A regular meeting was held Monday, May 12, 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
Public Input –
Mrs. Batiste motioned to accept the minutes of the April 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 noted
Mr. Wright introduced and called for a public hearing on June 9, 2025 for an Ordinance Levying a Tax on all taxable
property within the corporate limits of the City of Ponchatoula for the year 2025
Mrs. Batiste introduced and called for a public hearing on June 9, 2025 for an Amendment to Ordinance 818 – An
Ordinance adopting an annual Budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025.
Mr. Elstrott introduced and called for a public hearing on June 9, 2025 for an Ordinance adopting an annual Budget
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026.
Mrs. Batiste introduced and called for a public hearing on June 9, 2025 for an Ordinance approving a 25-year
Franchise Agreement between the City of Ponchatoula and Entergy Louisiana LLC.
Mr. Sandifer introduced and called for a public hearing on June 9, 2025 for an Amendment to Ordinance 806
Setting the Salaries for the Elected Officials.
Mr. Wright introduced and called for a public hearing on June 9, 2025 for an Amendment to Ordinance 800 Setting
the Salaries for the Appointed Officials.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a public hearing where Mr. John Jackson is requesting to appeal the
Consolidated Board’s denial for a Billboard Variance. Mr. Jackson spoke to the Council about his plans for the new
Billboard that will be located at 123 W I 55 Service Road. After discussion, Mr. Elstrott motioned to approve the
request. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Motion passed with Batiste, Elstrott and Toomer for. Wright and Sandifer
against.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Resolution to approve the Municipal Water Pollution Prevention report. Mr.
Sandifer motion to pass the Resolution. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution for an Intergovernmental Service Agreement with Tangipahoa
Water District. After discussion, Mr. Toomer Motioned to pass the Resolution. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste.
Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution giving Authorization to the City Clerk to Execute the necessary
documents regarding the acquisition of the property located off Hwy 51 North. After discussion Mr. Wright
motioned to pass the Resolution. Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the appointment of the Civil Service Board member that was to be selected by
the Govern Authority. The City Clerk provided an email received from Kelly Treas expressing interest in servicing on
the body. After, discussion Mrs. Batiste motioned to appoint Kelly Treas. Motion second by Mr. Wright. Motion
passed with Wright, Batiste, Elstrott and Sandifer for. Mr. Toomer abstained.
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege.
Mr. Wright motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:48p.m., which was seconded by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed
with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk