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, NOVEMBER 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 Larry Ford
Council Member McCorkle
Vice Mayor Ellen Campbell arrived at 5:05 PM
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
Council Member Tona Belt arrived at 5:03 PM
Council Member Henry Longbrake
ABSENT
None
Also present were City Manager Patrick Martinez, Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade, Utilities Manager Rainie Torrance, Director of Development Services/Capital Projects Kathy Raasch, City Planner Irene Romero, Community Services Manager Cheryl Sallis, and City Clerk Candace Clark.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION - None RECESSED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION - 5:03 PM
EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Gov’t Code § 54956.9(d)(4)) In re: 419 D Street, Needles, CA.
A settlement agreement was approved by unanimous vote.
b. Conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1) City of Needles, Terry Reed, et al., Superior Court of the County of San Bernardino, Case No. CIVSB2316434
No reportable action
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Jernigan called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Vice Mayor Ellen Campbell
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
Council Member Tona Belt
Council Member Henry Longbrake
Council Member Larry Ford
Council Member McCorkle
ABSENT
None
EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT – Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade gave report as noted above.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - led by Mayor Jernigan
INVOCATION - given by Vice Mayor Campbell
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Jernigan announced that Item 9 would be pushed to the end of the meeting (after item 12) and asked for a motion to approve the agenda as amended.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Pogue, to approve the agenda as amended.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member 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 City Manager Rick Daniels and former Utility Board Members Mike Schneider and Phil LeJeune in attendance.
CITY ATTORNEY – Parliamentary Procedures given by Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Ruth Musser-Lopez asked City Staff to look into the house on D Street that has a porta-potty in the front yard, stating it is a nuisance and a health hazard.
PRESENTATION
1. Mayor Jernigan Presented plaques to Stephen Moffitt and Phillip LeJeune for years of service on the Board of Public Utilities
Rick Daniels, Terry Campbell, Mike Schneider, and Tona Belt expressed appreciation for their dedication and commitment to the betterment of the City of Needles.
2. Presentation given by Christian Schafer: Truck Parking at Ice Plant Road and Highway 95.
Ruth Musser-Lopez stated that Highway 95 is under the jurisdiction of the California Highway Patrol.
City Manager Martinez provided some background information on the City’s ongoing collaboration and efforts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and City Code Enforcement.
Council members commented.
Council Member Belt left the meeting at 6:37 pm.
The special joint meeting of the Board of Public Utilities and Needles Public Utility Authority (NPUA) / City Council held on the 12th day of November 2025, was called to order at 6:38 p.m. with CHAIRMAN TERRY CAMPBELL presiding and the following COMMISSIONERS present:
Commissioners Jones, Walters, Brown, McNeil, Cairns, and Powell NPUA/City Council: Mayor Jernigan, Members Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, and Longbrake.
Also Present: City Manager Martinez, Utility Manager Torrance, Board Secretary Sallis, City Clerk Clark, and Deputy City Attorney Wade
PUBLIC HEARINGS – WATER AND WASTEWATER RATE INCREASES
3. Board of Public Utilities / NPUA / Council: Public hearing noticed to consider all evidence and testimony for or against a proposed increase in water rates for water services Staff Report – Utility Manager Torrance provided a PowerPoint presentation on the utility services provided by the city including electric, water and wastewater. She noted that three community meetings were held on the proposed rate increases for water and wastewater and there was one resident at one hearing and two residents at another. The proposed rate increases include a 3% increase in water and 6% in wastewater each year for the next five years with the last increase October 1, 2029.
Board / NPUA / Council questions of staff - None
Mayor Jernigan opened the public hearing at 6:49 p.m.
Public Comment
Ruth Musser-Lopez asked that the protests be read into the record and not just announced how many were received. She voiced her objection to the rate increases speaking on city employees increases in salary and benefits, social security for seniors being 2.8% but the utilities increasing more every year and not considering use of cannabis business tax for utilities in the general fund or amortization of capital improvements over 30 years. She asked when rates will go down with no inflation.
Donna Rohr questioned if the rates projected for water overages are increasing and Utility Manager Torrance explained the proposed new rate for the basic service charge and volumetric rate (water used).
Mayor Jernigan closed the public hearing at 6:54 p.m.
City Clerk Clark announced that 15 written protests were received which do not constitute a majority.
Board / NPUA / Council Discussion / Deliberation – None BOARD ACTION: COMMISSIONER McNeil Moved, Seconded By Commissioner Brown, to Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution No. 11-12-25 BPU establishing and recommending rates for water service effective February 1, 2026; and rescinding all prior resolutions relating to the establishment of water rates subject to adoption of new rates by the City Council and Needles Public Utility Authority. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: CHAIRMAN CAMPBELL, COMMISSIONERS JONES, WALTERS, BROWN, McNEIL, CAIRNS AND POWELL
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
NPUA ACTION: MEMBER McCORKLE MOVED, SECONDED BY MEMBER POGUE, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 11-12-2025-NPUA approving rates for water service effective February 1, 2026, and rescinding all prior resolutions relating to the establishment of water rates. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: MEMBERS FORD, McCORKLE, CAMPBELL, JERNIGAN, POGUE, AND LONGBRAKE NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MEMBER BELT
COUNCIL ACTION: COUNCILMEMBER POGUE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER McCORKLE, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 2025-47 approving rates for water service effective February 1, 2026, and rescinding all prior resolutions relating to the establishment of water rates. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS FORD, McCORKLE, CAMPBELL, POGUE, AND LONGBRAKE NOES: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER BELT
4. Board of Public Utilities / NPUA / Council: Public hearing noticed to consider all evidence and testimony for or against a proposed increase in wastewater rates for wastewater services Staff Report – Previously provided
Board / NPUA / Council questions of staff - None
Mayor Jernigan opened public hearing at 6:57 p.m.
Public Comment
Ruth Musser-Lopez noted her objection comments are the same as water. She does not feel it is right to take the inflation rate and then only allow protests. There should be a cap when inflation rates are unreasonable, and it should not be a protest vote but should go on the ballot. People cannot afford to pay and she felt this is wrong.
Mayor Jernigan closed the public hearing at 7:00 p.m.
City Clerk will announce the final number of written protests received under Prop 218 and whether a majority protest exists – As reported during the water rate public hearing increase.
Board / NPUA / Council Discussion / Deliberation - None BOARD ACTION: COMMISSIONER POWELL MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CAIRNS, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 11-12-25-1 BPU establishing and recommending rates for wastewater service effective February 1, 2026; and rescinding all prior resolutions relating to the establishment of wastewater rates subject to adoption of new rates by the City Council and Needles Public Utility Authority.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: CHAIRMAN CAMPBELL, COMMISSIONERS JONES, WALTERS, BROWN, McNEIL, CAIRNS AND POWELL
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
NPUA ACTION: MEMBER McCORKLE MOVED, SECONDED BY MEMBER POGUE, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 11-12-2025-1-NPUA approving rates for wastewater service effective February 1, 2026, and rescinding all prior resolutions relating to the establishment of water rates. Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: MEMBERS FORD, McCORKLE, CAMPBELL, JERNIGAN, POGUE, AND LONGBRAKE NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MEMBER BELT
COUNCIL ACTION: COUNCILMEMBER McCORKLE MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER FORD, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 2025-48 approving rates for wastewater service effective February 1, 2026, and rescinding all prior resolutions relating to the establishment of wastewater rates.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS FORD, McCORKLE, CAMPBELL, POGUE, AND LONGBRAKE NOES: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER BELT
City Manager Martinez commended the Board and NPUA/Council for the tough decisions that had to be made to protect the financial stability of the utilities. He also thanked the staff that were involved in the process to get to this action today.
CHAIRMAN CAMPBELL declared the special joint meeting of the Board of Public Utilities and Needles Public Utility Authority (NPUA) / City Council held on the 12th day of November 2025 adjourned at 7:03 p.m.
Council Member Belt rejoined the meeting at 7:03 pm.
5. Public hearing noticed to consider all evidence and testimony for or against Purchasing Ordinance Number 678-AC, Amending Chapter 8, Article II of the Needles Municipal Code (First Read) City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council questions of staff - none
Mayor Jernigan opened the public hearing at 7:15pm
Public Comment - None
Mayor Jernigan closed the public hearing at 7:15pm
Waive full reading and adopt Ordinance Number 678-AC, Amending Chapter 8, Article II of the Needles Municipal Code (First Read)
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Pogue, to Waive full reading and adopt Ordinance Number 678-AC, Amending Chapter 8, Article II of the Needles Municipal Code (First Read)
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 9 was moved to the end of the meeting, as noted during approval of agenda.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Belt, to approve Items 6 through 8 on the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
6. Approved the Warrants Register through November 12, 2025
7. Approved the Minutes of October 28, 2025
8. Accepted and filed the October 2025 Treasurer’s Report.
END OF COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR COUNCIL ITEMS
10. Approve Amendment No. 30 to Contract No. 99-376 with the County of San Bernardino amending Schedule A to reflect an MOU increase for certain personnel effective as of October 4, 2025; and Increase appropriations by $172,195 for the Sheriff’s contract and $25,000 for overtime funded with $197,195 of General Fund reserves.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council questions of staff - none
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:19pm
Public Comment – Ruth Musser-Lopez expressed her objection to the increase in the Sheriff’s contract.
Mayor Jernigan closed public comment at 7:20pm
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member McCorkle, to Approve Amendment No. 30 to Contract No. 99-376 with the County of San Bernardino amending Schedule A to reflect an MOU increase for certain personnel effective as of October 4, 2025; and Increase appropriations by $172,195 for the Sheriff’s contract and $25,000 for overtime funded with $197,195 of General Fund reserves.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
11. Authorize those interested to attend the League of California Cities Mayor and Council Member Academy January 21-23, 2026, in Sacramento, CA.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Mayor Jernigan and Vice Mayor Campbell expressed an interest in attending.
Public Comment – None
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Ford, to Authorize Mayor Jernigan and Vice Mayor Campbell to attend the League of California Cities Mayor and Council Member Academy January 21-23, 2026, in Sacramento, CA.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
12. Provide staff direction to extend the existing 3-ton gross vehicle weight restriction to include San Carlos Street E and Goodwill Street and prepare the necessary ordinance amendment to update the Needles Municipal Code accordingly.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked questions and considerable discussion ensued.
Public Comment – None
Further Council deliberation ensued.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Belt, directing staff to move forward with prohibiting 3-ton (commercial semi-truck) vehicle traffic on San Carlos, Monterrey, and Goodwill streets (Zamora Heights area) and look into other areas of the city and explore prohibiting or limiting truck traffic in residential areas, including, but not limited to, Lilly Hill, Bailey Ave., J Street, and Erin Drive.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
9. Waive full reading and adopt City Council Resolution 2025-46 of the City Council of the City of Needles approving the Second Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement with Patrick Martinez
City Manager Martinez stepped out at 7:44pm
Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade gave staff report.
Considerable Council discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:48pm
Nancy Greenwood spoke against the raise, citing other examples of City Manager salaries that are less.
Ruth Musser-Lopez spoke against the raise and asserted that the Union is too involved in City business.
Wayne Colburn expressed concern, stating that the budget was already less than last year, and further asserting that it is not financially in the City’s best interest.
Mayor Jernigan closed public comment at 7:56pm
After further Council deliberation, Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, second by Council Member Belt, to Waive full reading and adopt City Council Resolution 2025-46 of the City Council of the City of Needles approving the Second Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement with Patrick Martinez.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote, with the Mayor voting as a tie breaker:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, Vice Mayor Campbell, Belt, Mayor Jernigan Noes: Council Members McCorkle, Pogue, and Longbrake
Absent: None
Abstain: None
City Manager Martinez rejoined the meeting at 8:02 pm.
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 October 24 and 31, 2025, given by City Manager Patrick Martinez
COUNCIL REQUESTS
Council Member Ford
Thanked Military Moms for their participation in the Veteran’s Breakfast Council Member McCorkle
Replied to a public comment, reminding everyone that the Council Members’ monthly stipend is $1; infrastructure is paid for by grants and taxes, and taxes were not previously increased Thanked City workers for continuing their training
Vice Mayor Campbell
Thanked Sheriffs’ Department for the Trunk or Treat event Thanked the public for participating in Council Meetings Reported on the success of the Farmer’s Market
Upcoming events – Christmas Parade, Christmas Tree, Angel Trees (1 for Children and 1 for Seniors) NHS Teacher Danika Willis has a food pantry for kids without access to food Thanked the Sheriffs Department, noting that they are cruising the streets and their presence is good Council Member Pogue
Farmers Market success – sourdough bread is awesome
Rite Aid closing prompted City Manager to get cross-border support to fill the gap; asked if this could be done regarding medical care for people who have Medi-Cal and no local access to services (have to travel to Apple Valley, Victorville, etc.)
Council Member Belt
Volleyball has ended, basketball is starting, and the recreation center needs coaches and sponsors Thanked Veterans for their service
Farmers Market – encouraged the public to attend
Needles Mustangs game on Saturday – Go Mustangs
Council Member Longbrake
Thanked Council Member Pogue for bringing up the need for cross border collaboration on medical services for Medi-Cal patients
Cannabis smell all over town – asked staff to address this issue Carl’s Jr. closing – asked City staff to get the word out Monster Truck event was rescheduled to end of January – asked City to utilize the digital billboard at K and Needles Highway to advertise local events
Reported there is a sewer smell at 4th and F street
Bailey and J Ball Park – gates need to be unlocked to allow dogs in the park Mayor Jernigan
Reported that Zachery Longacre is working with a local artist on getting information on painting the Electric boxes
Cal Trans approved signs for the anniversary of Route 66 River Valley Arts – funds for student art
Fall festival was a success
Asked City Staff to look into single event city business license exemptions or lower fees for vendors ADJOURNMENT – Mayor Jernigan adjourned the meeting at 8:33 PM ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Mayor Janet Jernigan City Clerk Candace Clark