Minutes of the Blythe City Council Meeting
May 13, 2025
The May 13, 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, Public Works Director Elegores, Fire Chief Hasler and Police Chief Dale.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor DeConinck.
The Invocation was led by Councilman Burton.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Roberto stated Item No. 2 was removed from the Closed Session Agenda. As to Item No. 1, there is no reportable action.
PROCLAMATION:
Building Safety Month – May 2025. Mayor DeConinck presented a Proclamation to Chief Building Official Brown.
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, May 9, 2025.
3. Approval of the Warrant Register.
Recommendation: Approve 5/13/25, warrants numbered 11052 through 11090 and 79507 through 79575 in the amount of $730,836.70; 5/13/25, Utility Billing Refund warrants numbered 79576 through 79586 in the amount of $972.38 and 5/13/25, warrants numbered 11091 through 11095 and 79587 through 79640 in the amount of $321,369.96.
4. Approval of the Payroll Register.
Recommendation: Approve 5/13/25, warrants numbered 55116 through 55132 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 61731 through 61806 in the amount of $301,334.99; 5/13/25, warrants numbered 55133 through 55151 in the amount of $1,032.45 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 61807 through 61883 in the amount $331,302.57; 5/13/25, warrants numbered 55152 through 55163 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 61884 through 61984 in the amount of $90,353.02 and 5/13/25, warrants numbered 55164 through 55103 and Direct Deposit warrant numbered 61985 in the amount of $1,714.62.
5. Minutes of the April 8, 2025, City Council Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the April 8, 2025 Meeting.
6. City of Blythe Permits Issued in the Month of April 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
7. City of Blythe Fire Department Monthly Activity Report for April 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
8. City of Blythe Police Department Monthly Activity Report for April 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
9. Quality of Life Program Activity Report for April 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
10. General Plan Annual Report for 2024.
Recommendation: Receive and file the Annual General Plan Report for 2024 and direct staff to forward the report to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the Department of Housing and Community Development per Government Code Section 65400.
11. Authorize Acceptance of Work – 2024 Beautify Blythe Project – Package III – Public Works Yard.
Recommendation: Authorize the Interim City Manager to accept the work performed by James Burrow DBA Burrow Construction for the 2024 Beautify Blythe Project – Package III – Public Works Yard, once completed to the satisfaction of Public Works and Building Department staff, authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the Notice of Completion upon such acceptance and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion and authorize staff to release project bonds once appropriate.
12. Annual Rate Adjustment Under Solid Waste Franchise Agreement.
Recommendation: Approve the annual rate adjustment pursuant to Section 22.7 of the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement between the City and CR&R Incorporated for exclusive solid waste handling services.
13. Annual Assessment for Lighting District Nos. 1 and 2 for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
Recommended: Adopt the following Resolutions:
RESOLUTION 2025-004 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE PREPARATION AND FILING OF A REPORT REGARDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ASSESSMENT TO BE LEVIED WITHIN THE CITY OF BLYTHE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 1.
RESOLUTION 2025-005 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, PRELIMINIARY APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR CITY OF BLYTHE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO.1,
DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN SAID DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING SUCH ASSESSMENTS.
RESOLUTION 2025-006 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE PREPARATION AND FILING OF A REPORT REGARDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ASSESSMENT TO BE LEVIE WITHIN THE CITY OF BLYTHE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 2.
RESOLUTION 2025-007 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, PRELIMINARY APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR CITY OF BLYTHE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 2,
DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN SAID DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING SUCH ASSESSMENTS.
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.
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 stated this Ordinance addresses changes required by 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 adopted at the April 8 th meeting, also implements
Program 1.A.4 by adding an 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, subsequent to the public hearing, introduce Ordinance No. 937-
25. 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.
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.
Consideration of Adoption of Urgency Ordinance No. 939-250-U, Repealing and Replacing Chapter 17.33 (Accessory Dwelling Units/Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Blythe Municipal Code for Compliance and State Law; and Review of Ordinance No. 940-25, Repealing and Replacing Chapter 17.33 (Accessory Dwelling Units/Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Blythe Municipal Code for Compliance with State Law. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated as part of the City’s 6 th
Cycle Housing Element, the City committed to amending its ADU Ordinance to comply with changes to State law. Since the City last updated its Ordinance related to accessory dwelling units there have been numerous amendments to State law, including the recodification of the law into new government code sections. Urgency Ordinance No. 939-25U amends Chapter 17.33 to be consistent with the most current provisions of State law to be effective immediately to restore local control. Ordinance No. 940-25 contains the same changes to Chapter 17.33 but is being brought forth through normal procedures to provide the public with an opportunity to provide comments. Changes include a revised definition of primary dwelling, specifically stating whether applications will be approved or denied, and providing written comments if an application is denied, clarification that applicants cannot be denied due to the need to correct zoning or building code violations or due to unpermitted structures. This does not apply to health and safety issues and does not preclude the city from bringing a code enforcement action for such violations, clarifications to where ADUs and JADUs may be located, revisions to applicable standards for ADUs and JADUs including height limits and size of attached ADUs at 850 feet for up to one bedroom and 1,000 feet for two or more bedrooms with total floor area not exceeding 50% of the primary dwelling as long as the ADU is at least 800 feet. Therefore, it is recommended the City Council, acting as the City’s Planning Agency, conduct a public hearing on Ordinance No. 940-25, repealing and replacing Chapter 17.33 of the Blythe Municipal Code to be compliant with State law provisions on ADUs and JADUs. After the public hearing, it is recommended that the City Council adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 939-25-U to immediately provide the City with the ability to regulate ADUs and JADUs to the extent allowed by law.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of Ordinance No. 939-25-U. The motion was seconded by Board Member Spraggins with a unanimous aye vote.
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 939-25-U - AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING AND PLACING CHAPTER 17.33 (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS/JUNIOR ACCESSORY SWELLING UNITS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE BLYTHE MUNICIPAL CODE FOR COMPLIANCE
WITH STATE LAW AND MAKING A DETERMINATION THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCE CODE SECTION 21080.17
ORDINANCE NO. 939-25 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING AND PLACING CHAPTER 17.33 (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS/JUNIOR ACCESSORY SWELLING UNITS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE BLYTHE MUNICIPAL CODE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW AND
MAKING A DETERMINATION THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCE CODE SECTION 21080.17 Revocation of Business License Issued to Fortune Five Properties LLC dba EconoLodge - Blythe. Greg Palmer, with Jones Mayer stated he will be assisting Christa Elms with the case for the noticed hearing on the revocation of the Business License to operate EconoLodge Blythe. All of you have my exhibit book. I would like to walk you through a few of the exhibits to orient you to the issues that will come up. Then, I will call Christa Elms as witness. Exhibit 1 is the Blythe Municipal Code Section 5.02 that relates to Business Licenses in the City. The authority is vested in you, the City Council, to suspend or revoke a Business License. The language says the City Council may suspend, revoke, withdraw or discontinue any license granted under the provisions of this chapter where there is reason to believe... commits any violation of the laws of the state or laws of the City. That is the operative phrase for this hearing. We are going to prove over the past several months the operators of the EconoLodge Blythe have violated the TOT Tax reporting and collection provisions of the City. You have the authority to revoke a Business License for violations of law occurring on the premises and we are going to prove that those violations have occurred. Exhibit 1 is the statutory authority to revoke a permit. Exhibit 2 provides you with the framework under which the violations of law will be proven. Section 3.20.030 of the BMC states the TOT Tax is imposed on persons who rent hotel rooms in the City. Transient Tax happens in most every city in the State. Transient Occupants use city services and unless they are required to pay for those services, they are subsidized by the taxpayers of the City of Blythe. The Transient Occupancy Tax is not just a tax, it’s important because it saves the permanent taxpayers of the City of Blythe having to subsidize the transient occupancy. Section 3.20.050 states that it is the operator’s duty to collect that tax.
The hotel collects it for the taxpayers of the City of Blythe. It becomes a sort of trust that the hotel is carrying the money in trust for the taxpayers of the City of Blythe. It is not the hotel’s money or the operator’s money; it is the taxpayers of the City of Blythe. They are required to keep a record of those transactions and periodically remit that money to the City for the reasons explained. Section 3.20.070 requires a reporting and remitting requirement. All taxes collected by operators shall be held in trust for the City until payment is made to the tax administrator.
This emphasizes that it is not the hotel’s money, it’s the taxpayer’s and is held in trust by the hotel operator until remitted back to the taxpayers of the City of Blythe. The last page of
3.20.140 talks about violations of this chapter. There are two ways to violate the chapter, one is failure to report. If they fail to report, that is charged as a misdemeanor violation of the law. We are going to prove that EconoLodge Blythe failed to report several times over the past several months, in violation of this chapter creating the first violation of law upon which the business license can be revoked. The second is in addition to reporting, they need to remit the money required. We will prove to you with Mrs. Elms’ testimony that EconoLodge has failed to remit the tax due for the past several months, creating a separate and distinct violation of the law upon which the revocation of the business license may be made. I ask that Ms. Elms be called as a witness and sworn in to testify.
City Clerk Crecelius sworn in Christa Elms.
Greg Palmer asked Christa Elms to state her name for the record, her employer, the City of Blythe and her capacity, Director of Finance. He asked her to explain her duties as the City’s Finance Director. He asked if part of her duties included review of the TOT Tax report and remittance. She reported yes, since 2015. Mr. Palmer asked how the TOT operator reports the tax liability. Ms. Elms stated the City has a form that is provided to the hotels for reporting monthly and in some cases, on a quarterly basis. Each hotel is required at the end of each month; they have 30 days to report on that form and pay the amounts owed. Mr. Palmer asked if Mrs. Elms is familiar with EconoLodge Blythe. She reported in recent times she has had numerous contacts with the owner of the hotel in terms of reporting violations and payment violations and in general as a licensed reportable hotel. Mr. Palmer asked Mrs. Elms to point out the owner of the hotel.
Mrs. Elms pointed to Mr. Nobel Zubaid seated in the audience. Mr. Palmer asked if last year there was difficulty obtaining payment and reports from Mr. Zubaid. Mrs. Elms reported yes, it went well over a year. Mr. Palmer asked if at that time last year there was a noticed hearing just like this. Mrs. Elms reported there was. Mr. Palmer asked if the hearing was taken off calendar and why. Mrs. Elms stated it was taken off calendar because Mr. Zubaid agreed to a repayment term and agreed to pay all arrearages of the amount due plus penalties and interest. Along with this, there was strict reporting for at least a year or until I relived him of his strict reporting requirement. Based on this, we took the noticed hearing off calendar. Mr. Palmer asked if the agreement was in writing and Exhibit 3 of my Exhibit book. Mrs. Elms reported yes. On Page 2 of Exhibit three, Mr. Palmer asked what the chart was. Mrs. Elms stated the chart was the strict reporting guidelines I spoke of that Mr. Zubaid had to follow for the City to agree to the agreement. Mr. Palmer said the reporting periods run from October to the end of December. Did Mr. Zubaid comply with this part of the agreement and timely pay and remit his TOT returns.
Mrs. Elms reported yes. Mr., Palmer asked at the end of last year, beginning of this year, did he begin exhibiting a problem again? Mrs. Elms reported yes. Mr. Palmer asked if EconoLodge Blythe had a valid Business License which is included as Exhibit 4 with License Number BL10876 scheduled to expire at the end of this year. Mrs. Elms reported that was correct. Mr.
Palmer asked to turn to Exhibit 5 and asked Mrs. Elms what it was. Mrs. Elms stated it is the TOT Transmittal form sent to the hotels in order to report TOT to the Finance Department. Mr.
Palmer asked if this TOT form was specifically for EconoLodge Blythe and if it bore the signature of Mr. Zubaid and from what time period it was for. Mrs. Elms stated yes, and for the semi-monthly reporting period of January 1 – January 15, 2025. Mr. Palmer said if we toggle between page 2 of Exhibit 3 going back to that chart, all of these time periods were paid on time and in the next time period, January 1 – January 15, 2025, is that the time period represented by Exhibit 5? Mrs. Elms stated that is correct. Mr. Palmer asked how much tax was due by virtue of this tax return. Mrs. Elms reported $1,670.06. Mr. Palmer asked if that amount was paid by check, and if that check was Exhibit 6. Mrs. Elms stated yes. Mr. Palmer asked if that check was honored by the bank. Mrs. Elms stated no, the bank returned it for nonsufficient funds, which is referenced at the top for return reason: NSF. Mr. Palmer asked Mrs. Elms if she had spoken to Mr. Zubaid about this occurrence. Ms. Elms stated yes. Mr. Palmer asked if Mr. Zubaid ever made this debt good, paid with another check or cash. She reported no. He asked to turn to Exhibit 7 and asked Mrs. Elms what it was. Mrs. Elms stated this is the TOT reporting form for EconoLodge for the reporting period of January 16 – January 31, 2025. Mr. Palmer asked if the form had Mr. Zubaid’s signature. It was reported yes. Mr. Palmer asked how much tax was due.
Mrs. Elms reported the tax was $3,706.65. Mr. Palmer asked if there was a penalty and asked Mrs. Elms to explain it to the Council. Mrs. Elms stated the penalty was applied because Mr.
Zubaid missed this reporting period. When it was brought to my attention that he had failed to report the second half of January, I contacted Mr. Zubaid and notified him of the skipped transmittal. He then submitted this to me and I calculated the penalties in order for him to bring payment in to me. Mr. Palmer asked if the penalties calculation is how we get from $3,700 to $4,000? Mrs. Elms stated yes, but that would have been at the time it was delinquent and not as of today as they continue to accrue. Mr. Palmer asked if Mr. Zubaid ever made good on the payment by another check or cash. It was reported no. Mr. Palmer asked to turn to Exhibit 8 and asked Mrs. Elms to explain it. Mrs. Elms stated Exhibit 8 is the reporting transmittal for EconoLodge for the period of February 1 – February 15, 2025. Mr. Palmer asked if this form had the signature of Mr. Zubaid and how much tax was due. Mrs. Elms stated yes, and $1,737.34.
Mr. Palmer asked if this amount was paid by check and if that check was Exhibit 9. Mrs. Elms stated yes. Mr. Palmer asked if the check was honored by the bank. Mrs. Elms stated no, the check was returned for nonsufficient funds as notated on the exhibit. Mr. Palmer asked if Mr.
Zubaid ever made good on this payment. It was reported no. Following Exhibit 8 what is the next reporting timeframe? Mrs. Elms stated February 16 – February 28, 2025. Mr. Palmer asked if to this date have you received a TOT tax return or payment from Mr. Zubaid or EconoLodge for that period of time. Mrs. Elms stated no. Mr. Palmer asked for the next time period which was reported to be March 1 – March 15, 2025 if anything has been received for that time period or payment for that time period. Mrs. Elms reported no. Mr. Palmer asked if that is what led us to notice this hearing today. Mrs. Elms stated yes. Mr. Palmer asked if Mr. Zubaid was provided with written notice of this hearing and if that notice is Exhibit 10. Mrs. Elms stated yes. Mr.
Palmer asked how this notice was transmitted to Mr. Zubaid. Mrs. Elms reported via Certified Mail with Return Receipt. The Return Receipt was received. Mr. Palmer asked if the return receipt is Exhibit 11. Mrs. Elms stated that is correct. Mr. Palmer said from the time period of January 1 to early this morning, have you had any communication with Mr. Zubaid other than what you have talked about in terms of the NSF checks; was there any other communication with Mr. Zubaid regarding his tax returns. Mrs. Elms stated outside of a few emails related to the missed reporting and our standard NSF Check letter, no. Mr. Palmer asked if she received a call from Mr. Zubaid today. Mrs. Elms stated yes, around mid-morning Mr. Zubaid called and we discussed the hearing today. Mr. Zubaid asked that we give him until June 30th to pay the arrearages. I explained to him that we could not cancel the hearing, but it was scheduled and noticed and that he should have contacted us when he received the letter. He said he would submit the amount owed by June 30th if we could give him time. He said he would submit a spreadsheet of the amounts owed. He said that he was not feeling well and was not sure if he could be here today, that times have been tough and he was under a lot of stress. I explained to him that this is a tax that is collected on the City’s behalf and that he should not be using it foroperations and there should be no reason that he should not be able to report or pay his tax. I once again stated that he has failed to reach out to us in any form or fashion since I contacted him related to his failed reporting back in February/March. Mr. Palmer asked if you discussed with him the fact that this is not his money and how did that go. Mrs. Elms stated that he continues to say times are tough. Mr. Palmer asked if he followed through with a spreadsheet of amounts owed. Mrs. Elms stated yes. Mr. Palmer asked if it was Exhibit 12 and when it was received. Mrs. Elms stated yes, I received it via email following today’s call. Mr. Palmer asked if this is enough information to go on. Mrs. Elms stated no, and it does not calculate penalties and interest. Mr. Palmer had no further questions.
City Attorney Roberto stated you may give Mr. Zubaid the ability to have limited crossexamination if he wants to ask the Finance Director any questions.
Mr. Zubaid stated he is representing EconoLodge. My main purpose in being here is to explain why I fell behind in paying the TOTs. Most of us know since last year business has been super slow. It has made it difficult and stressful to pay employees and keep the doors open. As a result of that and avoiding bankruptcy, EconoLodge was unable to pay the TOTs. I would like to kindly request time, until June 30th to get a loan to bring the account current. The livelihood of 12 employees and their families depends on this business.
Mr. Palmer stated I would move my Exhibits 1-12 as evidence. The City rests.
City Attorney Roberto advised the Council to take this matter under submission and provide a decision within the next 30 days.
Mayor DeConinck asked if the loan process was started and how far out are you from getting the loan.
Mr. Zubaid said it will take 40-45 days, but I can try to expedite it.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved to take this under submission. Council Member Burton seconded the motion with aye votes from DeConinck, Rodriguez, Burton and Spraggins and a no vote from Halby.
NEW BUSINESS:
Agreement with County of Riverside Purchasing and Fleet Services Department.
Finance Director Elms stated the County of Riverside construed many fueling and washing facilities throughout the County. In or around 2011 a facility was constructed in Blythe. Since its construction, the City has been using the facility to fuel its gas-powered vehicles. Additionally, the City has access to stations throughout the County which can be used when traveling on City business. In late March the County reached out to the City stating the services provided were never formalized by agreement. The County is requesting to formalize the arrangement for continued use. The cost to the city is the cost of fuel plus the Board approved markup rate for the cost of providing the service. The markup rate through June 30th is .45 per gallon and .47 per gallon as of July 1
st
. As of the writing of this report, the average price per gallon in the county is $4.61 and the state average is $4.82 per gallon. The City is currently paying $4.55 per gallon at the County fuel station. The County is proposing a 5-year agreement. Should the City choose not to enter into this agreement, the City’s use of these stations will cease as of June 30th and we will need to find fuel alternatives. Therefore, it is staff’s recommendation the City Council enter into a contact with the County of Riverside for fuel and car wash services and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the contract in its final form as approved by the City Attorney. Should the value of the services provided exceed $100,000 throughout the life of the contact, it will require approval by the Board of Supervisors. Based on past usage, staff expects this to happen within 6-9 months of the first year of the contract. Therefore, it is recommended that should Council approve this agreement, to further authorize the Interim City Manager to execute any subsequent actions taken by the Boad of Supervisors.
No Public Comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Board Member Spraggins by a unanimous aye vote.
Letter Supporting SB 534 – Salton Sea Region Green Empowerment Zone. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated State Senator Steve Padilla, who represents the City of Blythe, recently introduced SB 534, the Salton Sea Region Green Empowerment Zone. This bill aims to address the historic lack of public and private investment in the Salton Sea region by establishing a Green Empowerment Zone that would foster regional collaboration and strategically leverage incentives for economic, workforce and community development. SB 534 would establish the Salton Sea Region Green Empowerment Zone to: Attract public and private investments to historically underserved communities, support workforce development programs to prepare local workers for high-paying jobs in the lithium industry, create a robust economic development framework to ensure sustainable growth and long-term prosperity and establish a governing board to oversee the Zone’s operations and ensure its success. The purpose of the empowerment zone is to cultivate and stimulate targeted investments by the public and private sectors in California’s southeastern desert region, which has historically been overlooked and left behind by the state's existing economic planning and funding activities. The empowerment zone will accomplish this goal by facilitating the region to work collaboratively on strategically leveraging state, federal, and local government-provided tax incentives with grant, loan, and workforce training programs and services offered through public and private sector entities. The empowerment zone may include the land and communities within the Imperial, Eastern Coachella and Palo Verde Valleys. Therefore, It is recommended Council issue a letter of support for SB 534 the Salton Sea Region Green Empowerment Zone.
Public Comment. Jocelyn Ramirez with State Senator Padilla’s office stated she can answer any questions of the Council. She stated this will be great for economic growth.
Kathy Linares asked what green empowerment was. I don’t understand the green part, how does that give us a benefit.
Council Member Spraggins moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote. .
Setting Support for a Border Fuel Tax Exemption Zone as a Legislative Priority.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated retail gasoline stations near California’s eastern border are being economically undercut by significantly lower fuel prices in neighboring Arizona. This price gap, driven largely by California’s excise and environmental fuel taxes pushes consumers across state lines to purchase fuel, harming local businesses, reducing in-state tax revenue, and undermining the intent of environmental and infrastructure policies. A geographically limited exemption from state fuel taxes for stations within 20 miles of the Arizona border would restore competitiveness, protect rural jobs, and improve tax efficiency. On May 8, 2025, during a Palo Verde Economic Alliance Meeting Vice Mayor Rodriguez presented the issues faced by local fuel retailers in Blythe, California and their inability to compete with neighboring gas prices to State Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez. Assemblyman Gonzalez committed staff to work with the City on creating policy or legislation to reduce the excise tax on fuel sold in border towns, such as Blythe. To proceed, Council should make this a legislative priority for the City. This would allow staff to draft and submit letters of support as well as spend time working with our Lobbyist, state legislators and partners on this plan. Therefore, It is recommended Council set an effort to create a Border Fuel Tax Exemption Zone for retail fueling stations located withing 20 miles of the Arizona border a legislative priority, authorize the Mayor to execute and submit letters of support for this effort and direct staff and the CVSP Closure Committee to work with our Lobbyist, State elected officials and partners on policy and/or legislation to create a fuel exemption border zone for Blythe.
Council Member Halby would like to get the support of all border cities. We will need extra support.
Mayor DeConinck would also like the support of MDAQMD.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman Halby with a unanimous aye vote.
Ordinance Adopting Amended Military Equipment Policy Pursuant to Assembly Bill 481. Chief Dale stated on April 8
th staff presented the Annual Military Equipment report to the City Council. On April 15th a community meeting was held to discuss the report and answer questions related to funding, acquisition and use of the equipment. As outlined in AB 481, the City Council is required to annually review and renew the Ordinance adopting the Military Use Policy. Staff asks that Council amend the policy to include additional equipment including adding a 9
th category of military equipment and increasing the quantities of items outlined in the other categories. The policy also contemplates the use of equipment owned by other law enforcement entities. To comply with AB 481it is recommended the City Council introduce Ordinance No. 941-25.
Council Member Halby asked what the financial impact is. It was reported the equipment is paid for by grants or through donations including military vehicles. Outside of regular maintenance there is no cost.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved to introduce Ordinance No. 941-25. The motion was seconded by Council Member Spraggins with a unanimous aye vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 941-25 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING AN AMENDED MILITARY EQUIPMENT POLICY AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSURANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3) (COMMON SENSE EXEMPTION) ORAL REPORTS:
Council Member Halby stated I am a member of the Benevolent order of the Elks. We do a lot of service in the community, State and County. This year I am head of the local club and attended the State division meeting this past weekend. They do a lot of influential work. Every five years we present our members with a pin. Tonight, I brought our Mayor his pin for 25 years of being a member of the Elks. In the State of California in lieu of paying sales tax on hotel rooms, you pay TOT tax to your local entity.
Councilman Burton stated a former Blythe resident; Colby Cordell was on The Voice. He would like to set aside time to recognize the local talent.
Interim City Manager Crecelius reported on the Run for the Wall happening tomorrow.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Kathy Linares asked about the contract for the Golf Course.
ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 7:02pm. ________________________________
Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Mallory Crecelius, City Clerk