Minutes of the Blythe City Council Special Meeting
June 16, 2026
The June 16, 2026, Special Meeting of the Blythe City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers by Mayor DeConinck. Also in attendance were Vice Mayor Rodriguez and Council Members Halby, Burton and Spraggins. Staff in attendance included: Interim City Manager and City Clerk Crecelius, City Attorney Roberto, City Treasurer and Finance Director Elms, Public Works Director Elegores, Chief Building Official Brown, 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.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Roberto stated there is no reportable action.
PRESENTATION:
Recognition of the Blythe Little League 2026 District 9 T.O.C. Champions.
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.
2. Posting of the Agenda.
The agenda was posted on the bulletin boards on the outside of the public entrance to the Council Chamber and near the inside entrance of the Council Chamber and on the City’s website on Friday, June 12, 2026.
3. Approval of the Warrant Register.
Recommendation: Approve 6/16/26, warrants numbered 11532 through 11542 and 81017 through 81071 in the amount of $933,819.97; 6/16/26, Utility Billing Refund warrants numbered 81072 through 81078 in the amount of $902.85 and 6/16/26, warrants numbered 11544 through 11565 and 81080 through 81126 in the amount of $614,692.85.
4. Approval of the Payroll Register.
Recommendation: Approve 6/16/26, warrants numbered 55772 through 55788 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 65279 through 65372 in the amount of $301,601.73; 6/16/26, warrants numbered 55789 through 55790 in the amount of $11,028.00; 6/16/26, warrants numbered 55791 through 55803 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 65373 through 65447 in the amount of $263,191.90 and 6/16/2026, warrant numbered 55804 through 55814 and Direct Deposit warrants numbered 65448 through 65541 in the amount of $95,058.15.
5. Minutes of the May 12, 2026 City Council Meeting.
Recommendation: Approve the Minutes of the May 12, 2026 Meeting.
6. City of Blythe Permits Issued in the Month of May 2026.
Recommendation: Receive the monthly report.
7. City of Blythe Fire Department Monthly Activity Report for May 2026.
Recommendation: Receive the monthly report.
8. City of Blythe Police Department Monthly Activity Report for May 2026.
Recommendation: Receive the monthly report.
9. Quality of Life Program Activity Report for May 2026.
Recommendation: Receive the monthly report.
10. Request for the Sale and Display of Fireworks.
Recommendation: Approve applications submitted by Victoria Sanchez/Spirit of Life Church for the sale and display of safe and sane fireworks.
11. Support for Comprehensive Tort Reform to Protect California Taxpayers, Survivors and Essential Public Services.
Recommendation: Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute letter(s) of support and use of the City’s logo in support letters requesting legislation to enact tort reform for civil actions against public entities.
12. Waive Encroachment Permit Fee for Soroptimist’s Placement of Patriotic Ribbons on Street Light Poles over the 4th of July Holiday.
Recommendation: Wave the Encroachment Permit fee for placement of patriotic ribbons on light poles in the City Right-of-Way.
13. Acceptance of Work - Hobsonway Manhole repair Project.
Recommendation: Accept work performed by R.E. Hoover Construction for the Hobsonway Manhole Repairs Project.
14. Memorandum of Understanding between City and Palo Verde Unified School District for the 2025-2026, 2026-2027 School Years and 2026 Summer School Programs.
Recommendation: Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute the Memorandum of Understanding once reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
15. Amendment to Law Enforcement Services Agreement between Palo Verde Community College and the City.
Recommendation: Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment Number One to the Law Enforcement Services Agreement for the provision of a Campus Tactical Officer.
16. Annual Military Equipment Report Pursuant to Assembly Bill 481.
Recommendation: Receive the annual Military Equipment report.
17. Annual Reaffirmation of City Investment Policy.
Recommendation: Adopt the FY 2026/27 Investment Policy as required by Government Code Section 53646.
18. Statement of Work for Information Technology Services- Southwest Networks.
Recommendation: Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the Statement of Work with Southwest Networks for Managed Information Technology Services for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 once reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
19. Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-010:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-010. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 FOR THE CITY OF BLYTHE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF DIVISION 9 OF TITLE 1 OF THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE.
20. FY 2026/27 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funded Project List.
Recommendation: Adopt resolution No. 2026-011:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-011. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017.
21. Authorizing the City Manager, any Interim or Acting City Manager, Assistant City Manager and Development Services Director to Accept Conveyances to the City of Interests in Real Property and Consent to the Recording of such Instruments and to Irrevocable Offers of Dedication.
Recommendation: Council Adopt Resolution No. 2026-012:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-012. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, ANY INTERIM CITY MANGER, ANY ASSISTANT
CITY MANAGER AND THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT CONVEYANCES TO
THE CITY OF BLYTHE OF INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY AND CONSENT TO THE RECORDATION OF SUCH INSTRUMENTS AND OF IRREVOCABLE OFFERS OF DEDICATION.
22. Adoption of Tentative Agreement Regarding Successor Memorandum of Understanding for the SWORN Personnel Represented by the Blythe Police Officers’ Association.
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-013:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-013. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REGARDING THE TERMS
AND CONDITIONS OF THE SUCCESSOR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF BLYTHE AND THE WORN PERSONNEL REPRESENTED BY THE BLYTHE POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2025 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANGER TO EXECUTE THE SUCCESSOR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.
23. Resolution Approving Rates of Pay for Volunteer Members of the Blythe Volunteer Fire Department.
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-014:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-014. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING RATES OF PAY FOR ON-CALL, VOLUNTEER MEMBERS OF THE BLYTHE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT.
24. Redeclare Intent to Levy and Collect Assessments for Lighting Districts Nos.1 and 2 for Fiscal Year 2026/27.
Recommendation: Adopt the following Resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-019. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2026-008 AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMETNS WITHING CITY OF BLYTHE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 2 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026- 2027 AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING SUCH ASSESSMENTS.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-020. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2026-008 AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMETNS WITHING CITY OF BLYTHE LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026- 2027 AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING SUCH ASSESSMENTS.
City Clerk Crecelius stated she has a financial conflict of interest related to Item No. 22, Rates of Pay for Members of the Blythe Fire Department as her husband serves as a volunteer fire fighter.
No public comment. Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of the Consent Calendar.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Fiscal Year 2026/27 Operating and Capital Budget. Finance Director Elms presented the proposed FY 2026/27 budget. Highlights include a balanced budget with a total appropriation of $53.3 million. This is supported by $44.5 million in current year resources and $7.7 million from reserves. The General Fund is $18.6 million or 35% of the total budget. Half of the General Fund’s revenue comes from taxes. 49% of the General Fund budget is allocated for Public Safety. The City is making additional contributions to its unfunded pension liability this fiscal year and is initiating a 10-year fresh start program with CalPERS which will save the City $2.5 million in interest costs, level out annual payments moving forward and pay the obligation off sooner. It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-2009, approve and adopt the
The Public Hearing was opened.
Council Member Halby stated I have no questions as we held a public Study Session on the Budget, and my questions were answered during that study session. There were no members of the public, outside of City employees, in attendance at the Study Session.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez thanked staff for getting us to this point. Pension liability has been a huge concern of ours and a lot of weight to carry. This is a good place to be.
No public comment. The public hearing was closed.
Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved approval of staff’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Burton with a unanimous aye vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-009. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027.
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Palo Verde Hospital Ad Hoc Committee Update. Interim City Manager Crecelius stated The District received a $3 million grant. The County continues its research on future recommendations for the District at the end of the 180 days.
Mayor DeConinck stated the roof repair is complete. It looks great and was done in a timely manner. He appreciates all the efforts being made.
The item was received.
NEW BUSINESS:
Adopting of Policy Regarding Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service During Meetings. City Clerk Crecelius stated as of July 1 st
, the City is required under
SB 707 to provide remote access to public participants via a two-way audiovisual platform or a two-way telephone service. The policy is required to address procedures for recessing and reconvening a meeting in the event of disruption and the efforts the City Council will make to restore the service. SB 707 also amends the Brown Act to extend the authorization for a legislative body to remove or limit participation by a person or group of people who engage in disruptive behavior while participating in a meeting remotely. It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution no. 2026- 018 approving and adopting the proposed disruption policy.
No public comment. Council Member Burton moved approval of staff’s recommendation.
The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Rodriguez with unanimous aye vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-018. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE,
APPROVING AND ADOPTING A POLICY REGARDING DISRUPTION OF TELEPHONIC OR INTERNET SERVICE DURING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS.
Calling the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election. City Clerk Crecelius stated The City of Blythe is scheduled to hold a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to fill three seats on the City Council and the Offices of the City Clerk and City Treasurer, each for a four-year term. To comply with the requirements set forth in the Elections Code and by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters, the Council must adopt Resolution No. 2026-015, calling for the holding of a General Municipal Election; Resolution No. 2026-016, requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Riverside consolidate a General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026 and Resolution No. 2026-017, adopting regulations for candidates’ statements.
No public comment. Council Member Burton moved approval of staff’s recommendation.
The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Rodriguez with a unanimous aye vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-015. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE,
CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026 FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS, AS REQUIRED BY THE
PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATIVE TO GENERAL LAW CITIES RESOLUTION NO. 2026-016. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE,
CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026 WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 10403 OF THE
CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-017. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLYTHE,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026
MEMBER COMMENT:
Council Member Burton commended the parents and coaches who are supporting our youth. They are our future and our present. We need to commend the Parets and people doing the work day in and day out. Thank you Mr. Halby for extending his gratitude to the team.
Council Member Halby stated there are plenty of people that sponsored a team, I just happened to sponsor the team that won so I provided them with some shirts.
Council Member Spraggins stated last Thursday I had the opportunity to go and assist at the Food Pantry. It was very humbling to say the least. Humbling to see the people lining up at 5am. The food came from Hollywood. There were so many mouths that were fed due to the food pantry, so I want to say thank you.
Mayor DeConinck stated the Food Panty is great and it’s amazing to see the food that goes there. Jason Rollo from MWD is here. Some of the money for the Boat came from PVID and MWD. He came down to recognize JR Echard who is returning later this month. I received a compliment from PVID for our Police Department who is helping them with some issues they are having with individuals on the canal banks and damaging equipment. I appreciate Jason coming to our meeting today.
ADJOURN: The City Council meeting was adjourned at 6:46pm. ________________________________
Joseph DeConinck, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Mallory Crecelius, City Clerk