Franklin acts on litigation

Franklin City Council members entered executive session Tuesday to consider matters of litigation, as allowed under state law.
There were three matters under consideration, and the council took action in each after returning to open session.
Council members authorized continued defense and negotiation of settlement in the claim of Kathleen Jones against the city, on behalf of her minor child, and Julie Crowell against the city. Details of each case were not discussed publicly.
The council also authorized Mayor Raymond Harris Jr. to accept a settlement on the city’s behalf from Alfred Antoine, Sentry Supply and National Fire Insurance Company of $40,000 in relation to damage to a city vehicle. That payment is in addition to an $8,000 sum already submitted.
Also Tuesday, St. Mary Parish Councilman Dale Rogers reported that bids were opened for the south Willow Street drainage project that has been in the works for many years. Rogers and Harris said the project will address flooding in the area east of the Franklin Canal and upward.
The council also approved final condemnation action on properties at 615 and 619 JA Hernandez St. after completing the required legal process.
Mayor Harris said that while Pelican Waste has distributed their new light-blue garbage containers, residents in the city must continue to use the old Progressive containers through Jan. 31.
As of Feb. 1, Pelican Waste will begin to serve in the Franklin area, and residents should then use their company-provided containers.