Minutes of the Blythe City Council Meeting
November 12, 2024
The November 12, 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, Chief Building Official Brown, Public Works Director Elegores, Police Chief Dale and Fire Chief Hasler.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor DeConinck.
The Invocation was led by Councilman Burton.
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, November 8, 2024.
2. Approval of the Warrant Register.
Recommendation: Approve 11/12/24, warrants numbered 10827 through 10857 and 78787 through 78855 in the amount of $819,969; 11/12/24, Utility Billing Refund warrants numbered 78856 through 78863, in the amount of $2,192.46 and 11/12/24, warrants numbered 10858 through 10872 and 78864 through 78921 in the amount of $824,714.34.
3. Approval of the Payroll Register.
Recommendation: Approve 11/12/24, warrants numbered 54751 through 54771 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 60061 through 60133 in the amount of $312,701.47; 11/12/24, warrants numbered 54772 through 54791 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 60134 through 60205 in the amount of $303,168.86; 11/12/24, warrants numbered 54792 through 54793 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 60206 through 60215 in the amount of $6,415.40; 11/12/24, warrants numbered 54795 through 54815 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 60216 through 60288 in the amount of $314,702.08; 11/12/24, warrants numbered 54816 through 54828 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 60289 through 60383 in the amount of $86,829.58 and 11/12/24, warrant numbered 54829 and Direct Deposit warrant numbered 60384 in the amount of $19,019.55.
4. Minutes of the October 8, 2024, City Council Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the October 8, 2024, Meeting.
5. City of Blythe Permits Issued for the Month of October 2024.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
6. City of Blythe Fire Department Monthly Activity Report for October 2024.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
7. City of Blythe Police Department Monthly Activity Report for October 2024.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
8. Quality of Life Program Activity Report for October 2024.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
9. Investment Report for First Quarter FY 2024-2025.
Recommendation: Accept and file the Quarterly Investment Report.
10. Acceptance of the California Division of Boating and Waterways Boating and Enforcement Grant Award.
Recommendation: Authorize the Interim City Manager to accept and expend funds in the amount of $23,667 provided by the California Division of Boating and Waterways Boating and Enforcement Grant Award and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the grant agreement and all required documents once reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
11. Acceptance of TC Energy Build Strong Grant Award.
Recommendation: Authorize the Interim City Manager to accept and expend grant funds in the amount of $5,000 provided by the TC Energy Build Strong Initiative for use in the Blythe Police Department’s Quality of Life program.
12. Acceptance of the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Tobacco Grant.
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-035, authorizing the Interim City Manager to enter into an agreement with the State for participation in the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tabacco Tax Act of 2016 Tobacco Grant Program once reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-035. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA
AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TOBACCO GRANT PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER OR HER DESIGNEE TO EXCUTE ALL GRANT DOCUMENTS.
13. Fiscal Year 2024/25 Fleet Replacements.
Recommendation: Authorize the purchase of four (4) 2025 Dodge Durango Pursuits, including costs associated with upgrade options, delivery, and upfitting and establish a budget not to exceed $316,481; $306,481 to purchase the vehicles and $10,000 in contingency; authorize the issuance of purchase order(s) for the four vehicles in the amount of $234,803 to Elk Grove Auto and authorize issuance of purchase order(s) for upfitting all four vehicles in the amount of $71,678 to Innovative Emergency Equipment; authorize the City Manager to issue additional and/or make minor amendments to purchasing contracts in an amount to not exceed $10,000 for any costs that may arise from equipping and taking delivery of the vehicles. Amendments to the base cost of vehicles pursuant to State Contract #1-22-23-23E are excluded.
14. Resolution Adopting the Blythe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Annex to the County of Riverside Operational Area Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 2023.
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-026:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-036. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING THE CITY OF BLYTHE LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN ANNEX TO THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE OPERATIONAL AREA MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN 2023.
15. Ordinance No. 932-24 Establishing Requirements Relating to Solid Waste Enclosures.
Recommendation: Adopt Ordinance No. 932-24:
ORDINANCE NO. 932-24. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 17.20 (TRASH, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE BLYTHE
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO SOLID WASTE ENCLOSURES 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) 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:
Blythe Crown Logistics Center Project- Categorial Exemption Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15183, Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated this is an exciting project for the City of Blythe. The Blythe Crown Logistics Center Project is a 100-door logistics facility with supporting office, tractor and trailer parking, and a repair shop with two fuel lanes for on-site vehicle fueling. The building would total 75,000 square-feet with 3,600 square-feet of office space, a 61,200 square-feet logistics floor area and a 10,200 square-feet area for truck maintenance. The truck logistics center will have approximately 50 workers and 94 truck loading docks. The purpose of a logistics center is to provide warehouse space designed to receive and distribute a variety of inventory strategically across various locations, streamline the picking and packing process, and have inventory shipped to another location or to an end use. Logistics operations are designed to improve the regional efficiency of the transport and delivery of a wide variety of goods. The Proposed Blythe Logistics Facility is located to serve the existing truck transport companies already travelling Interstate 10 with a goal to minimize truck travel distances regionally. Site operations would be consistent with the City’s General Plan and zoning land use designation. Surrounding land uses include agricultural lands and outdoor trailer storage north of Hobsonway, I-10 to the south and a solar energy generation facility to the west. Current uses to the east include several single-story single-family residences. Regional access is provided by I-10 via the Neighbors Boulevard Offramp and State Route 78. The Site is located outside of critical habitat and outside of other lands targeted for conservation under the Lower Colorado River Multiple Species Conservation Plan or other regional plans. The City, as the lead agency under CEQA, has reviewed the Blythe Logistics Facility Project for compliance with CEQA and determined that the project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183, Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning. The CEQA Exemption Environmental Review Report supplements the City’s General Plan EIR and evaluates and discloses to the public and decision makers the potential site-specific environmental effects of the project, and evaluation of environmental factors that would qualify as exceptions to the exemption and identifies the uniformly applied development standards and mitigation measures applicable to the project. The proposed Blythe Logistics Center is consistent with the development density established by existing zoning and general plan policies. An EIR documenting an environmental assessment of those policies was certified at the time the General Plan was adopted. Therefore, this environmental report is limited to examination of projectspecific effects peculiar to the project or its site. It has been determined that these project specific and site-specific potential effects can by substantially mitigated by the imposition of uniformly applied development policies or standards. Based on the analyses presented in the CEQA Review Report, the City concluded the project does not require additional environmental review pursuant to CEQA Statue (Public Resources Code [PRC] Sections 21000 et. seq.); and the 2024 State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Sections 15000 et. seq.), as of January 1, 2024. Therefore, it is recommended that Council find that the Blythe Logistics Center Project at 15500 Hobsonway in Blythe is categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183, Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning and direct staff to file a Notice of Exemption for the project with the County Clerk.
No Public Comment. Councilman Burton moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Rodriguez with a unanimous aye vote. 2025-2026 Urban County Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG).
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated the City of Blythe receives a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation each year. CDBG funding can be used for a wide variety of community, economic and social development activities. Cooperating cities such as Blythe, are eligible to fund public service projects with up to 15% of the City’s allocation. All activities funded by CDBG must serve persons or communities within the County’s Urban County area, be an eligible activity under CDBG regulations and meet a national objective of the CDBG Program. The City’s CDBG allocation for Fiscal Year 2025/26 is estimated to be $81,000±. Of the allocation, 15% of funding, which is $12,150, is available to fund public service activities.
Pursuant to CDBG program guidelines, staff advertised in a newspaper of general circulation for interested applicants; posted the notice and CDBG application on the City’s website, newsletter and social media, and noticed this public hearing for allocation of CDBG funds. The City did not receive any applications for public service activities. CDGB funds have historically been used to improve City parks. Past projects include restroom improvements in Miller, Appleby and Todd Parks, playground equipment in Miller Park and Appleby Parks, the Splash Pad in Todd Park, Community Center upgrades and installation of shade structures at Quechan and Engvik Parks.
The 2024/25 allocation was used for the Home Enhancement Program. This program provides exterior home improvements such as: roofs, doors, windows, and fencing. The funds are allocated one time per property. After the work is complete, the owner must remain in the home for 5 years, or the cost of the home enhancements would be repaid by the homeowner. This program is provided in cooperation with Riverside County. The County works with city staff to identify potential properties. The County conducts assessments and works with qualified homeowners and hires local contractors to perform the work. Construction on the first five homes identified for funding were completed earlier this year. With current funding, the City anticipates completing thirteen to seventeen home projects. The Home Enhancement Program is in line with the goals of the City’s Housing Element. The City has adequate housing stock; however, some of the housing stock is considered blighted or sub-standard. A recent count by Development Services staff, as required for the Housing Element, identified 104 homes in need of rehabilitation or replacement. This program would help beautify neighborhoods and keep lowincome persons in their homes. Staff would like to continue the work started with the Home Enhancement Program and allocate the 2025/26 allocation to the rehabilitation of the City’s housing stock. The County of Riverside initiated the preparation of the County’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan. This plan is designed to assist the County and its cooperating cities in assessing community needs. The City is required to provide a summary of the City’s 2024-2029 Consolidated Plan community needs assessment and outreach efforts such as public notices, social media, community meetings, surveys and provide the City’s five-year funding priorities.
Based on survey results, residents were most concerned with the condition of City streets and sidewalks, community cleanliness, safety and security, water and sewer infrastructure and parks and landscaped areas. Based on the results of this survey, it is recommended Council set the City’s five-year HUD-CPD funding priorities as Housing Rehabilitation through the Home Enhancement Program, Park Improvements, Street and Sidewalk Improvements and Water and Sewer System Improvements. Therefore, subsequent to the public hearing, it is recommended Council apply the $81,000 CDBG Allocation for 2025-2026 to the City’s Home Enhancement Program, authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the supplemental agreement, along with any subsequent agreements with Riverside County for the allocation of the 2025-2026 CDBG Funds, authorize the City Manager to reprogram funds as required; and approve the City’s fiveyear HUD-CPD funding priorities.
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. 934-24, Amending Title 17 of the Blythe Municipal Code (BMC) Relating to Changes Required by the City’s 6
th Cycle Housing Element Programs for
Emergency Shelter, Employee Housing and Reasonable Accommodation Procedures.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated On August 13, 2024, the City Council adopted the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element for the 2021-2029 period. The Housing Element was officially approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development on August 29, 2024. As part of the Housing Element, the City committed to programs which require changes to the City’s Zoning Code, which is set forth in Title 17 of the Blythe Municipal Code. Proposed Ordinance No. 934-24 implements changes outlined in Programs 2.D.3, 2.D.4 and 2.D.5 of the Housing Element. In program 2.D.3 the City committed to amend the Zoning Code to expand the definition of emergency shelters per Assembly Bill 2339 to include interim housing options such as navigation centers, bridge housing and respite and recuperative care and amend parking standards for emergency shelters to be based solely on staffing pursuant to Assembly Bill 139.
To implement this program, the proposed ordinance amends the definition of Emergency Shelters and amends parking requirements for emergency shelters. In program 2.D.4 the city committed to amend the Zoning Code to comply with the Employee Housing Act which requires jurisdictions to deem employee housing providing accommodations for six or fewer employees a residential use subject to the same standards as single-family residences. To implement this program, the proposed ordinance adds a new definition for “employee Housing” to the zoning code and amends the table set forth in Section 17.08.010 of the Zoning Code to reflect that employee housing is permitted in all zones that permit residential use. In Program 2.D.5 the city committed to amending Chapter 17.84, Reasonable Accommodation Procedures of the Zoning code to remove the finding for approval relating to “potential impact on surrounding uses,” as such finding was considered subjective. To implement this program, the proposed ordinance removes this finding. The proposed ordinance also includes a comprehensive update to Chapter
17.84. Additional amendments to the Zoning Code are required by other programs of the Housing Element. Staff will present those proposed amendments to the Council at a future meeting. Therefore, it is recommended the City Council, acting as the City’s Planning Agency, conduct a public hearing regarding proposed Ordinance No. 934-24.
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. 934-24. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE BLYTHE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO CHANGES REQUIRED BY THE CITY’S 6
TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAMS FOR EMERGENCY SHELTERS, EMPLOYEE HOUSING,
AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION PROCEDURES 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).
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Save Chuck Summary. Interim City Manager Crecelius presented a presentation prepared by Tripepi Smith, the City’s Communications and Marketing consultants on all efforts taken during the campaign to “Save Chuck”.
Mayor DeConinck stated a lot of work went into this. I just wish we’d had better results. We did make a trip to Sacramento, but once their mind was made up, it was made up. We proved they could save taxpayer money by keeping Chuckawalla open and closing CRC in Norco as it costs a fortune to operate. But nobody wanted to listen, I guess the State does not care about saving taxpayers money. Now we are working to find something for that facility to get the State to put something there.
Councilman Halby stated Prop 36 passed, it could be a helpful tool. I have a contact who met with the Secretary of CDCR. It was reported they are not looking to close any more prisons, not a whole prison. They will close yards at certain facilities across the state, that closures are not conducive to community and have caused a lot of problems. I think they took note of what happened here. I also met with State Senator Padilla. He asked me what can I do for Blythe. He admitted the State had wronged us and he was not pleased with it.
No public comment. The item was received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Letter of Public Convenience and Necessity- Blythe Mini Mart. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated Blythe Mini Market located at 945 E. Hobsonway is seeking a Type 20 license for the sale of beer and wine in various packaging platforms. The new operator aims to continue offering beer and wine sales, as the previous operator did, restoring the full range of services the community is accustomed to at this location. The Business and Professions Code requires a letter from the City Council specifically addressing the over concentration issue, and the justification for issuance of the license. The proposed license site is located within Census Tract No. 461.01 which currently has three (3) active off-sale licenses with one license currently allowed in the census tract. The awarded licenses are issued to a convenience store, grocery store and discount goods store. The issuance of a Type 20 license for Blythe Mini Market will serve a public convenience and necessity by providing residents with a convenient location to purchase beer and wine. A location they were accustomed to, as the site previously held an Of Sale License until the store closed in late 2022. The new owners are serving a public necessity by reopening an amenity previously available to residents of that neighborhood. This will eliminate the need for patrons to travel further to obtain desired products. A Type 20 license will reestablish this location as a one stop shop, reducing the need for customers to make additional trips for desired goods. Therefore, it is recommended Council approve a letter supporting the issuance of an Off-Sale (Type 20- Retail) Alcoholic Beverage License within Census Tract No. 461.01 to Blythe Mini Mart located at 945 E. Hobsonway in Blythe, with the full knowledge of the undue concentration provision as outlined by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC).
No Public Comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Carol Bennett, a resident of Ranch Ventana inquired about the Blythe Municipal Golf Course.
ORAL REPORTS:
Councilman Halby reported on BCRC’s Steps for the Cure and asked candidates to remove their campaign signs.
ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 6:36pm. ________________________________
Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Mallory Crecelius, City Clerk