Minutes of the Blythe City Council Meeting
April 8, 2025
The April 8, 2025 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, 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, and Police Chief Dale.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor DeConinck.
The Invocation was led by Councilman Burton.
PROCLAMATION:
DMV/DONATE LIFE MONTH APRIL 2025. Mayor DeConinck presented a Proclamation to Dave Holland of One Legacy of Southern California and Donate Life.
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.
2. Posting of the Agenda.
The agenda was 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 and on the City’s website on Friday, April 4, 2025.
3. Approval of the Warrant Register.
Recommendation: Approve 4/08/25, warrants numbered 11008 through 11042 and 79387 through 79441 in the amount of $649,258.86; 4/08/25, Utility Billing Refund warrants numbered 79442 through 79448 in the amount of $605.50 and 4/08/25, warrants numbered 11043 through 11051 and 79449 through 79505 in the amount of $247,631.81.
4. Approval of the Payroll Register.
Recommendation: Approve 4/08/25, warrants numbered 55048 through 55066 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 61404 through 614778 in the amount of $308,113.05; 4/08/25, warrants numbered 55067 through 55068 in the amount of $1,032.45; 4/08/25, warrants numbered 55069 through 55085 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 61479 through 61554 in the amount of $298,910.55; 4/08/25, warrants numbered 55086 through 55103 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 61555 through 61630 in the amount of $299,380.29 and 4/08/25, warrants numbered 55104 through 55115 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 61631 through 61730 in the amount of $98,018.14.
5. Minutes of the March 11, 2025, City Council Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the March 11, 2025, Meeting.
6. Minutes of the March 27, 2025 Special City Council Meeting and Special Closed Session.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the March 27, 2025 Special Meeting.
7. City of Blythe Permits Issued in the Month of March 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
8. City of Blythe Fire Department Monthly Activity Report for March 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
9. City of Blythe Police Department Monthly Activity Report for March 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
10. Quality of Life Program Activity Report for March 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
11. Acceptance of Community Improvement Fund Grant Award.
Recommendation: Authorize the Interim City Manager to accept and expend funds in the amount of $40,000.00 provided by The Palo Verde Valley Community Improvement for officer safety equipment for the Blythe Police Department.
12. Investment Report for Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2024/25.
Recommendation: Accept and file the quarterly Investment Report.
13. Measure A Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2030.
Recommendation: Adopt Blythe’s Measure A Local Streets and Roads five (5) year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2026-2030, approve for submission Blythe’s Project Status Report for fiscal year 2024-2025, authorize the City Manager to execute Blythe’s Maintenance of Efforts (MOE) Certification Statement, and authorize the Director of Finance to make minor amendments if necessary to the annual CIP report as per Riverside County Transportation Commission’s procedures for fiscal year 2025-2026.
14. Annual Military Equipment Report Pursuant to Assembly Bill 481.
Recommendation: Receive and file the Annual Military Equipment Report.
15. Adoption of Ordinance No. 935-25 Amending Title 17 of the Blythe Municipal Code (Zoning Code) Relating to Changes to Implement Various Programs Set Forth in the City’s 6 th Cycle Housing Element.
Recommended: Adopt Ordinance No. 935-25:
ORDINANCE NO. 935-25. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE BLYTHE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO CHANGES TO IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS SET FORTH IN THE CITY’S 6
TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT, INCLUDING ADDING A
NEW HOUSING ELEMENT OVERLAY, ADDING, REVISING, AND DELETING DEFINITIONS, ADDING AND
AMENDING REGULATIONS RELATING TO LOW BARRIER NAVIGATION CENTERS AND VARIOUS TYPES OF
GROUP HOUSING, AMENDING RESIDENTIAL LOT COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS IN THE R-M AND R-H ZONES,
ADDING AND REVISING STANDARDS REGARDING DENSITY IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES, AMENDING PARKING
REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIES RESIDENTIAL USES, AND ADDING REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE
STATE DENSITY BONUS LAW, AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENT REVIEW
UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3) (COMMON SENSE EXEMPTION)
16. Adoption Of Ordinance No. 938-25 Amending Provisions of Chapter 2.65 (Purchasing System) of Title 2 (Administration And Personnel) of The Blythe Municipal Code Relating To Bidding Thresholds and Purchasing Authority, Amendment Authority, Bidding Exemptions, and Surplus Property.
Recommendation: City Council adopt Ordinance No. 938-25 ORDINANCE NO. 935-25. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 2.65 (PURCHASING SYSTEM) OF TITLE 2 (ADMINISTRATION AND
PERSONNEL) OF THE BLYTHE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO BIDDING THRESHOLDS AND PURCHASING AUTHORITY, AMENDMENT AUTHORITY, BIDDING EXEMPTIONS AND SURPLUS PROPERTY.
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 HEARING:
Ordinance No. 937-25 Rezoning Two Parcels and Adding a New Section 17.27.050 to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Blythe Municipal Code Waiving the Art in Public Places Impact Fee on Affordable Housing and Special Needs Housing. Interim City Manager Crecelius this is the third in a series of ordinances addressing changes required by the Housing Element. The proposed ordinance implements changes outlined in Program 1.A.4 and Program 2.A.3 of the Housing Element. In Program 1.A.4, the City committed to amending the Zoning Code to require by-right approval of housing development that includes 20 percent of the units as housing affordable to lower income households, applicable to sites being used to meet the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) that represent a “reuse” of sites previously identified in the 4th and 5th Cycles Housing Element. As part of implementing this program, the proposed ordinance rezones two parcels, APNs 845030002 and 845030003, by adding a Housing Element Overlay to each parcel. Ordinance No. 935-25, which was introduced at this meeting also implements Program 1.A.4 by adding a HEO zone which allows affordable developments by right and adding regulations in Section 17.08.020 that apply to sites designated as HEO. In Program 2.A.3, the City committed to encouraging the development of housing for extremely low-, very low-, low-, and moderate-income households and for all special needs households through a variety of activities, including, but not limited to, waiving the Art in Public Places development impact fee which is applied to residential development of five or more lots or on five or more acres. The proposed ordinance adds a new Section 17.27.050 to the Zoning Code, which provides that the Art in Public Places fee will not be imposed on any housing project that includes affordable housing at a moderate-income level or below or any special needs housing.
Therefore, it is recommended the City Council, acting as the City’s Planning Agency, conduct a public hearing regarding proposed Ordinance No. 937-25.
Public Comment: Kathy Linares of 2545 Fairway Drive stated we have no idea about these items and then you don’t discuss it. We have more low-income housing in Blythe per capita than New York city. Do we have any low-income housing specifically for the elderly? We are overrun with low-income housing, but we had a prison, so that made it necessary.
The Public Hearing was conducted.
ORDINANCE NO. 935-25. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, REZONING TWO PARCELS AND ADDING A NEW SECTION 17.27.050 (WAIVER OF FEE) TO CHAPTER 17.27 (ARTS IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM) OF DIVISION III (DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE BLYTHE MUNICIPAL CODE WAIVING THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES IMPACT FEE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSING.
Categorical Exemption for the Ocean Pacific Energy Company Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station and Power Generation Project Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15332.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated Ocean Pacific Energy applied for approval to build and operate a retail compressed natural gas (CNG) heavy duty vehicle fueling station. The proposed project would be located on a leased 4.85-acre site within a property of 78.48 acres south of Interstate 10 and east of U.S. Route 95. The project site is known as the location of the WattEV Electric Vehicle Charging Station Project. The fueling station will serve primarily heavy duty CNG vehicles and will offer public retail and behind the fence fueling. The General Plan and zoning land use designation is General Commercial which allows for the development of vehicle fueling stations. Surrounding land uses include Interstate 10 to the north, a Hampton Inn Hotel to the north, a residential apartment complex to the northeast and agricultural lands to the south and west. The project site is entirely within the City of Blythe and will connect to city utility services. As the Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City has undertaken preliminary review and determined that the proposed development qualifies for a Categorical Exemption from the provisions of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 as an in-fill development project. The site is surrounded by a variety of commercial and residential uses. The site lies within the perimeter of City core lands which have been developed in urban uses for decades. The project site is not located in proximity to any wetlands, wildlife refuge, or lands protected under a special habitat conservation management plant. It is determined that the site has no meaningful habitat value for any special-status species, and that a standard measure imposed by the City for protection of nesting birds is applicable as a condition of construction approval and provides adequate species protection for construction at this project site. A traffic analysis was prepared and reported the CNG fueling station would generate up to 501 two-way vehicle trips per day. Project related trips will generate low volume traffic on roadway segments within the City that operate well below capacity and do not experience congestion under existing conditions. Noise generating equipment for the CNG compressors, including micro turbines, operate at low levels estimated to be approximately a maximum of 70 to 75 decibels. CNG/RNG vehicles produce approximately 10 decibels less noise than the diesel trucks they are replacing. The nearest noise sensitive land uses include the Hampton Inn and Suites located approximately 1,000 feet north of the microturbines and the Casa Encinas at River Heights Apartment Complex located approximately 2,000 feet northeast. As part of the assessment of the proposed project a technical analysis of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions was prepared. Intermittent construction emissions that occur from activities such as grading, microturbine installation, and CNG fueling station construction were evaluated. Long term operational emissions would occur from mobile vehicles and natural gas generators. The analysis concludes that construction of the project would be below all MDAQMD significance thresholds and would adhere to the required BMPs ensuring a less than significant impact. The operation of the project would be below all MDAQMD significance thresholds and would not significantly contribute to air pollution or deteriorate local air quality conditions. All air quality and GHG emissions impacts would be less than significant for CEQA purposes. The project will be required to develop and implement a project-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan designed to reduce potential adverse impacts to surface water quality during construction.
Operation water use will be minimal, and no part of the project will result in the discharge of any contaminates that could affect local or regional water quality. Therefore, the project will not result in any significant effects on water quality. City water and sewer lines extend to the property, and connection will be done subject to review and approval of the City Engineer. There is capacity in the City’s system to serve this project. It is determined that the site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services. Based upon review of CEQA guidelines, the City has determined that the proposed project has no conditions as defined in CEQA Guidelines 15300.2 that would make it ineligible for the applicable categorical exemption. Therefore, the proposed project is categorically exempt from CEQA as defined in section 15332 of the CEQA Guidelines. The Notice of Exemption will be filed with the County Clerk following City Council approval.
Public Comment: James Nelligan of OP Energy stated we are very excited about this project, and most excited about getting more diesel fueled trucks off the road. Fleets will be rerouting their trucks to take advantage of this facility, and we’ve received positive feedback for this project.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
NEW BUSINESS:
Report on Emergency Action Taken by Interim City Manager for the Emergency Sinkhole and Manhole Repairs at N. Broadway and Juniper Trail. Interim City Manager Crecelisu stated on March 26,2025, it was brought to the attention of Public Works staff that the pavement near a manhole on North Broadway at Juniper Trail was caving and cracking. It was determined this was being created by a collapsed manhole. After pumping the manhole and lines, removing the dirt and debris, staff determined the falling manhole and roadway paving was required to be repaired along with the rehabilitation of a manhole directly south of the failed manhole. Per Section 2.66.070(B) of the Blythe Municipal Code and the City’s Purchasing Policy, in cases of emergency, when it is impractical to convene a meeting of the City Council, the City Manager is authorized to order the repair or replacement of a public facility, take any directly related and immediate action required by that emergency, and procure the necessary equipment, services and supplies for those purposes, without giving notice for bids to let contracts. If the City Manager takes such action, the City Manager is required to report to the City Council at its next regularly scheduled meeting the reasons justifying why the emergency will not permit a delay resulting from a competitive solicitation for bids and why the action is necessary to respond to the emergency. The collapsed manhole on N. Broadway at Juniper Trail could result in sewage leaks, which are a public health and safety issue and could result in fines from the State. The sinkhole in the roadway caused by the failed manhole also posed a health and safety issue. On March 27, 2025, the Interim City Manager determined the failed manhole and sinkhole constituted an emergency, as defined by Public Contract Code section 1102, and directed staff to move forward with the repairs. Staff obtained a quote from Robert Yates dba Cholla Construction for the above-described work. An agreement was prepared by the City Attorney on March 28, 2025. The agreement was executed, and the contactor commenced work on the emergency repairs on March 29, 2025. The emergency action was necessary because there was a need to repair the failed and failing manholes and repair the street immediately to protect public health and safety and to avoid potential fines from the State. Further, if the City followed competitive bidding requirements for the repair work, it would take approximately 2-3 months before a contractor would start the repairs. Therefore, the emergency will not permit a delay resulting from a competitive solicitation for bids. Therefore, it is recommended Council review the emergency action for the emergency sinkhole and manhole repairs at N. Broadway and Juniper Trail. It is further recommended that the Council authorize the Interim City Manager to accept the work when completed to the satisfaction of Public Works Department staff and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion upon such acceptance and to release project bonds once appropriate.
Council Member Halby asked about preventive maintenance to keep this from happening in the future.
Public Comment: Kathy Linars of 2545 Fairway Drive stated a lot of our roads are in urgent need. You get funds every year for roads. The roads didn’t get like this overnight. What do we need to do for some action at the Golf Course? I have lived there for 25 years, and it has never been paved. I feel like we are spending our money on consulting.
Council Member Halby moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
Fiscal Year 2024/25 Mid-Year Financial Report and Budget Adjustments. Finance Director Elms stated on June 11, 2024 the City Council adopted the FY 2024/25 Operating and Capital Budget. The Mid-year review is an essential element of the budget process. The focus today will be on the City’s General Fund, using the first six months of actual data. This allows for an opportunity to update Council and make necessary adjustments. At Mid-year, General Fund revenue actuals are at 32%, or $5.2 million of a $16.1 million budget. Revenues tend to trend below 50% at mid-year due to timing of receipts. Revenue is expected to end the year at $15.3 million, which is 5% below the adopted budget. Sales tax projections are the primary factor and are projected to end the year by 14% below budget. Blythe’s sales from July – September of 2024 were down 12% compared to the same period in the previous year.
Expenditures are $9 million or 58% of a $16.5 million budget. Departmental expenditure should trend close to 50% at mid-year, with General Government trending above 50% due to payments for pension liabilities and debt payments. On average, the departments are operating at 43% of their budget at mid-year when general government expenditure is factored out. Expenditures are projected to end the year by 4% under budget. There are no notable variations in expenditures.
This is also the time for recommended amendments to the budget. Amendments include a decrease in sales tax revenue by $200,000 for Bradley Burnes and a decrease in Measure K of $500,000, an increase in sanitation Franchise fees of $75,000, an increase in PACT fees of $162,000 which was formally approved by Council, an increase in various grant revenue in the amount of $299,000, all of which have been formally adopted by Council and an increase in recreation revenue by $10,000. In expenditures, there is a proposed increase in General Fund appropriations of $388,000, an increase in various expenditure accounts of $370,000 for PACT, contract and grant related costs and an increase in Recreation Center expenditures of $18,000.
Many general fund revenues are performing as expected or better than expected. Departments are holding to their budget. If the City stays on course, the General Fund will see another positive year. Revenues are outpacing expenditures, even with the adoption of the proposed amendments.
There is a decrease in Measure A transfers from a delay in using STIP Trade funds and revenue updates received. There is a decrease in a transfer to street projects due to the delay in starting a project with the County of Riverside. There is an increase in sanitation fees due to a change in contract and grant revenue. There is a decrease in water fund revenue due to grant revenue receipted in the prior year. Notable expenditure amendments include a decrease in Measure A transfers, a decrease in the street fund for delay with a project and an increase in the sanitation funds related to the compost service. It is recommended you receive and file the Mid-year Budget Report and adopt Resolution No. 2025-003 Amending the FY 2024/25 Budget.
Council Member Halby asked if the delay in project start will mean it will cost more and highlighted and the increase in workers’ compensation costs.
Public Comment: Kathy Linares of 2545 Fairway Drive stated what astounds me is entertainment is $10,000? Blythe has nothing now besides the Golf Course. Many years ago, we had a movie theater and a bowling alley. We have no entertainment or medical. You have Admin at $225,000 and Attorney at $297,000. Is that because we don’t have a City Planner and are using the Attorney to make Ordinances? We haven’t hired a Planner or City Engineer since 2013. We have an Interim City Manager. Why don’t we have any professionals in our Building Department?
Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-003. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025.
Hiring a Temporary Part-time Employee for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated the Wastewater Treatment Plant has three budgeted operator positions and one budgeted Wastewater Treatment Plant supervisor position. Due to the recent retirement of the Plant Supervisor, there are three operators running the Plant which is staffed 7 days a week. One of the operators is on unexpected medical leave which has created a critical staffing shortage at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Staff identified a previous employee of the City’s WWTP, Victor Williams, with a Grade II WWTP certification. The Grade II license is required to work at the plant without the supervision of another operator. This would allow the City’s Grade II Operator to take days off, which he has not had since the week of March 10th.
Mr. Williams is willing to work for the City two days a week for a limited term. This would allow current staff adequate days off while the long-term staffing issues at the plant are addressed. As having been previously employed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant from 2018 to 2021, Mr. Willaims is familiar with the WWTP and how it operates. Mr. Williams will work at the plant on Sundays and Mondays until the Plant is no longer at critical staffing levels. If approved, Mr. Williams will report to work on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Therefore, it is recommended the City Council approve the hiring of one part-time, temporary employee as a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator necessary due to staffing shortages at the Plant and adopt Resolution No. 2025-002, approving the revised schedule of authorized positions necessary for this action. Exhibit A of the Resolution was inadvertently left out of the Agenda.
Revised copies of the Resolution with Exhibit have been provided to you and the Public and should be made part of the record.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Spraggins with a unanimous aye vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-002. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE REVISED SCHEDULE OF AUTHORIZED POSITIONS.
Partnership with the Blythe Chamber of Commerce on a Tourism and Economic Development Video Project. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated staff has wanted to create a video for use in the City’s economic development pursuits for several years. The idea was floated by the Palo Verde Economic Alliance committee a few years ago. At the time, the Chamber planned to create their own tourism video. Without a partner, staff pursued other avenues, and the City’s PR firm submitted a quote for a video production with their annual agreement renewal, but funding was not awarded for the project at that time. There is renewed interest from the Chamber in partnering with the City on a video project. Proposals for a video were received from JamSpot Media in the amount of $ 22,500 for the development of two commercials and support trailers and $19,000 for one commercial and supporting trailer/video short. Tripepi Smith provided a proposal for $20,000 for a one-minute commercial, 10-15 photos and a 1 minute social media video and $30,000 for a one-minute commercial, 20-30 photos and three 1-minute social media videos. MT Entertainment submitted a proposal for $4,500 for a 2–3-minute commercial and short promotional clips. Each company had impressive presentations and video ideas, but MT Entertainment is willing to do the work for a fraction of the cost. The owner is a Chamber Member and partners with the Chamber on events. As such, he is offering his services at a discounted price to help the chamber and the City in our pursuit of attracting visitors and businesses to Blythe. To streamline the project, staff suggest the Chamber hire MT Entertainment. The City and Chamber would execute a Memorandum of Understanding outlining our respective roles and responsibilities. The City will issue payment to the Chamber for half of the cost, once the video is complete. Therefore, it is recommended Council authorize staff to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chamber of Commerce for the production of a commercial length video and a series of short promotional clips and issue payment of $2,250 which is half the project cost to the Blythe Chamber of Commerce.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of Staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
ORAL REPORTS:
Council Member Halby stated related to entertainment, it’s not true. We had a free concert for the community behind my shop last Sunday. Matt Faris played. It was well attended with funds raised for the community by Prime Leaf. The City isn’t in the business of opening businesses, but we encourage businesses to come in and open businesses in Blythe. There is red tape you would go through in any City in California.
Council Member Burton gave a shout out to Public Works for the Broadway Manhole repair.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 6:59pm. ________________________________
Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Mallory Crecelius, City Clerk