CITY OF PONCHATOULA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
A regular meeting was held Monday, July 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers
at City Hall in Ponchatoula, LA.
Mayor Daniels called the meeting to order and Mrs. James gave the invocation and
led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council members present: Melvin Toomer, Danny Elstrott, Roslind Batiste, Jeff Wright
Absent Council: Vergil Sandifer
Public Input – none
Mrs. Batiste motioned to accept the minutes of the June regular meeting. Mr. Elstrott
second the motion which carried with all present in favor.
Mayor Daniels noted that the Building, Downtown, Fire, and Police reports are in the
council packets.
Mayor Daniels advised monthly Financials are in their packets.
Mayor Daniels advised the Council that all guidelines were being adhere to concerning
the audit findings.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the appointment of three Consolidated Board
members. Mr. Wright motioned to appoint Phillip Hutches for a four-year term expiring
in 2030. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all in favor. Mr. Toomer
motioned to appoint Carla Heisser for a six-year term expiring in 2032. Motion second
by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all in favor. Mr. Elstrott motioned to appoint Byron
Willie to a six-year term expiring in 2032. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion
passed with all present in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution authorizing the city to sign a Coop-
erative Endeavor Agreement with the Consolidated Gravity Drainage District of Tan-
gipahoa. The City will contribute to a drainage improvement project taking place in the
Ponchatoula Cemetery. After discussion Mr. Wright motioned to pass the Resolution.
Motion second by Mr. Elstrott. Motioned passed with in present in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Resolution authorizing the sale of two Police
units to the Town of Independence. After discussion, Mr. Wright motioned to passed
the Resolution. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all present in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Resolution improving the 2026 Hazard Miti-
gation Plan. After discussion, Mr. Elstrott motioned to pass the Resolution. Motion
second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all present in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the discussion of using the Vialytics program to
monitor roads in the city that need repairs. During discussion, Mr. Toomer requested
that the August agenda include a line-item discussion on the Lawrason Act, pot holes
and Council Members being arrested for committing an illegal act.
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege. Mr. Toomer noted for
the record during rights of personal privilege you can use this period for as long as you
would like.
Mrs. Batiste motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:52p.m., which was seconded by Mr.
Elstrott. Motion passed with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk
Cost of notice:$55.00