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, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 - COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION – 5:00 PM - CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Jernigan called the meeting to order at 5:08 pm
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Council Member McCorkle arrived and joined Executive Session at 5:32 pm Vice Mayor Ellen Campbell
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
Council Member Tona Belt
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, City Planner Irene Romero, Senior Code Enforcement Officer Bernie Hatz, and City Clerk Candace Clark.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION - None RECESSED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION - 5:10 PM
EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. 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
b. 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
c. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency Negotiator: City Manager Patrick Martinez or his designee. Unrepresented Employee: Utility Manager
No reportable action
d. 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 6:00 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 – City Clerk Candace Clark announced an addition to the agenda to approve Mayor Jernigan’s travel to an Inland Empire Tourism event (Item 26) Council Member McCorkle 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 Board of Public Utilities Chair and former Council Member Terry Campbell, Former Council Members Robert Yee, and Don McCone in attendance.
CITY ATTORNEY – Parliamentary Procedures given by Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Khristie Dentice asked City staff to look into bringing an Animal Medical Clinic to Needles.
Darlene Hernandez complained about commercial truck traffic in the Zamora Heights neighborhood and stated they are hazardous to the residents and are leaving trash. Asked about closing the easement.
Cindy Melvin reiterated the commercial truck traffic issue, further stating that they drive fast and are destroying the streets in the neighborhood, and asked about blocking truck access.
Robert Yee reported on the upcoming 10-10 Celebration and stated this is the celebration’s 52nd year.
James Jones complained about the condition of El Garces, stating that maintenance is lacking; he further stated that there are signage issues, and that the Amtrak station should be open for passengers.
PRESENTATION
1. Captain Jake Gault introduced Kim Buckley and Emma Joe Busto from the County Behavioral Health Triage, Engagement and Support Team (TEST Program).
Kim Buckley presented information about their program.
Council asked questions of staff and discussion ensued.
NPUA / COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Longbrake pulled item #4 for discussion.
Member/Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Member/Council Member Pogue, to approve items 2 through 3 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
2. Waived full reading and adopted Ordinance 676-AC of the City of Needles, California Establishing a Procedure for Property Owner Objections to Proposed Water/Sewer Fees or Special Assessment. (2nd Read Adopt)
3. Accepted the proposal of and authorized Lincus Incorporated to complete the 2025–2027 AB 32 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Third Party Verification Services for a total cost not to exceed $26,014.
Pulled Item:
4. Approve Survalent providing Electric SCADA Software not to exceed $137,126 utilizing the Electric System Improvement Fund.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked questions of staff and discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 6:31pm.
James Jones cautioned about reporting requirements and staying compliant when using SCADA software.
Mayor Jernigan closed Public Comment at 6:33 pm.
Member/Council Member Ford made a motion, second by Member/Council Member Longbrake, to approve Survalent providing Electric SCADA Software not to exceed $137,126 utilizing the Electric System Improvement Fund.
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 NPUA CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR NPUA / COUNCIL ITEMS
5. Accept the Comprehensive Water and Wastewater Cost of Service Ratemaking Study dated August 2025 and initiate the Prop 218 45-Day Public Comment to Adopt the Proposed Water and Wastewater Rates for 2026 – 2030.
City Manager Patrick Martinez introduced representative Brian Bass from Raftellis, who gave PowerPoint presentation via Teams.
Council asked questions and discussion ensued.
Terry Campbell answered council questions and explained that the City is required to conduct a rate study every 5 years.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 6:45 pm.
No public comment - closed at 6:46 pm.
Member/Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Member/Council Member Ford, to accept the Comprehensive Water and Wastewater Cost of Service Ratemaking Study dated August 2025 and initiate the Prop 218 45-Day Public Comment to Adopt the Proposed Water and Wastewater Rates for 2026 – 2030.
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
6. Accept the Comprehensive Electric Service Ratemaking Study dated August 2025 City Manager Patrick Martinez introduced Ashley Blank from Raftellis, who gave a PowerPoint presentation via Teams.
Council asked questions and discussion ensued.
Terry Campbell answered council questions.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 6:53 pm.
Don McCone compared NPUA rates to MEC and cautioned staff to stay competitive.
Staff and Council responded.
Public comment closed at 6:58 pm.
Member/Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Member/Council Member Pogue, to accept the Comprehensive Electric Service Ratemaking Study dated August 2025.
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
7. Approve a 2.7% cost-of-living (COLA) increase in electric basic service charge rate as of October 1, 2025; approve an over-hydro rate of $0.1159 effective October 1, 2025; eliminate the $.0300 Power Cost Adjustment and approve the methodology to calculate the annual electric base rate and the power cost adjustment rate based on the rate calculation spreadsheets.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
No Council discussion or questions.
Mayor Jernigan called Board of Public Utility Chair Terry Campbell to speak about the item.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:03 pm.
No public comment - closed at 7:04 pm.
Member/Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Member/Council Member Ford, to Approve a 2.7% cost-of-living (COLA) increase in electric basic service charge rate as of October 1, 2025; approve an over-hydro rate of $0.1159 effective October 1, 2025; eliminate the $.0300 Power Cost Adjustment and approve the methodology to calculate the annual electric base rate and the power cost adjustment rate based on the rate calculation spreadsheets.
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
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member McCorkle made a motion, second by Council Member Longbrake to approve items 8 through 17 on the Council Consent Calendar.
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
8. Approved the Warrants Register through September 9, 2025
9. Approved the Minutes of August 12, 2025
10. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-36 authorizing destruction of certain city records pursuant to Government Code Section 34090
11. Waived full reading and Adopted 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 (2nd read Adopt)
12. Received and filed the Needles Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) 2025-2030
13. Approved 2026 employee benefits plan for Medical, Dental and Vision
14. Adopted Resolution 2025-37 Approving the lease extension with the Tri-State Alano Club for the building at 801 Third Street until September 9, 2026, under the same terms and conditions
15. Authorized the annual seed purchase from Simplot Turf & Horticulture, Las Vegas, in the amount of $28,716
16. Authorized the purchase from SPS VAR for one (1) Power10 AS400/Naviline Server not to exceed $62,000, utilizing the adopted FY26 General Fund Budget
17. Adopted Resolution 2025-33 Measure I Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2025 Through 2030
END OF COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR COUNCIL ITEMS
18. Adopt ratified Memorandum of Understanding with the Teamsters Local 1932, Classified and Unclassified Units and the City of Needles for the three-year term (July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028) City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade noted that complete copies of the MOU are available in the City Clerk’s office during regular business hours.
Council asked minimal questions of staff.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:08 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 7:09 pm.
Council Member Ford made a motion, second by Council Member McCorkle to adopt ratified Memorandum of Understanding with the Teamsters Local 1932, Classified and Unclassified Units and the City of Needles for the three-year term (July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028).
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
A second vote was called to appropriate the funds for the ratified MOU.
Council Member McCorkle made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Campbell to appropriate the funds for the ratified MOU
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
19. Mayor Jernigan read Proclamation for 175th Anniversary of California Statehood
20. Adopt Resolution 2025-38 Approving the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Master Plan and Pilot Project as outlined in the Technical Memorandum. Direct staff to proceed with implementation, including signage, public education, and coordination with law enforcement. Authorize staff to pursue state and regional funding opportunities to support the program.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Fred Minegar gave PowerPoint presentation via Teams.
Council asked questions of staff and considerable discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:33 pm.
Jared Johnston commended all the effort that went into this item and urged staff to market this to attract tourism.
Cheryl Sallis asked about speed limits and raised concerns about racing on city streets. Council and staff addressed concerns.
Don McCone thanked staff and commented that this will increase tourism.
Tim Terral mentioned that he worked on this when he was on City Councill, with prior Mayor Jeff Williams and commented on the benefits of off-road vehicles no longer having to bypass Needles.
Public Comment closed at 7:39 pm.
Council Member Pogue made a motion, second by Council Member McCorkle to adopt Resolution 2025-38 Approving the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Master Plan and Pilot Project as outlined in the Technical Memorandum. Direct staff to proceed with implementation, including signage, public education, and coordination with law enforcement. Authorize staff to pursue state and regional funding opportunities to support the program.
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
21. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-39 of the City Council of the City of Needles Approving a Lease between the City of Needles and 19th Hole Bar & Grill, LLC to Operate A Full-Service Restaurant in a CityOwned Facility at River’s Edge Golf Course and Authorizing the City Manager to Sign Documents on Behalf of the City of Needles.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report for this item and Item 22.
Kristen Hoebel spoke, expressing gratitude to staff and Council for bringing this item forward.
Council had no questions.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:46 pm.
Jared Johnston asked about the existence of a long-term plan and questioned continuous repairs on an old building.
Public Comment closed at 7:48 pm.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member McCorkle to adopt Resolution No. 2025-39 of the City Council of the City of Needles Approving a Lease between the City of Needles and 19th Hole Bar & Grill, LLC to Operate A Full-Service Restaurant in a City-Owned Facility at River’s Edge Golf Course and Authorizing the City Manager to Sign Documents on Behalf of the City of Needles.
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
22. Award bid to Precise Builders, Inc. for the 19th Hole Bar & Grill Kitchen Remodel Project in the amount of $416,699 plus 20% contingency for a total project cost of $500,039 and authorize staff to execute a Public Works Agreement with Precise Builders, Inc. and move forward with the Notice of Award and Notice to Proceed.
Staff report and Public Comment done with prior agenda item (21).
Council Member McCorkle made a motion, second by Council Member Ford to award bid to Precise Builders, Inc. for the 19th Hole Bar & Grill Kitchen Remodel Project in the amount of $416,699 plus 20% contingency for a total project cost of $500,039 and authorize staff to execute a Public Works Agreement with Precise Builders, Inc. and move forward with the Notice of Award and Notice to Proceed.
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. Consider cancelling the November 25 and December 23, 2025, regular City Council / NPUA / HACN meetings.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council had no questions.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:49 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 7:50 pm.
Council Member McCorkle made a motion, second by Council Member Longbrake to cancel the November 25 and December 23, 2025, regular City Council / NPUA / HACN meetings.
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
24. Adopt Resolution 2025-40 Approving a First Amendment to the Employment Agreement with Rainie Torrance for Utility Manager effective September 10, 2025, setting a salary of $196,100 in compliance with SB 1436 and incorporate into the salary schedule FY 2025-2026.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council had no questions.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:52 pm.
No Public Comment – closed at 7:53 pm.
Council Member McCorkle made a motion, second by Vice Mayor Campbell to Adopt Resolution 2025- 40 Approving a First Amendment to the Employment Agreement with Rainie Torrance for Utility Manager effective September 10, 2025, setting a salary of $196,100 in compliance with SB 1436 and incorporate into the salary schedule FY 2025-2026.
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. 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)
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Senior Code Enforcement Officer Bernard Hatz gave Power Point presentation.
Council asked questions and considerable discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 8:21 pm.
James Jones spoke against the ordinance stating that it is not needed and that we can use the tools we already have; he further stated that it creates an atmosphere of hostility toward visitors; he stated that it is legal for people to camp between the water level and the high water mark on the beaches as it is federal jurisdiction. He asked for an AdHoc committee to discuss this further.
Don McCone spoke in favor of the ordinance, stating that we can always use more tools to fix problems; he further commended the community for working together and spoke about our need to remain conscious about the perception of our community by tourists.
Jared Johnston spoke in favor of the ordinance, stating that Code Enforcement expressed a need for more tools to combat health issues and fire hazards we should trust them and provide the necessary tools; he gave examples of issues faced daily by Code Enforcement, City Staff, and residents.
Public Comment closed at 8:32 pm.
Council Member McCorkle made a motion, second by Council Member Ford to 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) Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Pogue, Belt Noes: Council Member Longbrake
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Item Added at beginning of meeting:
26. Authorize Mayor Jernigan to attend the Inland Empire Tourism Networking event at the San Bernardino County Museum Fisk Gallery in Redlands on September 11, 2025.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member McCorkle to authorize Mayor Jernigan to attend the Inland Empire Tourism Networking event at the San Bernardino County Museum Fisk Gallery in Redlands on September 11, 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
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 August 29 and September 5, 2025, given by City Manager Patrick Martinez
COUNCIL REQUESTS
Council Member Ford
Requested staff look into renaming Quinn Ct. to Peanuts Court or Snoopy Court. Expressed concern that e-bikes are becoming a traffic hazard and asked staff to explore options to promote safety
Council Member McCorkle
Nothing
Vice Mayor Campbell
Expressed concern about commercial trucks driving in the Zamora Heights neighborhood Thanked the community for supporting the Women’s Club luncheons Council Member Pogue
Suggested staff look into promoting a truck stop to accommodate all the commercial trucks and alleviate the issues of illegal truck traffic
Council Member Belt
Reported that Colorado River Concerts and River Cities Community Theater upcoming events Will be participating with the SB County Sheriff’s Department, CHP, and SB County Fire Department to teach 75 8th graders CPR