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, APRIL 14, 2026 - COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION – 5:00 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Jernigan called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm and announced an excused absence for Council Member Pogue.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Council Member Larry Ford
Council Member Jamie McCorkle
Vice Mayor Ellen Campbell arrived at 5:03 pm
Mayor Janet Jernigan
Council Member Tona Belt
Council Member Henry Longbrake
ABSENT
Council Member JoAnne Pogue
PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION - None RECESSED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION - 5:03 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: 2
No reportable action
b. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency Negotiator:
Patrick Martinez, City Manager; Unrepresented Employee: Treasurer No reportable action
c. Conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1) City of Needles v. Brown, Superior Court of the County of San Bernardino, Case No. CIVMB2200074 No reportable action
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Jernigan called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm and announced an excused absence for Council Member Pogue.
ROLL CALL (previously taken, as noted above)
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
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member McCorkle, to approve the agenda.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Pogue
Abstain: None
CONFLICT OF INTEREST – None
CORRESPONDENCE – Mayor Jernigan acknowledged a letter presented to Council by Ruth Musser-Lopez INTRODUCTIONS - Mayor Jernigan acknowledged former Council Member Tim Terral in attendance.
CITY ATTORNEY – Parliamentary Procedures given by City Attorney John Pinkney.
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Ruth Musser-Lopez spoke about the upcoming Cal-Trans work and spoke in favor of sound walls.
Lillian Salcido spoke via Teams on behalf of Jeff West and the road running across his property, asking for compensation from the City.
PRESENTATION
1. Mayor Jernigan presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Rodeo Association
2. Mayor Jernigan presented a Proclamation declaring April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month
3. Presentation given by Kathy Raasch, Development Services Director/Capital Projects: Completed Water Projects (Past Five Years)
PUBLIC HEARING
4. Adopt Resolution 2026-13-HACN recommending that the Housing Authority of the City of Needles (HACN) Board of Commissioners approve and adopt the Annual Agency Plan 2026–2027, including Housing Opportunity through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA) updates to the Administrative Plan, Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (ACOP), and Public Housing Lease Agreement.
City Manager Martinez and Housing Manager Deermer gave staff report Council asked questions and minimal discussion ensued.
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 6:36pm
No Public Comment
Mayor Jernigan closed public comment at 6:36pm
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ford, to Adopt Resolution 2026-13-HACN recommending that the Housing Authority of the City of Needles (HACN) Board of Commissioners approve and adopt the Annual Agency Plan 2026–2027, including Housing Opportunity through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA) updates to the Administrative Plan, Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (ACOP), and Public Housing Lease Agreement.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Mayor Jernigan, Council Members Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Pogue
Abstain: None
NPUA / COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member McCorkle made a motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Campbell, to approve items 5-6 on the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Mayor Jernigan, Council Members Belt, Longbrake
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Pogue
Abstain: None
5. Authorized a FY26 Increase in Electrical Engineering Fees to Brooks Consulting, not to exceed $20,000, utilizing the adopted FY26 Electric Budget
6. Authorized the City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with SMH Electrical Construction to Complete XIO SCADA Installation at the L Street Booster Station and Well No. 15, in an Amount Not to Exceed $43,533, Utilizing the Water Asset Replacement Fund
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member McCorkle made a motion, seconded by Council Member Belt, to approve items 7-8 on the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Pogue
Abstain: None
7. Approved the Warrants Register through April 14, 2026
8. Approved the Minutes of March 24, 2026
END OF COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR COUNCIL ITEMS
9. Adopt Resolutions 2026-11, 04-14-26-NPUA, and 2026-14-HACN.approving the Proposed Revised Budgets for fiscal year ending 06/30/26.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report
Council had no questions
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 6:43pm
No Public Comment
Mayor Jernigan closed public comment at 6:43pm
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member McCorkle, to Adopt Resolutions 2026-11, 04-14-26-NPUA, and 2026-14-HACN.approving the Proposed Revised Budgets for fiscal year ending 06/30/26.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Pogue
Abstain: None
10. Accept and Adjust the Adopted FY26 Budget for the Q4 2025 T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program Award in the amount of $50,000.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report
Council had no questions
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 6:47pm
No Public Comment
Mayor Jernigan closed public comment at 6:47pm
Vice Mayor Campbell made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ford, to Accept and Adjust the Adopted FY26 Budget for the Q4 2025 T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program Award in the amount of $50,000.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Pogue
Abstain: None
11. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Restricted Grant Agreement (RG) and Adjust the Adopted FY26 Budget for the Clean California Community Cleanup & Employment Pathway (CCEP) Grant Program award in the amount of $169,355 - continued to April 28, 2026
12. Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2026-5 Approving the Ostby Economic Development Program Application for a New Residence Located at 3632 Riverview Terrace (APN 0660-151-40-0000) and Authorizing Payment of $15,361.13 to Pam Ostby.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report
Council had no questions
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 6:49pm
No Public Comment
Mayor Jernigan closed public comment at 6:49pm
Council Member Ford made a motion, seconded by Council Member Longbrake, to Adopt City Council Resolution No. 2026-5 Approving the Ostby Economic Development Program Application for a New Residence Located at 3632 Riverview Terrace (APN 0660-151-40-0000) and Authorizing Payment of $15,361.13 to Pam Ostby.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Pogue
Abstain: None
13. Authorize the City to co-sponsor the Route 66 Centennial Car Show on November 14, 2026, in partnership with the River Cruizers Car Club, including approximately $500 in in-kind staff support and event services.
City Manager Martinez gave staff report
Council had no questions
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 6:52pm
No Public Comment
Mayor Jernigan closed public comment at 6:52pm
Council Member Belt made a motion, seconded by Council Member McCorkle, to Authorize the City to cosponsor the Route 66 Centennial Car Show on November 14, 2026, in partnership with the River Cruizers Car Club, including approximately $500 in in-kind staff support and event services.
Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Pogue
Abstain: None
14. Provide direction to staff regarding proposed parking modifications on F Street and Front Street, including 2-hour parking and no parking designations
City Manager Martinez gave staff report
Council asked questions and discussion ensued
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:05pm
Kevin Ostby spoke about the lack of parking and how it hinders any potential new businesses.
Aidan McCorkle asked how 2 hour parking would be enforced Mayor Jernigan closed public comment at 7:12pm
Council further discussed and recommended staff look into an engineering study for 2 hour parking restrictions in the general downtown area.
15. Council to provide staff guidance on a possible Ordinance XXX-AC, Amending Chapter 13, Article IV, Entitled “Use of Certain Streets by Commercial Vehicles Prohibited”, in the Needles Municipal Code City Manager Martinez gave staff report
Council asked questions and discussion ensued
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:18pm
No Public Comment
Mayor Jernigan closed public comment at 7:18pm
Council directed staff to draft an ordinance, changing the language to prohibit parking
16. Agreement with Urban Futures, Inc. for General Obligation Bond Financial Advisory Services (NTE $25,000)
City Manager Martinez gave staff report
Council asked questions and discussion ensued
Mayor Jernigan opened public comment at 7:30pm
No Public Comment
Mayor Jernigan closed public comment at 7:30pm
Council Member McCorkle made a motion, seconded by Council Member Longbrake, to approve the Agreement with Urban Futures, Inc. for General Obligation Bond Financial Advisory Services (NTE $25,000) Motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Members Ford, McCorkle, Vice Mayor Campbell, Council Members Belt, Longbrake Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Pogue
Abstain: None
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT – given by City Attorney Pinkney
CITY CLERK REPORT – given by City Clerk Candace Clark
CITY MANAGER REPORT – given by City Manager Patrick Martinez
COUNCIL REQUESTS
Council Member Ford
x Requested staff look into creating event parking in the lot downtown where the old Chamber building used to be.
x Asked staff to touch up features at the corner of Santa Fe Park where the bench is and touch up the red paint on the curb
Council Member McCorkle
x Thanked staff for fixing up the Little League bathrooms Vice Mayor Campbell
x Requested staff look into getting a soundwall, suggested reaching out to CalTrans x Reported on attendance at PVCC screening on Waterways and CRIT x Urged everyone to send letters of opposition to PVCC Board regarding their proposed cancellation of the graduation ceremony in Needles.
Council Member Belt
x Thanked staff for cleaning the beaches
x Asked about the bond from a few years ago for the school gymnasium (Measure N) Council Member Longbrake
x Reported the street lights are out at Coronado, J, and Erin x Reported stop sign at Bailey and Erin is being run, including by ebikes x Resident asked about resuming the tradition of painting horseshoes on the streets by the high school Mayor Jernigan
x Reported on the success of the Easter Egg Hunt and thanked Tri State for hosting it x Reported on the success of the Art in the Park and Car Show, x Reported on the success of the 48th annual rodeo and thanked the Rodeo Association x Reported on her attendance at the Billet Health dinner x Reported on the League of California Cities Desert Mountain Division meeting at El Garces.
ADJOURNMENT – Mayor Jernigan adjourned the meeting at 8:01 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 14th day of April, 2026, and approved by the City Council of the City of Needles, on April 28, 2026.
Candace Clark, CPMC, CMC
City Clerk of the City of Needles