CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
Study Session
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
3:00 PM
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PERSON AND VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. IF
YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND VIA ZOO M PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE:
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6t81zYrIRXyoCf8umkwtYA
AFTER REGISTERING, YOU W ILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL CONTAINING INFORMATION ABOUT JOINING THE MEETING.
MAYOR
Ernesto Gutierrez
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Pro Tem
Rita Lamb
Councilmember
Mark Carnevale
Councilmember
Nancy Ross
Councilmember
Raymond Gregory
• CALL TO ORDER
• ROLL CALL
• AGENDA FINALIZATION
At this time the City Council may announce any items being pulled from the agenda or continued to another date.
1. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.6
Agency Negotiator: Charles McClendon, City Manager
Cathedral City P a g e 2
Represented Employees: Non-represented Employees
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the opportunity for members of the public to comment on any items n ot appearing on the regular agenda. Because of restrictions contained in California Law, the City Council may not discuss or act on any item not on the agenda but may briefly respond to statements made or ask a question for clarification. The Mayor may als o request a brief response from staff to questions raised during publi c comment or may request a matter be agendized for a future meeting. Public Comment will be limited to three (3) minutes.
3. STUDY SESSION
Normally no action is taken on Study Session items, however, the City Council reserves the right to give specific p olicy direction and take specific action as necessary. Presentation will be limited to 10 minutes unless other provisions are made in advance.
A. Introduction to SiFi Networks an Open Source Fiber Optic Developer Recommendation: An Introduction to SiFi Networks, an Open Source Fiber Optic Developer, for Council Review, Discussion and
Direction Only.
B. 2021 Crime Statistics Update
Recommendation: 2021 Annual Crime Statistics Update. This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only.
ADJOURN
NOTES TO THE PUBLIC:
The City of Cathedral City complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you require special assistance to participate in this meetin g, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (760) 770-0322 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
If you desire to address the City Council during the meeting, please complete a Request to Speak Form available at the entrance and present it to the City Cle rk. Speakers will be called upon at the appropriate time.
Any document s provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s office at City Hall located at 68 -700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero during normal business hours. In addition, such documents will be posted on the City’s website at www.cathedralcity.gov.
Cathedral City Page 1 of 1 Printed on 4/18/2022
Staff Report
City Council
Meeting Date: April 13, 2022
From: Charles McClendon, City Manager
Title: Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.6
Agency Negotiator: Charles McClendon, City Manager
Represented Employees: Non-represented Employees
1.A
Packet Pg. 3
Cathedral City Page 1 of 3 Printed on 4/18/2022
Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.A
Meeting Date: April 13, 2022
From: Katherine Fuentes, Assistant City Manager
Title: Introduction to SiFi Networks an Open Source Fiber Optic Developer
City Council
RECOMMENDATION:
An Introduction to SiFi N etworks, an Open Source Fiber Optic Developer, for Council Review, Discussion and Direction Only.
BACKGROUND:
Over the last decade, the increased use of technology in the modern world has sparked debate globally as to whether fiber optic internet servic e should be classified as an essential utility for modern living. A debate that has been reignited by the current pandemic, with the statistics becoming even more predominant in the way people work and live around the world. More than any other recent even t in this century, the COVID- 19 pandemic has forced many at -risk/high-risk groups to survive from home, with internet access being vital to preserve their livelihoods, maintain prescriptions, educate their children, and even order vital food and supplies. As the debate over net neutrality continues, the fact remains that the global pandemic has intensified the disparity between those with and those without internet access ; the latter being significantly disadvantaged to the former.
If we accept the intern et as an essential service, governments should be discussing how they can assist their communities with obtaining greater access to these services by partnering with private companies to promote citywide internet access/coverage, consumer choice, and speed s that support tomorrow’s demands . Unfortunately, in rural and disadvantaged communities where Internet Service Providers (ISPs) feel subscriber numbers do not warrant the capital investment required to update or extend their infrastructure (or where ISPs hold a monopoly position) , most ISPs are not improving internet access. This continues to increase the disparity among communities, with rural and disadvantaged census tracts disproportionately burdened with substandard internet infrastructure.
Fortunately, government s have started to pay attention and are actively helping to maximize funding and promote access to their public rights -of-way in order to attract new ISPs and infrastructure investors who will address the current and future citywide
3.A
Packet Pg. 4
Cathedral City Page 2 of 3 Printed on 4/18/2022
internet access needs of their communities.
So why are cities, infrastructure investors, and certain ISPs focusing on fiber ? Fiber optic internet service has become the gold standard of wired internet, with one of the biggest benefit s being unlimited data capacit y ( faster speeds over longer distances ) compared to copper-based technologies such as digital subscriber line (DSL) internet or cable internet. Internet service provided through f iber connectivity can easily be 10 -20 times faster than the standard cable co nnection. Fiber networks have grown largely through private ISP investment, whether it be fiber to the home, business, cell tower, or intra-state connections , as ISPs recognize the installation of such future -proofed infrastructure retains their monopoly p osition within a community. The fiber industry has reacted to this tactic with one long-term infrastructure developer, SiFi Networks, leading the industry to deploy citywide Open Access fiber networks that foster multi -ISP competition, removes the digital divide, drives equality, and supports Smart City initiatives, all while removing ISP monopolistic structures.
Currently, in Cathedral City, there are only two (2) major players in the fiber market, Spectrum and Frontier.
DISCUSSION:
Over the last several months, the City has been exploring various options to accomplish the City Council’s goal of bridging the digital divide through citywide broadband infrastructure. The City has preliminarily engaged SiFi Networks (SiFi) to further understand a citywide Open Access Model, which would be deployed under SiFi’s FiberCity brand, due to the fact that SiFi is not an ISP selling content to the public or competing against ISPs on the FiberCity network.
SiFi is an international fiber optic network developer who privately funds, builds and operates state -of-the-art citywide Open Access networks that enable any number of ISPs to compete against each other to provide every resident, business and public facility with any internet -based service, such as but not limite d to, symmetrical Gigabit internet. SiFi has established agreements with multiple municipalities throughout the country to implement networks. Participating agencies within California, where SiFi’s FiberCity networks are being constructed and will serve over 1.2 million people, include Rancho Cordova, Lancaster, Palmdale, Fullerton, Placentia, Yuba City, Pico Rivera, Lynwood, Pittsburg, Downey, Corona, and Simi Valley.
Today’s study session presentation is designed to help educate the City Council and the community on SiFi’s FiberCity model as a comparison to other internet technologies available in the City today. This includes why their multimillion dollar private investment to construct, maintain, and operate a 350 mile Open Access network throughout the City does not require any municipal investment or taxpayer subsidy, how they address the digital divide, why they are able to attract multiple ISPs to compete against each other on a network the ISPs have no control over, and the processes they implement to keep residents and business fully aware of the networks ongoing construction and availability.
Additionally, the City is exploring alternative technologies with telecommunications providers (TelCo) to develop fiber broadband networks that offer bundle d voice,
3.A
Packet Pg. 5
Cathedral City Page 3 of 3 Printed on 4/18/2022
internet, and video services that go beyond typical ISP fiber service. The City is currently working with Race Communications, one of California’s leading telecommunications and fiber technology companies, to provide the full range of communications services in Cathedral City. The results of these conversations will be presented to City Council at a later date.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact at this time. This information is presented for City Council review, discussion, and direction only.
ATTACHMENTS:
Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022
3.A
Packet Pg. 6
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 7
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi FiberCity Investment
® 3.A.a
Packet Pg. 8
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi Connected Community
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 9
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi Neutral Infrastructure
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 10
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi Driving Community Equality
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 11
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi * GigabitNow is just one of many ISPs using the FiberCity® network Pricing that Supports Everyone
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 12
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi Personalized Communication
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 13
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi Network Installation
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 14
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi Future
-
Proofed Design
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 15
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi Finished Product
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 16
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi Neighborhood Engagement
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 17
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi Community Awareness
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 18
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi Open Access Networks
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 19
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi
PROJECT CAPITAL PRE-ALLOCATED PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION
OPEN ACCESS NETWORK TO CREATE MULTI-ISP COMPETITION
CITYWIDE NETWORK SERVING EVERY PREMISE
LOW-COST GIGABIT BROADBAND PROGRAM SUPPORTING VULNERABLE FAMILIES
ZERO CAPITAL INVESTMENT FROM THE CITY TOWARDS NETWORK CONSTRUCTION
NONEXCLUSIVE USE OF THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAYS
ALL APPLICABLE CITY EXPENSES REIMBURSED
Key Partnership Terms
ISP’S SUBJECT TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL FEES
NETWORK MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS RESPONSIBILITY OF SIFI
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 20
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi ®
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 21
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 22
Attachment: Cathedral City FiberCity Study Session_04132022 (3184 : Introduction to SiFi
Cathedral City Page 1 of 2 Printed on 4/18/2022
Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.B
Meeting Date: April 13, 2022
From: George Crum, Police Chief
Title: 2021 Crime Statistics Update
City Council
RECOMMENDATION:
2021 Annual Crime Statistics Update. This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only.
BACKGROUND:
It is important to consistently review and discuss crime statistics on a monthly and annual basis and examine the historical crime data regularly to measure our existing policing model and adapt as necessary to crime trends as they develop. The Police Department utilizes current and historical crime data to deploy personnel more effectively and efficiently to assist in reducing crime and fear in the community. This presentation will consist of a five -year comparison of Part 1 crimes covering calendar years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. A second two -year comparison of Part 1 crimes will be presented covering calendar years 2020 and 2021.
DISCUSSION:
2020 and 2021 were years like none of us in Public Safety ha ve seen or experienced.
Many cities experienced a significant increase in violent crimes and decreases in property crimes. On the other hand, many cities experienced significant reductions in violent crimes and property crimes. Across the nation in 2021, the crime of murder increased by 5% in major American cities and homicide increased a staggering 44% over 2019 according to the Council on Criminal Justice. In my research, several factors have contributed to the homicide increases across the nation which include calls to "Defund the Police", the number of guns in circulation in our Country, police officer recruitment and retention issues as well as unintended consequences of propositions and laws passed.
3.B
Packet Pg. 23
Cathedral City Page 2 of 2 Printed on 4/18/2022
In evaluating our Part 1 crimes from calendar year 2017 through calendar year 2021, I looked at total number of Part 1 crimes committed each year. Our totals for each respective year are as follows. 2017 (9 06 crimes), 2018 (8 89 crimes), 2019 (7 46 crimes), 2020 (793 crimes) and 2021 (9 12 crimes). As you can see, our number of Part 1 crimes has decreased in some years and increased in others.
Our two -year Part 1 crimes saw a 40% decrease in Homicide, a 26.6 % decrease in Rape, and a 3.1% decrease in Robbery. We experienced a 30.1% increase in Aggravated Assaults, a 13.2% increase in Burglary, a 0.3% increase in Larceny and a
41.6% increase in Motor vehicle Theft. It should be noted felony domestic violence assaults are included in the overall number of Aggravated Assaults and 54 of the 108 reported aggravated assaults were domestic violence.
Overall Cathedral City experienced a 15% increase in Part 1 crimes from 2020 through the end of 2021. In 2021, the pandemic restrictions were easing, and more people were going back into the workforce and not spending a s much time at home as we saw in 2020. Less people working from home presented more opportunities for home burglaries and auto theft to take place.
I reviewed surrounding jurisdictions Part 1 crimes for 2020 and 2021 which revealed a 40% increase in Part 1 crimes Palm Springs, a 21% increase in Part 1 crimes in Desert Hot Springs and Indio had a 2% decrease in Part 1 crimes. Over the past two years, Cathedral City has not experienced the significant increases in homicides as our surrounding jurisdictions.
Our city's decrease in most violent crime is attributed to several factors which include a responsive and proactive police department, having a trusting relationship with our community we serve and having a good working relationship with our allied agenc ies in the Coachella Valley.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
2021 Crime Stats Update
3.B
Packet Pg. 24
2021 Crime Stats Update
Presented By
Chief George Crum
3.B.a
Packet Pg. 25
Attachment: 2021 Crime Stats Update (3154 : 2021 Crime Statistics Update) Five Year Crime History
Offense 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Homicide 2 2 7 5 3
Rape 14 22 19 15 11
Robbery 49 39 48 32 31
Aggravated Assault 72 109 70 83 108
Burglary 176 188 182 136 154
Larceny 340 283 227 325 326
Motor Vehicle Theft 253 246 193 197 279
Totals 906 889 746 793 912
3.B.a
Packet Pg. 26
Attachment: 2021 Crime Stats Update (3154 : 2021 Crime Statistics Update) Two Year Crime History
* 54 out of the 108 Aggravated Assaults were Domestic Violence Assaults Offense 2020 2021 % Change
Homicide 5 3 -40.0%
Rape 15 11 -26.6%
Robbery 32 31 -3.1%
Aggravated Assault 83 108 30.1%
Burglary 136 154 13.2%
Larceny 325 326 0.3%
Motor Vehicle Theft 197 279 41.6%
Totals 793 912 15.0%
3.B.a
Packet Pg. 27
Attachment: 2021 Crime Stats Update (3154 : 2021 Crime Statistics Update) 2017-2021 Property Crimes
0 50
100
150
200
250
300
350
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
176
188 182
136
154
340
283
227
325 326
253
246
193 197
279
Burglary Larceny Motor Vehicle Theft
3.B.a
Packet Pg. 28
Attachment: 2021 Crime Stats Update (3154 : 2021 Crime Statistics Update) 2017-2021 Violent Crimes
0 20
40 60
80 100
120
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
2 2
7 5 3
14 22
19 15
11 49
39 48
32 31
72 109
70 83
108
Homicide Rape Robbery Aggravated Assault
3.B.a
Packet Pg. 29
Attachment: 2021 Crime Stats Update (3154 : 2021 Crime Statistics Update) ∗ City of Palm Springs 40% Increase
∗ City of Desert Hot Springs 21% Increase
∗ City of Cathedral City 15 % Increase
∗ City of Indio 2% Decrease
2021 Part 1 Crime Comparisons
3.B.a
Packet Pg. 30
Attachment: 2021 Crime Stats Update (3154 : 2021 Crime Statistics Update) ∗ According to online safety resource website SafeWise, Cathedral City was #41 on the list of safest cities in California. It's the only Coachella Valley city to rank among the 50 safest spots in the Golden State. This is our second consecutive year being ranked in the top 50 safest cities in California. ∗ Cathedral City Ranking #41
∗ Population 55,417
∗ Median Income $46,521
∗ VC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 2.3, 2.6, 3.1
∗ PC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 11.7, 10.9, 13.0
∗ VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Top 50 Safest City
3.B.a
Packet Pg. 31
Attachment: 2021 Crime Stats Update (3154 : 2021 Crime Statistics Update) ∗ Add resources to East PACT
∗ Regional team housed at CCPD
∗ Force-multiplier
∗ Primary focus is probation and parole offenders
∗ Increase Gang Unit staffing
∗ Engage in Intelligence-Led Policing through crime analysis ∗ Study past crime trends and patterns to predict future police response to affected areas ∗ Auto theft
∗ Golf cart theft
∗ Property crimes
∗ Violent crimes
Future Crime Reduction Strategies
3.B.a
Packet Pg. 32
Attachment: 2021 Crime Stats Update (3154 : 2021 Crime Statistics Update) Questions & Discussion
3.B.a
Packet Pg. 33
Attachment: 2021 Crime Stats Update (3154 : 2021 Crime Statistics Update)