A regular meeting was held Monday, December 9, 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, Vergil Sandifer
Council member absent: Melvin Toomer
Public Input
Mr. Wright motioned to accept the minutes of the November regular meeting. Mr. Elstrott 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 monthly Financials are in their packets.
Mrs. Batiste introduced and called for a public hearing on January 13, 2025 for an Amendment to the Ordinance
prohibiting smoking in workplaces and public places in the City of Ponchatoula and providing for related matters.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution giving the Mayor the Authorization to accept direct payments from
the State of Louisiana from the allocation of funds to the State of Louisiana from the American Rescue Plan Act and
to Apply for additional funding from the same through the Water Sector Program. A motion was made by Mr.
Wright to passed the Resolution. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Appointment of a new Civil Service Board member from the College list.
After discussion, Mrs. Batiste motioned to appoint Todd Chester to the board. Mr. Elstrott second the motion. The
motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to James Lambert Riggs and Associates to present the 2023-2024 Audit Report.
Paul Riggs spoke to the Council about the Audit process and few findings that were addressed and are in the
process of being corrected. He ended with the City of Ponchatoula received a clean opinion Grade A audit for
2023-2024.
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege.
Mr. Wright motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:32p.m., which was seconded by Mr. Elstrott. Motion passed with
all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk