The regular meeting of the Washington Parish Council was held on Monday, May 19 It began with a short public hearing on an ordinance setting the salary of the Washington Parish Clerk to the Council. The Council later adopted the ordinance.
The regular meeting was then called to order beginning with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance followed by the approval of the May 5 meeting minutes.
Next, Parish President Ryan Seal issued a proclamation recognizing May 6 through May 12 as Nurses Week. The week is nationally acknowledged by the American Nurses Association, statewide by the Louisiana State Nurses Association and locally by the Northshore District Nurses Association. The designation is in honor of the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
This was followed by another proclamation recognizing Friday, May 9 as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day by the Child Care Association of Louisiana. The childcare profession supports children's growth, development, and educational advancement and is the backbone of economic development and workforce development. Child Care Providers are essential to the health of communities by fostering welcoming spaces, supporting working families, and creating positive enriching environments where children can develop lifelong skills.
Next, the Council recognized Dr. Clelie Dugan, Executive Director of the Southeast Louisiana Pregnancy Center for Women and Children. Dr. Dugan offered thanks for a $75,000 grant received from the parish. This money is specifically earmarked for the Sexual Assault Survivor Program. Of the center's 130 clients, 75 percent have survived some form of sexual trauma. The money will be used for an in-house counselor and will also allow the center to be open an extra day (8 hours) per week beyond the current 20 hours. It will also help in starting an art therapy program and provide extra supplies, emergency housing, food, and clothing for clients. Dr. Dugan believes the center is making a difference in lives by empowering women to better their lives versus being stuck.
Sonnet Ireland, Director of the Washington Parish Library Systems, then gave an update on what is happening at parish library branches. The library system recently received a $3,000 grant from Dollar General Literacy Funding to purchase coloring books and other books as giveaways for children. This year's summer reading program theme is "Color Our World" and will begin on June 4 and end July 17. Days and times are different for each library location. The program will feature among other things The Dinosaur Experience and Pandorium Belly Dance Company. She said, “It will be a fun summer for the kids!”
The Thomas Branch Library will open before June 5 after its renovation. The Angie Branch building has been purchased. The old Boyd's Soda Shop will be remodeled, and the staff is currently doing outreach in the area to determine the needs of the community.
In other business the Council adopted a resolution to enter into an agreement with Capital Area Finance Authority who provides first-time and Veterans assistance in buying a home. Financial Director Donna Graham explained that the first round of this program has seen funds depleted and this second round will be no risk to the parish. Citizens meeting criteria and purchasing in Washington Parish can receive down-payment grants to help cover closing costs and other items. Any lender can participate, but recipients must be moderate to low income to qualify.
With the approaching June 30 retirement of Donna Graham, the Council adopted a resolution approving the appointment of Lacy Burris by the Washington Parish President as the new Director of Finance/Personnel. Mrs. Burris has 12 years of government and budget accounting experience and is a Certified Public Accountant. Her position will begin on July 1, 2025.
Next, a resolution was adopted to appoint William Lloyd Quave to the Washington Parish Fire Protection District #7 Board of Directors. Four of the eight members of the Board have recently resigned, and it has fallen short of the minimum of five to have a quorum, so the board has been prevented from conducting official business.
The final item was the adoption of a resolution certifying urgent need for the YACC Road sandbagging location project under the CDBG-DR Infrastructure Program. This is intended to alleviate conditions that pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community.
In public participation, William Lewis of the Angie/Varnado Community shared that he has recently met with President Ryan Seal and Finance Director Graham regarding his concerns about financial reporting based on districts to compare with other areas and make decisions on the upcoming tax renewal. He also expressed his disappointment in discussions being over concerning the satellite jail facility located in his community. He declared that he and concerned citizens are seeking legal means to stop this. With the killing of Deputy Oneal Moore in the late 1960's, the opening of the Rayburn Correctional Center in the early 1980's and now the satellite jail, he feels the neighboring citizens have been terrorized enough. He does not believe the structure is secure to use as a jail. Mr. Lewis also feels the most recent and current Sheriff do not "see" the area's residents as there are no African American patrolmen.
Sheriff Jason Smith was on hand to contradict this by specifically referencing Michael Callahan who patrols District 5. Sheriff Smith added that the parish jail built for 140 beds currently houses 245 inmates with only East Baton Rouge and Calcasieu parishes having a larger number. He also explained that the jail is primarily for detainees and the state's Department of Corrections picks up "state prisoners," but as recently evidenced by the situation in Orleans Parish, this is not done in a timely manner.
He also countered that the facility in Varnado has been used as a work-release location for state prisoners with Rayburn, so fencing and security measures are already in place to ensure safety for residents.
The added second week of criminal court has increased the population, and offenders must now serve at least 85 percent of their sentence. Smith does not feel confident using electronic monitoring. Councilman McMasters asked how the Council can assist moving forward and Smith responded, "Engage legislators. We [WPSO] can only do what we can do." He reiterated that the Varnado facility is not meant to be a long-term facility and does not feel anyone housed there will be a state prisoner.
In the President's Report, Mrs. Graham explained that the auditors are finishing their report and currently all funds are within budget. However, an amended budget will need to be adopted as two sources of funds came in after the current budget was approved. She also mentioned looking at occupational licenses being adjusted from a flat fee to being based on the company's sales.
Transportation Supervisor Danny Knight reported that so far in May, 375 bags of litter have been collected, 19 signs ordered, 30 signs installed on 21 roads and 11 locations have been cleaned and cut. President Seal shared he attended a meeting of legislators and advocated for projects in the parish. The parish's partnership with the Love the Boot campaign is providing new garbage cans for the Courthouse area and he will be speaking to Enon Elementary students on littering before the summer kicks off. Sheriff Smith also noted that the grand opening of the 911 Communication Center is June 7 at 9:00 am at the Dollar Road location. President Seal also mentioned that Memorial Day ceremonies will be held at Veterans Park and Ponemah Cemetery. He and the Council expressed sympathy at the passing of Jean Folks, mother-in-law of administrative assistant Danielle Folks. Shawn Rice mentioned the Demon Baseball Camp and local Vacation Bible schools for children because "Sports and Jesus --- you can't go wrong."
All of the Council welcomed Lacy Burris and Joe Culpepper thanked all who participated in the Special Olympics torch run. Steven Branch encourages locals to enjoy the Bogue Chitto State Park this summer. Reginald McMasters shared why Memorial Day is special to him: His father was killed by a landmine in Vietnam in 1966.
Council President Kim Wagner wished everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day and the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held on June 9, 2025.
