CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Study Session
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
3:00 PM
Pursuant to AB 361 and Cathedral City Resolution 2022-06, this meeting was conducted by videoconference.
• CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM by Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez. • 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 Attorney Eric Vai l informed the City Council that a matter has come up that needs action prior to the next scheduled meeting. If the City Council approves the item to be added to the agenda, it will be added under Closed Session as Item 1B.
Conference with Legal Counsel for one case of existing litigation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lamb to add an urgency item under Closed Session, as 1B. Conference with Legal Counsel for one case of existing litigation for the City of Palm Springs v. Luis A Avalia Paz, et al., Case No. CVPS21047191B.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
1. CLOSED SESSION
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City Attorney Eric Vail announc ed the City Council will meeting Closed Session to discuss the following items listed on the agenda.
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation -Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)
One Matter: City of Cathedral City vs All Persons Interested in the Matter of the Sale of Bonds. CASE # CVPS2105159, Superior Court of Riverside B. Conference with Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(1)
One Matter: City of Palm S prings v. Luis A Avalia Paz, et al., Case No. CVPS 2104719
Danny Lee expressed his concern with adding this type of item late to the agenda.
He suggested adding any available public information as well, so the public has a better understanding.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 3:05 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 3:58 p.m.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss item 1A. Conference with Legal Counsel for one case of existing litigation for the matter of the Sale of Bonds Case No. CVPS2105159, and item 1B. Conference with Legal Counsel for one case of existing litigation for the City of Palm Springs v.
Luis A Avalia Paz, et al., Case No. CVPS2104719. There was no reportable action taken.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Diane McAlp ine wanted to clarify her comments made at the January 26, 2022 meeting. She stated that she is favor of a liability policy for STVRs in regard to insurance to protect the City against litigation.
3. STUDY SESSION
A. Fire Department Strategic Plan Adoption
Recommendation: Approve and adopt the 2021-2025 Cathedral City Fire Department Strategic Plan.
Fire Chief John Muhr provided an overview of the Cathedral City Fire Department's Strategic Plan for 2021-2025.
Councilmember Raymond Gregory feels the Str ategic Plan is good, however, he feels it is incomplete and suggested including cost associations within the plan.
He also cautioned accreditation. He expressed the importance of evaluating the value and benefits of the accreditation and that it is not just a piece of paper.
Chief Muhr provided a brief overview of the department's intent when seeking accreditation and the plan to accomplish it.
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Councilmember Mark Carnevale requested further information regarding diversifying the recruitment process.
Chief Muhr provided a brief overview over the plan and ideas related to diversifying the recruitment process.
The City Council recessed at 4:43 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 4:48 p.m.
B. Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Enforcement Program Recommendation: This item is presented for information and discussion only.
Sandra Molina, Code Compliance Manager, provided an overview of the proposed restructuring of the Short -Term Vacation Rental Program. She explained the prior roles of the Code Compliance Department and the Police Department related to the program. She explained the benefits of the team transitioning from the Police Department to the Code Compliance Department and what the role of staff members will be.
Police Chief George Crum also provid ed an overview of the Police Department’s role with the Short -Term Vacation Rental Program and the benefit to having the Police Department managing the program. He stated that the calls for service and complaints have subsided due to the enforcement of the Code and that he supports the restructuring of the program to the Code Compliance Department.
He assured the City Council that the two departments will work together to ensure the transition is smooth and the Code continues to be enforced.
The City Coun cil expressed concern with the confusion related to who residents should call for service.
Police Chief Crum responded that the calls for service received by the communications center will be dispatched as they come in, with follow-up with Code when necessary.
Doug Evans expressed his support for the STVR Compliance Program. he concurs that communication is important. He expressed his concern with illegal vacation rentals and encouraged staff to stay diligent on this issue.
Ed Emond-Worline thanked staff for their efforts. He questioned if the hotline will continue and if so, suggested one single source phone number so there is no confusion. He questioned who will set the priority when calls come into the call center.
Diane McAlpine thanked staff for th eir efforts. She is happy to see the coordination between Code and the Police Department. She urged the Council to consider prohibition of STVRs in HOA communities.
This item was for information and direction only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
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ADJOURN
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez adjourned the Study Session meeting at 5:21 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City