A regular meeting was held Monday, August 12, 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 – Officer Thomas Wheeler spoke to the public about the effects of Kratom in the
community. Stephanie Underwood spoke on wanting to be more involved in future meetings.
Mrs. Batiste motioned to accept the minutes of the July regular meeting. Mr. Sandifer 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.
Mr. Sandifer introduced and called for a public meeting on September 9, 2024 for An Ordinance Levying
a Taxable property within the corporate limits of the City of Ponchatoula for the year 2024.
Mrs. Batiste introduced and called for a public meeting on September 9, 2024 for An Ordinance Levying
a Tax on all Taxable property within the corporate limits of the City of Ponchatoula for the year 2024,
not to exceed the prior year’s maximum millage rate. Mr. Toomer spoke and advised he had concerns
about whether or not the City was breaking the law by allowing the Sheriff Office to collect city taxes.
Mr. Toomer asked City Attorney Drake if he could get an AG opinion. Attorney Drake advised no AG
Opinion was needed due to no law stating the Sheriff Office could not collect City taxes.
Mr. Toomer motioned to withdraw the Original Ordinance introduced on July 8, 2024 amending
Ordinance Chapter 62 Section 22-1 Park hours. Motion second by Mr. Elstrott. Motion passed with all in
favor.
Mr. Wright introduced and called for a public meeting on September 9, 2024 for AN ORDINANCE TO
PRESERVE ALL PUBLIC PARKS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES, REGULATE THE PERMITTED USES THEREON,
PROVIDE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CITIZENS OF PONCHATOULA, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE PENALTIES
FOR NON-CONFORMITY OF SAME.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the public hearing for the Amendment to the City Redistricting map.
After discussion, Mr. Toomer motioned to approved the amended map. Motion second by Mr. Wright.
Ordinance passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Ordinance authorizing the sale of two Police Units to Dillard
University. After discussion, Mr. Sandifer motioned to pass the Ordinance. Motion second by Mrs.
Batiste. Ordinance passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution to Surplus Street Department Equipment. Mr. Toomer
motioned to surplus the items. Second by Mr. Sandifer. Resolution passed with all in favor.
Mr. Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution to sign an agreement to the join the LAMATS Surplus
program. After discussion, Mr. Toomer motion to approved to the agreement. Motion second by Mr.
Sandifer. Resolution passed with all in favor.
Mr. Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution Adopting the LA Compliance Questionnaire for FY 2023-
2024. Mrs. Batiste motioned to approve the questionnaire. Second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with
all in favor.
Mr. Daniels introduced Mr. Paul Riggs from James Lambert Riggs and Associates to discuss the upcoming
2023-2024 Audit Plan. Mr. Riggs spoke to the Council about what to except in the upcoming weeks
concerning the Audit for the City.
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege.
Mr. Sandifer motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:09p.m., which was seconded by Mrs. Batiste. Motion
passed with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk