Minutes of the Blythe City Council Meeting
June 14, 2022
The June 14, 2022 meeting of the Blythe City Council was called to order at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers by Mayor Reynolds. Also in attendance were Vice Mayor DeConinck and Council Members Rodriguez, Halby and Burton. Staff in attendance included: Interim City Manager and City Clerk Crecelius, Finance Director and City Treasurer Elms, City Attorney Roberto, Chief Building Official Brown, Fire Chief Hasler and Police Chief Dale.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Reynolds.
The Invocation was offered by Councilman Burton.
PRESENTATION:
Recognizing the Palo Verde Yellow Jackets Varsity Baseball Team. Mayor Reynolds stated once again we have another set of champions in the Council Chambers. These young men have exemplified the standards of Palo Verde High School. The alumni are very proud of you.
Coach Phipps introduced his team and presented the Council with a signed baseball.
CONSENT CALENDAR: Items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted with one motion of the Council. If any item requires individual consideration, it will be removed from the consent calendar and acted upon separately.
Councilman Halby moved approval of the Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
2. Posting of the Agenda.
The summary of agenda items were posted on the bulletin boards on the outside of the public entrance to the Council Chamber and near the inside entrance of the Council Chamber on Friday, June 10, 2022.
3. Approval of the Warrant Register.
Recommendation: Approve 6/14/2022, warrants numbered 75082 through 75158 in the amount of $764,466.29; 6/14/2022, Utility Billing Refund warrants numbered 75159 through 7569 in the amount of $1,224.83 and 6/14/2022, warrants numbered 75170 through 75240 in the amount of $431,940.71.
4. Approval of the Payroll Register.
Recommendation: Approve 6/14/2022, warrants numbered 52885 through 52904 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 53081 through 53140 in the amount of $252,512.65; 6/14/2022, warrants numbered 52905 through 52923 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 53141 through 53200 in the amount of 247,863.41; 6/14/2022, warrants numbered 52924 through 52925 in the amount of $14,255.21; 6/14/2022, warrants numbered 52926 through 52931 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 53201 through 53306 in the amount of $87,909.81 and 6/14/2022, warrants numbered 52932 through 52951 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 53307 through 53365 in the amount of $252,645.35.
5. Minutes of the May 10, 2022 City Council Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the May 10, 2022 Meeting.
6. Minutes of the May 26, 2022 Special City Council Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the May 26, 2022 Special Meeting.
7. City of Blythe Permits issued for the Month of May 2022.
Recommendation: Receive and file this monthly report.
8. City of Blythe Fire Department Monthly Activity Report for May 2022.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
9. City of Blythe Police Department Monthly Activity Report for May 2022.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
10. Surplus Property.
Recommendation: Deem items detailed in the staff report as surplus property and authorize staff to dispose of the items as necessary.
11. Request to Waive Quechan Park Fees- Blythe Police Department.
Recommendation: Waive parking fees at Quechan Park for attendees of the Local Area Law Enforcement River Float on July 9, 2022.
12. Request to Cap Parking Fees at Quechan Park- Blythe Chamber of Commerce.
Recommendation: Place a $200 cap on parking fees paid by the Chamber of Commerce for their Annual River Float scheduled for June 18, 2022.
13. Annual Reaffirmation of City Investment Policy.
Recommendation: Adopt the Investment Policy for FY 2022/23 as required by Government Code Section 53646.
14. Request for Display of Fireworks.
Recommendation: Approve an application submitted by the Blythe Fire Department to display fireworks on July 4, 2022.
15. Request for Sale and Display of Fireworks.
Recommendation: Approve applications submitted by Victoria Sanchez/Blythe First Assembly of God for the sale of fireworks.
16. Appropriations Limit FY 2022/23.
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022-011 establishing the Appropriations Limit for FY 2022-23.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-011. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 FOR THE CITY OF BLYTHE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF DIVISION 9 OF TITLE 1 OF THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE.
17. Biennial Review of the Conflict of Interest Code.
Recommendation: Direct staff to review the City’s Conflict of Interest Code and report to the Council no later than October 1, 2022 regarding whether or not amendments are required.
Interim City Manager Crecelius requested to pull item #11 from the Consent Calendar.
No public comment. Councilman Rodriguez moved approval of Consent Calendar items 1-10 and 12-17. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Annual Assessment for Lighting District Nos 1 and 2 for FY 2022/23. Finance Director Elms stated pursuant to the Landscape and Lighting act, the City must conduct annual proceedings to levy annual assessments in the districts formed under the act. The proceedings include a public hearing in which the Council must hear and consider all oral and written statements, protests, comments and objections; or other communications made in connection with the levy and collection of the assessments. The Council previously declared its intent to levy and collect the assessments in Districts No. 1 and No. 2 at the May 10th meeting, further setting this meeting as the date and time for the Public Hearing. Subsequent to the Public Hearing, staff recommends adoption of Resolution Nos. 2022-013 and 2022-014, approving the Engineer’s report and confirming the assessment for FY 2022/23.
No public comment. Vice Mayor DeConinck moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rodriguez with a unanimous aye vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-013. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT AND CONFIRMING A DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 WITHIN THE CITY OF BLYTHE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 1.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-014. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT AND CONFIRMING A DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 WITHIN THE CITY OF BLYTHE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 2.
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Quality of Life Pilot Program Activity Report. Police Chief Dale provided an oral report on the progress made by the Quality-of-Life team during the month of May. The program will become permanent as of July 1
st
. This month we received complaints of speeding on
Hobsonway, so we spent some quality time on that. We are working closely with Behavioral Health who will be adding a second case manager to our program shortly.
Mayor Reynolds reported CVRM was in town working with the homeless.
No Public Comment. The item was received and filed.
Emergency Sewer Repairs at Hobsonway and Lovekin Blvd. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated the sewer repairs at Hobsonway and Lovekin have been deemed an emergency since February 23rd. The City Council is required to review the emergency action at every regularly scheduled meeting until the action is terminated. Radco Inc. mobilized on May 3 rd and
began work on the collapsed sewer line. The sewer and water lines were replaced; but work continues on the storm drain and Frontier’s Fiber Optic Cable Vault. Once the underground improvements are made, the street will be repaired. As repairs are ongoing, staff recommends by a 4/5 vote, determine there is a need to continue the emergency repairs.
No public comment. Vice Mayor DeConinck moved to continue the emergency repairs. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commercial Cannabis Ordinance Amendment. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated the City’s Commercial Cannabis Ordinance limits the number of Dispensary/Micro-license Business Permits issued in the City at 2. Both licenses have been issued and the businesses are in operation. The first business opened in August 2019 and the second in January 2022. In an April Study Session, Council discussed the potential addition of a Dispensary License by adopting an Amendment to the City’s Commercial Cannabis Ordinance. The Ordinance, if adopted, would allow for a total of 2 dispensary permits and one micro-license permit to be issued, for a total of 3 retail establishments in the City. At the Study Session staff was directed to bring this item back to Council for further review and discussion at the June meeting. It is recommended Council provide direction to staff on how they would like to proceed.
Councilman Burton asked for clarification on the cannabis tax revenue. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated revenue increased year over year. Fiscal Year 2020/21, during the pandemic there was record tax revenue. Since then, revenue has tapered off to pre-pandemic levels. We are projecting a slight increase over FY2019/20 revenues but nothing near what was experienced during COVID.
Public Comment. Travis Pollock of 332 S. Lovekin Blvd and Flora Cannabis Company spoke in support of the cannabis amendment. As demonstrated in other communities in our area such as Needles, there is a need and clear support for more retail facilities in communities this size.
Additionally, the City of Blythe has an advantage over Needles as we have the I10 which carries thousands of cars up and down it daily. By not harnessing the traffic generated at each exit in the City, its missing out on potential tax revenue from individuals passing through. Local businesses are struggling to survive and the increased foot traffic that could be generate would help them stay alive. The City started this process five years ago, giving the current operators sufficient time to develop their businesses. Along with more local cultivation operators coming to fruition, the additional retail outlets would not only help the City, but those licensees by giving them an opportunity to sell locally. The ordinance should be effective immediately, with a cap put on the time to become operational. The money was already spent on the application process. There are applicants who have been dedicated to the City since the beginning. Please consider the bigger picture a third license can bring, and the value it could have to support the community.
Trevor Farrage of 2667 Sweetwater Dr. and General Manager of the Prime Leaf stated there was a Study Session at the end of April. There was no public posting of that meeting in the newspaper. The posting was supposedly on the City’s website, which was made 24 hours before the meeting. It seemed disrespectful to the cannabis businesses contributing revenue to the City that we weren’t invited or knew about it. Most of you were at our community fundraiser the week prior and there was no mention of it. I want that on record. We weren’t given an opportunity to be part of the Study Session. The Cannabis people in the room are not contributing cannabis tax revenue to the City. You need to table this to get more information. Its not the right time to add a cannabis business to Blythe. Comparisons have been made to Needles, but if you do your homework and talk to the City and its operators, you will realize that Needles has a cannabis market 3-4 times larger than Blythe. They are serving a tri-state area. Needles is in California, however they are serving Mojave Valley in Arizona and the lower half of Nevada from Laughlin all the way up to Las Vegas. The prices are higher in Las Vegas, so everyone goes to Needles. We can’t generate the market Needles has. Adding a dispensary will not add to the market. There is one person driving the market in Needles. I’ve heard us being compared to other businesses. We are not a regular business, we have a special City tax, along with a 15% excise tax which is direct to the customer, but if they only have so much to spend, that’s less going into the business. We have higher premiums for insurance. We must hire an armed guard along with security cameras in every corner. We have a state license fee and fighting against the giant black market. When you see what the economy is doing, its going to drive people to the black market and to spend less. Revenue declined a lot when Arizona went recreational. People stopped making a trip to see us. Its not just COVID, there is a piece of the market that has left us. Our market will get smaller with licenses in Quartzsite and Parker. I don’t think you know enough.
We opened in 2019. Covid hit in 2020, Arizona went legal in 2021 and our competition opened in 2022. There just hasn’t been enough time to study this market. I urge you all to take the time to understand the market and get all the information. We have been great partners with the City and are willing to help. I ask you to table this vote until you have all the information.
Tom Farrage of 476 N. 10
th stated the purpose of the Blythe Municipal Code related to cannabis is to promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Blythe. The current population is less than 20,000. The median age is just over 35 with 13,000 residents over 21, the legal age for cannabis purchases. Thus, with the two dispensary licenses currently permitted, Blythe has 1 dispensary for each 10,000 residents or 1 dispensary for 6,500 residents of legal age. The City of Los Angeles has 1 dispensary for every 30,000 residents. I submit that Blythe already has a sufficient concentration to serve the needs of its residents. Is there a shortage of Dispensaries? Is it at all difficult for residents to obtain cannabis from a licensed Dispensary? I don’t’ think so.
Then there is the impact another Dispensary will have on the existing Dispensaries. The two existing already have competition from the illegal market which remains strong in CA despite legalization. Due to the expense, the legal market cannot compete with the black market. The Blythe market is also now competing with the Arizona market. There will be one in Quartzsite and one in Parker within 1 year. Sales dropped 40% when Arizona legalized sales the first day and 60% in the month. When High Times opened sales were cut by 1/3. We have done what Amsterdam did 20 years ago, we have made weed boring. We have worked hard to be a supportive member of the Blythe community and contributed to the wellness of Blythe and employ 16-20 residents of Blythe. Our ability and High Times’ ability to make these contributions and support the community will be impaired if the cannabis market in Blythe is diluted by another dispensary.
Kim Dean Kelly of 158 N. Broadway is confused about all the money that was spent on HDL, all the rules, all the egregious taxes, all the buildout money for these businesses that are thriving after all of these hoops. They pay their taxes. I don’t see the benefit to the Community. Its mysterious who this would benefit. Should they have not been notified? Was this publicly announced? It seems off and hopefully you take more time before you move on this.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated there were three items on the Study Session Agenda. The cannabis item was directed by one council person to be placed on that agenda. Going into that study session staff and the rest of Council really had no idea what that discussion would entail because if there are more than two council members direction staff or talking to each other, it has to occur in a public meeting. At the study session the item was discussed and Council had gave direction to staff to bring this item back for further review and discussion and public comment.
The Study Session was posted per Brown Act guidelines. It was posted per our established City Policy. The City, Council and Staff were acting in an above board manner to conduct the study session. No actions are taken at Study Sessions. There are no recommendations, it’s all discussion or direction. Council cannot vote on any item. They can direct staff to bring the item back to a Council meeting where the action can take place.
Mike Farrage of 2714 Colorado River Rd. stated the Study Session was what it was, but I heard the other person was invited. What matters is we are trying to jam this in in a short time. We all worked hard to get these businesses going. I told you I would make you proud. We have done a lot for this community and raised a lot of money for this community. We will continue to do that regardless. I think everyone should slow down; it seems like it’s getting ram rodded in here. If you can’t vote for a win for the City’s revenue and a win for the community and a win for the two businesses already going, it’s a three-way loser. You need to take another look at it and table it for a year. In the State of CA tax revenues have plummeted and its not over. Blythe is not thriving. We need new businesses, but business that will contribute to the tax revenue. You must have proof this dispensary will make the revenue go up for Blythe. I don’t see it. We are all struggling right now. We have 5-6 dispensaries here now; the problem is the others are illegal and only 2 of us are hiring people and paying taxes. It will not help your revenue, it will not help us, and it won’t help the community.
Councilman Burton asked to table this.
Councilman Halby stated one of the concerns is that the licensing group in Quartzsite and Parker is you guys (Prime Leaf). You will be taking revenue from us to that area. That is one of the reasons why I think we need a third. We need options.
Mike Farrage stated he is right; we won a license in Arizona. Its specifically for La Paz County.
We were drawn in a lottery, we got lucky, and we got it. Instead of going to Quartzsite which is 20 miles from here on I10, we decided to go to Parker. We do get some Parker business, but we get a ton of Quartzsite business in the winter. Yes, Councilman Halby is right, but that is more reason not to add a third. It’s still going to take revenue whether we have the license or not. We haven’t had a lot of success there, Blythe has so much more than Parker. If we can develop our river and Quechan park, that is the way to build Blythe. Here is the pie and you can only slice it so much.
Mayor Reynolds stated this has been a contentious discussion. Yes, we had the Study Session. I can’t answer why you weren’t there. I have one question, if you weren’t given the license, which Council overruled staff’s recommendation to do, would you be on the other side of the table today?
Trevor Farrage stated we have discussed this at length. Part of me would say yes because I could flip it whether I run the business or not. You keep talking about Needles, but I would not open there as its not limited. If I was held to own and operate a third license in Blythe, I would not want to operate it here, it would be too tough. If all three have to compete and drop prices, you might see revenue go down.
Mayor Reynolds stated its disturbing for me to find out you have a license in Arizona.
Mike Farrage stated at the end of the day, if you can show it will pump the revenue up, I am all for it. But there is something else going on here.
Mayor Reynolds stated this was more of a discussion and to give staff direction. Are we going to vote on this? That is up to my colleagues. There are still a lot of questions. The information you provided is concerning to us. Do we care more about the money than the business, not really. Its up for discussion. Do we tell staff to table this? That’s up to my colleagues. We are here to listen and make an educated decision. We are not going to jump right into something. We understand your concerns.
Beverly Cota of 657 Bell Ln. stated these are Blythe born and raised gentleman. They will want the revenue to come to Blythe so that Blythe can thrive. I don’t understand everything, but this is simple what they are saying. Why don’t you want them to have what they need to make Blythe thrive? I have lived here all my life. I don’t understand why. Tabling it for a year is putting them on the back burner and not listening to what they are asking. For fairness let’s give it a chance and make it sooner than later. There are a lot of things that need to happen for Blythe. I would suggest you consider what they are asking and make it a yes or no so they can move on. Take a cruise around our valley. We see total disaster in this town and there is no reason for it. You have a right to serve the community and the constituents who voted you in. You need to do the right thing for this town. Give these gentlemen what they want.
Larry Williams of 1200 Lewis Rd. stated what is wrong with this Council? For 25 years we have been stuck in a mud hole. When we first started talking about cannabis, Blythe was going to be this and be that. When they started putting up this business on 95, they came and had problems.
You got on his butt and hollered at him. We are broke. This City doesn’t have any money and you haven’t brought nothing to the table in 25 years. Everyone of you have done nothing. If you have, tell me what you did. When a Farrage comes in here, you should say yes. Help the people, don’t help yourself. In November three of you will be gone if you don’t do the right thing for the people. Help the economy. You haven’t did this. Two of you have been on here for a long time.
The three of you are pawns to the two of them that have been here the longest. Whatever they say is what you do. You need to think individual, think for yourself and help our community. We need some help. These people ask for mercy, give them some mercy. What are you going to lose? Jennifer Hope of Blythe California stated I realize this is just a Study Session but would like some clarification on what the Farrage business out of the area has to do with the local revenue? I feel like if the community was more informed, and the businesses were more informed maybe there wouldn’t be this high tension.
Tom Farrage stated I didn’t win a license in Arizona, Michael did, It was 50 to 1 odds and I am glad they did.
Vice Mayor DeConinck stated you made a comment about licenses being sold. You can sell this license? Interim City Manager stated a license can be transferred, but the new owner must go through the background process, and Council would have to approve the transfer. You can’t just sell it.
Councilman Burton moved to table the item for 1 year. The motion was seconded by Councilman DeConinck with aye votes from DeConinck, Rodriguez and Burton with Reynolds and Halby abstaining from the vote.
Councilman Rodriguez understands the passion from all sides. From my point of view, there is nothing insidious about getting a third license here. People want more businesses in the town.
You guys got on the ball right away and benefited from it. The HAH project was delayed, and you got a heck of a start which you will not see again. Revenues going up is not going to be a condition for me on whether there will be a third license or not. But you have to give people a chance. I agree with the table, not so much for you, but for the other one. They had their setbacks, but they stayed committed to it. They employ people. Those people have jobs they want to keep. It’s on a corner that needs new development so I would like to give them a chance to build their business and clientele before a third one is licensed. For me you have to give people a chance. A monopoly can’t be made forever.
Vice Mayor DeConinck stated with HAH, the contractor that got involved initially did some wrong things. I told them not to touch 95. The first thing they did was touch 95. I tried to do everything I could. Once they got in trouble, I worked hard with RCTC and CalTrans to get them to work with the contractor to get things done. But I can only do so much. I put people in contact, and I stayed on top of it to make sure things were happening. You don’t realize all that happened to make that business. I asked the Council to give them another month, 60 more days. I don’t want to hear people saying things that are not true.
Establishing the Commercial Cannabis Employee Permit Renewal Fee. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated the Commercial Cannabis Ordinance requires employees of a cannabis business to obtain a commercial cannabis employee work permit. In 2019, Council adopted a work permit fee of $85. As Cannabis Employee work permits are valid for three years, there is a renewal requirement. However, the Resolution adopted in 2019 is silent on the renewal process.
As such, staff thought it was best to establish a rental fee vs. charging the $85 application fee. It is recommended Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-019, setting the Commercial Cannabis Employee Work Permit Renewal Fee at $35 which will recover the City’s time and supplies used issuing the cannabis employee ID cards.
No public comment. Councilman Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-019. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A FEE FOR RENEWAL APPLICATIONS FOR CANNABIS BUSINESS EMPLOYEE PERMITS.
Adopting the FY 2022/23 Operating and Capital Budget and Amending the FY 2021/22 Operating and Capital Budget. Finance Director Elms stated staff is presenting the City of Blythe’s 2022/23 Operating and Capital Budget for Council’s consideration and adoption. The budget for all city funds totals $35.2 million. This includes a General Fund operating budget of $14.2 million. In addition, the proposed budget contains appropriations for enterprise, internal, debt service, capital improvement and special revenue funds. Enterprise funds make up the second largest component of the budget with a water enterprise fund of $4.2 million and a sewer enterprise budget of $3.3 million. In addition to routine operations, some of the proposed appropriations include funding for the slurry of nine streets, rehabilitation of Wells and Willow Street, City Hall and Police Department security and sound improvements, replacement of a server, ADA assessment and City wide improvements, vehicle replacement for Police, Development Services, Public Works and Fire, College Reservoir Project, Mesa Ranch Reservoir project design, Water Valve replacement, Sewer Lift rehabilitation, Chopper Pump replacement and continued funding for blight abatement and clean up. The budget is proposed with staffing changes which include funding for City Manager, additional Park Department employee, continued part time Department Assistant at the Police Department, funding for an additional Sergeant and Police Officer and funding for a part time custodian. The budget is balanced with resources to provide police and fire protection and routine maintenance and operation of all city departments. Budgets are a living document. Throughout the year staff may recommended and Council may request amendments to the budget as deemed necessary. It is recommended Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-012, adopting the Operating and Capital budget as presented. It is further recommended Council approve the staffing changes as indicated and adopt the salary schedules pursuant to section 570.5 of the California Code of Regulations. It is also recommended Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-020, amending the FY 2021/22 Budget as referenced in Exhibit A of said Resolution.
Councilman Rodriguez asked about the raise for the Fire Department. Finance Director Elms stated it was included in the budget. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated a Resolution to adopt the pay increase will be brought to Council in July. I believe we discussed a 5% increase during the Study Session.
Mayor Reynolds thanked staff for their time. There was a lot of discussion at the Study Session to get where we are today. We are back with another balanced budget and I appreciate all of your work.
No public comment. Councilman Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-012. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE. CALIFORNIA ADOPTING OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-020. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022.
Calling the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election in the City of Blythe.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated the City is scheduled to hold a General Municipal Election on November 8, 2022. The election will fill three City Council seats and offices of the City Clerk and City Treasurer. To comply with regulations as set forth by the California Elections Code and the Riverside County Registrar of Voters’ Office for conducting a General Municipal Election It is recommended Council adopt Resolution No. 2022-016 calling for a General Municipal Election, Resolution No. 2022-017 requesting that the Riverside County Board of Supervisors consolidate the election and Resolution No. 2022-018 setting guidelines for candidate statements.
No public comment. Councilman Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-016. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA,
CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022 FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS, AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO GENERAL LAW CITES.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-017. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA,
REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022 WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 10403 OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE.
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-018. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022.
City-Wide Salinity Study- Water Quality Control Board Order R7-2016-003. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated Since 2017 the City and The Holt Group have worked on the Salinity Study as required by a State Water Resources Control Board order initiated in 2016. The Order required the city to identify the source of salt (TDS) entering the City’s sewer system. The City was ordered to reduce those salt discharges to state mandated limits. The City made improvements at the Waste Water Treatment Plant and have worked with large commercial users to further decrease TDS entering the City’s sewer system through use of commercial salt based water systems. The State is now requiring the City to perform a feasibility study on pre-treatment of the City’s water supply to remove TDS before entering the City’s utility system. This would therefore reduce the amount of TDS entering the Wastewater Treatment Plant. As the Holt group has worked on this since 2016, staff asked The Holt Group for a proposal for the extra work as required by the State. The proposal includes a study of options to remove salt from the water source using treatment at the Waste Treatment Plant. The study will also include a review of financing options and/or grants to fund proposed water treatment plant improvements. It is therefore recommended Council authorize the Interim City Manager to execute Agreement No. 2022-023 A, Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement between the City and Holt Group for the City-wide Salinity Study.
No public comment. Vice Mayor DeConinck moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Halby with a unanimous aye vote.
ORAL REPORTS: None
MEMBER COMMENT:
Councilman Burton gave another shout out to the Yellow Jacket Baseball Team. I want it to go on record to the Yellow Jacket Coaches that we want an autographed bat. I am proud of you Mayor Reynolds joined the Fire Department for a training session. I think we need more law enforcement participation as they are a big part of Hazmat. We need to coordinate between the two another training; but they did a great job and its very intricate.
Councilman Halby stated what not to do when you are disgruntled is come to my house at 8pm to cuss me out about the potholes and road construction. That’s a day in the life of what I experience. At the next meeting I would like an update on the fire reporting system. I understand it has not been deployed yet. That was a big thing so we can be eligible for grant money.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Larry Williams of 1200 Lewis Rd. stated I’ve been telling people for years that the City is stealing from them. The release valve on the water meter belongs to the people. It belongs to the homeowner, but there is a base demand. In 2007 I put in the paper; it was $15 per month. Why are you charging the residence for the valve that belongs to the residence? A few weeks ago, I was told the State requires that we charge. It doesn’t make sense to me. If I am wrong, give me some proof and send out a letter to everyone that you took money from them, and the State demands we charge this. Now its $11. Did the State say you could drop it? I want to know if I am right or wrong. If I am right, the City has stolen $3-$4 million dollars from its residents.
Beverly Cota of 657 Bell Lane stated I have some concerns about racing on 14th Avenue and 7 th
Street. They are not even stopping at the stop sign at 14th and 7 th
. I am also concerned about
people parking on the sidewalks down Bell Ln. I didn’t think that was permitted. I didn’t know that 8-foot fences were allowed on the front of the property. Trash cans are left in the middle of the street in my area along with 1
st through 5th streets and Holley Lane. How can emergency vehicles drive the streets? The alleys are used as dumping grounds. Non-operational cars are left on 14th before Bell Lane on the empty lot. I have called and spoke to Public Works. He told me I needed to file a complaint. What does the City Council intend to do with the burnt houses? Do you have any plans to clean up our town? Is there a City Ordinance to hold the violators accountable? Something needs to be done. What do you plan to do to make Blythe more appealing? Come to my house at any time of the day and you will be confronted with gun shots, racing and homeless.
Mr. Brookins stated we have a rogue force. Nobody is taking the time to reign it in. There is no reason for the way I am being treated. There is no accountability. I want to bring this to those in power as I am not being heard. I have made many complaints. If there is corruption or problems in the force, those things should not make me subject to subrogation. I should not have to deal with these tactics from one individual or the whole force because they think I am in a car that is too expensive for myself. I shouldn’t have to feel like I and my family are being targeted. If you guys don’t know my name, someone knows. They put spike strips under my car so I wouldn’t leave. They let K-9s jump up on my $100,000 car. I want my phone back and to stop being targeted, harassed, and profiled. I want you to stop. I am not getting out of the car for someone I am engaged in court battles with. I have proof.
Tom Farrage would like to bring back the Blues Festival. I have spoken with the new Chamber of Commerce. Our last one was in 2015. We had built up the attendance to 2,500. The City donated $6,500 for the bands. We made several videos, one with 340,000 hits. You received a return on your investment. We have some new people I can bring down and was wondering if you were interested in bringing this back.
Mike Farrage of 2714 Colorado River Rd. stated I know you get a lot of heat, but I want to say to everyone, these guys are trying to do the best they can. The staff and Chiefs, I think you guys should be applauded. I have worked around Mallory and Kati at the Chamber; you do a great job.
You help the Chamber and want to promote business. I know you don’t see it, but with the economy it’s not going to be a quick fix. We are all trying to make it work and I appreciate you guys. You get a bad wrap for everything that goes wrong. You are busting your butts to do your best but there are some things you can’t do. With Mallory, and conversations we’ve had at the Chamber I think we are on the right track.
Patty Daniels stated this last year I noticed a safety issue while taking my kids to Appleby school. My idea was to contact Lieutenant Walnoha about what I noticed. On the side road, adjacent to Quail Place there were cars parked on the street which impeded traffic. I let him know of my concerns and within a few weeks signs were put up stating no parking during schools hours. It makes a huge difference. If you take the right steps and express your concerns, there are people that care enough. Thank you, Keith.
ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 7:53pm. ________________________________
Dale Reynolds, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Mallory Crecelius, City Clerk