A regular meeting was held Monday, June 9, 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, Jeff Wright
Public Input –
Mrs. Batiste motioned to accept the minutes of the May 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 opened the floor to a public hearing Ordinance Levying a Tax on all taxable property within the corporate limits of the City of Ponchatoula for the year 2025. Mr. Wright motioned to pass the ordinance. Motion second by Mr. Wright. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a public hearing for an Amendment to Ordinance 818 – An Ordinance adopting an annual Budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025.Mrs. Batiste motioned to pass the ordinance. Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a public hearing for an Ordinance adopting an annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. Mrs. Batiste motioned to pass the ordinance. Motion second by Mr. Wright. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a public hearing for an Ordinance approving a 25-year Franchise Agreement between the City of Ponchatoula and Entergy Louisiana LLC. After discussion, Mr. Wright motioned to pass the ordinance. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Motion passed with Toomer, Elstrott, Batiste and Wright for. Toomer against.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a public hearing for an Amendment to Ordinance 806 Setting the Salaries for the Elected Officials. Mr. Sandifer motioned to pass the ordinance. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a public hearing for an Amendment to Ordinance 800 Setting the Salaries for the Appointed Officials. Mrs. Batiste motioned to pass the ordinance. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the alcohol permit request for Chief’s Pub LLC at 165 W. Pine Street owned by Stuart Murphy and Dennis Pevey. After discussion, Mr. Wright motioned to approve the permit request. Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the appointment of the Official Journal for 2025-2026 year. Mr. Toomer motioned to appoint Tangi Times. Motion second by Mr. Wright. 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 from the college list. Mr. Elstrott recommended only appointing the one person present which was Leslie F Settoon and appoint the second person next month if they are present. After, discussion Mr. Elstrott motioned to appoint Leslie Settoon. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege. During personal privileges Mr. Toomer wanted it stated for the record he had discussed with the Mayor and Mr. Elstrott about installing bathrooms at Kiwanis Park and wanted to recommend getting that done.
Mr. Wright motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:36p.m., which was seconded by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk