Blythe City Council
February 10, 2026

BLYTHE CITY COUNCIL

SORRIS TIST LUTE
* Blythe *
*

STAOLISHED TRIN
AGENDA
February 10, 2026
Closed Session: 5:15 P.M.

Regular Meeting: 6:00 P.M.

MEETINGS ARE HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 235 NORTH BROADWAY, BLYTHE, CA Blythe CITY OF BLYTHE

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 10, 2026
Closed Session: 5:15pm
Regular Meeting: 6:00pm
Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
Johnny Rodriguez, Vice Mayor
Joseph Halby, III, Council Member
Samuel Burton, Council Membe
Summer Spraggins, Council Membe

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments will be allowed only on matters appearing on this Closed Session agenda. Speakers are asked to identify themselves by stating their name and address for the record. Comments shall be limited to 3 minutes in duration.

CLOSED SESSION:

1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1).

Title: Chief of Police.

NOTE TO THE PUBLIC:

In compliance with the Americans with Disability Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact City Clerk Mallory Crecelius at (760) 922-6161 ext. 1237. Notification 24 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.104 ADA Title II).

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, 235 N. Broadway, Blythe, California during normal business hours. In addition, such writings and documents will be posted on the City's website: www.cityofblythe.ca.gov.

Blythe CITY OF BLYTHE

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
February 10, 2026
6:00pm

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL
Mayor DeConinck Interim City Manager/City Clerk Crecelius Police Chief Dale Vice Mayor Rodriguez Fire Chief Hasle
Council Member Halby Cal ate al bender time Public Works Director Elegores ouncil Member Burto
ouncil Member Spraggin

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

INVOCATION
ADDED STARTER: The City Council may add an item to the Agenda after making a finding that there is a need to take immediate action on the item and that the item came to the attention of the City Council and/or staff subsequent to the posting of the Agenda. An action adding an item to the Agenda requires a 2/3 vote of the City Council (4 of 5 Council Members). If less than 2/3 of the City Council is present, adding an item to the Agenda requires a unanimous vote.

REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION:

PRESENTATION: (Items 1-2)

1. Recognition of Palo Verde Unified School District's Educators of the Year:

Shelley Hillman, Sylvia Hernandez, Lora Rodriguez, Gerardo Rios, Ronald Davidson, Angelina McCaslin, Maribel Rivas, Felipe Vasquez, Monique Sain, Kimberly Hafen and Timothy Rymer.

Presentation of Lifesaving Pin and Certificate to Police Officer Bobby Valdivia and Police Cadet Nadya Diaz.

CONSENT CALENDAR- (Items 3-12)
All matters listed under Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items prior to the time of voting on the motion unless members of the Council or staff request specific items be discussed and/or removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.

3. 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, February 6, 2026.

Approval of the Warrant Register.

Recommendation: Approve 2/10/26, warrants numbered 11390 through 11414 and 80597 through 80642 in the amount of $839,659.74; 2/10/26, Utility Billing Refund warrants numbered 80643 through 80654 in the amount of $1,679.88, and 2/10/26, warrants numbered 11415 through 11432 and 80655 through 80685 in the amount of $165,227.06.

5. Approval of the Payroll Register.

Recommendation: Approve 2/10/26, warrants numbered 55577 through 55578 in the amount of $662.55; 2/10/26, warrants numbered 55579 through 55594 and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 64207 through 64286 in the amount of $310,966.13; 2/10/26, warrants numbered 55595 through 55608 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 64287 through 64365 in the amount of $307,753.38 and 2/10/26, warrants numbered 55609 through 55620, and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 64366 through 64462 in the amount of $80,712.27.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this Agenda will be made available for Public inspection in the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, 235 N. Broadway, Blythe, California during normal business hours. In addition such writings and documents will be posted on the City's website: www.cityofblythe.ca.gov.

6. Minutes of the January 9, 2026 Special City Council Meeting.

Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the January 9, 2026 Special Meeting.

7. Minutes of the January 13, 2026 City Council Meeting.

Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the January 13, 2026 Meeting.

8. City of Blythe Permits Issued in the Month of January 2026 Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.

9. City of Blythe Fire Department Monthly Activity Report for January 2026.

Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.

10. City of Blythe Police Department Monthly Activity Report for January 2026.

Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.

11. Quality of Life Program Activity Report for January 2026.

Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.

12. 495 N. Main Street - Proposed Lien for Costs of Abatement.

Recommendation: Determine the proposed lien in the amount of $112,907.11 for the cost of abating the public nuisance at 495 N. Main Street become a lien against 495 N. Main Street and direct staff to record the lien.

PUBLIC HEARING: None
CONTINUED BUSINESS: (Item 13)

13. Palo Verde Hospital Ad Hoc Committee Update.

Recommendation: Receive and file a report from the Hospital Ad Hoc Committee.

NEW BUSINESS: (Items 14-16)

14. Report on Emergency Action Taken by Interim City Manager for the Emergency Repairs to the Sinkhole, Sewer Main and Manholes Near 900 N. Broadway.

Recommendation: Council review the emergency action taken by the Interim City Manager for the emergency sinkhole, sewer main and manhole repairs near 900 N.

Broadway and by a 4/5 vote, determine there is a need to continue the emergency repairs.

15. Preparation of an Ordinance Relating to the Regulation of the Sale and Distribution of Kratom Products in the City of Blythe.

Recommendation: Provide direction to staff on the preparation of an ordinance to regulate the sale and distribution of kratom products in the City of Blythe.

16. Non-Health Hazard Secondary Contaminants, Hardness and Total Dissolved Solids for City of Blythe's Drinking Water per Secondary Drinking Water Standards.

Recommendation: Continue to require commercial water users to implement and manage the necessary water supply and wastewater treatment solutions.

ORAL REPORT: (Staff members may make a brief announcement or report on department activities.)
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this Agenda will be made available for Public inspection in the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, 235 N. Broadway, Blythe, California during normal business hours. In addition such writinas and documents will be posted on the City's website: www.cityofblythe.ca.gov.

MEMBER COMMENT: (Council may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, make a brief report on his/her own activities, request staff to report back at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda.) PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments will be allowed on matters not appearing on the agenda, but within Council/Blythe Successor Agency jurisdiction. Speakers are asked to identify themselves by stating their name and address for the record. Comments shall be limited to 3 minutes in duration.

The City Council cannot take action on items not listed on the Agenda. Council Members will not enter discussion with speakers; but may refer the matter to staff for report and recommendation at a future meeting.

ADJOURNMENT: The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 235 N. Broadway, Blythe, California.

NOTE TO THE PUBLIC: In compliance with the Americans with Disability Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact 504/ADA Coordinator Mallory Crecellus at (760) 922-6161 EXT. 1237 or by email at [email protected]. Notitication 12 business hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.104 ADA Title II).

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this Agenda will be made available for Public inspection in the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, 235 N. Broadway, Blythe, California during normal business hours. In additior such writings and documents will be posted on the City's website: www.cityofblythe.ca.gov.

PRESENTATION

CONSENT

CALENDAR
chlist Voucher List Page:
01/27/2026 2:57:03PM City of Blythe
Bank code : ap-dir
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO# Description/Account Amount 11390 1/13/2026 005996 DE LAGE LANDEN FINANCIAL SVCS 593312804 025226 EQUIPMENT LEASE/MAINTENANCE 366.78 593744698 025226 EQUIPMENT LEASE/MAINTENANCE 342.92
Total : 709.70
11391 1/13/2026 005996 DE LAGE LANDEN FINANCIAL SVCS 593312546 025225 EQUIPMENT LEASE/MAINTENANCE 649.19 593744181 025225 EQUIPMENT LEASE/MAINTENANCE 607.20
Total : 1,256.39
11392 1/13/2026 000247 SOCALGAS 06912600076 025232 NATURAL GAS 11/24-12/23/2025 1.17 Total : 1.17
11393 1/13/2026 000247 SOCALGAS 16017775541 025232 NATURAL GAS 11/24-12/23/2025 17.68 Total : 17.68
11394 1/13/2026 000247 SOCALGAS 11185732804 025232 NATURAL GAS 12/8/2025-1/8/2026 59.74 Total : 59.74
13422599004 025232 NATURAL GAS 11/24-12/23/2025 217.60
11395 1/13/2026 000247 SOCALGAS
Total : 217.60
1/13/2026 000247 SOCALGAS 07632638008 025232 NATURAL GAS 12/5/2025-1/8/2026 410.69 11396 410.69
Total:
1/13/2026 000283 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON CO 700269539301 025233 ELECTRICITY 1/1/2025-1/2/2026 1,001.12 11397 1,001.12
Total :
1/22/2026 003217 SWRCB ACCOUNTING OFFICE WD-0309910 025209 ANNUAL PERMIT FEES 7/1/25-6/30/: 3,945.00 11398
Total : 3 945.00
11399 1/22/2026 003217 SWRCB ACCOUNTING OFFICE WD-0309863 025209 ANNUAL PERMIT FEES 7/1/25-6/30/ 28,205.00 Total : 28,205.00
11400 1/27/2026 002768 AIRWAVE BROADBAND WIRELESS 116721 025196 BUSINESS PHONE SERVICE 2/1-3/ 121.60 Total : 121.60
11401 1/27/2026 005998 CA BLDG STANDARDS COMMISSION 123125 SB1473 GREEN FEES (COUNTY) 8.00 Page:
vchlist Voucher List Page:
01/27/2026 2:57:03PM City of Blythe
Bank code :ap-dir
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO# Description/Account Amount 11401 1/27/2026 005998 005998 CA BLDG STANDARDS COMMISSIOI (Continued) Total: 8.00 11402 1/27/2026 005998 CA BLDG STANDARDS COMMISSION 123125 SB1473 GREEN FEES 143.10 Total: 143.10
1/27/2026 004804 CITY OF BLYTHE DEC 2025 AMOUNT BILLED TO CUSTOMERS 33,444.00 11403 33,444.00
Total :
11404 1/27/2026 000646 COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE IN1074655 025198 ACCOUNT #AR0111046 - FACILITY / 140.00 Total : 140.00
11405 1/27/2026 000150 INLAND BUILDERS SUPPLY INC H92513 024945 PARTS/SUPPLIES 42.99 H93268 024947 PARTS/SUPPLIES 107.68
110841 025168 PARTS/SUPPLIES 58.13
112080 025125 PARTS/SUPPLIES 152.24
112676 025140 PARTS/SUPPLIES 162.85
122702 025183 PARTS/SUPPLIES 104.18
122914 025181 PARTS/SUPPLIES 304.49
V28921 025066 PARTS/SUPPLIES 15.31
V30233 025064 PARTS/SUPPLIES 14.67
V32072 025145 PARTS/SUPPLIES 25.41
V32321 025152 PARTS/SUPPLIES 47.83
V34984 025191 PARTS/SUPPLIES 17.61
V34996 025191 PARTS/SUPPLIES 4.79
V35082 025182 PARTS/SUPPLIES 185.49
025182
Total : 1,243.67
11406 1/27/2026 003150 PITNEY BOWES 3107601821 025230 TERM RENTAL 11/2/2025-2/1/2026 1,760.71 Total : 1,760.71
11407 1/27/2026 003439 SHELL 109866809 025231 FUEL 12/6/2025-1/6/2026 47.29 Total: 47.29
11408 1/27/2026 000241 SMART & FINAL IRIS CORP 430510012301 023975 SUPPLIES 222.59 430510037501 023975 SUPPLIES 99.93
430510047501 023975 SUPPLIES 76.01
430510098501 023975 SUPPLIES 319.00
Page:
vchlist Voucher List Page:
01/27/2026 2:57:03PM City of Blythe
Bank code: ap-dir
Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount
Voucher Date
11408 1/27/2026 000241 SMART & FINAL IRIS CORP (Continued) 430510111601 023975 SUPPLIES 357.16
Total : 1,074.69
11409 1/27/2026 000323 STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION 023-300030 025212 USE TAX 12/2025 387.00 Total : 387.00
1/27/2026 000266 UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT/SC 1220250085 025179 DIG ALERT TICKETS 12/2025 114.00 11410 Total: 114.00
5831129520 025203 UNIFORM SERVICE/MATS & TOWEI 402.77
11411 1/27/2026 006873 VESTIS
5881135638 025203 UNIFORM SERVICE/MATS & TOWEI 402.77
Total : 805.54
2/1/2026 005923 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' 000018183147 HEALTH PREMIUMS 2/1-2/28/2026 4,287.72 11412 Total : 4,287.72
11413 2/1/2026 005923 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' 000018183145 HEALTH PREMIUMS 2/1-2/28/2026 128,530.72 Total : 128.530.72
2/1/2026 006924 SUN LIFE 923380-0002 PREMIUM/FEES 2/1-2/28/2026 6,143.73 11414 Total : 6,143.73
ap-dir Bank total : 214,075.86
25 Vouchers for bank code :

Page:
vchlist Voucher List Page:
01/27/2026 2:57:03PM City of Blythe
Bank code: union
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 80597 1/12/2026 008648 PALO VERDE HEALTHCARE DISTRICT 2026-002A 025159 LOAN AGREEMENT 330,000.00 Total : 330,000.00
80598 1/22/2026 002392 US BANK 3116989 DEBT SERVICE 17,737.50 Total : 17,737.50
80599 1/27/2026 008636 ALANIZ, CADE 012725 025184 SOCCER OFFICIAL 227.50 Total : 227.50
1/27/2026 006366 ALARM PROTECTION SERVICES 064195 025206 SECURITY ALARM MONITORING 1/: 173.85 80600 Total : 173.85
80601 1/27/2026 006216 ALTEC INDUSTRIES, INC 51761948 025208 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 4,136.50 Total : 4,136.50
80602 1/27/2026 007560 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC 1F11TDHVXQWQ 025193 PARTS/SUPPLIES 73.27 IKRYRCKGV 024647 PARTS/SUPPLIES 505.05
1K7L3M7667X9 025130 PARTS/SUPPLIES 247.98
1KKXPGFFP366 025150 PARTS/SUPPLIES 357.78
1L9NR11WGKT6 025146 PARTS/SUPPLIES 78.12
1LT3T74DQ6W7 025135 PARTS/SUPPLIES 24.95
1YNKYDMNQVF9 025049 PARTS/SUPPLIES 977.35
1YYCVM4XQRK9 024948 PARTS/SUPPLIES 352.05
Total : 2,616.55
1/27/2026 008658 BLYTHE FORD 5033391 025073 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES 272.70 80603 Total : 272.70
80604 1/27/2026 008525 BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSON LLP 358483 025224 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 108.00 Total : 108.00
1/27/2026 000048 BURTRONICS BUSINESS SYSTEMS AR124616 025197 CONTRACT CN10665-01 1/6-2/5/202 67.87 80605
Total : 67.87
80606 1/27/2026 005584 CALCLEAN INC CP0019-62 025190 HYDROCARBON CLEANUP/PLUME 29,097.00 Total : 29,097.00
80607 1/27/2026 000896 CITY OF BLYTHE 123125 GOVERNMENT RETAINER - SB1473 15.90 Page:
vchlist Voucher List Page:
01/27/2026 2:57:03PM City of Blythe
Bank code : union
Date Vendor Invoice PO# Description/Account Amount
Voucher
80607 1/27/2026 000896 CITY OF BLYTHE (Continued)
123125 GOVERNMENT RETAINER - STRON 28.84
B2509-022 ADMINISTRATIVE FEE 120.00
Total: 164.74
1/27/2026 000080 COSME'S PROPANE 000916 025108 PROPANE 107.66 80608 Total : 107.66
DEC 2025 025139 FRANCHISE CONTRACT 12/2025 119,654.59
80609 1/27/2026 005603 CR&R INCORPORATED
Total : 119,654.59
1/27/2026 000084 D & LAUTO PARTS INC 223869 024952 PARTS/SUPPLIES 105.30 80610 65.73
224238 025089 PARTS/SUPPLIES
224554 025167 PARTS/SUPPLIES 546.63
224674 025161 PARTS/SUPPLIES 94.34
224756 025194 PARTS/SUPPLIES 141.18
Total : 953.18
1/27/2026 005997 DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION 123125 STRONG MOTION FEES 547.90 80611 123125 STRONG MOTION FEES (COUNTY) 19.22
Total: 567.12
1/27/2026 002173 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 008021 025136 BLOOD ALCOHOL ANALYSIS 10/202 105.00 80612 Total: 105.00
3006995 PLAN CHECK SERVICES 12/2025 800.00
80613 1/27/2026 000547 ESGIL, LLC Total : 800.00
80614 1/27/2026 003447 EXTREME AUTO BODY & CUSTOMS 9497 025156 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 1,782.62 9498 025158 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 427.69
Total : 2,210.31
80615 1/27/2026 007985 FIGUEROA, ALICIA 012726 025185 SOCCER OFFICIAL 346.50 Total : 346.50
80616 1/27/2026 006127 FLORES, ROBERTO 123025 025199 REIMBURSEMENT 300.00 Total: 300.00
Page:
vchlist Voucher List Page:
01/27/2026 2:57:03PM City of Blythe
Bank code: union
Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount
Voucher
80617 1/27/2026 008627 GARON WYATT INVESTIGATIVE 26-03 025227 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 1,469.00 Total: 1,469.00
80618 1/27/2026 000318 GLENN JOHNSON COOLING/HEATING 039178 025200 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 140.01 Total: 140.01
80619 1/27/2026 008632 GOMEZ, KEVIN 012726 025186 SOCCER OFFICIAL 445.50 Total: 445.50
80620 1/27/2026 000869 GRAINGER 9761133611 025075 PARTS/SUPPLIES 371.89 9771061125 025155 PARTS/SUPPLIES 54.68
Total: 426.57
1/27/2026 004732 INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROLS LL 51874 024540 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 1,840.00 80621
Total: 1,840.00
80622 1/27/2026 008634 JONATHAN DINCO ELECTRIC 20260002 025174 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 120.00 Total : 120.00
80623 1/27/2026 002150 JONES MAYER DEC 2025 025228 LEGAL SERVICES 12/2025 18,492.82 Total : 18,492.82
1/27/2026 000158 JORDAN IMPLEMENT CO P52771 025162 PARTS/SUPPLIES 97.32 80624 Total : 97.32
80625 1/27/2026 003377 KIMBALL-MIDWEST 104014792 024955 PARTS/SUPPLIES 1,218.51 104055188 025175 PARTS/SUPPLIES 940.23
104096478 025173 PARTS/SUPPLIES 882.32
Total : 3,041.06
80626 1/27/2026 005295 KONICA MINOLTA 504958771 024705 MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT 254.20 505185188 024705 EQUIPMENT 9,652.62
Total: 9,906.82
80627 1/27/2026 008407 LOPEZ, JACOB 012026 025201 REIMBURSEMENT 164.43 Total: 164.43
80628 1/27/2026 002871 NELSON, JON KEVIN DEC 2025 025229 INSPECTION SERVICES 12/2025 5,610.00 Page:
-
vchlist Voucher List Page:
01/27/2026 2:57:03PM City of Blythe
Bank code : union
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO# Description/Account Amount 80628 1/27/2026 002871 002871 NELSON, JON KEVIN (Continued) Total: 5,610.00 80629 1/27/2026 001675 NRO ENGINEERING 01-26-017 025176 PLAN CHECK SERVICES - IRON FIT 2,625.00 Total: 2,625.00
80630 1/27/2026 008544 PONTON INDUSTRIES INC 32225 024076 PARTS/SUPPLIES 654.96 Total : 654.96
80631 1/27/2026 000315 RDO EQUIPMENT CO P3324742 024824 PARTS/SUPPLIES 270.73 W2646842 024846 PARTS/SUPPLIES 3,612.84
Total: 3,883.57
80632 1/27/2026 007523 REVEAL MEDIA USA, INC 1542 024101 SUPPLIES 431.73 Total : 431.73
80633 1/27/2026 004728 ROSERUSH SERVICES, LLC 2026-1-92225 025172 SOFTWARE/TECHNICAL SUPPORT 395.00 Total : 395.00
1/27/2026 001790 SIGNS UNLIMITED 5441 025137 DECALS 507.50 80634
5442 025137 DECALS 108.75
Total: 616.25
1/27/2026 001136 STANDAGE TIRE & AUTOMOTIVE 1-31788 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 818.30 80635 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES: 1,486.03
1-31894 025202
1-31945 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES: 276.41
1-32010 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES, 510.15
1-32014 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES: 25.00
1-32021 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 105.04
1-32028 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES, 1,479.78
1-32029 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 1,982.36
1-32034 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES: 301.51
1-32096 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES: 130.04
1-32209 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 193.68
1-32232 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 361.42
1-32244 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES, 77.37
1-32306 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES: 389.51
1-32347 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES: 124.80
1-32366 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES, 25.00
Page:
vchlist Voucher List Page:
01/27/2026 2:57:03PM City of Blythe
Bank code: union
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO# Description/Account Amount 80635 1/27/2026 001136 STANDAGE TIRE & AUTOMOTIVE (Continued) 1-32370 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES, 25.00
1-32386 025202 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 2,643.14
Total : 10,954.54
80636 1/27/2026 002783 THATCHER COMPANY 2025400106086 025177 CHEMICALS 22,704.00 2026400100079 025178 CHEMICALS 16,243.63
Total : 38,947.63
80637 1/27/2026 007969 TRINITY ALTERNATIVE POWER 2284 024483 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 7,910.00 Total : 7,910.00
80638 1/27/2026 008069 TRIPEPI SMITH & ASSOCIATES INC 16365 025187 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 3,545.00 Total: 3,545.00
80639 1/27/2026 007841 TRIPLE H PARTS SUPPLY, INC 224346 025126 PARTS/SUPPLIES 364.42 536211 025100 PARTS/SUPPLIES 304.11
536263 025138 PARTS/SUPPLIES 136.05
536402 025157 PARTS/SUPPLIES 123.98
Total : 928.56
80640 1/27/2026 003324 ULINE 198731509 024506 PARTS/SUPPLIES 1,815.45 Total: 1,815.45
80641 1/27/2026 000991 USA BLUEBOOK INV00870193 024695 PARTS/SUPPLIES 964.09 Total : 964.09
80642 1/27/2026 008629 VACA, BRYAN 012726 025188 SOCCER OFFICIAL 512.00 Total : 512.00
46 Vouchers for bank code: union Bank total : 625,583.88 71 Vouchers in this report Total vouchers: 839,659.74
Page:
vchlist Voucher List Page:
01/27/2026 2:57:03PM City of Blythe
Bank code : union
Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount
Voucher Date

CLAIMS VOUCHER APPROVAL
I hereby certify that warrants numbered 11390-11414 and 80597-80642 in the amount of $839,659.74 have been
reviewed for payment by the Director of Finance. I further certify Councilmembers of the City of Blythe, CA approved said warrants at the meeting of February 10, 2026.

Chist Eles
Christa Elms
Director of Finance
Page:
vchlist Voucher List Page:
01/27/2026 3:36:21PM City of Blythe
Bank code: union
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO# Description/Account Amount 80643 1/27/2026 008654 CIHAK, DALE Ref000225207 UB Refund Cst #027783 122.30 Total : 122.30
80644 1/27/2026 008649 CRCA Ref000225199 UB Refund Cst #015426 235.61 Total : 235.61
80645 1/27/2026 007847 CURIEL, FELIPE Re 000225209 UB Refund Cst #028057 111.76 Total: 111.76
80646 1/27/2026 008653 FIELDS, BRIDGET Re 000225206 UB Refund Cst #027730 107.31 Total : 107.31
80647 1/27/2026 008642 GEHLERT, LYLE Ref000225203 UB Refund Cst #027281 44.19 Total : 44.19
80648 1/27/2026 008656 LACEY, DANA Ref000225210 UB Refund Cst #028182 133.73 Total : 133.73
80649 1/27/2026 007993 MT CONSTRUCTION Ref000225201 UB Refund Cst #026424 145.74 Total : 145.74
80650 1/27/2026 008655 PEDROZA, FRANCISCA Ref000225208 UB Refund Cst #027855 111.61 Total: 111.61
1/27/2026 008650 RIVAS, LIZETTE Ref000225202 UB Refund Cst #027045 34.48 80651
Total: 34.48
80652 1/27/2026 008651 ROBINSON, SHANICA Ref000225204 UB Refund Cst #027326 163.26 Total : 163.26
80653 1/27/2026 005046 TORRES, RAMON Ref000225200 UB Refund Cst #022255 338.27 Total : 338.27
80654 1/27/2026 008652 VAN, DENNIS Re 000225205 UB Refund Cst #027706 131.62 Total: 131.62
12 Vouchers for bank code: union Bank total : 1,679.88
Page:
vchlist Voucher List Page:
01/27/2026 3:36:21PM City of Blythe
Bank code : union
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 12 Vouchers in this report Total vouchers : 1,679.88

CLAIMS VOUCHER APPROVAL
I hereby certify that the Utility Billing Refund warrants numbered 80643-80654 in the amount of $1,679.88 have been reviewed for payment by the Director of Finance. I further certify that the Councilmembers of the City of Blythe, CA approved said warrants at the meeting of February 10, 2026.

Chiest - Elus
Christa Elms
Director of Finance
Page:
vchlist Voucher List Page:
02/04/2026 9:11:22AM City of Blythe
Bank code : ap-dir
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 11415 213/2026 000064 EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPT L1156241712 EMPLOYMENT TAX 1,547.00 Total: 1,547.00
11416 213/2026 000150 INLAND BUILDERS SUPPLY INC 240521 025277 FINANCE CHARGE 118.43 G90179 024028 PARTS/SUPPLIES 74.65
H01840 024156 PARTS/SUPPLIES 492.36
H15218 025256 PARTS/SUPPLIES 68.48
H15592 025257 PARTS/SUPPLIES 163.04
H18859 024336 PARTS/SUPPLIES 41.04
H23440 024371 PARTS/SUPPLIES 39.11
H36892 025260 PARTS/SUPPLIES 54.32
H43173 024564 PARTS/SUPPLIES 183.39
H43408 024564 PARTS/SUPPLIES 258.27
H54505 025277 PARTS/SUPPLIES 543.73
H63397 024734 PARTS/SUPPLIES 53.23
H75812 024819 PARTS/SUPPLIES 65.48
H76591 024828 PARTS/SUPPLIES 38.27
H88477 025245 PARTS/SUPPLIES 26.01
H91841 025277 PARTS/SUPPLIES 326.23
H93203 025245 PARTS/SUPPLIES 164.79
H97760 024931 PARTS/SUPPLIES [CREDIT RETURN] -81.53
125441 025215 PARTS/SUPPLIES 19.03
VO1228 025255 PARTS/SUPPLIES 32.57
VO3784 025258 PARTS/SUPPLIES 63.00
VO5748 025259 PARTS/SUPPLIES 19.34
V09808 024564 PARTS/SUPPLIES 568.25
V25342 025277 PARTS/SUPPLIES 595.98
V26679 024931 PARTS/SUPPLIES 171.76
Total: 4,099.23
11417 2/3/2026 000213 QUILL LLC 47303358 025151 SUPPLIES 41.31 47314969 025151 SUPPLIES 439.81
47315342 025154 SUPPLIES 117.43
47531492 025218 SUPPLIES 51.10
Total: 649.65
Page:

Voucher List Page:
vchlist
02/04/2026 9:11:22AM City of Blythe
Bank code : ap-dir
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO# Description/Account Amount 11418 2/3/2026 000241 SMART & FINAL IRIS CORP 430510090501 023975 SUPPLIES 282.19 Total : 282.19
11419 2/3/2026 000247 SOCALGAS 06912600076 025291 NATURAL GAS 12/23/2025-1/23/2026 26.85 Total : 26.85
11420 213/2026 000247 SOCALGAS 16242635007 025291 NATURAL GAS 1212312025-1/23/2026 31.45 16242635007 025291 NATURAL GAS 11/24-12/23/2025 -3.30
025291
Total : 28.15
11421 2/3/2026 000247 SOCALGAS 16017775541 025291 NATURAL GAS 12/23/2025-1/23/2026 100.73 Total : 100.73
11422 2/3/2026 000247 SOCALGAS 13422599004 025291 NATURAL GAS 12/23/2025-1/23/2026 306.26 Total : 306.26
11423 2/3/2026 000283 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON CO 700240317342 025292 ELECTRICITY 1/1-1/31/2026 59.87 Total : 59.87
2/3/2026 000283 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON CO 700475898313 025293 ELECTRICITY 12/23/2025-1/22/2026 123.75 11424 123.75
Total :
2/3/2026 000283 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON CO 700350166610 025294 ELECTRICITY 12/29/2025-1/27/2026 7,134.68 11425 Total : 7,134.68
000283 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON CO 700350079007 025295 ELECTRICITY 12/29/2025-1/27/2026 10,016.89 11426 2/3/2026 10,016.89
Total :
11427 2/3/2026 000283 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON CO 700466637136 025296 ELECTRICITY 1/1-1/31/2026 16,259.91 Total : 16,259.91
2/3/2026 000283 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON CO 600001510681 025297 ELECTRICITY 11/26-12/28/2025 40,938.83 11428
Total: 40,938.83
11429 213/2026 004501 US BANK CORP DEC 2025 025302 CREDIT CARD CHARGES 12/2025 4,096.53 Total : 4,096.53
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vchlist Voucher List Page:
02/04/2026 9:11:22AM City of Blythe
Bank code : ap-dir
Invoice PO# Description/Account Amount
Voucher Date Vendor
11430 2/3/2026 003035 VERIZON WIRELESS 6133500432 025299 WIRELESS SERVICE 12/14/2025-1/13/20 196.14 Total : 196.14
003035 VERIZON WIRELESS 61:33500433 025300 WIRELESS SERVICE 12/14/2025-1/13/2 230.22 11431 2/3/2026
Total : 230.22
2/3/2026 003035 VERIZON WIRELESS 6133500431 025301 WIRELESS SERVICE 12/14-1/13/2026 760.74 11432
Total : 760.74
Bank total : 86,857.62
18 Vouchers for bank code : ap-dir
Page:

Voucher List Page:
vchlist
02/04/2026 9:11:22AM City of Blythe
Bank code : union
Invoice PO# Description/Account Amount
Voucher Date Vendor
214/2026 007712 DALE, GARTH 020226 025275 PER AGREEMENT 6,000.00 80655 Total: 6,000.00
214/2026 008527 MANNING, TERESITA 020826 025246 TRAVEL - PER DIEM 2/8-2/13/2026 245.00 80656 Total : 245.00
2/4/2026 008608 THOMPSON, JONATHAN 020826 025247 TRAVEL - PER DIEM 2/8-2/13/2026 245.00 80657 Total : 245.00
2/10/2026 007560 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, INC 1F1XWQ4JFGJP 025242 PARTS/SUPPLIES 206.63 80658 Total : 206.63
2/10/2026 000667 CITY OF BLYTHE JAN 2026 025266 UTILITY SERVICES/CITY FACILITIES 1/2 4,591.52 80659
Total: 4,591.52
2/10/2026 003841 CIVICPLUS LLC 351515 025006 ONLINE CODE HOSTING 1,207.50 80660 Total: 1,207.50
2/10/2026 002331 COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE PE:0000003187 025267 PSEC AGREEMENT 12/1-12/31/2025 11,080.16 80661 Total : 11,080.16
2/10/2026 005421 COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE PU0000006234 025268 FLEET SERVICES 12/1-12/31/2025 11,383.45 80662 Total : 11,383.45
000164227 024002 DISPOSAL SERVICES 1/1-1/31/2025 385.05 80663 2/10/2026 005603 CR&R INCORPORATED 385.05
Total :
2/10/2026 000037 CULLIGAN SOFT WATER SERVICE 0647046 023896 WATER SERVICE 1/24-2/20/2026 75.63 80664 Total: 75.63
2/10/2026 000084 D & LAUTO PARTS INC 224239 025089 PARTS/SUPPLIES 3.41 80665 Total : 3.41
2/10/2026 002791 FISHER WIRELESS SERVICES INC 236008 025269 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 127.50 80666
Total: 127.50
80667 2/10/2026 005213 FRONTIER 11712026 025270 COMMUNICATIONS 1/7-2/6/2026 120.76 7609219791 025270 COMMUNICATIONS 121712025-1/6/2026 120.51 Page:

Voucher List Page:
vchlist
02/04/2026 9:11:22AM City of Blythe
Bank code : union
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO# Description/Account Amount 80667 2/10/2026 005213 FRONTIER (Continued)
7609223545 025271 COMMUNICATIONS 1/13-2/12/2026 141.26
7609229375 025272 COMMUNICATIONS 1/13-2/12/2026 158.12
9091590013 025011 COMMUNICATIONS 1/7-216/2026 6,553.91
9091590039 025273 COMMUNICATIONS 1/7-2/6/2026 586.41
9091590042 025274 COMMUNICATIONS 1/1-1/31/2026 3,269.55 Total : 10,950.52
2/10/2026 005978 FULTON DISTRIBUTING - SO CAL 686021 025253 SUPPLIES 577.06 80668 SUPPLIES 407.86
691729 025254
Total: 984.92
2/10/2026 005295 KONICA MINOLTA 505514130 025279 MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT 11/19-11/3 101.86 80669 025279 MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT 12/1-12/3 254.65
506056470
Total : 356.51
2/10/2026 005295 KONICA MINOLTA 9010727539 025278 MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT 12/1-12/3• 1,697.27 80670 Total : 1,697.27
2/10/2026 000166 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 2885 025281 MEMBERSHIP DUES - COUNTY DIVISIC 300.00 80671 Total : 300.00
2/10/2026 000166 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 45290-HON4S6 025280 MEMBERSHIP DUES - CY2026 8,237.00 80672 Total: 8,237.00
101611862 025282 INTERNET SERVICE 1/1-1/31/2026 650.00
80673 2/10/2026 008201 OPTIMUM
Total: 650.00
2/10/2026 008201 OPTIMUM 0771510132602 025284 INTERNET SERVICE 1/4-213/2026 206.32 80674 206.32
0771510132602 025284 INTERNET SERVICE 1/4-3/3/2026
025284
0771549180002 025283 COMMUNICATIONS 1/2-2/1/2026 267.29 0771549180002 025283 COMMUNICATIONS 2/2-3/1/2026 268.13 025283
Total: 948.06
80675 2/10/2026 008029 PALO VERDE PLUMBING CO 1870 025285 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 324.50 1931 025220 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 133.79
Page:
vchlist Voucher List Page:
02/04/2026 9:11:22AM City of Blythe
Bank code: union
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 2/10/2026 008029 008029 PALO VERDE PLUMBING CO (Continued) Total: 458.29 80675
80676 2/10/2026 000201 PALO VERDE VALLEY TIMES INC 012638816 025286 PUBLICATIONS 1/1-1/31/2026 2,424.38 112538816 025286 PUBLICATIONS 11/1-11/30/2025 2,374.50
Total : 4,798.88
80677 2/10/2026 005009 PARKER OIL PRODUCTS, INC 145275 025171 DIESEL FUEL 2,458.46 148440 025171 DIESEL FUEL 950.69
247789 025171 DIESEL FUEL 1,721.45
Total : 5,130.60
80678 2/10/2026 000039 PETTY CASH 012726 025287 QUALITY OF LIFE OUTREACH PROGRA 572.63 Total: 572.63
80679 2/10/2026 001487 PITNEY BOWES BANK, INC 18696948 025288 POSTAGE 1/1-1/31/2026 4,372.26 Total : 4,372.26
80680 2/10/2026 005981 ROAD RUNNER SUPPLY, LLC 174515 025143 SUPPLIES 275.94 Total: 275.94
80681 2/10/2026 003606 RODRIGUEZ, GUSTAVO 144 024252 WATER TREATMENT SERVICES 1/2026 2,000.00 Total : 2,000.00
2/10/2026 006511 SHAWN COPELAND ELECTRIC 2903 025289 REPAIR/MAINTENANCE SERVICES 243.75 80682 Total: 243.75
80683 2/10/2026 001790 SIGNS UNLIMITED 5440 025290 DECALS 616.25 Total : 616.25
80684 2/10/2026 008660 TELLEZ, AARON 021026 025263 SOCCER OFFICIAL 66.00 Total : 66.00
80685 2/10/2026 007841 TRIPLE H PARTS SUPPLY, INC 536115 024271 PARTS/SUPPLIES 192.50 9022025 024271 PARTS/SUPPLIES [ON ACCOUNT] -32.79
Total: 159.71
31 Vouchers for bank code : union Bank total: 78,369.44 Page:
vchlist Voucher List Page:
02/04/2026 9:11:22AM City of Blythe
Bank code : union
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO# Description/Account Amount Vouchers in this report Total vouchers : 165,227.06

CLAIMS VOUCHER APPROVAL
I hereby certify that warrants numbered 11415-11432 and B0655-80685 in the amount of $165,227.08 have been
reviewed for payment by the Director of Finance. I further certify Councilmembers of the City of Blythe, CA approved said warrants at the meeting of February 10, 2026.

Most Chato
Christa Elms
Director of Finance
Page:

CITY OF BLYTHE

PAYROLL LISTING
Pay period 01/09/2026 to 01/09/2026
Payday 01/09/2026
I hereby certify that payroll warrants numbered 55577 to 55578 in the amount of $662.55 have been reviewed for payment by the Director of Finance. I further certify that Councilmembers of the City of Blythe, CA approved said warrants at the meeting of February 10ª, 2026.

Chist Els
Director of Finance

CITY OF BLYTHE

PAYROLL LISTING
Pay period 12/19/2025 to 01/01/2026
Payday 01/09/2026
I hereby certify that payroll warrants numbered 55579 to 55594, and direct deposits warrants Director of one it it erin tat Countie a he City or Bethe CA aproyed said warrants at the meeting of February 10", 2026.

Chust Clus
Director of Finance

CITY OF BLYTHE

PAYROLL LISTING
Pay period 01/02/2026 to 01/15/2026
Payday 01/23/2026
I hereby certify that payroll warrants numbered 55595 to 55608, and direct deposits warrants numbered 64287 to 64365 in the amount of $307,753.38 have been reviewed for payment by the Director of Finance. I further certify that Councilmembers of the City of Blythe, CA approved said warrants at the meeting of February 10th, 2026.

Chest Elus
Director of Finance

CITY OF BLYTHE

PAYROLL LISTING
Pay period 01/01/2026 to 01/31/2026
Payday 02/05/2026
I hereby certify that payroll warrants numbered 55609 to 55620, and direct deposits warrants numbered 64366 to 64462 in the amount of $80,712.27 have been reviewed for payment by the Director of Finance. I further certify that Councilmembers of the City of Blythe, CA approved said warrants at the meeting of February 10, 2026.

Christa Eles
Director of Finance
Minutes of the Blythe City Council Special Meeting
January 9, 2026
The January 9, 2026, 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 Treasurer and Finance Director Christa Elms and Acting Police Chief Walnoha. City Attorney Roberto participated via teleconference.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor DeConinck.

The Invocation was led by Council Member Burton.

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, January 8, 2026.

2. Authorization of an Emergency Bridge Loan to Palo Verde Healthcare District.

Interim City Manager Crecelius stated things are changing rapidly and have slightly changed since the Agenda was posted yesterday. I believe it was about a year ago that we started receiving distressing reports from community members about the dire financial situation with the Palo Verde Healthcare District. After several of you started attending District Board Meetings the City In May, reached out to LAFCO requesting to dissolve the Palo Verde Healthcare District due to our concerns about their financial viability. In September, LAFCO directed staff that they would vote to dissolve the Board once the County had identified a successor agency. The County quickly put together a team that was on the ground trying to work with the hospital, providing supplies, establishing relationships with partner agencies, and assisting with medical billing. In the interim it had been operating on days of cash on hand that continually fluctuated. We have been under this looming threat that one day they were going to run out of cash, and the doors were going to close. As a City, and as the Hospital is a Special District, our hands are tied in what we can do. You are elected to oversee the City as the District Board is elected to manage the hospital. We've been working with our Lobbyist, our County partners, and State partners doing anything we can to assist. In November there were some critical dates and critical things that needed to happen for the hospital. By Wednesday, Thanksgiving week, the District needed to pay $3.8 million to participate in the IGT program. By doing so, around January of this year, they would receive a return of almost $9 million in critical funding needed to continue operations. I understand that they reached out to the County for a loan. The State told them the County could not make a loan for those purposes. After that, they went to a third party for a loan and made the IGT payment with the loan proceeds. It is my understanding the District had done something similar in the past with a local line of credit, and everything was fine. This week we started hearing that maybe those funds weren't coming, and that there were issues at the State level with them being able to use the loan to make that IGT payment. The City had -1
a call with the Conty on Wednesday, and that is when we decided to call today's Special Meeting to discuss a potential bridge loan for the hospital. They had an emergency meeting scheduled for this week. They did not have a quorum, and it was postponed to this evening at 5:00pm. The Agenda consisted of closure of the hospital by Saturday if they did not receive $2 million. It's unclear where the $2 million figure came from.

Based on the County's information, their burn rate or what they need to operate for a week is $330,000. That is where we derived the loan amount to give everyone some breathing room to work this out. Since the Agenda was posted we have learned that the State has denied their loan payment. That $9 million payment they were expecting to receive this January is probably not coming. We are still working with our Lobbyist who is working with the Governor's Office. There was also a request made to our Federal partners as some of the rules and regulations come from the Federal Government and not necessarily the State. There is work to be done on that participation. In the interim we cannot have the doors close. Once it closes, the licensing is in jeopardy. The hospital would need to re-open to today's standards. It would be impossible with the current state of that facility. Staff recommends that you loan the hospital some bridge emergency funding. Staff needs direction on the terms of that loan agreement such as the interest rate. Currently the agreement has a 3% interest rate after a six-month grace period for repayment. This was drafted with the information that shortly they would receive that IGT payment. So we would basically loan them the money for a week, they would get their IGT payment, repay the loan and everyone would go on their way. We need direction on a repayment schedule. Do you want a final hard repayment schedule? As proposed, the loan has a final payment date of June 10, 2028. There are some strings with this money. Nobody is standing in line to offer the District any money. They have asked and been told no. Frankly; nobody has any trust that the money will be spent appropriately or be used in a fashion to correct the structural deficit at the hospital and put it on a path toward financial success. The County has been amazing since LAFCO put them on the spot to find a successor agency. They have been standing, willing, able and ready to assist. But they don't have all the access they need. To start on the path of rebuilding the community's faith and trust in our local healthcare system. Staff is recommending that this money be contingent upon the District Board authorizing the County to step in as the day-to-day management and operator of this hospital and if it's not the county, then a successor agency who has been vetted and approved by the County.

Mayor DeConinck asked if receiving the IGT payment was a done deal. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated it's a done deal unless there are concessions made at the State or Federal level to approve them using Loan funds for the program.

Council Member Halby asked about the formation of the Board if the County stepped in.

Interim City Manager Crecelius stated this would be day-to-day management. We are not talking about Board make up. They do have two seats that need to be filled so that they can make decisions and take action to help keep the hospital open. This would basically be the CEO, CFO, CNO, the high-level management of the organization. The County has expertise, they have a health system with staff who are more than capable of running a hospital, doing medical billing, and sharing resources and supplies. -2
Council Member Halby asked if the County was willing to do this.

Mayor DeConinck stated it's not in writing; but in conversation with them, if we get it started, they are willing to keep moving forward.

Vice Mayor Rodriguez stated that mirrors his conversation with Supervisor Perez last week. I understand there are concerns in the community that once the Board gets this money, the Board can still do what they want and continue the same path. That is the gamble we are taking.

Interim City Manager Crecelius stated this loan is a big risk to the City. There is a good chance we will never see this money again. As much as we have tried, they have pushed back on our assistance. As I've mentioned, we are all ready to help but we felt very much kept at arm's length. Through the holidays there was no information coming from anyone and unfortunately, I thought no news was good news. They had the loan; they submitted it to the IGT program, and they were waiting for reimbursement. Then this week when they posted the emergency meeting agenda, we learned we were in such dire straits and at the brink of closure. So, we are taking a big risk. We are asking the Board to look at it in the way of whether they are willing to give up some control to keep the hospital open or do they want to continue to do what they have been doing for the past year and close those hospital doors on Saturday at midnight? I think we are asking everyone for a lot of trust and faith and hopefully they will realize that again, nobody else is standing up offering money. This is the last-ditch effort to keep them going in the near future.

Mayor DeConinck stated the County did advance them some funding.

Interim City Manager Crecelius stated yes, they advanced their property tax dollars, and they also cut short a lease the District had at a County facility to save them some money.

I understand they have not paid the bill for quite some time, and the County is not going after them for that. The County has been doing what they can, but there is the issue of gift of public funds. We are public entities. We are the stewards of public money, and we have to make sure it's being spent in the interest of the taxpayers. There is a concern about giving it to the hospital under current management conditions.

Council Member Burton stated they need the money, but when you put the stipulations that you have and they deny it and the doors close, how much will it cost to re-open? Are we going to help them or not? If we get this week, for the lives of the community, that's a lot of time for someone's life to be saved. Every citizen is worth another week. If they say no, those are the lives of the people that could be lost if the doors close. After that week maybe we can come with other stipulations. I have a problem with the stipulations as their Board could say no.

Interim City Manager Crecelius stated if they say no, I think it's very clear to the community where they stand. That they are more worried about themselves than keeping this hospital open. What are they willing to do for this community to keep this hospital open? Nobody is going to give them money unless something major changes. - 2
Mayor DeConicnk stated to make this go forward the Couty is already in place. From then on, the County will be able to step up to the plate. This is something necessary to make it happen.

Council Member Spraggins stated there is a risk and if the current Board steps down, the County is more likely to step in and help secure the future of the community and hospital.

Interim City Manager Crecelius stated it is the Palo Verde Health Care District. We have no authority. If they walk out at 11:59pm on Friday, I don't think that we can walk in at 12am and take over as the licensing as everything is still under the District. We have work together. In terms of how staff feels, how I believe the County feels, the only way to effectively help the hospital is in this manner. We are not saying take over the Board.

There are two empty seats that should be filled sooner than later to get some business done. In terms of the management, working through the bankruptcy and the fiscal crisis, appropriate staffing, they need some help. They need to allow us to provide that help.

Vice Mayor Rodriguez stated this is not overnight. We have been at this since May, so seven months. We have tried every avenue not to be in this position. Nothing has changed in the last seven months. So there must come a time when something has to made an effort with the $3 million loan, but there was interest with that that they now have to pay, financing fees. So the loan is more expensive than the day they took it and they are getting nothing in return. They are getting more and more into a hole. These are the decisions that brought them to this point and that is why everyone is hesitant to give them money. I am not saying they had an evil heart. They tried their best, but this is where it led. We are offering a different path.

Interim City Manager Crecelius stated this year the adopted budget included just under $500,000 in surplus funds. Revenues exceeded our projected expenditures by just under $500,000. We are asking that you adopt a Budget Amendment to allocate those surplus funds to this loan. That means that between now and the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2026, we now have minimal reserves for anything that comes up. Obviously, you have a reserve policy, and you have funds if there is a complete disaster or emergency, but the City does not have deep pockets here. We ourselves took 10+ years to dig ourselves out of a bad financial situation. This one week is really a good faith effort by the City to step up to the plate. But the strings are there so that our partners will stand behind us and assist when our funds run out.

Council Member Halby would like it in writing that there will be some assurances from the Board to fill those two seats. That is a key component that the Board is back to full strength along with the strings attached to the County coming in with a management team. I don't see any other path forward. If we give them this money with no strings, we will be back here next Friday talking about another $330,000 and that doesn't make an -2
sense. If we have the County to help move forward, that is the only viable way.

Public Comment:

Dr. Shalobei stated you don't have the money for this hospital to stay open for a year. It will take the County and a good management team and Board. This Board can't do it; it needs to be changed. The Board doesn't run the hospital, but they make all the decisions.

If you don't have a good Board, it doesn't matter who the management is, they will fire them tomorrow. They spent $2 million on a clinic to give their friend Sylvia a job. You can't give them money with no strings attached. It sets the wrong precedent. I do not trust a word that comes out of Carmela or Trina. If you bring in new administration from the County and the County fires someone Carmela loves, the administration will be fired, they are still the Board. Don't do anything without changing the board. If the Board does not change, nothing will change. They spend $60,000 a month on the Clinic. Close the Clinic. Sandy Hudson told them to cancel the security contract for $60,000 a month and they wouldn't do it. They won't take any measures to save the hospital money to save the hospital This is the way they have been managing. I went to the Bankruptcy Court. I was the only creditor there. They lied to the court and said the IGT money would be fine. I told the Judge it didn't make sense that you would be able to use a loan for that program.

Sylvia Herrera, practitioner of the community clinic, stated she is not friends with Carmela. They keep me because I am cheap. I don't make $60,000 a month. I see more patients. I work hard in the hospital. I have a petition that people have signed to keep the community clinic and hospital open.

Board President Carmela Garnica thanked Blythe for providing this opportunity to keep the doors open for a week. We need to remember that Medi-cal pays 9 cents on the dollar as reimbursement to the hospital. Big cities have other funding mechanisms to help them.

In Blythe we say it's our hospital because it's our tax dollars. There is only $200,000 going to that hospital. The District Library gets $400,000. Regardless of who is on the Board, there needs to be an ongoing funding mechanism, so we do not go through this every 20 years. We need to find that funding source as the hospital is the most important infrastructure in Blythe. I am grateful the City is working in collaboration with us. Thank you for sharing the wealth so we can stay open.

Vice Mayor Rodriguez said ultimately the County will probably ask for the Board's resignation. Eventually they will want to change the governance. Are you willing to step down? I understand that Mrs. Hudson has a letter ready to go. I don't know about Mrs.

Sartin. If that question is asked of you, are you willing to step down? Board President Carmela Garnica stated anytime you give money in trade for elected officials its extortion. I am not going to answer that right now.

Vice Mayor Rodriguez stated I am not saying in exchange for the money. I am asking if the County asks you to put new governance in, that is what we are concerned of, that is what the committee's concern is. Answer to your constitution and the County will ask - 2
this question and will not continue to move forward.

Board President Carmela Garnica stated there is a process for removal.

Vice Mayor Rodriguez stated I am putting you on the spot because we have an audience here, but it is going to come to that.

Board President Carmela Garnica stated we will cross that bridge when we get there. I can't answer that right now. It's not my place right now. My focus is to keep the hospital open. That is all I am worried about right now.

Mayor DeConinck stated we are working with the County, and they are trying to put the est foot forward. We are asking to put something in place to allow the County to com a to see what needs to be done and go by their recommendations. They might not thin of something until they get involved. They are key as they have the knowledge.

Carmela Garnica stated as a community member are you referring to the County as RUH? Keep the hospital open. I can't speak as a Board member, but as a person I am open to any negotiation to help us stay open. We owe it to these families.

Dayna Dutton stated she has been at the hospital for a little over three years as an ER nurse. Thank you for stepping in and stepping up.

Leslie Jessop Watkins stated this day can go one of two ways and hope we have a hospital after midnight. There are cycles, positive, negative, trying, easy. Often, it's time for the cycle to end as life has had its sunset. As the prior owners of Blythe Ambulance, it was our responsibility to know when it was time to welcome the sunset after 32 years of our family serving the community. There were factors we were unable to overcome, political, regulatory, outright fraud and greed by others and the instability of our local hospital. That was 15 years ago. We are amazed it has taken this long for everything to come to fruition. Rory and I want to thank everyone at the Council seats, staff tables, online and in this room for the fortitude displayed and energy given in this last year. The attempts to bring light to this brewing disaster have not gone unnoticed. As we made that decision 15 years ago it is now time for the Board and Administration to acknowledge the same. The cycle has ended. It's time to let go and no longer be independent from the rest of the County. It is vital that we accept the City and County's support to have a viable emergency room and health care system in our community. The City and County are willing to assist and provide for the community. The County has the resources to maintain the operations of the Emergency room and affiliative services. The County understands the strain of our 911 EMS system and our volunteer fire department. If there is not an emergency room in Blythe, people will die. If they survive, they will have irreparable lifelong issues. It's time for the sunset of our existing Healthcare District Board and administration. We appreciate the opportunities that lie ahead if we as a community can acknowledge the sunset and accept a different path forward.

Dee Coats asked if the City could afford to lose the loan money. What will the County do - 3
when they come in? Are they going to bring the finances in, will it be a full-blown hospital or an Emergency Room only? Does this include the clinic? The Clinic is a good option, but we can't afford both. We need the hospital more than the clinic right now. We do have IEHP and SAC Health that they can go to. If we turn it over to the County, at least we will have a hospital and emergency services. As Leslie said if we don't have a hospital, people will die and I don't want that on our shoulders as a community. It's time for Ms. Garnica and Trina to let go and let the County guide us from here. It's not yours personally, it's the community's and we need to work together to keep the hospital open.

City Clerk Crecelius stated written correspondence was received that will be included as part of the record.

Public Comment was closed.

Interim City Manager Crecelius stated the current strings when started were a $330,000 loan with the caveat that they would allow the County to come in and be the day-to-day management and operation of the hospital I assume the County will do a top down review. There are inefficiencies, I understand the Clinic see about 20 patients per day.

Those patients can be absorbed by other providers. They are going to have to take a hard look at things and make some tough decisions. The Board is going to have to make some tough decisions they haven't yet made, just as the City did in 2008/09. After listening to the President of the Board speak, I am highly concerned they will be able to do that. You asked her a question she said she wasn't able to answer, but her response was her answer.

She is not willing to make these decisions to keep the hospital open. At this time, I don't know what else we can do outside of what has been presented to give them another week.

I spoke to Lena Wade. Counsel for the District yesterday. She said she would support the Board taking this loan with these terms It was with the understanding that the current CEO is out. Hopefully we have those assurances and if they agree to this loan, they will do what we ask to keep the hospital open past Saturday and past next week. Nobody is in line to give them any money unless they make these changes.

Council Member Burton stated he served on the Hospital Board himself. I want whatever it takes for the community. I don't want to sound like I am against it, but everyone's life is important.

Council Member Halby said we are hanging our necks out here. I have been on Council going on 9 years. It has been a lot of work getting our budget back to where we are now.

Barely peeking out of the hole. Now this is going to set us back. That is why we are asking for concessions. Now we are on the line, and it may potentially sink us as a Council. For the betterment of the City, I am willing to take that risk, but this is why we are asking for these concessions.

The Council asked various questions about timing for the Loan Agreement, the PVHD accepting the loan, the County's response and Board make up.

The Mayor re-opened Public Comment.
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Sandra Hudson stated she is a current Board Member. I have served over the years and have been back on the Board for the past year. I got on originally to help my community.

I was there when the City loaned the money and when it was paid back. I would ask Carmela as the Board Chair to resign just like 1 am going to do so this community has the opportunity to have healthcare. It's not too much, put your pride aside and your ego down and let's do what is right for our community. We all live here and all have to survive. I appreciate your help.

Leslie Jessop Watkins stated in terms of the IGT and if that money comes back around, I have correspondence from the Department of Healthcare Services that states they declined to accept the District's IGT participation. The funds will be returned. They are taking it away for probably a year. I believe that door is closed. In October when they were discussing this loan, I researched the regulations and you can pre-ask questions.

Several hospitals have asked this question over the years and have been told no. Those opinions are published. That could have precluded us from the $400,000 spent on this loan that would not have been approved. It wasn't going to happen and now we have it in writing. They will give the loan money back, but where does it go? Does the lending company sweep it? Does it go into the General fund? That is a question that needs to be answered. This was highly preventable and the public spoke about this at the meeting and the Board laughed at us.

Dr. Shalobei stated they were clueless to what they approved. This Board and administration have no right to touch the money. It goes back to the lender along with the $100,000 per month interest. This is the money they want you to give them now. If it were me. I would resign because I care about this community and hospital. She will not do that; she does not care. She only cares about her own self-interest.

Interim City Manager Crecelius stated if you approve the Budget Amendment to fund the loan there are some terms of the Loan Agreement that I need direction on. The interest rate, the 6-month grace period and payment scheduled. As proposed, it's a 3% interest rate with 6-month grace period with maturity date and final payment due by June 10, 2028.

Council provide direction on the terms of the loan as presented and as approved by the City Attorney.

Mayor DeConinck asked if we could do this legally with a six-month grace period.

Interim City Manager Crecelius stated yes. Our concern is not the interest but it being a gift. But with a loan structure and interest it is not a gift of public funds. The execute a loan agreement with the Palo Verde Healthcare District once reviewed and -3
approved by the City Attorney.

Council Member Halby stated the ideal situation is that we can give the Hospital an interest-free loan for 6 months. If we get our money back, we are good. We don't need to make money on the loan we just want to help.

Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff's recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote.

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-001. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A BUDGET AMENDMENT OF $330,000, APPROVING A LOAN OF $330,000

TO THE PALO VERDE HEALTHCARE DISTRICT, AND AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER

TO EXECUTE A LOAN AGREEMENT WITH THE PALO VERDE HEALTHCARE DISTRICT AND ALL

RELATED DOCUMENTS IN A FORM APPROVED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 2:28pm.

Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
ATTEST:

Mallory Crecelius, City Clerk
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Minutes of the Blythe City Council Meeting
January 13, 2026
The January 13, 2026 meeting of the Blythe City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in th Council Chambers by Mayor DeConinck. Also in attendance were Vice Mayor Rodriguez an 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, Acting Police Chief Walnoha and Fire Chief Hasler.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor DeConinck.

The Invocation was led by Council Member Burton.

Mayor DeConinck asked for a moment of silence in memory of Joe Cota, former Recreation Center Director and involved community member.

REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION:

City Attorney Roberto stated there was 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, January 9, 2026.

2. Approval of the Warrant Register.

Recommendation: Approve 1/13/26, warrants numbered 11321 through 11368 and 80491 through 80545 in the amount of $919,881.94; 1/13/26, Utility Billing Refund warrants numbered 80546 through 80557 in the amount of $1,573.64, and 1/13/26, warrants numbered 11369 through 11389 and 80558 through 80596 in the amount of $208,073.01.

3. Approval of the Pavroll Register.

Recommendation: Approve 1/13/26, warrants numbered 55525 through 55528 and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 63906 through 63907 in the amount of $22,559.82; 1/13/26, warrants numbered 55529 and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 63908 through 63935 in the amount of $154,407.88; 1/13/26, warrants numbered 55530 through 55545 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 63936 through 64014 in the amount of $303,117.41; 1/13/26, warrants numbered 55547 through 55561, and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 64015 through 64093 in the amount of $332,707.15; 1/13/26, warrants numbered 55562 through 55564 and Direc Deposits warrants numbered 64094 through 64108 in the amount of $31,140.60, and 1/13/26 warrants numbered 55565 through 55576 and Direct Deposits warrants numbered 64109 through 64206 in the amount of $97,095.19.

Minutes of the December 9, 2025 Citv Council Meeting.

Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the December 9, 2025, Meeting.

City of Blythe Permits Issued in the Month of December 202:

Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly repor

6. City of Blythe Fire Department Monthly Activity Report for December 2025.

Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.
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7. City of Blythe Police Department Monthly Activity Report for December 2025.

Recommendation: Receive and tile the monthly report.

8. Quality of Life Program Activity Report for December 2025.

Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly report.

9. Recommendation: Accept and file the Quarterly Investment Report.

10. Authorize Acceptance of Work - Community Center Floor Repair Project the Notice of Completion and authorize staff to release project bonds once appropriate.

Adoption of the 2025 California Codes.

Recommendation: Adopt Ordinance No. 945-25:

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) Council Member Spraggins asked to pull item No. 8.

Public comment. Rodney Tuthill, Assistant District Attorney with the Eastern Region introduced himself to Council and made comments related to his work with the Blythe Police Department.

Council Member Burton moved approval of Consent Calendar items 1-7 and 9-11. The motion was seconded by Vie Mayor Rodriguez with a unanimous aye vote.

Quality of Life Program Activity Report. Council Member Spraggins asked Acting Chief Walnoha to read the Quality-of-Life Program Reprot for December 2025.

No public comment. The item was received and filed.

PUBLIC HEARING: None
CONTINUED BUSINESS:

Palo Verde Hospital Ad Hoc Committee Update. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated at our Special Meeting on Friday, we met to discuss terms of a loan for $330,000 to provide a week of operating capital for the Hospital so the doors did not close at midnight this past Saturday. The City Attorney prepared the agreement and provided it to the District prior to their meeting Friday evening. At that meeting, the Board provided authorization for the execution of that agreement once reviewed and approved by their Counsel. Last Sunday night we had an executed agreement. The funding had some strings, the District had to allow the County to come in, in a management role. If it wasn't going to be the County, the management company needed to be reviewed and approved by the County to take over the management and operation of Palo Verde Hospital. The second requirement was for the Board to fill the vacant seats. We've had discussions with the County related to this, and as of yesterday, the County was still waiting to hear from the District. I reached out to District Counsel, and she shared that a meeting was scheduled for yesterday evening. It's my understanding that the County team had a meeting scheduled today and were going to circle back with the District tonight at 6:30pm. We are all -3
waiting to see what happens, if the District will allow the County in and honor their commitment to the City.

Vice Mayor Rodriguez stated the hospital put out their Agenda for tomorrow and there is a presentation from a Doctor out of El Centro on the Agenda. A recall petition was filed today on Director Sartin. Those signatures will need to be validated. Board President Carmela Garnica is supposed to be on a radio program this evening at 6:30pm.

Mayor DeConinck complemented the City Attorney on getting this done and the timeline over the weekend to put this together before it was executed late Sunday evening.

Public comment. Leslie Jessop-Watkins stated over this last week Mallory, the City Attorney, Johnny, everyone has been so dedicated without question with diligence and profound process in wanting to do right for what is our community. I cannot thank everyone enough for the professionalism, late hours and resources. I appreciate that, and I know everyone in our community does, regardless of the outcome.

Scott Lord, Business Manager of Mercy Air stated we are here to open a base at the airport to have a local asset in the community. We met with the hospital a few years ago and understand the need to have an asset here. We are ready to get going, and it has been a lot of work up to this point. We will service Riverside County for scene calls and do interfacility transfers to the closest hospital, which would be Desert Regional for trauma. There are concerns with the out-of- pocket costs. Our average out of pocket cost is $51.06. This is after the co-pay. We are in network with Medicare and Medical. There is also the No Surprise Act, which passed in 2021 where we cannot balance bill the patient.

The item was received and filed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Audited Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. Finance Director Elms stated the City is required to complete an independent audit of its financial statements at the end of each year. The Audit for 2024/25 was conducted by CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) and is concluded.

It is the City's policy to present the results of the audit in an open meeting. I will turn the floor over to Daphney Munoz with CLA.

Daphney Munoz, Principal with CliftonLarsonAllen presented the results of the audit for year end June 30, 2025. We conducted the audit of the financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards. We also provided Audited Financial Statements for the Blythe Financing Authority. As the City spent more than $750,000 in federal funds we will perform a Single Audit. This is a compliance audit. The Auditor's opinion is an unmodified Opinion. This is a clean opinion. We considered the City's internal controls in the financial reporting. If we find anything that we think merits attention, it will be included in the report.

However, we did not have any findings, or nothing to report. There were no difficulties during the audit or no disagreements with management. Management has provided us with a representation letter which represents that no information has been withheld as part of the audit process.
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Council Member Halby thanked the Finance Director and her staff and Mrs. Munoz and her team. The Finance Committee reviewed this earlier today. We appreciate all the diligence and hard work.

No public comment. The item was received and filed.

Report on Emergency Action Taken by Interim City Manager for the Emergency Repairs to the Sinkhole, Sewer Main and Manholes Near 900 N. Broadway. Public Works Director Elegores stated this is a report on the emergency action taken by the Interim City Manager for the emergency action taken to repair the sink hole, manhole and sewer main near 900 N. Broadway. This fiscal impact is $175,210 from the sewer utility fund. In late December 2025, staff received a report that there was a sinkhole located across from 892 N. Broadway.

Based upon further investigation by staff, in consultation with Cholla Construction, stafi determined the sinkhole was caused by a collapsed sewer line. The collapsed sewer line is resulting in sewer waste backup from residents discharging to that approximately 3,000 linear foot segment of the sewer line. Staff have been manually pumping the 10 manholes along this segment. As of December 31, 2025, a portion of the southbound lane of N. Broadway was closed as a safety precaution due to the sink hole located in the right of way. Public Contract Code section 1102 defines an "emergency" as "a sudden, unexpected occurrence that poses a clear and imminent danger, requiring immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property, or essential public services." The sinkhole in the roadway caused by the collapsed sewer line poses a health and safety issue. Further, the collapsed sewer line is resulting in sewer waste backup in the manholes located near the collapsed sinkhole. Such backup could result in sewage leaks, which are a public health and safety issue and could result in fines from the State. The project generally consists of emergency repairs to the collapsed sewer main, sinkhole, and manholes immediately upstream and downstream from the collapsed sewer main near 900 N. Broadway. Cholla Construction's scope of work includes providing vacuum tanker trucks to evacuate the collection system upstream of the repair to facilitate the plugging and isolation of the repair area, removal of asphalt paving and restoring the road section as necessary, providing labor, equipment, and materials to repair up to 20 lineal feet of 8" sewer main in the vicinity of the sinkhole and providing labor, equipment, and materials to rehabilitate and epoxy-coat two manholes. Staff will provide support to Cholla Construction during the project.

Therefore, it is recommended Council review the emergency action taken by the Interim City Manager for the emergency sinkhole, sewer main and manhole repairs near 900 N. Broadway. It is further recommended that the Council authorize the Interim City Manager to accept the worl when completed to the satisfaction of Public Works Department staff and authorize the Cit Clerk to file the Notice of Completion upon such acceptance and to release project bonds once appropriate.

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: None
PUBLIC COMMENT:
2011 E. Donlon Street made comments on the water/salt issue and asked about the status.

The owner of Comfort Inn and Suites asked how long we are going to exist without softeners.

Was there an Ordinance passed on the softeners?
Interim City Manager Crecelius stated yes, I believe Section 13.08 of the Blythe Municipal Code talks about salinity and water. However, to follow up Mayor, you asked for an item to be placed on the Agenda to discuss this. I have asked the Public Works Director to prepare that staff report for the February meeting. Until the State allows us to increase the allowable tds limits our hands are tied because violating it would result in hefty fines. I do want to engage with the State to see what we can do for these business owners.

Mayor DeConinck stated we are working on it. Things were put into place back in the day and the State came in and was going to fine us.

ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 6:45pm.

Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
ATTEST:

Mallory Crecelius, City Clerk
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2/5/2026 City of Blythe Page 1
11:05:22AM PERMITS ISSUED
For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026
Permit No./Issued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid BP2601-003 BURNPERMIT 2198 RIVIERA DRIVE MICHAEL & KATHERINE PARR 0.00 0.00 875270010
FINALED Permit Name Tumbleweeds & Piled Wood Waste/Brush Total for: BURNPERMIT 0.00 0.00 0.00
Permit No./Issued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid B2601-009 DEMO-INT 365 NORTH FIRST STREET FREEDOM FAMILY TRUST 5,000.00 181.00 181.00 1/15/2026 845071013 MT CONSTRUCTION TEAM
ISSUED Permit Name Remove all Fire Damage
B2601-013 DEMO-INT 449 NORTH SEVENTH STREET MCLP ASSET COMPANY INC 5,000.00 181.00 181.00 1/21/2026 845091020 D'OROS CONSTRUCTION
ISSUED Permit Name Exploratory Demo of Fire Damage
Total for: DEMO-INT 10,000.00 362.00 362.00
Permit No./Issued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid B2601-017 129 SOUTH SECOND STREET FERNANDO & MANUELA GUEI 96,700.00 653.08 653.08 1/27/2026 848062016 JOHNSON CYLE ELECTRIC INC
ISSUED Permit Name Various Elec Improvements
Total for: ELEC 96,700.00 653.08 653.08
Permit No./Issued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid B2512-022 ENCROACHMENT 2 miles W of Defrain to Intake Blv CITY RIGHT OF WAY 6,608,000.00 0.00 0.00 1/8/2026 GRANITE CONSTRUCTION CO.

ISSUED Permit Name 6th Ave Resurfacing Project
B2512-009 ENCROACHMENT 100 block NORTH PALM DRIVE CITY OF BLYTHE 0.00 687.00 687.00 1/14/2026 THE GAS COMPANY
ISSUED Permit Name #2043650472, Service replacement
Total for: ENCROACHMENT 6,608,000.00 687.00 687.00
Permit No./Issued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid B2512-030 324$20TH NEIGHBOURS BOT PRE WESTER LING 24,000.00 1,244.36 1,244.36

PAR WESTERN LINE CONTRAC
Permit Name 12] Chargers & ADA Porta Potty
Total for: EVC 24,000.00 1,244.36 1,244.36
Permit No./Issued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid PERMI33 CRI/SYSTEMS
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215/2026 City of Blythe Page 2
11:05:22AM PERMITS ISSUED
For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026
B2409-019 EXCAV 100 block SOUTH LOVEKIN BL' CITY OF BLYTHE RIGHT OF WE 0.00 687.00 687.00 1/16/2026 NETWORX CABLING SYSTEM:

ISSUED Permit Name Emergency Repair
Total for: EXCAV 0.00 687.00 687.00
Permit No./Tssued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid B2601-011 475 WEST RICE STREET ERIN RENEE BARNES 4,000.00 269.00 269.00 848024031 STEADFAST HEATING AND AIF
Permit Name Changeout Condenser & Evap Coil
Total for: MECH 4,000.00 269.00 269.00
Permit No./Issued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid B2601-020 OTHER 660 NORTH NINTH STREET CHEYENNE GRIFFIN 20,000.00 181.00 181.00 1/26/2026 857065002
ISSUED Permit Name DEMO OF POOL
B2601-010 OTHER 127 NORTH BROADWAY HECTOR & ELSA GOMEZ 5,500.00 320.08 320.08 1/23/2026 845133018 OWNER
ISSUED Permit Name Demo & Rebuild Exterior Stairs
B2601-003 OTHER 1020 EAST BARNARD STREET RENOVA PROPERTIES 3,000.00 181.00 181.00 1/5/2026 851061015 BURROW CONSTRUCTION
FINALED Permit Name Pool Demo & Fence Work
B2601-018 OTHER 951 EAST CHANSLORWAY HARKINSON FAMILY LIVING T 13,500.00 296.11 296.11 1/23/2026 857075008 TOM STEPHENSON CONSTRU
FINALED Permit Name Reroof & Plumbing
Total for: OTHER 42,000.00 978.19 978.19
Permit No./Issued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid B2601-021 PATIO 380 NORTH LOVEKIN BOULET OSCAR & SERGIO RODRIGUEZ 8,412.80 298.84 298.84 1/29/2026 845022032
ISSUED Permit Name WOOD CARPORT WITH METAL ROOF SHEETS
B2601-004 PATIO 380 SOUTH SIXTH STREET JUDITH L RUBIN 1,835.52 265.70 265.70 1/5/2026 848171026 OWNER
ISSUED Permit Name Replace front porch
Total for: PATIO 10,248.32 564.54 564.54
Permit No./Issued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid B2601-005 PLUMB 321 NORTH SOLA AVENUE LYNNETTER GONZALEZ 100.00 38.00 38.00 1/7/2026 WATER HEATER 851022018 LUSK PLUMBING
ISSUED Permit Name WATER HEATER
PERM133 CRI SYSTEMS
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2/5/2026 City of Blythe Page 3
11:05:22AM PERMITS ISSUED
For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026
B2512-011 PLUMB 835 WEST FOURTEENTH AVEN CHEATWOOD ROY D 2013 REV. 991.00 38.00 38.00 1/16/2026 WATER HEATER 836142011 CRECELIUS INC
FINALED Permit Name WATER HEATER
B2512-034 PLUMB 375 SOUTH LOVEKIN BOULEV DDO CAL INC & ZEE PROPERT: 5,300.00 38.00 38.00 1/16/2026 WATER HEATER 836141013 CRECELIUS INC
ISSUED Permit Name WATER HEATER
B2601-019 PLUMB 486 NORTH SECOND STREET VICTORIA ALEXANDER 1,000.00 234.00 234.00 1/27/2026 WATER 845063002 LUSK PLUMBING
FINALED Permit Name NEW WATER LINE
Total for: PLUMB 7,391.00 348.00 348.00
Permit No./Issued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid B2601-001 RERFR 349 EAST CHANSLORWAY GEORGE & LAVONNE HALBY 10,000.00 226.41 226.41 1/2/2026 TEAR OFF 842100008 MORENO CONSTRUCTION & B
ISSUED Permit Name TEAR OFF, 2100 sq fl
B2601-008 RERF 1349 SAN GORGONIO STREET ANGEL YAEL LARA 8,000.00 191.53 191.53 1/9/2026 TEAR OFF 836153018 OWNER
FINALED Permit Name TEAR OFF, 1800 sq fl
B2601-002 RERF 479 NORTH ACACIA STREET LINDA I SANCHEZ 4,500.00 182.59 182.59 1/2/2026 OVER EXIST 851141002 OWNER
FINALED Permit Name OVER EXISTING, 4000 sq fL
B2601-012 RERF 1111 WEST HOBSONWAY HURST LIVING TRUST 10,000.00 227.91 227.91 1/21/2026 TEAR OFF 836080057 OWNER
ISSUED Permit Name TEAR OFF, 3500 sq ft
Total for: RERF 32,500.00 828.44 828.44
Permit No./Issued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid RC2312-005 RIVCOUNTY 12501 22ND AVENUE CHAFFIN HOLDINGS INC 212,496.77 2,762.12 2,762.12 1/27/2026 872130001
ISSUED Permit Name GRADING
Total for: RIVCOUNTY 212,496.77 2,762.12 2,762.12
Permit No./Issued Type/Sub-Type/Status Site Address and Parcel No. Owner and Contractor Valuation Fees Paid B2507-007 SOLAR 132 MULE DEER COURT HERNANDEZ & KIDD-HERNAN 32,000.00 1,205.66 1,205.66 1/26/2026 BATTERY 824170052 FREEDOM FOREVER SOUTHER
APPROVED Permit Name Ground Mount PV + ST & MPU
B2601-006 SOLAR 601 PARKER PLACE CRAIG & FRANCES KENNEDY 11,257.40 692.86 692.86 1/28/2026 842025017 LCY INSTALLATION SERVICE
APPROVED Permit Name ROOF SOLAR PV + ST
B2601-007 SOLAR 321 ALICE LANE MALDONADO & BALTAZAR 10,453.30 844.86 844.86 1/28/2026 848162003 LCY INSTALLATION SERVICE
APPROVED Permit Name ROOF SOLAR PV + ST
PERM133 CRWSYSTEMS
215/2026 City of Blythe Page 4
11:05:22AM PERMITS ISSUED
For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026
Total for: SOLAR 53,710.70 2,743.38 2,743.38
27 Permits Issued from 1/1/2026 Thru 1/31/2026 Total Valuation: $7,101,046.79 Total Fees: $12,127.11
Total Fees Paid: S12,127.11
PERM133 CRWSYSTEMS
-4
215/2026 City of Blythe Page 1
11:11:23AM Projects by Type, Status and Date
For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026
PLANNER NAME: RICKY AGUILAR
Project Number Project Type Project Name Status of Project Owner Name Date Applied Date Approved
Site Address Date Expired Date Closed
G2601-001 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
TRUST OF WARD DONALD RAY DTD 1/6/2026
1937 EAST HOBSONWAY
Comments:

G2601-002 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
ARTEM ENTERPRISES LLC 1/6/2026
1901 EAST HOBSONWAY
Comments:

G2601-003 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
OPPORTUNITY ENTERPRISES SD LLC 1/6/2026
945 EAST HOBSONWAY
Comments:

G2601-004 GRAFFITI service metter COMPLETED
1/6/2026
300 block of E DONLON ST
Comments:

G2601-005 GRAFFITI city trash can COMPLETED
1/7/2026
200 block of E HOBSONWAY
Comments:

G2601-006 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
THOMAS FARRAGE TRUST 1/7/2026
248 WEST HOBSONWAY
Comments:

G2601-007 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
THOMAS M. FARRAGE 1/7/2026
138 SOUTH MAIN STREET
Comments:

G2601-008 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
DAVID LAMB & 1/7/2026
425 WEST CHANSLORWAY
Comments:

G2601-009 GRAFFITI bus stop COMPLETED
117/2026
100 block of IST ST
Comments:

PROI1S CRWSYSTEMS
-4
215/2026 City of Blythe Page 2
11:11:23AM Projects by Type, Status and Date
For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026
G2601-010 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
DEAN LESTER 1/7/2026
508 EAST HOBSONWAY
Comments:

G2601-011 GRAFFITI stop sign COMPLETED
1/13/2026
1000 block of W BARNARD ST
Comments:

G2601-012 GRAFFITI stop sign COMPLETED
1/13/2026
900 block of W BARNARD ST
Comments:

G2601-013 GRAFFITI fire hydren COMPLETED
1/13/2026
100 block of S 7TH ST
Comments:

G2601-014 GRAFFITI stop sign COMPLETED
1/13/2026
100 alley way of E DEKEMA ST
Comments:

G2601-015 GRAFFITI stop sign COMPLETED
1/13/2026
100 block of N SOLANO AVE
Comments:

G2601-016 GRAFFITI fire hydren COMPLETED
1/13/2026
100 block of N SOLANO AVE
Comments:

G2601-017 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
AUTOMOTIVE INVESTMENT GROUP 1/14/2026
500 WEST HOBSONWAY
Comments:

G2601-018 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
LA CASITA CAFE INC 1/14/2026
830 WEST RICE STREET
Comments:

G2601-019 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
SEVENTH & VALLEY JOINT VENTURE 1/14/2026
201 SOUTH LOVEKIN BOULEVARD
Comments:

PRO11S CRU/SYSTEMS
-4
215/2026 City of Blythe Page 3
11:11:23AM
Projects by Type, Status and Date
For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026
G2601-020 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
890 HOBSON LLC 1/14/2026
890 EAST HOBSONWAY
Comments:

G2601-021 GRAFFITI bus stop COMPLETED
1/14/2026
100 block of N MAIN ST
Comments:

G2601-022 GRAFFITI speed limit sign COMPLETED
1/14/2026
300 block of E DEKEMA ST
Comments:

G2601-023 GRAFFITI playground COMPLETED
CITY OF BLYTHE 1/14/2026
400 BLOCK NORTH BROADWAY
Comments:

G2601-024 GRAFFITI stop sign COMPLETED
1/14/2026
1300 block of TESORO WAY
Comments:

G2601-025 GRAFFITI cement baracade COMPLETED
1/21/2026
400 block of W DONLON ST
Comments:

G2601-026 GRAFFITI no right turn sign COMPLETED
1/21/2026
300 block of S COMMERCIAL ST
Comments:

G2601-027 GRAFFITI cement baracade COMPLETED
1/21/2026
300 block of S MAIN ST
Comments:

G2601-028 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
OPPORTUNITY ENTERPRISES SD LLC 1/21/2026
945 EAST HOBSONWAY
Comments:

G2601-029 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
UJAS BLYTHE 1/21/2026
825 WEST HOBSONWAY
Comments:

PRO115 CRWSYSTEMSR
215/2026 City of Blythe Page 4
11:11:23AM
Projects by Type, Status and Date
For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026
G2601-030 GRAFFITI covered graffiti COMPLETED
BLYTHE LODGE NO 1799 BPOE 1/23/2026
244 WEST HOBSONWAY
Comments:

G2601-031 GRAFFITI covered graff COMPLETED
FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GO 1/23/2026
141 SOUTH WILLOW AVENUE
Comments:

Total Projects for RICKY AGUILAR For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026: 31 PRO115 CRRWSYSTEMS
-4
215/2026 City of Blythe Page 1
11:16:10AM Projects by Type, Status and Date
For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026
PLANNER NAME:

Project Number Project Type Project Name Status of Project Owner Name Date Applied Date Approved
Site Address Date Expired Date Closed
VP2601-001 VACANT PROPERTY RECIEVED
MCLP ASSET COMPANY INC 1/6/2026
449 NORTH SEVENTH STREET
Comments:

Total Projects for For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026: 1 PRO115 CR SYSTEMS
-4
2/5/2026 City of Blythe Page 1
11:17:30AM
Projects by Type, Status and Date
For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026
PLANNER NAME: MALLORY CRECELIUS
Project Number Project Type Project Name Status of Project Owner Name Date Applied Date Approved
Site Address Date Expired Date Closed
PRC2601-001 PRC Lovekin Industrial Parking & Storage STAFF REVIEWING JOHN & VIRGINIA ROBERTSON 1/21/2026
601 SOUTH LOVEKIN BOULEVARD
Comments: ALSO INCLUDES APN 869042008, 670 SOUTH SOLANO AVENUE Total Projects for MALLORY CRECELIUS For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026: 1 PROI15 CRW SYSTEMS
2/5/2026 City of Blythe
11:19:12AM
Cases Opened (By Type)
For the Period 1/1/2026 thru 1/31/2026
Type of Case Number opened
ANIMAL
AVA
BLDG 0
COMPLAINT 1
DEBRIS 6
DUMPING 5
FAULTY SEWER 0
FIRE 1
GRAFFITI 0
HAZMAT 0
SHOPPING CARTS 0
SIDEWALK 0
TRANSIENTS 0
TRASH
VERMIN
WATER
WEED

WITNESS IN FIELD
ZONING
Total Cases Opened: 21
Cases closed in January: 32
'Kemaining active cases: 26el
CODE70

CRV/SYSTEMS A

CITY OF BLYTHE FIRE DEPARTMENT

MONTHLY INCIDENT AND ACTIVITY REPORT
January 2026
Incident Total
Public Assist / Rescue / Medical Aid 39
Structure 2
Vehicle Fire 1
Brush, Grass, Leaves 3
Other 2
Total # of Incidents 47
Activity
Drills 4
Staff Meeting 1
Races 2
Total Activities 7
Respectfully Submitted
Ronald Hasier, Fire Chief

BLYTHRE

BLYTHE POLICE DEPARTMENT
240 North Spring Street • Blythe, CA 92225 • (760) 922-6111 Keith Walnoha, Acting Chief of Police
POLICE
****
Monthly Incident and Activity Report
January 2026
Incident Total
Resident Burglaries
Commercial Burglaries
Vehicle Burglaries
Domestic Violence
Battery
Grand Theft
Petty Theft
Shoplifting
Traffic Collision-Injury
Traffic Collision-Non injury
Traffic Collision-Hit and Run
Driving Under the Influence
Vandalisms
Trespassing
Prowlers
Public Intoxication
Alarm 29
Abandoned Vehicle Abatement 5
AVA Vehicles Tows
Vehicle Red Tags 7
Hospital Helicopter Landings 9
Documented Police Reports 133
Total Incidents 1581
-!
BLT HE

BLYTHE POLICE DEPARTMENT
240 North Spring Street • Blythe, CA 92225 • (760) 922-6111 Keith Walnoha, Interim Chief of Police

CHICE POLTOR
***k-
Quality of Life Program
The statistics listed below reflect total numbers of the Quality-of-Life Program for January 2026.

Quality of Life Detail: January Year to Date
People contacted. 99 99
People given bus tickets and left town to seek resources 2 2 elsewhere.

People assisted with obtaining their ID or Social Security. 2 2 Cards to register for housing and assistance.

People transported to or referred to DPSS/Mental Health. 87 87 People detained under 5150 Welfare and institutions. 6
Code and transported for treatment.

People sent to rehab. 1 1
People sent for substance abuse. 1 1
People picked up by a family member and taken home_ 0
out of town.

Patrol assisted 5 5
Enforcement action taken(Arrests and Warrants).

Traffic Detail:

Citations issued for various traffic related violations._ 0 0 Traffic enforcement/ vehicle stops resulting in warnings for 1 1 minor violations.

Vehicles stored 0 0
Complaints/Red/Yellow tags 2

CITY OF BLYTHE
Blythe CITY COUNCIL MEETING

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 10, 2026
SUBJECT: 495 N. Main St. - Proposed Lien for Costs of Abatement PRESENTED BY: Mallory Crecelius, Interim City Manager
PREPARED BY: Brittany Roberto, City Attorney
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that Council:

1. Determine that the proposed lien in the amount of $112,907.11 for the costs of abating the oublic nuisances at 495 N. Main St. become a lien against 495 N. Main St.

2. Direct staff to record the lien.

FISCAL IMPACT: Potential recovery of $112,907.11 for the costs of abatement.

BACKGROUND: In September 2024, the City conducted a nuisance abatement hearing regarding various violations of the Blythe Municipal Code (BMC) that constitute public nuisance conditions at 495 N. Main St. Staff provided notice of the hearing in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 8.28 of the BMC. The property owner did not appear at the hearing. Following the hearing, the Hearing Officer determined that the BMC violations constituted public nuisances and ordered the property owner to ensure that all nuisance conditions were abated within 14 calendar days of the order. Staff provided the property owner with notice of the Hearing Officer's Findings and Order.

The property owner did not abate the nuisance conditions within the time prescribed. In April 2025, the City obtained an abatement warrant to abate the nuisance conditions. The work was performed by R&L Watkins.

In September 2025, the City conducted a hearing regarding the costs of abatement, which totaled $114,263.74, including City staff time totaling $2,713.23, attorneys' fees totaling $5,000.51, lead and asbestos testing fees totaling $1,350.00, and abatement services performed by R&L Watkins totaling $105,200.00. Staff provided the property owner with notice of the hearing in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 8.28 of the BMC. The property owner appeared at the hearing and objected to the asbestos report and costs of abatement. Following the hearing, the Hearing Officer reduced City staff time expenses from $2,713.23 to $1,356.30, reducing the costs of abatement to $112,907.11. The Hearing Officer's Order Confirming the Costs of Abatement indicated that the costs of abatement shall be assessed as a special assessment against the property in accordance with California Government Code section 38773.5 and directed the property owner to pay the costs of abatement within 30 calendar days, or a notice of special assessment would be filed with the County Auditor. The Order also outlined appeal procedures. City staff provided the property owner with notice of the Order.

No appeal was filed. To date the property owner has not paid the costs of abatement.

STAFF REPORT: Due to the time when the Hearing Officer's Order on the costs of -!
abatement was issued, the soonest the special assessment could be placed on the tax roll is the 26-27 fiscal year. Staff does not expect to be able to file the notice of assessment until approximately July 1, 2026. Due to the potential delay in being able to file and record the notice of special assessment, staff researched other avenues for recording a lien against the property.

California Government Code section 54988 ("Section 54988") provides that in addition to any other remedy provided by law, the legislative body of a city is permitted to collect any fee, cost or charge incurred in the abatement of public nuisances. Section 54988 further provides that if the fee, cost, or charge has not been paid within 45 days of notice thereof, a city may collect the fee, cost, or charge by making the amount of the unpaid fee, cost, or charge a proposed lien against the property that is the subject of the enforcement activity. Section 54988 requires a city to provide the owner of the property with written notice in plain language of the proposed lien, a description of the basis for the amounts comprising the lien, a minimum of 45 days after notice to pay the fee, cost, or charge, and an opportunity to appear before the legislative body On November 21, 2025, City staff provided the property owner with a Notice of Proposed Lien in accordance with the requirements of Section 54988. The Notice provided that the owner had until January 5, 2026 to pay the costs of abatement. The Notice also provided the property owner with an opportunity to request a hearing before the City Council, and informed the property owner that if the owner did not timely request a hearing, the owner would be deemed to have waived his right to contest the amount of the lien. The property owner did not request a hearing. As noted above, to date, the property owner has not paid the costs of abatement.

Pursuant to Section 54988, if the City Council determines that the proposed lien shall become a lien, the City Council may cause the lien to be recorded. Upon recordation, the lien attaches to the property and has the same force, priority, and effect as a judgment lien.

Therefore, staff recommends that Council determine that the proposed lien in the amount of $112,907.11 for the costs of abating the public nuisances at 495 N. Main St. become a lien against 495 N. Main St. It is further recommended that Council direct staff to record the lien.

ATTACHMENTS: Notice of Proposed Lien
-5

NOTICE OF PROPOSED LIEN
DATE: November 21, 2025
TO: Anthony Rossetti
2430 Piedmont Drive
Riverside, CA 92506
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54988, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED of a proposed lien for the actual costs incurred by the City of Blythe ("City") to abate public nuisances at 495 N. Main Street, Blythe, CA 92225 (the "Property"). Under the authority of Chapter 8.28 of the Blythe Municipal Code, the City abated the public nuisances on the Property, and on September 8, 2025, the Hearing Officer confirmed the costs of abatement. These costs total $112,907.11 and are detailed on Attachment A. The total amount is due 45 days from the date listed above, or by January 5, 2026. Your check should be made payable to the City of Blythe and City of Blythe
235 N. Broadway
Blythe, CA 92225
Attention: Adrian Ramirez
it payment is not timely made, the City Council may cause a notice of lien to be recorded. The lien will attach upon recordation in the Office of the Riverside County Clerk-Recorder and will have the same force, priority, and effect as a judgment lien.

You are FURTHER NOTIFIED that if you wish to be heard regarding the amount of the proposed lien (total amount due) you may request a hearing before the City Council by signing beiow and Tling inis to with the City Cek within 14 calendar days of the date at the top of this notice, or py December 5, 2025. It you do not file a timely request for a hearing, you will be deemed to have waived your right to contest the amount of the lien. If you make a timely request, the City Clert Executed on _, 2025
Adrian Ramirez
Enforcement Official
Date: _ 2025
To: City Clerk
the proposed lien. hereby request a hearing before the City Council on the amount of Property Owner's Signature

ATTACHMENT A
Abatement Cost Detail
495 N. Main St., Blythe, CA 92225
Cost:

Item:
$1,356.60*
City Staff Time:

Lead and Asbestos Test $1,350.00
Attorneys' Fees/Costs: $5,000.51
$105,200.00
Abatement Services:
$112,907.11
Total:
*Hearing Officer reduced City staff time expenses from $2,713.23 to $1,356.60

CONTINUED

BUSINESS

CITY OF BLYTHE
Blythe CITY COUNCIL MEETING

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 10, 2026
SUBJECT: Palo Verde Hospital Ad Hoc Committee Update
PRESENTED BY: Mallory Crecelius, Interim City Manager
PREPARED BY: Mallory Crecelius, Interim City Manager
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended Council receive and file a report from the Hospital Ad Hoc Committee.

FISCAL IMPACT: None
BACKGROUND: After receiving information from concerned citizens related to the financial state of the Palo Verde Healthcare District earlier this year, the City contacted Riverside County Supervisor V. Manual Perez's Office to offer assistance. The City requested assistance in identifying the oversight body for the Palo Verde Healthcare District's Board of Directors.

After learning the hospital had shuttered operations except for the Emergency Room, Laboratory and Radiology, City officials contacted our State and Federal partners requesting assistance. In May, the Mayor appointed Vice Mayor Rodriguez and Council Member Burton to serve on a Hospital Ad Hoc Committee. In June, the City sent a letter to the Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) requesting that LAFCO conduct a Municipai Service Review (MSR) of the Palo Verde Healthcare District. The item was placed on June 26, 2025, Agenda and the Commissioners unanimously voted to direct staff to proceed with the MSR.

On September 25, 2025 the MSR report was presented to the LAFCO Board of Directors. The LAFCO Commissioners requested a dissolution plan that includes establishing a successor agency. Once a plan is in place, LAFCO will move to dissolve the Palo Verde Healthcare District. The County of Riverside, in partnership with the City of Blythe, formed a joint working group to develop the succession plan.

Since LAFCO moved to dissolve the Palo Verde Health Care District, the Palo Verde Health Care District Board of Directors field Chapter 9 Bankruptcy further complicating matters and the fiscal situation of the District.

On January 7, 2026, the Palo Verde Health Care District Board of Directors posted an Emergency Meeting notice. The Staff report stated the hospital would close on Saturday, January 10, unless $2 million was obtained. In a Special Meeting on January 9, 2026, the City Council voted to provide Bridge Loan Funding in the amount of $330,000 to keep the hospital operational for another week to allow time for the County to come in and assist. The Loan was contingent upon the Board allowing the County to provide oversight and the day-to-day management of the hospital.

On January 27, 2026, the County Board of Supervisors ratified a $1 million loan to the PVHD and approved a strike force led by the Riverside University Heath System to independently stabilize and manage the Palo Verde Hospital Emergency Department for a period of 180 days. It i my understanding the strike force entered the Emorgency Department sometime the week of STAFF REPORT: The Ad Hoc Committee will provide an update.

ATTACHMENTS: None

NEW BUSINESS
-€

SUARTST CITY OF BLYTHE
Blythe CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CABLISHED STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 10, 2026
SUBJECT: Report on Emergency Action Taken by Interim City Manager for the Emergency Repairs to the Sinkhole, Sewer Main and Manholes Near 900 N. Broadway
PRESENTED BY: Mallory Crecelius, Interim City Manager
PREPARED BY: Brittany Roberto, City Attorney
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended Council review the emergency action taken by the Interim City Manager for the emergency sinkhole, sewer main and manholes near 900 N.

Broadway. It is further recommended that Council, by a 4/5 vote, determine there is a need to continue the emergency repairs.

FISCAL IMPACT: $256,382.00 from the sewer utility fund.

BACKGROUND: In late December 2025, staff received a report that there was a sinkhole located across from 892 N. Broadway. Based upon further investigation by staff, in consultation with Cholla Construction, staff determined the sinkhole was caused by a collapsed sewer line. The collapsed sewer line resulted in sewer waste backup from residents discharging to that approximately 3,000 linear foot segment of the sewer line.

Public Contract Code section 1102 defines an "emergency" as "a sudden, unexpected occurrence that poses a clear and imminent danger, requiring immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property, or essential public services." Per Section 2.66.070(B) of the Blythe Municipal Code (BMC) and the City's Purchasing Policy, in cases of emergency, when it is impractical to convene a meeting of the City Council, the City Manager is authorized to order the repair or replacement of a public facility, take any directly related and immediate action required by that emergency, and procure the necessary equipment, services and supplies for those purposes, without giving notice for bids to let contracts. If the City Manager takes such action, the City Manager is required to report to the City Council at its next regularly scheduled meeting the reasons justifying why the emergency will not permit a delay resulting from a competitive solicitation for bids and why the action is necessary to respond to the emergency.

The sinkhole in the roadway caused by the collapsed sewer line is a health and safety issue.

Further, the collapsed sewer line results in sewer waste backup in the manholes located near the collapsed sinkhole. Such backup could result in sewage leaks, which are a public health and safety issue and could result in fines from the State. On January 8, 2026, the Interim City Manager determined the sinkhole and collapsed sewer line constituted an emergency, as defined by Public Contract Code section 1102. The City entered into an agreement dated January 9, 2026 with Robert Yates dba Cholla Construction ("Cholla") for the work. At the January 13, 2025 Council meeting, the Interim City Manager provided a report to the Council regarding the reasons justifying why the emergency would not permit a delay resulting from competitive bidding and why the action was necessary to respond to the emergency.

STAFF REPORT: Pursuant to Section 22050(c)(2) of the Public Contract Code, the City Council is required to review the emergency action at least at every regularly scheduled meeting until the action is terminated, to determine, by a four-fifths vote, that there is a need to continue the action.

The initial time for completion of the repair work was expected to be 14 working days.

However, once Cholla commenced work, the repairs could not be completed due to the significant volume of groundwater entering the work area. Cholla did not initially include dewatering in the scope of work based on the expectation that the repairs could be completed without the additional time and cost associated with a dewatering system. However, field conditions made dewatering necessary, and Cholla submitted a change order to amend the scope of work to include dewatering, increase their compensation, and extend the time for completion. The City and Cholla entered into an amendment to the agreement dated January 23, 2026, to amend the scope of work, increase Cholla's compensation to $256,382.00, and The emergency action is still necessary in order to repair the collapsed sewer line, manholes located immediately upstream and immediately downstream from the collapsed sewer line, and the street immediately to protect public health and safety and to avoid potential fines from the Therefore, it is recommended that Council review the emergency action taken by the Interim City Manager for the emergency sinkhole, sewer main and manhole repairs near 900 N.

Broadway. It is further recommended that Council, by a 4/5 vote, determine there is a need to continue the emergency repairs.

ATTACHMENTS: None
-6

CITY OF BLYTHE
Blythe CITY COUNCIL MEETING

TARTED TEL STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 10, 2026
SUBJECT: Preparation of an Ordinance Relating to the Regulation of the Sale and Distribiton of Kratom Products in the City of Blythe
PRESENTED BY: Mallory Crecelius, Interim City Manager
PREPARED BY: Mallory Crecelius, Interim City Manager
RECOMMENDATION: Council provide direction to staff on the preparation of an Ordinance to regulate the sale and distribution of kratom products in the City of Blythe.

FISCAL IMPACT: None
BACKGROUND: Kratom is a Southeast Asian botanical with opioid effects due to its active compounds of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Kratom is largely unregulated in the United States, but rising concerns and health risks including addiction, overdose, liver injury and death have prompted new federal and state regulation efforts.

Kratom is often found in energy drinks and pills at gas stations, smoke shops and other retail and online venues. Narcotics experts believe that high concentrate 7-OH can have similar effects as opioids, creating withdrawal, dependency and in some cases, overdose.

STAFF REPORT: Council Member Spraggins directed staff to place this item on the Agenda for discussion. Staff would like direction from Council on the preparation of an Ordinance to prohibit the sale and distribution of concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and regulating natural kratom in the City of Blythe.

La Quinta was the first City in the Coachella Valley to pass regulations on Kratom products. The Riverside County Board of Supervisors passed a similar Ordinance to regulate Kratom based products in October 2025. Orange County and the cites of San Diego, Oceanside, Newport Beach, Solna Beach and Jurupa Valley have implemented similar ordinances to regulate the sale and distribution of Kratom products. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office and California Narcotic Officers' Association support and encourage cities to adopt an Ordinance regulating the sale of kratom products.

The Riverside County Ordinance sets a minimum purchase age of 21, restricts products with more than 2% 7-OH in the alkaloid fraction, prohibits concentrated synthetic 7-OH products and established penalties to ensure safe marketing and protection of minors.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Ordinance Adopted by the City of La Quinta

2. Ordinance Adopted by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors CNOA Support Letter for Prohibiting the Sale and Distribution of 7-OH Products -6
Kelm to Agenda LInK
ORDINANCE NO. _
TITLE 5 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE,

RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE SALE AND

DISTRIBUTION OF KRATOM PRODUCTS IN THE CITY OF

LA QUINTA
WHEREAS, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported that consumption of kratom produces both stimulant effects in low doses and sedative effects insomnia, and has labeled kratom a "Drug of Concern;" and WHEREAS, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that approximately 1.7 million Americans used kratom in 2021, often to self-treat various conditions without medical supervision. The agency has cautioned that kratom is not approved for use as a dietary supplement and has been linked to serious health risks, including seizures, liver toxicity, physical dependence, substance use disorder, and neonatal abstinence syndrome-where infants exposed to kratom before birth experience withdrawal symptoms such as jitteriness, irritability, and muscle stiffness and, in some cases, death; and
WHEREAS, Health officials, including the FDA. have raised concems over the safety of kratom products, particularly those with higher concentrations of 7-OH, which may increase the potential for abuse and harm public health; and WHEREAS, the FDA has not approved any prescription or over-the-counter drug products containing kratom or its two main chemical components, mitragynine and 7- hydroxymitragynine; and
WHEREAS, kratom products are not federally regulated in the United States and are not subject to government-mandated safety testing, resulting in a lack of oversight and no established safety standards regarding ingredients, purity, or dosage; and WHEREAS, local governments and municipalities have regulated or prohibited the sale and possession of kratom with their respective jurisdictions including but not limited to Riverside County, Orange County, and Cities of San Diego, Oceanside, Newport Beach, Solana Beach, and Jurupa Valley; and
WHEREAS, the La Quinta City Council, in its commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of its residents by ensuring that products available for sale in the City of La Quinta do not pose undo health risks, and hereby regulate kratom and restrict the sale and distribution of Kratom and 7-OH products containing more than 2% of 7-OH 241
-6
Retum to Agenda Link
in the alkaloid fraction, in order to reduce potential risks to individuals and in furtherance of the general public health, safety, and welfare.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of La Quinta does hereby ordain as follows:

See Counci and are incorporate here also are or .

SECTION 2. ADOPTION: Chapter 5.94 is hereby approved and adopted by the City Council and shall be added to Title 5 of the La Quinta Municipal Code as written in "Exhibit A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 3. CEQA: The City Council finds that adoption of this Ordinance is not subject to environmental review under, or, in the altemative, is exempt from, the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq. ("CEQA") and implementing regulations, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et seq. ("CEQA Guidelines"), as the adoption of this Ordinance is not a "Project" as defined by CEQA. (CEQA Guidelines, § 15060(c)(3).) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(a), a "Project" means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. The requested action is to amend the La Quinta Municipal Code to regulate and restrict the sale of a potentially harmful substance within the City's jurisdictional boundary at-large, and it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption of the proposed Ordinance would have a significant effect on the environment. (CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3)), The requested action is further exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2), as it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its adoption.

SECTION 5. POSTING: The City Clerk shall, within 15 days after passage of this Ordinance, cause it to be posted in at least three public places designated by resolution of the City Council (Resolution No. 2022-027), shall certify to the adoption and posting of this Ordinance, and shall cause this Ordinance and its certification, together with proof of posting to be entered into the permanent record of Ordinances of the City of La Quinta.

SECTION 6. CORRECTIVE AMENDMENTS: The City Council does hereby grant the City Clerk the ability to make minor amendments and corrections of typographical or clerical errors to "Exhibit A" to ensure consistency of all approved text amendments prior to the publication in the La Quinta Municipal Code.
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Ordinance No.

Adding to the La Quinta Municipal Code Ch. 5.94 relating to Regulation of Kratom Adopted:

SECTION 7. SEVERABILITY: If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each and every section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereot, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be declared unconstitutional.

PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED, at a regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council held this day of. _ 2026, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
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ATTACHMENT 1
1 ORDINANCE NO. 1004
2 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
3 REGULATING THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF KRATOM PRODUCTS 4 The Board of Supervisors of the County of Riverside does ordain as follows:
5 Section 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
6 It is the intent of the Board of Supervisors to prohibit the sale, distribution, or possession of 7 kratom and hydroxymitragynine (also known as 7-OH) products within unincorporated Riverside County 8 that contain more than 2% of 7-OH in the alkaloid fraction, recognizing the significant health risks 9 associated with elevated concentrations of this alkaloid. 10 Kratom (mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, and its leaves are 11 often consumed in powdered or extract form for their stimulant and sedative effects. The active compounds 12 in kratom include mitragynine and 7-OH. While mitragynine is present in higher concentrations, 7-OH is 13 more potent and is largely responsible for the stronger pain-relieving, sedative, and euphoric effects. 14 Research has shown 7-OH has euphoric and mood-enhancing effects, particularly at higher 15 doses, which can increase its appeal for recreational use. Research has also shown that 7-OH binds to 16 opioid receptors in the brain with greater affinity than morphine, making it significantly more powerful in 17 relieving pain. This greater potency raises significant concerns about its safety profile, especially regarding 18 the potential for addiction, overdose, and adverse physical and psychological effects, including nausea, 19 vomiting, and potential psychosis. These risks are compounded when products contain higher 20 | concentrations of 7-OH.
21 Health advisories have raised concerns over the safety of kratom products, particularly those 22 with higher concentrations of 7-OH, which may increase the potential for abuse and harm to public health. 23 The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued several warning letters to various 24 companies for illegally marketing products containing enhanced levels of 7-OH culminating in a formal 25 request to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on July 29, 2025, to place 7-OH products on 26 the controlled substance list.
27 28
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1 Health officials, including the FDA, have raised concerns over the safety of kratom products, 2 particularly those with higher concentrations of 7-OH, which may increase the potential for abuse and harm 3 public health.
4 At least one county in California, and several cities in California, has recently taken steps to 5 regulate or ban kratom products, recognizing the need to protect public safety, especially among vulnerable 6 populations.
7 The Board of Supervisors, in its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of 8 its residents by ensuring that products available for sale do not pose undue health risks, hereby restricts the 9 sale and distribution of kratom and 7-OH products containing more than 2% of 7-OH in the alkaloid 10 fraction, thereby reducing potential risks to public health and safety. 11 Section 2. AUTHORITY.
12 This ordinance is enacted pursuant to the County's plenary police powers to protect public safety, health 13 and welfare.
14 Section 3. DEFINITIONS.
15 | As used in this ordinance, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
16 a. 7-OH product means a product containing hydroxymitragynine. 17 b. Attractive to children means any of the following:
18 1) Use of images that are attractive to children, including, but not limited to, images of any of 19 the following, except as part of required health warnings:
20 a) Cartoons, toys, or robots.
21 b) Any real or fictional humans.
22 c) Fictional animals or creatures.
23 d) Fruits or vegetables, except when used to accurately describe ingredients or flavors 24 contained in a product.
25 2) Likeness to images, characters, or phrases that are popularly used to advertise to children. 26 3) Imitation of candy packaging or labeling, or other packaging and labeling of cereals, sweets, chips, or other food products typically marketed to children. 28 4) The terms "candy" or "candies" or variants in spelling such as "kandy" or "kandee." 2 250
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1 5) Brand names or close imitations of brand names of candies, cereals, sweets, chips, or other 2 food products typically marketed to children.
3 6) Any other image or packaging that is easily confused with commercially available foods that 4 do not contain kratom and are typically marketed to children. 5 7) Any other packaging used that is attractive to children considering all relevant facts and 6 circumstances.
7 c. Kratom leaf means the leaf of the kratom plant, also known as mitragyna speciosa, any form. 8 d. Kratom leaf extract means the material obtained by extraction of kratom leaves by any means. e. Kratom product means a product consisting of kratom leaf, kratom leaf extract, or both; any part 10 of a leaf of the plant mitragvna speciosa in fresh, dehydrated or dried form or a kratom extract 11 or any product that contains any kratom alkaloid or metabolite. 12 f. Total kratom alkaloids means the sum of mitragynine, speciociliatine, speciogynine, 13 paynantheine, and 7-OH in a kratom product.
14 g. Synthesized means an alkaloid or alkaloid derivative that has been created by chemical synthesis 15 or biosynthetic means (including but not limited to: fermentation, recombinant techniques, yeast 16 derived enzvmatic techniques) rather than traditional food preparation techniques such as 17 heating or extracting. It also includes alkaloids that have been further exposed to chemicals or 18 processes that would confer a structural change in the alkaloids contained within the extract. 19 Section 4. PROHIBITION ON SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF KRATOM AND 7-OH 20 PRODUCTS.
a. Except as otherwise authorized by law, an individual, business, or other entity shall not sell, 22 attempt to sell, offer, provide, or distribute a kratom product or 7-OH product to a person under 23 21 years of age.
24 b. Except as otherwise authorized by law, an individual, business, or other entity shall not sell, 25 attempt to sell, offer, provide, or distribute a kratom product or 7-OH product with a level of 7- 26 OH that is greater than 2 percent of the total kratom alkaloids in the product. 27 28
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c. Except as otherwise authorized by law, an individual, business, or other entity shall not sell, 2 attempt to sell, offer, provide, or distribute a kratom product or 7-OH product that is attractive 3 to children.
4 d. Any individual, business, or other entity that sells, attempts to sell, offers, provides, or distributes 5 a kratom product or 7-OH product shall conduct age-verification to ensure compliance with 6 subdivision (a).
7 e. No person or entity shall offer for sale any kratom product that contains or is adulterated with 8 synthesized or semi-synthesized kratom alkaloids or kratom constituents. 9 Section 5. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES.
10 Any person or entity who violates this ordinance is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof 11 may be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment in the 12 County jail for a period of not more than six (6) months or by both such fine and imprisonment. This section 13 shall not serve to limit any other legal remedies or actions that the County may have to address violations 14 of section 4.
15 Section 6. SEVERABILITY.
16 If any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this article is held invalid or unconstitutional 17 by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed severable and such holding shall not 18 affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof. The Board of Supervisors hereby declares that it would 19 have adopted this article irrespective of the invalidity of any particular portion thereof and intends that the invalid portions should be severed, and the balance of the article be enforced. 21 Section 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
22 This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption. 23 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
24 THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE,
25 STATE OF CALIFORNIA
26 27 By:
28 Chairman
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1 ATTEST:
2 CLERK OF THE BOARD
3 4 By:
5 Deputy
6 (Seal)
7 8
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
10 11 By:
12 Minh C. Tran
13 County Counsel
14 15
16 17
18 19
20 21
22 23
24 25
26 27
28 253
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Californía Narcotic Officers' Association
28245 AVENUE CROCKER STE 230 - SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA 91355-1201 (661) 775-6960 • (877) 775-NARC • FAx (661) 775-1648 WWW.CNOA.ORG January 19, 2025
President
BOB COOKE Honorable Councilman Steve Sanchez
WSIN
La Quinta City Council
1st Vice President 78-495 Calle Tampico,

DEVIN CHASE
Torrance PD (Ret.) La Quinta, CA 92253
nd Vice Presiden
AMES APPLEGAT Re: Support for Prohibiting the Sale and Distribution of 7-OH Products El Dorado D.A.'s
Office/DEA TF
Dear Councilman Sanchez,

JAMES FORMAN
San Bernardino Co.

S.D. (Ret.) On behalf of the California Narcotic Officers' Association (CNOA), I am writing to express our strong support to prohibit the sale, distribution of concentrated synthetic 7- Executive Director
JOE STEWART hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and regulating natural kratom in La Quinta.

CNOA
Director of Training
JOHN KENNEY 7-OH, the psychoactive component of kratom leaves, is being synthetically concentrated Orange Co. D.A.'s into various products that are sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and other retail and (Ret.)
online venues in the county. High doses of concentrated synthetic 7-OH and/or co-used General Counsel
DAVID R. with alcohol or other sedatives can cause severe respiratory depression and death. As

DEMURJIAN
Huntington Beach they are unregulated, many contain unknown concentrations synthetic 7-OH, increasing the risk of unintentional overdose.

Legislative Counsel

RYAN SHERMAN
Sherman Consulting Medical research has shown that 7-OH binds to the same receptors in the brain as Conference Chair traditional opioids, creating a risk for dependency, withdrawal, and overdose when

MIKE KENNEDY
SLO Co. D.A.'s (Ret.) combined with other substances. Despite being marketed as a "natural" product, Legislative Chair concentrated synthetic 7-OH has no approved medical use and is widely recognized by ANTHONY MUNOZ public health authorities as dangerous.

Alameda Co. Sheriff's
Office
Region 1 Chair In July 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to firms

TOM MORENO
San Jose P.D. for illegal marketing of concentrated synthetic 7-OH products and posted product images. The FDA indicated that "7-OH is not lawful in dietary supplements and cannot Region Il Chair
SCOTT BACHMAN be lawfully added to conventional foods. Additionally, there are no FDA-approved drugs DOJ/BI
containing 7-OH, and it is illegal to market any drugs containing 7-OH. Consumers who Region Ill Chair
JESSE BRAVO use 7-OH products are exposing themselves to products that have not been proven safe Irwindale P.D. or effective for any use." Just this past summer, the FDA formally requested that the Region IV Chair DEA designate concentrated synthetic 7-OH as Schedule I.

PAUL PAXTON
San Diego P.D. (Ret.)|
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently issued a news release entitled, Multiple Fatal Overdoses Tied to Synthetic Kratom Compound in Los Angeles San Bernardino Co. County which warned its residents about the fatal dangers posed by this synthetic opioid which has resulted in at least 6 deaths.

Region VI Chai
JAŠON DICKE
San Luis Obispo P.D.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported on these 6 deaths attributed to concentrated egion VII Cha synthetic 7-ÖH and the highlighted the lack of action by the state legislature.

JAVE GARZ
Fresno PD (Ret.)
BRETT LET NORE The CNOA has been extremely active in addressing the recent explosion of the use of CA ABC kratom and the abuse of concentrated synthetic 7-OH throughout the state. We have Immediate Past been strong advocates for AB 1088 which would restrict sales to persons 21 and over and President
ERNIE COLASSO prohibit the marketing of natural kratom to children. The bill also prohibits the sale or Orange Co. D.A] distribution of concentrated synthetic 7-OH. AB 1088 passed the full Assembly, with support from Riverside County's Assembly members and currently awaits action in the Senate Health Committee.
"FOR BETTER NARCOTIC ENFORCEMENT ENOu
In August, we worked with Orange County Supervisors, resulting in the unanimous passage of their Ord. 25-014, regulating kratom and prohibiting the sale or distribution of concentrated synthetic 7-OH. The County of Riverside enacted a similar ordinance in October and Fresno County adopted the same approach earlier this month.

To be clear, the CNOA is not seeking a ban on natural kratom as that product does not pose a deadly threat to our communities as does 7-OH. However, we do support restricting natural kratom sales to persons 21 and over.

Our efforts throughout the state have mirrored the FDA's approach, focusing on raising awareness and leading the charge to ban concentrated synthetic 7-OH which presents a unique health risk and has been determined to have contributed to numerous deaths.

Most recently, the California Senate Public Safety Committee unanimously passed SB 758 (Umberg) which makes illegal the sale or distribution of 7-OH in the state. The bill is pending a vote in the Senate Appropriations Committee. is previously noted, communities across the state have taken steps to restrict kraton and ban concentrated synthetic 7-OH in the interest of protecting residents, especially young people, trom its dangers. By adopting this ordinance, La Quinta would join other local governments in prioritizing public safety and public health.

On a daily basis, our dedicated members witness first hand the dangers these substances can pose to our children, families and communities which is why the CNOA urges you to prohibit the sale and distribution of concentrated synthetic 7-OH and limiting natural kratom purchases to persons 21 and over. Taking action now will help prevent future deaths and reduce harm - especially for our youth.

For these reasons, we respectfully request your support to prohibit 7-OH, a deadly substance. Please contact our legislative counsel Ryan Sherman at 916.580.5464 with and questions.

Sincerely,
Devin Chase
President
California Narcotic Officers' Association
The California Narcotic Officers' Association mission is to educate the public and our membership on the dangers of narcotic and drug abuse, provide a medium for the exchange of ideas and the new techniques used by both criminals and investigators; and keep the membership and the public informed of current statute changes and judicial decisions. The over 7,000+ members of CNOA include local, state, and federal peace officers, prosecutors, law enforcement personnel and other national and international associates. "FOR BETTER NARCOTIC ENFORCEMENT" ENOr
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TRIES FAT LITE CITY OF BLYTHE
Blythe CITY COUNCIL MEETING

ALTERED STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 10, 2026
SUBJECT: Non-Health Hazards Secondary Contaminants, Hardness & Total Dissolved Solids for City of Blythe's Drinking Water Per Secondary Drinking Water Standards (SDWS)
PRESENTED BY: Mirasol Elegores, Public Works Director
PREPARED BY: Mirasol Elegores, Public Works Director
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council continue to require hotel owners to implement and manage the necessary water supply and wastewater treatment solutions and take no other action at this time.

FISCAL IMPACT: The City's fiscal impact will be primarily administrative oversight, compliance monitoring, and enforcement activities.

BACKGROUND: The City's groundwater supply is characterized by a high hardness (approximately 630 mg/L as CaCO3) and elevated total dissolved solids (TDS) (approximately 1,200 mg/L). These conditions are common in desert and alluvial aquifers, where long residence time and mineral-rich geology contribute to naturally high mineral content. While these water-quality characteristics do not pose a health concern, they do affect customer experience, plumbing longevity, and system operations.

Traditionally, reducing hardness and TDS requires large-scale treatment processes such as ion-exchange softening, reverse osmosis (RO), or blending with imported water. However, these solutions involve significant capital investment, high operational costs, and substantial brine disposal requirements-costs that are not feasible for the city at this time.

Given these constraints, the city is focusing on practical, low-cost strategies that improve water quality impacts without requiring major infrastructure upgrades. These approaches include:
• Operational adjustments, such as optimizing well run-times, if possible, to moderate hardness and TDS fluctuations.
• Distribution system management, including routine flushing and maintenance to minimize scale accumulation and maintain system efficiency. • Customer-side support, such as providing guidance on water softeners, appliance maintenance, and best practices for managing hard water.

Monitoring and data-driven planning, ensuring the City tracks long-term trends in hardness, TDS, and corrosivity to identify issues and sustainable solutions.

These strategies allow the City to mitigate the impacts of high hardness and TDS while avoiding the substantial financial burden associated with full-scale treatment facilities. As funding opportunities, grants, or regional partnerships become available, the City can reassess long-term treatment options. In the meantime, the focus remains on cost-effective, sustainable measures that protect infrastructure, support customers, and maintain regulatory compliance.

STAFF REPORT: Hardness represents the concentration of Calcium and Magnesium Ions in water. It is typically express as mg/L as CaCo3 (calcium carbonate). Seasonal fluctuations are consistent with groundwater source characteristics. Blythe being an agricultural municipality, recharge from irrigation or return flows that percolate back into the aquifer carrying calcium, magnesium, carbonates and sulfates increases hardness. Hardness is just one of the components of Total Dissolved Solids, therefore it does not determine the TDS value.

Total Dissolved Solids consist of the dissolved inorganic salts like Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Bicarbonate, Chloride, Sulfate & Nitrate and small number of organic matters. TDS is calculated by summing all measured ions with conductivity based - TDS meters.

Water softeners work by exchanging Calcium & Magnesium for Sodium on the resin. For every hardness ion removed, the softener releases multiple Sodium ions into the water. This increases the total number of dissolved ions which directly raises TDS. The WWTPs do not removed dissolved solids, whatever TDS enters the same amount leaves unless Reverse Osmosis (RO) or Ion Exchange is introduced. To install an RO system at the Water Treatment Plant, initial investment is easily costing hundreds of millions dollars and an operation annual cost of approximately half million just for chemicals alone. To process wastewater at the WWTP betore dumping to percolate, an equipment with initial installation cost of $1OM is needed.

Another avenue to explore is to request the California State Water Resource Board (SWRCB) for a review and revision of the City's TDS limit. Staff reached the Colorado Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board (Region 7) as the responsible agency enforcing TDS limits for groundwater protection. The Board does not discourage the request, but expressed their opinion of going into big upstream battle over extensive highly technical supporting data with a very little chance to be granted with the request. The staff contacted Environmental Engineering Consultants for possible provision of Feasibility studies in line with the application to include:
• Historical Data (influent & effluent),
• Source water TDS level
Trends over the past 5-10 years
• Impacts on compliance.
• Any operational or treatment constraints.
• Comparison with basin plan objectives
The amount of money that the city must put up to prepare the application package does not equate to the chance of getting a positive result. None of the three (3) methods presented above is feasible considering the city's budget capability.

In review of the abovementioned premises, as discussed during a January 26, 2026, meeting with several hotel owners, staff suggest the following options for review to address the water quality issues:

1. Water softening using Culligan Exchange Tanks, softening both hot & cold-water supply or treats hot water only to reduce 50% of usage.

2. Explore the feasibility of Life Source Water Conditioning, this system is not a water softener. It converts the Magnesium and Calcium into small crystals that pass through without coating water fixtures & boilers. The installation includes carbon filters to protect the treatment media and improve water quality. Media usually needs replacement once in four years.

3. Brine Capture System. The system uses a conventional water softener, but the brine used in backwashing and the rinse water is captured and transported to the Blythe Wastewater Treatment Plant's Brine Evaporation Pond.

In light of the financial constraints identified in the assessment, it is recommended that the City Council continue to require hotel owners to implement and manage the necessary water supply and wastewater treatment solutions. The available treatment alternatives exceed the city's current budget capacity, making municipal implementation impractical or next to impossible at this time.

Assigning responsibility to hotel owners ensures that appropriate treatment systems are installed, perated, and maintained without placing additional strain on public resources. Establishing clea echnical standards, compliance requirements, and monitoring procedures will support consister implementation and safeguard both public health and environmental quality.

ATTACHMENTS: None
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