Minutes of the Blythe City Council Meeting
December 9, 2025
The December 9, 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, City Treasurer and Finance Director Elms, Chief Building Official Brown, Public Works Director Elegores, Police Captain Walnoha and Fire Chief Hasler.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor DeConinck.
The Invocation was led by Council Member Burton.
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, December 5, 2025.
2. Approval of the Warrant Register.
Recommendation: Approve 12/9/25, warrants numbered 11280 through 11314 and 80388 through 80452 in the amount of $1,048,712.28; 12/9/25, Utility Billing Refund warrants numbered 80453 through 80465 in the amount of $1,113.47, and 12/9/25, warrants numbered 11315 through 11320 and 80466 through 80490 in the amount of $263,536.86.
3. Approval of the Payroll Register.
Recommendation: Approve 12/9/25, warrants numbered 55465 through 55476 and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 63541 through 63638 in the amount of $90,701.95; 12/9/25, warrants numbered 55477 through 55492, and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 63639 through 63719 in the amount of $319,570.03; 12/9/25, warrants numbered 55493 through 55494, in the amount of $371.06; 12/9/25, warrants numbered 55495 through 55496, and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 63720 through 63729 in the amount of $27,629.99; 12/9/25, warrants numbered 55497 through 55512 and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 63730 through 63809 in the amount of $302,709.17, and 12/9/25, warrants numbered 55513 through 55524 and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 63810 through 63905 in the amount of $92,799.99.
4. Minutes of the November 12, 2025 City Council Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the November 12, 2025, Meeting.
5. City of Blythe Permits Issued in the Month of November 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
6. City of Blythe Fire Department Monthly Activity Report for November 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
7. City of Blythe Police Department Monthly Activity Report for November 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
8. Quality of Life Program Activity Report for November 2025.
Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
9. Community Facilities District No. 2004-1 Annual Report.
Recommendation: Receive and file the attached Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2004-1 Special Tax Bonds, Series 2005 Annual Report.
10. Purchase of a New Body Worn Camera System for the Blythe Police Department.
Recommendation: Authorize the Interim City Manager to enter into a Master Service Agreement with LensLock, Inc. for the purchase and implementation of a new body worn camera system in an amount not to exceed $134,865.00 for a five-year term, once approved by the City Attorney. It is further recommended that the City Council authorize the Interim City Manager to execute any other documents necessary to purchase and implement the new body worn camera system.
11. Recreation Center Staffing.
Recommendation: Fund one additional Recreation Coordinator position at Range 34 of the Clerical/Para-Professional/Recreational Unit and adopt Resolution No. 2025-027, approving the revision to the Schedule of Authorized Positions necessary for this action:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-027. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A REVISED SCHEDULE OF AUTHORIZED POSITIONS.
12. Accepting and Approving the Tentative Agreement Regarding the Terms and Conditions of the Successor MOU for the Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local 1184 (LIUNA).
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-029, accepting and approving the tentative agreement regarding the Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local 1184 (LIUNA) successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-029. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA,
ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REGARDING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF
THE SUCCESSOR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF BLYTHE AND THE LABORERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OR NORTH AMERICA, LOCAL 1184 (LIUNA) FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SUCCESSOR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.
Council Member Spraggins asked to pull Item No. 11.
Mayor DeConinck asked to pull Item No. 10.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of Consent Calendar items 1-9 and
12. The motion was seconded by Council Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
Purchase of a New Body Worn Camera System for the Blythe Police Department.
Mayor DeConinck asked for clarification on whether this was a purchase or a lease. Acting Chief Walnoha stated it was an equipment purchase.
Council Member Halby asked about the redaction policy. Are the redaction charges after 25 cases or 10 cases per year? Acting Chief Walnoha stated it’s a typo and there are 25 complementary cases per year.
Council Member Spraggins asked if a grant was available for the purchase. It was reported the grant expired.
No public comment. Councilman Burton moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Rodriguez.
Recreation Center Staffing. Council Member Spraggins stated I understand why we are adding this position, but with like the way the Rec Center is right now, in the complete shambles that its in. I have been getting complaints for a month or two about the unsafe conditions, about unsupervised kids going in and out of that building and the mismanagement of this department.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated that I have addressed all complaints received. To answer your question, yes, the Recreation Center was not managed appropriately, efficiently or effectively. Doing this will help not only with the operation of the Cetner but also adding more programs and making programs more efficient.
Council Member Spraggins stated if we are adding positions here, why aren’t we adding positions at Public Works or the Police Department. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated that this can be done through the budget process. There was a funding increase provided by the School District for the ELOP program that will help pay for this position. This is budget neutral.
It is not costing us anything to add to the position. That is not the case at the Police Department or Public Works. We are short staffed everywhere, City Hall, Public Works, Police Department.
These are things we need to look at long term, but obviously funding is a critical piece to that.
But it is under your purview as the Council to add those positions as you see fit.
Councilman Spraggins stated that going back to our budget study session I think we need to reevaluate our priorities based on the needs of our community. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated I plan to do a Goal Setting exercise this year leading up to the budget.
No Public Comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilman
PUBLIC HEARING:
2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Allocation.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated the CDBG allocation for Fiscal Year 2026/27 is estimated to be $79,552±. Up to 15% of this funding, which totals $11,932.80±, may be made available to fund public service projects submitted by non-profit organizations. For the last few years, the City has allocated its CDBG allocation to the Home Enhancement program. This year staff recommends using the full CDBG allocation for the installation of playground equipment at the City’s Bommer Park. This would include the installation of a play structure for children aged 2 to 12 with capacity for 25+ children, fall protection and other amenities such as swings.
Residents have expressed the need for amenities at this park. As the park is in a dense residential neighborhood, many families would benefit from this project. The Bommer Park project is under review by CDBG staff to ensure it meets a national goal and objectives for CDBG funding. They recommended providing a backup project for the FY 2026/27 allocation should the City be unable to move forward with the Bommer Park project. Although unlikely, should the City be unable to use this funding towards the Bommer Park Playground Improvement project it is recommended Council allocate these funds to the Home Enhancement Program. This year the City received three applications from sub-recipients asking for CDBG funds toward their public service project. Of the City’s allocation, $11,392.80 may be granted to sub-recipient(s).
Applications received included an application from Peace from Chaos requesting $10,000 to be used towards salaries, space costs and supplies to assist with their community support for those dealing with mental health, substance abuse, suicide and social acceptance. As this is a public service project, if awarded, the City would be responsible for providing the funding to Peace from Chaos. Peace from Chaos would be responsible for providing the required information related to how the funds were used to meet the national objectives of the CDBG program. Once all documentation was in place and the funds expended, the City could request reimbursement from the County for the grant funds distributed to Peace from Chaos. Tiny Treasures applied for $43,000 towards salaries, equipment and building expenses to operate a child daycare center at 13341 Mesa Dr. As this site is in the unincorporated area of Riverside County, the application was tendered to the County of Riverside for possible funding through the County’s CDBG allocation. KERU applied for $313,500 for salaries, space cost, building expenses and equipment to purchase and distribute home water-filtration pitchers to low- and moderate-income households. Due to the size of the grant request and the grant funds available, City and CDBG staff did not believe the project would be viable with the small allocation of CDBG funding available. Therefore, subsequent to the Public Hearing, it is recommended that the Council apply the $79,550 2026-2027 CDBG Allocation to the Bommer Park Playground Improvement Project; apply the 2026-2027 CDBG Allocation to the Home Enhancement Program should the City be unable to use the funds towards the Bommer Park Playground Improvement Project; authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the supplemental agreement, along with any subsequent agreements with the Riverside County Economic Development Agency for allocation of the 2026-2027 CDBG Funds; and authorize the City Manager to reprogram funds as required.
Council Member Burton asked if he understood correctly that of all of the funds requested, you want all of the money to go to the park.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated that is correct, as we would need all funds for the park.
The Peace from Chaos project does meet a national objective. We could fund them with reimbursement from the County. I do not recommend the project due to the cost of the playground equipment for the park. If you would like to fund Peace from Chaos I recommend putting the City’s allocation toward the Home Enhancement Program. Or if you want to do the park, allocate all funds to the park.
Council Member Halby said we need to invest more than $70,000 in that park. That is a separate conversation.
Mayor DeConinck asked about the CEC/CAC funds.
Public Comment. George Colangeli of Peace from Chaos stated the CDBG funds will leverage funds already received from the RAP foundation earlier this year.
Angeal Colangeli of Peace from Chaos shared the work being done by the organization.
The Public Hearing was closed. Council Member Burton moved approval of staff’s recommendation adding in funding the Peace from Chao’s application request of $10,000 along with the Bommer Park Playground Improvement Project. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Rodriguez with a unanimous aye vote.
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Palo Verde Hospital Ad Hoc Committee Update. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated the Hospital issued a Warn Notice to employees which stated on November 26th they would be laid off and the doors would be closing. Thankfully that did not happen, and the Warn Notice was extended an additional 60 days. It is set to expire on January 26th. This is part of the Bankruptcy process. At the end of last month one of the Board Members resigned so we are waiting to see what happens there. I understand they did get an extension on their IGT Funds.
They needed to remit $3.8 million by 10am on the Wednesday of Thanksgiving. I believe they have some potential funding; they are waiting for the bankruptcy judge to approve it. Hopefully it goes through as they were required to pay in the $3.8 to get back almost $9 million in the first part of next year.
No public comment. The item was received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Establishing a Triad Advisory Committee to Support the Work of RivCo One.
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated the County of Riverside asked for the City’s assistance in creating a Triad Advisory Committee to continue the work done by RivCo One, a county initiative that connects residents to various social services by streamlining referrals between county agencies. The Committee will be comprised of City elected officials, a County employee who works and resides in Blythe and a representative from a community-based organization. It is recommended The Council form an Ad Hoc Committee consisting of two members of Council on opposite terms to represent the City on the Triad Advisory Committee. It is further recommended the Mayor Appoint two Council Members to serve on this committee.
No public comment. Council Member Halby moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
Mayor DeConinck appointed Members Rodriguez and Spraggins to the Ad Hoc Committee.
Adoption of the 2025 California Codes. Chief Building Official Brown stated we are requesting the adoption of the 2025 California Budling Code. The adoption of the code happens every three years. The Building Code provides a minimum standard in building, remodeling and in some cases, the occupation of buildings in California. The Building Code acts as a guide to assist contractors, engineers and homeowners to build in a safe manner with the focus being on fire protection and safe egress. In California, we adopt the California Codes based on the International Building Codes. Since the late 1800’s, cities have adopted local codes to fit the needs of their community. In 1988 the State of California mandated Title 24 which we know as the California Building Code. This new law made Title 24 the mandatory code for all occupancies across the state. Today, the Code consists of 11 books, including fire safety, plumbing and electrical. The City is permitted to amend the 2025 California Building Code provided that the City makes express findings that the modifications are reasonably necessary due to local conditions or for administrative reasons. This adoption cycle involves similar amendments to these adopted in prior cycles. The City enforces the Budling Codes under Titel 15 and Title 17 of the Blythe Municipal Code. It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-028 and introduce Ordinance No. 945-25.
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.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-028. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR MODIFICATIONS TO PROVISIONS OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE DUE TO LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL OR TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS.
ORDINANCE NO. 945-25. AN OR OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 15 (BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION) OF THE BLYTHE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARD CODE, WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS, 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) Approval of Agreement for Animal Shelter Services between the City and County of Riverside. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated Since 2020, the Blythe Animal Shelter has been under the threat of closure. In 2021 it was made clear that the City would need a long-term plan for shelter services as it was not anticipated that the County would fund operations of the Blythe Shelter past June 30, 2022. After discussions with the County, the City was given up to three years to work out a viable long-term solution for Animal Shelter Services. The City contemplated several options, but keeping the Blythe Shelter open is the best outcome for animals, residents and the City. Since 2021 there have been significant changes within the County Department of Animal Services. Shelters across Riverside County are at or near capacity.
The County is also increasing staff with a focus on adoption and lifesaving programs which increases the length of stay for animals in shelters. As such, the Blythe Animal Shelter is no longer under threat of closure. Due to the uncertainty of the operation of the Blythe Animal Shelter the County has provided shelter services to the City based on the Agreement that expired in 2020. The County has billed for the Blythe Animal Shelter services based upon their adopted fee schedule which charged based on per kenneling day and animal type with a separate charge for operation, maintenance and utilities. Earlier this year the County began contacting cities advising them of changes to the billing rates and methods for shelter services. They stated current sheltering contract allocations were unpredictable, causing an administrative burden on City and County staff and did not allow for appropriate cost recovery. The analysis determined that Contract Cites were paying for 28% of the average funding but made up 70.5% of the annual impounds with the County’s share at 72% and 29.5% respectively. After reviewing two options for full cost recovery and how it would impact contract cities, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Baseline Model. The Baseline Model concludes that there is a direct cost to the County to operate its Shelters even if cities do not choose to contract. The County then removed costs they would have to pay to meet its obligation to provide service to the unincorporated areas. Under the Baseline allocation adopted by the Board of Supervisors, Contract Cites would pay 44.82% of costs and make up 69.54% of total impounds with the County paying 55.18% of shelter costs and make up 30.46% of total impounds. The Baseline funding model resulted in a 94% increase in the City of Blythe’s Contract Rates for Shelter Services. That equates to an additional $138,402 per year in shelter fees. This would bring the estimated total for annual shelter service fees to $285,983 at the end of the three-year phase in. An increase in shelter fees begins January 1, 2026, was contemplated with the adoption of the current Fiscal Year Budget. Therefore, it is recommended the City Council authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the Agreement for Animal Shelter Services between the City of Blythe and County of Riverside once reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
Mayor DeConinck asked about the fee increase and the population numbers being used and if it included the prison population.
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.
Budget Request Letter for the 2026-27 State Budget Cycle. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez is preparing for the upcoming 2026-27 state budget cycle. He is seeking input from local jurisdictions on priority projects and community needs that may benefit from potential State funding. To be included, the City must submit a budget request letter by January 5, 2026, detailing the City’s top funding priorities. Staff prepared a list of projects/priorities which was vetted by the City’s lobbyist. Priorities include 1) Funding for Critical Water Infrastructure: State Funding for the Hidden Beaches and Birch Street Water Improvement projects necessary to satisfy Board Orders issued by the State Water Resources Control Board to treat manganese which is naturally occurring in the City’s groundwater. The Hidden Beaches Project is a roughly $4 million project which includes water treatment along with new water reservoir and wells. This will be a total system improvement for the Hidden Beaches Water System. The City is working with Rural Community Assistance (RCAC) funded by the state to provide the City with technical assistance on the design and funding application for the Birch Street Water Improvement project. As the project is still in the design phase, total project costs are not readily available. 2) Funding to Off-set Impacts From the Closure of Chuckwalla Valley State Prison: The City is working to obtain funding from the State to offset impacts from the closure of CVSP in October of 2024. A year later, impacts of the closure are being felt through a decline in sales tax revenue, lost business opportunity, reduction in school enrollment and homes staying on the market longer. Staff recommends the City include a budget request of $10 million to help the City offset the impact of the closure of the City’s second largest employer. 3) Funding Palo Verde Health Care District: continued operation of Palo Verde Hospital is the community’s top priority. Long-term funding will be needed to sustain operations of Palo Verde Hospital. Although Assemblyman Gonzalez and his office is working hard on this issue already, it should be included on the City’s list due to how important this issue is, and how important it is for our community to have emergency health care services and an operational hospital. 4) Border Fuel Excise Zone: in May, Council set the creation of a Border Fuel Tax Exemption Zone for retail fueling stations located within 20 miles of the Arizona border as a legislative priority. This would remove the excise tax from fuel sales. This would reduce the cost of a gallon of gas, making border towns more competitive in fuel sales with neighboring states. 5). Surplus of CVSP Property for Redevelopment: through our lobbyist, the City has been working with the State of California to re-purpose the former CVSP. There is interest in the property which could create jobs and economic activity in our region. Staff recommends the City ask Assemblyman Gonzalez to streamline the state surplus process or draft legislation to allow this site to be made available for re-development opportunities.
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:
Interim City Manager Crecelius reported on the upcoming Christmas event at the Joe Wine Blythe Recreation Center, the Flag Football All Stars Tournament this weekend and on a rose placed on the DMV Donate Life- One Legacy Float for the Rose Parade due to the City’s work during the DMV/Donate Life Month in April.
Councilman Halby reported on the community events this weekend, from the Chamber’s events and Rotary’s Tamale festival.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez announced during the CATO conference they selected Garth Dale as the executive of the year.
Mayor DeConinck thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the parade, the tamale festival and everyone involved in Civil Servants for Santa. It’s a great thing for the kids.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 6:51pm. ________________________________
Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Mallory Crecelius, City Clerk