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MINUTES (AMENDED)
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NEEDLES PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY HOUSI�
AUTHORITY CITY OF NEEDLES CITY OF
NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA
EL GARCES - 950 FRONT STREET, NEEDLES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024- CITY COUNCIL MEETING-6:00 PM THE 5:00 PM EXECUTIVE SESSION PORTION OF THE MEETING WAS MOVED TO THE END OF
THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Jernigan called the meeting to order at 6 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
Also present: City Manager Martinez, Utility Manager Torrance, Director of Development Services Raasch, Interim City Clerk Clark, and City Attorney Pinkney PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Mayor Jernigan
INVOCATION -Given by Council Member Campbell
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion made by Council Member Campbell, second by Council Member Pogue, to approve the agenda.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Campbell, Mccorkle, Merritt, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
CONFLICT OF INTEREST - None
CORRESPONDENCE - None
INTRODUCTIONS - Mayor Jernigan acknowledged former Council Members Shawn Gudmundson, Tim Terral, and Former City Manager Rick Daniels in attendance.
CITY ATTORNEY - Parliamentary Procedures given by City Attorney Pinkney Oath of Office
Mayor Jernigan gave the Oath of Office to Interim City Clerk Candace Clark
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Rick Daniels spoke about the importance of promoting workforce development in Needles by supporting Palo Verde College.
Jim Jones spoke about public appearance time limits and the necessity of holding everyone to the same standards.
Bob Smith stated that he was being charged for a recycling bin when he did not have one and asked for City Staff to look into the matter.
PRESENTATION
1. Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District presentation given by Jorge Camacho
RECESSED THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND CONVENED A JOINT COUNCIL/ NPUA MEETING PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE NPUA/COUNCIL ITEMS - None
NPUA / COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion made by Vice Mayor Merritt, second by Council Member Campbell to approve Items 2 through 6 on the NPUNCouncil Consent Calendar.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Members/Council Members Campbell, Mccorkle, Merritt, Jernigan, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
2. Authorized a Joint Use of Poles between the City of Needles and the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe Telecommunications Inc. for Eagle Pass Road and Needles Highway
3. Adopted the City of Needles Renewable Energy Resources Procurement Plan dated December 11, 2024
4. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Parker-Davis Voluntary Reduction Agreement
5. Accepted the annual report to the California Energy Commission Power Content Label for the year ending December 31, 2023
6. Accepted Change Order #2 to the Design-Build Contract with Pacific Hydrotech Corporation for the Well 11 Treatment Facility project resulting in an increase to the contract in the amount of $163,078.25 for a new total contract amount of $6,261,085.91; and authorize staff to execute said Change Order.
END OF NPUA CONSENT CALENDAR
ADJOURNED THE JOINT NPUA/COUNCIL MEETING AND RECONVENED THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE COUNCIL ITEMS - None
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 11 was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Council Member Campbell.
Motion made by Council Member Campbell, second by Council Member Pogue, to approve Consent Calendar Items 7 through 10.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Campbell, Mccorkle, Merritt, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
7. Approved the Warrants Register through December 10, 2024
8. Approved the Minutes of November 12, 2024
9. Waived the reading and adopted 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 (2nd Read Adopt)
10. Waived the reading and Adopted 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. (2nd Read Adopt) Council Member Mccorkle abstained from voting and left the room for Item 11, out of an abundance of caution, due to a potential conflict.
11. Authorized the City Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Needles and Rio Buena Vista Homeowners Association
Motion made by Council Member Campbell, second by Vice Mayor Merritt, to approve Consent Calendar Item 11.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Council Members Campbell, Merritt, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake None
None
Council Member Mccorkle
END OF COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR COUNCIL ITEMS
12. Vice Mayor Merritt made a motion, second by Council Member Campbell, to adopt Resolution 2024-45 Reciting the Fact of the General Municipal Election held on November 5, 2024, declaring the results and such other matters as provided by law.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Campbell, Mccorkle, Merritt, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Mayor Jernigan presented outgoing Vice Mayor Kirsten Merritt with a plaque in recognition of her service on City Council.
Break - Mayor Jernigan called a 5 minute break at 6:50 pm.
Council Resumed at 6:55 pm
Interim City Clerk Clark Administered the Oath of Office and delivered Certificate of Election to re-elected Mayor Janet Jernigan, re-elected Council Members Ellen Campbell and Tona Belt; and newly elected Council Member Zachery Longacre.
Roll Call
PRESENT
Council Member Ellen Campbell
Council Member Jamie Mccorkle
Council Member Zachery Longacre
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
Council Member Tona Belt
Council Member Henry Longbrake
Selection of the Vice Mayor
Motion made by Council Member Mccorkle, second by Council Member Longacre, to appoint Ellen Campbell as Vice Mayor.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: Council Member Pogue
Absent: None
Abstain: None
NEW REGULAR COUNCIL ITEMS
13. Interviews were held to fill vacancies on various Boards and Commissions due to the expiration of terms, and appointments were made as follows:
Board of Public Utilities
Council Member Longacre made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Campbell, to appoint David Cairns to the Board of Public Utilities, with a term to expire 12/31/2028.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Council Member Belt made a motion, second by Council Member Pogue, to re-appoint Jon McNeil to the Board of Public Utilities, with a term to expire 12/31/2028.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Planning Commission
Council Member Belt made a motion, second by Council Member Longacre, to appoint Joe Payson to the Planning Commission, with a term to expire 12/31/2028.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Council Member Pogue made a motion, second by Council Member Longbrake, to appoint Wayne Colburn to the Planning Commission, with a term to expire 12/31/2026.
Motion failed by the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Council Members Pogue and Longbrake
Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, and Belt
None
None
Council Member Longacre made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Campbell to appoint Owen Long to the Planning Commission, with a term to expire 12/31/2026.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, Pogue, and Belt Noes: Council Member Longbrake
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Recreation and Parks
Council Member Belt left the room during the interviews and voting out of an abundance of caution because she is related to one of the candidates.
Council Member Pogue made a motion, second by Council Member Longbrake, to re-appoint Suzanne Torres to the Recreation and Parks Commission, with a term to expire 12/31/2028.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, Pogue, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Council Member Belt
Council Member Longbrake made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Campbell, to re-appoint Lori Long to the Recreation and Parks Commission, with a term to expire 12/31/2028.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Longacre, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, and Longbrake Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
None
None
Council Member Belt
Council Member Longacre made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Campbell, to re-appoint Cindy Melvin to the Recreation and Parks Commission, with a term to expire 12/31/2028.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, Pogue, and Longbrake None
None
Council Member Belt
Cemetery Advisory Board
Council Member Mccorkle made a motion, second by Council Member Longacre, to appoint Scott Dressler to the Cemetery Advisory Board, with a term to expire 12/31/2028.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
14. Authorize those interested to attend the League of California Cities Mayor and Council Member Academy January 29-31, 2025 in Anaheim/Garden Grove.
Council Member Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Mccorkle to authorize Council Members Longacre, Campbell, and Mayor Jernigan to attend the League of California Cities Mayor and Council Member Academy January 29-31, 2025, in Anaheim/Garden Grove.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
15. Council Member Mccorkle made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Campbell, to waive the reading and approve for introduction Ordinance 671-AC of the City Council of the City of Needles, California, Adding Sec.15A-7.3 to Chapter 15A of the Needles City Code Setting Regulations for use Of the Graffiti Art Wall.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
16. Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Longacre , to approve the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with BNSF Railway Company for a Portion of APN 0185-091-14 for Eagle Pass Road Right-of-Way in an amount NTE $7,500 and authorize staff to execute said agreement.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
17. Council Member Longacre made a motion, second by Council Member Pogue, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution 2024-47 prioritizing and approving the dollar amount of Needles eligible projects for the Community Development Block Grant Funding in fiscal year 2025-2026 Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Longacre, Mccorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, and Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT - Given by City Attorney Pinkney
CITY CLERK REPORT - Given by Interim City Clerk Clark
CITY MANAGER REPORT - Given by City Manager Martinez
City Manager's Report for the weeks of November 22 and November 29, 2024.
COUNCIL REQUESTS
Council Member Longacre - Suggested starting a road department; crack, seal, repair equipment and slurry truck; organizing a clean-up on Ice House Road on December 22, at 1 0am; would like to see one clean-up per month.
Council Member Mccorkle - complimented the success of the Holiday Fun Fair and Parade; expressed concern over the condition of River Road to Jack Smith Park; welcomed the new council.
Vice Mayor Campbell - Offered condolences to fellow Council Member Longbrake; commented on the success of the employee appreciation event, Holiday Fun Fair; would like to see murals on the water towers; asked about motorized bike safety and helmet requirements, offered condolences to those facing evacuation in Malibu.
Council Member Pogue - expressed concern over the condition of J Street and Lilly Hill and the holes in the sign at the County building.
Council Member Belt - Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and talked about Santa at WARMC.
Council Member Longbrake - talked about Duke Watkins park; Holiday Fun Fair and the Parade floats; reported on the Shop with a Cop event; reported on the road by 3 Petes field; and asked for the sign at the K street bridge to be relocated to the center of the overhead beam.
Mayor Jernigan - spoke about the success of the Election; thanked the SB County Sheriffs department, Set Free, St. Vincent DePaul, and Firehouse Ministries for their involvement in the community; asked about the demolition of the old Chamber of Commerce building.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS - None RECESSED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION at 9:33 pm
EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Conference with legal Counsel regarding pending litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1 ). One Case: Brown v. Needles (Case No (Case 5:23-cv-01118-AB-SSC) 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) No reportable action
c. Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Potential Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4). One potential Case.
No reportable action
EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT - given by City Attorney Pinkney as noted above.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Jernigan adjourned the meeting at 10:30 pm oQx��� 0� Qj�� Interim City Clerk Candace Clark