Blythe public meetings in 2021

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold public hearings on a conditional use permit for a multi-family dwelling and a cannabis project, and consider issuing a cannabis cultivation permit. They will also vote on purchasing two fire apparatuses via lease-purchase, adopting an urgency ordinance for SB 9 lot splits, and several routine consent items. Closed session includes litigation and labor negotiations.

• Public hearing: Conditional Use Permit 2111-001 for multi-family dwelling on C-G (General Commercial) parcel
• Public hearing: Categorical Exemption for Colorado River Holdings cannabis project at 2881 W. Hobsonway
• New business: Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Permit for Green West Enterprises at 1854 E. Chanslorway
• Purchase of 75' Pierce Enforcer Ladder Truck ($970,423) and Dodge 4x2 5500 Crew Cab Rescue Truck ($246,263) via lease-purchase
• Urgency Ordinance No. 913-21-U implementing SB 9 for urban lot splits and two residential units per lot

The Blythe City Council approved a consent calendar including warrants, payroll, and an ADU ordinance, and unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a 40-unit apartment complex at 545 E. Hobsonway. They also approved a cannabis cultivation permit for Green West Enterprises, authorized the purchase of two fire apparatuses via lease-purchase (Resolution 2021-045), and adopted an urgency ordinance implementing SB 9 for urban lot splits and two residential units per lot. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved consent calendar including warrants totaling $1,350,000+ and Ordinance No. 911-21 (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit 2111-001 for 40-unit apartment complex at 545 E. Hobsonway (unanimous)
• Approved Notice of Exemption for Colorado River Holdings cannabis project at 2881 W. Hobsonway (unanimous)
• Issued Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Permit to Green West Enterprises at 1854 E. Chanslorway (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of two fire apparatuses via lease-purchase, Resolution 2021-045 (unanimous)
• Adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 913-21-U implementing SB 9 (unanimous)
• Retroactively waived $500 Community Center rental fee for Chamber Winter Fest (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider a permit for a commercial cannabis cultivation business and a resolution to end the local COVID-19 emergency. The agenda also includes approving IT service agreements for water plants and accepting a $20,000 state grant.

• Issuance of Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Permit for GW Blythe, LLC at 1455 W. Hobsonway
• Resolution to terminate the local emergency declared March 20, 2020, regarding COVID-19
• Acceptance of $20,000 ABC-OTS Grant Assistance Program funds
• IT Services Agreement with Southwest Networks, Inc. for Wastewater and Water Treatment Plants
• Adoption of Ordinance No. 912-21 regarding mandatory organics recycling

The Blythe City Council approved the consent calendar, including warrants, payroll, and the Interim City Manager employment agreement with a $140,000 annual salary. The council adopted Ordinance No. 910-21 (permitting mobile home parks and family day care homes), introduced Ordinance No. 911-21 (ADU/JADU regulations), and approved a $103,000 CDBG allocation for Miller Park improvements. The council voted to continue working with GW Blythe, LLC on a cannabis cultivation permit, rather than issuing it, due to insufficient financial documentation.

• Approved consent calendar including warrants, payroll, and Interim City Manager agreement (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 910-21 permitting mobile home parks and family day care homes (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance No. 911-21 on accessory dwelling units (unanimous)
• Approved $103,000 CDBG allocation for Miller Park improvements (unanimous)
• Approved Notice of Exemption for Clinicas De Salud Del Pueblo clinic (unanimous)
• Tabled cannabis cultivation permit for GW Blythe, LLC pending financial proof (unanimous)
• Waived Temporary Use Permit fee for Chamber of Commerce Christmas tree (unanimous)

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs in line with state law, and will consider extending a cannabis dispensary license to HAH 1, LLC. The council will also introduce an ordinance for mandatory organics recycling per Senate Bill 1383, and vote on several routine consent items including warrants, payroll, and reports.

• Public hearing on Ordinance No. 911-21 for ADUs and junior ADUs
• Direct staff to prepare Amendment No. 5 to cannabis agreement with Ryan Kunkel, extending to Dec 24, 2021
• Introduce Ordinance No. 912-21 for mandatory organics recycling (SB 1383)
• Adopt Ordinance No. 910-21 amending permitted uses in each zone
• Approve warrants totaling $2,480.13 (refunds), $1,871,035.29, and $701,861.35

The Blythe City Council approved the consent calendar, including the Emergency Operations Plan and financial record destruction, and pulled Ordinance No. 910-21 for a future public hearing. They held a public hearing and approved Ordinance No. 911-21 on Accessory Dwelling Units, granted a fifth 60-day extension to the cannabis dispensary project, and introduced Ordinance No. 912-21 on mandatory organic waste recycling. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved consent calendar including warrants, payroll, minutes, and reports (unanimous)
• Pulled Ordinance No. 910-21 (zoning consistency) for a noticed public hearing at next meeting
• Approved Ordinance No. 911-21 on Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior ADUs (unanimous)
• Granted 5th 60-day extension to cannabis dispensary agreement with HAH 1, LLC (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance No. 912-21 on mandatory organic waste recycling (unanimous)

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold an informational study session regarding the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Regulation. The council will review a draft ordinance intended to ensure city compliance with SB 1383. No formal action will be taken during this meeting.

• Discussion of SB 1383, the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Regulation
• Review of the City’s draft ordinance for SB 1383 compliance

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a closed session on litigation, then a regular meeting covering consent items, public hearings, and new business. Key actions include approving warrants and payroll, purchasing fire respiratory equipment, hiring a police chief, adopting union MOUs, extending the COVID-19 emergency, and introducing a zoning ordinance. A public hearing will consider a cannabis dispensary license and a cultivation project exemption.

• Purchase of fire department respiratory PPE up to $149,700
• Employment agreement for Police Chief Garth Dale
• Adopt Resolution 2021-036 (Mid-Management MOU addendum) and 2021-038 (Laborers' Union MOU addendum)
• Extend local COVID-19 emergency (Resolution 2021-039)
• Public hearing on Ordinance 910-21 (permitted uses in zones) and cannabis dispensary license for HAH 1, LLC

The Blythe City Council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included a new police chief employment agreement with Garth Dale, a $149,700 purchase for fire department respiratory equipment, and several resolutions and ordinances. The council also introduced an ordinance to align zoning with state law on mobile home parks and daycares, and approved a CEQA exemption for a cannabis cultivation project.

• Approved consent calendar including police chief contract for Garth Dale (unanimous)
• Authorized $149,700 purchase order for fire department respiratory PPE (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2021-036, addendum to Mid-Management Unit MOU (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2021-037, designating agents for disaster relief funding (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2021-038, addendum to Laborers' Union MOU (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2021-039, extending local COVID-19 emergency (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 909-21, repealing and replacing Chapter 12.08 on excavations (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance 910-21, amending permitted uses for mobile home parks and daycares (unanimous)

City Council

The Blythe City Council meets August 10, 2021, with a consent calendar covering routine approvals (warrants, payroll, minutes, monthly reports) and several action items. Notable items include awarding a design contract for the Wells/Willow Street Rehabilitation Project, adopting resolutions on the appropriations limit and a Sworn Unit MOU, a public hearing on a zoning ordinance amendment, continued discussion of a cannabis dispensary license, and a request to waive parking fees for a Chamber of Commerce event.

• Award design of Wells/Willow Street Rehabilitation Project to The Holt Group (up to $28,800) and LandMark geotechnical report (up to $1,200), with $37,000 project budget
• Adopt Resolution No. 2021-027 amending Appropriations Limit for FY 2020-21 and 2021-22
• Adopt Resolution No. 2021-035, addendum to Sworn Unit's MOU (July 1, 2021–June 30, 2023)
• Public hearing: second reading of Ordinance No. 908-21 amending Section 17.08.010 (permitted uses in each zone)
• Continued business: Cannabis Dispensary License conditionally issued to HAH 1, LLC — provide direction to staff

The Blythe City Council approved Ordinance No. 908-21, amending the zoning code to allow multi-family dwellings in General Commercial zones via a Conditional Use Permit, aimed at revitalizing downtown. They also approved a consent calendar including warrants, payroll, minutes, and a street design contract, and introduced an ordinance to ban pavement cuts for five years after street construction.

• Approved Ordinance No. 908-21 amending zoning to allow apartments in General Commercial zones with CUP (4-0)
• Approved consent calendar including warrants totaling $617,500.75 and payroll totaling $535,149.32
• Awarded Wells/Willow Street Rehabilitation design to The Holt Group ($28,800) and LandMark ($1,200)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2021-027 amending appropriations limit for FY 2020-21 and 2021-22
• Adopted Resolution No. 2021-035 addendum to Sworn Unit MOU (July 2021-June 2023)
• Granted 60-day extension to HAH 1, LLC for cannabis dispensary license (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance No. 909-21 to prohibit pavement cuts for 5 years after street construction
• Waived Quechan Park parking fees for Chamber of Commerce river float on Sept 11

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a special meeting and regular meeting on July 13, 2021, covering a consent calendar of routine items, public hearings on a conditional use permit and a zoning ordinance, and new business including cannabis permits and a liquor license. The council will also discuss a cannabis dispensary license and form an animal services committee.

• Approve warrants totaling $2,457,744.54 and payroll totaling $897,142.67
• Adopt Resolution No. 2021-025 to levy special taxes in CFD No. 2004-1 (Hidden Beaches)
• Adopt Resolution No. 2021-028 accepting $7,800 SWBRTAP grant for police equipment
• Adopt MOUs for Clerical, Non-Sworn, and Management units
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 907-21 to add sidewalk vending regulations

The Blythe City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Escuela De La Raza to build the Alegria Early Learning Center at 1021 West Barnard, along with a CEQA exemption. The council also introduced an ordinance to allow multi-family dwellings in commercial zones via conditional use permits, and approved a cannabis cultivation permit for LG Harvest, LLC. All consent calendar items, including warrants, payroll, and various resolutions, were approved unanimously.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit 2106-001 for Alegria Early Learning Center (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance No. 908-21 to allow multi-family dwellings in General Commercial zones via CUP (unanimous)
• Approved Cannabis Cultivation Permit for LG Harvest, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved letter of public convenience for La Paloma's Type 41 liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Calendar including warrants totaling $2,457,744.54 and payroll totaling $897,142.67 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2021-025 for CFD No. 2004-1 special tax levy (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2021-026 for delinquent utility charges on tax roll (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2021-028 accepting $7,800 SWBRTAP grant for police equipment (unanimous)

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a special meeting and regular meeting on June 8, 2021. The agenda includes a closed session on labor negotiations, consent calendar items, public hearings on the Urban Water Management Plan, a cell tower exemption, and lighting district assessments, plus new business on the FY 2021/22 budget and sidewalk vending ordinance. The council will also consider a cannabis dispensary license extension.

• Adopt FY 2021/22 Operating and Capital Budget (Resolution 2021-022)
• Adopt 2020 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan (Resolutions 2021-018, 2021-019)
• Approve fireworks sale applications for Blythe First Assembly of God at 840 E. Hobsonway and 678 W. Hobsonway
• Approve warrants totaling $556,152.20 and payroll totaling $516,308.07
• Second reading of ordinances on purchasing control (905-21) and graffiti/vandalism (906-21)

The City Council unanimously adopted the FY 2021/22 Operating and Capital Budget totaling $27,855,811, including a $11.5 million General Fund. The Council also approved a 60-day extension for the cannabis dispensary license (HAH 1, LLC) to August 25, 2021, and introduced an ordinance to regulate sidewalk vending. All consent calendar items were approved except the Acacia Street project notice of completion, which was pulled.

• Adopted FY 2021/22 Operating and Capital Budget of $27,855,811 (unanimous)
• Approved 60-day extension for cannabis dispensary license to Aug 25, 2021 (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance No. 907-21 regulating sidewalk vending (unanimous)
• Approved 4th of July fireworks display (unanimous)
• Adopted 2020 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan (unanimous)
• Approved lighting district assessments for FY 2021/22 (unanimous)
• Approved consent calendar items 1-9 and 11-16 (unanimous)
• Pulled Acacia Street project notice of completion from consent calendar

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a special meeting with a closed session on the police chief position and labor negotiations, followed by a regular meeting. The regular agenda includes consent items like approving warrants and payroll, plus public hearings on two cannabis projects, new ordinances on purchasing and graffiti, and a fire department vehicle purchase.

• Purchase of Fire Department vehicle up to $36,500
• Public hearings on categorical exemptions for cannabis projects at 1854 E. Chanslorway and 2473 W. Hobsonway
• First reading of Ordinance No. 905-21 on purchasing and public projects
• First reading of Ordinance No. 906-21 on graffiti and vandalism abatement
• Extension of local emergency due to COVID-19 (Resolution No. 2021-017)

The Blythe City Council approved the consent calendar (items 1-7, 10-14) and separately approved items 8 and 9 (rate adjustment and fire vehicle purchase). It adopted resolutions for lighting district assessments, approved CEQA exemptions for two cannabis projects, introduced ordinances on purchasing and graffiti abatement, and approved a payment plan for Holiday Inn Express fees. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved consent calendar items 1-7 and 10-14 (unanimous)
• Approved annual CPI and landfill rate adjustment (unanimous)
• Authorized fire department vehicle purchase up to $36,500 (unanimous)
• Adopted lighting district resolutions 2021-013 through 2021-016 (unanimous)
• Adopted CEQA exemption for Cornerstone cannabis cultivation (unanimous)
• Adopted CEQA exemption for Gr&Be cannabis project (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance 905-21 on purchasing and public works contracts (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance 906-21 on graffiti abatement (unanimous)

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a special meeting and regular meeting on April 13, 2021. Key items include receiving a presentation on SB 1383 (mandatory organic waste recycling) and directing staff to prepare an ordinance, as well as awarding a contract for Acacia Street rehabilitation. The council will also consider a budget amendment, a cannabis dispensary license, and several routine consent items.

• SB 1383 presentation: Council to direct staff to prepare an ordinance for mandatory organic waste reduction, with potential solid waste rate increases.
• Acacia Street Rehabilitation: Authorize agreement with Rove Engineering, purchase order not to exceed $192,700, plus $22,000 contingencies and $19,500 for surveying, total project budget $234,200.
• FY 2020/21 Budget Amendment: Adopt Resolution No. 2021-011 to amend budget and create a Graffiti Control Technician position.
• Cannabis Dispensary License: Council to provide direction on conditionally issued license to HAH 1, LLC.
• Warrant Register: Approve warrants totaling $509,668.21, plus utility refunds and additional warrants.

The Blythe City Council approved a budget amendment for FY 2020-21, adopted a resolution supporting a water tank project funding request, and authorized a $192,700 street rehabilitation contract. The Council also granted a 60-day extension for a cannabis dispensary's conditional license and accepted a new public access road dedication. A presentation on SB 1383 organic waste regulations was given, with an ordinance to be reviewed later.

City Council

The Blythe City Council will consider awarding a design contract for the Lovekin-Barnard Street Rehabilitation Project, along with several other routine items. The consent calendar includes approvals for warrants, payroll, minutes, and various reports. A notable new business item is the design contract, with costs up to $76,034 depending on the scope.

• Award design for Lovekin-Barnard Street Rehabilitation to Onward Engineering, up to $76,034
• Authorize $18,500 purchase order to R.E. Hoover for East Evaporation Pond coating
• Authorize $10,150 purchase order to R.E. Hoover for Biolac System aeration line repairs
• Authorize $30,000 traffic signal repair at Broadway and Hobsonway
• Adopt resolution to continue local emergency due to COVID-19

The Blythe City Council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included routine approvals of warrants, payroll, minutes, and permits. In new business, the Council awarded a design contract for the Lovekin-Barnard Street Rehabilitation Project to Onward Engineering, approved a contract for the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, authorized a purchase order for traffic signal repairs, and approved a final parcel map. The Council also received and filed an update on a cannabis dispensary license and directed staff to schedule a study session on a septic system issue.

• Approved consent calendar including warrants, payroll, minutes, and reports
• Awarded Lovekin-Barnard Street Rehabilitation design to Onward Engineering
• Authorized purchase order for geotechnical report from LandMark Consultants
• Awarded 2020 Urban Water Management Plan to West and Associates
• Authorized purchase order to Econolite for traffic signal repair at Broadway and Hobsonway
• Authorized recording of Final Parcel Map 37984 for Mesa Ranch, LLC
• Received and filed update on Cannabis Dispensary License for HAH 1, LLC
• Directed staff to schedule a study session on Fairway Villas septic issue

City Council

The Blythe City Council is holding an informational study session to receive an update from the California Department of General Services on the California/Arizona Border Ag Station Relocation Project. No formal action will be taken; the meeting is for discussion only.

• Update from State of California DGS on California/Arizona Border Ag Station Relocation Project
• Informational meeting only; no formal Council action

City Council

The Blythe City Council is holding a special meeting with a single closed-session item: an audit by the California State Auditor's Office, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.75. Public comment is allowed on matters not on the agenda, limited to 3 minutes per speaker. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Closed session: audit by California State Auditor's Office (Gov. Code § 54956.75)

The Blythe City Council held a special meeting on March 2, 2021, with no public comment and a closed session to discuss an audit by the California State Auditor's Office. After the closed session, the council reported that no actions were taken. The meeting adjourned at 3:30pm.

• No actions were taken during the closed session regarding the audit by the California State Auditor's Office.
• The special meeting was adjourned at 3:30pm.

City Council

The Council approved two tentative parcel maps for property divisions, granted a 60-day extension for a cannabis dispensary license, and authorized several contracts and agreements. It also received the audited financial statements and discussed graffiti concerns.

• Approved Consent Calendar including warrants, payroll, minutes, permits, reports, and agreements (unanimous)
• Approved Tentative Parcel Map 38058 for division of 1.06-acre site at 1191 E. Hobsonway into three parcels (unanimous)
• Approved Tentative Parcel Map 37983 for division of 2.26-acre site at 700 W. Donlon into two parcels (unanimous)
• Granted 60-day extension for cannabis dispensary license to HAH 1, LLC (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase order to Holt Group for water tank design and construction management up to $97,400 (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase order to Econolite Systems for traffic signal repair up to $30,000 (unanimous)
• Approved letter supporting Dollar General's off-sale alcohol license (4-0, Rodriguez abstained)
• Received and filed audited financial statements for FY 2019/20

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold its regular meeting on January 12, 2021, with a closed session on labor negotiations. The consent calendar includes routine approvals of warrants, payroll, minutes, and reports. New business includes an appeal to reduce the standard separation for a proposed AT&T cell tower, rejection of bids for the Acacia Street Rehabilitation Project, and a geotechnical investigation for a new water tank. The council will also consider extending the local COVID-19 emergency and a cannabis dispensary progress report.

• Approve warrants totaling $787,507.85 and payroll totaling $616,071.28
• Authorize $100,211 for two Ford Police Interceptor patrol vehicles
• Approve $249,530.71 three-year lease for odor scrubbers at sewer lift stations
• Approve $40,880 purchase order to R.E. Hoover for aeration line repairs at wastewater plant
• Consider AT&T request to reduce cell tower separation to 125% of tower height for a 65' mono-palm site at 1006 N. Broadway