Minutes of the Blythe City Council Meeting
June 10, 2025
The June 10, 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 there is no reportable action.
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 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, June 6, 2025.
2. Approval of the Warrant Register.
Recommendation: Approve 6/10/25, warrants numbered 11096 through 11123 and 79641 through 79695 in the amount of $986,997.62; 6/10/25, Utility Billing Refund warrants numbered 79696 through 79704 in the amount of $635.28 and 6/10/25, warrants numbered 11124 through 11133 and 79705 through 79728 in the amount of $57,391.01.
3. Approval of the Payroll Register.
Recommendation: Approve 6/10/25, warrants numbered 55165 through 55166 in the amount of $4,482.58; 6/10/25, warrants numbered 55167 through 55183 and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 61986 through 62061 in the amount of $309,680.68; 6/10/25, warrants numbered 55184 through 55197 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 62062 through 62135 in the amount of $258,612.14 and 6/10/25, warrants numbered 55198 through 55208 and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 62136 through 62235 in the amount of $86,610.55.
4. Minutes of the May 8, 2025, City Council Special Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the May 8, 2025, Meeting.
5. Minutes of the May 13, 2025, City Council Special Closed Session.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the May 13, 2025, Special Closed Session.
6. Minutes of the May 13, 2025, City Council Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the May 13, 2025 Meeting.
7. Minutes of the May 15, 2025 City Council Special Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the minutes of the May 15, 2025 Special Meeting.
8. Minutes of the May 30, 2025 City Council Special Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the minutes of the May 30, 2025 Special Meeting.
9. City of Blythe Permits Issued in the Month of May 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
10. City of Blythe Fire Department Monthly Activity Report for May 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
11. City of Blythe Police Department Monthly Activity Report for May 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
12. Quality of Life Program Activity Report for May 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
13. Request for Aerial Fireworks Display.
Recommendation: Approve the Aerial Fireworks Display application submitted by the Blythe Volunteer Fire Department.
14. Request for the Sale and Display of Fireworks.
Recommendation: Approve applications submitted by Victoria Sanchez/Spirit of Life Church for the sale of safe and sane fireworks.
15. Annual Reaffirmation of City Investment Policy.
Recommendation: Adopt Fiscal Year 2025/026 Investment Policy as required by Government Code Section 53646.
16. Acceptance of Work – ChanslorPlace Sewer Repair Project.
Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Rove Engineering, Inc. for the ChanslorPlace Sewer Repair Project and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute and file the Notice of Completion. It is further recommended Council authorize the Interim City Manager to release retention payments once the Notice of Completion is recorded and release project bonds once appropriate.
17. 7
th Street Rehabilitation Design Project.
Recommendation: Award the design work for the 7
th Street Rehabilitation Project to Engineering
Resources of Southern California, ERCS in an amount not to exceed $85,730 and authorize the Interim City Manager to enter into an agreement with ERCS once reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
18. Revocation of Business License Issued to Fortune Five Properties LLC dba Econo LodgeBlythe.
Recommendation: The City Council revoke the business license issued to Fortune Five Properties LLC dba Econo Lodge-Blythe by adopting Resolution No. 2025-008:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-008. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, REVOKING THE BUSINESS LICENSE (BL-10876) ISSUED TO FORTUNE FIVE PROPERTIES LLC DBA ECONO LODGEBLYTHE, LOCATED AT 903. W HOBSONWAY, BLYTHE, CA 92225
19. Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-009:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-009. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FOR THE CITY OF BLYTHE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF DIVISION 9 OF TITLE 1 OF THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE
20. Fiscal Year 2025/26 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funded Project.
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-011:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-011. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017
21. Adoption of Tentative Agreement Regarding Successor MOU for the Mid-Management Unit.
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-014:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-014. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REGARDING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SUCCESSOR
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF BLYTHE AND THE MID-MANAGEMENT UNIT FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2025, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027
22. Ordinance Adopting Amended Military Equipment Policy Pursuant to Assembly Bill 481.
Recommendation: Adopt Ordinance No. 941-25:
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)
23. 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.
Recommendation: Adopt Ordinance No. 937-25:
ORDINANCE NO. 937-25. 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, 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) Public Comment. Nobel Zubaid with Fortune Five Properties stated he needs more time to pay the attorney fees. I will pay the TOT charges; but I can’t pay for the attorney fees. The best I can do is pay the taxes owed.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez requested to pull Item No. 18 from the Consent Calendar. Council Member Halby moved approval of Consent Calendar Items 1-17 and 19-23. The motion was seconded by Council Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
Revocation of Business License Issued to Fortune Five Properties LLC dba EconoLodge Blythe. Vice Mayor Rodriguez asked Mr. Zubaid to answer more questions.
Mr. Zubaid said he needs more time. The total owed to bring everything current is $17,000. I am willing to pay that by the end of this month.
Interim City Manager Crecelius provided the timeline of communication between the City and Mr. Zubaid related to acceptance of the repayment terms offered and approved by the Council Mr. Zubaid asked for a break on the attorney fees.
Council Member Halby stated do you see the issue here, you owe us $17,000, but we have $10,000 in attorney fees so now we only have $7,000. That doesn’t make any sense. We’ve had to spend all this money to fight you to get our money. Now you are asking us to eat that too.
Mayor DeConinck said at the last meeting you said you could pay and that you needed time. We have given you time to get this taken care of.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez stated as Mr. Halby said, we spent money fighting you on this, and it needs to be returned to the taxpayers. We are not trying to shut you down, that is why and have extended this for quite some time. I am sorry you are unable to get the credit to repay this, but this has to come to an end for us. If we don’t hold the line, it’s not fair to the rest of the hotel owners who do pay on time and struggle just like you.
Mr. Zubaid asked for an additional three months to pay the attorney fees with the TOT being remitted by June 30th.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved to provide Mr. Zubaid until June 30th to repay all outstanding TOT arrearages. Mr. Zubaid will have 72 hours to agree to the new terms once provided and will have until September 30, 2025 to repay the attorney fees. The motion was seconded by Council Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Annual Assessment for Lighting Districts Nos 1 and 2 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
Finance Director Elms stated pursuant to the Landscape and Lighting Act, the City must conduct annual proceedings to levy annual assessments for the districts formed under the Act. The proceedings include a public hearing in which the Council must hear and consider all written and oral statements, comments, protests and objections or other communication made in connection with the levy and collection of assessments. The Council previously declared its intention to levy and collect assessments in District Nos. 1 and 2 at the May 13th meeting. Further setting this meeting as the date and time for the Public Hearing. Subsequent to the Public Hearing, staff recommends adoption of Resolution Nos. 2025-012 and 2025-013 approving the Engineer’s Report and confirming the assessment for year 2025/26 for Districts Nos 1 and 2.
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.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-012. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT AND CONFIRMING A DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 WITHIN THE CITY OF BLYTHE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 1.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-013. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT AND CONFIRMING A DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 WITHIN THE CITY OF BLYTHE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 2.
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 and 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.
Because the City’s ordinance was out of compliance the City could only apply those provisions specified in the Government Code without any local amendments. At the May 13th Council meeting, the Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 939-25-U, amending Chapter 17.33 to be consistent with the most current provisions of State law and was effective immediately.
Ordinance No. 940-25 contains the same changes to Chapter 17.33 as the Urgency Ordinance; but is being brought forth through the normal procedures to provide for public comment. The changes to Chapter 17.33 include: changes to reflect the recodification of the State ADU law; a revised definition of “primary dwelling”; incorporation of any words or phrases used in the State ADU law not set forth in the Blythe Municipal Code; language changes to reflect direction the California Department of Housing and Community Development has given on these matters, including to other cities; incorporation of new requirements to provide an applicant with written comments if an application is denied; requirement that an application to demolish a garage for an ADU be reviewed at the same time as the ADU application; shortened time frames if an applicant uses a preapproved plan; clarification that applications cannot be denied due to the need to correct nonconforming zoning conditions or building code violations, or due to unpermitted structures; a new section has been added to group the various rules relating to unpermitted structures constructed prior to January 1, 2020 in one place; clarification as to where ADUs/JADUs may be located; revisions to the standards applicable to ADUs and JADUs to parallel State law; development standards for JADUs have all been included in one separate section; a section has been added to parallel the State requirements for mandatory approvals; a single section has been added to place all of the regulations relating to utilities and fees into one place and a section has been added to provide that ADUs may not be separately conveyed, except as specifically permitted by Government Code. Therefore, staff recommends that the City Council, subsequent to the public hearing, introduce Ordinance No. 940-25 No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Spraggins by a unanimous aye vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 940-25. 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 CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Palo Verde Hospital Ad Hoc Committee Update. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated this is a standing item. There is not a lot to report, but the committee attended the Palo Verde Health Care District’s Board Meeting this past Saturday. They have appointed two of their members to serve on this Ad Hoc Committee so staff will work to schedule a meeting. A letter was prepared to be sent to LAFCO, which will be mailed tomorrow.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez stated they are making a request to the State for funds. Our Legislators are working on it along with our Lobbyist. Current events in LA may be slowing things down, but we will meet with the Ad Hoc Committee tomorrow or Thursday to see what their plan is.
They have about 10 days of financing left.
Public Comment. Leslie Jessop-Watkins applauded the City for your leadership. Without it, our community would be feeling very lost. The lack of information being provided by the Hospital is very distressing. Even their 60-day plan has flaws with things that are against the law including not paying people their PTO when they leave employment. At the Board Meeting on Saturday, there was a question about $79,000 owed to the retirement fund. The deductions have been taken from the employees, but the funds have not been deposited in the retirement fund. Today there was an issue with needing their chillers serviced and not finding a vendor. A doctor at the Clinic was let go on Thursday. Now we only have a PA at the clinic operating under Dr. Arko. One of the three RN grands hired was fired last week. Another one is working in Indio as they can’t promise her a schedule.
The item was received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025/26 Operating and Capital Budget. Finance Director Elms stated staff presented the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Operating and Capital Budget to the Finance Committee on May 6
th followed by a presentation to the City Council at a Study Session open to the public on May 15th. This evening staff is presenting the final budget for Council’s adoption.
The Operating and Capital Budget, as recommended, commits $42.3 million in appropriations that are funded with $38.8 million in current year’s resources and $3.5 million in reserves. The General fund is the City’s primary operating fund and proposed at $16.6 million supported by $17.1 million in expected resources. As presented, the General Fund budget is balanced and proposes a budget surplus of $500,000. The proposed General Fund budget assumes normal cost adjustments to personnel and operational costs but otherwise remains relatively unchanged.
Water and Sewer are the City’s second and third largest operating funds. Water is proposed at $4.6 million in appropriations. The Sewer fund is proposed at $4.4 million in appropriations. The City’s operating budget includes capital improvements and fixed asset purchases and commits $4.9 million toward the rehabilitation and maintenance of City streets. The budget supports 7 elected officials, 70 full time positions and 57 part time positions for a total of 134 authorized positions. As of May, the City had 6 full-time vacancies representing an 8.5% vacancy rate. As outlined in the table of the staff report, there are two vacancies in the Mid-Management Unit.
One position is expected to be filled by Calendar year end. There are two vacancies in the NonSworn unit expected to be filled in the next few months and two vacancies in the Laborers unit expected to be filled by the end of June. Staff may recommend, and Council may request amendments to the budget at any time as deemed necessary. It is recommended Council receive and file the Job Vacancy Status information required by AB 2561, adopt Resolution No. 2025- 010 adopting the City’s FY 2025/26 Operating and Capital Budget including all summaries and schedules and approve and adopt salary schedules attached pursuant to Section 570.5 of Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations.
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.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-010. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 Ordinance 942-25 Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated on March 24, 2025, the California Office of the State Fire Marshall issued its 2025 Recommended Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps. This release is part of a statewide effort to enhance public safety and better inform communities of wildfire risk based on the latest science, topography, vegetation and fire history. The maps identify areas of Moderate, High, and Very High fire hazard. The City of Blythe’s Map has four areas designated as a moderate fire hazard. These areas include the State Prisons, Hobsonway west of Highway 78 to the City limit line, the area around the Golf Course and an area along the Colorado River around tenth avenue south to Highway 95. In accordance with Assembly Bill 211, local governments are required to adopt these maps by ordinance and designate the severity zones within their jurisdiction. Under California Government Code Section 51179 (b)(3), cities and counties may not decrease the level of hazard designated by the Office of the State Fire Marshall.
Therefore, it is recommended that Council introduce Ordinance N. 942-25, designating the fire hazard severity zones for the City of Blythe.
Public Comment. Kathy Linares of 2545 Fairway Drive asked what near the Golf Course is a fire hazard.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Spraggins with a unanimous aye vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 942-25. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA,
DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES 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) ORAL REPORTS:
Council Member Halby reported on a Flag Day ceremony at the Elks this Saturday. Probation and Blythe PAL will also have their annual water safety event at the fairgrounds this Saturday.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Danielle Dorame is concerned about the hospital closing. If the hospital closes, the prison may close. If the prison closed, the college could close. If there is no hospital you can’t have team sports. There was more to do here when I was younger. I don’t understand why we have been in a progressive decline. Parker, Yuma, Phoenix, Havasu, and Indio have grown but we stay small.
Other areas have incentives. I fear with PVH closing we will become Desert Center.
Kamran Khalil stated you have a lot of opportunities. You have Quechan Park. The State changed a law where you can designate an area for entertainment. This would allow alcohol sales outside. You can make this place more happening than Lake Havasu without spending too much money.
Kathy Linares stated the City should sell Quechan Park to someone who knows how to operate a business.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez reported on the monthly Palo Verde Economic Alliance Meetings and work the City has done to attract a Casino to the City and the history of Quechan Park. We have a consultant that brings retail establishments to Blythe. To say we don’t try, or that we are not spending money to attract business, that is not the case. Please come to the Economic Alliance Meetings, you can ask these questions of our representatives. I also encourage our local business owners to attend our annual Outlook Conference.
ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 6:54pm. ________________________________
Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Mallory Crecelius, City Clerk