The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Darwin Sharp met on Tuesday, August 26. Following the invocation and Pledge, Mayor Darwin Sharp gave local poet Bro. Wayne the opportunity to mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by reading his poem, "Years After Katrina."
The minutes from the August 12 meeting were approved before the Board tackled the six items on the agenda.
First, the Board adopted an ordinance authorizing the Town to hold its property tax sale online. The item was tabled at the previous meeting but there were questions about participating if one does not have a computer. After some discussion, Alderwoman Patrice Crain summarized, "People can come here and continue to do what has been done. There will also be an online sale per Ms. Rita Hawthorne, Property Tax Clerk." The ordinance clarifies the process.
Next, the Board addressed items concerning the Franklinton Police and Public Works Departments. Resignations were approved for police officer Justin Dicarlo who has moved to another state as well as the resignation of public works employee Saderian Walls. The Board then approved the hiring of Wil Dalton as a fulltime patrolman and Brandon Manning as a reserve officer. Both have previously worked with the Franklinton Police Department.
There was then some discussion that the FPD has one opening for a patrolman and Public Works has four openings for employees. Applications are available on the Town of Franklinton website. Police Chief Justin Brown noted that Reserve Officers are not paid, but must now be post-certified, which makes it more difficult to fill such vacancies.
The Board also approved advertising for two police department dispatchers. The openings are for a fulltime and part-time employee.
Public Works Superintendent Reginald McMasters clarified that he has five openings as of the meeting's agenda but has only been approved to hire four employees as the latest resignation was approved on the night's agenda.
Alderman Seth Descant noted that the recent explosion in Roseland is a reality-check on emergencies and that plans are important. Chief Justin Brown gave a brief summary on the work of parish government and himself in determining the potential for adverse effects and environmental impact. Tests have been run on the air, soil and waterways in Washington Parish and there has been no danger in the air with other sample results coming in over the next few days. He added that there is concern about waterways, primarily the Tangipahoa River and precautions were taken in the hospital and school areas.
Alderwoman Crain noted her appreciation for Chief Brown's information and transparency about police department personnel.
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She then asked Superintendent Reginald McMasters to share that he has been elected to the Rural Louisiana Water Association Board of Directors. McMasters's post covers nine parishes, and he hopes it opens opportunities for Washington Parish and helps move water systems in Louisiana forward.
Alderman Randy Reed asked for continued prayers for the Roseland community as well as the family of a 12-year-old special needs child found dead in New Orleans after an extended search. He also asked that everyone work together, "it is not about ourselves but others." Alderman TJ Butler congratulated Reginald McMasters and asked again about the online sales tax sale. He wants to be sure that it is the same as the in-person process.
Mayor Sharp said he was pleased to announce that the medical district water project is drawing to a close and the intersection of Main and Carter Streets has been reopened to traffic. He thanked the local fire and first-responders who went to Roseland following the plant explosion.
The mayor also noted that limb pick-ups have gotten excessive in town and taking time and resources away from other matters. "If someone cleans your yard, have them take limbs to the pile on Boat Ramp Road. Large piles have likely been put out by equipment and should be hauled off by anyone cutting or trimming trees. We will help out but don't want the Town to be taken advantage of, he said."
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 9 at 6:00 pm.
