MINUTES
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, DECEMBER 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 5:02 pm
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Council Member Larry Ford
Council Member McCorkle
Vice Mayor Ellen Campbell
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
Council Member Tona Belt participated via Teams under the Just Cause rule, due to medical reasons.
Council Member Henry Longbrake
ABSENT
None
Also present were City Manager Patrick Martinez, City Attorney John Pinkney, and City Clerk Candace Clark.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION - None RECESSED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION - 5:05 PM
EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Potential Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Number of Cases: 3
No reportable action
b. Conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1) Sylvia Miledi v. City of Needles, et al., Superior Court of the County of San Bernardino, Case No. CIVSB2510533 No reportable action
c. Public Employee Appointment Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 Title of Position: Director of Finance and Administrative Services
No reportable action
d. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8 Property:
APN/Parcel ID(s): 0186-095-03-0-000, and 0186-095-04-0-000. Agency negotiator: Patrick Martinez, City Manager or his designee. Negotiating parties: Palm Communities as potential purchaser and City of Needles as potential seller. Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment 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 participated via Teams under the Just Cause rule, due to medical reasons.
Council Member Henry Longbrake
Council Member Larry Ford
Council Member McCorkle
ABSENT
None
EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT – City Attorney John Pinkney gave report as noted above.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - led by Mayor Jernigan
INVOCATION - given by Vice Mayor Campbell
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council Member Pogue made a motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell, 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 Council Members Tim Terral, Shawn Gudmundson, and Former Mayor Jeff Williams in attendance.
CITY ATTORNEY – Parliamentary Procedures given by City Attorney John Pinkney.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Jeff Williams spoke about Tri State Community Health Care Center’s contributions to the community.
Grace Hecht announced Tri State Community Health Care Center would be making a presentation at the Council meeting in January and reported on their continued donations of fresh produce to the residents of Needles and the Tri State area.
A representative from Wellness Meditation Center announced an event at the Needles Chamber of Commerce on December 13, 2025.
PRESENTATION
1. A Collaborative Presentation on area services and expansion efforts was given by: Marci Coffey and Susie White of Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP); Dr. Sharon Wang of San Bernardino County Department of Public Health; Andrew Goldfrach of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC); and Allison Ellsner of San Bernardino County Medical Society.
Council asked questions of staff regarding collaboration efforts with medical service providers in Arizona, and transportation concerns for patients having to travel distances in California for medical services.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 6:45 pm
Peggy Bostwick talked about MediCal patients having to drive 3-4 hours for appointments in California due to insurance coverage issues and asked staff and health care representatives in attendance about the possibility of creating a collaboration with medical providers across the river in Arizona.
Don McCone thanked the San Bernardino County, Mobile Medical Unit, and City Council for bringing attention to this matter.
Mayor Jernigan closed public comment at 6:51 pm
2. Bing Lum, Executive Vice President of Colorado River Medical Center (CRMC) gave an update on the hospital services, coverage areas with the mobile medical unit expanding to Big River and Essex, and ongoing community health initiatives.
Council asked questions, and the Mayor spoke about cancer and hospice services, and acknowledged that TB testing is being done at Needles Unified School District High School. Questions were raised about lab work and insurance coverage differences between In Network and Out of Network providers.
No public comment.
3. City Attorney John Pinkney gave a presentation on Brown Act Changes (SB707 and SB827).
INTERVIEWS
4. Interviews / appointments to fill vacancies on various Boards and Commissions, due to current vacancies and the expiration of terms.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Board of Public Utilities current chair, Terry Campbell, and commissioner Ed Brown, whose seats expire on December 31, 2025, submitted applications for re-appointment and were present for interviews.
Council asked questions and thanked applicants for their willingness to serve their community.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pogue, to re-appoint Terry Campbell and Ed Brown to the Board of Public Utilities.
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
Planning Commission current chair Michael Wright and commissioner Will Bosboom, whose seats expire on December 31, 2025, submitted applications for re-appointment. Allen Cox submitted an application for appointment. Commissioner Bosboom and applicant Allen Cox were present for interviews.
Council asked questions and thanked applicants for their willingness to serve their community.
Council Member McCorkle made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Longbrake, to re-appoint Michael Wright and Will Bosboom, and appoint Allen Cox, to the Planning Commission.
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
Parks and Recreation applicant Jesse Rodriguez was present for an interview. Council asked questions and thanked the applicant for his willingness to serve his community.
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pogue, to appoint Jesse Rodriguez to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
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 HEARING
5. Approve the AB1600 Annual Accounting of Development Impact Fees Report City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council questions of staff - none
Mayor Jernigan opened the public hearing at 7:26pm
Public Comment - none
Mayor Jernigan closed the public hearing at 7:26pm
Council Member Pogue made a motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell, to approve the AB1600 Annual Accounting of Development Impact Fees Report.
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
6. Adopt Resolution 2025-49 approving a Conditional Use Permit Application For A Proposed Licensed Retail Cannabis Dispensary And Related Tenant Improvements At 1611 Needles Highway Within The General Commercial (C-2) Land Use Zoning District; APN 0185-062-25. CONTINUED TO JANUARY 13, 2026.
7. An Amendment to Conditional Use Permit Resolution No. 2017-114 for the Cannabis Cultivation Facility at 204 Bazoobuth Street. The Amendment includes changes to sections of the required perimeter wall from Split-Face Block with Wrought Iron to Wrought Iron Fencing Only, and the relocation of the parking area and trash enclosure to the adjacent parcel (APN 0186-154-05). A Lot Tie Agreement will be required to support the Revised Site Layout and include APNs 0186-154-01, 0186-154-05, and 0186-154-13. CONTINUED TO JANUARY 13, 2026.
Council Member McCorkle made a motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell, to approve NPUA / Consent Items 8 and 9.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Members/Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Jernigan, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
NPUA CONSENT CALENDAR
8. Ratifie the Utility Manager's purchase of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Instruments for the calendar year 2024 compliance period from Amerex for a total cost of $58,867.50.
9. Approved Change Order No. 1 (Final) for the Purchase & Install Metal Building Project increasing the contract with Shipley Construction by $91,210.94 for total contract amount of $676,907.94; and authorized staff to execute said Change Order and issue the Notice of Completion for the work.
END OF NPUA CONSENT CALENDAR
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Approve Items 10 through 16 on the Consent Calendar by affirmative roll call vote.
Council Member McCorkle made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ford, to approve Council Consent Items 10 through 16.
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
10. Approved the Warrants Register through December 9, 2025.
11. Approved the Minutes of November 12, 2025.
12. Accepted and filed the November 2025 Treasurer’s Report.
13. Waived full reading and Adopted Purchasing Ordinance Number 678-AC, Amending Chapter 8, Article II of the Needles Municipal Code (Second Read Adopt)
14. Award a three-year contract to UniFirst Corporation to provide Uniform rental and laundry services from 2025 to 2028
15. Waived full reading and Adopted City Council Resolution 2025-50, Confirming and adopting an itemized statement of cost for abatement of property located at 415 D Street, Needles, CA 92363, also known as APN 0186-142-03-0000 and file said Resolution with the County Recorder placing a lien on the property.
16. Authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Willdan Financial Services for a Comprehensive Fee Study.
END OF COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR COUNCIL ITEMS
17. Award the Base Bid and Additive Alternate to Vance Corporation for the Phase V Street Paving Improvements Project in the amount of $1,373,796.30 plus 10% contingency for a total project cost of $1,511,175.93 and authorize staff to execute a Public Works Agreement with Vance Corporation and move forward with the Notice of Award and Notice to Proceed.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked minimal questions of staff
Mayor Jernigan opened the public hearing at 7:31pm
Public Comment - none
Mayor Jernigan closed the public hearing at 7:31pm
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pogue, to Award the Base Bid and Additive Alternate to Vance Corporation for the Phase V Street Paving Improvements Project in the amount of $1,373,796.30 plus 10% contingency for a total project cost of $1,511,175.93 and authorize staff to execute a Public Works Agreement with Vance Corporation 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
18. Adopt Resolution 2025-51, Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) between the City of Needles and Palm Communities, A California Corporation in Reference to Assessors Parcel Numbers (APN’s) 0186-095-03-0000 and 0186-095-04-0000.
City Manager Patrick Martinez gave staff report.
Council had no questions of staff
Mayor Jernigan opened the public hearing at 7:34pm
Public Comment - none
Mayor Jernigan closed the public hearing at 7:34pm
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member McCorkle, to Adopt Resolution 2025-51, Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) between the City of Needles and Palm Communities, A California Corporation in Reference to Assessors Parcel Numbers (APN’s) 0186- 095-03-0000 and 0186-095-04-0000.
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. Adopt Resolution 2025-52 Approving an Employment Agreement with Mark DeMay for the position Director of Finance and Administrative Services effective December 9, 2025, setting a salary of $164,279 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 of staff
Mayor Jernigan opened the public hearing at 7:39pm
Public Comment - None
Mayor Jernigan closed the public hearing at 7:39pm
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member McCorkle, to Adopt Resolution 2025-52 Approving an Employment Agreement with Mark DeMay for the position Director of Finance and Administrative Services effective December 9, 2025, setting a salary of $164,279 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
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 November 21 and 28, 2025, given by City Manager Patrick Martinez
COUNCIL REQUESTS
Council Member Ford
• Requested staff look into promoting Mountain Biking
Council Member McCorkle
• Suggested adding Mountain Biking along with the new OHMV project. • Encouraged current and new vendors for the Needles Sunday Market • Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Vice Mayor Campbell
• Reported success of the bike giveaways, downtown Christmas event, vendor booths, and parade • Suggested a home and neighborhood Christmas decorating contest and tour for next year. • Commented on the local Santa who is available for events at no charge. • Reported on the Angel tree for Seniors, located at City Hall. • Asked about the cost for vendors to participate in the Needles Sunday Market • Asked about the status of the signs for the OHMV project.
Council Member Pogue
• Asked about the availability of services for the local domestic violence programs, stating they were unreachable during a recent emergency.
Council Member Belt
• Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Council Member Longbrake
• Reported on Sheriffs’ department upcoming events providing Christmas gifts for kids • Announced the upcoming Movie in the Park, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce • Asked about the status of painting the electrical boxes • Reported the owner of the old theater would allow a mural to be painted on the side of the building. • Suggested staff look into issuing a bond to pay for road repaving and repairs. • Asked about paving and parking on Broadway for the upcoming Route 66 Centennial celebration. • Asked staff to look into having a fireworks show at the river for the 4th of July. • Requested the Visitor Center be open more hours to accommodate visitors. • Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Mayor Jernigan
• Reported Zachery Longacre is working with 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 8:11 PM ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Mayor Janet Jernigan City Clerk Candace Clark