Franklinton Era-Leader
April 15, 2026
Notice of Public Meeting
Washington Parish Council
Regular Meeting Washington Parish Courthouse 908 Washington Street, Franklinton,
Louisiana 70438
Council Chambers March 23, 2026,
Monday-5:30 p.m.
Council Chairman Reginald McMasters called the meeting to order.
Ordinance No. 26-783: Adopt an Ordinance to Establish the 22nd Judicial District Children and Youth Planning Board; to Provide for the Appointment of Members by the Washington Parish Council; and to Provide for other Matters in Accordance with LA. R.S. 46:1941.1 ET SEQ.
Judge David Duke explained the purpose of the Children and Youth Planning Board and the benefits it can have on Washington Parish. He also spoke about the process of appointing members to the board.
Ordinance No. 26-784: Adopt an Ordinance to Amend and Ratify Ordinance No. 06-412, Adopted December 11, 2006, Relative to Building Codes and Permits; to Update the Adoption of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Pursuant to LA. R.S. 40:1730.21 ET SEQ., to Provide Automatic Incorporation of Future State-Adopted Code Editions; to Provide for Administration, Permits, Inspections, Contractor Registration, Enforcement, Penalties and Appeals; to Provide for Reference to the Comprehensive Development Ordinance for Fees; and to Provide for Related Matters.
Director of Public Works Alex Sumrall explained this was an Ordinance to update the permit codes to the 2024 edition under the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code.
Ordinance No. 26-785: Adopt an Ordinance Prohibiting Open Burning Within the Unincorporated Areas of Washington Parish Louisiana, Providing for Enforcement, Authorizing Code Enforcement Actions and Providing for Penalties.
Jackie Tate of Bogalusa asked if someone could explain this Ordinance in detail to clarify some information.
Parish President Ryan Seal explained this Ordinance in detail and advised it would be tabled and revised at a later date.
Austin Magee of Franklinton gave his opinion on the Ordinance.
Ed Jordan of Bogalusa gave his opinion on the Ordinance.
Council Chairman McMasters: Would anyone from the public like to come forward and speak before we move into our public meeting? No one came forward.
Washington Parish Council Minutes
Washington Parish Council
Regular Meeting Washington Parish Courthouse 909 Pearl Street, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438
Council Chambers
March 9, 2026
Monday – 5:30 p.m.
AGENDA:
Item No. 1: Call to Order: Council Chairman McMasters called the meeting to order.
Item no. 2: Invocation: The invocation was led by Councilwoman Kim Wagner.
Item No. 3: The Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge was led by Councilman Joe Culpepper.
Item No. 4: Roll Call: Council Clerk, Jesse Applewhite called the roll. Present were Joe Culpepper, Kim Wagner, Clark Harry, Steven Branch, Reginald McMasters, and Carley King. Absent was Shawn Rice.
Item No. 5: Approval of Minutes: March 23, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.
Council Chairman McMasters: Would anyone from the public like to speak before the Council votes to approve the minutes? No one came forward.
Councilman Branch: As no one has come forward, I make a motion to approve the minutes from the March 23, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.
Councilwoman Wagner: Second.
Council Chairman McMasters: I have a motion by Councilman Branch and a second by Councilwoman Wagner.
Roll call of the vote as follows:
YEAS: (6) Culpepper, Wagner, Harry, Branch, McMasters, King
NAYS: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( )
ABSENT: (1) Rice
Item No. 6: Proclamation: Ben’s Ford Varsity Lady Eagles Basketball Team.
President Seal read the Proclamation for the basketball team for winning the State Championship.
Item No. 7: Presentation: Recognizing the Retirement of Dewitt Williams, Washington Parish Government Permit Office.
President Seal spoke of the many ways Mr. Williams has served for Washington Parish and the many accomplishments he has made. He thanked him for everything and wished him a happy retirement.
Item No. 8: John Young: Candidate for Louisiana Public Service Commission, District 1.
Mr. Young introduced himself to the Council and spoke of the plans he has if he is voted Louisiana Public Service Commission, District 1.
Item No. 9: Austin Magee: Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District.
Mr. Magee introduced himself to the Council and spoke of the plans he has if he is voted U.S. House of Representatives, Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District.
Item No. 10: Ordinance No. 26-783: Adopt an Ordinance to Establish the 22nd Judicial District Children and Youth Planning Board; to Provide for the Appointment of Members by the Washington Parish Council; and to Provide for Other Matters in Accordance with LA. R. S. 46:1941.1 ET SEQ.
Council Chairman Reginald McMasters: We discussed this Ordinance in our Public Hearing. Would anyone from the public like to come forward and speak before the Council votes? No one came forward. Councilman Culpepper: As no one has come forward, I make a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 26-783.
Councilman Harry: Second.
Council Chairman McMasters: I have a motion by Councilman Culpepper and a second by Councilman Harry.
Roll call of the vote as follows:
YEAS: (6) Culpepper, Wagner, Harry, Branch McMasters, King
NAYS: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( ) ABSENT: (1) Rice
Item No. 11: Ordinance No. 26-784: Adopt an Ordinance to Amend and Ratify Ordinance No. 06-412, Adopted December 11, 2006, Relative to Building Codes and Permits; to Update the Adoption of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Pursuant to LA. R.S. 40:1730.21 ET SEQ., To Provide for Automatic Incorporation of Future State-Adopted Code Editions; to Provide for Administration, Permits, Inspections, Contractor Registration, Enforcement, Penalties and Appeals; to Provide for Reference to the Comprehensive Development Ordinance for Fees; and to Provide for Related Matters.
Council Chairman McMasters: We discussed this Ordinance during our Public Hearing. Would anyone from the public like to come forward and speak before the Council votes? No one came forward.
Councilwoman Wagner: As no one has come forward, I make a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 26-784.
Councilman King: Second.
Council Chairman McMasters: I have a motion by Councilwoman Wagner and a second by Councilman King.
Roll call of the vote as follows:
YEAS: (6) Culpepper, Wagner, Harry, Branch, McMasters, King
NAYS: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( )
ABSENT: (1) Rice
Item No. 12: Ordinance No. 26-785: Adopt an Ordinance Prohibiting Open Burning Within the Unincorporated Areas of Washington Parish, Louisiana, Providing for Enforcement, Authorizing Code Enforcement Actions and Providing for Penalties.
Council Chairman McMasters: We discussed this Ordinance during the Public Hearing. Would anyone from the public like to come forward and speak before the Council votes? No one came forward.
Councilman Branch: As no one has come forward, I make a motion to Table Ordinance No. 26785 to be able to have a better understanding of the situation and our citizens of Washington Parish.
Councilman King: Second. Council
Chairman McMasters: I have a motion by Councilman Branch and a second by Councilman King.
Roll call of the vote as follows:
YEAS: (6) Culpepper, Wagner, Harry, Branch, McMasters, King
NAYS: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( )
ABSENT: (1) Rice
Item No. 13: Resolution No. 26-1466: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Washington Parish President to Execute an Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) for State Project No. H.015434 Relating to the Placement of the Mitch Road Bridge Over Peters Creek.
Parish Attorney Matt Garver: Initially the DOTD seemed to indicate that we needed an Intergovernmental Agreement to go forward with this project. They have come back since and said they did not want it to be termed an Intergovernmental Agreement. This Resolution authorizes the Parish President to deal with DOTD to get the project completed.
Council Chairman McMasters: Would anyone from the public like to come forward and speak before the Council votes? No one came forward.
Councilman Branch: As no one has come forward, I make a motion to adopt Resolution No. 261466.
Councilwoman Wagner: Second.
Council Chairman McMasters: I have a motion by Councilman Branch and a second by Councilwoman Wagner.
Roll call of the vote as follows:
YEAS: (6) Culpepper, Wagner, Harry, Branch, McMasters, King
NAYS: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( )
ABSENT: (1) Rice
Item No. 14: Resolution No. 26-1467: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Washington Parish President to Enter into an Incumbent Worker Training Program Agreement with Geaux JobsLocal Workforce Development Area 20 for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training.
Parish President Seal: This is an opportunity for our employees. With this program, we can offer training to our employees and get them a CDL license at no charge to the parish. This will not cost employees anything and they would get compensation for finishing the training and receiving their license. We will advertise to all of our employees and whoever is interested will be able to participate.
Council Chairman McMasters: Would anyone from the public like to come forward and speak before the Council votes? No one came forward.
Councilman Culpepper: As no one has come forward, I make a motion to adopt Resolution No. 26-1467.
Councilman Harry: Second.
Council Chairman McMasters: I have a motion by Councilman Culpepper and a second by Councilman Harry.
Roll call of the vote as follows:
YEAS: (6) Culpepper, Wagner, Harry, Branch, McMasters, King
NAYS: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( )
ABSENT: ( )
Item No. 15: Resolution No. 26-1468: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Washington Parish President to Execute Documents Necessary for Participation in an On-The-Job Training Program Administered by Geaux Jobs-Local Workforce Development Area 20.
Parish President Seal: We have gotten the opportunity to high around five to ten people to receive on the job training while the state program pays them. It will be a good time for these people to get some on the job training for several weeks.
Council Chairman McMasters: Would anyone from the public like to come forward and speak before the Council votes? No one came forward.
Councilman King: As no one has come forward, I make a motion to adopt Resolution No. 26-1468. Councilman Branch: Second.
Council Chairman McMasters: I have a motion by Councilman King and a second by Councilman Branch.
Roll call of the vote as follows:
YEAS: (6) Culpepper, Wagner, Harry, Branch, McMasters, King
NAYS: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( )
ABSENT: (1) Rice
Item No. 16: Resolution No. 26-1469: Adopt a Resolution Approving the Holding of an Election in Washington Parish Fire Protection District No. 1, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to Authorize the Levy of a Special Tax Therein.
Parish Attorney Garver: This is a Resolution by the fire district themselves requesting a tax or a special election for tax, an increase in mileage. As part of the Council’s process of the governing authority for the parish, they have to concur and allow them to have that election.
Council Chairman McMasters: Would anyone from the public like to come forward and speak before the Council votes? No one came forward.
Councilman Culpepper: As no one has come forward, I make a motion to adopt Resolution No. 26-1469.
Councilman Branch: Second.
Council Chairman McMasters: I have a motion by Councilman Culpepper and a second by Councilman Branch.
Roll call of the vote as follows:
YEAS: (6) Culpepper, Wagner, Harry, Branch, McMasters, King
NAYS: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( ) ABSENT: (1) Rice
Item No. 17: Resolution No. 26-1470: Adopt a Resolution for Appointment to the Washington Parish Tourism Commission Board of Directors.
Council Chairman McMasters: We had a Personnel Committee meeting earlier today on this matter. We did have quite a few applicants, but we did have someone from the Tourism Commission Board of Directors come to the meeting and speak. No one else attended the meeting. The Personnel Committee voted on a name to bring forward to the full Council.
Councilman Branch: I would like to make a motion that Ms. Victoria D. Grant be appointed to the Washington Parish Tourism Commission Board of Directors.
Councilman Culpepper: Second.
Council Chairman McMasters: Would anyone from the public like to come forward and speak? No one came forward. I have a motion by Councilman Branch and a second by Councilman Culpepper.
Roll call of the vote as follows:
YEAS: (6) Culpepper, Wagner, Harry, Branch, McMasters, King
NAYS: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( )
ABSENT: (1) Rice
Item No. 18: Public Participation:
Christopher Mecarra of Bogalusa gave his opinion of the burn ban Ordinance and spoke of some ideas to help improve the fire districts in the parish.
Council Chairman McMasters: Would anyone else from the public like to come forward and speak before the Council votes to close public participation? No one came forward.
Councilman King: As no one has come forward, I make a motion to close public participation.
Councilman Branch: Second.
Council Chairman McMasters: I have a motion by Councilman King and a second by Councilman Branch.
Roll call of the vote as follows:
YEAS: (6) Culpepper, Wagner, Harry, Branch, McMasters, King
NAYS: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( )
ABSENT: (1) Rice
Item No. 19: President’s Report: Director of Finance/Personnel Lacy Burris: I gave each of you a financial statement of our Major Funds Budget/Actual Financial Report-YTD through February 28, 2026. The first two months of the year represent about 17% of the year, as you can see. Our funds were a little slow both on revenue and expenditure. This is normal and we are right on track.
Director of Public Works Alex Sumrall:
Transportation Report for March 2026:
• Road Signs Installed: 10 signs on five roads
• Land Cleared/Cut: 5 locations
• Kelvin Brown’s Crew picked up 423 bags of trash on 38 roads
There will be a non-mandatory pre-bid meeting on Wednesday, March 25th at 10:00 a.m. in the Conference Room for the 2026 Resurfacing of Washington Parish Roads.
Parish President Ryan Seal spoke of recent death of Ron Titre, Investigator for the Coroner’s office as well as John Gallaspy, who was a well-known citizen of the parish. He also asked everyone to pray for Councilman King’s son, Cohen, who recently had surgery on his legs. President Seal congratulated Colby Stewart who was named Youth Champion for Hope House 2026 Champions for Children. He also congratulated Representative John Wyble who was elected Vice Chairman of the Rural Caucus. Wyble was also selected to be on the Ways and Means Committee. Seal also informed everyone that the Washington Parish Government Offices will be closed on April 3, 2026, in observance of Good Friday.
Item No. 20: Council Discussion:
Councilman Culpepper commented on the citizens who came out to the meeting to voice their opinions and ideas. He stated how important it is to get everyone’s input on all matters so the Council can better support the people of Washington Parish.
Councilman Branch commented on the youth associations in the parish for baseball/softball. He invited everyone to come out and support our youth.
Councilwoman Wagner thanked everyone for coming out to the meeting. She reminded everyone that the Bogalusa and Franklinton Rotary is hosting Night of Giving this Saturday night, March 28, 2026.
Council Chairman McMasters thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and explained the importance of everyone voicing their ideas and opinions on matters of the parish. He encouraged everyone to continue to attend the meetings and be involved.
Item No. 21: Adjourn:
Council Chairman McMasters: May I have a motion to adjourn?
Councilwoman Wagner: I make a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Councilman Branch: Second.
Council Chairman McMasters: I have a motion by Councilwoman Wagner and a second by Councilman Branch.
Roll call of the vote as follows:
YEAS: (6) Culpepper, Wagner, Harry, Branch, McMasters, King
NAYS: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( )
ABSENT: (1) Rice
Council Chairman McMasters: Meeting adjourned.
Council Chairman McMasters: Meeting adjourned.
Reginald McMasters, Chairman Washington Parish Council
Jesse Applewhite, Clerk Washington Parish Council
Order of Voting
Joe Culpepper, Shawn Rice, Steven Branch, Kim Wagner, Clark Harry, Reginald McMasters, Carley King
The next meeting will be held April 6, 2026.
In accordance with the American Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Jesse Applewhite, Clerk to the Council, at 985.839.7825, describing the assistance that is necessary.
(All Ordinances, Resolutions, and attachments in their entirety are available at the office of the Clerk to the Council at 909 Pearl Street, Franklinton, Louisiana or at 985.839.7825, or wpgov.org.)
**This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.**
Adv. April 15, 2026.
Cost of Publication: $75.71