Minutes of the Blythe City Council Meeting
June 11, 2024
The June 11, 2024, meeting of the Blythe City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers by Mayor DeConinck. Also in attendance were Vice Mayor Rodriguez and Council Members Halby, and Burton. Staff in attendance included: Interim City Manager and City Clerk Crecelius, City Attorney Roberto, Finance Director and City Treasurer Elms, Chief Building Official Brown, Police Chief Dale and Fire Chief Hasler.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor DeConinck.
The Invocation was led by Councilman Burton.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Roberto stated there is no reportable action from Closed Session.
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.
1. 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 7, 2024.
2. Approval of the Warrant Register.
Recommendation: Approve 6/11/24, warrants numbered 10644 through 10672, 78066 and 78117 through 78195 in the amount of $982,244.93; Utility Billing Refund warrants numbered 78196 through 78210 in the amount of $10,054.68, and 6/11/24, warrants numbered 10673 through 10677 and 78211 through 78247 in the amount of $110,705.38.
3. Approval of the Payroll Register.
Recommendation: Approve 6/11/24, warrants numbered 54449 through 54450 in the amount of $289.81; 6/11/24, warrants numbered 54451 through 54471, and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 58816 through 58884 in the amount of $279,256.22; 6/11/24, warrants numbered 54472 through 54489, and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 58885 through 58951 in the amount of $260,894.47, and 6/11/24, warrants numbered 54490 through 54502 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 58952 through 59048 in the amount of $85,382.93.
4. Minutes of the May 14, 2024, City Council Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the May 14, 2024, Meeting.
5. Minutes of the May 23, 2024, Special Council Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the May 23, 2024, Special Meeting.
6. City of Blythe Permits Issued for the Month of May 2024.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
7. City of Blythe Fire Department Monthly Activity Report for May 2024.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
8. City of Blythe Police Department Monthly Activity Report for May 2024.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
9. Quality of Life Program Activity Report for May 2024.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
10. Annual Reaffirmation of City Investment Policy.
Recommendation: Adopt the FY 2024/25 Investment Policy as required by Government Code Section 53646.
11. Acceptance of Work – Wastewater Treatment Plant Roof Repairs and Painting Project.
Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Fernando Cervantes Guerra DBA Fernando’s Affordable Furniture & Carpets for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Roof Repairs and Painting project, direct the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and file the Notice of Completion for the project, authorize the Interim City Manager to release retention payments once the Notice of Completion is recorded and release project bonds once appropriate.
12. Request for Aerial Fireworks Display.
Recommendation: Approve the Aerial Fireworks Display application submitted by the Blythe Volunteer Fire Department.
13. Request for the Sale and Display of Fireworks.
Recommendation: Approve the applications submitted by Tony Ojeda/Spirit of Life Church for the sale of safe and sane fireworks.
14. Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-015:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-015 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 FOR THE CITY OF BLYTHE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF DIVISION 9 OF TITLE 1 OF THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE.
15. FY 2024/25 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funded Project List.
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-016:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-016 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017.
16. Pumping Station # 5 Renovation Project Award.
Recommendation: Award an Agreement to Cholla Construction in an amount not to exceed $193,936, authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the Agreement once contract documents are in place and approved by the City Attorney, authorize an additional $5,000 for plan review and inspection services, establish a project budget not to exceed $218,936 and authorize the Interim City Manager to approve and execute change orders and expenditures during construction within the approved project budget.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated there is an error in section 1 of the Resolution for Item 14.
It should be for Fiscal Year 2024/25.
No public comment. Councilman Burton moved approval of the Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Rodriguez with a unanimous aye vote.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Annual Assessment for Lighting Districts Nos 1 and 2 for Fiscal Year 2024/25.
Finance Director Elms stated pursuant to the Landscape and Lighting Act, the City must conduct annual proceedings to levy annual assessments for the districts formed under the Act. The proceedings include a public hearing in which the Council must hear and consider all written and oral statements, comments, protests and objections or other communication made in relation to the levy and assessments. The Council previously declared its intention to levy and collect assessments in District Nos. 1 and 2 at the May 14, 2024, meeting, and set this meeting as the date and time for the Public Hearing. Subsequent to the Public Hearing, staff recommends adoption of Resolutions 2024-017 and 2024-018 approving the Engineer’s Report and confirming the assessment for year 2024/25 for Districts Nos 1 and 2.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-017 – 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 2024-2025 WITHIN THE CITY OF BLYTHE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 1 RESOLUTION 2024-018 – 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 2024-2025 WITHIN THE CITY OF BLYTHE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 2.
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Save Chuck. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated we continue to work with Brown University. Through this partnership there is a funding opportunity from a philanthropist. The City is working with Professor Eason on how to use that to leverage other funding opportunities.
We continue to work with our Lobbyist on a budget ask to the State to make the City, County, School District and College whole from the closure. This item has been a standing item on the Agenda for about a year and a half. As the Prison is set to close in November, it is time to remove this item as a standing item and bring it back as necessary.
No public comment. The item was received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating and Capital Budget. Finance Director Elms stated staff presented the FY 2024/25 proposed budget and detail to the City Council at a May 23, 2024 Study Session. Staff is presenting the final draft for adoption. The Citywide budget for 2024/25 commits $41.6 million in appropriations with $38.8 million in current year resource and $2.8 million for reserves. The budget supports 7 elected officials, 68 full time positions and 57 part time positions or a total of 132 authorized positions and considers all personnel costs approved to date or anticipated to be approved in the budget year. The City’s general fund is the primary operating fund and proposed at $16.1 million in appropriations supported by $17.1 in expected resources. The General Fund budget is balanced with current year resources and proposes a budget surplus of $1 million. The General Fund supports police, fire, community development, building, code compliance and planning, park maintenance, recreation and city administration.
The Water and Sewer funds are the City’s second and third largest operating funds. The Water Fund is proposed at $5.6 million, and the Sewer Fund is proposed at $4.1 million. Current revenues include an approved rate increase for both funds. Appropriation in the Water Fund include $2 million in infrastructure improvements and $1 million in infrastructure improvements in the Sewer Fund. The operating budget includes capital improvements and fixed assets purchases. The budget proposes $3.6 million to maintain and rehabilitate City streets and roads.
Staff recommends adoption of Resolution No. 2024-019, adopting the FY 2024/25 Operating and Capital Budget including all summaries and staffing schedules.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of budget adoption. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-019 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025.
Calling the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election. City Clerk Crecelius stated the City is scheduled to hold a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, to fill two seats on the City Council. Each seat will have a term of 4 years. It is the responsibility of the City Council to call the election and request consolidation. It is the City Clerk’s responsibility to ensure the election is held by working with the County Registrar of Voters, which will conduct the election for the City. To comply with the California Elections Code and by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters, Council must adopt Resolution No. 2024- 020 calling for the holding of a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Resolution No. 2024-021, requesting the Riverside County Board of Supervisors consolidate a General Municipal Election to be held with the Statewide General Election and adopt Resolution No. 2022-022, adopting regulations for Candidate Statements. The nomination period will open on July 15 and end on August 9
th at 4:00pm. If an incumbent does not file, the nomination period will be extended through 4:00pm on August 14th for everyone but the incumbents.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-020. 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 5, 2024, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS, AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO GENERAL LAW CITIES.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-021. 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 5, 2024, WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 10403 OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE.
RESOLUTION NO, 2024-022. 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 5, 2024.
SB 1383 Organic Program Rollout Update. Interim City Manager Crecelius provided an update on the rollout of the three-cart collection system to satisfy requirements of SB 1383.
The program will be rolled out during the month of September with organic waste being collected starting October 1, 2024. The next steps are to amend our contract with CR&R for collection of organic waste and amend our rates. A Public Hearing will be set to adopt the rates at a later date. We have grant funding through CalRecycle to do education and outreach related to the rollout of organic waste collection. This is a receive and file item.
Public Comment. Betsy with IEHP asked where the loading dock would be built. It was reported it would be bult at CR&R’s Blythe facility.
Tom Daly stated in a past presentation by Mrs. Crecelius it was very clear to me that the City can’t afford it, the people of the City will not benefit from it and its cost prohibitive, if I remember correctly. She explained that to CalRecycle and their response was that’s too bad, we need to have it uniform throughout the State. To me, that is not good governance. If it’s costing us more, and creating more problems, how is this a benefit to Blythe and the citizens of Blythe.
What happens if we don’t’ comply?
The item was received and filed.
Response to the 2023-2024 Grand Jury Report Entitled: “Blythe, California Awakening of a New ‘Gateway City’”. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated on April 3, 2024, the Riverside County Civil Grand Jury issued a report entitled “Blythe, California Awakening of a New ‘Gateway City’”. The report was made public at the close of business on April 9, 2024.
The report included nine findings and eight recommendations related to the City and County’s long-term strategic plans for the City. The draft response includes statements that the City either agrees or wholly or partially disagrees with each finding and details any actions taken or that may be taken to implement the recommendations outlined by the Civil Grand Jury. It is recommended Council approve the response to the 2023-2024 Grand Jury Report in substantially the form as attached and in such final form as approved by the Interim City Manager and authorize the Mayor to execute the response, and direct staff to submit the response as required.
Councilman Halby stated they are discussing things like the airport, which has nothing to do with the City of Blythe. I appreciate the response, its represents us well.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Halby with a unanimous aye vote.
Letter of Support for Peace from Chaos “PfC”. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated the City has been working with Professor John Eason of Brown University over the last year related to the closure of Chuckawalla Valley State Prison. Agents for a philanthropic family reached out to Professor Eason about providing grant funding to Blythe. The family requests to remain anonymous, so staff, Professor Eason and representatives of the family have discussed how to best deliver this funding to Blythe. The funding must be delivered to non-profit organizations. City staff and Professor Eason floated several ideas and Non-profit organizations by representatives and Peace from Chaos rose to the top of the list. To expedite funding to Peace from Chaos, they asked the City to issue a letter of support for the organization. Therefore, it is recommended the Council authorize staff to issue a letter of support, executed by the Mayor on behalf of the City Council for Peace from Chaos’ participation in this funding opportunity.
Public Comment. George Colanglei of Peace from Chaos thanked the Council for consideration.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
Ordinance Adopting Amended Military Equipment Use Policy Pursuant to AB 481.
Police Chief Dale stated on September 30, 2021, the Governor signed AB 481 into law which went into effect on January 1, 2022. AB 481 seeks to provide transparency, oversight and opportunity for public input on decisions regarding whether or not military equipment is funded, acquired and used by law enforcement. Pursuant to AB 481, the military use policy must be adopted by Ordinance at a regular Council meeting. On May 14, 2024, the annual military equipment report was presented to the Council. On May 28, 2024, the Police Department held a community engagement meeting to discuss the report and answer questions about the use of military equipment. To comply with AB 481, it is recommended the City Council introduce Ordinance No, 930-24 to adopt the amended Military Equipment Use Policy.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 930-24 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING AN AMENDED MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY GOVERNING THE USE OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 481 AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3) (COMMON SENSE EXEMPTION) ORAL REPORTS:
Councilman Burton gave a shout out to the Public Works crew and congratulated the graduates.
Councilman Halby stated Chipotle is about to open. The Community is excited about it. I am excited because this is not a franchise, it’s a corporate store. They are a well put together company and believe they will dispel the myth that this town can’t support a business like that.
The freeway will bring a lot more traffic to the north part of Lovekin.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Maria Gonzalez, the incoming President for the Blythe Chamber of Commerce reported we have a new board which started in May. We wanted to thank you for all your support. Recently we held the Run for the Wall. We have a Softball Tournament and are planning a big fun run for all terrain vehicles in October. We appreciate your support.
Justin Mays of 12902 W. Riverside made a complaint about the roads. There are a lot of potholes.
ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 6:50pm. ________________________________
Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Mallory Crecelius, City Clerk