CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study & Regular Meeting
Wednesday, July 24, 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 portion of the 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.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Steve Vogelsang, expressed his concern with an array of issues which included:
animal control, taxes, standing water, traffic light and speed bump needs. He would like the City to get back to him to discuss his concerns Robert McCormick, expressed his concern with the Police Department interfering with his campaigning for a presidential candidate.
2. STUDY SESSION
IT Master Plan Update
David Krout, Managing Partner, and Tom Jakobsen, Partner, for Client First, provided an overview of the Draft IT Master Plan. The following points were presented:
• Introductions
Cathedral City
• Technology Plan Objectives
• Planning Methodology
• Assessment
• Strategies, Goals and Objectives
• Project Budgets
• Questions
Danny Lee, congratulated the IT Department for the progress they have made.
He discussed the challenges and needs to bring the City's systems into the 21st century. He discussed his previous work experience in the IT industry and discussed what to do in an emergency and hopes it is all in the plan already.
This item was for presentation only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Vacant and Abandoned Building Ordinance
Andrew Firestine, Director of Community and Economic Development provided an overview of the draft Vacant and Abandoned Building Ordinance for Council's discussion and comments. The following points were presented:
• Overview
• Current Program
• Current Needs
• The City of Palm Springs' Ordinance
• Draft Ordinance
Councilmember Raymond Gregory expressed his concern with eliminating the residential properties with 4 or fewer units from the registry list. He feels that the existing nuisance regulations may not be sufficient as they take time.
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reiterated the basis for asking staff to bring this item up for discussion. He expressed his concern related to vacant residential properties that need to be protected from squatters.
City Manager McClendon stated that staff will review and incorporate a residential component and bring back a comprehensive draft for the Council's review at a future date.
This item was for discussion and direction only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
3. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Recommendation: This is Closed Session Item, there is no staff recommendation.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss item 2 A.
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RECESS
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:38 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Mark Carnevale called the July 24, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
• PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Raymond Gregory offered a moment of reflection. • 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.
• SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. Certificate of Appreciation for Outgoing Commissioners The City Council recognized all the outgoing Commissioners from various boards and commissions for their work and volunteerism. They presented them with Certificates of Appreciation.
B. Special Presentations - Cathedral City Senior Center Geoff Corbin, Cathedral City Senior Center, provided a special presentation to recognize and thank individuals and partnerships that have supported the Senior Center.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following public comments were submitted electronically and read into the record:
Cathedral City
Jerome Moskowitz, expressed his concern with the persistent cannabis odor affecting the quality of life at Date Palm Country Club.
David Koslow, alerted property owners in Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage of pending case Montanaro v. Cathedral City.
Rebecca Navarre, discussed excessive heat and the negative affects. She discussed urban forests and how they can help. She feels the City and the citizens need to study the issues and consider making amendments to the Cathedral City General Plan.
The following individuals provided public comment in person:
Eri Nox, expressed his concern with the potential sale of the Festival Lawn. He would like to see some discussion as a community before any sale of the property takes place.
Erin Hyland, expressed her concern with the current overcrowding crisis in the animal shelters. She provided some suggestions to help mitigate the issue and urged everyone to get involved and show Cathedral City cares.
Jens Mueller, thanked all the outgoing Commissioners for donating their time to the City. He discussed a recent ride-along he took with a Code Compliance Officer. He provided suggestions to help mitigate the violations in the City.
Sam Toles, thanked the City Council and City Manager McClendon for their work moving the City forward.
Alan Carvalho, thanked Sue Townsley for her leadership and many contributions to the City and the community.
Dorian Whitney, expressed his concern with the lack of traffic calming on his street.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• His attendance at the 2x2 meeting with the Coachella Valley Water District
• His interaction with a resident related to Burrtec billing • His attendance at the Free Summer Movies Series and book giveaway event
• The resident he assisted with obtaining a permit for their property • The Ramon Road widening project affecting the Chevron Gas Station • The new traffic signal installation at Landau and McCallum • His meeting with City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose
• He thanked the Police Department for their efforts in citing speeders on the roads
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• He thanked the Council for working together to do what is best for the City
Councilmember Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• He wished everyone a Happy New Fiscal Year
• His participation in the Southern California Edison 3-day workshop • His attendance at the "Dinner with Patsi" fundraiser at Tony's Burgers • His attendance at the College of the Desert's Happy Hour with Hope Event
• The passing of a local resident Diane Gil, and he asked that the Council adjourn the meeting in her memory
• He reminded everyone that the Summer Olympics will be starting on Friday
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
• He attendance at the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Meeting • Her attendance at the Police Department's Backpack Giveaway Event • She recognized the Fire Department for their participation at the Free Summer Movies Event
• Her attendance at CVLink's awards ceremony
• She thanked John Corella, Director of Engineering and Public Works, for helping to find projects in her district in need of improvements • She mentioned the street repairs in the Cove area, which she is thankful for
• The calls she received from residents thankful for the new signal at Landau and Ramon
• The possible installation of ADA ramps near a mobile home park on Cathedral Canyon
• Her coffee meeting with Gailya Brown from Dezart Performs • Her attendance at the "Dinner with Patsi" fundraiser at Tony's Burger • The passing of local resident Diane Gil, and her community involvement Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Ross reported on the following:
• Discussed her first meeting with Diane Gil, who recently passed away • Her sponsorship of the Police Department's Back Pack event • Her sponsorship of SunLine's Pack the Bus Event
• Her attendance at the SunLine Transit Agency Board Meeting • She discussed the Animal Shelter crisis
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda.
M.O. 2024-105
Cathedral City
Approve Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2024
Recommendation: Approve Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2024.
M.O. 2024-106
Receive and File Payment of Claims and Demands for June 2024 Recommendation: Receive and File Payment of Claims and Demands for June 2024
M.O. 2024-107
Accept the Resignation of Danielle Mead from the Historic Preservation Committee
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council accept the resignation of Danielle Mead from the Historic Preservation Committee effective July 1, 2024, and direct staff to proceed M.O. 2024-108
E. Accept the Resignation of Skye Daley from the Planning Commission.
Recommendation: Accept the Resignation of Skye Daley from the Planning Commission effectively immediately and direct staff to
proceed with filing the vacant seat.
M.O. 2024-109
F. 401 (a) Side Letters
Recommendation: To authorize the City Manager to execute side letters with the Cathedral City Police Management Association
(CCPMA), Cathedral City Fire Management Association
(CCFMA), Cathedral City Professional Firefighters
Association (CCPFA), and update the regulations for Non- Represented Executive, Administrative, Professional,
Confidential, and Other Particular Employees (Non-Rep) to amend the 401(a) retirement plan document
M.O. 2024-110
G. Yoga Classes in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater - 2025 funded by the Parks and Community Events Commission Small Events Budget
Recommendation: To approve $3,200 of funding support from the Parks and Community Events budget for the Parks and Community
Events Commission's Yoga Classes in the Cathedral City
Community Amphitheater - 2025 event.
M.O. 2024-111
Cathedral City
H. Approval of the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) support of the Panorama Dog Park Halloween Dog Costume Contest Event - 2024
Recommendation: To approve $100 from the 2024-2025 Parks and Community Events Commission small events budget to support the
Panorama Dog Park Howl-O-Ween dog costume event -
2024.
M.O. 2024-112
I. Amended Tract 31774 Campanile: Approval of Assignment and Assumption Agreement and Amendment to Subdivision Agreement, with GID Campanile, LLC (Assignor) and WH Campanile 141, LLC (Assignee).
Recommendation: To approve the Assignment and Assumption Agreement and Amendment to Subdivision Agreement for Amended Tract
31774, Campanile, between GID Campanile, LLC
(Assignor), and WH Campanile 141, LLC (Assignee); and
authorize the execution of the agreement and amendment
by the City Manager and City Clerk.
M.O. 2024-113
Professional Consulting Services Agreement with TAMJAC LLC. for Community Development Grant Support Services.
Recommendation: To approve an agreement with TAMJAC LLC. in the amount not-to-exceed $35,000 for the administration of the City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program,
including the administration of the fiscal year (FY) 2024-2025 CDBG Ănnual Action Plan (AAP) and the preparation of the City's FY 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance
Evaluation Report (CAPER) and the FY 2025-2026
AAP necessary to maintain compliance with the program;
and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
M.O. 2024-114
K. 2024 Battle in the Desert SUP
Recommendation: To approve Special Use Permit for the 2024 Battle in the Desert to be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.
M.O. 2024-115
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ross to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS 15 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Mayor Pro Tem
Cathedral City
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Resolution Referring a Ballot Measure to the Voters for the November 2024 Election
Recommendation: To approve a resolution referring a ballot measure to the voters of Cathedral City during the November 2024 General Election.
The following individual submitted public comment electronically and was read into the record:
Teri Hargreaves, expressed her support of the proposed ballot measure.
The following individuals provided public comment in person:
Jesse Barrago, President of the Cathedral City Police Officers Association, on behalf of the association expressed their support of the proposed ballot measure.
Danny Lee, expresses his support of the proposed ballot measure.
Brad Anderson, expressed his concerns with increasing taxes but supports letting the voters decide.
Danielle Mead, expressed her support of the proposed ballot measure.
Alan Carvahlo, expressed his support of the proposed ballot measure.
Geoff Corbin, expressed his support of the proposed ballot measure.
Vic Ide, expressed his support of the proposed ballot measure.
Chip Yarborough, expressed his support of the proposed ballot measure.
Rick Saldivar, expressed his support of the proposed ballot measure.
Shelly Kaplan, expressed his support of the proposed ballot measure.
Reso 2024-33
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gregory to adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City calling an Election in the City of Cathedral City to be consolidated with the City's next general municipal election on November 5, 2024, and submitting to the electors a ballot measure to adopt an Ordinance increasing the Cathedral City
City's Transaction and Use Tax by one-half cent, establishing the policies and procedures for such an election, requesting that Riverside County provide election services; directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis; and authorize the filing of a rebuttal argument.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Proposed Public Arts Commission Grant Process
Recommendation: To approve the Public Arts Commission recommendation for a grant process for the PAC grant program.
M.O. 2024-116
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Gregory to approve the Public Arts Commission's recommendation for a grant process for the PAC grant program.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
c. Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce Service Provider Agreement for Fiscal Year 2024/2025
Recommendation: To approve a service provider agreement between the City of Cathedral City and the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce for FY 2024/2025 and to authorize the City
Manager to execute the agreement.
Shelly Kaplan, announced the upcoming Cathedral City Chamber Annual Mixer which is tentatively scheduled for November 12, 2024.
M.O. 2024-117
motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded
by Councimwas Lande by Councilmember Lamb to approve a service provider agreement between the City of Cathedral City and the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 and to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
Cathedral City
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
D. Agreement with the City of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley Water District Regarding the Ramon Road Widening (from San Luis Rey Drive to Landau Boulevard) Including the Whitewater Bridge Widening, City Project No CIP 2500, Federal-Aid Project No. BHLS-5282(040).
Recommendation: To approve an agreement with the City of Palm Springs and • Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) for the
construction of the Ramon Road Widening (San Luis Rey to Landau Boulevard) including the Whitewater River Bridge Widening, City Project No CIP 2500, Federal-Aid Project No.
BHLS-5282(040); and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
M.O. 2024-118
motion made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded
by Councilmember Lamb to approve an agreement with the City of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) for the construction of the Ramon Road widening, (San Luis Rey to Landau Boulevard) including the Whitewater River Bridge Widening, City Project No. CIP 2500, Federal-Aid Project No. BHLS- 5282(040); and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Approval of License Agreement with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) for the construction, maintenance and operation of portions of the CV Link facility on City-owned properties.
Recommendation: To approve a license agreement between the City and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) for
the construction, maintenance and operation of portions of the CV Link project on City-owned properties, identified as Assessor Parcels Nos 687-480-007, 008, 018, and 674-020- 051, 053; and authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the license agreement on behalf of the City.
Cathedral City
M.O. 2024-119
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Gregory to approve the license agreement between the City and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) for the construction, maintenance and operation of portions of the CV Link project on city-owned properties, identified as Assessor Parcel Nos. 687-480-007, 008, 018, and 674-020-051, 053; and authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the license agreement on behalf of the City.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
7. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Eric Vail, announced that the City Council meeting in Closed Session during the Study Session portion of the meeting and there was no reportable action taken by the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Mark Carnevale adjourned the Regular Meeting in memory of Diane Gil at 8:00 p.m.
Cathedral City