CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
5:30 PM
Pursuant to AB 361 and Cathedral City Resolution No. 2022-1, this meeting was conducted by videoconference.
• CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez. • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Rita Lamb lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
• INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Raymond Gregory offered the moment of reflection. • ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Ernesto Gutierrez Mayor Remote
Rita Lamb Mayor Pro Tem Remote
Mark Carnevale Councilmember Remote
Nancy Ross Councilmember Remote
Raymond Gregory Councilmember Remote
• AGENDA FINALIZATION
City Manager Charles McClendon announced that item 6C would be heard be fore item 6B.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
No members of the public wished to address the City Council.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Raymond Gregory stated that it has been a long time since our last meeting and he wished everyone a Happy New Year. He reported t hat he attended the Parks and C ommunity Events Commission subcommittee meeting, the Blue Light Ceremony and a City Hall at Your Corner event. He reported that discussions Cathedral City P a g e 2 Printed on 1/25/2022
continue with other agencies in the Desert regarding the College of the Desert Road Runner Program, and he will keep everyone u pdated on the progress. He also attended the CVAG Public Safety meeting, the League of California Cities Riverside Division meeting, and the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting. He announced the upco ming Special Meeting on January 19, 2022, and the Goal Setting meeting on January 22, 2022. He hopes everyone has a happy and prosperous year.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale announced that the CVAG mobile crisis unit will be parked on the basketball courts behind Napa on Mondays. He reported that he spent some time talking to residents and businesses related to an array of concerns. He also reported that he met with Economic Development Director Stone James and Assistant City Manager Katherine Fuentes to tou r the new Suniva building. He also met with Assistant City Manager Fuentes and a local developer for lunch. He met with Parks and Community Events Commissioner Robert Puentes at Century Park to discuss the much -needed park upgrades. He also received many c alls from residents related to the paint c olor of the new Casa Blanca, which he feels is not in line with our ordinance and has asked the City Manager to investigate it. He announced that he will be attending the CVAG Homeless Committee meeting next week.
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported th at she met with Tribal Consultants and a Public Arts Commissioner to discuss a possible cultural event in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater this coming year. She also reported that she celebrated the Holidays on vacation with her children , which was the best vacation ever. She also reported that she was assigned to Jury Duty the week of Christmas, however , she was not selected to sit on any trials. She announced that she will be attending an academy to learn and have a better understanding about water districts. She also announced that she has sent out her latest “Notes from Nancy” for the month of January. She announced the Jurassic Wonders Exhibit , brought to us by the Museum of Ancient Wonders , is now avai lable to see. She reported that she attended the League of California Cities Riverside Division meeting along with her colleagues and was proud that they were fully represented. She expressed her excitement to be representing the City on the SunLine Transi t Agency and will be participating in an upcoming training and events. She also expressed her excitement to be receiving her newly built all electric vehicle soon. She announced the upcoming Goal Setting meeting and encouraged everyone to join via Zoom.
Mayor Pro Tem Rita Lamb thanked Councilmemb er Raymond Gregory for his leadership over the last year. She reported that she attended the League of California Cities Riverside Division meeting, and complimented Mayor Gutierrez for doing a great job. She also reported that she attended the Santa for Seniors event at Cathedral Palms Senior Living along with Councilmember Nancy Ross. She announced that she is working with the Chairman of the Parks and Community Event Commission , Gary Marshall , to plan kids concer ts in the Cathedral City Community Amphith eater. She also announced that Parks and Community Events Commissioner, Robert Puentes , has facilitated a program for Veterans and guitars , which is a wonderful program. She recognized the Cathedral City Fire Depar tment for their shopping event which benef ited children from the Boys and Girls Club. She also wanted to recognize Melody Chaclan, a Cathedral City High School Senior, who Cathedral City P a g e 3 Printed on 1/25/2022
received a full tuition scholarship to Stanford University. She reported that she attended the memorial for Isabell Bringas, sister of Ofelia Bringas. She also reported that she attended, along with Goeff Corbin and his staff, a field trip to her hometown Burbank to visit McCambridge Recreation Center. She also attended an Amvets meeting, Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Bo ard meeting, and a Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees meeting. She announced that she will be attending the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at the Coachella Library on January 16, 2022. She will also be participating in a City Hall at Your Corner event on January 18, 2022. She announced the upcoming Emergency Make and Take event which will be held on February 5, 2022, at the Cathedral City Library. She reported that she spoke to many residents regarding permit concerns and vacant lots.
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He urged everyone to stay healthy with the new Omicron variant going around.
He reported that he attended a Parks and Community Events Commission subcommittee meeting and the League of California Cities Riverside Division meeting. He reported that he had an interview with Joe Smith from KKGX radio station and met with City Manager Charles McClendon for his weekly meet ing. He reported that he spoke to some deve lopers and builders who were concerned with the process for pulling permits with the City, and he was able to refer them to City Manager McClendon for information. He also spoke to residents regarding the illegal vendors in the City and fireworks/gunshots during New Year’s, which has been referred to City Manager McClendon and Police Chief Crum. He also reported that he drove around the City to see what needs attention to talk about at the upcoming City Council Goal Setting meeting. He announced the upcomin g Special Meeting on January 19, 2022, and the Goal Setting meeting on January 22, 2022. He also stated that Martin Luther King Jr. is one of his favorite speakers and inspired him in his life.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seco nded by Councilmember Ross to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
M.O. 2022-01
B. Minutes Approval
M.O. 2022-02
1. City Council - Special Meeting - Nov 30, 2021 2:00 PM
2. City Council - Study Session - Dec 8, 2021 3:00 PM
3. City Council - Regular Meeting - Dec 8, 2021 5:30 PM Cathedral City P a g e 4 Printed on 1/25/2022
C. Receive and File Payment of Claims and Demands for November 2021 Recommendation: The City Council acting in its capacity for the City, the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency,
the Housing Successor Agency, and the Cathedral City
Public Finance Authority Board receive and file payment of claims and demands in the aggregate sum of $ 6,817,679.42 for the month of November 2021.
M.O. 2022-03
D. Accept Resignation of Scott Colwell from the Public Arts Commission Recommendation: To accept the resignation of Scott Colwell from the Public Arts Commission effective immediately and direct staff to proceed with filling the vacant seat.
M.O. 2022-04
E. Purchase of two replacement 2021 Ford Explorers for Police Department Recommendation: Authorize staff to purchase two 2021 Ford Explorer Interceptors
M.O. 2022-05
F. Second Reading of an Ordinance Allowing Dog(s) in Parks on a Leash Recommendation: To waive reading beyond the title; provide second reading, by title only; and adopt an ordinance amending Section
11.44 of the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code regarding the Dogs in Parks and Recreation Areas, as well as Dogs in City Dog Parks.
Ord 853
4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant
Recommendation: To approve a resolution accepting the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant funds and enter into an MOU with the California Department of Justice
Police Chief George Crum provid ed an overview of the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant.
Reso. 2022-02
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Gregory to approve a resolution accepting the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant funds a nd enter into an MOU with the California Dep artment of Justice
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RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
B. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California Removing Chapter 6.04 (Refuse Disposal) of the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code and Adding Chapter 6.04 (Solid Waste Collection and Disposal) to the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code and Adding Section 8.57.025 to Chapter 8.57 (Water Efficient Landscape) of the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code.
Recommendation: Introduce and provide first reading of an Ordinance, by title only and waive further reading, removing Chapter 6.04
(Refuse Disposal) of the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code and adding Chapter 6.04 (Solid Waste Collection and Disposal) to the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code and Adding Section 8.57.025 to Chapter 8.57 (Water Efficient Landscape) of the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code.
Deanna Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation and Public Works Manager, provided an overview of Chapter 6.04 of the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code and SB 1383.
Danielle Mead expressed her excitement about this change. She suggested that the City hold an informational event to educate residents.
M.O. 2022-07
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Ross to approve the first reading of an Ordinance, by title only and waive further reading, removing Chapter 6.04 (Refuse Disposal) of the City of Cath edral City Municipal Code and adding Chapter 6.04 (Solid Waste Collection and Disposal) to the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code and Adding Section 8.57.025 to Chapter 8.57 (Water Efficient Landscape) of the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
C. SB 1383 Program Commercial Business Recycling Campaign Recommendation: Approve the Commercial Organics Recycling Campaign and allocate $100,000 from the AB 939 Environmental Fund for the distribution of organics recycling barrels and public education.
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Deanna Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation and Public Works Manager provided an overview of the SB 138 3 Program Commercial Business Recycling Campaign.
M.O. 2022-06
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lamb to approve the Commercial Organics Recycling Campaign and allocate $100,000 from th e AB 939 Environmental Fun d for the distribution of organics recycling barrels and public education.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
D. Purchase of Fencing and Shade Structure for the Panorama Dog Park Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute the documents required for the purchase and installation of the Echelon Plus Fencing in the amount of $187,634, including tax; and authorize the purchase and installation of a USA Shade
double wide cantilever fabric shade structure in the amount of $76,486, including tax; resulting in a revised budget of $610,000, including a General Fund budget amendment for the increase in costs in the amount of $110,000.
John Corella, Director of Engineering and Public Works provided an overview on the recommendation to purchase fencing and a shade structure for the Panorama Dog Park.
Danielle Mead expressed her appreciation for this project and exp ressed her concern with lo ose dogs in the area. She inquired about the height of the proposed fencing.
Terry Applegate inquired on the materials to be used and ADA accommodations in the park.
M.O. 2022-08
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale a nd seconded by Councilmember Gregory to authorize the City Manager to execute the documents required for the purchase and installation of the Echelon Plus Fencing in the amount of $187,634 , including tax; and authorize the purchase and installation of a US A Shade double wide ca ntilever fabric shade structure in the amount of $76,486, including tax; resulting in a revised budget of $610,000, including a General Fund budget amendment for the increase in costs in the amount of $110,000.
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RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
E. December 2021 Hall of Flowers Event Recap
Recommendation: This item is for review and discussion only.
Stone James, Eco nomic Development Dire ctor provided an overview on the recent Hall of Flowers event held in December 2021.
Geoff Corbin, President and CEO of the Cathedral City Senior Center, praised Dani Damanstein, Palm Springs Motors, Mayor Gutierrez and Stone James for their help with providing a van for the Senior Center.
Dani Damanstein stated that helping to provide a van to the Senior Center was very important to him as his father , who passed away, enjoyed a similar service in his hometown. He thanked the City Council for believing in the Hall of Flowers event.
This item was for information and discussion only and no action was taken by the City Council.
The City Council recessed at 7:37 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:45 p.m.
F. Bringas Bridge: Call for Artistic Submissions
Recommendation: Authorize the Public Arts Commission to obtain proposals for the creation of 16 art works, printing selected art on tile, and printing of two portraits on tile in a total amount not to exceed $50,000.00. The cost of the project would be
covered by the Art in Public Places Fund.
Stone James, Economic Development Director provided an overview of the Public Arts Commission's recommendation to obtain proposals for the creation of 16 art works, printing selected art on tile, and printing of two portraits on tile.
M.O. 2022-09
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to a uthorize the Public Arts Commission to obtain proposals for the creation of 16 art works, printing selected art on tile, and printing of two portraits on tile in a total amount not to exceed $50,000.00. The cost of the project would be covered by the Art in Public Places Fund.
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RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
G. Termination of Lease for Billboard on City Property
Recommendation: To authorize execution of the required notice to terminate the lease of City-owned property being used for a billboard.
City Manager provided an overview of the recommendation to terminate the lease for billboards on City property.
M.O. 2022-10
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale a nd seconded by Councilmember Gregory to authorize execution of the required notice to terminate the lease of City-owned property being used for a billboard.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
H. DAP / Revivals Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Recommendation: To approve Special Use Permit 21-015 and allow the Desert AIDS Project to hold a volunteer appreciation dinner at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.
City Manager Charles McClendon provided an overview of the DAP/R evivals Volunteer Appreciation Dinner proposed to be held in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater on Sunday April 3, 2022, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Councilmember Raymond Gregory and Councilmember Mark Carnevale would like to donate $255 each from their discretionary funds towards the SUP 21 -015 application fee for this event.
Marcie Lerner, Volunteer Coordinator DAP Health, thanked the City Council for their offer to sponsor the SUP application fee. She provided a brief overview of their organization.
M.O. 20212-11
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Gregory to approve Special Use Permit 21 -015 and allow the Desert AID S Project to hold a volunteer appreciation dinner at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.
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RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
I. Update on Emergency Actions Related to COVID-19
Recommendation: Update on Status of Emergency Proclamation. Possible action to continue or rescind Resolution 2020-06.
Update on Emergency Actions taken by City, County, State of Federal Agencies.
Possible consideration of additional measures to be taken.
Council may add items not listed on the agenda pursuant to Government Code section 54954.2 by majority vote.
City Manager Charles McClendon provided an update on Emergency Actions Related to COVID-19. He reported that this has been the most challenging three weeks of the entire pandemic for our organization. He stated that there are many employees out sick and thanked Eugenia Torres, Human Resources Manager, for all her hard work during this time. He feels we ma y be turning the corner and hopes to continue in that direction. He provided the recent seven -day av erage and noted that we are covered under the State mask mandate and doesn't feel a need for the City Council to act on anything at this time. He thanked Councilmember Nancy Ross for providing city employees with N95 masks.
Terry Applegate expressed her concern with the City Council voting to rescind the mask mandate. She also expressed her concern with the Omnicron variant and urged everyone to wear a mask, get vaccinated and get boosted.
Councilmember Raymond Gregory stated for the record that the Cit y Council did not act to rescind the mask mandate, it was allowed to expire.
There was no formal action taken by the City Council.
7. CLOSED SESSION
8. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
ADJOURN
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 8:21 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City Cathedral City P a g e 10 Printed on 1/25/2022