CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study & Regular Meeting
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nancy Ross called the Study Session portion of the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Mark Carnevale
Nancy Ross
Raymond Gregory
Ernesto Gutierrez
Rita Lamb
AGENDA FINALIZATION
Item 3D. Facilities Master Plan was continued to the January 8, 2025, meeting.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no members of the public that wished to speak.
2. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the items listed on the Agenda.
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(dl)(2). Number of Claims 3.
1. Craig Sanborn - Claim for Damages
2. Robert Williams - Claim for Damages
3. Christopher Jackson - Claim for Damages
Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation
B. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)
Nuty bea of Matters: One (1) rene Grosave - Torres v. City of Cathedral Case No.: CVPS2406366
Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation
C. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code 54957.6
Labor Negotiator: Algeria Ford, Assistant City Attorney and Eugenia Torres, Human Resources Manager
Employee Organization: Police Officers Association
Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 3:01 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 4:00 p.m.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Sessio to discuss the items listed on the agenda. Items 2A. Conference with Legal Counsel- Anticipated Litigation, 2B. Conference with Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation and 3A. Conference with Labor Negotiator were completed and direction was provided by the City Council. There was no other reportable action taken.
3. STUDY SESSION
A. Cathedral City Community Amphitheater Marketing Update Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion, and direction only.
Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager, provided an update on the marketing of the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. The following points were presented:
• Strategic Plan Goals
o F-2 Promote additional community events and celebrations • F-3 Develop and implement a marketing plan to promote and raise awareness of available city venues such as the
Community Amphitheater
• Background
• Milestones
• Marketing Initiatives
• Amphitheater Events By Year
• Future Recommendations
Shelley Kaplan stated that he was at the LeeAnn Rimes concert and feels the City of Cathedral City has the best amphitheater in the Coachella Valley.
This was a presentation only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Code Compliance Division Updates
Recommendation: There is no specific recommendation, this staff report and presentation are intended to provide updates from the Code Compliance division. City Council may elect to provide feedback on specific focal areas of the presentation that may guide and inform future presentations and actions.
Justin Gardiner, Code Compliance Manager, provided an update on the Code Compliance Division. The following points were presented:
• The Code Compliance Team
• Personal and Professional Milestones
• Code Compliance Process
• Caseload
• Efforts
• Incoming Code Compliance Reporting
• Reporting Statistics
• Cannabis Compliance
• Growing Cannabis Compliance
• Mobile Home Parks
• Shopping Carts and Illegal Vending
• Vacation Rentals
• Code Compliance Technologies
• Compliance Achieved
• Future Goals for Code Compliance
David Sanchez, expressed his concern with the trash in his neighborhood. He would like to see Code Compliance doing a better job enforcing the code. He feels that the Ramon Road median fencing is not working. He expressed his concern with how police officers are ticketing people and allowing gates in front of houses.
Alan Carvalho, expressed his concern with the name of the Code Compliance Department.
Reg Trowell, expressed his concern with the cannabis order in the City and would like to see some action taken.
This was a presentation only, there was no reportable action taken by the City Council.
C. Measure W Implementation Plan
Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only.
Charles McClendon provided an overview on the Measure W Implementation Plan. The following points were presented:
• Background
• Resident Study Committee
• Identified Unfunded Needs in the City
• Report to Council on January 24, 2024
• Community Survey and Resident Input
Measure W Implementation Plan
o Joining the Desert Recreation District (DRD)
• Community Recreation Center Planning
• Additional Ambulance for the Fire Department
• Improving Neighborhood Streets
• Action B-13 of Strategic Plan
Shelley Kaplan, thanked all those for their efforts and support to pass Measure Alan Carvalho, feels the public has confidence in the City Council.
This item was a presentation only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
D. Facilities Master Plan Update
Recommendation: This agenda item is for review and discussion only.
This item was continued to the January 8, 2025, City Council meeting.
RECESS
Mayor Ross adjourned the Study Session portion of the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nancy Ross called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Nancy Ross led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Rita Lamb offered a moment of reflection.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Mark Carnevale
Nancy Ross
Raymond Gregory
Ernesto Gutierrez
Rita Lamb
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the Regular City Council Meeting Agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sherry Mindel, expressed her concern with the cannabis facility and odor near her property.
Janet Ream, expressed her concern with the cannabis facility and odor on her property.
Maryellen Muir, expressed her concern with the cannabis facility and odor near her property.
Rodney Troutner, expressed his concern with the cannabis facility and odor near his property.
Scott McDonald, inquired about a public records request he submitted. He expressed his concern with the amount of cannabis in the City.
Linda McDonald, expressed her concern with the cannabis facility and odor near her property.
Tony Sanfratello, expressed his concern with the health and safety issues at Tramview Mobile Home park.
Tiffany LoBue, congratulated Mayor Nancy Ross on her appointment to the Animal Campus. She encouraged the City to focus on spay and neuter education and services in the upcoming year.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
• The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy's recent activities • Her attendance at the Volkswagen Ribbon Cutting
• Her attendance at the Economic Development Department's Small Business Workshop
• Her participation in the Rotary's Mayors Golf Tournament • The next city shredding event
• Her attendance at the Boys and Girls Club Annual Gala • The next Emergency Preparedness Event is scheduled for February 1, 2025, at the Cathedral City Library
• She recognized Erin Hyland for participating in the "Read with Me" Program • She recognized Bob Casey for his volunteerism at the Senior Center Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported on the following:
• His attendance at the Animal Campus meeting
• His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Executive Committee Meeting
• His conversation with the staff of the C4 cannabis facility • The positive and negative comments he has received regarding cannabis odor • His attendance at the International Balloon Festival
• His participation in the Rotary's Mayor's Golf Tournament • His attendance at the Police Department's Shop with a Cop Event • The upcoming Snowfest Event
• The upcoming Boomers Hanukkah Event
• He wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Hanukkah Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• His attendance at the International Balloon Festival
• His attendance at the Senior Center's Day of Gratitude • Council updated their photos
• His attendance at the Boys and Girls Club Annual Gala • The recent Special City Council Meeting
• Calls he received regarding illegal vendors, requested speed signs, and coyotes • His conversation with a business owner regarding illegal activity and code violations
• The upcoming City Council meeting scheduled for January 8, 2025 • He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year • The upcoming Mayor's Tree Lighting and Snowfest Event Councilmember Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• The Coachella Valley Association of Governments Public Safety Meeting, where he was elected as Chair
• His attendance at the Homelessness Committee
• His attendance at the Peace Officers Public Safety Awards • His attendance at the Transgender Day of Remembrance, held at Palm Springs City Hall
• His attendance at the Welbehealth Grand Opening
• His attendance at the International Balloon Festival
• His attendance at the Brunch with Patsi fundraiser
• His attendance at the Boys and Girls Club Annual Gala • His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commission Meeting • The upcoming Snowfest Event and Mayor's Tree Lighting • The upcoming Blue Light Ceremony on Monday December 16, 2024 • He wished everyone Happy Holidays
• The next City Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, 2025 Mayor Nancy Ross reported on the following:
• He recent vacation
• Her meeting with several leaders of non-profit organizations • Her attendance at the International Balloon Festival
• The upcoming Mayor's Tree Lighting and Snowfest Events
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2024-196
B. Approval of November 13, 2024 Study Session and Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve November 13, 2024 Study Session and Regular Council Meeting Minutes.
M.O. 2024-197
C. Demand Register - November 2024
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2024-198
D. Approve a Resolution Adopting an Updated City-Wide Salary Schedule Recommendation: To adopt a resolution approving city-wide publicly available pay schedules in compliance with California
Code of Regulations, Title 2, Sections 570.5, 571, 571.' This resolution will supersede all previous resolutions regarding job classifications and compensation levels to the extent they conflict with this new recommendation.
Reso 2024-48
E. Administrative Amendment to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) FY 2020-21 and FY 2023-24 Annual Action Plans
Recommendation: To approve an Administrative Amendment to the city's FY 2020-21 and FY 2023-24 Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plans (AAP) to
allocate remaining CDBG funds to supplement the
Whitewater Neighborhood Road Improvement Project
and reallocate remaining CDBG CARES Act (CDBG-
CV) funds for Desert Access and Mobility for submittal
to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD).
M.O. 2024-199
Council Appointments to Various Local Agencies
Recommendation: To review the list of Local Agency Assignments and ratify the appointments.
M.O. 2024-200
G. Task Order for the Design of Traffic Signal and Intersection Improvements at East Palm Canyon Drive and Cree Road
Recommendation: Approve Task Order 01 for engineering design services of a traffic signal at the intersection of East Palr
Canyon Drive and Cree Road with the city's on-ca
M.O. 2024-201
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, N Mavor Pro ler
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
First reading of an ordinance to amend zoning code to add driveway width standard, allow a greater percentage of front yard to be improved as a driveway, introduce civil fines for parking infractions, and prohibit parking in front of a mailbox.
Recommendation: Introduce and provide first reading by title only; and waive further readings of an ordinance to amend Title 9 and Title 12 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code by amending
Chapters 9.12, 9.14, 12.12, and 12.32. The proposed
changes will revise sections relating to driveway width and guidelines for the percentage of the front yard that can be improved as a driveway, introduce civil fines for parking infractions, and amend areas designated as no parking
areas to include restrictions for parking in front of a mailbox.
Elizabeth Medina, Analyst I, provided an overview of the proposed Ordinance to amend the zoning code to add driveway width standards, allow a greater percentage of front yard to be improved as a driveway, introduce civil fines for parking infractions, and prohibit parking in front of mailboxes.
Mayor Nancy Ross opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments, seeing none, she closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
M.O. 2024-202
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to introduce and provide first reading by title only; and waive further readings of an ordinance to amend Title 9 and Title 12 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code by amending Chapters 9.12, 9.14, 12.12, and 12.32 revising sections relating to driveway width and guidelines for the percentage of the front yard that can be improved as a driveway, introduce civil fines for parking infractions, and amend areas designated as no parking areas to include restrictions for parking in front of a mailbox.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
B. Assembly Bill (AB) 1600 Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Development Impact Fee Report
Recommendation: To approve a resolution accepting the Annual AB 1600 Development Fee Report for the Fiscal Year (FY)
2023/2024
Kevin Biersack, Director of Financial Services, provided an overview of AB 1600 Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Development Impact Fee Report.
Mayor Nancy Ross Opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments, seeing none, she closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Reso 2024-49
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve a resolution accepting the Annual AB 1600 Development Fee Report for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023/2024.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Purchase of One New Ambulance
Recommendation: The Fire Department requests authorization to purchase one Medix MSV 170 ambulance on a 2024 chassis from
Republic Emergency Vehicle Services (EVS), to include a Striker Power Gurney and Loader in the amount
$388,982.72.
M.O. 2024-203
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to authorize the purchase of one Medix MSV 170 ambulance on a 2024 chassis from Republic Emergency Vehicle Services (EVS), to include a Striker Power Gurney and Loader in the amount $388,982.72.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Contract Award for Design Professional Services to STC Traffic, Inc. for the SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program for Perez Road Class IV Separated Bikeways Project (C08673) and Whispering Palms Trail Class III Bike Routes Project (C08672).
Recommendation: • To award a professional services agreement to STC Traffic, Inc. for the SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian
Facilities program to prepare the plans,
specifications, right of way and environmental
documents for the:
Perez Road Class IV Separated Bikeways
project (C08673), in the amount of
$31,760.00; and approve a ten percent
(10%) contingency for unforeseen design
related contingencies in the amount of
$3,240.00; thereby bringing the total design
encumbrance for this project to $35,000.00;
and,
• Whispering Palms Trail Class III Bike Routes
project (C08672), in the amount of
$31,760.00; and approve a ten percent
(10%) contingency for unforeseen design
related contingencies in the amount of
$3,240.00; thereby bringing the total design
encumbrance for this project to $35,000.00;
and,
Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
M.O. 2024-204
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve a professional services agreement to for the:
Perez Road Class IV Separated Bikeways project (C08673), in the amount of $31,760.00; and approve a ten percent (10%) contingency for unforeseen design related contingencies in the amount of $3,240.00; thereby bringing the total design
encumbrance for this project to $35,000.00; and,
Whispering Palms Trail Class I! Bike Routes project (C08672), in the amount of $31,760.00; and approve a ten percent (10%) contingency for unforeseen design related contingencies in the amount of $3,240.00; thereby bringing the total design
encumbrance for this project to $35,000.00; and,
Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
C. Amendment Number Two to the Reimbursement Agreement with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments for the Cathedral Canyon Bridge Project to Provide for Traffic Signal Improvements at the Intersection Between Canyon Shores Drive and Cathedral Canyon Drive.
Recommendation: To authorize the Mayor and the City Manager to execute Amendment Number Two to the reimbursement
agreement between the Coachella Valley Association o
overnments (CVAG) and the City of Cathedral City for th amount hot-or aed 5700,000 to provide engineering
M.O. 2024-205
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to authorize the Mayor and the City Manager to execute Amendment Number Two to the reimbursement agreement betweer Cathedral Cly tor the Constration of Cathedral Canyon Bridge project in af amount not-to-exceed $700,000 to provide engineering design and construction of traffic signal improvements at the intersection between Canyon Shores Drive and Cathedral Canyon Drive; and, approve a budget adjustment for the same amount.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
The City Council recessed at 7:53 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:59 p.m.
D. Contract Award for Zoning Code Update
Recommendation: To approve a professional services agreement with Mintier Harnish, to update the City's zoning code and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
M.O. 2024-206
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to approve a professional services agreement with Mintier Harnish, to update the City's zoning code and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
E. Purchase of Fire Department PSEC Radios
Recommendation: To authorize the purchase of 24 portable and 15 mobile radios from Motorola Solutions in the amount of
$431,253.91, and authorize the city manager or designee, to execute all necessary documents for the purchase.
M.O. 2024-207
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to authorize the purchase of 24 portable and 15 mobile radios from Motorola Solutions in the amount of $431,253.91, and authorize the city manager or designee, to execute all necessary documents RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Award a Construction Contract to Hardy and Harper, Inc. for the FY 2024- 2025 City Streets Pavement Reconstruction Projects
Recommendation: To award a construction contract to Hardy and Harper, Inc. in the amount of $1,432,000.00 for the fiscal year (FY) 2024-2025 City Streets Pavement Reconstruction Projects at Shifting Sands Trail (C08688), Sky Blue Water Trail
(C08689), 33rd Avenue (C08690), Ventura Drive
(C08691), and Avenida Quintana (C08692); and, approve
a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of
$214,800.00 for unforeseeable construction costs, thereby bringing the total to $1,646,800.00; 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.
M.O. 2024-208
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to award a construction contract to Hardy and Harper, Inc. in the amount of $1,432,000.00 for the fiscal year (FY) 2024-2025 City Streets Pavement Reconstruction Projects at Shifting Sands Trail (C08688), Sky Blue Water Trail (C08689), 33rd Avenue (C08690), Ventura Drive (C08691), and Avenida Quintana (C08692); and, approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $214,800.00 for unforeseeable construction costs, thereby bringing the total to $1,646,800.00; 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.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
G. Civic Center Elevator Replacement
Recommendation: To authorize staff to purchase and install two new elevators in the Civic Center complex for City Hall and the Police Fund (614) budget amendment.
M.O. 2024-209
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to authorize staff to purchase and install two new elevators in the Civic Center complex for City Hall and the Police Department in the amount of $307,740.79 and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract required to complete the work; and authorize a Facilities Fund (614) budget amendment.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
H. Resolutions Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Agreements with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration for the Implementation of a Local Transactions and Use Tax and the Authorization of Examination of Records
Recommendation: 1. Adopt a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A LOCAL TRANSACTIONS
AND USE TAX."
2. Adopt a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY AUTHORIZING
EXAMINATION OF SALES AND TRANSACTIONS AND
USE TAXES RECORDS."
3. Authorize the necessary budget amendment of
$175,000.
Reso 2024-50
Reso 2024-51
M.O. 2024-210
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to:
1. Adopt a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A LOCAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE
TAX."
2. Adopt a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF
CATHEDRAL CITY AUTHORIZING EXAMINATION OF SALES AND
TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAXES RECORDS."
3. Authorize the necessary budget amendment of $175,000.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Carevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
7. CLOSED SESSION
There were no Closed Session Items.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City