Minutes of the Blythe City Council Special Meeting
and Special Closed Session
March 27, 2025
The March 27, 2025, Special Meeting and Special Closed Session of the Blythe City Council was called to order at 2:30pm in the Council Chambers by Mayor DeConinck. Also in attendance were Vice Mayor Rodriguez and Council Members Halby, Burton and Spraggins. Staff in attendance included: Interim City Manager and City Clerk Crecelius, City Attorney Roberto, Finance Director and City Treasurer Elms, Chief Building Official Brown, Public Works Director Elegores and Police Chief Dale.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor DeConinck.
The Invocation was offered by Councilman Burton.
SPECIAL MEETING ITEMS:
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 Monday, March 24, 2025.
No public comment. Councilman Burton moved approval of the posting of the Agenda.
The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Rodriguez with a unanimous aye vote.
2. Annual Element Progress Report- Housing Element Implementation. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated this is a receive and file item. It’s the annual report we are required to submit regarding the implementation of our Housing Element and updates on any progress made on our General Plan. The report is prepared, and it is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Annual Element Progress Report and authorize staff to forward it to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the Department of Housing and Community Development.
No public comment. Council Member Burton moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Rodriguez with a unanimous aye vote.
3. 2024 Rule 20A Work Credit Balance. Public Works Director Elegores reported to retain the City’s works credits and avoid reallocation we must submit a suitable project to SCE by April 1
st
. Rule 20A guidelines require a minimum project length of 600 linear feet. It’s estimated a project of this size costs roughly $1 million and would include the undergrounding of one service line and 2-3 utility poles. After further discussion with SCE, the undergrounding of overhead lines is the only allowable expense for this program. New service lines, or enhancements to existing lines are not projects that can be completed with Rule 20A monies. Any lines undergrounded must be part of this program will be owned and maintained by SCE. Projects must have a public benefit and be located on a major arterial or thoroughfare. This is why early on; staff began looking for projects on or around City owned properties. Should Council wish to move forward, staff has identified a project on S. Lovekin Blvd. The project consists of 1,100 linear feet from the City boundary on S. Lovekin Blvd. To 14th avenue. Per SCE’s current project schedule, the project would not start prior to 2028. Although funding for the project is required to be on deposit with SCE by June of this year. Due to the cost and size of the project staff does not recommend moving forward with a Rule 20A project. The cost benefit is not there. Staff seeks direction from Council on how to proceed.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez asked if this line would increase capacity. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated no, and after further discussions with SCE, the purpose of this is to take overhead lines and put them underground. It is not to create new service lines or capacity.
Council Member Halby asked if an extension was available. It was reported no.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez asked if the credits could be transferred to the County of Riverside.
Other discussion ensued related to projects that would fit the Rule 20A project criteria.
Public Comment. Leslie -Jessop Watkins asked what the price point is now, vs. a few years from now. Can you get a price guarantee from Edison? Council Member asked if our rate payers paid for this, and what happens if we don’t do a project? That money should be given back to the rate payers.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved that the City does not move forward with a project. The motion was seconded by Council Member Spraggins with a unanimous aye vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: None
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION:
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION ITEM:
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. Property: 3480 Quail Run Rd., Blythe, CA 92225.
Agency Negotiator: Mallory Crecelius. Negotiating Parties: BNB Golf Management, Inc.
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION:
It was reported direction was given, no action was taken.
ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 4:15pm. ________________________________
Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Mallory Crecelius , City Clerk