The most recent meeting of the Washington Parish Council was held on Monday, June 26 at the Courthouse. Following the prayer by Councilwoman Kim Wagner and the pledge, the minutes from June 12 were approved.
The only new business on the agenda was the approval of appointment for the Washington Parish Fire District No. 7 Board of Directors. District 7 recommended Jason Pierce to replace Sidney Warren whose term will end on December 31, 2023. The resolution was approved.
In Public Participation, the council heard from two residents of the Green Valley Subdivision who expressed their frustration with the road situation in their neighborhood. The subdivision is located just north of Franklinton off of Penton Road.
Ms. Jackie Tate also implored the council to do something about the state of the roads in order to ease the burden of those with handicapped children who live on the unpaved roads. Parish President Richard Thomas explained that it will be hard to get the paving done this year but that if there is any money left over, the parish will get the roads asphalted. The challenge of having the roads paved has lasted for over 14 years. Councilman Reginald McMasters said that the roads are on the inventory list which enables the parish to handle the upkeep of the roads, but this has only happened recently. Mr. McMasters reiterated that there is a problem that needs to be addressed and assured the public that things are moving along.
Director of Public Works Ken Wheat also explained that the 14 years of working to get the road classified as a public road is due to legal issues beyond the parish government's control. Mr. Wheat stated, "We can't just take a road over like we used to 30 years ago." He is asking for patience. Now that they are public roads, the parish is handling the upkeep and will asphalt as soon as funds are available.
Council attorney Wayne Kuhn interjected with an explanation of the legal issues of having the roads paved. According to Mr. Kuhn the area in question was developed prior to the adoption of the comprehensive development ordinance where some requirements were created for such developments. He also pointed out that even when the roads are accepted on the Parish Works, that does not guarantee that the roads will be asphalted. The parish will ensure that the roads are passable for public vehicles such as school buses, but they may continue to be gravel.
Councilman McMasters further explained that when the lots in the area in question were sold, the property lines went to the middle of the road. This created a situation where owners had to donate the property extending into the roadway for the parish to take over maintenance of the roads. This is an arduous process of obtaining the agreement by all property owners. There also must be ditches and a 60-foot right-of-way. Mr. McMasters hopes to get all these problems solved and eventually have the roads paved. President Thomas added that there are some gravel roads in the parish that residents have been waiting 35 years to see paved.
President Thomas reported that the parish government offices will be closed on July 3 in observance of the July 4 holiday.
Director of Finance Donna Graham added that she provided the Council with a report of all major funds through May of 2023. She is pleased to report that all funds are in a positive fund balance thus far and all the budgets are in a reasonable variance. She also reported that the audit has been submitted to the legislative auditor's office and the Federal Courthouse for audits. She expects the auditor will appear before the council for a presentation of audit results at a July meeting.
Transportation Manager Danny Knight gave a brief report and despite the oppressive heat, the road crews are at work around the parish.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
