Council appoints Mark Walters to fill Public Utilities Board vacancy

The Needles City Council appointed Mark Walters to the Board of Public Utilities to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of board member Mike Schneider.

City manager introduced the two applicants: Mark Walters, a lifelong resident with roughly 14 years in electric work followed by many years in natural gas and utility experience, and James Jones, whose background includes power generation, licensed water and wastewater operation and tribal utilities compliance. Both candidates spoke briefly and answered council questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Council asked whether Jones’ ongoing roles with outside organizations would create conflicts for receiving city grant funds or contracts; staff and the city attorney’s office noted that a Form 700 filer status and conflict‑of‑interest rules could limit participation in certain matters and said the appointee could recuse if necessary. Walters was nominated, seconded and confirmed by roll‑call vote. The council congratulated Walters and closed the item.

The appointment fills the seat through the term ending December 31, 2027; the city will follow standard conflict‑disclosure rules for any board member who later faces matters involving their private affiliations.