Blythe public meetings in 2023

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold public hearings on two zoning ordinance changes: repealing and replacing the sign regulations (Chapter 17.26) and the environmental evaluation chapter (17.78). The council will also consider introducing an ordinance to prohibit unlawful possession of catalytic converters, adding reserve police officer provisions, and approving a $376,573 budget for five new patrol vehicles. The agenda includes routine consent items such as warrants, payroll, minutes, and monthly reports, plus a closed session on labor negotiations.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 923-23 to repeal and replace Chapter 17.26 (Signs) of the Zoning Code
• Public hearing on Ordinance 927-23 to repeal and replace Chapter 17.78 (Environmental Evaluation) of the Zoning Code
• Ordinance 924-23 to add Chapter 9.94 prohibiting unlawful possession of catalytic converters
• Fiscal Year 2024 Patrol Vehicle Purchase: budget up to $376,573 for five vehicles, with $282,939.05 to Elk Grove Auto, $78,733.69 to Innovative Emergency Equipment, and $4,900 to Signs Unlimited
• Agreement with R&L Watkins, Inc. for abatement services at 226 & 228 S. Main Street, not to exceed $69,080

City Council

The Budget and Finance Committee will receive a presentation from Teaman, Ramirez and Smith on the City's audited financial statements for fiscal year 2022/2023. This is the only substantive item on the agenda, with no other decisions or discussions listed.

• Presentation of FY 2022/2023 audited financial statements by Teaman, Ramirez and Smith

City Council

The Blythe City Council is holding a special meeting to receive a presentation from Professor John M. Eason and Brown University students on the socio-economic impacts of the potential closure of Chuckawalla Valley State Prison. The item is for information only; no action is requested beyond receiving the presentation. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker.

• Presentation on socio-economic impacts of potential Chuckawalla Valley State Prison closure
• Public comment period on the presentation item
• Next regular meeting scheduled for December 12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

City Council

The Blythe City Council will consider adopting an urgency ordinance imposing a temporary 10-month and 15-day moratorium on commercial solar energy facilities to review zoning compatibility. The agenda also includes public hearings on a sign code overhaul, an EV charging station exemption, and CDBG funding, plus routine consent items like warrants, payroll, and reports.

• Urgency Ordinance No. 926-23-U: 10-month, 15-day moratorium on commercial solar energy facilities
• Ordinance No. 923-23: Repealing and replacing Chapter 17.26 (Signs) of the zoning code
• WattEV Electric Vehicle Charging Station Project on E. Donlon Street: file CEQA categorical exemption
• 2024-2025 CDBG allocation of $97,808 for Home Enhancement Program with Riverside County HWS
• Fiscal Year 2024 fleet purchases: up to $179,987 for four vehicles from Winner Chevrolet

City Council

The Blythe City Council is holding a study session to receive a presentation on the POST Management Study prepared for the Blythe Police Department by Erik Apperson, POST Bureau Chief. This is an informational meeting only; no formal action will be taken by the Council. The public is invited to attend.

• Presentation of POST Management Study for the Blythe Police Department
• Informational meeting only; no formal action to be taken

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a public hearing on a tentative parcel map and a sign ordinance, and will consider several new business items including a citywide slurry seal project, an ordinance on catalytic converters, and an urgency ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on commercial solar energy facilities. The consent calendar includes routine approvals such as warrants, payroll, minutes, and a police officer association MOU.

• Citywide Slurry Seal Project: authorize agreement with American Asphalt South, Inc. for $565,470.56, plus $56,547.06 contingency, total budget $622,017.62
• Urgency Ordinance No. 925-23-U: temporary moratorium on commercial solar energy facilities
• Tentative Parcel Map 38780: divide 22.944-acre parcel into 4 parcels at W. Wells Road and Quail Run Road
• Ordinance No. 923-23: repealing and replacing Chapter 17.26 (Signs) of the Zoning Code
• Adopt tentative agreement for Blythe Police Officer's Association MOU (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2025)

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a regular meeting on September 12, 2023, with a closed session for labor negotiations. The main agenda includes a public hearing on a sign ordinance, a report on the 'Save Chuck' item, and new business items such as issuing commercial cannabis permits, appointing an animal shelter committee, and approving a park shade structure project. The consent calendar includes routine approvals of warrants, payroll, minutes, and reports.

• Public hearing on Ordinance No. 923-23 amending Chapter 17.26 (Signs) of the Zoning Code (continued).
• Consider issuing commercial cannabis cultivation and distribution permits to Edelweiss Enterprises, LLC at 1455 W. Hobsonway.
• Authorize $42,625.00 for Engevik Park Playground Shade Structure Project with Ortco, Inc.
• Authorize purchase order to Rockwell Solutions, LLC for $61,279.25 for sewer pumps for Sewer Lift #14.
• Approve warrants totaling $719,680.53 and payroll totaling $638,934.68.

The Blythe City Council unanimously approved the consent calendar and authorized several city contracts and agreements, including sewer pump purchases, a fire chief employment amendment, and a shade‑structure project for Engevik Park. The council also approved the issuance of commercial cannabis cultivation and distribution permits to Edelweiss Enterprises, LLC for the former Kmart building at 1455 W. Hobsonway. All motions were moved by Councilman Reynolds, seconded as noted, and passed with a unanimous aye vote.

• Approved consent calendar (unanimous aye vote)
• Authorized Interim City Manager to execute Peacemaker lease amendment (unanimous aye vote)
• Authorized purchase order for two sewer pumps up to $61,279.25 (unanimous aye vote)
• Authorized amendment to Volunteer Fire Chief agreement (unanimous aye vote)
• Authorized amendment to CDBG cooperation agreement for FY 2024‑27 (unanimous aye vote)
• Approved issuance of commercial cannabis cultivation and distribution permits to Edelweiss Enterprises, LLC at 1455 W. Hobsonway (unanimous aye vote)
• Appointed Councilmembers Reynolds and Burton to the Animal Shelter Committee (unanimous aye vote)
• Authorized purchase order to Ortco, Inc. for shade‑structure project up to $42,625.00 (unanimous aye vote)

City Council

The Blythe City Council is holding a special meeting to consider adopting Resolution No. 2023-021, which would extend the Riverside County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Service Authority's $1 annual vehicle registration fee until May 2034. The fee funds the abatement of abandoned vehicles, and the city estimates it could be reimbursed about $120,000 over the next 10 years. The council will also hold a closed session to discuss labor negotiations with the Fire Chief.

• Resolution No. 2023-021 to extend the abandoned vehicle abatement service fee until May 2034
• Estimated $120,000 reimbursement to the city over 10 years for abandoned vehicle abatement
• Closed session: conference with labor negotiators regarding unrepresented employee (Fire Chief)
• Public comments limited to 3 minutes on special meeting items and closed session item

The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-021 to extend the service fee collected for the Riverside County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Service Authority. This action ensures the city continues to receive registration fee funds for its abatement program. No action was taken during the closed session regarding labor negotiations.

• Approved posting of the Agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-021 to extend the Riverside County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Service Authority fee until May 2034 (unanimous)

City Council

The Council accepted a $35,000 grant from the Palo Verde Community Improvement Fund for the Police Department's Quality of Life Program. Other key actions included approving a liquor license for a proposed Grocery Outlet and expanding a student learning program at the Joe Wine Blythe Recreation Center.

• Approved $35,000 grant from CIF for Quality-of-Life Program (unanimous)
• Approved liquor license support for Grocery Outlet at 691 W. Hobsonway (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with Palo Verde Unified School District for expanded learning programs (unanimous)
• Increased budgeted part-time Recreation Center Aide positions from 7 to 15 (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 922-23 amending Military Equipment Use Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Calendar including $4.2M in warrants and payroll (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2023-019 and 2023-020 regarding Clerical/Para-Professional/Recreation Unit MOU (unanimous)
• Continued Public Hearing for Ordinance 933-23 regarding Sign Ordinance for First Amendment review (unanimous)

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a closed session on labor negotiations before its regular meeting. The regular agenda includes consent items such as approving warrants, payroll, minutes, and reports, plus new business on a $500,000 agreement with Riverside County for the Public Safety Communication (PSEC) System and a presentation on Flash Vote Survey results to guide street improvement projects. The council will also consider an ordinance adopting an amended military equipment use policy under AB 481.

• Agreement with County of Riverside for PSEC System use, up to $500,000
• Ordinance No. 922-23 adopting amended Military Equipment Use Policy (AB 481)
• Resolution No. 2023-017 for delinquent utility charges placed on tax roll
• Resolution No. 2023-018 levying special taxes in CFD No. 2004-1 (Hidden Beaches)
• Golf Course Water Supply Line Project: budget increase and change order totaling $25,750

The City Council unanimously approved a new public safety communication system and prioritized street rehabilitation projects based on resident survey results. The council also passed a series of consent calendar items including budget approvals and a new military equipment use policy.

• Approved agreement with County of Riverside for Public Safety Communication (PSEC) System (unanimous)
• Approved prioritizing First, Murphy, and 7th Street projects for current fiscal year (unanimous)
• Approved $483,276.65 in warrants and $673,332.56 in payroll (unanimous)
• Approved $2,800 budget increase and $22,950 change order for Golf Course Water Supply Line Project (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-016 for Riverside County Urban County Program participation (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-017 to place delinquent utility accounts on tax roll (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-018 to levy special taxes for CFD No. 2004-1 (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance No. 922-23 amending Military Equipment Use Policy (unanimous)

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a regular meeting on June 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The agenda includes a public hearing on lighting district assessments, adoption of the FY 2023/24 operating and capital budget, and several new business items including a mural project, design services for a beautification grant, and procedures for transferring commercial cannabis business permits. The council will also consider an ordinance on military equipment use and an agreement to provide law enforcement services to Palo Verde Community College District.

• Adopt FY 2023/24 Operating and Capital Budget (Resolution 2023-014)
• Public hearing on annual assessments for Lighting District Nos. 1 and 2 (Resolutions 2023-012 and 2023-013)
• Adopt procedures and fees for transferring commercial cannabis business permits (Resolution 2023-015)
• Approve $233,710 for six 2022 Dodge Ram trucks and $155,807 for four additional trucks for Public Works
• Award design services to Kimley-Horn for Beautify Blythe Clean CA Grant, not to exceed $245,000

The City Council unanimously approved the FY 2023-2024 Operating and Capital budget and confirmed annual assessments for two lighting districts. The council also approved several consent items, including public works vehicle purchases and a funding agreement for water storage tank replacement.

• Adopted FY 2023-2024 Operating and Capital budget of $42.8 million (unanimous)
• Approved annual assessments for Lighting District Nos. 1 and 2 (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of 10 Public Works trucks from Elk Grove Auto Group not to exceed $389,517
• Approved Resolution 2023-009 for Mesa Ranch water storage tank replacement funding
• Authorized $10,000 TC Energy Build Strong grant for Police Department Quality of Life program
• Approved 12-month extension for 10 West Link Laydown Yard temporary use permit
• Authorized IT managed services agreement with Southwest Networks
• Approved warrants for payment totaling $1,697,705.82

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a study session to receive a presentation on the proposed FY 2023/24 Operating and Capital Budget. This is an informational meeting only; no formal action will be taken. The public is invited to attend.

• Presentation of proposed FY 2023/24 Operating and Capital Budget

City Council

The City Council authorized the Interim City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Palo Verde Unified School District for a summer Expanded Learning Opportunity Program at the Rec Center. The program will provide services for up to 100 children and includes a $12,000 reimbursement to the City over the summer session.

• Approved authorization for Interim City Manager to execute MOU with Palo Verde Unified School District (unanimous)
• Approved posting of the Agenda (unanimous)

City Council

The Blythe City Council is meeting to approve routine financial items including warrants and payroll, adopt the Measure A five-year Capital Improvement Plan for local streets and roads, and consider several other items such as a police animal control unit purchase and a housing element update. The agenda is largely routine with consent calendar items, but includes notable actions on infrastructure planning and equipment purchases.

• Approve warrants totaling $359,438.83 and payroll totaling $590,745.99
• Purchase of Police Department Animal Control Unit Body for $63,904.50 from California Truck Equipment
• Adopt Measure A Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2024-2028
• Approve annual Consumer Price Index and Landfill Rate Adjustment from CR&R
• Accept $1,300 donation from The Prime Leaf for re-painting Gazebo in Todd Park

The City Council approved a contract with Veronica Tam and Associates for the 6th Cycle Housing Element update and adopted a five-year Capital Improvement Plan for local streets and roads. The council also authorized several routine payments and equipment purchases via the consent calendar.

• Approved contract with Veronica Tam and Associates for Housing Element update (unanimous)
• Adopted Measure A Local Streets and Roads five-year Capital Improvement Plan (3-0)
• Authorized $63,904.50 for a new Police Department Animal Control Unit Body (3-0)
• Approved annual landfill rate adjustments submitted by CR&R (3-0)
• Adopted Resolutions 2023-005 through 2023-008 for Lighting District Nos. 1 and 2 assessments (3-0)
• Approved warrant register of $359,438.83 and payroll registers totaling $590,744.99 (3-0)
• Accepted $1,300 donation in labor and materials for painting the Todd Park gazebo (unanimous)
• Received and filed reports on the Save Chuck initiative and abatement of 1203 E. Hobsonway

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a closed session to discuss appointing a Public Works Director and potential litigation, followed by a regular meeting. The main business includes deciding whether to partner with Riverside County on rehabilitating 6th Avenue, adopting a budget amendment for FY 2022/23, and considering several consent calendar items like warrants, payroll, and a new animal control vehicle. The agenda also includes a presentation from the Fair Ambassadors and a report on the Save Chuck Coalition.

• Partnership with Riverside County to rehabilitate 6th Avenue (resurfacing/reconstruction)
• Adopt Resolution No. 2023-004 amending FY 2022/23 budget
• Purchase of 2022 Dodge Ram 3500 for Animal Control for $72,547.67
• Ordinance No. 921-23 amending purchasing system for surplus property sales
• Waive $222 Temporary Use Permit fee for Cinco De Mayo festival

The City Council adopted Resolution 2023-004 to increase the General Fund revenue budget to $14.6 million and the expenditure budget to $12.4 million. The Council also approved several consent items, including a new police animal control vehicle and a joint use agreement with the school district. Discussions regarding the rehabilitation of 6th Avenue were held, but no final alternative was selected due to cost discrepancies.

• Adopted Resolution 2023-004 to amend FY 2022/23 budget (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 2022 Dodge Ram 3500 for Police Animal Control for $72,547.67 (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 921-23 regarding sale and disposition of surplus property (unanimous)
• Approved Joint Use Agreement with Palo Verde Unified School District (unanimous)
• Approved installation of playground equipment at Engevik Park (unanimous)
• Accepted donations from Edelweiss Sustainable Farms for Joe Wine Blythe Recreation Center (unanimous)
• Authorized grant application for U.S DOT Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (unanimous)
• Approved warrant and payroll registers (unanimous)

City Council

The Council introduced Ordinance No. 921-23 to allow the City Manager to approve the disposal of surplus assets valued under $60,000. The Council also approved a law enforcement agreement with the City of Indio and adjusted the April meeting schedule.

• Introduced Ordinance No. 921-23 to streamline surplus property disposal (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with City of Indio for law enforcement services (unanimous)
• Moved April City Council meeting to the fourth Tuesday of the month (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant Register for $293,723.38 (unanimous)
• Approved Payroll Registers for $258,846.18 and $73,500.61 (unanimous)
• Approved February 28, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Received and filed monthly reports for Permits, Fire, Police, and Quality of Life (unanimous)

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed revised water, sewer, and wastewater rates, with potential adoption of resolutions setting new rates if no majority protest exists. The agenda also includes receiving the FY 2021-2022 audited financial statements, several routine consent items, and a request to waive a temporary use permit fee for a community event.

• Public hearing on revised water and sewer rates (Resolutions 2023-001 and 2023-002)
• Receive audited financial statements for FY 2021-2022 (clean opinion)
• Accept $20,000 grant for officer wellness and mental health
• Accept donation of 2009 Mobile Command Post from Riverside County Sheriff's Department
• Adopt Ordinance No. 920-22 amending commercial cannabis regulations

The City Council adopted new water, sewer, and wastewater rates following a public hearing and a rate study. The council also approved a categorical exemption for the A&R Bakery development and accepted several donations. Emergency action for a collapsed sewer pipe at the Wastewater Treatment Plant was terminated.

• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-001 revising water rates (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-002 revising sewer and wastewater rates (unanimous)
• Approved Class 32 Infill Development Categorical Exemption for A&R Bakery (unanimous)
• Terminated emergency action for collapsed sewer pipe at Wastewater Treatment Plant (unanimous)
• Approved donation of 2009 Mobile Command Post from Riverside County Sheriff’s Department (unanimous)
• Accepted $20,000 grant from California Board of State and Community Corrections for officer wellness (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-003 authorizing destruction of certain records (unanimous)
• Approved co-sponsoring the Peace from Chaos March & Rally (unanimous)

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold a study session to discuss potential amendments to the City's Sign Ordinance. This is an informational meeting only; no formal action will be taken. The public is invited to attend.

• Discussion of potential amendments to the City's Sign Ordinance

City Council

The City Council authorized hiring a public relations firm and a lobbyist to oppose the planned closure of the Chuckawalla Valley State Prison. The Council also approved a contract for a golf course water supply line project.

• Approved $125,000 contract with Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc. for communication and marketing (unanimous)
• Approved $50,000 contract with Joe A. Gonsalves & Son for state legislative advocacy (unanimous)
• Approved $270,450 bid from Radco, Inc. for Golf Course Water Supply Line Project (unanimous)
• Approved $14,750 agreement with The Holt Group for golf course project (unanimous)
• Authorized project budget of $285,200 for Golf Course Water Supply Line (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Calendar (unanimous)

City Council

This meeting agenda is for a Blythe City Council study session that was scheduled for January 18, 2023, to hear a presentation from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department about the Public Safety Enterprise Communication System (PSEC). However, the agenda is marked as CANCELLED, so no meeting will take place. The session was intended to be informational only, with no formal action planned.

• Meeting cancelled
• Presentation on Public Safety Enterprise Communication System (PSEC) by Riverside County Sheriff's Department (planned, not held)

City Council

The Blythe City Council will hold public hearings on CEQA exemptions for a KFC restaurant at 738 W. Hobsonway and a Palo Verde Hospital modular clinic at 248 E. Barnard, and will introduce an ordinance amending commercial cannabis regulations. They will also review an emergency repair at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, approve routine financial registers, and make committee appointments.

• Public hearing: Class 32 infill exemption for KFC at 738 W. Hobsonway
• Public hearing: Class 32 infill exemption for Palo Verde Hospital modular clinic at 248 E. Barnard
• Introduce Ordinance No. 920-22 amending Chapter 5.10 (Commercial Cannabis Activity)
• Review emergency repair of collapsed pipes at Waste Water Treatment Plant
• Approve warrants totaling $461,074.50, $260.77, and $181,010.87

The Council approved CEQA categorical exemptions for a new KFC restaurant and a Palo Verde Hospital modular clinic. The body also authorized continued emergency repairs at the wastewater treatment plant and introduced an ordinance updating commercial cannabis regulations.

• Approved Class 32 Infill Development Categorical Exemption for KFC at 738 W. Hobsonway (unanimous)
• Approved Class 32 Infill Development Categorical Exemption for Palo Verde Hospital Modular Health Clinic at 248 E. Barnard Street (unanimous)
• Approved continued emergency repairs for collapsed pipe at Waste Water Treatment Plant (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance No. 920-22 to amend commercial cannabis activity regulations (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Calendar including $666,335.93 in warrants and payroll (unanimous)
• Approved February City Council meeting schedule change to fourth Tuesday (unanimous)

City Council

The Blythe City Council is holding a regular meeting on January 10, 2023. The only substantive item is a closed session to discuss anticipated litigation, with one potential case. No other decisions or discussions are listed on the agenda.

• Closed session: conference with legal counsel on anticipated litigation (one potential case)