Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.D
Meeting Date: May 8, 2024
From: John Corella, Director of Public Works and Engineering Title: Cooling Center - Cathedral City Library
RECOMMENDATION:
To review the establishment of a Cooling Center at the Cathedral City Library in partnership with both the Riverside County Community Action Partnership (CAP) and Riverside County Library System - Cathedral City Library.
BACKGROUND:
Cooling Centers serve as drop-in sites for vulnerable individuals, seniors, persons with disabilities, and others in need of temporary relief from extreme heat. The Riverside County Community Action Partnership (CAP) coordinates with other county and local agencies to activate these centers, typically at libraries, senior centers, community centers, and other non-profit or faith-based organizations. CAP monitors temperatures throughout Riverside County daily. When temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees or higher, an official heat warning will be issued by CAP and the Riverside University Health System of Public Health. When this occurs, all cooling centers must officially activate until the temperature subsides or operating hours end.
Cathedral City has not had a cooling center within the city for the past several years. At Councilmember Gregory’s request and the City Council’s concurrence, staff was asked to work with Riverside County to help develop a cooling center this year at the library to serve Cathedral City residents.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Cathedral City is working jointly with CAP and the Cathedral City Library to develop a Cooling Center Site at the Cathedral City Library. CAP is in the final stages of their evaluation and coordination process with the Cathedral City Library staff. Once finalized, the Cooling Center will become active starting June 1st.
Hours of Operation - The Cooling Center will be open during normal library hours:
oMonday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday: 10:00am - 6:00pm. oWednesday: 12:00pm - 8:00pm.
oSunday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm.
oFriday: Closed.
Supplies: CAP will supply the Cooling Center with snacks, water, mini fans, etc. Supervision: The Cathedral City Library staff will supervise and ensure the Cooling Center is operating as intended.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this item. There are no direct costs for the city to operate the Cooling Center.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal F – Embracing, Inclusive Community
Objective: Cathedral City is valued and respected as a community that welcomes and embraces diversity, has an abundance of high quality and affordable housing options and vibrant businesses. Our neighborhoods are attractive, well-maintained, and issues surrounding homelessness have been compassionately addressed with thoughtful, coordinated, and collaborative programs.
F-11: Establish a Cooling Center by June 2024.