A regular meeting was held Monday, February 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall in
Ponchatoula, LA.
Mayor Zabbia called the meeting to order, and Mrs. James gave the invocation and led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Council members present: Jeff Daniels, Roslind Batiste, Byron Ragan, Melvin Toomer, Vergil Sandifer
Public Input – none
Mr. Ragan motioned to accept the minutes of the January regular meeting. Mr. Sandifer seconded the
motion which carried with all present in favor.
Mayor Zabbia noted that the Building, Downtown, Fire, and Police reports are in the council packets.
Amber Martinez spoke in regards to the Police report and the current gun violence in Ponchatoula.
Mayor Zabbia advised Financials are available in the Finance Managers Office.
Mayor Zabbia opened the floor to a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to apply for and sign any and all
documents necessary in relation to the Louisiana Government Assistance Program (LGAP). Mr. Daniels
motioned to pass the Resolution. Second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all present in favor.
Mayor Zabbia opened the floor to a Resolution to Surplus a Street Department 2001 Case CX 100
Tractor. Mr. Daniels motioned the pass the Resolution. Second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all
present in favor.
Mayor Zabbia opened the floor for the Approval to grant a variance and temporary alcohol permit to the
Strawberry Festival Board, Ponchatoula Jaycees, Ponchatoula Rotary Club and Paula’s Café for the April
2024 Strawberry Festival. Also, a Variance and temporary alcohol permit for the Strawberry Festival
Chamber After Hours March 7, 2024. A motion was made by Mr. Sandifer to approved the Variances and
Alcohol permits. Second by Mr. Daniels. Motion passed with all present in favor.
Mayor Zabbia called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege.
In the Official Rights of Personal Privilege Mr. Toomer stated for the record he ran across a young man
with a complaint that he was driving on Washington street and the cut outs in the road are being filled
with rocks and they need to be filled with concrete because he bent one of his rims. He requested the
cut outs all over town be filled with cold mix or concreter to avoid further damages and possible
lawsuits. He also stated he received a complaint about several pieces of equipment at the wellness park
need to be fixed or replaced.
The Mayor noticed that the Landscaping and Sidewalk project are underway. Also, the City is in the
process of accepting proposals for the new upcoming Garbage Contract.
Mr. Ragan motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:17p.m., which was seconded by Mrs. Batiste. Motion
passed with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
Robert F. Zabbia, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk