197
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NEEDLES PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY CITY OF NEEDLES
NEEDLE CITY OF NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA
EL GARCES - 950 FRONT STREET, NEEDLES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024 - COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION - 5 PM - CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6 PM CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Jernigan called the meeting to order at 5:03 pm
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Council Member Ellen Campbell
Council Member Jamie McCorkle
Vice Mayor Kirsten Merritt
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
Council Member Tona Belt
Council Member Henry Longbrake
ABSENT - None
Also Present were City Manager Patrick Martinez, City Attorney John Pinkney, Utility Manager Rainie Torrance, Director of Development Services Kathy Raasch, City Planner Irene Romero, and Interim City Clerk Candace Clark.
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.
No reportable action
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) A motion was made by Council Member Campbell, second by Council Member Longbrake, to authorize the filing and ratifying the filling of the action listed in the lawsuit.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Campbell, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
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 Court-County of San Bernardino (Case No. CIVSB2427887
A motion was made by Council Member Campbell, second by Vice Mayor Merritt, to approve the settlement agreement with Midnight Peak Solutions LLC, et al.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Campbell, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
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Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
d. Public employee appointment pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 . Title: Interim City Clerk
A motion was made by Council Member Campbell, second by Vice Mayor Merritt, to appoint Candace Clark as the Interim City Clerk for 6 months.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Campbell, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT - Given by City Attorney Pinkney CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Jernigan called the meeting to order at 6:11 pm
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Council Member Ellen Campbell
Council Member Jamie McCorkle
Vice Mayor Kirsten Merritt
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
Council Member Tona Belt
Council Member Henry Longbrake
ABSENT - None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Mayor Jernigan
Mayor Jernigan asked for a moment of silence in honor of Former City Clerk Dale Jones INVOCATION - Given by Council Member Campbell
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council Member Pogue made a motion, second by Council Member Campbell to approve the agenda.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Campbell, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes:
Absent: None
Abstain: None
CONFLICT OF INTEREST - None
CORRESPONDENCE - None
INTRODUCTIONS - Mayor Jernigan acknowledged Former Council Members Tim Terral, Shawn Goodmundson, and Zachery Longacre in attendance.
CITY ATTORNEY - Parliamentary Procedures given by City Attorney Pinkney 111224 conpuahacnmin 2 | Page
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PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Wayne Colburn congratulated Mayor Jernigan on being re-elected, vowed to remain involved in working for the betterment of the community, and offered future input on feedback he received from the community while campaigning.
PRESENTATION
1. Captain Ross Tarangle and Lieutenant Jake Gault from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Colorado River Station's nonprofit organization, River Daze, presented a $500 donation to Needles Military Moms.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE COUNCIL ITEMS - None
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Campbell made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Merritt, to approve Items 2 through 5 on the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Campbell, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
2. Approved the Warrants Register through November 12, 2024
3. Approved the Minutes of October 22, 2024
4. Waived the reading and adopted Ordinance No. 668-AC of the City Council Approving Needles Municipal Code amendment section 96.00 "Table of Permissible Uses" And Section
96.08 "Dwelling Units."
5. Adopted 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 directed 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.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Council Member Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member McCorkle, to authorize the City Clerk's Department to publish a notice of vacancies on the various Boards and Commissions due to the expiration of terms
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Campbell, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
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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
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Council Member Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Mc Corkle, to 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
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Campbell, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
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.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report
Council Member Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Pogue, to 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.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Campbell, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Members Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
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 Pinkney gave staff report.
After minimal discussion, Council Member Campbell made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Merritt, to Adopt 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.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Campbell, Vice Mayor Merritt, Council Member Pogue, and Mayor Jernigan
Noes: Council Members McCorkle, Belt, Longbrake
Absent: None
Abstain: None
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT - Given by City Attorney Pinkney
CITY MANAGER REPORT - Given by City Manager Martinez
MANAGERS REPORT for the weeks of October 25 and November 1, 2024. 111224 conpuahachmin 4 | Page
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COUNCIL REQUESTS
Council Member Campbell - Congratulated Candace Clark for being appointed Interim City Clerk; recently visited all City Public Restrooms and commended City Staff on keeping them clean; reported on the recent Fort Mojave Days; complimented staff on the lights by the recreation center and the trash that was cleaned up in the alley; thanked the audience and encouraged participation in our community.
Council Member McCorkle - Expressed condolences on the loss of Dale Jones; welcomed Candace Clark as the new Interim City Clerk; congratulated Mayor Jernigan, Council Members Campbell, Belt, and former Council Member Longacre on being re-elected; encouraged everyone to support the NHS Football Team.
Vice Mayor Merritt - Congratulated Candace Clark for being appointed Interim City Clerk; thanked City Attorney Pinkney and City Manager Martinez for their assistance during her tenure; reminded everyone to be kind and work together.
Council Member Pogue - Thanked Vice Mayor Merritt for her service; expressed her sadness at the loss of Former City Clerk Dale Jones; congratulated Candace Clark for being appointed Interim City Clerk; congratulated Mayor Jernigan, Council Members Campbell, Belt, and former Council Member Longacre on being re-elected; reported on two new businesses in town; Smash Burgers and Bless Your Heart Pies, and encouraged everyone to support our local businesses.
Council Member Belt - reported on the success of the Fall Festival and the upcoming Holiday Festival; thanked everyone who voted for her: reported on the upcoming Palo Verde Community College forum.
Council Member Longbrake - Thanked the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for their donation to Military Moms; congratulated Candace Clark for being appointed Interim City Clerk; congratulated Mayor Jernigan, Council Members Campbell, Belt, and former Council Member Longacre on being re-elected.
Mayor Jernigan -Thanked everyone who voted for her; expressed her sadness at the loss of Former City Clerk Dale Jones; congratulated Candace Clark for being appointed Interim City Clerk; reported on the recent Mojave Days; working with City Manager to promote Tri-State area tourism; reported on the success of the Sheriff's Trunk or Treat event; congratulated City Staff on the recent Interactive Award for Parks Improvement; reported on the success of the Fall Festival, Veterans' Pancake Breakfast; and encouraged everyone to support the NHS Football team.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Jernigan adjourned the meeting at 7:06 pm Mayas Janet Garigor
Mayor Janet Jernigan Interim City Clerk Candace Clark
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