A regular meeting was held Monday, February 10, 2025 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: Jeff Wright, Roslind Batiste, Danny Elstrott, Melvin Toomer, Vergil Sandifer
Mr. Toomer motioned to Amend the Agenda to add, introduce and call for a public hearing on March 10, 2025 for
an Ordinance Creating Chapter 62 – Parks and Recreation Article I. – In General – Closing Other City Parks To
Events And Gatherings When A Special Event Permit Is Issued Requiring Full Capacity Of the Ponchatoula Police
Department.
Public Input – Annie Stohl spoke about her concerns with upcoming developments in her neighborhood.
Mr. Wright motioned to accept the minutes of the January regular meeting. Mrs. Batiste 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. Chief
Layrisson spoke briefly about the monthly Police report numbers.
Mayor Daniels advised monthly Financials are in their packets. Mr. Elstrott spoke briefly about the revenue
increasing.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the public hearing of an Ordinance Approving “The Rose Garden” Subdivision
Plats, Accepting Dedication of Streets, Easements, Servitudes and Right of ways. After discussion, Mrs. Batiste
motioned to pass the Ordinance. Motion second by Mr. Elstrott. Motion passed with all present in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to apply for and sign any and all
documents necessary in relation to the 2024-2025 Louisiana Government Assistance Program. Mrs. Batiste
motioned to pass the Resolution. Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Resolution Abandoning Property land locked by private property, never
used for purpose of dedication and authorizing the Mayor to execute all documentation to complete
abandonment. After discussion, Mr. Sandifer motioned to pass the Resolution. Second by Mr. Wright. Motion
passed with Sandifer, Elstrott, Batiste and Wright for. Mr. Toomer abstain.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the request for an Alcohol permit approval for DG Louisiana Dollar General at
18379 Hwy 22. Mr. Wright motioned to approve the permit. Motion second by Mr. Elstrott. Motion passed with all
in favor. Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the request for an Alcohol for JJ Pine Dba Smoke & Barrel Lounge at
138 W Pine Street. Mr. Elstrott motioned to approve the permit. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed
with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the approval of Multiple Temporary Alcohol Permits and Variances. Mr. Elstrott
motioned to approve the variance for the Strawberry Festival board for Chamber After hours on March 13, 2025.
Motion second by Mr. Sandifer with all in favor. Mr. Toomer motion to approve the Alcohol Permit and Variance
for the Strawberry Festival Board for April 10, 11, 12 & 13 th . Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all
in favor. After discussion concerning the location of the booth which will be placed on the fairgrounds, Mrs. Batiste
motioned to approve the alcohol permit for Paul’s Café/Strawberry Festival board for April 11, 12 & 13 th . Motion
second by the Sandifer. Motion passed with Sandifer, Elstrott, Batiste and Wright for. Mr. Toomer against. Mr.
Wright motioned to approve the Temporary alcohol permit for the Ponchatoula Jaycees for April 11, 12 & 13 th .
Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all in favor. Mr. Wright motioned to approve the Temporary
alcohol permit for the Ponchatoula Rotary Club for April 11, 12 & 13 th . Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion
passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Appointments of the Consolidated Board members. Mr. Sandifer motioned
to approve the appointment of Joey Daigle. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Motion passed with all in favor. Mr.
Wright motioned to approve the appointment of Ryan Williams. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed
with all in favor. Mr. Sandifer motioned to approve the reappointment of Charlene Daniels. Motion second by Mrs.
Batiste. Motion passed with all in favor. Mr. Elstrott motioned to approve the reappointment of Carl Turner.
Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all in favor. Mrs. Batiste motioned to approve the
reappointment of Luke McDaniel. Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all in favor
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege.
Mr. Elstrott motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:58p.m., which was seconded by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed
with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk