CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session & Regular Meeting
Wednesday, May 08, 2024
3:00 PM
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
STUDY SESSION 3:00PM
• CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Mark Carnevale called the Study Session Meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. • ROLL CALL
Present: Mark Carnevale, Mayor
Nancy Ross, Mayor Pro Tem
Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the Agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no members of the public that wished to speak.
CLOSED SESSION
STUDY SESSION
A. Public Opinion Polling Findings
Richard Bernard, FM3 Research, provided a summary of the Cathedral City Resident Satisfaction and Budget Priority Issues Survey conducted in Cathedral City. The following points were presented:
• Survey Methodology
• Overall Mood and Perception of the Need for Additional Funds • Interest in Service Priorities and Potential Funding Solution • Impact of Information
Cathedral City
This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Code Compliance Division Updates
Justin Gardiner, Code Compliance Manager, provided an update on the Code Compliance Division. The following points were presented:
• Re-introduction of Cathedral City Code Compliance
• Bid Changes
• Operations and Training
• New Complaints/Requests
• Responsiveness
• Caseload by Officer
• Progress Being Made
• Data Ticket
Cases Resolved
Code Compliance Workflow Process
• Appeals
Legal Toolbox
• Current and Emerging Issues
Illegal Sidewalk Vendors
Shopping Cart Enforcement
Cannabis Enforcement
O Solid Waste Containers
Communications Strategy
O Vacant and Abandoned Buildings
Residential Parking Off Street
Mobile Home Park Administration and Enforcement
Andrew Firestine, Director of Development Services, provided a brief overview of vacant and abandoned buildings and the City's code relating to the same.
This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
Annual Rate Increase Request for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection for Residential, Commercial and Roll Off Services.
Deanna Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation and Public Works Manager, provided a review of the Annual Rate Increase for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Services. The following points were presented:
• Commercial Customers
• Residential Customers
• Residential Rate Comparison
• Services and Programs Funded by Solid Waste and Recycling Rates • Residential Customers Rate Increase for 2024
Cathedral City
This item was presented for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council. This item will be presented for Public Hearing on May 22, 2024.
RECESS
The City Council recessed at 4:56 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
• CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Mark Carnevale called the Regular Meeting of May 8, 2024 to order at 5:30 p.m.
• PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Raymond Gregory led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez offered the Invocation.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mark Carnevale, Mayor
Nancy Ross, Mayor Pro Tem
Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the Agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Robert McCormick expressed his concern with an incident involving the Cathedral City Police Department and the violation of his civil rights. He requested that his vehicle be returned to him and he receive the maximum punitive damages.
Paula Wedekind expressed her concern about her neighbor's driveway and asked the City for assistance.
Scott Gutman expressed his concern about a traffic circle near Rio Vista Elementary School which is problematic, and he would like the City to consider making it a four way stop. He also expressed his concern with a street light on Rio Guadelupe that is not working. He would like the City to consider installing a traffic light at the Verona and Landau as that area develops.
Cathedral City
Brad Anderson invited everyone to attend the upcoming Palm Spring Cemetery District meeting on May 9, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. He stated that the City of Rancho Mirage also uses Data Ticket for code enforcement, in response to the question raised during the discussion of 3B during the Study Session meeting.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• He hopes everyone had a great Greek Easter Sunday
• His attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Conference and General Assembly
• His meeting with City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose to discuss the upcoming agenda and other issues in the City • The upcoming State of the City event
• The calls he received related to code enforcement and concerns over the upcoming 4* of July Holiday fireworks
• His personal tour around the City, where he saw illegal dumping. He encouraged residents to report this and other issues to the City on the GORequest App
• He wished everyone a happy Mother's Day
Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Ross reported on the following:
• Her trip to Oregon to visit family and friends
• Her new appointment to serve on the Coachella Valley Animal Campus • Her video shoot for the upcoming State of the City, where she highlighted the new businesses in the City
• She discussed the opportunity to be diverse in Cathedral City • The upcoming Harvey Milk Breakfast
Councilmember Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• He welcomed everyone to the month of May
• His attendance at the Desert Business Associations Awards • His attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Conference and General Assembly
• His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Transportation Committee Meeting
• His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting
• He wished everyone a Happy Mother's Day
• Encouraged everyone to attend the upcoming State of the City event Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
• Her attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Conference and General Assembly
• Her participation in a video shoot for the upcoming State of the City.
She thanked Public Safety for everything they have done over the past year
Cathedral City
• Desert Sun articles highlighting Cathedral City High School Student of the Year Lota Uyanwune, and the upcoming Annual Basketball Unified Sports Showdown
• She announced that Ed Parry will be presenting an overview of the Cat ta council scho Cathedral City High School International Baccalaureate Program at the • She recognized the Senior Center and the Boys and Girls Club for their volunteer work and stated they need volunteers
• She discussed an article about Dezart performs
Mayor Mark Carnevale had nothing to report.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and noncontroversial.
They will be acted upon by the City Council at one time without discussion. Any Council Member, Staff Member, or Citizen may request removal of an item from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive full reading or Ordinances on Agenda.
M.O. 2024-74
B.
Aintroval of the April 24, 2024 Study Session and Regular City Council Recommendation: Approve Study Session and Regular City Council Minutes of April 24, 2024.
M.O. 2024-75
Establish the Annual Special Tax for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/2025 (Rio Vista Village)
Recommendation: To adopt a Resolution of the Cathedral City Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2000-1 (Rio Vista Village) establishing the annual special tax for FY 2024/2025
Reso 2024-16
Eighth (8th) Amendment to the City Manager Contract
Recommendation: To approve the eighth amendment to the City Manager contract resulting in an annual base salary of $280,000 effective the first full pay period after July 1, 2024.
Brad Anderson stated that he is neutral on this amendment and feels it is very transparent.
M.O. 2024-76
Cathedral City
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Carnevale to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Approve the CDBG FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan
Recommendation: To approve the FY 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD); and, authorize the City Manager or designee to
execute the required certifications; and, execute all funding 2025 mental Action Plants consistent with the FY 2024-
Andrew Lee, Assistant Engineer, provided an overview of the proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan.
The following chart was presented to the City Council, to include additional data that was omitted from the staff report due to a clerical error:
Cathedral City CDBG FY 2024-25 AAP
For this fiscal year, city staff is proposing the allocation of funds as shown in the following table:
ADMINISTRATIVE (≤20%) FUNDING
Planning and Administration $ 94,000
Fair Housing Council of Riverside County $ 20,000
Total Funding Allocated $ 114,000
PUBLIC SERVICES (≤15%) FUNDING
Total Funding Allocated $ -
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS (>80%) FUNDING
Whitewater Area Street Rehabilitation $ 451,000
Sidewalk Repair Assistance Program $ 5,000
Cathedral City
Total Funding Allocated $ 456,000
TOTAL FUNDING $ 570,000
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Mayor Mark Carnevale opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments, seeing none, he closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
M.O. 2024-77
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the FY 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and, authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the required certifications; and, execute all funding agreements and documents consistent with the FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
B. Rio Vista Village/Verano Specific Plan Amendment 97-55D Tentative Tract Map Nos. 38709, 38710, 38711, 38712, and 38713 Recommendation: 1. Find that no further environmental review is required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15162
(Subsequent EIRs and Negative Declarations) and that the oroject is exempt trom CEQA pursuant to State CEQA
Guidelines section 15183 (Projects consistent with
Community Plan, General Plan or Zoning) based on the
findings and conclusions contained in the staff report and the CEQA Consistency Analysis; and
2. Introduce, provide first reading, by title only, and waive further reading of an ordinance adopting Specific Plan
Amendment 97-55D to the Rio Vista Village/Verano Specific Plan, based on the findings and conclusions contained in the staff report; and
3. Approve Tentative Tract Map Nos. 38709, 38710, 38711, 38712, and 38713 and Density Transfer, based on the
Cathedral City
findings and conclusions contained in the staff report and subject to the attached conditions of approval.
Sandra Molina, Deputy Director of Development Services, provided an overview on the proposed Rio Vista Nerano Specific Plan Amendment 97-55D Tentative Track Map Nos. 38709, 38710, 38712, and 38713.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff Mayor Mark Carnevale opened the Public Hearing to hear from the Applicant and members of the public.
Konnie Dobreva, Applicant Team, acknowledged the City and the City's consultants for their work on this project. She provided an overview of the proposed project.
Scott Gutman, discussed the wind in the area and feels it should be considered when selecting the landscaping for the project.
M.O. 2024-78
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Carnevale to approve staff's recommendation to:
1. Find that no further environmental review is required under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15162 (Subsequent EIRs and Negative Declarations) and that the project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15183 (Projects consistent with a Community Plan, General Plan or Zoning) based on the findings and conclusions contained in the staff report and the CEQA Consistency Analysis; and
2. Introduce, provide first reading, by title only, and waive further reading of an ordinance adopting Specific Plan Amendment 97-55D to the Rio Vista Village/Verano Specific Plan, based on the findings and conclusions contained in the staff report; and
3. Approve Tentative Tract Map Nos. 38709, 38710, 38711, 38712, and 38713 and Density Transfer, based on the findings and conclusions contained in the staff report and subject to the attached conditions of approval.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Cathedral City
The City Council recessed at 7:09 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:18 p.m.
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
Autism Society Inland Empire's Autism Walk & Festival SUP Recommendation: To approve Special Use Permit and allow the Autism Society Inland Empire's Fall Autism Acceptance Walk to utilize the Community Amphitheater on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to approve the Special Use Permit and allow the Autism Society Inland Empire's Fall Autism Acceptance Walk to utilize the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater on Saturday October 26, 2024, and authorize the sponsorship of the event in the amount of $2,500.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmembel
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
M.O. 2024-79
B. Award Subrecipient Agreement to Fair Housing Council of Riverside County
Recommendation: To award a subrecipient agreement to the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, in the amount of $20,000 to program ar housing services for Cathedral City's CDBG
authorize a budder allocation in the amount
of $20,000 from CDBG Funds; and, authorize the City
Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to request insurance policies.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to award a sub-recipient agreement to the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, in the amount of $20,000 to provide fair housing services for Cathedral City's CDBG Program; and, authorize a budget allocation in the amount of $20,000 from CDBG Funds; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to request insurance policies.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
Cathedral City
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
M.O. 2024-80
c. Annual Renewal of the Lighting and Landscaping District Budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025
Recommendation: To adopt three Resolutions to renew the annual assessments with Street Lighting and Landscape
Maintenance District No. 1 (Zones 1 through 54, non-
sequential)
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to adopt the following three Resolutions to renew the annual assessments with the Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 (Zones 1 through 54, non-sequential):
• A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California initiating proceedings for the annual levy of assessments for the City of Cathedral City Street Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District No. 1 for fiscal year 2024/2025
• A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California initiate proceedings and declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments for the City of Cathedral City Street Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District No. 1 for fiscal year 2024/2025 • A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California for preliminary approval of the engineer's report for the City of Cathedral City Street Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District No. 1 for fiscal year 2024/2025
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Reso 2024-17
Reso 2024-18
Reso 2024-19
D. 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.
Cathedral City
Luis Perez, Environmental Public Works Analyst, provided an overview of the establishment of a Cooling Center at the Cathedral City Library in partnership with the Riverside County Community Action Partnership (CAP) and Riverside County Library System. The following points were presented:
• Background- Cooling Centers
• CAP Final Stages
• Hours of Operation, Supplies and Supervision
This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez requested an item be agendized to discuss Senate Bill 9, which may be declared unconstitutional.
forthe tory ounci airiew, red ta to sofiate ill 9. Her iring stared that an item can be agendized for discussion at a future meeting if it is the desire of the City Council.
Councilmember Rita Lamb requested that a Special Presentation be agendized for the Cathedral City High School Lions Girls Softball Team, who made it to CIF Playoffs for the first time in 20 years.
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Mark Carnevale adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 8:00 p.m.
1 Mad l
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City Cathedral City