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
COUNCIL CHAMBERES, 1111 BAILEY AVE, NEEDLES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2025 - COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION – 5:00 PM - CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Jernigan called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Council Member McCorkle
Vice Mayor Ellen Campbell arrived at 5:02 pm
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
Council Member Tona Belt arrived at 5:03 pm
Council Member Henry Longbrake
Council Member Larry Ford
Also present were City Manager Patrick Martinez, Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade, Director of Development Services/Capital Projects Kathy Raasch, Utilities Manager Rainie Torrance, City Planner Irene Romero, Interim Finance Director Jill Taura, Senior Code Enforcement Officer Bernie Hatz, and City Clerk Candace Clark.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION - None RECESSED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION - 5:04 PM
EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2): (1 potential case)
No reportable action
b. Conference with Real Property Negotiators Pursuant to California Government Code §54956.8 Real Property: 144 Marina Drive, River’s Edge Snack Bar (Concession/Lease Agreement) Agency Negotiator: City Manager Patrick Martinez or his designee Negotiating Parties: City of Needles (potential lessor) and Kristin and Scott Baran (potential lessees) Under Negotiation: Price and terms of Lease.
No reportable action
c. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Government Code § 54956.9) Name of Case: Ruben Junior Lopez v. California Department of Transportation, City of Needles, County of San Bernardino San Bernardino County of Superior Court CIVSB2518392 No reportable action
d. Conference with Labor Negotiator pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6 - Personnel - Agency Representatives City Manager Patrick Martinez and Pamela Osteen - Employee Organization: Teamsters Local 1932-Unclassified No reportable action
e. Conference with Labor Negotiator pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6 - Personnel - Agency Representatives City Manager Patrick Martinez and Pamela Osteen - Employee Organization: Teamsters Local 1932-Classified
No reportable action
f. Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Potential Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4). Re: Medical Investor Holdings, LLC (MIH) and MIH Related Entities
No reportable action
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Jernigan called the meeting to order at 6:21 pm
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Council Member McCorkle
Vice Mayor Ellen Campbell
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
Council Member Tona Belt
Council Member Henry Longbrake
Council Member Larry Ford
EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT – Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade gave report as noted above.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - led by Mayor Jernigan
INVOCATION - led by Vice Mayor Campbell
APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Mayor Jernigan announced that item 23 will be continued to the September 9 City Council Meeting.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Ford, to approve the agenda as amended above. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
CONFLICT OF INTEREST – None
CORRESPONDENCE – None
INTRODUCTIONS - Mayor Jernigan acknowledged former Council Members Tim Terral and Shawn Gudmundson in attendance.
CITY ATTORNEY – Parliamentary Procedures given by Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Jared Johnston asked staff to address water leaks and ongoing construction on Monterey Street and expressed concern over contractor not packing the asphalt correctly. He also informed staff that there is a fire ring on Bob Belt Beach Park and requested it be removed; asked about the fiber installation taking place in the neighborhood behind the Elk’s and asked about the paving requirements, requesting City Staff monitor this to ensure compliance. He reported that the same contractors were blocking crosswalks in front of the school on the first day of school.
Shawn Gudmundson asked about the paving requirements for contractors cutting into the roads and urged staff to monitor
James Jones read an excerpt from the bible and expressed opposition of the pending Anti-Camping Ordinance.
Don McCone spoke in favor of the Anti-Camping Ordinance, stating the community is compassionate and works together to help those in need; while also acknowledging the need to make the community safe and attractive to residents, tourists, and businesses.
PRESENTATION
1. Accept and file the City Annual Financial Report and Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023.
Roger Martinez from Vasquez & Company LLP gave presentation.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked questions of staff and discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 6:59 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 7:00 pm.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Pogue, to accept and file the City Annual Financial Report and Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Adopt Resolution 2025-32 Amending Resolution 2024-37 and increasing Green Fee Rates at the Rivers Edge Golf Course
City Manager Patrick Martinez introduced the item and Golf Pro JJ Deleon gave staff report.
Council asked questions of staff and discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:07 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 7:08 pm.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member McCorkle, to Adopt Resolution 2025-32 Amending Resolution 2024-37 and increasing Green Fee Rates at the Rivers Edge Golf Course.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
3. Adopt Resolution 2025-35 Approving Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 20989 To Subdivide 2.54 Gross Acres Into Three (3) Parcels, Located At 193 Morgan Drive, Within The Two-Family (R-2) Land Use Zoning District; APN 0650-318-08.
City Planner Irene Romero gave staff report.
Council asked questions of staff and discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:13 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 7:14 pm.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Pogue, to Adopt Resolution 2025- 35 Approving Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 20989 To Subdivide 2.54 Gross Acres Into Three (3) Parcels, Located At 193 Morgan Drive, Within The Two-Family (R-2) Land Use Zoning District; APN 0650-318-08.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
NPUA / COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
No Public Comment
Member/Council Member McCorkle made a motion, second by Member /Vice Mayor Campbell, to approve items 4 through 8 on the NPUA/Council Consent Calendar.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Members/Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Member/Vice Mayor Campbell, Member/Mayor Jernigan, Members/Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
4. Approved the First Amendment to the Non-Exclusive License Agreement for Joint Use of Poles between the City of Needles and Fort Mojave Telecommunications, Inc., authorizing additional attachments along Erin Drive, Washington Street, and Highland Avenue.
5. Authorized Brooks Consulting, LLC FY26 Electrical Engineering Fees not to exceed $15,000
6. Accepted the AB32 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Verification Report 2024 Emissions prepared by WZI Inc.
7. Approved Change Order #1 with Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. to include a Joint Pole Cost of Service Analysis in the utility ratemaking study, at a cost not to exceed $5,000, to be funded from the adopted FY26 electric budget.
8. Accepted the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Electric Distribution Audit covering the period of March 10–14, 2025, as documented in the final report dated June 25, 2025.
END OF NPUA CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR NPUA / COUNCIL ITEMS
9. Adopt Ordinance 676-AC of the City of Needles, California Establishing a Procedure for Property Owner Objections to Proposed Water/Sewer Fees or Special Assessment.
Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade gave presentation and staff report.
No Council discussion or questions.
No Public Comment
Member/Council Member McCorkle made a motion, second by Member/Council Member Ford, to Adopt Ordinance 676-AC of the City of Needles, California Establishing a Procedure for Property Owner Objections to Proposed Water/Sewer Fees or Special Assessment.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Members/Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Member/Vice Mayor Campbell, Member/Mayor Jernigan, Members/Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
HACN/COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Longbrake pulled item 10
10. Approve Change Order No. 1 for the NHA Primary Fencing Project increasing the contract with Golden West Fence by $32,573.22 for total contract amount of $233,099.77; and authorize staff to execute said Change Order.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked minimal questions of staff.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:19 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 7:20 pm.
Member/Council Member Longbrake made a motion, second by Member/Council Member Pogue, to Approve Change Order No. 1 for the NHA Primary Fencing Project increasing the contract with Golden West Fence by $32,573.22 for total contract amount of $233,099.77; and authorize staff to execute said Change Order.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Members/Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Member/Vice Mayor Campbell, Member/Mayor Jernigan, Members/Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
11. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-11-HACN authorizing the establishment of a new account with LAIF and identifying HACN officials and staff authorized to transfer monies between HACN’s bank account and LAIF.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked minimal questions of staff and Interim Finance Director Jill Taura answered.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:22 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 7:23 pm.
Member/Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Member/Council Member Pogue, to Adopt Resolution No. 2025-11-HACN authorizing the establishment of a new account with LAIF and identifying HACN officials and staff authorized to transfer monies between HACN’s bank account and LAIF.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Members/Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Member/Vice Mayor Campbell, Member/Mayor Jernigan, Members/Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
END OF HACN / COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Longbrake pulled item 19
19. Waive the formal bid requirement for independent financial audit services and accept the three-year proposal from LSL CPAs and Advisors in the amount of $416,713, including a 10% contingency, with an option to extend the contract in years 4 and 5; and Increase the Purchase Order with Vaquez and Company LLC for Fiscal Year 2023 audit services by $30,000 for audit cost overruns.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked questions of staff and Interim Finance Director Jill Taura answered.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:28 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 7:29 pm.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Pogue, to Waive the formal bid requirement for independent financial audit services and accept the three-year proposal from LSL CPAs and Advisors in the amount of $416,713, including a 10% contingency, with an option to extend the contract in years 4 and 5; and Increase the Purchase Order with Vaquez and Company LLC for Fiscal Year 2023 audit services by $30,000 for audit cost overruns.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member McCorkle, to approve consent calendar items 12 through 18, 20 and 21.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
12. Approved the Warrants Register through August 12, 2025
13. Approved the Minutes of July 8, 2025
14. Accepted and filed the June 2025 Treasurer’s Report.
15. Accepted and filed the July 2025 Treasurer’s Report.
16. Accepted the FY24 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) in the amount of $13,227.
17. Adopted Resolution 2025-34 Authorizing Submittal of Individual Grant Applications and Related Authorization for all Grant Programs Related to CalRecycle
18. Approved filing of a claim for Local Transportation Fund (LTF) and State Transit Assistance (STA) Funds for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
20. Approved the Seventh Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Building Support Services with Willdan extending the contract term for one (1) year.
21. Accepted Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with TKE Engineering Inc. to Provide On-Call Supplemental Engineering Services.
END OF COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR COUNCIL ITEMS
22. Approve the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith for continued Marketing and Public Affairs Services in FY 2025–2026, for an amount not to exceed $40,000; Authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment and any related documents and Authorize the carryover of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Tripepi Smith purchase order and encumbrance of $9,226.25 from the original contract, allowing Tripepi to continue foundational work for the video marketing campaign.
City Manager Patrick Martinez introduced Jennifer Nentwig of Tripepi Smith, who gave Power Point Presentation. Christine Martin, also of Tripepi Smith, participated via Teams.
Council asked questions and discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:52 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 7:53 pm.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member McCorkle, to Approve the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith for continued Marketing and Public Affairs Services in FY 2025–2026, for an amount not to exceed $40,000; Authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment and any related documents and Authorize the carryover of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Tripepi Smith purchase order and encumbrance of $9,226.25 from the original contract, allowing Tripepi to continue foundational work for the video marketing campaign.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
23. Waive full reading and Adopt Ordinance 675-AC adding Chapter 11A, Camping, to the Needles Municipal Code, establishing regulations prohibiting camping on public property. (2nd Read - Adopt) – continued to September 9, 2025
24. Authorize those interested to attend the San Bernardino County 2025 State of the County event on September 17, 2025.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council discussion ensued. Mayor Jernigan, Vice Mayor Campbell, and Council Member Belt expressed an interest in attending.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:55 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 7:56 pm.
Council Member Ford made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Campbell, to authorize Mayor Jernigan, Vice Mayor Campbell, and Council Member Belt to attend the San Bernardino County 2025 State of the County event on September 17, 2025.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
25. Adopt Ordinance 677-AC of the City Council of the City Of Needles, California, Amending Chapter 18, Article 18-V, Entitled “Conduct On Public Property” in the Needles Municipal Code. (1st Read)
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked minimal questions of staff and Senior Code Enforcement Officer Bernard Hatz responded. Minimal discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 8:02 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 8:03 pm.
Council Member Ford made a motion, second by Council Member Pogue, to adopt Ordinance 677-AC of the City Council of the City Of Needles, California, Amending Chapter 18, Article 18-V, Entitled “Conduct On Public Property” in the Needles Municipal Code. (1st Read).
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
26. Provide Staff Direction on School Zone Analysis
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked questions of staff and Director of Development Services/Capital Projects Kathy Raasch, responded. Considerable discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 8:14 pm.
Shawn Gudmundson asked why this was being addressed and suggested cost sharing with the Needles Unified School District.
Public Comment – closed at 8:16 pm.
Council directed staff to seek funding to move forward with the School Zone Analysis
27. Provide Staff Direction - Multi-Way Stop Warrant and Crosswalk Evaluation – Broadway St. & B Street
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked questions of staff and considerable discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 8:21 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 8:22 pm.
Council advised staff that action is not currently warranted.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT – given by Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade CITY CLERK REPORT – given by City Clerk Candace Clark
CITY MANAGER REPORT – for the weeks of July 25 and August 1, 2025, given by City Manager Patrick Martinez
COUNCIL REQUESTS
Council Member Ford
• Stop sign on Front + K- by K Street Bridge – can it be removed? Council Member McCorkle
• Thanked Fire Department for getting fire out fast
• Pics of Needles-various locations - add QR codes?
• Real Estate function on web- to show commercial properties for sale • Labor Day-extra patrol after dark-in J S. Park area
• Thanked Tim for Channel 2
Vice Mayor Campbell
• Thanked Staff for cleaning up Bazobooth and Cibola after storm – asked for cleanup of the dirt that was washed into the road near B street
• Reported on the 75th Anniversary party for Peanuts and Thanked the Mayor and Bing from Colorado River Medical Center.
• Thanked Sheriff’s for being proactive during the busy summer season • Reminded everyone about water safety
• Thanked Code Enforcement for all their efforts
Council Member Pogue
• No Requests
Council Member Belt
• No Requests
Council Member Longbrake
• Reported that we need lights in the dog park
• Asked about the status of the sign in front of Council Chambers • Lights (globes) on Broadway and a couple at Santa Fe Park are broken and need to be replaced Mayor Jernigan
• Reported on success of the Peanuts event and participated in an interview on KNTR Speak Out promoting the event
• Fall Festive coming on November 1 – kiddie parade
• Thanked Sheriff for the Backpack drive
• Reported on attendance at the Cal Cities joint meeting with Vice Mayor Campbell • Requested an update to the sign coming into Needles
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Jernigan adjourned the meeting at 8:49 pm City Clerk Candace Clark
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the meeting held on the 12th day of August
2025, by the City Council of the City of Needles.
Candace Clark, CPMC, CMC
City Clerk of the City of Needles