August 1, 2025
A regular meeting was held Monday, July 14, 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: Vergil Sandifer, Melvin Toomer, Danny Elstrott, Roslind Batiste
Council member absent: Jeff Wright
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. Mr. Elstrott asked for clarification on the Fire Department and Industrial Park being over budget. Mayor Daniels explained the property purchase for the Fire Department in which a portion was reimbursed through a grant.
Mayor Daniels requested the Agenda to be amended to add the appointment of the new Civil Service Board Member. Mr. Sandifer motioned to amend the agenda to add the appointment of the new Civil Service Board Member. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Mrs. Michelle Von introduced herself to the council. After discussion, Mr. Elstrott motioned to appoint Mrs. Von to the Board. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all present in favor.
Mrs. Batiste introduced and called for a public hearing on August 11, 2025 for an Amendment to Appendix B – Subdivision Ordinance Section 3 Assurance for Completion and Maintenance of Improvement
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Approval of an Alcohol Permit for JIMTAM Enterprises LLC Roux and Brew Seafood and Steak House at 135 SW Railroad Ave. Mrs. Batiste motioned to approve the permit. Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all present in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the appointment of the Mosquito Abatement Board Member Amy Newsham. Mr. Sandifer motioned to appoint Mrs. Newsham. Motion second by Mr. Elstrott. Motion passed with all present in favor
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the selection of the Mayor Pro Temp for FYE 2026. Mayor Daniels requested that the selection be tabled until all Council members are present. Mr. Elstrott motioned to table the selection of Mayor Pro Temp. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all present in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Acceptance of the Audit Engagement Letter for FYE 2025. James Lambert Riggs and Associate were all present and explained that they presented a one year and a three-year agreement for the city. Mayor Daniels recommended the three-year agreement. Mr. Toomer motioned to accept the three-year agreement. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all present in favor.
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege. During personal privileges Mr. Toomer wanted it stated for the record that everyone knows that he is pro-business however, he was disappointment in the Tangi Times. For the first time in the history of Ponchatoula there is a Black Strawberry Festival Queen and Tangi Times placed the article on the back page. He wanted it to be known he was disappointed in them.
Mr. Sandifer motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:27p.m., which was seconded by Mr. Elstrott. Motion passed with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk