Progressive a ‘no show’ at Franklin council meeting

Progressive Waste Solutions, the City of Franklin’s garbage pickup handler, failed to show at Tuesday’s meeting of the City Council.
Despite numerous requests since the July meeting to discuss continued and longtime problems with the company, the city council had no one to address their grievances to.
Council members and administration said they’d continue to attempt a meeting with Progressive.
In other business Tuesday, Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire said the police department has been chosen to host the annual Louisiana Juveniles Conference March 16, 2015.
McGuire said Sgt. Terrence Moore, a past president of the Louisiana Juvenile Officers Association, pitched Franklin as the location for the conference, presenting the city based on its historic uniqueness.
“One of the things that he concentrated on was the archives that’s coming to the third floor of city hall” that will feature the papers of the many officials from Franklin who have served in state and federal office, McGuire said.
The conference will bring some 600 visitors to the city, she said.
Events planned include activities at the Teche Theatre and a walking tour through the historic district.
Also Tuesday:
—A representative of J’s Barber College appeared at the request of Councilman Lester Levine to outline the education facility in New Iberia, which Levin said is an alternative for interested Franklin residents to driving to Baton Rouge.
—Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Bernard Daniels reported that water violation letters went out this week regarding unsafe drinking water. Daniels said the results, required by testing every three months, reflect the period of time last fall when there was fear of an amoeba outbreak in Louisiana water systems, and all water systems were ordered to boost treatment to safeguard the public from exposure.
—An ordinance was passed setting the speed limit on Augustine Maze Street to 15 miles per hour, and another was approved authorizing transfer of the former National Guard Armory to parish government for use as a 911 facility and acquisition of a storage facility near City Park from the parish.
—A resolution of respect was approved for former mayor E.J. Champagne Jr. who died last week; a resolution was approved supporting a constitutional amendment to “assist municipalities in the fight against blighted property”; and a resolution was passed lifting the alcohol prohibition on city streets during the Franklin Art Walk this Saturday from 3-6 p.m.
—Terrence Moore was reappointed to the police civil service board and William “Bill” Thomas to the fire department civil service board.
—Development Director Arlana Shields announced a “Building Blocks for Academic Success” on Sept. 2, 4 p.m. at the St. Mary Parish Library in Franklin; the next citywide cleanup is set for Sept. 13 at the Stage parking lot; and a ballroom and Latin dancing class will be held Nov. 3 and 10 at 5 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Center.