CITY OF PONCHATOULA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
A regular meeting was held Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall in Ponchatoula, LA.
Mayor Daniels called the meeting to order. Mrs. Nikki gave the invocation, and Mrs. Batiste led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council members present: Vergil Sandifer, Melvin Toomer, Danny Elstrott, Roslind Batiste, Jeff Wright
Public Input – none
Mr. Wright 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 advised the Council process is still being made on the 2024-2025 Audit findings. All areas are improving.
Mr. Elstrott called for a public hearing on June 8, 2026 for An Ordinance Levying a Tax on all taxable property within the corporate limits of the City of Ponchatoula for the year 2026
Mrs. Batiste called for a public hearing on June 8, 2026 for An Amendment 1 to Ordinance 818, An Ordinance adopting an annual budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026
Mr. Sandifer called for a public hearing on June 8, 2026 for An Ordinance adopting an annual budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027
Mrs. Batiste called for a public hearing on June 8, 2026 for An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 831 Setting the salaries for Elected Officials
Mr. Wright called for a public hearing on June 8, 2026 for An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 830 Setting the salary for Appoint Officials
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a request for an Alcohol permit for Brothers Food Express/Brothers Food Mart at 365 W. Pine Street. The owner of the business was not present therefore a vote was not executed.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the discussion of a property that is available for purchase on North First street. Mayor Daniels advised the council during discussion that this location could possibly be an additional location for the public work department’s equipment. He was not asking for an immediate decision. He just wanted to get everyone’s thoughts.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to Kat Vet for a presentation. Kat Vet spoke to the Council about a chip reader that will help the community reunite with their lost pets and would like to have the Council’s approval to place the reader in downtown for use at no cost to the City. The Collinswood volunteered a spot to place the reader as well. After discussion, Mr. Elstrott motioned to approve Kat vet placing the chip reader in town with conditions of confirming a location that easily assessable to the public. Motion second by Mr. Wright. Motion passed with all in favor
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege.
Mrs. Batiste motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:40p.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: $57.50