CITY OF PONCHATOULA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
A regular meeting was held Monday, February 9, 2026, 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 January 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 discussion about the 2024-2025 Audit and
findings. Mayor Daniels spoke to the Council about some of the findings and the plan
to improve in those areas moving forward.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution giving the City authorization to enter
a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with St Bernard Parish Government to provide
accommodations to the St Bernard Office of Emergency Preparedness. Mr. Sandifer
motioned to approve the Resolution. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Motion passed
with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a
Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Ponchatoula Lions Club to build and
maintain a flower bed in place of the water fountain in downtown. Mrs. Batiste
motioned to approve the Resolution. Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed
with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the approval of Multiple Temporary Alcohol Permits
and Variances. Mr. Sandifer motioned to approve the variance for the Strawberry
Festival board for Chamber After hours on March 12, 2026. Motion second by Mrs.
Batiste with all in favor. Mr. Elstrott motion to approve the Alcohol Permit and Variance
for the Strawberry Festival Board for April 9,10, 11& 12. Motion second by Mr.
Sandifer. Motion passed with all in favor. Mrs. Batiste motioned to approve the alcohol
permit for Paul’s Café/Strawberry Festival board for April 10,11 & 12. Motion second
by the Elstrott. Motion passed with all in favor. Mrs. Batiste motioned to approve the
Temporary alcohol permit for the Ponchatoula Jaycees for April 10,11 & 12. Motion
second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all in favor. Mr. Elstrott motioned to
approve the Temporary alcohol permit for the Ponchatoula Rotary Club for April 10, 11,
& 12. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the Approval of an alcohol permit for the Tavern
1820 LLC/Sonny’s 155 NW Railroad Ave. Mr. Wright motioned to approve the permit.
Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Permit was approved with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege.
Mr. Elstrott motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:25p.m., which was seconded by Mr.
Sandifer. Motion passed with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk Cost of notice: $51.75