A regular meeting was held Monday, July 8, 2024 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
Public Input – none
Mrs. Batiste motioned to accept the minutes of the June regular meeting. Mr. Elstrott seconded 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 Financials are available in the Finance Managers Office.
Mrs. Batiste introduced and called for a public meeting on August 12, 2024 for the Amendment of the
City’s Redistrict Map
Mr. Wright introduced and called for a public meeting on August 12, 2024 for the Amendment to the
Code of Ordinance Section 22-1 Park hours.
Mr. Sandifer introduced and called for a public meeting on August 12, 2024 for an Ordinance
Authorizing the sale of two Police Units to Dillard University.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Acceptance of the Audit Engagement Letter for the FYE 2024
from James Lambert Riggs and Associates. Mr. Toomer motioned to accept the proposal. Motion second
by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Appointment of the Municipal Officials: City Clerk, Tax Collector,
City Attorney/Magistrate and Public Works Director. Mr. Toomer motioned to appoint all positions.
Second by Mr. Wright. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the selection of Mayor Pro Temp for the FYE 2024-2025. Mr. Wright
nominated Vergil Sandifer. Second by Mr. Elstrott. Mrs. Batiste nominated Mr. Toomer. Second by Mr.
Toomer. After roll call, motion to appoint Vergil Sandifer passes with Sandifer, Elstrott and Wright for.
Toomer and Batiste against. Motion to appoint Melvin Toomer fails with Toomer and Batiste for.
Sandifer, Elstrott, and Wright against.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the approval of an Alcohol and variance permit for the Ponchatoula
Jaycees Jambalaya cook off on October 5, 2024. Mr. Sandifer motioned to approve the permit. Second
by Mr. Elstrott. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege.
Mr. Wright motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:23p.m., which was seconded by Mrs. Batiste. Motion
passed with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk