CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, November 8, 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 Nancy Ross offered a moment of reflection. • 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
City Manager Charles McClendon announced that item 4E., Updated Contract for Services - Conrad Angel Corral, would be pulled from the Consent Agenda and brought back for consideration at a future Council Meeting.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
Brad Anderson expressed his concern with other agencies not allowing for proper public comment or publishing their agenda's on time.
Dominic Moonheart indicated that there is no public transportation to the Acrisure Arena and requested that SunLine consider implementing SunRide in the area of the Cathedral City P a g e 2 Printed on 11/22/2023
event center.
Richard Altman complimented and thanked the City Council and staff on all of their accomplishments.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• His recent vacation
• Thanked the Police Department for the extra patrol on Halloween • His participation in the Palm Springs Pride Event
• His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commission Committee and referenced Connect SoCal
• The upcoming Fields of Valor Event
• The upcoming Senior Center Gala
• The upcoming International Hot Air Balloon Festival
• Reminded everyone that the next Council Meeting will be held on November 29, 2023
Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported on the following:
• Judging the costume contest at the Spooktackular Event • The Dog Costume Event at Panorama Park
• His attendance at the Fields of Valor opening event
• His meeting with the CEO of Suniva
• His meeting with resident Jens Mueller regarding trash can awareness • Calls received regarding the homeless in town
• Attending, along with Councilmembers, the Senior Gala and the Police Officers Public Safety (POPS) awards ceremony
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following:
• She was the guest speaker at the Fields of Valor opening event • The importance of elections locally, statewide and federally
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• His meetings with the City Manager and Assistant City Manger • Judging the Dog Costume contest at Panorama Park
• Judging the costume contest at the Spooktackular Event • Several phone calls regarding homeless issues
• The calls he received regarding illegal food vendors
• A call from the property owner regarding an assessment district on Sarah Street • A call from a resident regarding the Ramon Road bridge expansion and the proposed Vista Chino bridge
• His continued efforts to help the Horizon neighborhood residents • His attendance at the CVAG Conservation Committee
Mayor Rita Lamb reported on the following:
• Upcoming International Hot Air Balloon Festival
• Her attendance at the Champions of Hospitality Dinner and Awards event Cathedral City P a g e 3 Printed on 11/22/2023
• Her participation in the Spectrum News Interview regarding Veteran’s Village • Her attendance at the Philippino American Association of the Coachella Valley Gala • Opening of the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
• Her attendance at the Desert Cemetery Park - Dia de Los Muertos • Thanked Chief Contreras for the pinning ceremony at the Fire Department • Her discussion with Karen Demick and Anne Ambrose on how to make pathways for young people
• Reported on the Spooktackular event
• Her attendance at the Chamber of Commerce event
• Her attendance at the Cathedral City Friends of the Library meeting • The Mayors Message is “Be Grateful”
3. EMERGENCY UPDATE
1. Update on Emergency Actions Related to Tropical Storm Hilary Recommendation: Update on Status of Emergency Proclamation, Resolution 2023-33.
Update on Emergency Actions taken by City, County, State of Federal Agencies.
Possible consideration of additional measures to be taken.
Council may add items not listed on the agenda pursuant to Government Code section 54954.2 by majority vote.
City Manager Charles McClendon provided an update on the Emergency Actions Related to Tropical Storm Hilary. He presented the following points:
• Ongoing City Efforts
• Financial Impacts
• Financial Assistance Programs
Rick Smith expressed his concern with motorcycles riding in the dirt in the flood area along with other ongoing issues.
This item was for information and discussion only, no formal action was taken.
2. Update on and EOP Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Recommendation: There is no council action needed. This report is informational only.
Michael Contreras, Fire Chief, provided an overview of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Emergency Operations Plan. He presented the following points:
• What is the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
• What is an Emergency Operations Plan
• What is a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan • Dates on when each plan was updated
• Timeline of the processes for each Plan
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• Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Grant Status
The City Council provided comments and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff. This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken.
3. Update to Emergency Funding for Debris Removal (Cleanup) and Emergency Protective Measures for Tropical Storm Hilary Recommendation: To update the task orders/purchase orders/contracts for the Phase I Emergency Response Work for Debris Removal
(Cleanup) and Emergency Protective Measures for the
August 20, 2023 Tropical Storm Hilary impacts; and, identify budget FY 2023/2024 budget impacts (deferments) and
budget adjustments.
Kevin Biersack, Financial Services Director, provided an update on emergency funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures related to Tropical Storm Hilary and the budget impacts and adjustments. He presented the following points:
• FY 2022/2023 - FY 2024/2025 Current Biennial Budget
• Tropical Storm Hilary Costs to Date
• Tropical Storm Hilary Deferrals/Cuts
• FY 2023/2024 Proposed General Fund Budget Adjustments • Future Roadway Repairs
• Road Improvements - Match Funding Changes
• Fiscal Impact
• Recommended Deferred Projects
• Latest Fund Balance Projections
The City Council provided comments and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Terry Applegate expressed her concern with pedestrian safety with the road construction/repairs going on in the City and suggested that staff consider this when planning future projects before they begin.
This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Lamb to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
Cathedral City P a g e 5 Printed on 11/22/2023
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
M.O. 2023-175
B. Minutes Approval
M.O. 2023-176
1. City Council - Study Session - Oct 25, 2023 3:00 PM
2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Oct 25, 2023 5:30 PM C. Da Vall Drive and McCallum Way (Via Tuscany) Multi Way Stop Control Recommendation: To adopt Resolution 2023- XX approving the installation of a Multi Way Stop Control at the intersection of Da Vall Drive and McCallum Way (Via Tuscany) as proposed and funded
by the City of Rancho Mirage.
Nick Andros expressed his support for the multi way stop control at Da Vall Drive and McCallum.
Brad Anderson expressed that he does not support this project and provided his concerns.
Reso 2023-36
D. Gift of Drone Show for Balloon Festival
Recommendation: To accept a gift in the amount of $50,000 from Grizzly Entertainment for a drone light show at the 9th Annual
Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival.
M.O. 2023-177
E. Notice of Completion for Via De Anza Street Improvements Project - Phase II, CIP No. 8835
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Via De Anza Street Improvements Project - Phase II, CIP No. 8835 as
completed; 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 Jacobsson Engineering Construction, Inc. upon expiration of the Notice of Completion.
M.O. 2023-178
F. Purchase of five Chevrolet Tahoe PPV for Patrol Operations Recommendation: To authorize staff to purchase five 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV’s from Quality Chevrolet of Escondido for $279,185.15, Cathedral City P a g e 6 Printed on 11/22/2023
including estimated sales tax. Also to include the upfitting of emergency lighting from Dana Safety Supply for $90,426.56, including estimated sales tax, for a total cost of $369,611.71.
M.O. 2023-179
5. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
A. Updated Contract for Services - Conrad Angel Corral
Recommendation: Approve a Contract for Services with Conrad Angel Corral as a media personality and Alan Kraemer as an
accompanying videographer/editor.
This item was removed from the Agenda. It will be brought back to the City Council for consideration at a future Council Meeting.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Award Construction Contract to Urban Habitat for the Construction of Dream Homes Park City Project No. 7021, Bid No. 23-55E
Recommendation: To award a construction contract to Urban Habitat, in the amount of $6,899,029.97 for the construction of Dream
Homes Park Project (C07021) ;and, a budget amendment in the amount of $2,481,211.00 from the General Fund account number 100-100-150-156-8800-8802 to complete the
Project; and, approve the CV Link Connector and concrete pathway in the amount of $534,404.51; and, approve
funding from the Environmental Conservation Fund (246-
900-910-911-8800-8802) in the amount of $108,000 for
qualifying park amenities; and, approve Amendment No.1 to Task Order - Dream Homes Park Grant and Project Support Services with MVR Consulting rolling over the remaining previously approved Task Order balance of $71,350.00; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and authorize the City Engineer to request
bonds and insurance for the Project and issue the Notice to Proceed and approve Amendment No. 1 for MVR Consulting
Task Order.
M.O. 2023-180
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gregory to award a construction contract to Urban Habitat, in the amount of $6,899,029.97 for the construction of Dream Homes Park Project (C07021) ; and, a budget amendment in the amount of $2,481,211.00 from the General Fund account number 100 -100-150-156-8800-8802 to complete the Project; and, approve the CV Link Connector and concrete pathway in the amount of $534,404.51; and, approve funding from the Environmental Conservation Fund (246-900-910-911-8800-8802) in the amount of $108,000 for Cathedral City P a g e 7 Printed on 11/22/2023
qualifying park amenities; and, approve Amendment No.1 to Task Order - Dream Homes Park Grant and Project Support Services with MVR Consulting rolling over the remaining previously approved Task Order balance of $71,350.00; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the Project and issue the Notice to Proceed and approve Amendment No. 1 for MVR Consulting Task Order.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
The City Council recessed at 7:47 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:53 p.m.
B. Award Contracts for HSIP Cycle 10: Pedestrian Crossing on Ramon Road and Candlewood Drive
Recommendation: For the City Council to:
· Award a construction contract to Elecnor Belco
Electric, Inc., in the amount of $1,071,888 for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 10 - Pedestrian Crossing at Ramon Road near Candlewood Drive Project
(C08753); and,
· Award a professional services agreement to TKE
Engineering Inc., in the amount of $51,393 for professional construction engineering support services for this Project; and,
· Approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the
amount of $216,819 for unforeseeable construction costs; thereby bringing the total construction budget for this Project to $1,340,100; and,
· Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of
$250,000 from Measure A Funds (account 243-100-150-
156-8800-8802); and,
· Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract
documents; and,
· Authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and
insurance for the Project and issue the Notice to Proceed.
Councilmember Raymond Gregory announced that he is recusing himself from this item due to a financial interest in the area.
M.O. 2023-181
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Ross to approve the following:
Cathedral City P a g e 8 Printed on 11/22/2023
• Award a construction contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc., in the amount of $1,071,888 for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 10 - Pedestrian Crossing at Ramon Road near Candlewood Drive Project (C08753); and,
• Award a professional services agreement to TKE Engineering Inc., in the amount of $51,393 for professional construction engineering support services for this Project; and,
• Approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $216,819 for unforeseeable construction costs; thereby bringing the total construction budget for this Project to $1,340,100; and,
• Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $250,000 from Measure A Funds (account 243-100-150-156-8800-8802); and,
• Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; and, • Authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the Project and issue the Notice to Proceed.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AYES: Rita Lamb, Mark Carnevale, Nancy Ross, Ernesto Gutierrez RECUSED: Raymond Gregory
C. Award Contracts for ATP Cycle 5: Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk and Multiuse Trail and Date Palm Drive Expansion
Recommendation: City Staff recommends the City Council:
· Award a construction contract to Riverside
Construction Company, Inc., in the amount of $3,884,603 for the Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 5 for
Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail
Project (C08505), and Date Palm Drive Expansion Project (C08508); and,
· Award a professional services agreement to Falcon
Engineering Services, Inc., in the amount of $149,198.28 for professional construction engineering support services for the Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 5 for
Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail
Project (C08505), and Date Palm Drive Expansion Project (C08508); and,
· Approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the
amount of $605,070.72 for unforeseeable construction costs; thereby bringing the total construction budget for this Project to $4,638,872; and,
· Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of
$179,496 from Measure A Funds (account 243-100-150-
156-8800-8802) to the ATP Cycle 5 Project C08508; and,
· Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract
and agreement documents; and,
· Authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and
Cathedral City P a g e 9 Printed on 11/22/2023
insurance for the Project and issue the Notice to Proceed.
Joe Richardson, Granite Construction Company, stated that they submitted a bid protest related to this project. He indicated that it is their belief that the company that City Staff is recommending that Council award the contract to did not follow the bid instructions and therefore should be found to be nonresponsive.
Sara Hayes, Granite Construction Company, stated that they received an addendum 6 days prior to the bid opening which prevented Granite from asking the necessary questions during the required time frame.
The City Council asked clarifying questions of staff, Deputy City Attorney Al Ford responded to the questions and provided a detailed response to the bid protest that was received from Granite Construction.
M.O. 2023-182
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Lamb to approve the following:
• Award a construction contract to Riverside Construction Company, Inc., in the amount of $3,884,603 for the Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 5 for Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail Project (C08505), and Date Palm Drive Expansion Project (C08508); and,
• Award a professional services agreement to Falcon Engineering Services, Inc., in the amount of $149,198.28 for professional construction engineering support services for the Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 5 for Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail Project (C08505), and Date Palm Drive Expansion Project (C08508); and,
• Approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $605,070.72 for unforeseeable construction costs; thereby bringing the total construction budget for this Project to $4,638,872; and,
• Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $179 ,496 from Measure A Funds (account 243 -100-150-156-8800-8802) to the ATP Cycle 5 Project C08508; and,
• Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract and agreement documents; and,
• Authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the Project and issue the Notice to Proceed.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
D. Agency Reimbursement Agreement between Coachella Valley Association of Governments and the City of Cathedral City for Design and Engineering Services of Varner Road between Palm Drive and Date Palm Drive – Western Coachella Valley Flooding and Blowsand Project – Phase One.
Cathedral City P a g e 10 Printed on 11/22/2023
Recommendation: For the City Council to authorize the Mayor and the City Manager to execute the Agency Reimbursement Agreement
by and between the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments (CVAG) and the City of Cathedral City for the engineering design of Varner Road between Palm Drive and Date Palm Drive in the amount not to exceed $592,231.57; and reallocate funding for this project to the Capital
Improvement Project (CIP) Fund (331).
M.O. 2023-183
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Lamb to authorize the Mayor and the City Manager to execute the Agency Reimbursement Agreement by and between the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and the City of Cathedral City for the engineering design of Varner Road between Palm Drive and Date Palm Drive in the amount not to exceed $592,231.57; and reallocate funding for this project to the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Fund (331).
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
8. CLOSED SESSION
9. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez requested that a discussion item be added to a future Council Meeting Agenda to discuss what can be done regarding bulky trash items that are left at the curbside for days.
It was the consensus of the City Council that a discussion item be brought to the City Council on a future Agenda to discuss the issue of trash cans being left outside visible from the street and bulky trash items that are left at the curbside for days.
ADJOURN
Mayor Rita Lab adjourned the regular City Council Meeting at 8:32 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City