A regular meeting was held Monday, August 11, 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
Council member absent: Jeff Wright
Public Input – none
Mrs. Batiste motioned to accept the minutes of the July 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 for a public hearing for an Amendment to Appendix B – Subdivision Ordinance Section 3 Assurance for Completion and Maintenance of Improvement changing the maintenance bond time from one year to two years. Mr. Sandifer motioned to pass the Amendment. Second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the selection of the Mayor Pro Temp for FYE 2026.Mr. Toomer motioned to remove the selection from being tabled. Motion second by the Sandifer. Mr. Sandifer recommended appointing Mr. Toomer as Mayor pro Temp. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Motion passed with no other recommendation and all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution Renewing the leases with the Non-Profit Organizations Strawberry Festival Board, Kiwanis Club, Ponchatoula Jaycee’s and Ponchatoula Rotary. A member from each organization spoke on behalf of their organization. Mr. Toomer wanted it noted for the record same lease agreement in the past is the same lease agreement going forward so there is no misunderstanding. After discussion and many concerns about the Lease agreement Mr. Wright motioned to table the Resolution until the Lease is revised by the City Attorney. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Approval of an Alcohol Permit for a Twin Steeples fundraiser on October 4, 2025. After discussion, Mr. Wright motioned to approve the permit. Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with Sandifer, Elstrott, Batiste and Wright for. Mr. Toomer against
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege. During personal privileges
Mr. Elstrott motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:45p.m., which was seconded by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk