Franklinton Mayor Darwin Sharp and the Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, May 27.
The first item on the agenda was to adopt the minutes from the May 13 meeting. Alderwoman Patrice Crain asked for one adjustment regarding a statement she made mentioning trafficking in Franklinton. She was referring to Facebook reports of a strange white van in town, stopping to speak to young girls. The Franklinton Police Department later reported that the "white van" reported driving on town streets was actually a hoax. The police explanation cooled the anxieties of residents.
The Board then held a public hearing concerning millage rates. There was no public participation, and the public meeting closed. The Board then adopted a resolution to levy the 2025 millage rates.
Rev. Pepe Tate was slated to address the board concerning the armory building on Boat Ramp Road. Mayor Sharp informed the audience and Rev. Tate that since the May 13 meeting, the Town has decided to use the armory to store equipment for the Public Works Department as well as items and equipment belonging to all the Town's departments. Therefore, the building will not be available for lease or rent.
Rev. Tate chose to speak to the Board. He is asking that the board treat him equally. He referenced the airport and property that has been leased following a motion and vote by the Board. Rev. Tate said he wants the same respect as given to others when leasing property. Mayor Sharp explained that the airport and the armory are two separate entities. Tate countered the Mayor said a lease had to go through the board. (This cannot happen unless introduced by the Mayor).
Sharp further explained that the armory is a 14,800 square foot building and Tate offering $400 per year is an insult to the town. He added that he is the daily administrator of the Town and even though Tate's organization, the Krewe of Pepe, is asking for only a portion of the facility, it will not be done.
Rev. Tate then attempted to reveal "research" he has conducted, and Alderman Seth Descant protested any further comment unless on the agenda item specifically. Mayor Sharp then presented the audit report from last year, signed by former Mayor Greg Route, which states property in the armory not owned or used by the town must be removed. The exchange ended with Rev. Tate proclaiming, "God Bless You."
Moving on, Patty Alford, Director of Washington Parish Tourism presented the town with a check for $11,000 to fund the annual fireworks during the Watermelon Festival (July 12). She stated, "As the "Toe of the Boot" Washington Parish takes pride in lifting local traditions that bring families, friends, and visitors together. The Watermelon Festival is one of the area's most "Toe Riffic" celebrations and the fireworks show is the grand finale that leaves us looking up in awe." She said the contribution reflects the organization's mission to promote tourism and community spirit, adding, “This will help make Washington Parish a destination worth discovering. “
Following Alford was Amy Barkering. She shared that the state has a Safe Haven Law allowing a parent in crisis to surrender a baby at a police or fire department. Every two to three days in the US an infant is abandoned. Monica Kelsey, herself an abandoned baby, has developed a baby box that can be installed at hospitals, police departments or fire departments where babies can be placed anonymously without the parent having to fear legal action.
Mrs. Barkering has already overseen the installation of two such boxes in St. Tammany Parish and is now focusing on one being available in Franklinton. Mayor Sharp and Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle are on board with the idea and they stressed that no Town funds will be used. As soon as a formal agreement is reached, fundraising will begin through Safe Haven for the boxes. Chief LaSalle said this is the result of three years of work to make this happen. There were questions from the audience regarding funding and baby safety. Alderwoman Patrice Crain said she is excited about this for the Town and commended LaSalle and Barkering.
In Public Participation, Rev. Pepe Tate returned to the podium. Mayor Sharp reminded him that the Attorney General has stated that public participation must be concerning the night's agenda. Tate stated that at an earlier meeting in February, the Mayor agreed to help pay for food for the marching band in the Krewe of Pepe parade and failed to do so. He agreed that his paperwork needed adjustments, but he never received a donation from the Town.
The exchange deteriorated at this point. Amanda Dillon convinced Rev. Tate to have a seat and then asked, "Why was the lease bid (for the armory) not decided upon or discussed by the board?" Mayor Sharp responded that if rented or leased it must be advertised. However, he said, this is a moot point as Town departments wish to use the building.
Alderman Lee Dillon then provided Rev. Tate and Ms. Dillon with a copy of the Louisiana State Constitution which states the building cannot be leased. He further explained, "This is from the state. No one will get it - you nor anyone else."
In other public participation, two residents expressed concerns about properties near their own and the neglect that is evident. In one instance, the Mayor said that he and the Public Works Director have looked at the drainage situation but have not yet followed up as jobs and needs are prioritized with the most urgent areas being addressed first. Alderman Seth Descant offered to be the person of contact for this.
In closing comments, Alderman T. J. Butler referenced a letter he recently received concerning the Town's retirement plan. Payroll Clerk Darlene Bennet explained that Town Clerk Ellen (Waskom) is playing catch-up and is nearly current. Mayor Sharp added, "We are working on this, and it is being dealt with. We are getting there."
Ms. Crain revealed the sad news of longtime school librarian Juanita Barker and asked for prayers for her family and the families who remembered lost loved ones on Memorial Day.
Lee Dillon reminded everyone that June 1 marks the beginning of hurricane season and urges everyone to be prepared. Mayor Sharp announced the 911 Communications Center will host a Grand Opening on June 7 at 9:00 am. He also mentioned that on June 3 at 5:30 pm there will be a meeting for communication engagement on the Master Plan for Franklinton. Anyone who wishes to be involved is welcome.
The next meeting of the Board will be on Monday, June 9. It has been moved to that date to accommodate a conference the Board will attend.
