CITY OF PONCHATOULA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
A regular meeting was held Monday, June 8, 2026 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, Jeff Wright
Public Input – Rhett Young spoke to the Council about possibly working with the city to improve the water system
Mr. Wright motioned to accept the minutes of the May regular meeting. Mrs. Batiste 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 public hearing Ordinance Levying a Tax on all taxable property within the corporate limits of the City of Ponchatoula for the year 2026. Mr. Wright motioned to pass the ordinance. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a public hearing for an Amendment to Ordinance 832 – An Ordinance adopting an annual Budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026.Mr. Toomer motioned to pass the ordinance. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a public hearing for an Ordinance adopting an annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. Mr. Wright motioned to pass the ordinance. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a public hearing for an Amendment to Ordinance 831 Setting the Salaries for the Elected Officials. Mr. Toomer motioned to pass the ordinance. Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a public hearing for an Amendment to Ordinance 830 Setting the Salaries for the Appointed Official. Mr. Toomer motioned to pass the ordinance. Motion second by Mr. Wright. Passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution to Surplus five city vehicles. Four will come from the Police Department and one will come from Public Works. Mr. Sandifer motioned to pass the Resolution. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution giving him authorization to acquire property at N. First Street. Assessment 6038743. Mr. Elstrott motioned to pass the Resolution. Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with Sandifer, Elstrott and Wright for. Toomer and Batiste abstained.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the alcohol permit request for Brother Food Express INC/Brother Food Mart location at 365 W. Pine street. After discussion, Mr. Wright motioned to approve the permit request. Motion second by Mr. Toomer. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the appointment of the 2026-2027 Mayor Pro Temp. Mr. Sandifer nominated Jeff Wright. Nomination was second by Mr. Elstrott. No other nominations were offered. Motion passed by acclamation.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the appointment of the Official Journal for 2026-2027 year. Mr. Wright motioned to appoint Tangi Times. Motion second by Mr. Elstrott. Motion passed with Sandifer, Elstrott, Batiste, Wright for. Toomer against.
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege.
Mr. Sandifer motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:39p.m., which was seconded by Mr. Elstrott. Motion passed with all present voting in favor.
****UNOFFICIAL****
J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk
Cost of notice: $79.35