CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Special Meeting
Wednesday, November 29, 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
Councilmember Raymond Gregory 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.
• STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
Jens Mueller, expressed his concern with trash can violations and would like the Council to work together on this issue and make this a priority at the next goal setting meeting.
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JoAnne Kennon, provided an overview of the activities that will be taking place at the upcoming North Pole Village this coming weekend, and invited the Council to attend.
Alan Carvalho, expressed his excitemen t over the International Hot Air Balloon Festival and thanked the leadership of the City in 2014.
Shauna McGloin, expressed her thanks to the City Council and staff for their assistance with the many events that take place throughout the year.
Angel Herrera, thanked the City Council for their attendance at the Fields of Valor event.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Conservation Commission meeting
• His attendance at the Fields of Valor event
• His attendance at the Cathedral City Senior Center’s Annual Fundraiser Gala • His attendance at the POPS Awards Ceremony
• His attendance at the International Hot Air Balloon Festival • The recent Thanksgiving Holiday
• The calls he received related to illegal food vendors, homeless, and speeding tickets • His communications with residents of the Horizon Road neighborhood • His meeting with City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose to discuss the agenda and other items
Councilmember Nancy Ross thanked the Police Department for the folding of the American Flag in honor of her Father. She discussed the Holidays, weather, opportunities for volunteerism and the beautiful Coachella Valley.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Carnevale reported on the following:
• Recognized former Councilmembers, Fred Bell, Pattie Hagedorn, Sue Townsley, Alan Carvalho and John Rivera who were in attendance
• His attendance at Fields of Valor event
• His attendance at the Homeless Committee meeting
• His attendance at the POPs Awards Ceremony
• Hi attendance at the CVEP meeting
• His attendance at the International Hot Air Balloon Festival
Councilmember Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• The last three weeks, which were very busy
• The recent Veterans Day Weekend and all the events, and he thanked all t hose involved
• His attendance at the Equality Awards in Palm Springs • His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Safety Committee meeting
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• His attendance at the Cathedral City Senior Center’s Annual Fundraiser Gala • His attendance at the POPS Awards Ceremony
• His attendance at the International Hot Air Balloon Festival • The recent Thanksgiving Holiday
• His attendance at the Brunch with Patsi at Luchador Brewing • His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commiss ion Budget and Implementation Committee meeting
• The upcoming Old Gays Book Signing Event
• The upcoming Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station 412
• The upcoming C athedral City Boys and Girls Club’s Annual Extravaganza Fundraiser
• The upcoming Snowfest and Mayor’s Tree Lighting Event
Mayor Rita Lamb reported on the following:
• She thanked city staff, volunteers and the non-profits for everything they do • Her attendance at the Fields of Valor event
• Her attendance at the Salvation Army’s first ever fundraiser event • She recognized Councilmember Ross for her help with the fill the bus Thanksgiving event
• The upcoming Cathedral City Senior Center’s Help Talk about fall prevention • Her interview with Chris Long of KNews
• The recent article in Desert Health magazine
• She watched the memorial service for Rosalind Carter
• She expressed how grateful she is to be a part of the community
3. EMERGENCY UPDATE
A. 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 emergency actions related to Tropical Storm Hilary. He provided an overview on the status of Emergency Proclamation Resolution 2023 -33, the emergency actions taken by the City, County, State and Federal agencies.
B. Riverside County Flood Control District (RCFCD) and the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) Presentation on Tropical Storm Hilary Recommendation: Representatives from the Riverside County Flood Control Cathedral City P a g e 4 Printed on 12/07/2023
District (RCFCD) and the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) will make a presentation to the City Council on the stormwater facts accumulated from the passing through of Tropical Storm Hilary and what is planned to mitigate future stormwater events such as this. This presentation is for the City Council discussion and questions.
Jason Uhley, General Manager, and Claudio Padres, Chief of Design and Construction, of Riverside County Flood Co ntrol District (RCFCD) provided an overview of the following:
• Riverside Flood Control Jurisdictional Area
• Shared Responsibility for Flood Protection
• Rainfall and Water/Debris flow from Tropical Storm Hilary
Jim Barrett, General Manager for Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), provided an overview of wha t their agency did in response to Tropical Storm Hilary.
David Wilson, Engineering Manager for Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), provided an overview of the background of CVWD.
• Background of CVWD
• CVWD Stormwater and Flooding History
• CVWD Watersheds
• North Cathedral City Existing Flood Hazards
• North Cathedral City Regional Flood Control Project
• Schedule
• Thousand Palms Existing Flood Hazards
• Thousand Palms/North Indio Stormwater Master Plan
David Lamb, Cathedral City resident, inquired if any of the projects presented are considering saving water for groundwater re -charge, and if not, he feels it should be considered.
Alan Carvalho, Cathedral City resident, thanked the Council for the presentation.
He feels everyone should be responsible and prepared by handling issues before there is a problem.
C. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City Continuing the Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Tropical Storm Hilary
Recommendation: To approve a Resolution continuing the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency due to Tropical Storm Hilary.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Carne vale to a pprove a Resolution of the City Council declaring the continued existence of the Local Emergency due to Tropical Storm Hilary.
Reso 2023-37
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RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
D. Acceptance and Distribution of Donation from the Palm Springs Air Museum
Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council accept the donation of $10,630.80 from the Palm Springs Air Museum and
redistribute the funds equally to Team Rubicon, Salvation Army, World Central Kitchen, the American Red Cross and Find Food Bank. Each organization would receive
$2,126.16.
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, provided an overview of the recommendation to accept the donation of $10,630.80 from the Palm Springs Air Museum and redi stribute the funds equally to Team Rubicon, Salvation Army, World Central Kitchen, the American Red Cross and FIND Food Bank.
Fred Bell, discussed the assistance that the Palm Springs A ir Museum was able to provide to the Community.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Lamb to accept the donation of $10,630.80 from the Palm Springs Air Museum and redistribute the funds equally to Team Rubicon, Salvation Army, World Central Kitchen, the American Red Cross and FIND Food Bank. Ea ch organization will receive $2,126.16.
M.O. 2023-185
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
The City Council recessed at 7:10 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:18 p.m.
4. 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. Receive and File Payment of Claims and Demands for October 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 $4,892,065.84 for the
month of October 2023.
M.O. 2023-186
B. Minutes Approval
M.O. 2023-187
1. City Council - Study Session - Nov 8, 2023 3:00 PM
2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Nov 8, 2023 5:30 PM C. Rescind Resolution 2022-42 and Approve Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Clean Water State Revolving Fund Planning Grant Application and related documents for the City's Septic-to-Sewer Project Planning Grant
Recommendation: To rescind Resolution 2022-42 and approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager and/or designee to negotiate and execute the necessary Clean Water State Revolving
Fund Planning Grant Applications and related documents
required for the City's Septic-to-Sewer Project Planning Grant.
Reso 2023-38
D. 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.
M.O. 2023-188
E. 2023-2024 California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant
Recommendation: To accept the California Office of Traffic Safety Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant in the amount of
$50,000.
M.O. 2023-189
F. Resolution Designating Holidays Cathedral City Public Offices Shall be Closed for Calendar Year 2024
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Recommendation: To adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, Designating Holidays on which City Public Offices Shall be Closed for Calendar Year 2024.
Reso 2023-39
5. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Designation of Agnes Pelton Home and Studio as a Class 1 Historic Site Recommendation: To adopt Resolution No. 2023-XX designating 68680 F Street, also known as the Agnes Pelton Home and Studio, a historic site pursuant to Chapter 8.62 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code.
Andrew Firestine, Director of Development Services, provided an overview of the recommendation that the City Council designate the Agnes Pelton Home and Studio as a Class 1 Historic Site.
Mayor Rita Lamb opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments.
John Rivera, expressed his support of designating the Agnes Pelton Home and Studio as a Class 1 Historic Site.
Alan Carvalho, expressed his support of designating the Agnes Pelton Home and Studio as a Class 1 Historic Site.
Mayor Rita Lamb closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Gregory to adopt a Resolution designating 68680 F Street, also known as the Agnes Pelton Home and Studio, a Class 1 Historic Site pursuant to Chapter 8.62 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code.
Reso 2023-40
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
B. Zoning Ordinance Amendment 23-001 - An Amendment to Chapter 9.114 Accessory Dwelling Units
Recommendation: To introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 9.114 Accessory Dwelling Units of Title 9 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code, provide first reading by title only and waive further reading.
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Sandra Molina, Deputy Director of Development Services, pr ovided an overview of the proposed Zonin g Ordinance Amendment 23 -001 related to Chapter 9.114 Accessory Dwelling Units of the Cathedral City Municipal Code.
Mayor Rita Lamb opened the Public Hearing to receive public comment.
Michael Hagedorn, stated that the City of San Diego has a fantastic program for Accessory Dwelling Units.
Mayor Rita Lamb closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Rita Lamb to introduce, waive full reading beyon d title, and provide first reading of an ordinance amen ding Chapter 9.114 Accessory Dwelling Units of Title 9 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code.
M.O. 2023-190
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
7. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Sarah Street Area Assessment District Formation Project - Phase 2A Approval
Recommendation: For the City Council to:
· Award a professional services agreement to Willdan
Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $49,300 for Phase 2A assessment district preliminary design services for the Combined Sarah Street Area; and,
· Approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the
amount of $7,395 for unforeseeable design costs; thereby bringing the total design budget for this Project to $56,695; and,
· Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract
documents; and,
Authorize a General Fund budget amendment to the
Engineering Professional and Technical Services Budget in the amount of $56,695 to fund this Project.
Mayor Lamb and Councilmember Gr egory recused themselves from the discussion of this item due to financial interests in the area.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Ross to award a professional services agreement to Willdan Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $49,300 for Phase 2A assessment district preliminary design services for the Combined Sarah Street Area; and, approve a Cathedral City P a g e 9 Printed on 12/07/2023
fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $7,395 for unfore seeable design costs; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; and, authorize a General Fund budget amendment to the Engineering Professional and Technical Services Budget in the amount of $56,695 to fund the project.
M.O. 2023-191
RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AYES: Mark Carnevale, Nancy Ross, Ernesto Gutierrez
RECUSED: Rita Lamb, Raymond Gregory
B. Approval of PAC Funding Request for Youth Training Orchestras' Chamber Concert Series
Recommendation: The Public Arts Commission recommends that the City Council approve the use of Public Arts Education funds for the Youth Training Orchestras' Chamber Concert Series in the amount of $10,000.
After discussion, the City Council expressed their concerns related to the amount of funds requested and how it relates to art education. The Council desires to reevaluate the use of Art Education funds and requested that an item be brought back for further discussion at a future meeting.
A motion was made by Councilmember Grego ry and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale to bring this request back to the Public Arts Commission to reevaluate if the request would be an appropriate use of Art Education Funds.
M.O. 2023-192
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
C. Pet Boarding Zoning Text Amendment
Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion, and direction only.
After d iscussion, the City Counc il provided their feedback and asked clarifying questions which were responded to by staff.
Charles McClendon, City Manager, indicated that staff will work on an amendment and bring it back to the Council for further discussion and/or consideration at a future meeting.
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This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
D. Unlawful Possession of Catalytic Converter Ordinance Recommendation: To introduce and provide first reading by title only to an ordinance adding Chapter 11.78 to Title 11 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code implementing mere possession of a
catalytic converter without proof of ownership unlawful.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gregory to introduce, waive full reading beyond title, and provide first reading of an ordinance adding Chapter 11.78 to Title 11 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code implementing mere possession of a catalytic converter without proof of ownership unlawful.
M.O. 2023-193
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez
8. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURN
Mayor Lamb adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City