The regular meeting of Mayor Darwin Sharp and the Board of Aldermen took place on Tuesday, February 25.
Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes of January 14 regular meeting were approved. The first item under new business was the recognition of Tammy Knight from Franklinton Little League Baseball who addressed the Mayor and the Board. She began by informing the Board that she was present to request funds. The baseball association is composed of 450 players, 40 teams and 107 registered coaches.
With a 25-year lease on the property owned by the Washington Parish School Board, the association has recently constructed a centralized concession and bathroom facility following the destruction of an older structure in a windstorm. The projected cost of $60,000 for the new building ballooned to $102,000 and a projected $38,000 field renovation cost $60,000.
Even though signing up to play is $70 per player, that only results in $31,000 which will barely cover the cost of officials for the games. In actuality, it is the concession profits that pay for officials while sign-up fees purchase equipment, field conditioner and other miscellaneous expenses. Ms. Knight detailed the costs of operating the league and gave a comprehensive list of needs for the association to provide a safe environment for both players and fans.
Despite the uneasiness of Alderman TJ Butler that the town cannot "spend, spend, spend," the Board voted to provide up to $10,000 along with assistance providing a culvert and crushed asphalt. Town Clerk Ellen Waskom confirmed that there is money available in the Economic Development and Recreation account beyond the money previously set aside to construct a park/playground in town. Mayor Sharp added that this is for the children of the area and the Board agreed by approving the motion.
The Board approved hiring Darlene Bennett as a Utility Clerk and appointing local attorney Chase Anderson as the Town's Magistrate.
In departmental reports, Town Clerk Ellen Waskom reported that for the month of January the Town had an income of $555,181 and expenses of $359,181 for a Net Income of $196,428. She was questioned by Alderman Butler about the negative balance in the Streets and Drainage Sinking Fund. She explained that money is transferred from this account to pay off a bond.
Public Works reported that new meters are steadily being installed, and two workers have been assigned to this task. Among other things the department cleaned out 20 ditches, cut grass daily, made 11 driveway repairs and picked up 68 bags of trash. April 5, 2025, will be the Team Up to Clean Up day starting at 8:00 am at the Public Works facility and ending at 12:00 pm.
There were also questions about the recent strong smell of natural gas in some areas. It was explained that a "smell" is added to the odorless natural gas to detect leaks. The recent incident was a result of too much "smell" being added and created a bit of panic among residents. However, the situation was under control and out of 25 calls about the smell, three residences had actual leaks.
Sandy Miller was present to attest that she was one of those that had a leak and she was thankful that the leak was found and corrected. Mayor Sharp noted that the Public Works Department goes above and beyond to ensure that residents have water and sewer services and that gas leaks are immediately addressed.
The Fire Department reported 115 calls and has been fairly active over the past month. The police department reported, among other things, 210 traffic stops and the arrest of 18 individuals for a total of 36 offenses.
In public participation, Pepe Tate asked the Board and Mayor to assist in feeding the Franklinton High School marching band that would be participating in the annual Krewe of Pepe parade. He also noted that the parade is celebrating its 48th year and he is already making plans for year 50. The Krewe of Pepe parade began in 1977 and was "for the children." Tate was followed by "Bro. Wayne" who read an original poem about George Washington Carver in observance of Black History Month. Alderman Butler asked for an update on the recent monetary loss resulting from a mechanic being paid to perform work on a fire truck. The situation was discussed at the previous meeting and Mr. Butler again stated that he would like a monthly report on the progress made by law enforcement. Attorney James Knight stressed once again that the District Attorney's investigation is ongoing, and he will keep the Board up to date on developments; however, they must remember that "the wheels of justice move slowly."
Alderman Descant expressed his excitement about the improvements at the baseball fields. Mayor Sharp added that the water project in the medical district is progressing. He will also be meeting with potential providers for services cited by the last audit as well as someone to monitor and post to Facebook on behalf of the Town.
The next meeting of the Board and Mayor will be held on Tuesday, March 11.
