In one of the two items of new business that required a vote Tuesday night by Franklinton’s Board of Aldermen, the board approved a four-way stop sign at Jackson and Cleveland streets.

The four-way stop sign came at the request of Alderman Heath Spears.

Mayor Wayne Fleming said he’d contact Public Works Superintendent Reggie McMasters to get the ball rolling on that project.

Also, the aldermen approved $20,000 to rehire auditor Minda Raybourn for the next year.

In other business, the board was updated on the new National Guard Complex. The $12.2 million facility is to be built on 12 acres in the new industrial park.

“We had 25 contractors come in here last week interested in turning in bids,” Fleming said. “Bids will be opened Sept. 5 at Camp Beauregard in Alexandria, where the Louisiana National Guard Headquarters is.”

Fleming said the facility would take 40-44 months to complete.

Maj. Justin Brown of the Franklinton Police Department told the aldermen problem areas are being addressed.

“We have focused more patrols in the area north of Greenlaw Street and east of 11th Avenue. Our department has always concentrated its efforts in areas that have increased crime,” Brown said. “Arrests have reduced from July to August. This reduction cannot be accurately measured without taking several factors into consideration.”

Through Aug. 25, Brown said the department logged 631 calls since the beginning of the month. Of that number, five resulted in arrests, including one for attempted first-degree murder, illegal discharge of a weapon and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Another was arrested for theft.

“We’ve had 20 arrests this month. We had five last month,” Brown said. “We’re working with the community to find out some things we can do.”