CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
5:30 PM
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
• CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Rita Lamb. • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Carnevale led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez offered the Invocation. • ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Rita Lamb Mayor Present 5:30 PM
Mark Carnevale Mayor Pro Tem Present 5:30 PM
Nancy Ross Councilmember Present 5:30 PM
Raymond Gregory Councilmember Present 5:30 PM
Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 5:30 PM
• AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
Jens Mueller, Cathedra l City resident, expressed his concern with trash container violations in the City and suggested sending informational/warning mailers out to help with the issue.
Joe Feringa, Cathedral City resident, expressed his concern related to the planned installation and maintenance of walls for the Rio Del Sol development. He urged the City and developer to consider alternative solutions.
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Marc Shapiro, Cathedral City resident, expressed his concern related to the planned installation and maintenance of walls fo r the Rio Del Sol development. He urged the City and developer to consider alternative solutions.
Kit Snider, Cathedral City resident, expressed her concern related to the planned installation and maintenance of walls for the Rio Del Sol development. Sh e urged the City and developer to consider alternative solutions.
Joy Bright, Cathedral City resident, expressed her concern related to the planned installation and maintenance of walls for the Rio Del Sol development. She supports one common wall to be utilized between the properties.
Nazir Lalani, President of Aldea the Vistas Homeowners Association, expressed his concern related to the planned installation and maintenance of walls for the Rio Del Sol development. He also expressed his support for th e homeowners who will be impacted.
Rick Lowe, Cathedral City resident, expressed his concern related to the planned installation and maintenance of walls for the Rio Del Sol development. He urged the City to consider all the factors when making final decisions related to this issue.
Michael Sudderth, Cathedral City resident, expressed his concern related to the planned installation and maintenance of walls for the Rio Del Sol development. He questioned the legality of the issue.
Christina Cook, Cathedr al City resident, expressed her concern related to the planned installation and maintenance of walls for the Rio Del Sol development. She shares in the concerns of her neighbors and supports the residents of Aldeas the Vistas and Montage communities related to this issue.
Karin Jaffie, Friends of the Desert Mountains, provided an overview on the Friends of the Desert Mountains organization and discussed protecting California's deserts.
Scott Reese, Chair of Montage Rio Del Sol Ad Hoc Committee, expressed his concern related to the planned installation and maintenance of walls for the Rio Del Sol development. He requested that public records related to the development be made available. He urged the City and developer to consider alternative solutions.
Victoria Robinson, Cathedral City resident, expressed her concern related to the planned installation and maintenance of walls for the Rio Del Sol development. She feels the existing wall should be utilized.
Jonathan Merchain, Cathedral City resident, exp ressed his concern with code enforcement and violations he has received.
Alex Miller, Cathedral City homeowner, thanked the City and Council for being so welcoming and feels they are doing a great job.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
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Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• The League of California Cities Riverside County Division meeting, which was hosted in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater
• Past Special City Council Meeting
• Developer and resident issues/concerns
• A resident’s conc erns related to gun fire and the Police Department’s work to continue to ensure the City remains a safe place
• The Grocery Outlet fire, which was set by a homeless individual • His weekly meeting with City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose
• His personal tour of his district to evaluate and take note of issues and the need to work with residents to help follow City Ordinances
• The high traffic on surface streets in the City and the City's advocacy for more bridges
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following:
• The meetings she took with residents over the last few weeks • Her attendance at the Butterfly Festival, which was held at Panorama Park • Her attendance at the Police and Fire Department’s Meatball event • The League of California Cities Riverside County Division meeting, which was hosted in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater
• Her attendance at the Montage Community’s block party • Her attendance at the recognition of Desert Regional Medical Center receiving a level one trauma center designation
• A story about Lidia Connolly for Women's History Month
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Carnevale reported on the following:
• His weekly meeting with City Manager McClendon
• The League of California Cities Riverside County Divisi on meeting, which was hosted in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater
• His attendance at the CVEP meeting
• Resident concerns related to roads and code compliance • His attendance of the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber’s BMW Racing event, which was held in Thermal
• The upcoming Evening Rotary meet and greet with Assistant City Manager Anne Ambrose, which will be held on April 10, 2023, at Nicolino’s Restaurant • His visit to Weenee Roadhouse Restaurant, which he highly recommends • The Homeless Liaison Officer’s progress report
Councilmember Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• The Butterfly Festival, which was held at Panorama Park • The upcoming Spring Fest, which will be held at Century Park • The League of California Cities Riverside Co unty Division meeting, which was hosted in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater
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• The Special City Council Meeting, which was held on March 15, 2023 • His attendance at the League of California Cities Governance Transparency and Labor Relations Committee meeting
• His attendance at the Red Dress fundraiser which was held at the Air Museum • His attendance at the Palm Spring PFLAG event
• The upcoming Special City Council meetings
• The upcoming Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club Annual Meatball Festival • The upcoming Easter Holiday
Mayor Rita Lamb reported on the following:
• Her participation at the California Associations of Realtors’ Mayor's Woman's Council
• Her attendance at the recognition of Desert Regional Medical Center receiving a level one trauma center designation
• Her participation in the College of the Desert Resolution group related to the schematic design and next steps for the Palm Springs campus • The Desert Art Tour and community artists
• The City's Strategic Plan
• The "Keeping Cathedral City Beautiful” certificate program, which she created to recognize property owners
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Lamb to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
M.O. 2023-35
B. Minutes Approval
M.O. 2023-36
1. City Council - Study Session - Mar 8, 2023 3:00 PM
2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Mar 8, 2023 5:30 PM
3. City Council - Special Meeting - Mar 15, 2023 2:00 PM C. Accept Resignation of Stephen Vericker from the Parks and Community Events Commission
Recommendation: To accept the resignation of Stephen Vericker from the Parks and Community Events Commission effective
immediately and direct staff to proceed with filling the vacant seat.
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M.O. 2023-37
D. Receive and File Payment of Claims and Demands for February 2023 Recommendation: The City Council acting in its capacity for the City, the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency,
the Housing Successor Agency, the Cathedral City Public Finance Authority Board, and the Cathedral City Downtown Foundation Board receive and file payment of claims and demands in the aggregate sum of $8,441,110.27 for the
month of February 2023.
M.O. 2023-38
E. Notice of Completion for Via De Anza Street Improvements, Phase I (CIP 8834)
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Via De Anza Street Improvements, Phase I Project (CIP 8834) as complete; and authorize the City Manager to execute and file a Notice of Completion with the Riverside County Recorder's office; and authorize the release of retention funds to Granite
Construction, Inc. upon expiration of the Notice of
Completion.
M.O. 2023-39
F. California Board of State and Community Corrections Officer Wellness and Mental Health Grant
Recommendation: To accept the 2022-2025 California Board of State and Community Corrections "Officer Wellness and Mental Health Grant" in the amount of $34,402.05.
M.O. 2023-40
G. Purchase of two vehicles for personnel assigned to East PACT Recommendation: To authorize staff to purchase two vehicles from Quality Chevrolet of Escondido, which will be utilized by CCPD staff assigned to East PACT. The vehicles to be purchased are a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab and 2022
Chevrolet Colorado, Crew Cab, with a total price of
$82,665.15 along with emergency lighting installed on both units at $12,682.79 for a total of $95,347.95.
M.O. 2023-41
H. Ratification of Agreement Between the City of Cathedral City and The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
Recommendation: To ratify the agreement between the City of Cathedral City ("City") and The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees ("AFSCME") via the Memorandum of
Understanding ("MOU") for the period of January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025.
M.O. 2023-42
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I. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Application Services for Downtown Dog Park
Recommendation: To approve a task order for MVR Consulting to provide Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Application
Services for the proposed Downtown Dog Park not to
exceed $30,000; authorize the Director of
Engineering/Public Works to execute the task order if it is determined the location of the Downtown Dog Park is
eligible for the LWCF Grant; and authorize a $30,000
General Fund Budget Amendment to the Engineering
Professional and Technical Services 100-8601 fund.
M.O. 2023-43
4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. SUP #23-002: Maya La Feria International De Cultura
Recommendation: To approve Special Use Permit #23-002 and allow the Maya La Feria International De Cultura event to utilize the
Community Amphitheater on Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2023.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale to approve the reservation of the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater from October 21, 2023 throu gh October 22, 2023, for the Maya La Feria International De Cultura event, at a fee of $2,500 per day and $1,000 for security and direct staff to bring back the Special Use Permit for Council consideration when more information can be provided to the City Council on the event.
M.O. 2023-44
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
B. Public Arts Commission Arts Education Funding Request: Cathedral City Senior Center Blues/Jazz Concert Series
Recommendation: To approve an award of $2,800 of Arts in Public Places funds to support the Cathedral City Senior Center's Yves Evans Presents Blues/Jazz Concert Series
M.O. 2023-45
A motion was made by Councilman Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Lamb to approve an award of $2,800 of Arts in Public Places funds to support the Cathedral City Senior Center's Yves Evans Presents Blues/Jazz Concert Series Cathedral City P a g e 7 Printed on 4/06/2023
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor
AYES: Rita Lamb, Nancy Ross, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez ABSTAIN: Mark Carnevale
The City Council recessed at 7:25 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:30 p.m.
C. Request 4-year Lease Agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management Recommendation: To authorize, effective with fiscal year (FY 2023/2024), a lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management for (8) eight Police Department vehicles at an annual cost of
$93,572.50 with an optional maintenance program of
$5,432.04 for a total cost of $99,004.40 annually.
Additionally, to authorize the installation of emergency lighting and equipment for $45,687, including tax.
M.O. 2023-46
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Ma yor Pro Tem Carnevale to authorize, effective with fiscal year (FY 2023/2024), a lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management for (8) eight Police Department vehicles at an annual cost of $93,572.50 with an optional maintenance program of $5,432.04 for a total cost of $99,004.40 annually. Additionally, to authorize the installation of emergency lighting and equipment for $45,687, including tax.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 1]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Rita Lamb, Mark Carnevale, Nancy Ross, Raymond Gregory NAYS: Ernesto Gutierrez
D. Consulting Agreement with HR Green for Land Development Engineering Support
Recommendation: To approve a Professional Services Agreement with HR Green, Inc. to provide Land Development Engineering
Support Consulting Services and Electronic Plan Check
Services for the amount of $64,000 and $30,000,
respectively for not to exceed total of $94,000; and,
authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement.
M.O. 2023-47
A motion was made by May or Pro Tem Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Ross to approve a Professional Services Agreement with HR Cathedral City P a g e 8 Printed on 4/06/2023
Green, Inc. to provide Land Development Engineering Support Consulting Services and Electronic Plan Check Services for the amount of $64,000 and $30,000, respectively for not to exceed total of $94,000; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
E. 2023 SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program Funding Application
Recommendation: To authorize the submittal of a 2023 SB 821, Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program funding application for two (2) potential bike lane improvement Projects; authorize the Director of Engineering/Public Works to authorize a Task Order under the Annual Contract for Traffic Engineering Services with STC Traffic Inc., to provide engineering
assistance and complete the Application(s) for the 2023 SB 821, Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program funding
program; and, authorize the City Manager to sign all
applications/letters for the Funding Program.
M.O. 2023-48
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Lamb to authorize the submitta l of a 2023 SB 821, Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program funding application for two (2) potential bike lane improvement Projects; authorize the Director of Engineering/Public Works to aut horize a Task Order under the Annual Contract for Traffic Engin eering Services with STC Traffic Inc., to provide engineering assistance and complete the Application(s) for the 2023 SB 821, Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program funding program; and, authorize the City Manager to sign all applications/letters for th e Funding Program.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
7. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
8. CLOSED SESSION
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ADJOURN
Mayor Rita Lamb adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 8:33 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City