CITY OF PONCHATOULA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
A regular meeting was held Monday, November 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall in
Ponchatoula, LA.
Mayor Daniels called the meeting to order. Mrs. Batiste gave the invocation and Mr. Elstrott 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 October regular meeting. Mr. Sandifer 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.
Mr. Elstrott introduced and called for a public hearing for the Appointment and Setting the Salary for the New
Business Tax Official scheduled for December 8, 2025.
Mayor Daniels open the floor to the public hearing for an Appeal requested by Stephen Gibson. He is appealing the
Consolidated Boards decision to approve a Variance at 253 S. 8 th Street. Mr. Gibson spoke to the Council about his
concerns with the structure that was built in which caused flooding to his property. He provided pictures to show
the flooding and the structure that was also too close to his property line. He also believed it would be an issue if
he decided to sale his property due to the current Ordinance guidelines. Jason Achord also spoke to the Council in
which he stated after learning he needed a permit for the structure he stopped development and spoke with the
Building Official Chris Winburn for further approval. Mr. Jeff Daniels also spoke to the Council and advised that
there is a reason Ordinances and guidelines are put in place and asked that they looked more into that. Mr.
Toomer expressed his concerns and believed Mr. Winburn should be present. After discussion, Mr. Wright
motioned to table the hearing to allow Building Official Chris Winburn to come in and speak on the appeal and the
Ordinance. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Motion passed with Sandifer, Toomer, Batiste and Wright for. Mr.
Elstrott abstained.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution to surplus office equipment. Mr. Elstrott motion to pass the
Resolution. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Resolution passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution approving the Holiday and Council meeting schedule for 2026. Mr.
Wright motion to approve the Schedule. Motion second by Mr. Elstrott. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution authorizing the City Building Inspector to Solicit/Award Bids for the
removal of structures, trash and debris on a Demolition at 484 N. 11 Th Street. Mr. Sandifer motioned to pass the
Resolution. Motion second by Mr. Elstrott. Motioned passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution for the Adoption of the LA Compliance Questionnaire for FY 2024-
2025. Mr. Sandifer motion to approve the Resolution. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all in
favor.
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege.
Mr. Elstrott motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:59p.m., which was seconded by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed
with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk