CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, August 23, 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
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A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale to add an item to the agenda of subsequent need, to discuss the ratification of a proclamation of the existence of a local emergency due to Tropical Storm Hilary.
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RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
City Manager Charles McClendon provided an overview of the recommendation to approve a resolution to ratify the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency due to Tropical Storm Hilary. He updated the Council on the City's efforts related to preparation for and the cleanup of Tropical Storm Hilary, and recognized the staff members that has been instrumental.
Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage, recommended that the City revisit this resolution every 14 days rather than every 60 days.
Reso 2023-29
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale to approve a Resolution ratifying the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency due to Tropical Storm Hilary.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
Anne Bedrick provided an overview of the Perez Art Distri ct and requested support to get the word out.
Rick Saldivar expressed his concerns related to how the City has handled volunteers who want to help residents affected by Tropical Storm Hilary.
Tony Signoret, Interim Superintendent of Palm Spring Unified School District, expressed his gratitude for all the work the City is doing to offer aide to the community as a result of Tropical Storm Hilary and their communication with the school district.
Brad Anderson, commented on the Council's approval to re -pave a certain alley way in the City.
Dawn Eliott -Figueroa described her experience during and after Tropical Storm Hilary. She questioned why help was not available during the event and inquired what help is available now. She asked for any assistance availa ble to help where insurance will not.
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Arcelia Hernandez described her experience during and after Tropical Storm Hilary.
She questioned why help was not available during the event and inquired what help is available now.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• He thanked everyone for their efforts related to Tropical Storm Hilary • He thanked Mayor Lamb for doing a great job communicating about Tropical Storm Hilary
• His attendance at the Salvation Army's event with Congressman Ruiz • His attendance at the Dream Homes Park Community meeting, which was held at Agua Cliente Elementary School
• His recent vacation
• He discussed comments made related to the repaving of a certain alley way in the City.
Councilmember N ancy Ross thanked volunteers for their efforts and generosity during and after Tropical Storm Hilary.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Carnevale reported on the following:
• He thanked everyone for their efforts with Tropical Storm Hilary • A call he received related to homeless individuals at Cimarron Golf Course • He announced that the Animal Samaritans is closed due to flooding • His attendance at the Salvation Army event with Congressman Ruiz
Councilmember Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• He thanked staff, volunteers, community partners, contractors and Mayor Lamb for their efforts related to Tropical Storm Hilary
• He discussed the recent tragedy, where a woman named Laura Carleton was shot and killed for flying a pride flag outside of her business
Mayor Rita Lamb reported on the following:
• Tropical Storm Hilary and clean -up efforts. She thanked everyone for their efforts and communication.
• Her attendance at the recognition of Cathedral City Police Officer Juan Ramirez as Officer of the Year
Stone James, Director of Economic Development, provided an overview of the City's actions to prepare for Tropical Storm Hilary and the City's progress with cleanup efforts.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Ross and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
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RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
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B. Minutes Approval
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1. City Council - Study Session - Aug 9, 2023 3:00 PM
2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Aug 9, 2023 5:30 PM C. Receive and File Payment of Claims and Demands for July 2023 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
$19,978,284.04 for the month of July 2023.
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D. Resolution Extending the Service Authority Fee
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution of the City Council for Extension of the Established Service Authority Fee Collection for the
Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program
Reso 2023-30
E. Ratification of Traffic Signal Agreement with the City of Desert Hot Springs 2023
Recommendation: For the City Council to approve an Agreement for Maintenance of Shared Traffic Signals and Safety Lighting between the Cities of Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs; and authorize the Mayor of Cathedral City to execute the Agreement.
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4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. City User and Regulatory Fees Update
Recommendation: Adopt a resolution updating and establishing user and regulatory fees.
City Manager Charles McClendon stated that the Public Hearing was opened during the August 9, 2023 Regular Meeting and was continued to this meeting.
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Kevin Biersack, Financial Services Director, provided an ove rview of the proposed City User and Regulatory Fees.
Mayor Rita Lamb asked if there were any members of the public wishing to speak, seeing none, she closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
Reso 2023-31
A motion was made by C ouncilmember Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to a dopt a resolution updating and establishing user and regulatory fees.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
The City Council recessed at 6:57 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:00 p.m.
6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Vehicle Tow Service Franchise Agreement
Recommendation: To authorize the City Manager to execute the Vehicle Tow Service Franchise Agreement (“Agreement”) with Southwest Towing and Mohica Towing for a total period of three years commencing on the date the Agreement is mutually
executed, with an option to renew for an additional three year period.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Lamb to authorize the City Manager to execute the Vehicle Tow Service Franchise Agreement (“Agreement”) with Southwest Towing and Mohica Towing for a total period of three years commencing on the date the Agreement is mutually executed, with an option to renew for an additional three year period.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
B. Balloon Festival GPS Tourism Grant
Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only.
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It was the consensus of the City Council to support the acceptance of the Balloon Festival Greater Palm Springs Tourism Grant which wi ll be presented at the September 13, 2023 City Council Meeting for formal acceptance.
C. Professional Services Agreement for STVR Support Services Recommendation: Approve a professional services agreement with Deckard Technologies for STVR support services in an annual
amount not to exceed $31,500 and authorize the City
Manager to execute the agreement.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Lamb to a pprove a professional services agreement with Deckard Technologie s for STVR support services in an annual amount not to exceed $31,500 and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
D. Authorization of Cooperative Purchases for equipment and amenities for the Dream Homes Park Project CIP No. 7021
Recommendation: For the City Council to authorize the City Manager to execute purchase orders or any other required documents in the total amount of $1,191,668.69 for the following:
· Purchase and installation of fabric shade structures
with USA Shade & Fabric Structures, Inc.
· Purchase and installation of playground equipment
and soft surface with Landscape Structures, Inc.
· Purchase of site furnishing with Coast Creation, Inc. · Purchase of hardtop shade structures with Icon
Shade Systems Inc.
· Purchase of exercise equipment with Greenfields
Outdoor Fitness, Inc.
All the above required for the construction of Dream Homes Park Project CIP No. 7021.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez a nd seconded by Mayor Lamb to authorize the City Manager to execute purchase orders or any other required documents in the total amount of $1,191,668.69 for the following items that a re required for t he con struction of Drea m Homes Park Project CIP No. 7021 :
• Purchase and installation of fabric shade structures with USA Shade & Fabric Structures, Inc.
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• Purchase and installation of playground equipment and soft surface with Landscape Structures, Inc.
• Purchase of site furnishing with Coast Creation, Inc. • Purchase of hardtop shade structures with Icon Shade Systems Inc • Purchase of exercise equipment with Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, Inc.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
E. Baseball/Softball Fields Reservation Application and The Fees Policy Manual for Baseball/Softball Field Reservations
Recommendation: For the City Council to approve the Baseball/Softball Field Reservation Application and the Fees and Policy Manual to implement the reservation process for the City's baseball and softball fields; and, review and the proposed fee
structure for future formal approval.
After discussion, the City Council provid ed their feedback and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff. They expressed their concern with the section related to use of the concessions and requested the Ci ty reevaluate and revise that portion.
It was the consensus of the City Council to support the Baseball/Softball Fields Reservation application and the Fees and Policy Manual with the revisions discussed this evening. This item will be brought back to the Council at a future meeting for consideration and formal approval.
F. RCTC SB 821 Grant Funding Agreements for the Perez Road Class IV Separated Bikeways and Whispering Palms Trail Class III Bike Routes Projects
Recommendation: For the City Council to approve agreements with the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) for
funding under Senate Bill 821 (SB 821) Bicycle and
Pedestrian Facilities Program, for the design and
construction of: (I) Class IV separated bicycle lanes on Perez Road, and (ii) Class III bicycle lanes on Whispering Palms Trail; authorize the City Manager to execute the
Agreements; and authorize the amendment of the Capital
Improvement Plan to show the amounts of $680,000 and
$1,062,000 for Class IV separated bicycle lanes on Perez Road Project and Class III bicycle lanes on Whispering
Palms Trail Project, respectively.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale to approve agreements with the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) for funding under Senate Bill 821 (SB 821) Bicycle and Cathedral City P a g e 8 Printed on 9/07/2023
Pedestrian Facilities Program, for the design and construction of: (I) Class IV separated bicycle lanes on Perez Road, and (ii) Class III bicycle la nes on Whispering Palms Trail; a uthorize the City Manager to execute the Agreements; and authorize the amendment of the Capital Improvement Plan to show the amounts of $680,000 and $1,062,000 for Class IV separated bicycle lanes on Perez Road Project and C lass III bicycle lanes on Whispe ring Palms Trail Project, respectively.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
7. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURN
Mayor Rita Lamb adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City