Minutes of the Blythe City Council Special Meeting
May 30, 2025
The May 30, 2025, Special Meeting of the Blythe City Council was called to order at 1:00pm 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 and Police Chief Dale.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor DeConinck.
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 Thursday, May 29, 2025.
No public comment. Board Member Burton moved approval of the posting of the Agenda. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Rodriguez with a unanimous aye vote.
2. Establishing a Palo Verde Hospital Ad Hoc Committee and Taking Associated Actions Interim City Manager Crecelius stated I believe you are aware of the issues occurring at Palo Verde Hospital. Many of you have been attending the meetings for several months, working behind the scenes, and contacting elected officials seeking help for the hospital. Although the City does not have any jurisdiction over the hospital, we all understand it’s a critical aspect of our community. The City would like to help and make sure the hospital continues to function. Staff believes it’s time to form an Ad Hoc committee so that we can efficiently assist in this process through our elected officials and with the existing or new Board of Directors, however that plays out. I would also like authorization to submit letters to LAFCO, the Board of Supervisors, elected official regarding any help that may be provided. It is recommended the Mayor appoint two member of the City Council to form an Ad Hoc committee to address the current state of Palo Verde Hospital by working with the PVH Board of Directors, LAFCO, and our elected representative and authorize the Mayor to issue letters on behalf of the City related to emergency funding for the hospital and assistance with the future management and operation of Palo Verde Hospital.
Councilman Burton and Vice Mayor Rodriguez volunteered to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee.
Public comment. Leslie Jessop-Watkins of 1250 E. Hobsonway thanked you for everything you intended to do.
A representative of the hospital stated Hospital Management is in a meeting with Senator Padilla and Congressman Ruiz right now.
George Colangeli of Peace From Chaos thanked the Council for their leadership and jumping on this. There are two different sets of circumstances. One being the financial solvency of the hospital and the other is the community trust. There has been a degradation of the Community’s trust. You may want to consider having public information that is put out while walking down that path.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Board Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
The Mayor appointed Vice Mayor Rodriguez and Council Member Burton to the Committee. Interim City Manager asked for an alternate be designated to the committee. Mayor DeConinck appointed himself as the alternate.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated we can place a standing item on the Regular Council Meeting Agendas to provide updates similar to what we did with Save Chuck.
ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 1:13pm. ________________________________
Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Mallory Crecelius , City Clerk