Pregnant meeting of the city council needles public utility authority housing
authority city of needles will come to order. Roll call.
» Council member Ford >> here. Cororo
» here. >> Campbell
» here. >> Mayor Jourigan
» here. >> Council member Poe
» here. And Long Break >> here.
» Public comments pertaining to the executive session items. Three minute
time limit per person has been established. There are no public
comments that will be closed. Recess to executive session. Executive session,
city attorney. >> Yes. The council meet in close session.
It may conference with real property negotiators. Uh the property is TriState
Alano Club located at 801 Third Street in Needles. The agency negotiator is
city manager Patrick Martinez or his design. The negotiating parties are the
city of Needles as potential resources potential tenant under negotiation on
price and terms of potential lease. Item B is conference with labor negotiators
pursuant government code section 54957.6.
The agency designated representatives are Mayor Janet Jernigan, Vice Mayor
Ellen Campbell, council member Henry Longre, and the unrepresented employees
sitting here and I will be recusing myself from that
item because it is about >> regular meeting of the city council,
Needles Public Utility Authority, Housing Authority, and authority city of
Needles, California will come to order. Roll call. Council member Port
» here. >> McCor
» here. >> Gamble
» here. Mayor Jouigan >> here.
» Council member Po >> here. Bell
» here. >> Long break here.
» Thank you. >> Executive session report by city
attorney. >> Yes. The council met in close session by
May was conference with real property negotiators. The property at issued
Tri-State Balano Club located at 8013rd Street. The agency negotiator, the city
manager, Patrick Martinez or his designate. The negotiating party, City
of Neil as potential leor and tri-state Alano Club as potential tenant under
negotiation are priced in terms of potential lease. There was no reportable
action taken in close session. Item B, conference with labor negotiators,
agency designated representatives, Mayor Janet Jernigan, Vice Mayor Ellen
Campbell, Councilman Henry Longre, and the unrepresented employee, city
manager. There was no reportable action taken in close session.
» Thank you. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance.
» I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic
for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice
for all. >> Thank you Lord for our civil servants.
Thank you for their hard work and sacrifice. May you continually bless
them. May you generously give to each of them wise and discerning hearts to
skillfully govern the people in our city. Give the mayor, city leaders,
staff, city council wisdom so they may solve problems, distinguish between
right and wrong, and bring order, stability, and prosperity to our
community. And God bless our sheriff's department. Amen.
» Amen.
» Motion to approve the agenda. >> I move to approve. Second. Call for the
vote. >> Council member Ford,
» yes. >> Mayor,
» yes. >> Vice Mayor Campbell,
» yes. >> Council member Poke,
» yes. >> Belt,
» yes. >> Long break.
» Yes. >> Thank you. Thank you. Uh, we have no
conflict of interest tonight. You were passed out a correspondence, a letter to
read. Introductions. Tonight in our audience, we have Tim Terrell, prior
councilman. Thank you, Tim. And city attorney parliamentary procedures.
» Yes. According to the rules of procedure adopted by the city council, the mayor
or presiding officers responsible for the maintenance of order and decorum at
all times. Person should be allowed to speak who's not first been recognized by
the chair. All questions and remarks should be addressed to the chair.
A council member once recognized shall not be interrupted while speaking unless
called to order by the presiding officer. No member shall be allowed to
speak more than once upon any one subject until every other member
choosing to speak there on shall have spoken. Public members of public
attending council meetings shall observe the same rules of order and decorum
applicable to the council. Just as a reminder, the council has adopted a
threeminut time limit on public comment. >> Thank you. As a courtesy to those in
attendance, we would ask that cell phones be turned off or set in their
silent mode. Thank you. Public appearance. Persons wishing to address
the city council on subjects other than those scheduled are requested to do so
at this time. When called by the mayor, please announce your name and address
for the record in order to conduct a timely meeting. A threem minute time
limit per person has been established. by municipal code section 2-18.
Amendments to the California government code section 54950
prohibits the city council from taking action on a specific item until it
appears on the agenda. Wayne, >> excuse me.
» Wayne Coburn, 2237 Kasaloma Street and Needles. Uh just a real quick wanted to
give you guys an update. The rummage sail is back on and it will be over at
ABC Collision. Don has so graciously allowed us to use his uh location there
for our our uh event and it is going to be the
21st and the 22nd of this month. So that's a Friday, Saturday. We were hoped
we were going to have it before school started because there's some nice desks
and stuff in there that kids might have been able to use.
But we do have a lot of really nice things and until then we are still
collecting um anything that anyone wants to donate, we'll be happy to come get it
from you. Thank you. >> Thank you.
» Presentation if not public comment is closed.
Presentation. A 10 a 10-minute time limit per presentation has been
established per municipal code section 2-18. Assistant Fire Marshal Curtis
Markoff will give a presentation on the newly adopted Sanernardino County Fire
Code ordinance FPD26-02 and council consideration to wave the
full reading and introduction by title only
ordinance 685-C adopting by reference the 2025 Calif
California California Fire Code California code of regulations title 24
part 9 together with applicable append and amendments adopted by the Sanardino
County Fire Protection District through ordinance FPD 26-02
and direct the city clerk to schedule and publish notice of a public hearing
for September 8th, 2026. >> Yes, madam may members of the council
and Bernie, we have assistant fire marshal Curtis Markoff. Uh Mr. Markoff
has worked closely with the city the last 10 years that I've been here and so
it's been a great partnership working with M. Markoff and we thank him for his
assistance with that. We have in front of you ordinance 65 uh 685 AC updating
the city's adoption of the California Fire Code to the 2025 edition. With
that, I'll turn it over to Mr. Curtis Markoff.
» Good evening, Mayor and Council. As uh city manager Martinez mentioned, my name
is Curtis Markoff. I'm the assistant fire marsh for Sanino County Fire
Protection District. So today I have in front of you the 2025 California fire
code adoption with our amendments. Next slide.
The state building standards commission publishes the California fire code every
3 years. It contains regulations that pertain to fire safe building standards
and becomes effective throughout California 180 days after publication.
Sanino County Fire Ordinance 26-02 was adopted as amended on May 19th, 2026 by
the board of directors of the Sanino County Fire Protection District. After
adoption, cities must ratify the ordinance to an official action such as
tonight for it to become effective. Next slide. Pursuant to health and safety
code section 13869 and government code section 500022,
the San County Fire Protection District may adopt by reference the 2025 edition
of the California Fire Code and may also make local amendments as necessary based
on local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. Significant
amendments to the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code that are included
in the adoption adopted ordinance based on local climatic geological or
topographical conditions include additional operational permits for
battery storage which that's a carryover from the 2022 code. Commercial cooking
operations, commercial storage of pallets, again both of those are
carryovers from the 2022 code. additional construction permits for
electrified security fences, plant extraction systems, smoke control and
exhaust systems, refrigeration systems, and dust collection.
Uh we updated the mandated font size for building addresses as visible from the
street based on the size size of the building which again 2022 code.
clarified requirements regarding water fire flow when building a structure and
the spacing of fire hydrants in commercial industrial and multif family
developments and amended the requirements for mechanically operated
security gates to require exit loops to be installed at all fire access gates
and required infrared automatic gate system for all new and existing
electrically operated gates. We adopted appendix P of the fire code
to provide codes for temporary haunted houses, ghost walks, and similar
amusement uses. And our biggest one is we increase the penalties for the
transportation and storage of danger from $1,250
to a max penalty of $15,000. >> Nuts.
» That's all I have for you tonight. Any questions? Reminder to us.
» So, real quick, I'd like to just add to that there are three amendments to the
code that we've historically uh utilized is for local uh because of our local
geography. The three areas are talking about the adopting the defaulting to the
California building code for certain occupancies instead of 5,000 to 12,000
square ft. The next piece is the surfaces for driveway services. We do
have an exhibit that we have part of the ordinance that we'll be including in
there that basically it's a carryover from last time. And then just for
clarification, there were some questions about the address identification. I need
updated to make it more clear just to ensure that our building code currently
requires there be address identificators but they're not required to be
illuminated and so not so we're going to we as part of the building code our
current building code we do require address identification. So uh as part of
this code we're just going to remove the illumination part. So those are the
three same amendments that we are carrying over from last year or last
three years ago. Correct. Any
questions by council? >> Yeah. Can you can we go back to do you
have to have does this cost to the if so if I'm building a building these are
extra costs that I'm going to have to acquire
» on what what is >> go back to like the it's like dust
» oh the dust collection systems. >> Yeah.
» So like a woodworking uh shop uh we require them have permit. So we come in
yearly do an annual inspection make sure the dust operation process is working
properly. So if you're if you have a woodworking shop, you don't have just
dust going all over the place.
» Have a desk. >> Correct. And it's a dust collection
permit fee. So that that that it that has it pays for our time to come
out there and inspect the system to make sure it is sucking the dust out like it
should. Same thing with the plant extraction
system with >> Is this just California or is this both
sides? Arizona also does. Honestly, I do not know what Arizona does.
» So, it's the same thing with the cannabis extraction systems. We require
an additional permit for that. So, we come in yearly to make sure that the
extraction system hasn't changed. It still meets the approved plans
submitted.
I >> I have a question. Yes, sir. On the dust
collection, >> um is that supposed to be contained or
can it shoot out the top? >> No, it's all contained in the bag. All
» contained. Okay. Correct.
This is California code, right? Like so >> add to this. We can't eliminate any of
it. >> So those are amendments that we put in
place. Those ones that I uh specifically discussed. Those are amendments that we
put in. So those aren't ones that the California code requires.
» We require them. >> So just for clarification, we belong. So
the city does not pay for fire services. the we are part of the fire district. So
by being part of fire district we default to the amendments in this code
and so basically it's we've done review of having a fire department. it's not
economical for the city and so it makes more sense to be part of the fire
district and we've been great partners with the fire district uh since I've
been here last time but it's saved significant uh so yes there might be
some additional cost to business owners but at given the day there is a savings
to the city by being part of the fire district and in the event where those
large fires do take place they're able to bring in the big guns from down the
hill to take like you did two uh three years ago now July so It is economically
does make sense for the big global picture to be part of the fire district
and we we uh appreciate their services tremendously because they do help us.
And with this just for clarification this is just the first reading. There'll
be a second reading at the next city council on September 8th. So the goal is
to have a public hearing at that point in time and then uh then we'll move to
adoption. >> Do we have fees on all these?
» We do have a fee schedule. I I was not prepared to have fees, but I can get
that for you. >> I could email that to Mr. Martinez.
» Cost people. >> Is this dust collection just for
commercial properties? >> Just for commercial woodworking
operations >> because you don't want to breathe that.
» Correct. The dust when it's atomized, it catches fire a lot easier than
» stick of lumber. like lint in a laundry room.
» Okay. Thank Thank you. >> Thank you so much.
» Thank you.
» So with that, we would uh we would recommend that you uh move this
forward. So with the first and the second, you could be able to move this
forward to the second reading. Do we have public comment regarding the
fire codes for the city? If not, um public comment will be closed. Um we'll
make a motion to direct the city clerk to schedule and publish notice of a
public hearing for September 8th, 2026. >> I move to do so.
» I'll second call for the vote.
» Okay. Council member Ford, >> yes.
» Longre, >> yes.
» Belt, >> yes. Mccoral,
» yes. >> Campbell,
» yes. >> Yes. Thank you.
» HCN council regular items. Receive and file the housing authority PHAS recovery
plan update. City manager. >> Yes, madame mayor, members of the board,
in front of you. We have a housing authority update. There was a audit that
took place in fiscal year 2024, two years ago. And the results of that we
received a letter April 29th uh 2026 of this year. It received an overall score
of 53 out of 100. Uh the financial when we assumed the housing authority in 2023
basically at that point in time we were still figuring out what needed to be
done at the housing authority because the city at that point in time did not
manage the housing authority and we took it over. At that point in time, audits
were a big issue with the uh with the uh HUD with HUD, but that is no longer a
problem. So, we actually got 25 out of 25 with our financial audit. But the
physical inspection that took place, we got 22 out of 40. The reason why we got
22 out of 40, there was a new inspection criteria that was installed between 2023
and 2024. And so, our folks are now trained up to understand what that looks
like. We've also hired an outside firm to come in and assist us to be able to
do those inspection. We've already had a pre-insspection and so we we are
prepared for our August 25th inspection that's going to take place in a couple
weeks. And then from a management perspective that they don't like it, the
HUD doesn't like it when there's vacant units. When we assume the housing
authority at that point in time, we had to do some cleanup of the units. Not
only that, we had to hold people accountable for their leases. So there
was a lot of moving parts, people being removed from the housing authority
because they weren't uh holding up to their end of the bargain. And so that
point in time, we had to move people around. Uh if someone was a three people
were living in a twobedroom or two people living in a three-bedroom, we
have to put them to their unit size. And so we went ahead and did that. Anytime
we move people move units, what we do is we take that time to upgrade those
units. put in new cabinets, put in new uh new uh stoves, put in uh remove some
mold when necessary. So, we we take that opportunity to upgrade those units. So,
uh we had learned a process called modernization. We have to do a report
submitted to HUD. As long as we do that report, they're aware that we're not
just sitting on those units. And so, that's important. And then finally, with
the capital fund draw down, um the finance department wasn't aware that
we're required to draw down the capital funds. uh as you're aware, we've spent
all those capital funds. We figured out how to draw them down, but at that point
in time in 2024 when we did the audit, we weren't able to do that. Uh and so we
did have a 4-day remote assessment that took place mid July. At that point in
time, they were very happy with the progress housing authority has made.
They can see a difference from before, but still they have to go through the
process and do these assessments. And so all all individuals, staff and
representative, the housing authority were uh were interviewed and so we're
waiting for their determination. Uh they'll provide us an assessment and
findings how we're going to move forward with our recovery plan. That being said,
all those three areas have been addressed. Uh this evening is just an
informationformational item that recommends that you receive
and file this report and we look forward to our audit coming at the end of the
month. I'll report how that goes. >> Thank you.
» So, this question, >> we're just bringing up this report to
close it to get a new report in August. They'll update us with where we are
currently. >> Correct. And so, currently, they've
confirmed that the capital plan is not an issue. They still we're we're
averaging four to five units a year uh in vacancies because that we're we're
currently upgrading them. And so, any point in time, we've got people moving
out, moving people in. So there's there's a every unit that's able to be
uh utilized is being utilized. The goal is to have 100% occupancy, right? That
is the goal. But at the same time, we got to make sure that people have the
stoves and uh the cabinets and everything that's required. Again, this
is separate from general fund. This is all funded by the housing authority by
HUD. And so none of this is a none of this is a coming out of general fund. I
want to make sure that that's clear. you as the board of commissioners of the
housing authority, it's my responsibility to report this out to
you. It did go to the housing commission just recently. The reason we got this
report in April, the assessment happened in July. We've had this on the agenda at
the housing commission for the last few months, but we haven't been able to have
quorum, but now it's coming to you once it's come to them. That's just the
process how that works. So, we're looking forward to our inspection come
up. Yeah, so far so good. I would just like to just remind some
people too that uh we took this over almost four years ago. I think it was
when I came on to council and it was uh in bad shape as far as the way it was
being ran and we were going to lose it. So when the city took it over it was to
save it and all the things that has been done to it has been to make it better.
So I know when you hear that we didn't our score is bad, our score is not up to
100, it's we've been learning as we're going because and we were so far in the
rears on maintenance and all the things that had been done. So technically it's
a win for us that you know we've actually got a score instead of it being
negative like it has been. And so I just wanted to make sure that I did throw
that out there uh on public record that even though it sounds like score is not
great, it's definitely better than what it was before RIA took it over.
» Anybody else? If not, uh public comment regarding the housing authority report.
If not, public comment will be closed. Council consent calendar. All matters
listed on the consent. >> I'm sorry. That is an action item. It
is. Okay. Call for um the vote for the housing authority uh recovery plan
update. >> I move.
» I'll second. >> And call for the vote.
» Council member McCoro, >> yes.
» Belt, >> yes.
» Hog, >> yes.
» Long break, >> yes.
» Yes. >> Thank you.
» Thank you. Council consent calendar. All matters on the consent calendar
considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form
listed. The mayor or any member of the city council may pull an item from the
consent calendar for discussion. Prior to council action, a member of the
public may address the city council on matters scheduled on the consent
calendar. A threeminut time limit per person applies. Recommended action
approve items 3 through 5 on the consent calendar by affirmative roll call vote.
This is an action item. May I like to pull five, please?
a city manager number five. Do >> you want to do the the rest?
» We'll um um call for the motion to approve three and four.
» I'll second call for the vote. >> Vice Mayor Campbell,
» yes. >> Council member Ford,
» yes. >> Morville,
» yes. >> Belt,
» yes. >> Pogue,
» yes. Longre, >> yes.
» Thank you. >> City manager number Madame, members of
the council, we could about a year ago now, we started investing in a LA
account. We took uh we we set aside the operational funds that were able to and
we take them and invest them into an account that basically allows us it's an
investment portfolio. We're able to make 3.81% on our money. And so at that point
in time, uh here's your report that basically outlines that currently the
Fed has not gone up or down with interest rates. It remains steady. And
so we continue to make money on our money um here at the city of Neles for
for the housing authority, the MQA and also the city of Ne.
» Thank you, Mark.
» For the record, Mark Gain, uh director of finance administrative services for
the city of Needles. Um so yes, this uh treasurer's report, I guess you have
question, we can start there. Um I I don't know if since you've been
here if you've had a chance to chat with this. Um I I just I kind of just want
like your feedback on how do you think this is working out? Do you think these
are good numbers that we have? Um >> maximizing and utilizing it to the best
of our ability as a city since it's somewhat new or for us. So just kind of
wanted to update on that. Well, I I think with that respect, um I would
defer to the city treasurer. This is her area. She's over the investments. Um and
so she would make the decisions regarding that. Um any professional
opinion I have with that I would relay to the city manager to her on the
investments. No offense, but that's for me that's the
proper channel of you know if I had any recommendations or opinions on that. Uh
do I think uh the investments are good? They are safe investments. the city
investing in the state la is a safe investment. It's a good investment. Um I
believe the returns are good with that as well. Um you do realize that I am
fairly new to the city as well. So I am still learning the city if policies
everything in that regard. Uh and so I would hazard to say that for me this is
an approval from my side if if that helps.
Additionally, ease of administration in the event where say we have to call on
the money for whatever reason and pull it out of the account. It's it's ease of
administration be able to make the withdrawal and so it's not tied up. We
don't have to liquidate it so to speak. So it already there's an within 24 hours
we're able to liquidate those funds and utilize them in the event that we need
to. >> Thank you.
Any further questions? >> I think we weren't even doing anything
at all before, right? So, I mean, >> making money on something that we
weren't making any money on is always a good thing.
» If there's not a risk involved to lose stuff,
» right? >> It is a no risk in the state.
» Yeah, >> as a non-financial advisor
making >> Well, just so aware these are big
numbers. It's not like So, we've got 35. So the total market value of our cash
investments is $35 million. So these are you know we've got about uh so just
looking at the various reports. So these are the schedule of cash investments are
basically from all of our various accounts whether it's LA Wells Fargo um
Arrowhead Credit Union basically are all our funds put together. We have 12
million of those invested in various bonds and so basically it's it it
continues to make money on our money. So you're correct. We weren't doing it
before. >> Any comments by um public regarding our
um um fiduciary responsibility? If not um that will be closed. We'll
call for the vote to accept and file the treasures report for the month of July
2026. >> I move to accept the report. I'll
second. >> All for the above.
» Council member Pogue. >> Uh, yes.
» Vice Mayor Campbell. >> Yes.
» Council member Mccorco. >> Yes.
» Forward. >> Yes.
» Belt. >> Yes.
» Long break. >> Yes.
» Thank you. >> Thank you. This is the end of the
council consent calendar. Regular council items. Resolution 2026-34.
the city council of the city of Needles, California, approving the measure I5,
your local street capital improvement for fiscal years 2026, 2027 to 2030,
2031. This is an action item. City manager.
» Yes, ma'am. Mayor, members of council, I'm happy to share that we utilize these
dollars towards our payment management plan. These are dollars that we receive
as a sales tax uh through the county. that there's a bond in uh November. So,
you'd be seeing that on the ballot. But at this point in time, every our
five-year capital plan will be investing into these areas uh which is our next
phase. And if your streets on there, you do not have a conflict because at this
point in time, this impacts everybody in the city. So, don't worry about having
to conflict yourself out. But the city's required to submit a five-year capital
improvements plan to SPCTA annually by September 1st in order to continue the
measure I funding. It's a pass through account. We're looking at about $940,000
in revenue over the next five years. The the plan, so we continue to utilize it
through our adopted pavement management plan, which we set aside to about $2
million a year. It helps soften that $2 million that we set aside every year.
Instead of general fund dollars going into it, we're able to utilize. Go to
the next slide. Um, and here's the alternates that's also being proposed.
Again, in the event we're able to utilize the first TR dollars, we'll be
able to utilize it with the alternative uh measure I revenues will continue to
support the city's pavement management program as we move forward with the
additional streets. Our staff recommendation is to adopt this
resolution to be able to move forward with implementing this plan for our next
set of streets. >> Thank you.
Okay. Call for um public comment regarding the um the major I 5-year
local street capital improvement program. If not, public comment will be
closed regarding this and call um for a motion to approve um
the California major I5ear local street capital improvement for the fiscal years
2026 to 2031. >> Make a motion to approve.
» Second. We call for the vote. >> Council member Ford,
» yes. >> Long break,
» yes. >> Morco,
» yes. >> Belt,
» yes. >> Vice Mayor Campbell,
» yes. >> Council member Poke,
» yes. >> Thank you.
» Resolution 2026-35 authorizing the submission of a petition
to the United States Department of Transportation requesting a time zone
boundary change for the city of Needles. This is an action item. City manager.
» Yes, ma'am. Mayor, members, council, if you watched any kind of news recently,
you see that the US Senate has this on their plate, but we wanted to get ahead
of it right now at this point in time, uh the federal petition to request a
time change from Pacific time to uh mountain time zone. And so basically, we
have found based on the research that we've received uh from uh one of the
council members, she had us reach out to West Glendover, Nevada. uh they in 1999
successfully partnered up with Utah being a state Nevada and so basically as
a result of having to show convenience of commerce there's public hearings that
have to take place and get letters of support and we would lobby uh US
Department of Transportation be able to uh make this adjustment for economic
transportation workforce healthcare tourism uh I think uh Neos Unified
School District even has their schools in Parker stay on Arizona time So, this
would just be able to keep us uh you know, not have to change the clocks year
round and stay on a common time zone with everybody else. So, we'll continue
to monitor the federal legislation. I guess again hopefully they act quicker
than our support is, but tonight I just need you all to approve me to be able to
move forward with preparing and submitting a petition uh to take the
necessary administrative actions. This is something that was talked about in
2022 and 2023. And so in 2022, you said you'd like to be able to do this. Uh we
worked uh at that point in time, we weren't able to find the the pathway
forward, but we now have the pathway forward. So we know to be able to do
that now. So again, it's uh we're just seeking authorization. This action
design tonight will not change our clocks, just FYI. So it does not mean
that we are changing our time zone by adopting this uh resolution. With that,
have any questions, please? >> Thank you. questions by council.
» Oh, this is open to the public comment regarding um the submission of petition
to um transportation requesting a time zone boundary change for the city.
If not, public comment will be closed. Call for the motion to authorize the
submission of a petition to United States Department of Transportation
requesting a time zone boundary change for the city.
» Make a motion to approve. I'll >> second.
Call for the vote. >> Council member Pogue,
» yes. >> Mccorco,
» yes. >> Long break,
» yes. >> Board,
» yes. >> Belt,
» yes. >> Vice Mayor Campbell,
» yes. >> Thank you.
» Wave the full reading and introduce by title only ordinance 686-ac
amending chapter 14, article one of the Needles Municipal Code by adding section
14 to 21, the sale of cratom prohibited. This is an action item. City manager.
» Yes, ma'am. Mayor, members of the council. This came to us a couple
meetings ago regarding uh looking at an ordinance to be able to prohibit the
sale of cratom in the city of Needles. With that, I'm going to introduce code
enforcement officer, senior code enforcement officer, Bern Bernard Pats,
and he's going to provide a page. Bernard.
» Good evening, man. Madame Mayor, steam council. Um,
this is the council action requested approving ordinance number 686 AC
amending chapter 14 article one of the needles municipal code by adding section
1421 sale of cra of cratom prohibited. Um the
benefits is protecting public health, addresses the sale and unregulated uh
cratom products, provides clear local enforcement authority, aligns needles
with other California communities that adopted similar uh ordinances.
» Oops. What is it?
Um what the ordinance does proposed municipal code section 1421 prohibits
sale offered for sale advertisement for sale distribution possession with intent
to sell. Exemptions personal possession and use without intent to sell. Medical
research. Academic research. Scientific research. Enforcement. Criminal
remedies. Civil reme civil remedies. administrative res. This ordinance is
intended to protect public health, safety, and welfare by prohibiting the
commercial tail freedom of products while providing clear enforcement
authority for the city of New.
» Any comments by council? >> We have another Larry.
» Is being sold at any dispensaries and needles this time?
» Not at the dispensaries. No, >> it's not being manufactured or anything.
» No, sir. Um,
» with the sale of cratom being prohibited um cratom and I'm not even going to try
to say it's medical contains psychoactive
uh alkaloids that may produce stimulant and o like effects. The products are
commonly sold without standardized manufacturing label and or dosage
which is extremely dangerous. Reported health concerns include dependence and
withdrawal, respiratory depression, liver toxicity, seizures,
hallucinations. Uh several California cities have
already prohibited the commercial sales of cratom. Um if you look at some of the
items here, it comes in multiple forms. You can get it as powder. You can get it
in a pill form. Gummies if you will and liquid form.
» Ellen Bernie. >> Yes, ma'am.
» One of the things is that theratom there's no um there's no universal
standard of dose in any of this stuff that's sold at gas stations or these
supplements. And um and this does not this does not prohibit
people from possessing it. If you get it somewhere and you're using that's on
you. >> Correct.
» Uh it's just that we're not going to allow it to be sold in our city. You can
go wherever you want. You whatever they do, however they get it. It's just that
it's not going to be here because it's available to children.
» Yes. >> And so that I think is, you know, one of
the main things behind this. What the council action requests is
approve ordinance number 686 AC amending chapter 14 article one of the municipal
code adding section 1421 sale of cradle and once again we're looking to protect
the people of our communities um something that is openly called gas
station heroin >> is not something we want our kids
taking. Um the synthetic version of this is H
uh 70 and it has been said that it is 43 times
more potent than mortine and there are no regulations on this
product at this time.
» We're talking only synthetic or because we keep getting all these emails about
natural leaf. >> Yeah,
» natural leaf in smaller doses. It's it
orderly acts like a a small stimulant, but it we're finding that more and more
people are taking larger and larger doses where it's acting like an opiate.
Your receptors are picking it up as similar to being an
opiate. >> But so are we talking about all creatum?
Doesn't matter what it is. >> Yes, ma'am.
» Leave and synthetic. >> Well,
» yes, ma'am. >> Things sold. And now the possession
alone there's an exemption the possession of use of Korean products by
an individual for personal consumption provided such possession is not
accompanied by the intent for sale. So by having it for personal consumption
we're not going to be citing you. It's not part of the code. Also for medical
reasons the activity expressly authorized regulation of medical
academic or scientific research purposes. There's also no exemption
there. What we're talking about is walking into a gas station or you're
walking into a tobacco shop and somebody is selling it, then the ordinance would
prohibit their ability to sell that product.
» So there there is a medical use for it and could a citizen go to their
physician, get a prescription, and have it filled at Route 66 pharmacy? Would
that be that would not fall under the ban? Is that
» there's an exemption because it's medical?
So, you're just talking about the >> Yes. your gas stations, your smoke
shops, uh whatnot. >> No.
» Um it is not an approved product from the Department of Family to have in
their dispensaries.
» Great. >> And there's also um
FDA does not have it had approved as a drug for a pharmacy. So, it is not
approved. You can't get a prescription for it. Get it through a pharmacy
because it's unregulated.
» Um,
is sold as an energy booster, mood li mood lifter, pain reliever, and remedy
for the symptoms of quitting opioids called withdrawal. But the truth about
is not so simple. And there's there are safety problems with its use because
it's an herbal extract that comes from leaves. Like I said, there's no there's
it's kind of like it's like um fentanyl. It's like fentanyl. You get fentanyl.
You got this big thing of fentanyl and you're going to make all this pills out
of it. No two pills are going to be alike. Four of them will kill you and 19
of them will. Um with you don't know what you're getting in these
supplements. Every one of them is different and um people are dying
especially if they add drugs or alcohol toratom that is when they're seriously
dying. Our last citizen took her own life.
Our person who came from needles as a result of cratom. Um so it these are
these are serious serious things and anybody can walk into that gas station
and just like kids walk in there and get liquor somehow or get someone to buy it
for them. You know, I remember being that little bat your eyelashes person
asking somebody to go get me some some rum when I was 18. I did that. I'm not
gonna lie. But there are people who will ask people to buy them alcohol or go in
and buy them cradle or buy them cigarettes. It happens and then people
die. And you know, people do use it medically. I I you know I we have a
letter here of someone who is against it and I feel for this person um but it
isn't about this and for this person it's not illegal for them to have it.
They just aren't going to be able to buy it in needles in a supplement form in a
gas station. >> Any comments by council not we'll open
up to uh public regarding the cratom um for needles. Any question?
Jared, >> thank you Bernie.
» Hey Bernie, >> Jared Johnson, 1320 South Bay Circle. So
is not going to be sold in any form in the city of needles from any
reputable licensed company business, >> right?
» So I can purchase it in Bullhead and come over here and sell it on Facebook
Marketplace. >> No, no, can't.
» No. Says you can't sell us. >> Well, if you get caught. So, does this
have teeth for the sheriffs or this just only a code enforcement problem? Who's
going to take it up when I start selling it off Facebook Marketplace out of my
house? >> The city would. And also, it says that
we're able heard the ordinance. We're able to take um the cities are only
allowed to take um we can't do criminal, >> but we can we can go
» Yeah. It will be under the ordinance. It'll be a misdemeanor, so it will be a
crime. >> Okay. uh the city can choose to
prosecute it as an infraction or and or a bring a civil action. So all those
tools will be at the city's disposal. >> Okay. So the sheriff will have the
ability for somebody who's selling it out of their car that just drives over
here and sells it to somebody. I don't want to speak for the sheriff, but
» well, but I want to make sure if we're going to do an ordinance, we're going to
do this that when weed started, they were selling weed out of their car in
the weed parking lots and that got stopped. What is stopping this from me
selling it out of my car and I'm not a resident.
» I just park somewhere and I sell it out of my car to somebody, drive across or
do that sort of thing. Is this going to be a code enforcement has to catch him
or is this a sheriff's thing that they can do also? Just making sure that
that's >> right. Well, this would not be a
sheriff. This would be a So, yes, we're able to go. It does constitute a
misdemeanor, but that would be something that we work with the city attorney with
to be able to draw >> them and we can um we can prosecute it
uh criminally and then we can also end or pursue it civily. We can do both. So,
for example, if somebody set up shop, they out of their house or whatever
business they owned and they were selling it, um, we could cite them and
then we could file criminal charges against them and pursue the criminal
action. And at the same time, if the city chose to do so on parallel track,
we could pursue it civily to get an injunction or what have you for
violation of the code. So, >> thank you.
Thank you. Thank you um Bernie for getting up speaking. Um are there any
more uh comments from public? If not, public comments will be closed. We'll
call for the motion to um needles municipal code by adding section
1421 the sale of cratom um prohibited. I make a motion to approve.
» A second and call for the vote. >> Council member Longre,
» yes. >> Ward,
» yes. >> McCoral,
» yes. Belt. >> Yes.
» Vice Mayor Campbell. >> Yes. Council member P.
» Yes. >> Thank you. Second.
» Yeah. This this is just the first reading. There'll be a second reading
and then third after that. So we'll get similar to every ordinance that we do.
We'll get the public information out. Make sure the public's informed. Get put
it through Neos Connect. Keep everybody engaged.
Somebody wants to comment at the next hearing, they're able to provide their
comment. >> Thank you.
» Actually pulling me up. >> City attorney report.
» Not being an open session, too. >> Thank you. City clerk report.
» Yes. Um it's been pretty busy with the election, the candidate filing going on.
Um we did have an extension because one of our council members is not running.
So, um, interested individuals are able to
pull papers through tomorrow, but everything has to be turned in by the
end of tomorrow for council. Um, all of the current candidates are listed on the
website. I've done quite a bit of work on the city clerk page of our website.
There's a, um, elections page tab that has all of the candidates on there.
Anybody that has done a candidate statement, there's a link on there to
those. And then also all of the ballot measures are on there. Um we just got
assigned the letters for the ballot measures. So it includes all of that
too. And I'll continue to update as we get new information and as anything
occurs in the process. I'll add that the the sign code that you all adopted is on
there as well. Um in addition to the elections page, I've
also put a link from the clerk page to a public records portal. It is a work in
progress. So, I've added things on there, resolutions, ordinances, minutes,
agreements. Um, I welcome feedback if you have any suggestions on how to
organize it better so it's easier to navigate. Um, I will continue to add
records on there as we get them in electronic format and I'll continue to
update that as as I get feedback from you on ideas on how to organize it
better. Um, I also put um the city manager had me put the um video for the
city of needles play video that's on the website also and the OMV videos on
there. Um, also working on the agenda management platform. So we should we're
actually going live tomorrow. the new will be avail the new platform will be
available and then our first meeting in September we'll be using that and the
goal is to use the voting during that with your new tablets
» um community events calendar um and public records we've gotten 10 new
requests since our last meeting so they're still kind of maintaining they
haven't spiked up more than they were but they're not going away either so
that's all I have >> city manager's report
» yes ma'am Mayor, members of the council, we pull up.
» Right. It's been a busy couple weeks for the city of Neil and so we're currently
in week three of our storm cleanup. >> We're currently in week three of our
storm cleanup. Uh our crews are out there diligently making sure that we've
uh cleaned up our community. And so like all most agencies out there right now,
everybody's working diligently to clean up our community.
It was called a belly washer. Uh we believe because it was went up to our
belly and so that's why the water was so hot it was causing some problems for us.
I heard that earlier today. So I'm going to use that. So good job. Um got Mark.
Uh so basically right now the storm recovery is in full full action. Uh we
are we focused on the main arterial streets that were highly trafficked and
also some of the sidewalks along Bailey. Um, next slide.
You'll see that uh on the left side that was San Clemene. You can see that it was
totally gutted out and then you can see on the right side. Still needs some
love. Don't get me wrong. That's not the final final, but we had a car actually
fall off side of that couple uh like last week or so.
» And so luckily uh we we got it taken care of. We got some codes up. And so
next slide. Uh extreme e for those that you aren't aware you can do a deviated
ride. Uh so uh basically you can jump on the nat, get picked up and be dropped
off at Bob Dell Beach Park. And so if you want to go cool off at the river at
this point in time for the low fair, you can call ahead, get your ride over there
uh Monday through Friday and also Saturdays, not on Sundays, but basically
it can pick you up and drop you off at Bob Beach Park. So that's a good thing.
Next slide. Uh opportunity zones. This has been something that we've been
working on. Fortunately enough, the city did submit their application on 8 uh
earlier this month on the 20th. And so at that point in time, it made us
eligible for opportunity zone 2.0. The council did a couple days later
authorized us to be able to move forward. Basically, you ratified the
application. So, thank you for that. It wasn't a requirement of the submitt, but
we did formally submit the first time around, which made us wholly eligible
basically at this point in time. Next slide. Uh we've gone out and asked the
public on last Friday. We've asked the public for support. So the organizations
uh please if if you need this information, let me know. I've already
received m multiple letters of support from business owners in the community.
But you know the Elks, the Eagles, uh the school district, SPCTA,
our state senator, our state congress, our our federal congressman, all these
folks have been supporting us to be able to submit this. So, because of our uh
distressed community status, we are eligible uh on this public uh this
letter that went out, this press release that went out. It does show a how to to
do it. It's a couple steps. You can either submit a letter of support or you
can just go online and it's a couple clicks. You provide your comments. I
believe we're competitive because our proximity to the I40, our airport, we
have the Colorado River for tourism. And so, basically, we've got all these
opportunities. And so with that and we've shown to the state that we're
successful in the $28 million worth of grants. Not only have I mean we've
performed and so basically we've shown the state we can perform. So Kathy Roush
and Rainey Torrance and our public works department and our utilities department
and our water department. We we've shown the state we can perform. So we just
want to take this to the next level. So if you have any questions, please don't
hesitate to reach out. Next slide. back one, please.
Yeah. So, uh, luckily, uh, yesterday, Monday, the state senate voted on AB
2026. So, it's gone through the assembly and it's gone through the Senate. Next
step, it's got to go back to the assembly for consensus because they
changed something. They changed the reporting deadline, uh, which is fine.
No problems. Uh, basically, uh, the extension will go until 2033 and the
reporting deadline will be 2032, which is fine. We're okay with that. We have
every uh we believe by the end of the week that will go to the governor's
office for signature. There will be a letter uh of support from the city of
Needles going to the governor at the end of this week. Hopefully it comes becomes
law by the end of the week. So, yay. Another legislation for the city of
Needles. This is good stuff. Next slide. Uh for those of you
for for those of you that are not uh CA residents that uh need their
non-resident off motor vehicle use permits, come on in. Take a seat there.
Uh so basically uh CA non uh non-C California residents for the off
offhighway use uh permits are available at our own local Napa Auto Parts. Next
slide. There's rules and regulations for folks
in Arizona. It's a lot different than California. So, we want to make sure
that they're able to be be able to utilize and understand and use our roads
comfortably because folks are going to be coming over from uh from Arizona into
California and there are different rules there. So, we want to make sure
everybody abides by those rules. Next slide.
Back to school. It'll be busy up there. Uh drive safely. Uh uh the sheriff will
be up there patrolling, I'm sure, making sure that folks are driving safely. It
will be busy up there. So, if you've got your ch I think it's 7:45 is when the
gates open. So, we'll make sure that So, get your kids dropped off early, get
your photos, and and move on. But, it will be busy up there. This is the new
safety gate that's been installed to prevent to ensure the the campus is
safe. Next slide. Uh you'll see those banners up there. Uh there's also been
some murals that have been done throughout the This is going to be where
Emma's taking her picture tomorrow, first day of school. Really excited
about that. Next slide. Uh these are some of the new banners that the school
district put up. Really excited on that. So, uh school pride, Needles Pride. Next
slide. Our public works department was out there setting uh assisting Neos
Unified School District and putting up some signs up there along Washington.
So, thank you utilities department for helping out with that. Next slide. Uh
for those of you that aren't aware, again, we've got it a mailer going out
right now. If you need to go down the hill for a medical appointment, you can
be reimbursed up to up to,00 miles a month, which is a good thing for our
community. Uh next, uh on the right side, you're going to see that all kids
K through 12 could ride the Needles Area Transit Services for free. And so, if
you know anybody that needs to ride, Needles Transit service when you're K
through 12, it's it's free for you. You just got to show that you're a student.
Next slide. uh after school program started off over at the rec center. So
get your kids signed up. There's still a space available. We do uh partner up
with Neos Unified School District to do our after school program. Next slide. Uh
on the left hand so this gentleman walked from Philadelphia to Neos
California. Uh took him 124 days. We were featured as part of this. He's a
YouTuber and so basically 3,000 miles were walked. Uh we did I did personally
reach out to him. He did not respond back, but it was for a college of humble
university basically to provide uh technical services to the
underprivileged uh children. He raised about $200,000. So again, we are the
gateway to California. So this is just another uh another piece to be able to
show off. So uh thank you for uh traveling to our community. Next slide.
Summer scramble at the end of the month, August 29th. Let's get some folks signed
up. We're going to have a golf tournament before we close for oversee.
September is when we start the oversee. So, we won't be open for the month of
September. So, if you need to get your golf pitch in, now's the time. Next
slide. Uh, open registration for soccer, flag football, and volleyball. It's now
open. So, get your kids signed up. Again, this is where this is how you win
N USD state championships. There's a reason why we have the most state
championships in in Nevada. And so, basically, it's because we started them
at our rec program. Next slide. Uh Laughlin Chamber of Commerce uh right
now is looking for a chamber. Uh those that want to get nominated, please, we
need representation. Go online, get your folks nominated. It closes. I believe it
closes at the end of the month or mid uh actually we got like one or two weeks
before you can do that. I believe it's the 21st, but let's get representation
at the city uh of the city of Needles. Um
uh let's make sure we get some representation at the uh
uh basically get some needles representation. We did have Mr. Deleó
win for us last year, but again we want to make sure that we're properly
properly represented at the various levels. So get your nominations in.
We've got a we got a lot of great talent here in the city of Ne. So let's get our
folks nominated. Next slide. Uh thank you. Uh a couple community events.
Tri-State held a community event, pool party last weekend. Next slide. Really
great event. Thank you to all the volunteered. Tri-State had a great uh
showing. It was hotter than heck out there. So, we're happy that people did
decide to come out and swim around in the pool. Uh animal shelter, the new
service hours, >> so everybody's aware, uh there are some
new service hours. We're going to be open till 2:30 now. And then on Fridays
when it's not as busy, we're going to be closed at 12:00. Again, they're they're
available to be called out in the event where there's an emergency, but we
wanted to extend our hours to ensure people were able to get the services
that they needed. Next slide. Needles Branch Library is program starting up,
so let's get your kids over there and utilize that resource. Next slide. Uh
thank you to the sheriff's department and the mayor for coming out for end of
the summer camp completion. Basically, uh we got to ride down the slide.
promised the kids last year I'd do it, so I'm a man of my word, so I got to do
it. This year, it's a whole lot of fun. When it's 120 degrees outside, need to
go slip and slide. It's a lot of fun. We'll get you out there. We'll get you
all out there next time. Next slide. >> Thank you, sir, for participating. We
appreciate you. Uh, youth falls uh program ended. Thank you to Jennifer
Valenuela and her team for always having successful programs during the summer.
Again, this is how we win championships. Next slide. And then those that want to
donate to our 1923 American Leaf France fire truck, now is the time. We need
about $7,400 left to be able to get that. It is up and running. We are going
to go to our local station and get them on there and take some photos and send
them over to Chief Muny. So, I haven't done that yet. Wanted to cool down a
little bit or else we'd all be sweating. But, we're all going to be out there and
we'll all be taking photos and get them over to our to our chief uh fire
captain. So, basically, we want to celebrate our Leaf Front. I believe
that's last slide actually. Alli uh get your get your animals spayed and
neutered and then we've got the uh community fall coming up. We we'll have
a presentation from the committee at the next council meeting to give everybody
an update of where we're at because it's coming along. A lot of progress has been
made. It's like right it's back. Sunday market vendor it's open. So uh starting
in September Sunday market's back. So, let's get folks uh out there and and
helping our local vendors. It's going to be a little warm, but it'll be okay.
Then, I think it's all right. Now, without further ado, I would like to
showcase >> Yeah. Give me just a second because I
want to We've got somebody on that's uh >> No problem.
» Not muted. >> Without further ado, let's show you. Oh,
hold on. >> Yeah, it takes me a second because I
have to do >> We've been working diligently on a
three-phase marketing program. And so we wanted to make sure that we showcased
our next video with you all.
Are they just showing a commercial right now?
Nice.
Awesome. >> Good.
» It's great. >> You guys good?
» Putting it on the TV. >> We're going to get it everywhere. We're
going to get it out there. We got one more video that we're finishing up right
now. Thank you Kathy Rash and Irene for getting that done. We've got the uh the
work video. So, we got live, we got work, excuse me, we got live, we got
play, now we're going to have work. And so, we'll have that. Uh, Trip Smith will
be on the next agenda as well. We got some ideas and how we want to utilize
them now that they're finishing up this section of their contracts. And so, at
the end of the day, we appreciate Trip Smith and their help. Uh, also Irene and
Kathy Rous for their support. So, so proud to be part of this community.
Thank you all for all the work that you do. And that's all I got.
» And the play video is on our website. So, if you if you guys are okay with it,
we can put this one on the website, right?
» Yes. >> Good. Good.
» It'll be on there tomorrow. >> Wonderful.
» We like that. We like that. >> Council member Ford,
» I don't have anything today. >> Council member McCorkel.
» Uh, one, can you email me that video? >> And then two, um, you had mentioned that
the golf course will be closing in September for receding um during that
time. Can we clean up some of those dead trees um that have been laying that
falling down? Um, right now that's all I have. Thank you, Vice Mayor Campbell.
Um, >> I want to thank uh our work crews for
being out there um in this heat and doing what they're doing um continuing
with the cleanup of our streets and the reconstruction of the roads that were
destroyed and it's been amazing watching them. They've been working hard and it's
coming together rather quickly. It's really wonderful. So, I want to thank
them. And then I don't really have anything. I would like to give my
sincere condolences to the Hernandez family. um the m the patriarch of their
family, Albert Hernandez, 98 years old, passed away in his sleep two more two
mornings ago at four o'clock in the morning very peacefully. You know, he
lived a good life and I know he's up there dancing with Alice and um the
family is, you know, it's 98 years, you know, dad and grandpa and great grandpa
and great great grandpa. You know, it's a a big family legacy. So, keep the
Hernandez family in your prayers. Thank you. That's all I have.
» Council member Poe, >> I have nothing. Council member Bell.
» Nothing. >> Council member Long.
» The only thing I have is uh Oh, it's that dog park yesterday
» and there's a couple lights that are out. One of them's flickering and then
the other one's out and it uh at night that dark that fart gets uh kind of
dark. So, take a look at that. That's all I have.
» Thank you. I don't have much either. Um I would like to say too I offer my
condolences to the Alfred Hernandez family. He was our oldest living veteran
and needles and we do um keep them in our prayers. And um like Patrick said,
tomorrow is school. Um I know our sheriff's department will be out, so
just um practice safety. Um again, um be careful driving around that school from
7:30 to 8:30. Um you will be outnumbered. So again, just be careful
with school starting. Thank you. And meaning is a jured.