Minutes of the Blythe City Council Special Meeting
August 5, 2025
The August 5, 2025, Special Meeting 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, Police Chief Dale and Public Works Director Elegores.
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 Monday, August 4, 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. Request by E Clampus Vitus for the Exclusive Use of Quechan Park, Including Overnight Camping, October 9-12, 2025 at No Cost, and to Place a Plaque in Quechan Park to Commemorate the Bradshaw Ferry and Bradshaw Trail. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated staff received a request from Kati Cusick who is working with E Clampus Vitus (ECV) who would like to hold an event in Blythe in October. They would like to place a monument at a historical site. They are a benevolent organization who likes to recognize historically significant sites while having a good time. They proposed several locations for a historical monument. They were told property owner permission would be necessary. They would like to use Quechan Park exclusively from October 9-12th. This would include camping. My only concern with exclusive use is that the City sells annual passes to Quechan Park for use of the Boat Launch. This year we had a Summer Special, and the pass is valid through October 31, 2025. I would like to keep park access open to those with annual passes. At this time of the season, I don’t anticipate a lot of traffic, but don’t want any issues from pass holders if they are unable to launch their boat after purchasing a pass. ECV is self-sufficient, providing their own security, power and restroom facilities. They have since provided the City with an MOU for the use, which is under review by the City Attorney. If you wish to allow them free use of the park, with overnight camping, we will bring a Resolution to you in September as overnight camping is not currently allowed. The Resolution would state Council resolves to give them permission for that use. Time is of the essence, as they need to plan this event, so I put this item on today along with the Study Session. They have decided to put the monument at Quechan to memorialize the Bradshaw Trail and Bradshaw Ferry.
They thought Quechan would be a good place as the Ferry passed by Quechan Park. I asked for a rendering and location. Today a photo of a standard monument was received.
I would ask for final approval of plaque wording. I ask for direction to allow ECV to work with Public Works on the monument’s placement in Quechan Park. They may also need to work with Development Services if permits are required. Staff also seeks direction to execute the agreement once reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
Discussion was had related to exclusive use vs. allowing those with annual passes to use the park during this event. Council wished to allow access to season pass holders.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated in one email the group stated they would donate up to $1,500 to a charity of our choice. Direction was provided to split any donation between the Rec-N-Crew and PAL.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated they will also be required to submit a Park Use Permit and provide insurance.
No public comment. Council Member Burton moved approval to authorize the Interim City Manager to execute an MOU for use of the park and work with Public Works on placement of a monument. The motion was seconded by Council Member Spraggins with a unanimous aye vote.
ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 2:48pm. ________________________________
Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Mallory Crecelius , City Clerk