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, JANUARY 27, 2026 - COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION – NONE - CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Jernigan called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Council Member Larry Ford
Council Member McCorkle
Vice Mayor Ellen Campbell
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
Council Member Henry Longbrake
Council Member Tona Belt
ABSENT
None
Also present were City Manager Patrick Martinez, Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade, City Clerk Candace Clark, Utilities Manager Rainie Torrance, Director of Development Services/Capital Projects Kathy Raasch, City Planner Irene Romero, Finance Director Mark DeMay, and Housing Manager Angelica Deermer.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - led by Mayor Jernigan
INVOCATION - given by Vice Mayor Campbell
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council Member Pogue made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ford, to approve the agenda.
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 Member Tim Terral in attendance.
CITY ATTORNEY – Parliamentary Procedures given by Deputy City Attorney Lena Wade.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Lane Stromberg introduced himself and announced a subdivision project he is working on near San Clemente and Clary Drive.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Adopt Resolution 2026-1 of the City Council of the City of Needles Approving a Conditional Use Permit Amendment to City Council Resolution 2017-114 for a Medical Marijuana Cultivation Facility Located at 204 Bazoobuth Street (APN 0186-154-13), Including Modification of Perimeter Wall Materials and Relocation of Parking and Trash Enclosure to Adjacent Parcels (APNS 0186-154-05 And 0186-154-01). ITEM CONTINUED TO FEBRUARY 10, 2026.
NPUA/COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Martinez pulled item 2 from the NPUA/Council Consent Calendar.
Member/Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Member/Council Member Belt, to approve item 3 on the NPUA/Council Consent Calendar.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Members/Council Member Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Mayor Jernigan, Members/Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to the California River Contractors Forbearance Agreement for 2024 – 2026 Conservation Agreement under the Lower Colorado Conservation and Efficiency Program.
PULLED ITEM:
2. Approve Change Order No.1 to the Public Works Agreement with WEKA, Inc. for the Phase V Water Service Lateral Replacement Project resulting in an increase to the contract in the amount of $166,994.81 for a total contract amount of $555,933.81 and authorize staff to execute said Change Order.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Council had no questions and there was no public comment Member/Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Member/Council Member McCorkle, to approve Change Order No.1 to the Public Works Agreement with WEKA, Inc. for the Phase V Water Service Lateral Replacement Project resulting in an increase to the contract in the amount of $166,994.81 for a total contract amount of $555,933.81 and authorize staff to execute said Change Order.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Members/Council Member Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Mayor Jernigan, Members/Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
END OF NPUA CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR NPUA / COUNCIL ITEMS
4. Accept and file the FY 24 NPUA Financial Statements Audit Finance Director DeMay gave staff report.
Roger Martinez from Vasquez gave power point presentation Council asked questions and minimal discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 6:22pm
Public Comment – none
Mayor Jernigan closed public comment at 6:22pm
Member/Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Member/Council Member Pogue, to accept and file the FY 24 NPUA Financial Statements Audit.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Members/Council Member Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Mayor Jernigan, Members/Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
HACN/COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Martinez pulled items 5 and 7. Council Member Pogue pulled item 6.
5. Accept the work by Golden West Fence for the Needles Housing Authority (NHA) Primary Fencing Project and Authorize Staff to Issue the Notice of Completion.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Council had no questions
No Public comment
Member/Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Member/Council Member Pogue, to accept the work by Golden West Fence for the Needles Housing Authority (NHA) Primary Fencing Project and Authorize Staff to Issue the Notice of Completion.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Members/Council Member Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Mayor Jernigan, Members/Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
6. Waive the formal bid requirement for collection services and approve the proposal and agreement with Sequoia Concepts, Inc., dba Sequoia Financial Services to provide third-party collection services for delinquent Housing Authority accounts receivable. Authorize the Executive Director to execute the agreement and make minor administrative modifications as needed, provided such changes do not affect the agreement’s intended purpose.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked questions and discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened Public Comment at 6:36pm
Public Comment - None
Mayor Jernigan closed Public Comment at 6:36pm
Member/Council Member McCorkle made a motion, seconded by Member/Council Member Ford, to waive the formal bid requirement for collection services and approve the proposal and agreement with Sequoia Concepts, Inc., dba Sequoia Financial Services to provide third-party collection services for delinquent Housing Authority accounts receivable. Authorize the Executive Director to execute the agreement and make minor administrative modifications as needed, provided such changes do not affect the agreement’s intended purpose.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Members/Council Member Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Mayor Jernigan, Members/Council Members Pogue, Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
7. Housing Commission Update
Housing Manager Deermer gave update on the Housing Authority.
Council asked questions and discussion ensued.
No Public Comment
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member McCorkle, to approve items 8 – 12 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
8. Approved the Warrants Register through January 27, 2026
9. Approved the Minutes of January 13, 2026
10. Accepted and filed the December 2025 Treasurer’s Report
11. Adopted Resolution 2026-03 of the City Council, City of Needles, prioritizing and approving the dollar amount of Needles eligible projects for the Community Development Block Grant Funding in fiscal year 2026-2027.
12. Authorized the Mayor to sign the Informed Consent from Best Best and Krieger (BBK)
END OF COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR COUNCIL ITEMS
13. Visitor Center Operating Hours
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked questions and considerable discussion ensued.
Carrie Brazaski from the Visitor Center presented information on visitor traffic data and answered questions.
Mayor Jernigan opened Public Comment at 7:07pm
Public Comment - None
Mayor Jernigan closed Public Comment at 7:07pm
Visitor center will remain open as they are, from 8am – 1pm and will monitor customer traffic patterns. A further assessment will be done when they come back in front of Council in April.
14. Authorize the City of Needles to host the Route 66 Centennial Celebration on November 7, 2026, and approve an event budget in an amount not-to-exceed $7,500, funded from General Fund Reserves.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Council asked questions and minimal discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened Public Comment at 7:11pm
Public Comment - None
Mayor Jernigan closed Public Comment at 7:11pm
Council Member Ford made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pogue, to authorize the City of Needles to host the Route 66 Centennial Celebration on November 7, 2026, and approve an event budget in an amount notto-exceed $7,500, funded from 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
15. Adopt Resolution 2026-04 of the City Council, City of Needles, Approving a Third Amendment to the Use Permit between the City of Needles and County of San Bernardino for the City-owned property located at 1111 Bailey Avenue
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Council had no questions.
Mayor Jernigan opened Public Comment at 7:13pm
Public Comment - None
Mayor Jernigan closed Public Comment at 7:13pm
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ford, to adopt Resolution 2026-04 of the City Council, City of Needles, Approving a Third Amendment to the Use Permit between the City of Needles and County of San Bernardino for the City-owned property located at 1111 Bailey Avenue Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
16. Authorize the City cosponsor the Run for the Wall with an approximate amount of $2,500 for services.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Council had no questions.
Mayor Jernigan opened Public Comment at 7:15pm
Public Comment - None
Mayor Jernigan closed Public Comment at 7:15pm
Council Member Pogue made a motion, seconded by Council Member McCorkle, to authorize the City cosponsor the Run for the Wall with an approximate amount of $2,500 for services.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
17. Authorize Mayor Jernigan’s travel reimbursement and continued participation in the Mohave County Economic Development and Tourism meetings.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Council had no questions.
Mayor Jernigan opened Public Comment at 7:17pm
Public Comment - None
Mayor Jernigan closed Public Comment at 7:17pm
Council Member Ford made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pogue, to authorize Mayor Jernigan’s travel reimbursement and continued participation in the Mohave County Economic Development and Tourism meetings.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
18. Authorize those interested to attend the 2026 City / County Conference scheduled for early May 2026, in Lake Arrowhead
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Mayor Jernigan and Vice Mayor Campbell volunteered to attend Council discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened Public Comment at 7:19pm
Public Comment - None
Mayor Jernigan closed Public Comment at 7:19pm
Council Member Belt made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pogue, to authorize Mayor Jernigan and Vice Mayor Campbell to attend the 2026 City / County Conference scheduled for early May 2026, in Lake Arrowhead
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
19. Authorize those interested to attend the League of California Cities (LCC) City Leaders Summit in Sacramento April 22-24, 2026.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Mayor Jernigan and Vice Mayor Campbell volunteered to attend Council discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened Public Comment at 7:22pm
Public Comment - None
Mayor Jernigan closed Public Comment at 7:22pm
Council Member Belt made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ford, to authorize Mayor Jernigan and Vice Mayor Campbell to attend the League of California Cities (LCC) City Leaders Summit in Sacramento April 22-24, 2026.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
20. Authorize those interested to attend the ICSC Event at the Las Vegas Convention Center on May 18-20, 2026.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report.
Vice Mayor Campbell and Council Member McCorkle volunteered to attend Council discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened Public Comment at 7:26pm
Public Comment - None
Mayor Jernigan closed Public Comment at 7:26pm
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member Belt, to authorize Vice Mayor Campbell and Council Member McCorkle to attend the ICSC Event at the Las Vegas Convention Center on May 18-20, 2026.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Campbell, Pogue, Belt Noes: Council Member Longbrake
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 January 9, and 16, 2026, given by City Manager Patrick Martinez
COUNCIL REQUESTS
Council Member Ford
• Thanked staff for being so helpful in Council matters.
Council Member McCorkle
• Thanked staff for being so helpful in Council matters.
Vice Mayor Campbell
• Thanked staff for being so helpful in Council matters. • Reported on training received at the recent Mayor and Council Academy she attended in Sacramento.
Council Member Pogue
• Reported that the Red Dog is open and encouraged residents to support local business.
Council Member Belt
• Nothing
Council Member Longbrake
• Thanked staff for installing light at the small dog park • Expressed concern over reporting data at the visitor center • Asked about Terracom cold patching and urged staff oversight on making sure they repave properly • Urged council members to seek resident feedback
• Resident complained about D street and Downey apartments leaving trash bins on street • Resident stated her streetlight is too bright
Mayor Jernigan
• Reported on her attendance at the recent SBCTA meeting • Encouraged residents to support Red Dog and other local businesses • Reported on upcoming events – Red Dog hosting a beer garden inside during the November 7 Centennial Celebration; River Cruises will be at the Art in the Park Car Show ADJOURNMENT – Mayor Jernigan adjourned the meeting at 7:50 PM ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Mayor Janet Jernigan City Clerk Candace Clark
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the meeting held on the 27th day of January, 2026, and approved by the City Council of the City of Needles, on February 10, 2026.
Candace Clark, CPMC, CMC
City Clerk of the City of Needles