A regular meeting was held Monday, October 7, 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- Jason Tassen spoke to the Council about wanting to Amend Ordinance 762, an Ordinance prohibiting
smoking in workplaces and public places in the City of Ponchatoula and providing for related matters. Mr. Tassen is
wanting to open a Cigar Lounge. He asked the Council to consider placing him on the November Agenda.
Mr. Sandifer motioned to accept the minutes of the August regular meeting. Mr. Toomer 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. Mary Spears
spoke to the Council about her concerns with the Police Department about a recent death of a family member and
asked for the Councils help in getting answers. Officer Burton spoke with Mrs. Spears and advised he will assist her
in getting the answers she need.
Mayor Daniels advised Financials are in their packets.
Mr. Daniels opened the floor to the public meeting of An Ordinance Prohibiting the sale of Mitragyna Speciosa
Korth (Kratom) and/or any of its analog in the City of Ponchatoula. During discussion, Mr. Toomer expressed his
concerns and stated for the record he is against the Ordinance banning Kratom. Mr. Toomer motioned to table the
Ordinance to give the Council more time to research the product. Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed
with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the public meeting of An Ordinance amending the Schedule of Fees and
Charges. This will increase the Entergy permits fee from $5 to $20. This will also change the public record request
fee through email from free to being charged per scanned page as well. No input was made. Mr. Sandifer
motioned to passed the Ordinance. Mr. Elstrott second the motion. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution to Surplus some Police Department Laptops and Motorola Radios.
Mr. Wright motioned to deem the equipment surplus. Mrs. Batiste second the motion. Motion passed with all in
favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution for an Abandoning property land locked by private property, never
used for purpose of dedication, and authorizing the Mayor to execute all documentation to complete the
abandonment. Mr. Elstrott motioned to approve the Resolution. Mrs. Batiste second the motion. Motion passed
with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels noted that the Civil Service list provided by Southeastern was received and a copy was provided to
all Council members. Unfortunately, no one on the list was available to take on as a new board member.
Therefore, another letter is being sent to Southeastern, requesting a new list of four candidates. When the letter is
received back, it will be brought before the Council.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the approval of an Alcohol permit renewal for all current businesses for the
year 2025. Mr. Sandifer motioned to approve the permits. Mrs. Batiste second the motion. The motion passed
with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels advised the public that Trick or Treating will be on October 31, 2024 from 5pm until 8pm along with
Tangipahoa Parish hours.
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege.
Mr. Wright motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:34p.m., which was seconded by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed
with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk