Bogalusa City Council’s meeting Tuesday night started off with several guest speakers.

Seth Descant enthusiastically shared his “Big Idea,” a competition in which Franklinton is looking for the best business ideas in Washington Parish. Contestants from the seventh to the 12th grade will compete for $1,500, $1,000, and $500 scholarships. Also, adults will compete for grants of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 for a new business start-up or to expand an existing business in the parish.

“It will be a live-pitch competition with monetary prizes,” Descant said. “Washington Parish would be so much better off.”

He later added that the date and location of the live-pitch have yet to be confirmed.

Nancy Brown, the manager of the Bogalusa Farmers’ Market, said the market “is struggling to survive,” and then asked the council to help her find a new location.

“Goodyear Park is not a good location,” she said.

She added that she was hoping to move the market to outside Tractor Supply, but was told that is a private property. Brown said she was unaware of that and she didn’t know who owns it.

“We need a better location,” Brown said. “There are so many things we have to offer.”

She said the farmers’ market offers items such as fresh vegetables, eggs, bread, and honey made by Washington Parish bees.

The only ordinance that was adopted was the closing of Mockingbird Lane, a dedicated but undeveloped street, at the request of Gregory Brumfield, who recently purchased the property.

The council decision echoed that of the Bogalusa Planning and Zoning Commission. The council voted unanimously for approval, with only Brian McCree absent.

Councilman Teddy Drummond additionally introduced an ordinance for public hearing and council action at the next meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 5:30 p.m.

That ordinance would authorize the mayor to enter into a contract between the city of Bogalusa and the Natural Resources Conservation Service for debris removal of the Bogue Lusa Creek.

Drummond said the project would extend from the Verrett Street Bridge to the Columbia Street Bridge.

“And at no cost to the city,” he said. “It’s a win/win situation.”

Bogalusa Police Chief Kendall Bullen said the police had been busy, and added that the BPD was working with council president Tamira Smith and her pastor to take troubled youth on a camping trip.