CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Study Session
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
3:00 PM
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
• CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM by Mayor Rita Lamb. • ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Rita Lamb Mayor Present 3:00 PM
Mark Carnevale Mayor Pro Tem Present 3:00 PM
Nancy Ross Councilmember Present 3:00 PM
Raymond Gregory Councilmember Present 3:00 PM
Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 3:00 PM
• AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
Alan Carvalho, Cathedral City resident, thanked the City for their efforts related to Tropical Storm Hilary.
Martha Vistica, Cathedral City resident, expressed her concern with illegal food vendors in the City and feels all codes should be enforced.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Presentation on Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Annexation Process
Recommendation: This is a presentation only. There is no formal action required.
Cathedral City P a g e 2 Printed on 9/21/2023
Gary Thompson, Executive Officer, Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), provided a presentation on the process of annexation.
The following points were presented:
• General LAFCO Policy Provisions
• Steps Prior to Annexation Application
• Initiating Annexation
• Annexation SOI Application
• Plan of Services
• Fiscal Impact Analysis
• Boundary Map and Legal Description
• Property Tax Exchange Resolutions
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
• LAFCO Staff/Executive Officer's Report and Recommendation • Commission Hearing and Decision
• Protest (Conducting Authority Hearing) Provisions
• Annexation Subject to a Public Vote
• Certification of Completion (CoC)
• Special Circumstances
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which Mr. Thompson responded to.
This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance Update
Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only.
Sandra Molina, Deputy Director of Development Services, provided an update on the proposed Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance. The following points were presented:
• Applicability
• Senate Bill 946 and 972
• Operational Requirement and Prohibitions
• Removal or Seizure of Product/Equipment
• Fines
• Enforcement Approach
• Complaint Data 2/25/2023 to 8/5/2023
• Licensing Campaign
Sunshine Herrera, Cathedral City resident, stated that the City declared Cathedral City a Sanctuary City. The Cities of Indio, La Quinta, Indian Wells and Palm Desert don't have a problem with illegal sidewalk vending . The City of Palm Springs and Cathedral City, the two sanctuary cities, are having problems with illegal sidewalk vendors. She stated that most of the people doing the vending illegally can't afford to pay a fine and would love to sue a City for taking their belongings. She feels they should consider all this when discussing this matter.
Cathedral City P a g e 3 Printed on 9/21/2023
Martha Vistica, Cathedral City resident, feels this issue is related to human trafficking and recommends the Council watch the KESQ expose on Human Trafficking. She expressed her concern with the potential health issues that go along with sidewalk vending. She feels her health and welfare are jeopardized with the sanitation issue being created by illegal sidewalk vendors.
The City Council provided their feedback and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff and legal counsel.
City Attorney Eric Vail provided a brief overview of the legal parameters related to enforcement of street vendors. He asked for Council's direction on how to proceed.
City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose discussed the practicality of enfo rcement in relation to staff resources and limitations due to current state laws.
This item was for information and direction only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council. Staff will work with legal counsel to develop an enforcement plan based on the discussion heard this evening.
3. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the following items listed on the agenda.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)
Number of Matters: One (1)
B. THREAT TO PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957
Consultation with: Fire Chief and Police Chief
The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 4:50 p.m.
City Attorney Eric Vail reported out of Closed Session during the Regular City Council meeting and is reflected in the minutes of September 13, 2023.
ADJOURN
The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 4:50 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City