Agenda packet — Needles City Council, November 12, 2024

(ACT) ACTION NEEDED
(INF) INFORMATION ONLY
(DIS) DISCRETIONARY
AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

NEEDLES PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY

HOUSING AUTHORITY CITY OF NEEDLES

CITY OF NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA
EL GARCES – 950 FRONT STREET, NEEDLES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024
COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION – 5:00 PM
CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 6:00 PM

THE PUBLIC MAY ATTEND VIA TEAMS AND MAY SUBMIT ANY COMMENTS IN WRITING PRIOR TO NOON ON THE DAY OF THE MEETING BY EMAILING [email protected] TO JOIN THE LIVE TEAMS MEETING: log into the City of Needles website at www.cityofneedles.com to access the agenda and Click here to join the meeting If asked, enter the following: Meeting ID: 534 617 316# OR listen in and participate by calling Teams: 1-323-488-2227 - Meeting ID: 534 617 316# The meetings are being recorded.

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS A three-minute time limit per person has been established.

RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation - significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and/or (3). Two potential cases. b. Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1). One Case: City of Needles v. Adrian Chavez (Case No. CIVSB2431838) c. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Gov’t Code § 54956.9(d)(1)) In re: City of Needles v. Midnight Peak Solutions LLC, et al. – 209 Goodwill Street California Superior CourtCounty of San Bernardino (Case No. CIVSB2427887 d. Public employee appointment pursuant to Government Code Section 54957. Title: Interim City Clerk EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT - by City Attorney

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

INVOCATION

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

CORRESPONDENCE

INTRODUCTIONS
CITY ATTORNEY – Parliamentary Procedures
As a courtesy to those in attendance, we would ask that cell phones be turned off or set in their silent mode. Thank you
PUBLIC APPEARANCE - Persons wishing to address the NPUA / City Council on subjects other than those scheduled are requested to do so at this time. When called by the Mayor, please announce your name and address for the record. In order to conduct a timely meeting, a three-minute time limit per person has been established by Municipal Code Section 2-18. Amendments to the California Government Code Section 54950 prohibits the City Council from taking action on a specific item until it appears on the agenda.

PRESENTATION
(A ten-minute time limit per presentation has been established per Municipal Code Section 2-18.)

1. Captain Tarangle & Lieutenant Gault from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Colorado River Station, will present a donation to Military Mom's.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE NPUA/COUNCIL ITEMS
A three-minute time limit per person has been established.

COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. The Mayor or any member of the City Council may pull an item from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Prior to Council action, a member of the public may address the City Council on matters scheduled on the Consent Calendar. A threeminute time limit per person applies. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve Items 2 through 5 on the Consent Calendar by affirmative roll call vote. (ACT)

2. Approve the Warrants Register through November 12, 2024

3. Approve the Minutes of October 22, 2024

4. 668-AC ADU Ordinance 2nd read adopt

5. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-43 of the City Council of the City of Needles, Approving a Categorical Exemption for the Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Project; authorize staff to proceed with the implementation of the Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Project; and direct staff to file the Notice of Exemption (NOE) with the State of California, Office of Planning and research, State Clearinghouse, and the San Bernardino County Clerk.

END OF COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR

REGULAR COUNCIL ITEMS

6. Authorize the City Clerk's Department to publish a notice of vacancies on the various Boards and Commissions due to the expiration of terms. (ACT)

7. Waive the reading and approve for introduction Ordinance 669-AC of the City Council of the City of Needles, California, Amending Chapter 15A, Recreation Area Use, of the Needles Municipal Code to Modify Section 15A-3 to Update Recreation Area Closing Hours and Add Section 15A-7.1, Entitled Pump Track Regulations

8. Waive the reading and approve for introduction Ordinance 670-AC of the City Council of the City of Needles, California, Amending Chapter 15A of the Needles Municipal Code to Add Section 15A-7.2, Entitled 'Splash Pad Area Regulations.

9. City Council Resolution 2024-44 of the City Council of the City of Needles Approving the First Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement with Patrick Martinez. (ACT)

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT

CITY MANAGER REPORT
MANAGERS REPORT for the weeks of October 25 and November 1, 2024.

COUNCIL REQUESTS
Council Member Campbell
Council Member McCorkle
Vice Mayor Merritt
Council Member Pogue
Council Member Belt
Council Member Longbrake
Mayor Jernigan

ADJOURNMENT

INTERNET ACCESS TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDAS AND STAFF REPORT MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE PRIOR TO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AT: http://www.cityofneedles.com Posted: November 8, 2024
SB 343-DOCUMENTS RELATED TO OPEN SESSION AGENDAS -- Any public record, relating to an open session agenda item, that is distributed within 72 hours prior to the meeting is available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office, 817 Third Street, Needles, CA 92363.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (760) 326-2113 ext 133. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR 35.102-104 ADA Title II).

I hereby certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing Agenda was posted at the front entrance of City Hall not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting.

Dated this 8th day of November 2024
/s/        Candace Clark, CPMC, Assistant City Clerk
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Item 2.

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M I N U T E S

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

NEEDLES PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY

HOUSING AUTHORITY CITY OF NEEDLES

CITY OF NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA
EL GARCES – 950 FRONT STREET, NEEDLES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024 - COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION - 5PM - CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 6PM CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Jernigan called the meeting to order at 5:17 PM

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Council Member Ellen Campbell
Vice Mayor Kirsten Merritt
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
Council Member Tona Belt
Council Member Henry Longbrake
ABSENT – Mayor Jernigan announced an excused absence for Council Member Jamie McCorkle Also Present: City Attorney John Pinkney, City Manager Patrick Martinez, and Assistant City Clerk Candace Clark.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS - None RECESSED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION at 5:19 pm

EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Conference with Labor Negotiators Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6. Agency Designated Representatives: Mayor Janet Jernigan and Councilmember Tona Belt.

No Reportable Action
b. Public Employee Performance Evaluation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957. Title: City Manager
No Reportable Action
c. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation – Regarding Potential Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4). Two Potential Cases No Reportable Action
EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT - given by City Attorney Pinkney as indicated above.

CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Jernigan called the meeting to order at 6:13 PM

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Council Member Ellen Campbell
Vice Mayor Kirsten Merritt
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
Council Member Tona Belt
Council Member Henry Longbrake
ABSENT – Mayor Jernigan announced an excused absence for Council Member Jamie McCorkle Item 3.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Mayor Jernigan
INVOCATION - Given by Council Member Campbell
APPROVAL OF AGENDA – No Action Taken
CONFLICT OF INTEREST - None
CORRESPONDENCE - None
INTRODUCTIONS - Mayor Jernigan acknowledge Former Mayor Jeff Williams, Former Council Members Tim Terral and Zachery Longacre in attendance.

CITY ATTORNEY – Parliamentary Procedures given by City Attorney Pinkney

PUBLIC APPEARANCE -
Laurie Fragoso spoke on behalf of the Rodeo Association against assertions that their 501k is delinquent. She provided handouts showing their EIN and entity status and a list of donations they have given during this past year.

Cory Payne spoke on behalf of the Rodeo Association and indicated that they have no interest in being drawn into politics. He asserted that they have many volunteers who work hard to bring the Rodeo to the residents of Needles and the larger Tri-State Area every year.

Wayne Colburn refuted allegations that he made false statements about the Rodeo Association status, asserting that his statements were accurate, based on a State of California website.

INTERVIEWS

1. Interviews and appointments to fill vacancies on various Boards and Commissions Three applications were received as follows: Two for Parks and Recreation (two vacancies) and one for Utility Board (one vacancy).

Council Member Campbell made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Merritt, to appoint Michael Powell to the Board of Public Utilities; Maria McAndrews and Manuel Calderon Jr. to Parks and Recreation, all with terms expiring on 12/31/2027.

Motion carried by the following roll call vote:

Ayes: Council Member Campbell, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes: None

Absent: Council Member McCorkle
Abstain: None

PUBLIC HEARING

2. Public hearing noticed to consider all evidence and testimony for or against Amending the Appendix to the Conflict of Interest Code pursuant to the Political reform Act of 1974 City Manager Martinez gave staff report
There were no questions of staff
Mayor Jernigan opened the public hearing at 6:31 PM
There was no public comment
Mayor Jernigan closed the public hearing at 6:31 PM
No Council discussion or deliberation.

Council Member Campbell made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Merritt, to adopt Resolution No. 2024-42 rescinding Resolution No. 2022-71 and approving and adopting an amended Appendix to the Conflict of Interest Code pursuant to the Political Reform Act of 1974.

Motion carried by the following roll call vote:

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Ayes: Council Member Campbell, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes: None

Absent: Council Member McCorkle
Abstain: None

3. Public Hearing Noticed to consider all evidence and testimony for or against Ordinance No. 668-AC of the City Council Approving Needles Municipal Code amendment to amend section 96.00 “Table of Permissible Uses” And Section 96.08 “Dwelling Units.” City Manager Martinez gave staff report
There were no questions of staff
Mayor Jernigan opened the public hearing at 6:35 PM
Donna Lawrence asked for an explanation of this Ordinance and how it will affect her property. City Manager Martinez responded.

Mayor Jernigan closed the public hearing at 6:37 PM
No Council discussion or deliberation.

Council Member Campbell made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Merritt, to adopt Ordinance No. 668-AC of the City Council Approving Needles Municipal Code amendment to amend section 96.00 “Table of Permissible Uses” And Section 96.08 “Dwelling Units.”
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:

Ayes: Council Member Campbell, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes: None

Absent: Council Member McCorkle
Abstain: None

RECESSED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND CONVENED A JOINT COUNCIL / NPUA MEETING at 6:39 pm
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE COUNCIL / NPUA ITEMS - None

NPUA / COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Member / Vice Mayor Merritt made a motion, second by Member / Council Member Belt, to approve NPUA / Council Consent Calendar items 4 through 5.

Motion carried by the following roll call vote:

Ayes: Member/Council Member Campbell, Member/Vice Mayor Merritt, Member/ Mayor Jernigan, Member/Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None

Absent: Member/Council Member McCorkle
Abstain: None

4. Approved the 2023 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Allowance Transaction from CP Energy Marketing LP ($614,631.60) and Evolution Market ($6,146.32) for a total amount not to exceed $620,778 to be funded from the adopted FY25 electric budget.

5. Accepted the bid of Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. to prepare a Comprehensive Electric, Water, and Wastewater Cost of Service Ratemaking Study at a cost not to exceed $98,774 utilizing the adopted FY25 NPUA budget.

END OF NPUA CONSENT CALENDAR
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ADJOURNED THE JOINT COUNCIL/NPUA MEETING AND RECONVENED THE COUNCIL MEETING at 6:40 pm
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE COUNCIL ITEMS - None

COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Campbell pulled Consent Calendar item 8 for discussion.

Mayor Jernigan called for a motion on Consent Calendar Items 6, 7, and 9.

Council Member Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Belt, to approve Council Consent Calendar items 6, 7, and 9.

Motion carried by the following roll call vote:

Ayes: Council Member Campbell, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes: None

Absent: Council Member McCorkle
Abstain: None

6. Approved the Warrants Register through October 22, 2024.

7. Approved the Minutes of October 8, 2024.

9. Waived the reading and adopted Resolution No. 2024-41 waiving the sealed bid process and accepting a budgetary quote from Flock Safety for purchase of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras.

Consent Calendar item 8 pulled for discussion.

8. Accept Proposal from Phillips Excavating, Inc. for the Well 11 to Well 15 Intertie Project in the amount of $435,065 plus 10% contingency for a total project cost of $478,506.50 and authorize staff to execute a Public Works Agreement with Phillips Excavating, Inc. and move forward with the Notice of Award and Notice to Proceed.

City Manager Martinez gave staff report.

Council Member Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Belt, to accept Proposal from Phillips Excavating, Inc. for the Well 11 to Well 15 Intertie Project in the amount of $435,065 plus 10% contingency for a total project cost of $478,506.50 and authorize staff to execute a Public Works Agreement with Phillips Excavating, Inc. and move forward with the Notice of Award and Notice to Proceed.

Motion carried by the following roll call vote:

Ayes: Council Member Campbell, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes: None

Absent: Council Member McCorkle
Abstain: None

END OF COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR

REGULAR COUNCIL ITEMS

10. Create an AdHoc Committee of no more than three Council Members to organize the Annual Employee Appreciation Event (Christmas Party).

Council Member Longbrake stated he would like to serve on the Ad-Hoc Committee with Council Members Campbell and Belt.

Item 3.
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Council Member Campbell made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Merritt, to appoint Council Members Campbell, Belt, and Longbrake to the Annual Employee Appreciation Event Ad-Hoc Committee.

Motion carried by the following roll call vote:

Ayes: Council Member Campbell, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes: None

Absent: Council Member McCorkle
Abstain: None
CITY MANAGER REPORT - Given by City Manager Martinez
Manager's Report for the weeks of October 4 and October 11, 2024

COUNCIL REQUESTS
Council Member Campbell - Thanked City staff for making street improvements in the City of Needles, and in her neighborhood.

Vice Mayor Merritt - Thanked staff and the community who have supported her throughout her term on Council.

Council Member Pogue - Reminded the community to get out and vote on November 5 and thanked Vice Mayor Merritt for her service to the City of Needles.

Council Member Belt - Announced the Fall Festival coming up on November 2 and asked about getting a Pickleball court in Needles.

Council Member Longbrake - Mentioned Pickleball, agreeing with Council Member Belt; reported on his attendance at the League of California Cities Annual Conference and a meeting he attended on Fentanyl awareness.

Mayor Jernigan - attended the St. Vincent De Paul fundraiser at the Elk's Lodge; announced that the NUSD is working with St. Vincent De Paul to provide bags of groceries to students on Friday afternoons so they have food for the weekend; attended the Fort Mohave Valley Telecom ribbon cutting event at Santa Fe Park.

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jernigan adjourned the meeting at 6:52 PM
Mayor Janet Jernigan Assistant City Clerk Candace Clark Item 3.

ORDINANCE 668-AC

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEEDLES AMENDING NEEDLES MUNICIPAL CODE (NMC) SECTION 96.00 "TABLE OF PERMISSIBLE USES" AND" SECTION 96.08 "DWELLING UNIT"
WHEREAS, the City of Needles, California ("City") is a municipal corporation, duly organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and WHEREAS, state law authorizes cities to act by ordinance to provide for the creation and regnlation of accessory dwelling units ("AD Us") and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs); and WHEREAS, in recent years, the California Legislature has approved, and the Governor has signed into law, a number bills that, among other things, amended Government Code sections 66310- 66342 to impose new limits on local authority to regulate AD Us and JADUs; and WHEREAS, On July 22, 2024, the City of Needles received a comment letter from the California Department of Housing and Conununity Development (HCD) regarding Ordinance No. 652- AC, which amended Needles Municipal Code (NMC) Section 96.00 "Table of Permissible Uses" and Section 96.08 "Dwelling Unit" and was adopted by the Needles City Council on August 6, 2022; and WHEREAS, on September 19, 2024, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 1211 (SB 121 l) into law, introducing further changes to State ADU regulations; and WHEREAS, City staff has developed the necessary amendments to the ordinance to ensure compliance with Government Code sections 66310 - 66342; and WHEREAS, on October 09, 2024, the Needles Planning Commission was presented with the Ordinance Amendments to Zoning Code Sections 96.00 and 96.08 of the City's Municipal Code as contained in Exhibit "A", and after holding a duly noticed public hearing, voted to recommend that the council approve the revisions; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing notice for the Needles City Council meeting was published in the Needles Dese1t Star on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 and posted in two conspicuous locations in the city; and
WHEREAS, the Needles City Council has sufficiently considered all testimony, and any documentaiy evidence presented to them in order to make the following determination.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of the City of Needles, California, approves an amendment to the City Code .

SECTION 1. Recitals. The recitals above are hereby incorporated by reference as a substantive component of this Ordinance.

SECTION 2. Compliance with CEOA. As the advisory body to the City Council, the Planning Commission has independently reviewed and considered the project exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15060(c), 1506l(B)(3) (the common-sense exemption), and 15378, that this Ordinance is nonetheless exempt from the requirements of CEQA in that the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.

Item 4.

City of Needles, California
Request for City Council Action
CITY COUNCIL NPUA Regular Special
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Title: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-43 of the City Council of the City of Needles, Approving a Categorical Exemption for the Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Project Background: The City has identified the need for sidewalk improvements to provide a safer and more inviting bicycling and walking experience for students and seniors’ commuting to nearby facilities using active forms of transportation. More specifically, the project scope includes design of curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveway, access ramps, and AC pavement improvements along various streets close to schools, senior center and senior housing.

The City was awarded $1,565,000 in Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Cycle 6 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) funds for its Schools and Seniors Sidewalk Project, with an estimated total project cost of $1,658,000. The City retained an engineering consultant to complete preliminary engineering, planning and environmental clearance, right-of-way exhibits, plans & specifications, cost estimates, and project management services for the proposed project.

Project Description
The purpose of this project is to design curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveways, access ramps and AC pavement improvements along various local streets close to schools, senior center and senior housing all within the City of Needles’ boundaries.

Introduction:

State law requires that every lead agency have defined rules or guidelines to implement the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA). The laws and rules governing the CEQA process are contained in the CEQA statute, Public Resources Code (PRC) §§21000 and following, the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 and following, referred to as “Guidelines” herein), and locally adopted CEQA procedures. This document represents the City of Needles (City) “Rules and Procedures for the Implementation of CEQA” hereinafter referred to as the CEQA Rules & Procedures, and is intended to update and replace, in its entirety, the previous City guidance document dated December 20, 1988 and as amended in 1992. These CEQA Rules & Procedures shall be applicable to all City Department(s) that have responsibilities under CEQA as either a “Lead Agency” or a “Responsible Agency.” The Community Development Department is hereby designated as the principal “Lead Agency” Department for the City with respect to CEQA compliance.

Categorical Exemptions (Guidelines §§15300 to 15332)
Categorical exemptions are descriptions of types of projects which the Secretary of the Resources Agency have determined may not have a significant effect on the environment. Unlike statutory exemptions, categorical exemptions are not absolute. There are exceptions to the exemptions depending on the nature or location of the project. If an exception pursuant to the Guidelines §15300.2 applies, the project would not be exempt. Specifically, the following types of projects would not be exempt:
• located in sensitive environments;
• would result in cumulative impacts;
• have a significant effect on the environment;
• affect scenic highways;
• affect historical resources; and
• are hazardous waste sites
Item 5.

Guidelines §15300.4 states that each public agency shall, in the course of establishing its own procedures, list those specific activities that fall within each of the exempt classes. There are 33 classes of Categorical Exemptions (referred to as Class 1, Class 2, etc.) provided in the Guidelines. Of the 33 classes listed in the guidelines (Guidelines Sections 15301 to 15333), the classes cited below, and accompanying examples represent the most commonly used categorical exemptions by the City. Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of exemptions and explanations:
• Class 1 - Existing facilities, including existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails and similar facilities, this includes road grading for the purpose of public safety (see discussion of City projects that would generally be expected to fall under 15301 (c) below), and other alterations such as the addition of bicycle facilities, including but not limited to bicycle parking, bicycle-share facilities and bicycle lanes, transit improvements such as bus lanes, pedestrian crossings, street trees, and other similar alternations that do not create additional automobile lanes;
• Class 2 - Replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities, where a new structure would be located on the same site and have approximately the same purpose and capacity as the structure being replaced;
• Class 3 - New construction or conversion of small structures, where only minor modifications are made to the exterior. This class has limits in terms of the maximum that would be allowed depending on the type of use (e.g., multi-family residential unit totaling no more than four dwelling units); • Class 4 - Minor alterations to land, such as minor trenching or backfilling, fuel management, creation of bicycle lanes on existing rights-of-ways, and maintenance dredging; • Class 5 - Minor alterations in land use limitations, applies to areas with an average slope of less than 20% not resulting in changes in the land use or density; • Class 11 - Accessory structures, including the construction or placement of minor structures accessory to existing facilities such as signage, small parking lots, or seasonal/temporary use items; • Class 15 - Minor land divisions, applicable to property divisions in urban areas creating up to four parcels when in conformance with the General Plan and zoning; and • Class 32 - In-fill development projects, where the project size is five acres or less and substantially surrounded by urban uses and consistent with the general plan and zoning.

As guidance for City capital projects, the Class 1 Categorical Exemption under Section 15301 (c) include, but are not limited to:
a. Minor widening of less than a lane width, and/or adding paved shoulders to existing streets; b. Pavement reconstruction, resurfacing, rehabilitation and placement of seal coats; c. Minor operational improvements to drainage facilities; d. Repair work on bridge structures;
e. Reconstruction and/or repair of existing stream crossings; f. Maintenance of man-made water features;
g. Installation of new traffic control systems, including signs, signals, interconnect, cameras, channelization of intersections, pavement striping, and other traffic control devices; h. Modification of traffic control systems and devices including addition of new elements such as signs, signals, and controllers;
i. Repair and maintenance of a highway and all its appurtenant facilities including replacement of damaged or inadequate facilities, or upgrade of facilities to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements;
j. Minor operational improvements to drainage facilities; k. Modification of existing features such as curbs, headwalls, slopes and ditches within the right of way to improve roadway safety;
l. Removal and/or replacement of distinctive roadway markings such as painted stripes, raised pavement markers, thermoplastic, tape or raised bars;
Item 5.
m. Addition of auxiliary lanes when required for purposes such as weaving, turning, climbing, speed change, or for lane changing between adjacent interchanges or intersections; n. Landscaping within City owned property, rights of way, or within the California Aqueduct easement for the public’s benefit;
o. Addition of non-motorized trails including Class 1 bike path trails within right-of-way, or within easements;
p. Addition or replacement of devices such as fencing, guardrails, safety barriers, guideposts and markers;
q. Repair and maintenance of City owned facilities, parking lots, carports, and gates.

Conclusion: Pursuant to Article 19 of the State of California’s CEQA Guidelines, the proposed City of Needles’ ATP Cycle 6 Schools and Senior Sidewalk Improvement Project, ATPL-5220(011) & (PPNo:
1299)has been found to be Categorically Exempt from the requirements of CEQA under State Guidelines (Section §15300.4), Class (1) (Existing Facilities) because Class (1) “consists of existing streets, sidewalks and gutters” and, therefore, the City of Needles directs staff to file the notice of exemption.

Fiscal Impact: N/A
Recommended
Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-43 of the City Council of the City of Needles, Approving a Categorical Exemption for the Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Project; authorize staff to proceed with the implementation of the Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Project; and direct staff to file the Notice of Exemption (NOE) with the State of California, Office of Planning and research, State Clearinghouse, and the San Bernardino County Clerk.

Submitted By: Kathy Raasch, Director of Development Services/Capital Projects City Manager Approval: Date:

Other Department Approval (when required): Date:

Approved: Not Approved: Tabled: Other:

Agenda Item: ____________
11/7/2024
Item 5.

RESOLUTION 2024-43

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEEDLES

APPROVING A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION FOR THE PROPOSED SCHOOLS AND SENIORS’ SIDEWALK PROJECT
WHEREAS, the City wishes to construct sidewalk improvements at various locations to eliminate gaps and provide sidewalk connectivity close to schools and senior housing; and
WHEREAS, the City has proposed a Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Project that would allow the City to install new sidewalks, replace damaged sidewalks, and install ADA compliant access ramps at driveways and intersections; and WHEREAS, the City has been awarded funding from the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Cycle 6 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Project to construct sidewalk improvements; and WHEREAS, the City is the Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the proposed Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Project and staff have evaluated the Project as required under CEQA; and
WHEREAS, City staff have determined that the Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Project is categorically exempt under Section 15300 of the State CEQA Guidelines. City staff have determined that the Schools and Seniors Sidewalk Project meets the requirements for Categorical Exemptions as defined by Section 15300.4, Class 1 exemption; and WHEREAS, the Needles City Council has sufficiently considered all testimony and any documentary evidence presented to them in order to make the following determination.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the CITY COUNCIL of the City of Needles as follows:
1) Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Project is exempt from CEQA, and
2) Staff is directed to file the Notice of Exemption (NOE) for the Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Project with the State of California, Governor’s Office of Planning and Research - State Clearinghouse, and the San Bernardino County Clerk.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 12th day of November 2024 by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Mayor
(Seal)
Attest:

City Clerk
Approved as to form:
_______________________________
City Attorney Item 5.

October 31, 2024
Exemption/NEPA Categorical Exclusion Clearance
for
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM (ATP) CYCLE 6 PROJECT (PPNO:1299) Engineering for Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Improvement Plans City of Needles, CA
PREPARED FOR:

CITY OF NEEDLES
Community Development Department
817 Third Street
Needles, CA 92363
PREPARED BY:

MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

ITS – Traffic/Civil/Electrical Engineering – Transportation Planning – Homeland Security – CEM 23282 Mill Creek Drive, East Tower, Suite 120
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Project Location Map in the City of Needles
Item 5.

CEQA CLEARANCE
FOR
ATP Cycle 6 (PPNO:1299)
SCHOOLS AND SENIORS’

SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT

PROJECT

FOR THE

CITY OF NEEDLES
PRESENTED TO:

CITY OF NEEDLES
Community Development Department
817 Third Street
Needles, CA 92363
PREPARED BY:

MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

ITS – Traffic/Civil/Electrical Engineering – Transportation Planning – Homeland Security – CEM 23282 Mill Creek Drive, East Tower, Suite 120
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Tel: (949) 707-1199

OCTOBER 31, 2024
Item 5.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 – Cover Letter............................................................................................... 4 Section 2 – Project Description ................................................................................... 5 Section 3 – CEQA Basis & Definition .......................................................................... 6

LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: City of Needles’ ATP Cycle 6 – Preliminary Engineering Plans for Schools and Seniors Sidewalk Project
Appendix B: CEQA Process Flow Chart
Item 5.

MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC. Traffic/Civil/Electrical Engineering – ITS – Transportation Planning & CEM 4 23282 Mill Creek Drive, East Tower, Suite 120, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 Tel: (949) 707-1199, Ext. 2#, Email: [email protected] Section 1 – Cover Letter
October 31, 2024
Ms. Kathy Raasch
Director of Development Services/Capital Projects
City of Needles
Community Development Department
817 Third Street
Needles, CA 92363
Re: ATPL-5220(011) Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Improvement Project ATP Cycle 6 (PPNo:1299), CEQA Assessment
Dear Ms. Raasch,
On behalf of the Minagar & Associates, Inc. Team, I would like to present to you the results of our CEQA assessment for the for Schools and Seniors’ Sidewalk Project in the City of Needles, CA.
■ Pursuant to Article 19 of the State of California’s CEQA Guidelines, the proposed City of Needles’ ATP Cycle 6 Schools and Senior Sidewalk Improvement Project, ATPL5220(011) & (PPNo: 1299)has been found to be Categorically Exempt from the requirements of CEQA under State Guidelines (Section §15300.4), Class (1) (Existing Street Facilities) because Class (1) “consists of existing streets, sidewalks and gutters” and, therefore, the City of Needles directs staff to file the notice of exemption.

Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions you might have at (949) 707-1199 ext. 2# or via e-mail at [email protected]. We do look forward to the completion of the PS&E package and opportunity to work with staff and the local community in improving conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Sincerely,
MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC. (a State of California SBE Corporation) Fred Minagar, MS, RCE, PE, FITE
President/Senior Project Manager
Item 5.

CEQA Clearance
SCHOOLS & SENIORS’ SIDEWALK PROJECT - ATP CYCLE 6 Project (PPNO:1299)

CITY OF NEEDLES, CA
5 Section 2 – Project Description
The purpose of this project is to design curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveways, access ramps and AC pavement improvements along various local streets close to schools, senior center and senior housing all within the City of Needles’ boundaries. All the preliminary engineering plans for the subject project are included in Appendix A. All the improvements shall be along the 10 local streets and arterials as shown below:

Listed below are the total lengths of both in-fill and remove/replace sidewalks:
• Total Length of Proposed In-Fill Sidewalks: 6,013 LF
• Total Length of Proposed Remove and Replace Sidewalks: 1,558 LF Item 5.

CEQA Clearance
SCHOOLS & SENIORS’ SIDEWALK PROJECT - ATP CYCLE 6 Project (PPNO:1299)

CITY OF NEEDLES, CA
6 Section 3 – CEQA Basis & Definitions
Introduction:

Purpose:

These CEQA Rules and Procedures provide guidance to City Departments in the implementation of CEQA and the Guidelines. They are intended to provide objective and specific direction for the processing of projects pursuant to CEQA and to ensure the City produces consistent and adequate environmental documents.

These procedures are not meant to replace the State Guidelines but to implement and tailor the general provisions of the State Guidelines to the specific operations of the City. The City may administer its responsibilities under CEQA in any manner which meets the requirements of CEQA, notwithstanding the specific procedures and provisions set forth in these procedures. If any of these procedures are in conflict with or contrary to any provision of the State Guidelines as they exist or may be amended hereafter, the State Guidelines shall take precedence.

Basis and Definitions:

What is CEQA?
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a State law that is intended to provide disclosure of the potential environmental impacts that may result from implementation of a project to both the public and decision maker. If a project subject to CEQA will not cause any significant adverse environmental impacts, a public agency may adopt a brief document known as a Negative Declaration (ND) or a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). If the project may cause adverse environmental impacts, the public agency must prepare a more detailed study called an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). An EIR contains in-depth studies of potential impacts, measures to reduce or avoid those impacts, and an analysis of alternatives to the project. A key feature of the CEQA process is the opportunity for the public to review and provide input on both NDs and EIRs. The CEQA process supports identifying feasible mitigation and/or project alternatives that can minimize or avoid environmental impacts. However, in some cases, significant and unavoidable impacts may result even when all feasible mitigation measures are implemented. CEQA does not require that projects be denied if significant impacts would result.

A flow chart describing the CEQA process is provided in Appendix B.

Item 5.

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SCHOOLS & SENIORS’ SIDEWALK PROJECT - ATP CYCLE 6 Project (PPNO:1299)

CITY OF NEEDLES, CA
7 A number of resources are available that provide useful guidance for implementation of CEQA. These include the Association of Environmental Professionals which provides topic papers on a number of CEQA issues, and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), which maintains a website that provides CEQA technical advisories, published cases, and the latest updates to CEQA among other important resources. In addition, the CEQA Guidelines §§15350 to 15387 defines a number of important terms used throughout the Guidelines, some of which are summarized below.

What is a “Project” Under CEQA? (Guidelines §15378)
“Projects” covered by CEQA include any activity carried out, approved, or funded by a California public agency that may result in an adverse physical change in the environment, either directly or indirectly. If the activity is not a “project,” then CEQA does not apply. CEQA typically applies to discretionary projects.

Specifically, Guidelines §15378 (a) defines a project as:
[T]he whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and that is any of the following:
1) An activity directly undertaken by any public agency including but not limited to public works construction and related activities clearing or grading of land, improvements to existing public structures, enactment and amendment of zoning ordinances, and the adoption and amendment of local General Plans or elements thereof pursuant to Government Code Sections 65100–65700.
2) An activity undertaken by a person which is supported in whole or in part through public agency contacts, grants, subsidies, loans, or other forms of assistance from one or more public agencies.
3) An activity involving the issuance to a person of a lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement for use by one or more public agencies.

Discretionary Project (Guidelines §§15002(i), 15357)
A discretionary project is a project that requires the exercise of judgement or deliberation by a decision maker. Discretionary projects are subject to CEQA.

Ministerial Project (Guidelines §§15002(i), 15268, 15369) A ministerial project requires little or no judgment by a public official. The City has no discretion, but is legally compelled to grant the approval if the required factual showing is made. Ministerial projects are exempt from the requirements of CEQA and do not require the preparation of a Notice of Exemption (NOE) or compliance with other exemption procedures. As stated in the guidelines, the determination of what is “ministerial” can most appropriately be made by the particular public agency involved based upon its analysis of its laws and each public agency should make such Item 5.

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SCHOOLS & SENIORS’ SIDEWALK PROJECT - ATP CYCLE 6 Project (PPNO:1299)

CITY OF NEEDLES, CA
8 determination either as a part of its implementing regulations or on a case-bycase basis. The following examples are City project types that generally qualify as ministerial under CEQA:
a) Issuance of Building Permits
b) Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy
c) Issuance of licenses (business licenses, etc.)
d) Issuance of a permit to do street work
e) Issuance of an Encroachment Permit
f) Approval of individual utility service connections and disconnections. g) Approval of a final map in compliance with the conditions of approval of the tentative map and consistent with all applicable laws.
h) Approval of Lot Line Adjustments if consistent with all City requirements i) Sign permits (excluding sign programs), not requiring Conditional Use Permits or other hearings.
j) Approval of Special Event Permits
k) Accessory Dwelling Units consistent with the Municipal Code Where a project involves an approval that contains elements of both ministerial and discretionary actions, the project will be deemed to be discretionary and will be subject to the requirements of CEQA. The decision whether the approval of a proposed project or activity is ministerial in nature may involve or require interpretation of the language of the legal mandate, and should be made on a case-by-case basis.

What is a Lead Agency? (Guidelines §15367)
The lead agency is the public agency that has primary responsibility for approving a project. For this ATP Cycle 6, the City of Needles, is considered the lead agency. Additional lead agency guidance is available in Guidelines §15051.

Environmental Review:

The first step in determining the appropriate processing steps is to determine if the activity is a project under CEQA. A detailed CEQA decision flow chart is provided in Attachment A. If the project is a ministerial action, no further action is required. If the project qualifies for an exemption which is the case for this project (refer to Exemption Procedures, in the following sections), an NOE is prepared and to be filed after project approval. If the project may have a potentially significant effect on the environment, an Initial Study may be prepared (not applicable for this project) to determine whether a ND/MND or an EIR is appropriate. If it is known whether an EIR will be prepared, preparation of an Initial Study is not required, but may be used to define the scope of the EIR concurrent with release of the Notice of Preparation.

Exemption Procedures:

Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15061, a project is exempt from CEQA if:

Item 5.

CEQA Clearance
SCHOOLS & SENIORS’ SIDEWALK PROJECT - ATP CYCLE 6 Project (PPNO:1299)

CITY OF NEEDLES, CA
9 • The project is exempt by statute.
• The project is exempt pursuant to a categorical exemption, this ATP project. • The activity is covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.

Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. • The project is exempt pursuant to the provisions of Article 12.5 which provides for exemptions for Agricultural Housing, Affordable Housing and Residential Infill Projects.

Types of Exemptions:

Statutory Exemptions (Guidelines §§15260 to 15285)
Statutory exemptions are projects specifically excluded from CEQA consideration as defined by the State Legislature. These exemptions are applied to any given project that falls under its definition, regardless of the project’s potential impacts to the environment. Example statutory exemptions include feasibility and planning studies, emergency permits, family day care homes for up to fourteen children, and air quality permits. A project that will be rejected or disapproved by a public agency may be found statutorily exempt (Guidelines §15270(b)).

Unlike statutory exemptions, categorical exemptions are not absolute. There are exceptions to the exemptions depending on the nature or location of the project. If an exception pursuant to the Guidelines §15300.2 applies, the project would not be exempt. Specifically, the following types of projects would not be exempt:
• located in sensitive environments;
• would result in cumulative impacts;
• have a significant effect on the environment;
• affect scenic highways;
• affect historical resources; and
• are hazardous waste sites
The Director of the Community Development Department of the City of Needles or designated staff has also assessed that this ATP project qualifies for an exemption.

Class 1 - Existing facilities, including existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails and similar facilities, this includes road grading for the purpose of public safety (see discussion of City projects that would generally Item 5.

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SCHOOLS & SENIORS’ SIDEWALK PROJECT - ATP CYCLE 6 Project (PPNO:1299)

CITY OF NEEDLES, CA
10 be expected to fall under 15301 (c) below), and other alterations such as the addition of bicycle facilities, including but not limited to bicycle parking, bicycleshare facilities and bicycle lanes, transit improvements such as bus lanes, pedestrian crossings, street trees, and other similar alternations that do not create additional automobile lanes;
Class 2 - Replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities, where a new structure would be located on the same site and have approximately the same purpose and capacity as the structure being replaced;
Class 3 - New construction or conversion of small structures, where only minor modifications are made to the exterior. This class has limits in terms of the maximum that would be allowed depending on the type of use (e.g., multi-family residential unit totaling no more than four dwelling units);
Class 4 - Minor alterations to land, such as minor trenching or backfilling, fuel management, creation of bicycle lanes on existing rights-of-ways, and maintenance dredging;

1. Class 5 - Minor alterations in land use limitations, applies to areas with an average slope of less than 20% not resulting in changes in the land use or density;

2. Class 11 - Accessory structures, including the construction or placement of minor structures accessory to existing facilities such as signage, small parking lots, or seasonal/temporary use items;
Class 15 - Minor land divisions, applicable to property divisions in urban areas creating up to four parcels when in conformance with the General Plan and zoning; and Class 32 - In-fill development projects, where the project size is five acres or less and substantially surrounded by urban uses and consistent with the general plan and zoning.

As guidance for City capital projects, the Class 1 Categorical Exemption under Section 15301
(c) include, but are not limited to:
a. Minor widening of less than a lane width, and/or adding paved shoulders to existing streets;
b. Pavement reconstruction, resurfacing, rehabilitation and placement of seal coats; c. Minor operational improvements to drainage facilities; d. Repair work on bridge structures;
e. Reconstruction and/or repair of existing stream crossings; f. Maintenance of man-made water features;
g. Installation of new traffic control systems, including signs, signals, interconnect, cameras, channelization of intersections, pavement striping, and other traffic control devices;
h. Modification of traffic control systems and devices including addition of new elements such as signs, signals, and controllers;
i. Repair and maintenance of a highway and all its appurtenant facilities including replacement of damaged or inadequate facilities, or upgrade of facilities to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements;
j. Minor operational improvements to drainage facilities; k. Modification of existing features such as curbs, headwalls, slopes and ditches within the right of way to improve roadway safety;
l. Removal and/or replacement of distinctive roadway markings such as painted stripes, raised pavement markers, thermoplastic, tape or raised bars; m. Addition of auxiliary lanes when required for purposes such as weaving, turning, climbing, speed change, or for lane changing between adjacent interchanges or intersections;
Item 5.

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SCHOOLS & SENIORS’ SIDEWALK PROJECT - ATP CYCLE 6 Project (PPNO:1299)

CITY OF NEEDLES, CA
11 n. Landscaping within City owned property, rights of way, or within the California Aqueduct easement for the public’s benefit;
o. Addition of non-motorized trails including Class 1 bike path trails within right-of-way, or within easements;
p. Addition or replacement of devices such as fencing, guardrails, safety barriers, guideposts and markers;
q. Repair and maintenance of City owned facilities, parking lots, carports, and gates.

Conclusion:

Pursuant to Article 19 of the State of California’s CEQA Guidelines, the proposed City of Needles’ ATP Cycle 6 Schools and Senior Sidewalk Improvement Project, ATPL-5220(011) & (PPNo:
1299)has been found to be Categorically Exempt from the requirements of CEQA under State Guidelines (Section §15300.4), Class (1) (Existing Facilities) because Class (1) “consists of existing streets, sidewalks and gutters” and, therefore, the City of Needles directs staff to file the notice of exemption.

Item 5.

CEQA Clearance
SCHOOLS & SENIORS’ SIDEWALK PROJECT - ATP CYCLE 6 Project (PPNO:1299)

CITY OF NEEDLES, CA
12 APPENDIX A
City of Needles ATP Cycle 6
Preliminary Engineering Plans
for
Schools & Seniors Sidewalk Improvement Project
Item 5.

CEQA Clearance
SCHOOLS & SENIORS’ SIDEWALK PROJECT - ATP CYCLE 6 Project (PPNO:1299)

CITY OF NEEDLES, CA
Section 6 - References

APPENDIX B
Governor’s office of Planning and
Research CEQA Process Flow Chart
Item 5.

CEQA Clearance
SCHOOLS & SENIORS’ SIDEWALK PROJECT - ATP CYCLE 6 Project (PPNO:1299)

CITY OF NEEDLES, CA
Item 5.

Statutory Exemptions. State code number:

_______________________________________________
Print Form
Notice of Exemption Appendix E
To: Office of Planning and Research From: (Public Agency): ____________________________ P.O. Box 3044, Room 113 _______________________________________________ Sacramento, CA 95812-3044 County Clerk
(Address)
___________________________
___________________________
County of: __________________
Project Title: ____________________________________________________________________________ Project Applicant: ________________________________________________________________________ Project Location - Specific:

Project Location - City: ______________________ Project Location - County:

Description of Nature, Purpose and Beneficiaries of Project:
_____________________
Name of Public Agency Approving Project: _____________________________________________________ Name of Person or Agency Carrying Out Project: ________________________________________________ Exempt Status: (check one):

Ministerial (Sec. 21080(b)(1); 15268);
Declared Emergency (Sec. 21080(b)(3); 15269(a));
Emergency Project (Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c));
Reasons why project is exempt:

Lead Agency
Contact Person: ____________________________ Area Code/Telephone/Extension: _______________ If filed by applicant:

1. Attach certified document of exemption finding.

2. Has a Notice of Exemption been filed by the public agency approving the project? Yes No Signature: ____________________________ Date:

Signed by Lead Agency Signed by Applicant
Authority cited: Sections 21083 and 21110, Public Resources Code. Date Received for filing at OPR:

Reference: Sections 21108, 21152, and 21152.1, Public Resources Code. _______________
Categorical Exemption. State type and section number: ____________________________________ ______________________________________________
______________ Title: _______________________
Revised 2011
City of Needles
222 W Hospitality Ln
City of Needles' ATP Cycle 6 Schools and Seniors Sidewalk Improvement Project - ATPL-5220(011) City of Needles
Needles San Benardino
City of Needles
City of Needles
X
Kathy Raasch (760)326-2113, X126
Development Services Director
817 Third Street
Needles, CA 92363
San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA 92415
The purpose of this project is to design curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveways, access ramps and AC pavement improvements along various (10) local streets close to schools, senior center and senior housing all within the City of Needles' boundaries. All the preliminary engineering plans for the subject project are included in the attachment Citywide
15300.4 Class 1 - Existing Street Facilities
The City has determined that the Project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15300.4 (Class 1 - Existing Street Facilities), accordingly, staff has prepared a Notice of Exemptionn for the project.
■
Item 5.

City of Needles, California
Request for City Council Action

Page 1 of 1 ends

CITY COUNCIL NPUA Regular Special
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Title: Advertise to fill the vacancies on various Boards and Commissions due to the expiration of terms.

Background: Past practice has been to advertise to fill the vacancies and then interview at a council meeting to appoint.

The following boards and commissions will have vacancies as of December 31, 2024:

Board of Public Utilities: Two vacancies, with terms to expire December 31, 2028. The Board meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm Planning Commission: One vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2028. The Commission meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m.

Park & Recreation Commission: Three vacancies with terms to expire December 31, 2028. The Commission meets on the third Monday of each month at 4:00 pm.

Housing Commission: One vacancy for a Housing Authority Tenant with a term to expire December 31, 2027. The Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm.

Fiscal Impact: Cost of Publication
Recommendation: Authorize the City Clerk’s Department to publish a notice of vacancies on the various Boards and Commissions due to the expiration of terms.

Submitted By: City Clerk’s Department
City Management Review: __________ Date: ____________ __ Finance Review (when required): __________ Date: ____________ __ Approved: Not Approved: Tabled: Other:

Agenda Item: ____________
11/7/2024
Item 6.

City of Needles, California
Request for City Council Action
CITY COUNCIL NPUA Regular Special
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Title: City Council Ordinance No. 669-AC
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Needles, California, Amending Chapter 15A, Recreation Area Use, of the Needles Municipal Code to Modify Section 15A-3 to
Update Recreation Area Closing Hours and Add Section 15A7.1, Entitled Pump Track Regulations Background: In February 2022, the City was awarded a $3,965,400 grant from the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program for design and construction improvements at Duke Watkins Park. Enhancements include a new bicycle pump track, splash pad, restroom, and small dog park, along with upgrades to existing facilities such as resurfacing the basketball court, lighting, landscaping, playground equipment, shade structures, and an expression wall.

In September 2023, the City awarded a $534,716 Public Works contract to Three Peaks Corporation for the pump track installation. This component, part of the larger park improvement project, received its Notice of Completion in September 2024, with a ribboncutting ceremony scheduled for December 2024.

On October 8, 2024, the City Council adopted usage rules for the pump track. To ensure enforceability, this ordinance amending the Needles Municipal Code is required. Ordinance 669-AC will codify these regulations, establishing safe and lawful use of the pump track and recreation areas.

Fiscal Impact: $200, covering staff time and publication costs for the ordinance.

Environmental Impact: N/A
Recommended Action: Waive the reading and approve for introduction Ordinance 669-AC, amending Chapter 15A of the Needles Municipal Code to update Recreation Area Closing Hours and add Section 15A-7.1, Entitled Pump Track Regulations.

Submitted By: Jennifer Valenzuela, Recreation Manager
City Clerk’s Department
City Manager Approval: Date:

Other Department Approval (when required): Date:

Approved: Not Approved: Tabled: Other:

Agenda Item: ____________
11/8/2024
Item 7.
1 ORDINANCE NO. 669-AC

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 15A, RECREATION AREA USE, OF THE NEEDLES MUNICIPAL CODE TO MODIFY SECTION 15A-3 TO UPDATE RECREATION AREA CLOSING HOURS AND ADD SECTION 15A-7.1, ENTITLED PUMP TRACK REGULATIONS WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Needles, California reviewed the proposed section 15A-7.2 of the Needles Municipal Code, entitled Splash Pad Area Regulations; and

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEEDLES DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City Council HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES that this activity is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Section § 15060 (c)(2), the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.

SECTION 2. The City Council HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES that facts do exist to approve an amendment to the Needles Municipal Code (“Needles Code”).

SECTION 3. The City Council HEREBY APPROVE Ordinance 669-AC amending the Needles Code as follows:

Chapter 15A of the Needles Municipal Code is hereby amended to modify section 15A-3 as follows:

Sec. 15A-3 Closing Hours of Certain Recreation Areas is hereby modified as follows:

In the following recreation areas, it shall be unlawful to enter or remain on the premises between the hours of 12:00 midnight 10:00 PM of one day and 5:00 A.M. of the following day:

1. Franz Flowers Field;

2. Ed Parry Park Field;

3. Grace Henderson Field;

4. Duke Watkins Park (except by permit);

5. Santa Fe Park;

6. Nikki Bunch Memorial Field;

7. Old Trails Monument Park;

8. Needles Municipal Aquatics Center;

9. Manny Morris Beachside Park (except by permit).

Item 7.
2 Sec. 15A-7.1 Pump Track Regulations is hereby added to Chapter 15A as follows:
a. The following regulations shall apply within the Pump Track:

1. Pump Track hours are 5:00 am – 10:00 pm

2. The Pump Track is for use by Children 5-12 years of age. Children under 7 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older).

3. Track is for bicycle use only. NO MOTORIZED BIKES,
SKATEBOARDS, OR SCOOTERS ALLOWED. RIDE AT YOUR OWN
RISK.

4. Please respect others space. Don’t ride too close.

5. Helmets are required by law, for riders, at all times. Protective gear such as elbow and knee pads, gloves and closed toe shoes are always recommended.

6. No more than six (6) riders on the track at a time.

7. Ride within your limits. Start small and work your way up.

8. RIDE THE SAME DIRECTION AS OTHERS.

9. Riders must always ride with caution and yield the Right of Way to younger or less skilled riders.

10. Visitors / Spectators not riding are required to remain outside the riding area.

11. Do your part to help keep YOUR Park clean. Always pick up after yourself and encourage others to do the same.
b. Any person who damages the pump track may be subject to civil or criminal citations and penalties.
c. Any violation of any section herein shall be deemed to be an infraction and is punishable as such according to the provisions of the Needles Municipal Code and state or federal law.

SECTION 4. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase added by this Ordinance, or any part thereof, is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining potions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivision, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases are declared unconstitutional, invalid or ineffective.

SECTION 5. This action shall become final and effective thirty (30) days after this decision by the City Council as provided by the Needles City Code.

SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of the City of Needles, Item 7.
3 California, approve an amendment to the City Code.

INTRODUCED AND READ for the first time and ordered posted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Needles, California, held on the 12th day of November 2024 by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
__________________________________
Janet Jernigan, Mayor
(Seal)
ATTEST: __________________________
Candace Clark, Interim City Clerk
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting ofthe City Council of the City of Needles, California, held on the 10th day of December 2024 by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
__________________________________
Janet Jernigan, Mayor
(Seal)
ATTEST: __________________________
Candace Clark, Interim City Clerk
Approved as to form:
_______________________________
City Attorney John Pinkney
Item 7.

City of Needles, California
Request for City Council Action
CITY COUNCIL NPUA Regular Special
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Title: City Council Ordinance No. 670-AC
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Needles, California, Amending Chapter 15A of the Needles Municipal Code to Add Section 15A-7.2, Entitled 'Splash Pad Area
Regulations.

Background: In February 2022, the City of Needles was awarded a $3,965,400 grant from the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program for design and construction improvements at Duke Watkins Park. The project includes new features such as a bicycle pump track, splash pad, restroom, and small dog park, along with upgrades to existing amenities including resurfacing of the basketball court, enhanced lighting, landscaping, playground equipment, shade structures, and an expression wall.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on November 8, 2023, with construction beginning in early 2024. The splash pad is nearing completion, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for December 2024.

On October 8, 2024, the City Council adopted usage rules for the splash pad area, and this ordinance is necessary to amend the Needles Municipal Code to make these rules enforceable. Ordinance 670-AC will formally codify these regulations, promoting safe and proper use of the splash pad and recreation areas.

Fiscal Impact: $200, covering staff time and publication costs for the ordinance.

Environmental Impact: N/A
Recommended Action: Waive the reading and approve the introduction of Ordinance 670- AC, amending Chapter 15A of the Needles Municipal Code to add Section 15A-7.2, entitled "Splash Pad Area Regulations."
Submitted By: Jennifer Valenzuela, Recreation Manager
City Clerk’s Department
City Manager Approval: Date:

Other Department Approval (when required): Date:

Approved: Not Approved: Tabled: Other:

Agenda Item: ____________
11/8/2024
Item 8.
1 ORDINANCE NO. 670-AC

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 15A OF THE NEEDLES MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD SECTION 15A7.2 ENTITLED SPLASH PAD AREA REGULATIONS WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Needles, California reviewed the proposed section 15A-7.2 of the Needles Municipal Code, entitled Splash Pad Area Regulations; and

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEEDLES DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 2. The City Council HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES that facts do exist to approve an amendment to the Needles Municipal Code (“Needles Code”).

SECTION 3. The City Council HEREBY APPROVE Ordinance 670-AC amending the Needles Code as follows:

Chapter 15A of the Needles Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:

Sec. 15A-7.2 Splash Pad Area Regulations
a. A splash pad and associated water features are located at Duke Watkins Park.

The City may install or place splash pads or water features at other City parks as authorized by the City Council. The splash pad days and hours of operation shall be posted on a sign at the park, along with applicable rules and regulations. The splash pad and water features shall generally be open and operational daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Notwithstanding the foregoing or the posted days and hours of operation, the splash pad and water features may be closed or rendered nonoperational due to weather, maintenance or operation concerns, or as otherwise determined by the City Manager or his/her designee. The City reserves the right to modify the splash pad regulations by ordinance or resolution.

The most current adopted regulations shall be posted by the City at the park. It shall be unlawful for any person to not abide by the adopted and posted splash pad area regulations, including the following:

1. Splash Pad hours are 5:00 am – 10:00 pm daily. Splash Pad is unsupervised. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

2. Splash Pad is for ages 12 years and younger only. Children ages 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

3. Clean and proper swim attire must be worn while using the splash pad.

Children who are not “toilet trained” must wear a swim diaper or plastic pants.

4. Surfaces may be hot. Water shoes or proper footwear is strongly recommended.

Item 8.
2 5. No Climbing, hanging, swinging or sitting on the spray features.

6. The following is NOT ALLOWED: Alcohol, Inline Skates, Running, Rough Play, Bicycles, Scooters, Glass, Pets, Water Balloons & Soaps.

7. Splash Pad water is not suitable for drinking. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER.

8. Prohibited use of the Splash Pad, if you have any infection condition or open wounds.

9. Splash Pad may be closed at any time due to weather or maintenance. b. Any person who damages the splash pad or water features may be subject to civil or criminal citations and penalties.
c. Any violation of any section herein shall be deemed to be an infraction and is punishable as such according to the provisions of the Needles Municipal Code and state or federal law.

SECTION 5. This action shall become final and effective thirty (30) days after this decision by the City Council as provided by the Needles City Code.

SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of the City of Needles, California, approve an amendment to the City Code.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_________________________________
Janet Jernigan, Mayor
(Seal)
ATTEST: ________________________
Candace Clark, Interim City Clerk
Item 8.
3 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting ofthe City Council ofthe City ofNeedles, California, held on the 10th day of December 2024 by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
__________________________________
Janet Jernigan, Mayor
(Seal)
ATTEST: _________________________
Candace Clark, Interim City Clerk
Approved as to form:
_______________________________
City Attorney John Pinkney
Item 8.

City of Needles, California
Request for City Council Action
CITY COUNCIL NPUA Regular Special
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Title: City Council Resolution 2024-44 of the City Council of the City of Needles Approving the First Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement with Patrick Martinez
Background: On April 25, 2023, the City Council of the city of Needles adopted Resolution No. 2023-28 approving an Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) between the City of Needles (“City”) and Patrick Martinez wherein Mr. Martinez was hired as the City Manager. The Agreement was for a three (3) year term, commencing on October 2, 2023, and continuing through October 1, 2026. The Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”.

Mayor Jernigan and Council Member Belt, as representatives of the City, and Mr. Martinez renegotiated certain terms of the Agreement set forth in a First amendment to the City Manager Agreement (“Amendment”) attached hereto as Exhibit “B”.

First Amendment to the City Manager Agreement:

The proposed Amendment to the Agreement adjusts the amount of salary increases, and bases said salary increases on performance and substantial accomplishment of mutually agreed upon goals. The amended terms are:

II. City Manager's salary shall be Two Hundred and Seventeen Thousand Dollars ($217,000.00) per year commencing on the Effective Date, which sum shall be paid pursuant to the procedures regularly established, and as they may be amended by the City in its sole discretion. On each Anniversary of the Agreement, the salary may be adjusted in an amount to be determined in the discretion of the City Council.

The position of City Manager is an exempt position under state and federal wage and hour laws.

Employee’s compensation (whether salary, benefits or other allowances) is not based on hours worked and Employee shall not be entitled to any compensation for overtime. Employee is expected to engage in those hours of work that are necessary to fulfill the obligations of the City Manager position. The City manager does not have set hours of work as the City Manager is expected to dedicate himself on a fulltime basis to serving as the City Manager and to be available at all reasonable and relevant times.

Fiscal Impact: The contract is within the existing budget appropriation for FY 24-25.

Recommended
Action: Approve Resolution 2024-44 Approving a First Amendment to the Employment Agreement with Patrick Martinez for City Manager effective November 12, 2024, setting a salary of $217,000 in compliance with SB 1436 and incorporate into the salary schedule FY 2024-2025.

Submitted By: Mayor Jernigan and Councilmember Belt
City Manager Approval: Date:

Other Department Approval (when required): Date:

Approved: Not Approved: Tabled: Other:

Agenda Item: ____________
11/07/2024
11/07/2024
Item 9.

RESOLUTION NO. 2024-44

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF NEEDLES APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO

THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH PATRICK MARTINEZ WHEREAS, at the City Council meeting on April 25, 2023, the Council adopted Resolution 2023-28, whereby the Council approved the Employment Agreement ("Agreement"), attached hereto as Exhibit "A," between the City of Needles ("City") and Patrick Martinez, setting forth the terms and conditions of Mr. Martinez's employment as City Manager commencing on October 2, 2023.

WHEREAS, Mayor Jernigan and Councilmember Belt, as representatives of the City, and Mr. Martinez renegotiated certain terms of the Agreement, now set forth in a First Amendment to the City Manager Agreement (“Amendment”) attached hereto as Exhibit “B”; and WHEREAS, the Amendment adjusts the amount of salary, and bases said salary increase on performance and substantial accomplishment of mutually agreed upon goals.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Needles, California, hereby approves the First Amendment to the City Manager Agreement between the City of Needles and Patrick Martinez and authorizes the Mayor to sign same for and on behalf of the City of Needles.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Needles, California, held on the 12th day of November, 2024 by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

___________________________________
Janet Jernigan, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Candace Clark, Assistant City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________________________
John O. Pinkney, City Attorney
Item 9.

Exhibit “A”
Employment Agreement Between the City of Needles and Patrick Martinez April 25, 2023
Item 9.

Exhibit “B”
First Amendment Employment Agreement Between the City of Needles and Patrick Martinez
November 12, 2024
Item 9.

Item 9.

Exhibit “B”
1 FIRST AMENDMENT
TO

CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Amendment") is entered into as of the 12 day of November, 2024 (“Effective Date”) between the City Council of and on behalf of the City of Needles (the "City") and Patrick Martinez (the "City Manager" or the "Employee").

RECITALS
A. City and Employee executed that certain City Manager Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) entered into as of April 25, 2023;
B. The parties now wish to amend the Agreement as set forth below.

AMENDMENT
A. Article II is hereby amended to read as follows:

II. SALARY
“City Manager's salary shall be Two Hundred and Seventeen Thousand Dollars ($217,000.00) per year commencing on the Effective Date, which sum shall be paid pursuant to the procedures regularly established, and as they may be amended by the City in its sole discretion. On each Anniversary of the Agreement, the salary may be adjusted in an amount to be determined in the discretion of the City Council.

The position of City Manager is an exempt position under state and federal wage and hour laws. Employee’s compensation (whether salary, benefits or other allowances) is not based on hours worked and Employee shall not be entitled to any compensation for overtime.

Employee is expected to engage in those hours of work that are necessary to fulfill the obligations of the City Manager position. The City manager does not have set hours of work as the City Manager is expected to dedicate himself on a full-time basis to serving as the City Manager and to be available at all reasonable and relevant times.” B. General. Except as modified by this Amendment, all of the terms of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Amendment and the Agreement the terms of this Amendment shall control and supersede any such inconsistent or conflicting terms. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms by the Agreement. The recitals in this Amendment are incorporated herein.

Item 9.

Exhibit “B”
2 Executed by the Parties to be effective as of the date first written above. “CITY”

CITY OF NEEDLES
By: _________________________
Janet Jernigan, Mayor
ATTEST
By: __________________________
Candace Clark, Acting City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM
By: __________________________
John Pinkney, City Attorney
“EMPLOYEE”
By: _____________________________
Patrick Martinez
Item 9.

Page 1 of 5 ends

City of Needles
817 Third Street, Needles, California 92363
(760) 326-2113 • FAX (760) 326-6765
www.cityofneedles.com
Mayor, Janet Jernigan
Vice Mayor Kirsten Merritt
Councilmember Tona Belt
Councilmember Ellen Campbell
Councilmember Jamie McCorkle
Councilmember JoAnne Pogue
Councilmember Henry Longbrake
City Manager Patrick J. Martinez

MEMORANDUM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PATRICK J. MARTINEZ, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: WEEKLY MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 1, 2024

1. This past week, City staff was deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Dale Jones, City Clerk of Needles. Appointed on September 13, 2005, Dale served with unwavering dedication as the official custodian of city records, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of City Council actions. Her meticulous work in codifying ordinances into the Municipal, Zoning, and Subdivision Codes made them readily accessible to the public and city staff, significantly impacting our community.

Over her 19 years as City Clerk, Dale was a diligent civil servant, a beacon of commitment, and a tremendous asset to the City Council. Her dedication and invaluable contributions to our City will be remembered with deep gratitude and respect. Details of Dale’s services will be shared with the community at a later date, as her family has requested privacy while making arrangements. We invite you to join us in honoring Dale at a future council meeting, where we will commemorate her significant contributions to the City. Your presence will be a testament to the impact she had on our community.

2. The City of Needles is excited to host its inaugural Community Fall Festival tomorrow, November 2, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Santa Fe Park (950 Front Street). Our Public Works team has prepared the grounds and refreshed the Santa Fe Park sign for the event (see attached photo). Enjoy a day filled with food, friends, and entertainment at minimal city expense, thanks to vendor support. With over 38 vendors selling items from candles to artwork, kids' activities, an obstacle course, and a dog parade and costume contest at noon (leashes and costumes required), there’s something for everyone! A prize will be awarded for the best fallthemed vendor booth. This festival reflects the Council’s commitment to community engagement, a pro-business environment, and sustainable growth. Check out the attached flyer for details and feel free to share. For questions, contact Recreation Manager Jennifer Valenzuela at [email protected] or 760-326-2814.

Page 2 of 5 ends

3. On Saturday, October 26, 2024, a power outage impacted the Gates and Lillyhill areas around 7 PM. The Needles electric crew quickly traced the issue to a faulty underground conduit near Larchwood and Casa Linda. They implemented a temporary fix to restore power over the weekend, and by Wednesday, October 30, a new conduit was installed, with final touches completed that day. This project was a genuine team effort, with Utilities and Public Works working together in an allhands-on-deck approach to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Thanks to everyone involved, including Philips Construction, for their assistance. Refer to the attached images for a look at the repair efforts.

4. Thank you to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for hosting the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat on October 30, 2024, and to Misty Hunt for her outstanding organization. Congratulations to all the winners—the judges had "a monster of a time" choosing among many fantastic trunks (refer to the attached images of the winners)! We were truly amazed by the creativity and effort put into each trunk. Special congratulations to the Needles Recreation Center for bringing home the prize for the most interactive trunk. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the event sponsors Tri-State Community Healthcare, ArrowHeart Foundation, and Republic Services. Your support was instrumental in making this year's event howlingly extraordinary!

5. The Needles City Manager recently joined city managers from Bullhead, Lake Havasu, and Kingman to discuss collaborative opportunities for the region. These communities face similar challenges, so they focused on building a cooperative approach to shared concerns. During the meeting, Needles shared updates on grant resources and highlighted current developments, including the new Bob Belt Beach Park and the ongoing splash pad construction at Duke Watkins Park, showcasing the city's growth and regional strength (see attached images). The city managers aim to leverage shared resources and best practices to promote sustainable growth, improve infrastructure, and address regional issues like economic development and environmental sustainability. This united effort strives to enhance the quality of life for residents across the region.

6. The City Council’s vision celebrates Needles’ unique charm and prime location along the beautiful Colorado River, aiming to enhance quality of life and attract visitors and new families to the area. Aligned with this vision, the dedicated Public Works staff are focused on improving and maintaining public spaces and amenities, ensuring that Needles is a welcoming, enjoyable place for everyone. This week, the Public Works Department demonstrated this commitment through important efforts to improve infrastructure and beautify community spaces. Crews worked on road repairs along Eagle Pass Road to enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians, restored the new sign at the Public Housing Authority to refresh the 1950’s sign, installed a second water fountain at Jack Smith Park to provide convenient access to drinking water for park-goers, and removed graffiti from the California Avenue Tunnel, preserving the area’s appeal. We appreciate the community’s partnership in keeping Needles’ public spaces safe, clean, and well-maintained. Residents'

Page 3 of 5 ends

feedback is vital to these ongoing efforts, and we encourage everyone to stay involved as we work together to build a brighter future for Needles. To report any street issues or concerns, please contact the City of Needles billing office at 760- 326-2115 (press #9) or available on the Apple App or Google Play Store.

7. On Monday, October 28, 2024, a dedicated group from VFW Post 404, the San Bernardino County and Mohave County Fire Departments, Elks Club members, City of Needles staff, and community volunteers gathered for a work party at Santa Fe Park in preparation of the November 9, 2024, Veterans Day Event at Santa Fe Park. Together, they cleaned, painted, and restored the historic World War I Cannon Monument and its surrounding white fence, bringing new life to this cherished landmark. A special thank you to Mayor Jernigan for generously donating the paint for this project. This event was a true display of community spirit and teamwork—thank you to everyone involved! See the attached images for a glimpse of the day's hard work and camaraderie.

8. On October 26, 2024, the Needles community came together for its annual "Trunk-or-Treat on Front Street," filling Santa Fe Park with families enjoying a safe, festive trick-or-treating experience. A heartfelt thank you to all who participated, including the City of Needles, BNSF Railroad, San Bernardino County Fire Department, Needles Branch Library, California Highway Patrol, Route 66 Broadband, and the many community members who contributed to the fun. Check out the attached images for a look at this fantastic event!

9. On Thursday, October 31, 2024, Needles High School teacher Danica Willis and her Government Class, in partnership with the Needles Chamber of Commerce, hosted an insightful educational event featuring one-on-one discussions with the Mayor and City Manager. Students gained a firsthand understanding of the roles of these city leaders and explored the city’s goals for the future. This interactive session provided a unique opportunity to share both current and future initiatives while inspiring Needles youth to engage actively in their community. A pizza party added to the connection and camaraderie between students and local government.

Thank you to everyone who made this event a success! See the attached image for a look into the event.

10.The City’s Animal Shelter continues to make impressive strides with its Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) Program. As of October 30, 2024, a total of 270 community cats have been spayed or neutered and returned to their areas up from 117 cats from last August. The Department has seen significant efforts across Needles, with the following breakdown of locations:
• A Street - 6
• B Street - 26
• C Street - 1
• D Street - 12
• E Street - 2
• J Street - 8
• L/Chestnut Street - 9
• N Street - 16

Page 4 of 5 ends

• Front Street (1500 Block) - 14
• Front Street (1200 Block) - 10
• Desnok Street - 2
• Cibola Street - 44
• Bazoobuth Street - 30
• Valley Street - 10
• La Mesa Way - 11
• Acoma Street - 5
• Riverview Ln./Desert Drive - 15
• Rivers Edge Golf Course - 3
• Walnut Street - 5
• Spruce Street - 22
• California Avenue - 4
• Bailey Avenue - 1
• Tri-State Health Care - 2
• Desoto Street - 1
• Ferals at NAS - 9
This initiative is essential for controlling the stray cat population, reducing disease spread, and promoting higher adoption rates, all while moving toward our goal of eliminating euthanasia at the shelter. If you're interested in adopting, the fee is only $60, and we encourage you to view available pets in the attached images. For more details or to arrange a visit, please contact the Needles Animal Shelter at 760-326- 4952. To report roaming cats, use the Needles Connect app, available on both the Apple App or Google Play Store.

11.The Palo Verde Community College District invites you to join our PVC Community Forum at the Needles Center on November 6, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. This event is a unique opportunity to share your voice on essential topics like student achievement, local workforce needs, and community support. As we develop our Comprehensive Educational Plan (2025-2033), your insights will help shape the next eight years of growth in academics and student services. We welcome everyone to participate in shaping the future of our college! For more information, visit https://www.paloverde.edu/rpie/cep.aspx or contact Diana Navarro at [email protected] or (760) 921-5506. Refer to the attached flyer for more information.

12.Arrowhead Credit Union and the ArrowHeart Foundation proudly hosted the 2nd Annual "Feeding Our Community" event on October 26, 2024, at the Needles Senior Center, dedicated to nourishing neighbors and strengthening community bonds. Volunteers served over 350 meals, featuring a taco bar with ground beef, shredded chicken, beans, rice, and fresh toppings. The event welcomed people from all walks of life, offering a hot, complimentary meal to enjoy on-site or to take home for family members and others in need. Attendees expressed heartfelt gratitude, and many shared that they felt a renewed sense of care and connection.

The smiles and warm responses throughout the day reflected the joy and comfort a shared meal can bring, underscoring the strength of community support in times of need. Heartfelt thanks go to the volunteers and everyone supporting the ArrowHeart Foundation's mission—the attached photos in the newsletter give a glimpse of the event.

13.IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
• Nov 6, 7:00 PM – Women’s Club Game Night.
• Nov 9, 8:00–11:00 AM – Veterans Day Event at Santa Fe Park, Route 66.

Page 5 of 5 ends

• Nov 12 – Women’s Club Spaghetti Lunch (pre-order online). • Nov 20 – Pacific Clinics Needles Open House: Hosted at 1060 E. Broadway Street, celebrating the new Pacific Clinics location in Needles. • February 8, 2025 – The Women’s Club Golf Tournament has been rescheduled from November 16, 2024, to February. Registration is open!(registration open).

2. COMMUNITY FALL FESTIVAL

3. POWER OUTAGE

4. SBCSD TRUNK OR TREAT
Photo Source: SBCSD

4. SBCSD TRUNK OR TREAT

5. REGIONAL CM MEETING HIGHLIGHT

6. PUBLIC SPACES ENHANCED

6. PUBLIC SPACES ENHANCED
`

6. PUBLIC SPACES ENHANCED

7. VFW POST 404 WORK PARTY

8. COMMUNITY TRUNK OR TREAT FRONT STREET

9. NUSD CHAMBER CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Community Forum Dates:

November 6, 2024 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Needles Center
Your Voice Matters!
Help us identify important priorities for:

Student Achievement
Meeting Local Employers’ Needs
Supporting Our Diverse Community

PALO VERDE

COLLEGE
Join
FOR OUR PVC COMMUNITY FORUM!
Palo Verde Community College District is developing its Comprehensive Educational Plan (2025-2033) to guide the next 8 years of academic and student services growth. We value your input and invite you to help shape the future of our college!
For more info:

Visit: https://www.paloverde.edu/rpie/cep.aspx
Contact: Diana Navarro
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (760) 921-5506
SCAN ME!

11. PALO VERDE COMMUNITY FORUM
3 Pictured: Brandon Smith, Christina Bennick, Courtney Thompson, Jaime Ikenburg, Jennifer Attah, Joshua Smith, Kayetlynn Covert, Penny Rodriguez, Sabrina Olander, Seth Squires, Stefanie Villalobos, Veronica Balderas, Victoria Carrasco On Saturday, October 26th, ArrowHeart successfully hosted its 2nd hot meal distribution event in Needles. Together we prepared meals for more than 350 people! Our volunteers showed off their cooking skills by preparing a taco bar, with ground beef, shredded chicken, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, rice and more.

Meals were available to anyone that walked through the doors at the Needles Senior Center. We had people and families from all walks of life visiting the senior center to enjoy a free hot meal, many choosing to stay and enjoy the meal on-site with their friends.

Additionally, guests requested meals to deliver for friends, family and other members of the community in need of these items. The smiles on everyone’s faces as we filled their plates with tacos and sides were a testament to joy and comfort that a shared meal can bring.

Many attendees expressed their heartfelt appreciation, with some sharing they had not had a sense of feeling cared for, or felt the sense of community, in a long time.

This event was a reminder of the strength of our community and the importance of coming together in times of need.

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers and for your continued support of the ArrowHeart Foundation.

12. ARROWHEART FOUNDATION
2 12. ARROWHEART FOUNDATION

Page 1 of 4 ends

City of Needles 817 Third Street, Needles, California 92363 (760) 326-2113 • FAX (760) 326-6765
www.cityofneedles.com
Mayor, Janet Jernigan
Vice Mayor Kirsten Merritt
Councilmember Tona Belt
Councilmember Ellen Campbell
Councilmember Jamie McCorkle
Councilmember JoAnne Pogue
Councilmember Henry Longbrake
City Manager Patrick J. Martinez

MEMORANDUM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PATRICK J. MARTINEZ, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: WEEKLY MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 25, 2024

1. On October 24, 2024, the City of Needles welcomed State Senator Steven Padilla on his first visit to Needles, highlighting our city’s recent accomplishments and shared vision for sustainable growth. Senator Padilla, who represents San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties, has a strong record in public service, economic development, and public safety. He also serves on standing committees for Housing, Budget and Fiscal Review, Agriculture, and Natural Resources and Water, adding tremendous value to our community. During his visit, we showcased vital advancements, including the $6.1 million Well 11 Treatment Plant, $2.1 million Lilly Hill Booster Station, $7 million in park revitalizations, and over $10 million in road and water line improvements over the past four years. With support from our City Council, city staff, and grants, Needles is building a vibrant, resilient future alongside Senator Padilla. Refer to the attached photos for a glimpse into the event.

2. City officials recently held a productive meeting with the Bureau of Reclamation to review Needles' projected water usage in the Lower Colorado Basin Region.

Impressively, the City diverted 233 acre-feet less than initially planned, receiving commendation for adhering to its water order limits and demonstrating strong water management practices. The Bureau of Reclamation anticipates a continued Level 1 Shortage, with Lake Mead's elevation projected to stay between 1,050 and 1,075 feet. While drought conditions have neither worsened nor improved compared to last year, this year's snowpack reached 114%—exceeding the 1991-2020 median.

California is not expected to face further shortage reductions, although Arizona and Nevada are not as fortunate. These efforts reflect the City of Needles' commitment to responsible water management and preparedness for changing environmental conditions as the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans conclude this December.

Refer to the attached document for detailed projections.

Page 2 of 4 ends

3. We’re excited to share that the Fort Mojave Telecommunications hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Santa Fe Park on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. The event featured speeches from distinguished guests, including officials from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Fort Mojave Chairman Timothy Williams, and Needles representative Mayor Jernigan, along with a performance by the Fort Mojave Tribal Bird Singers. This celebration marks an important milestone for our community, highlighting the partnership and growth we are achieving together. See the attached images for a glimpse of the event.

4. The City of Needles remains committed to fostering continuous professional development, and we are proud to congratulate our Housing Authority of the City of Needles Team on recent achievements in essential training programs that enhance service quality and community safety. Through the Cyber Awareness Challenge, our staff have gained critical skills to securely protect DoD Information Systems and manage sensitive information. The Fair Housing curriculum has deepened their understanding of the Fair Housing Act's accessibility requirements, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and compliance. Training in the HUD Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) NSPIRE model also equips our team to conduct thorough property assessments, prioritizing health, safety, and functional conditions. These accomplishments reflect our team's hard work and dedication as they continue to provide knowledgeable, high-quality service to our community while providing and maintaining affordable housing for our residents.

5. Save the Date: Pacific Clinics Needles Open House. The City is excited to share that Pacific Clinics is hosting the Pacific Clinics Needles Open House on November 20, 2024, at 1060 E. Broadway Street! This event invites the community to explore wellness, resilience, and recovery services, including skillbuilding for self-care, support groups, and access to local resources. Guests can enjoy Wi-Fi, computers, and engaging activities like workshops, crafts, games, and celebrations. Open to community members over 18; Pacific Clinics offers a supportive space for fostering connections and developing positive coping skills.

See the attached flyer for more information.

6. We’re thrilled to announce that Rivers Edge Golf Course is open and ready for play following a successful overseeding! Locals, snowbirds, and golf enthusiasts from across the region are invited to enjoy our championship-caliber course and exciting fall schedule. Book your tee time today by calling 760-326-3931 or visiting our website. For tournament bookings, reach out to JJ DeLeon at the same number. Refer to the attached images for a glimpse of our beautiful course— come and experience Rivers Edge!

7. We're thrilled to announce the grand opening of Bless Your Heart Pies at 1207 Broadway (Blue Pirate Building)! Offering a delicious variety of pies, this new addition to our business community invites everyone to come out and support.

Place your order today at 760-553-3857 or email Julie Thomas at [email protected]. Check out the attached images for a preview!

Page 3 of 4 ends

8. The City Council has addressed community concerns about traffic safety by adopting ordinances to enhance critical areas, including the North K Street and Front Street intersection, parking in front of the El Garces building, and parallel parking along Lillyhill near the Mesa Grande Apartments. In collaboration with the street paving contractor and city engineer, new striping was implemented last week to improve traffic flow and motorist safety. The City remains committed to meeting community needs and enhancing residents' quality of life.

9. On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Needles Area Transit, in partnership with San Bernardino County Transit Authority, offers free rides all day—no reservations needed! Just hop on and go. For details, see the attached flyer or contact Community Services at 760-326-2113 ext. 115 or [email protected].

10. Tomorrow: Celebrate the 48th Annual Fort Mojave Indian Days! The community is invited to enjoy the Mojave Days Parade, the Rez Life Bird Singers, and a full entertainment lineup. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on downtown Broadway, starting at J Street and ending at D Street. Don’t miss this vibrant community celebration—see the attached flyer for more details!

11. Come Together for Tomorrow's 'Feeding Our Community' Event! The ArrowHeart Foundation and Arrowhead Credit Union will host this event at the Needles Senior Center, 1699 Bailey Avenue. Complimentary hot meals will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, with no ID required. Financial coaches will also be available for support and guidance. This gathering is about nourishing and uplifting the community—everyone is welcome! See the attached flyer for more info.

12. Join the Community for Tomorrow’s Trunk-or-Treat on Front Street! Bring your family to this fantastic Trunk-or-Treat event along Santa Fe Park! It will happen tomorrow, October 26, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and it offers a safe and fun environment for local youth to enjoy trick-or-treating. Don’t miss this wonderful gathering—find more details in the attached flyer.

13. The Needles DMV Field Office has officially reopened as of October 21, 2024, with expanded facilities to serve the community better!
Reminder New Hours:
• Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tuesday & Thursday: Closed
• Wednesday & Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Stop by and check out the improvements! For more info, call 800-777-0133 or visit the DMV website. See the attached photos for a sneak peek!

Page 4 of 4 ends

14.IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
• Oct 28, 8:00 AM – Work Party at Santa Fe Park, organized by VFW Post 404 and community volunteers.
• Oct 30, 4:00–6:00 PM – SBCSD/Needles Police Trunk or Treat at Recreation Center, 1705 J St. Contact Misty Hunt at 760-526-9200 or [email protected] to participate.
• Nov 2, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM – Community Fall Festival at 950 Front St. Vendors contact Jennifer Valenzuela at [email protected] or 760-326- 2814.
• Nov 6, 7:00 PM – Women’s Club Game Night.
• Nov 9, 8:00–11:00 AM – Veterans Day Event at Santa Fe Park, Route 66. • Nov 12 – Women’s Club Spaghetti Lunch (pre-order online). • Nov 16 – Women’s Club Golf Tournament (registration open).

1. STATE SENATOR PADILLA’S VISIT

1. STATE SENATOR PADILLA’S VISIT
2025 Part 417 Consultation:

Colorado River Basin Conditions Update
Boulder Canyon Operations Office
Water Accounting & Verification Group
Jeremy Dodds, Group Manager
October 2024

2. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
2 Colorado River Basin Storage
Total system storage was 43% of capacity, with 25.12 maf in storage, this date in 2023. (as of October 14, 2024)
3 Colorado River Basin
above Lake Powell
Water Year 2024 Precipitation
(observed)
99% of average
Water Year 2025
Precipitation
(year-to-date) 2
Current Snowpack
Water Year Snowpack and Precipitation1
1Statistics are based on the 30-year period of record from 1991-2020. 2Precipitation values may vary significantly from week-to-week this early in the water year. as of October 15, 2024
NA% of median
8% of average
4 Available online at CBRFC’s website.

State of the System (Water Years 1999-2025)1,2
5 1Water Year statistics are based on the 30-year period of record from 1991-2020. 6 Water Year 2024
1 Preliminary Observed WY 24 Inflow 7.98 (83%)
Water Year 2025 Forecast1
Oct Min Prob: 5.08 maf (53%)
Oct Most Prob: 8.45 maf (88%)
Oct Max Prob: 16.20 maf (169%)
7 8
*Under the Lower Basin DCP, the United States will take affirmative actions to create or conserve 100,000 acre-feet or more of Colorado River system water on an annual basis to contribute to conservation of water supplies in Lake Mead and other Colorado River reservoirs in the Lower Basin. All actions taken by the United States shall be subject to applicable federal law, including availability of appropriations.

Shortage Reductions and Water Savings Contributions
Under the 2007 Interim Guidelines, Minute 323, Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plan (DCP)*, and Binational Water Scarcity Contingency Plan
(Volumes in thousand acre-feet)
Lake Mead
Elevations
(in feet)
2007 Interim
Guidelines
Shortage
Reductions
(U.S.)
Minute 323
Delivery
Reductions
(Mexico)
Total
Combined
Shortage
Reductions
(U.S. and
Mexico)
DCP Water Savings
Contributions
(U.S.)
Binational
Water
Scarcity
Contingency
Plan Water
Savings
(Mexico)
Combined Volumes of Shortage Reductions and
Water Savings Contributions
by Lower Basin State and by Country
(U.S. and Mexico)
Total
Combined
Volumes
(U.S. and
Mexico)
AZ NV Mexico
Lower
Basin
States +
Mexico
AZ NV CA Mexico AZ
Total
NV
Total
CA
Total
Lower
Basin
States
Total
Mexico
Total
Lower Basin
States +
Mexico
1,090 - >1,075 0 0 0 0 192 8 0 41 192 8 0 200 41 241
1,075 - >1050 320 13 50 383 192 8 0 30 512 21 0 533 80 613 1,050 - >1,045 400 17 70 487 192 8 0 34 592 25 0 617 104 721 1,045 - >1,040 400 17 70 487 240 10 200 76 640 27 200 867 146 1,013 1,040 - >1,035 400 17 70 487 240 10 250 84 640 27 250 917 154 1,071 1,035 - >1,030 400 17 70 487 240 10 300 92 640 27 300 967 162 1,129 1,030 – 1,025 400 17 70 487 240 10 350 101 640 27 350 1,017 171 1,188 <1,025 480 20 125 625 240 10 350 150 720 30 350 1,100 275 1,375 9 Lake Mead
Calendar Year
2025 Operating
Condition
Level 1
Shortage
Condition
Colorado River Arizona Shortage Implementation:

General Principles
• Shortage reductions will follow the Arizona priority system. • Shortage implementation procedures will be reviewed annually and adjusted, if needed, with stakeholder input.
• Available water supplies under Shortage will be calculated annually. • Standard water order approval process will be administered. • Under the Inadvertent Overrun and Payback Policy, no overruns may be incurred during Shortage.
10 Arizona Shortage Sharing Recommendation:

Calculation of P4 Available Supply for 2025
11 12
Ongoing Efforts to Address Long-Term,
Continuing Colorado River Basin Drought
• Phase 1 implemented in October 2022
• Short-term system conservation plans
• 1a: Fixed prices
• 1b: Propose price with economic justification
• Both 1a and 1b must meet program
requirements
• Twenty-six (26) agreements completed
• Phase 2 implemented in May 2023
• Projects with long-term, durable water savings
benefits for the system
• Three (3) agreements completed
LC Conservation and Efficiency Program1
13 2024 Near-term Colo. River Ops Record of Decision
• Signed on May 6, 2024
• Modifies the 2007 Interim Guidelines through end of 2026 • Targets a cumulative volume of 3 million AF or more of additional conserved water (Reservoir Protection Conservation) by end of 2026 – Minimum of 1.5 million AF by the end of 2024
– In addition to required shortage reductions and DCP Contributions – May consist of:
• Compensated System Conservation water agreements executed for implementation in years 2023-2026
• ICS created in years 2023-2026
• Other compensated and non-compensated conserved water left in Lake Mead 14 15
1Volumes reflect final accounting in the 2023 Water Accounting Report and executed system conservation agreements based on current projections. Any projected or provisional volumes are subject to change. Additional conservation activities are being considered including system conservation, ICS, and c v , , . T c v b c R c ’ ling.

Status of SEIS ROD Lower Basin Conservation1
Provisional Data As of October 4, 2024 (all volumes in acre-feet) 15 Lake Powell WY Release (maf)
*End of calendar year 2023 balances of U.S. ICS and Mexico’s Water Reserve, system conservation water, and other voluntary contributions to Lake Mead are provisional numbers and are subject to change.

Lake Mead Storage and Conservation*

8.23 8.98 8.24 8.23 12.5 9.47 8.23 7.48 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 8.23 8.23 7.00 8.58 16 925'
950'
975'
1,000'
1,025'
1,050'
1,075'
1,100'
1,125'
1,150'
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Lake Mead Elevation (feet msl) System Conservation Water Other Conservation Activities Mexico's Water Reserve and Recoverable Water Savings DCP Contributions U.S. ICS (2007 Guidelines) Actual Elevation
Hypothetical Elevation without Storage / Conservation Programs Level 2 Shortage Condition
Level 1 Shortage Condition
Level 3 Shortage Condition and
reconsultation under the 2007 Interim
Guidelines
Normal or ICS
Surplus Condition
Surplus Condition
Adoption of
2007 Interim Guidelines
IBWC
Minute 318
IBWC
Minute 319
Pilot System
Conservation
Program & Lower
Basin Drought MOU
IBWC
Minute 323
DCP &
BWSCP
500+
Plan
MOU
IRA LC
Conservation
Program
Post-2026 Timeline
• June 2022: “Pre-Scoping” notice
• June 2023: Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS
formally initiated the Post-2026 process and
public scoping period
• October 2023: Scoping Summary Report and
Federal Register Notice identified the
Proposed Federal Action and Purpose & Need
• Overall process currently in the alternative
development phase
• Record of Decision planned for mid-2026
17 Need More Information?
• Post-2026 Project Website: https://www.usbr.gov/ColoradoRiverBasin/post2026/index.html • Recordings & presentations from all public webinars
• Recordings & presentations from Integrated Tech. Education Workgroup sessions
• Pre-Scoping & Scoping Summary Reports
• All Pre-Scoping & Scoping comments received by Reclamation • Link to the Operations Exploration Web Tool
• Contacts:
• Post-2026 Inbox – [email protected]
18 WaterSMART Program
Provides the framework for the Interior Department
to support water supply reliability for multiple users. 19 WaterSMART Program Basics
Most WaterSMART activities are grant programs with varying program objectives Generally, a 50% non-Federal cost share is required for grants under WaterSMART. However, depending on the program, funding may be as low as 0% depending on entity States, tribes, cities, water districts, irrigation districts, watershed groups, non-profits (including watershed groups), and flood control districts located within the 17 Western United States, territories, AK, HI, and American Territories Funding is allocated through annual competitive processes 20 Water Conservation Programs Schedule
Funding Opportunity Opening Date Closing Date
Planning and Project Design Grants
FY 24 closed
FY 25 opens in the
summer of 2025
FY24 Selections expected Oct 2024
FY 25 60 days after opening
Drought Resiliency Projects July 24, 2024 Applications due October 7, 2024 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program FY 2024 Jan 24, 2024 Selections announced September 24, 2024 Coop. Watershed Management Program – Ph 1
FY 24 closed
FY 25 opens in the
summer of 2025
Applications received by May 23, 2024, are currently
under review for FY24 funding. Selections are
expected October 2024.

Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects closed
The 2nd round of applications were due May 31,
2024, & selections are expected in October 2024. 3rd
application submission deadline is
November 26, 2024.

Water and Energy Efficiency Grants FY 2024
Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects FY 2024/2025
FY 24 WEEG closed
SWEP Open
WEEG - 2nd round of applications due Nov. 13, 2024
SWEP - 3rd round of applications due Jan. 14, 2025, &
4th round of applications are due July 8, 2025
FY 25 Lower Colorado Basin’s Water Conservation
Field Services Program Mid-Nov. 2024 Second week of February 2025 21 Projected FY2025 BIL/AIA Application Cycle
22 Approximate Timeframe for Transferred Project Applications:
• Key Dates: June 2nd – July 18th:
• Applications are due to Yuma Area Office
• Applicant Letter to Regional Director Requesting Funding • Applicants Financial Statements (at a minimum, prior year financial statement) • Applicants Fiscal Operating Budget (at a minimum, current fiscal budget) Application Submission to Review Team:
• Key Dates: July 19th – August 29th:
• YAO Submits Transmittal Memo from AO to RD / RD to RT • YAO Completes Certified Cost Estimate Executive Summary (CCEES) • LCB Completes Applicant's Financial Analysis
• LCB Submits Applications to Review Team
Water Accounting and Verification Group
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
Interior Region 8: Lower Colorado Basin
https://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html
https://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g4000/wtracct.html

3. FORT MOJAVE RIBBON CUTTING
@PacificClinics
Clubhouse
Program
Promoting wellness, resiliency
and recovery in a safe
environment with a friendly
atmosphere
Must be over 18 years of age and provide
verification or a reasonable indicator of past or
present lived experience with a mental health
condition. Members must be able to care for
themselves and benefit from the program.

There is no cost to be a member and no insurance is
required.

Learn self-care and positive
coping skills
Wi-Fi/computers access
Assistance finding local
resources
Achieve wellness and reach
recovery goals
Support groups
Access to engaging peer-led and
support groups
Group activities
Crafts, games and celebrations
1060 E. Broadway Street
Needles, CA 92363
626.753.8725
[email protected]
Contact Info
Become a member
Member Benefits
We help our members to develop skills that promote
overall health and well-being. Through education,
peer support and personalized guidance, we
empower members to take control of their health
and achieve meaningful recovery. Our goal is to
support members in living full, satisfying lives as they progress on their recovery journey. We build a path
to improve mental health and wellness.

5. OPEN HOUSE PACIFIC CLINICS

6. RIVERS EDGE GOLF COURSE

7. BLESS YOUR HEART PIES

9. NEEDLES AREA TRANSIT

10. FORT MOJAVE INDIAN DAYS
Saturday, October 26
11am-2pm
(first come, first served)
Free Hot Meals
The Details:

While Supplies Last
Easy Pickup
No Identification Required
$ Financial Coaches On-Site $
$
Needles Senior Center
1699 Bailey Ave.

Needles, CA 92363
Feeding Our
Community

11. ARROWHEART

12. TRUNK OR TREAT

12.DMV REOPENING

Needles City CouncilNovember 12, 2024

Needles City Council
November 12, 2024