The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Greg Route met on Tuesday, March 26 at the Town Hall. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance the Board tackled a relatively short agenda that included approving the minutes from the March 12 regular meeting.
The Board then heard from Christina Aucoin who resides on 14th Avenue. She asked that the burn ban in the city limits be enforced. Her reasoning is that one of her neighbors has burned sticks and leaves for years at the back of her property. The burning has now moved to within an estimated 20 feet of the Aucoin home.
Ms. Aucoin has contacted the Franklinton Police Department and Fire Department about the matter. Fire Department Chief Brandon LaSalle has suggested a burn barrel, but this has not worked as the barrel is located underneath trees and flying embers pose a risk. The neighbor has indicated that she cannot move the barrel and meanwhile, smoke enters the Aucoin house through the attic and small cracks in the older wood-frame home. Ms. Aucoin further noted that she had smoke detectors in eight rooms, and all would be activated from the burning in the neighbor's yard. She further feels this is an environmental hazard as well as a safety hazard. Mayor Route responded that he and Fire Chief LaSalle will pay the neighbor a visit to mediate this situation.
Next, the board voted to adopt a resolution to allow the mayor to apply for financial assistance through the USDA Rural Development Loans and Grants program. The resolution allows for the mayor to apply and sign related documents related to a loan or grant. Mayor Route assured everyone that the town in not interested in borrowing money but will be applying for grants. The resolution must be approved to accompany any grant applications.
Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle reported that three estimates have been obtained to purchase a new engine for the department's tanker truck. Dutruch Diesel and Automotive bid $29,004 and was awarded the contract to include towing and then two to three weeks for the actual mechanical work. Chief LaSalle will check on the warranty that will be included.
Alderman Darwin Sharp noted that this is a fire rating year, and it is important to get this engine repaired to ensure a better rating equaling lower homeowner insurance rates.
Chief LaSalle also gave his latest departmental report. In the past month, the department has, among other things, answered 28 medical calls, responded to five car accidents with no injuries, and responded 17 fire alarms. He also noted that the purchase price of a new tanker truck like the one having the engine replaced is $450,000. There are grants available with the USDA Rural Development and Alderwoman Patrice Crain is hoping this might be a possibility for obtaining a new truck. Chief LaSalle was happy to report that a $5,000 grant awarded to the department by Cargill has been matched by the company's corporate headquarters. This $10,000 will be used to purchase boat and water rescue equipment and training.
Superintendent of Public Works Reginald McMasters gave a detailed departmental report for February. The department is in the process of installing the Master Meters throughout town. Additionally, 27 ditches were cleaned out, repairs were made to one main sewer line and sidewalks were edged. The town crews also picked up 26 piles of limbs, 89 bags of trash, and repaired 41 potholes. Alderman TJ Butler inquired if the potholes were on the newly paved streets. Mr. McMasters explained that after rains water sits on the streets and heavier vehicles create the potholes. Alderman Seth Descant asked about a large culvert in Babington Subdivision that is sinking. Mr. McMasters asked if the town has legal easement and explained that the town does not own the property. This would likely be a $100,000-$200,000 issue and most of the problem is on private property. Mr. Sharp interjected that this culvert is what keeps Main Street from flooding.
Police Chief Justin Brown began his report by thanking the town office on behalf of Officer Randall Penton for sending flowers to the funeral when his mother recently passed away.
Chief Brown noted that his report was for the first quarter of the year. The department answered 1,980 calls for service with 59 citations issued and 50 arrests for a total of 103 offenses. Members of the audience also questioned Chief Brown about a domestic violence situation that recently occurred in Franklinton. However, Chief Brown firmly reiterated that domestic disputes are confidential to protect the victims, and he cannot answer such questions or provide any further information.
Town Clerk Ellen Waskom reported that in February 2024 the General Fund collected $429,000 with expenses of $324,000. This resulted in a net income of $85,720.84. She also shared that the auditor accountants have been in the office in the past few weeks and have been provided with each item asked for. Once the audit is completed there will be a full report presented to the Board.
The final item of business was the board authorizing the Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Resolution. This is a yearly item that must be in place for the town to be in compliance.
In final comments the Mayor reported that the bids for water improvement project in the medical district came in over budget and the town needs an additional $125,000 to pay for the project. Carol White of Delta Regional gave the Mayor a verbal commitment for $125,000 and Mayor Route is hoping to break ground on the $700,000 project in the near future. This project will be a huge plus for the town, he said. Mayor Route also noted that on Sunday, March 31, 2024, there will be an Easter Sunrise Service at Mile Branch. There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, March 29, 2024, at the Fairgrounds. Finally, the Mayor's annual walk will be on April 20, 2024, and Mayor Route invites everyone to come out and walk with him.
