ongoing thanks to grant money. They include remodeling the animal shelter, expanding and remodeling the shop, improving the annex, the Washington Parish jail renovation, improvements to the Courthouse, studies for the canal and the necessity of the sill, and Phase 2 of the jail renovation. He also reported that the 911 Tower grant is in Congresswoman Letlow's office. Mr. Wheat also announced that there is now a road inventory for the entire parish with every road documented and culverts, bridges, etc. are noted. This information is now digital and easily accessible.
Transportation Supervisor Danny Knight gave his monthly report with a list of work that included 233 bags of trash being picked up on 17 roads. He also reported that the severe weather on Monday, January 8 produced minimal debris and flooding. Quality Assurance Officer Alex Sumrall recognized the work of Danny Knight and Kelvin Brown and his crew. He added that 233 bags of trash is still outrageous.
The meeting ended with Council discussion. Each offered thanks to Michael Herring for his service to the parish and expressed their desires to work with President Seal. Reginald McMasters thanked the people of District 6 who showed their confidence in him by his re-election. Steven Branch also thanked District 5 for their support as he takes over for Rusty Fornea. New Council Chairman Joe Culpepper ended with his appreciation for his fellow council men and woman for demonstrating their faith in him by electing him Chairman for 2024.
