Cathedral City City Council
February 12, 2025

CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA

Study Session 3:00 p.m.

Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234

MAYOR
Nancy Ross

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Mayor Pro Tem
Raymond Gregory

Councilmember
Rita Lamb

Councilmember
Ernesto Gutierrez

Councilmember
Mark Carnevale

STUDY SESSION 3:00PM

Normally no action is taken on Study Session Items, however, the City Council reserves the right to give specific policy direction and take specific action as necessary.

Presentations will be limited to 10 minutes unless other provisions are made in advance.

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

AGENDA FINALIZATION
At this time the City Council may announce any items being pulled from the agenda or continued to another date.

1. PUBLIC COMMENTS

This is the opportunity for members of the public to comment on any items not appearing on the regular agenda. Because of restrictions contained in California Law, the City Council may not discuss or act on any item not on the agenda but may briefly respond to statements made or ask a question for clarification. The Mayor may also request a brief response from staff to questions raised during public comment or may request a matter be agendized for a future meeting. Public Comment will be limited to three (3) minutes.

2 2. CLOSED SESSION

A. 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.

3. STUDY SESSION

A. Discussion on How Chair and Vice Chair Appointments are Made for City Commissions
Recommendation: This item is for information and discussion only.

RECESS

REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM

CALL TO ORDER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)

ROLL CALL

AGENDA FINALIZATION
At this time the City Council may announce any items being pulled from the agenda or continued to another date.

1. PUBLIC COMMENTS

This is the opportunity for members of the public to comment on any items not appearing on the regular agenda. Because of restrictions contained in California Law, the City Council may not discuss or act on any item not on the agenda but may briefly respond to statements made or ask a question for clarification. The Mayor may also request a brief response from staff to questions raised during public comment or may request a matter be agendized for a future meeting. Public Comment will be limited to three (3) minutes.

2. COUNCIL REPORTS

This is an opportunity for each member of the City Council to report on any conferences they attend, local events or make any other comments they may have.

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.
3 A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive full reading of Ordinances on Agenda.

B. Approval of the January 22, 2025 Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting and January 25, 2025, Special City Council Meeting Minutes.

Recommendation: Approve the January 22, 2025, Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes and January 25, 2025, Special City Council Meeting Minutes.

C. Check Demand – January 2025
Recommendation: Receive and File.

D. Change of Zone (CZ) 23-001 from Planned Community Commercial to Multiple Family Residential (R3)
Recommendation: To provide second reading by title only and adopt an ordinance amending the Zoning Map, to re-zone the property located at the northeast corner of Date Palm Drive and the extension of Rosemount Road from Planned Community Commercial to Multiple Family Residential.

E. 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, 571.1 This resolution will supersede all previous resolutions regarding job classifications and compensation levels to the extent they conflict with this new recommendation.

4. PUBLIC HEARINGS

5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

A. Agreement Between City of Cathedral City and Desert Recreation District for Recreation Programs and Park Maintenance Services
Recommendation: To approve a services agreement between the City of Cathedral City and the Desert Recreation District for recreation programs and park maintenance services

B. Tax Transfer Agreement between Desert Recreation District and City of Cathedral City
Recommendation: To approve a tax exchange agreement between the Desert Recreation District and City of Cathedral City to provide payment for services.

C. 2025 Color the Spectrum Art Festival SUP
Recommendation: To approve Special Use Permit for the Autism Society Inland Empire's 2025 Color the Spectrum Art Festival in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.

4 D. Approve Public Arts Commission's Recommendation to Provide $2,300 for an Exhibition of Karen and Tony Barone Sculpture in Town Square Recommendation: To approve the Public Arts Commission’s recommendation to sponsor an exhibit of Karen and Tony Barone sculptures in Town Square Park and approve the allocation of $2,300 from the Public Arts Commission general fund budget to pay for installation, signage, and incidental costs towards a reception.

E. Active Transportation Program Cycle 5: Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail Project (C08505) and Date Palm Drive Expansion Project (C08508) - Falcon Engineering Services, Inc.

Professional Services Agreement Amendment No. 1
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Contract Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Falcon Engineering Services, Inc., in the amount of $110,000, for construction engineering services provided on the Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 5 for Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail Project (C08505), and Date Palm Drive Expansion Project (C08508).

6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

This is an opportunity for members of the City Council to request that, and for the City Council to discuss whether, one or more items should be added to the agenda of a future regular or special City Council meeting. To comply with the Brown Act, discussion should be limited to whether to add the item(s), and direction given to the City Manager regarding scheduling and prioritization of the item(s).

7. CLOSED SESSION

ADJOURNMENT

NOTES TO THE PUBLIC

The City of Cathedral City complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you require special assistance to participate in this meeting, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (760) 770-0322 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

If you desire to address the City Council during the meeting, please complete a Request to Speak Form available at the entrance and present it to the City Clerk. Speakers will be called upon at the appropriate time.

Written Comments will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Written comments may be submitted via email, letter, or other forms of written communication. To email comments please email to [email protected].

Hard copies of written comments and any other document will be provided to the City Council and made available for the general public to review. All written comments received by the submission deadline will be made part of the official record. The meeting minutes will include: The name of the individual submitting the comment and a brief 5 statement summarizing the content of the comment.

Submitted Written Comments will not be read into the record during the meeting.

Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 2.A
Meeting Date: February 12, 2025
From: Charles McClendon, City Manager
Title: 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
Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.A
Meeting Date: February 12, 2025
From: Anne V. Ambrose, Assistant City Manager
Title: Discussion on How Chair and Vice Chair Appointments are Made for City Commissions
RECOMMENDATION:

This item is for information and discussion only.

BACKGROUND:

During public comment at the November 13, 2024 City Council meeting, Sunshine Herrera requested City Council consider changing the way the City’s commissions appoint their chairs and vice chairs to mimic the rotation procedures in place for the City Council to appoint the mayor and vice mayor. The City Council directed staff to study the issue and bring back an item for discussion.

Commission and Committee Appointments for Chair and Vice Chair Chapter 2.06 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code addresses boards and commissions of the city. Unless otherwise provided by law, ordinance or resolution, all members of boards and commissions are appointed for three-year terms starting July 1st of the year of appointment. Interim vacancies can be filled for the unexpired term of the vacancy.

Commissioner can serve two consecutive three-year terms and cannot be reappointed to the same board or commission until at least the time equal to one full term has elapsed. The City Council may, at their discretion and in the best interest of the city, waive the term provision and reappoint any member of a board or commission for one additional term.

Commission members are appointed by members of the City Council. The district councilmember makes an appointment recommendation to the full City Council who must vote affirmatively to ratify the appointment. Commission members must be bona fide residents and registered voters of the city; however, they do not need to live in the district from which they are appointed. There are two exceptions to this rule, namely the appointment of a licensed architect and landscape architect to the Architectural Review Committee and two members of the public arts commission can come from throughout the Coachella Valley. If a non-resident is appointed, they shall be limited to a term of one year.

The appointment of the chair and vice chair of each commission is addressed in section

2.06.020 of the municipal code, which states that each board and commission shall annually, at its first meeting held after June 30 th, choose one of its members as chairperson and one as vice chairperson. If there is a vacancy in either of the positions, they may be filled in the same manner.

The city currently has eight commissions or committees: Planning Commission, Architectural Review Committee, Historic Preservation Committee, Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE), Public Arts Commission (PAC), Finance Advisory Committee, Mobile Home Fair Practices Commission, and Board of Appeals (meets as needed).

It’s important to note that the committees and commissions are advisory to the city council and do not have a policy-making role. The chair and vice chair have no additional powers than the other commissioners and namely serve as the facilitators of the commission meetings. The Planning Commission is an exception, and its duties are further specified in the municipal and zoning code and supported by state law. It is authorized to make discretionary decisions on certain development applications presented to it, including conditional use permit applications and design review that are not otherwise processed administratively or within the purview of the Architectural Review Committee, while providing policy recommendations to the City Council on legislative requests. The Architectural Review Committee, to a lesser extent, is authorized to make decisions on some design review applications. Other committees and commissions have technical roles as established in the municipal code. Commissions like the PAC and PACE commissions also help facilitate programming (such as Yoga in the Parks sponsored by PACE), make recommendations on the award of community grants (PAC), and facilitate art related acquisition and programs.

City Council Appointment of Mayor and Vice Mayor
At the first meeting in December of each calendar year, the council approves a council rotation list and appoints members to serve as the mayor and mayor pro tem. Generally speaking:
The currently serving mayor pro tem shall succeed to the position of mayor. The outgoing mayor will move to the end of the rotation list, except in an election year any newly elected first-term councilmember (not an incumbent) would be placed behind the outgoing mayor on the rotation list. The councilmember in third position on the rotation list would move into the mayor pro tem position. If two or more new council members join the council at the same time, the drawing of cards is utilized to determine placement on the rotation list with seniority determined by the highest card drawn.

City Councilmembers are elected for four-year terms and there are no limits to the number of terms a councilmember can serve.

DISCUSSION:

Staff reviewed the procedures used by the other eight Coachella Valley cities to select their committee chairs and vice chairs. The cities of Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Coachella and La Quinta all had procedures like Cathedral City in that their commissions were empowered to select a chair and vice chair from their membership. Each city had various terms of appointment, and all had term limits.

The City of Indian Wells utilizes a seniority-based system to appoint their chair and vice chair for their planning commission.
The order of selection of the chair and vice chair is determined by the length of the current term of incumbency, as defined by the date of appointment to their current term.
When one or more commissioners are appointed at the same time, the order is determined by the highest number of votes received by the City Council at the time of their appointment.
If the number of City Council votes is equal, then they are appointed by lot. The outgoing chairperson is rotated to the bottom of the previous year’s chairperson succession list, with all other names moving up one position. The next senior person on the list will become the chairperson followed by the next senior member becoming the vice chair.

The City of Indio appointment of commission chair and vice chair rotates at the commission meeting that follows the annual rotation of mayor and mayor pro tem. A rotation of the chair and vice chair is established based upon seniority. When new commissioners are appointed, the order of seniority is established according to the nominating councilmember’s district number from lowest to highest. If a commissioner declines to serve as chairperson, they must wait until all the other commissioners currently serving at such time are eligible to serve as chair before they become eligible to serve as chair.
Seniority of appointment is defined as the length of a commissioner’s tenure which begins from the date of their appointment by the City Council, regardless of which councilmember nominated the commissioner.
If two or more commissioners have equal seniority, the affected commissioners are encouraged to work collaboratively to choose amongst themselves the order of seniority. If they are unable to do so, seniority will be determined by lot. The terms of commissioners mirror the term of the councilmember who nominates them.
If an appointing councilmember’s seat becomes vacant, the commissioner may continue to serve until they are replaced by the incumbent.

Staff reviewed the appointments to the five main commissions that meet regularly. In most instances, the commissions were able to decide on the appointment of chair and vice chair in one vote, with most often a unanimous decision. In the past three years, across the five boards, there have been three instances where the vote was not unanimous.

Commission 2024 2023 2022
Votes for Chair/Vice Chair
Planning Commission 3-0 5-0 3-0
Architectural Review 4-0 4-0 1
Historic Preservation 2 2 2
Public Arts 5-0 3-1, 1 abstain – Chair
5-0 Vice-Chair
4-0 Chair
3-2 Vice Chair after a
failed 1st vote
Parks and Community Events 3-1 4-0 5-0
1 The ARC did not conduct an election of officers in 2022. 2 The HPC last elected officers in 2021. It has not met since July 2024.

The staff who liaison with the above commissions were consulted on how the nomination process has worked for their commissions (Andy Firestine for Planning, Architectural Review and Historic Preservation, John Corella for Parks and Community Events, and me for Public Arts Commission). Staff reported that their commissions have generally had no difficulty in appointing the chair and vice chair at their first meeting after June, with the exception of the Historic Preservation Committee, which has not met since July 2024 due to a lack of members, the ability to form a quorum, and a spradic meeting schedule.

On June 11, 2024, Ms. Herrera, then a Public Arts Commissioner, put an item on the Public Arts Commission agenda asking the commission to consider adopting a process for electing the chair and vice chair that mirrored the City Council. The commission did not vote to make a recommendation to the City Council, however Ms. Herrera indicated she would be presenting the item to the City Council to consider a policy change for all commissions.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact.

FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:

Goal F: Embracing, Inclusive Community

CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES
Study Session 3:00 p.m.

Regular Meeting 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025
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, Councilmember
Nancy Ross, Mayor
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember

AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the Agenda.

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 following items listed on the Agenda.

The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 3:02 pm
A. 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
B. Conference with Legal Council - Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to potential litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2).

3. STUDY SESSION
A. SunLine Presentation
Mona Babauta, CEO SunLine, provided a presentation and discussed the potential development of a transit hub at B Street and Buddy Rogers, which would be similar to the hub in Coachella.

The City Council asked clarifying questions which were responded to by SunLine and staff.

Dorian Whitney, expressed his concern with not building public spaces due to homeless issues and he also discussed the need for alternate bus lines.

This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.

B. Fall 2024 Events Recap & Spring 2025 Events Preview
Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager, provided a recap of Fall 2024 events and a preview of Spring 2025 events.

The City Council provided their feedback and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.

This item was a presentation only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.

C. FY 2025/2026 and FY 2026/2027 Biennial Budget Overview Presentation Kevin Biersack, Director of Financial Services, provided an overview of the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Biennial Budget.

The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.

This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.

RECESS
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned the Study Session portion of the meeting at 5:20 p.m.

Items: One (1)
Description: Communication from Regional Water Quality Control Board The City Council reconvened at 3:48 p.m.

City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to hold a conference with the City Attorney regarding labor negotiations for the Police Officers Association and anticipated litigation, one item, communication from the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Direction was provided to staff but no other formal action was taken.

REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nancy Ross called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory led the Pledge of Allegiance.

INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Mark Carnevale offered the Invocation.

ROLL CALL
Council Present:

Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
Nancy Ross, Mayor
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember

AGENDA FINALIZATION
Item 5A. was heard as the first item on the agenda, before Public Comments.

1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Pat Keyes expressed her concern with the cannabis odor at Outdoor Resorts.

Eri Nox discussed the committee he is forming to consider making the Agnes Pelton home a permanent museum.

Christina Anderson expressed her concern with the cannabis odor from the C4 facility.

Dorian Whitney expressed his concern with the Food 4 Less gas station that is near completion.

Scott McDonald questioned what type of chemicals and substances are used by the C4 facility and requested a copy of their Hazardous Materials Management Plan.

The following comments were submitted and entered into the record:

David Koslow requested that the City Council agendize an item to discuss term limits for City Council members.

Marilyn Sabens expressed her concern with the cannabis odor at Outdoor Resorts Palm Springs and the effects it is having on residents.

Dale expressed his concern with the cannabis odor at Outdoor Resorts Palm Springs and the effects of it. He would like the City to take action.

2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
His attendance at the Palm Springs International Film Festival His attendance at the orientation for the Visit Greater Palms Springs His meeting with Mayor Ross, staff and Shuster Advisory Group The upcoming City Council Goal Setting Meeting scheduled for January 25, 2025 The next Regular City Council Meeting scheduled for February 12, 2025 The upcoming Special City Council Budget Meetings
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Conservation Committee Meeting
His meeting with a resident regarding a code enforcement issue His conversation with resident in the Dream Homes area regarding illegal dumping His interaction with a resident regarding fines related to code enforcement citations The complaints he has received related to cannabis odor Met with the City Manager and Assistant City Manager to go over the Agenda The upcoming Subcommittee Meeting with members of the Parks and Community Events Commission
The upcoming City Council Goal Setting Meeting scheduled for January 25. 2025 Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
Her attendance at the Journalism Hall of Fame Luncheon to honor Olivia Sandusky The upcoming Emergency Preparedness Event scheduled for February 1, 2025 She recognized the loss of President Jimmy Carter
She thanked the Fire Department personnel who responded and saved her life Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported on the following:
He is glad that Councilmember Rita Lamb is ok
His attendance at the CCMB accreditation finding for the Fire Department The new Cat City Liquor Store
The New Korean Chicken Restaurant
His meeting with staff and the C4 facility representatives His meeting with representatives from Outdoor Resorts Palm Springs His meeting with homeowners from Outdoor Resorts Palm Springs The upcoming City Council Goal Setting Meeting scheduled for January 25, 2025 Mayor Nancy Ross reported on the following:
Her attendance at the Senior Center’s Cactus Club Event The National Day of Recognition for Jimmy Carter
Her weekly meetings with City Manager McClendon
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2025-08
B. Approval of January 8, 2025, Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.

Recommendation: Approve the January 8, 2025, Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.

M.O. 2025-09
C. Check Demand - December 2024
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2025-10
D. Updates to Executive, Administrative, and Professional Employee Regulations
Recommendation: To approve the proposed updates to the Executive, Administrative, and Professional Employee Regulations,
including revisions to clean-up language, enhancements to compensation policies, and expanded professional
certification incentives.

M.O. 2025-11
E. Agreement with Urban Conservation Corps of the Inland Empire (UCCIE) to Provide Field Services at the Esperanza Park Project (C07021).

Recommendation: To approve an agreement with Urban Conservation Corps of the Inland Empire (UCCIE) for the not to exceed amount Her meeting with SunLine to discuss what will be presented later this evening Her attendance at the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board Meeting
Her meeting with Karen Riley
Her meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Gregory, staff and the Shuster Advisory Group Her visit to Hot Lips Coffee
Her practice tossing the first pitch for the Mary Nutter Her attendance at an Author Reading at the Senior Center Her visit at an art gallery
Her attendance at the American PGA Gold Tournament
Her agenda review meeting with SunLine
Her weekly meeting with City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose
Her meeting with a realtor to discuss sales in Cathedral City Her attendance at the SunLine Transit Agency Board Meeting

3. CONSENT AGENDA
M.O. 2025-12
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to approve the Consent Agenda.

RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.

5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Urgency Ordinance Adopting A 45-Day Interim Moratorium on the Approval of New Cannabis Licenses and New Cannabis Conditional Use Permits and the Issuance of Building Permits for the Build-out or Expansion of New Cannabis Businesses
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the urgency ordinance adopting a 45-day initial moratorium on the approval of new cannabis licenses and conditional use permits and the
issuance of building permits for the build-out or expansion of new cannabis businesses.

Maryellen Muir expressed her concern with communications put out by the City and asked clarifying questions related to the proposed moratorium and deadline to submit applications.

Kate Schwartz expressed her concern with the health impacts from the C4 facility and asked for studies to be done on the exposure on residents.

Scott McDonald expressed his relief that C4’s second building will be on hold with the proposed moratorium. He asked that any public hearings related to the revocation of c4’s license be conducted in November 2025 to ensure attendance of the residents of Outdoor Resorts Palm Springs. He asked for guidance on where to find resort residential in the Municipal Code and would like his request for information to be released as soon as possible.

Charles Leahy expressed his support for the proposed moratorium and discussed what he feels needs to be amended in the ordinance.

Michelle Cerone Collier expressed her concern with the cannabis odor and urged the Council to take action.
of $71,040 to provide field services at the Esperanza Park Project (C07021); and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents.

A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve an urgency ordinance adopting a 45- day initial moratorium on the approval of new cannabis licenses and conditional use permits and the issuance of building permits for the build-out or expansion of new cannabis businesses.

RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

B. Award a Task Order to Advantec Consulting Engineers, Inc. for the Design of the Cathedral Canyon Drive/Canyon Shores Drive Traffic Signal Project (C06517)
Recomm
endation:

To authorize a task order to Advantec Consulting Engineers, Inc. (Advantec) to provide design engineering services for the Cathedral Canyon Drive/Canyon Shores Drive Traffic Signal Project (C06517) as part of the city’s on-call traffic engineering support services contract in the amount not to exceed $49,805;

Bill Paine expressed his concern with the cannabis odor and would like a solution.

Janet Ream feels the City is listening and urged the City to help stop the cannabis odor.

Kevin R Spring stated that he is in the cannabis industry as a distributor and hopes that his application will be considered, and the proposed moratorium is focused on cultivation.

Paula Turner from Coachella Valley Cannabis Alliance Network asked that the moratorium not be imposed on cannabis retail, lounges, distributors and testing facility business.

Richard Siler urged the Council to approve the moratorium and include those that have already submitted their applications.

Dean Stufkosky expressed his concern with the cannabis odor and feels the residents need to know something is going to be done about the cannabis odor over the next 45 days.

The following comment was received and was entered into the record:

Christina Umhofer expressed her concern with placing an emergency moratorium over all pending and future cannabis license applications.

Ord 834
M.O. 2025-13
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve a task order to Advantec Consulting Engineers, Inc. (Advantec) to provide design engineering services for the Cathedral Canyon Drive/Canyon Shores Drive Traffic Signal Project (C06517) as part of the city’s on-call traffic engineering support services contract in the amount not to exceed $49,805; and, approve a ten percent (10%) contingency for unforeseen design related issues in the amount of $4,985; thereby bringing the total design encumbrance for this project to $54,790; and authorize the City Engineer to execute the task order.

RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

C. Appointment of Member(s) of City Council to Serve on Zoning Code Update Steering Committee
Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council appoint a representative to serve on the zoning code update steering committee.

Councilmember Gutierrez was appointed to serve on the zoning code update steering committee.

6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.

7. CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session.

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:29 p.m.

Nancy Ross, Mayor Tracey R. Hermosillo, City Clerk
and, approve a ten percent (10%) contingency for unforeseen design related issues in the amount of $4,985; thereby bringing the total design encumbrance for this project to $54,790; and authorize the City Engineer to execute the task order.

CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES
Special Meeting
Saturday, January 25, 2025
8:00 a.m.

City Hall
Study Session Room
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nancy Ross called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.

ROLL CALL
Council Present:

Nancy Ross, Mayor
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Mark Carnevale, Councilmember

INTRODUCTIONS
City Manager Charles McClendon welcomed everyone to the Special Meeting. He invited staff members in attendance to introduce themselves.

1. STRATEGIC PLAN WORKSHOP
A. Strategic Plan Overview
Recommendation: This report is for discussion and direction only.

City Manager Charles McClendon stated that the Strategic Planning Workshop will begin with department presentations. Each department will provide an overview of their goal accomplishments for the past year and present the key initiatives that they wish to focus on over the next year. Following the department presentations, the Financial Services Department will provide a midyear budget update and discuss the current revenue and expenditure projections for FY 2024/2025 and for the next biennial budget period FY 2025/2026 a FY 2026/2027. The City Council and staff will review and discuss their current goals and objectives outlined in the strategic plan and make modifications or reprioritizations necessary.

B. Department Accomplishments and Objectives
Recommendation: This is a discussion item only.

Each department provided an overview of their accomplished goals over the past year and the key initiatives they will be focusing on over the next year.

Sunshine Herrera inquired about the 2.5% Food and Beverage tax and how funds are allocated. Staff provided a brief response.

Danielle Mead inquired about 911 lines going down and how this can be fixed.

Staff provide a brief response.

The City Council recessed at 9:26 a.m.

The City Council reconvened at 10:27 a.m.

Danny Lee inquired about level two EV charging stations. Staff provided a brief response.

There was discussion amongst the City Council and staff. Members of the City Council asked clarifying questions which were responded to by staff.

C. Financial Overview
Recommendation: This is a discussion item only.

Kevin Biersack, Financial Services Director, provided a mid-year budget update and discussed the current revenue and expenditure projections for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 and Fiscal Year 2025/2026.

Danielle Mead inquired about the revenue from citations. Staff provided a brief response.

Antonio Baciu inquired about the deficit. Staff provided a brief response.

The City Council discussed the information presented and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.

D. City Council Strategic Plan Updates
Recommendation: This is a discussion item only.

Each member of the City Council reflected on their personal accomplishments, the City’s accomplishments, and the challenges they faced over the past year.

Each member discussed their initiatives and goals for the upcoming year.

City Manager McClendon provided an overview of what Council discussed.

Staff will update the Strategic Plan based on their discussion , which will be presented to the City Council at a future meeting for modification and/or approval.

2. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS

3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Danny Lee expressed the importance of setting measurable goals and deliverables.

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned the workshop at 12:48 p.m.

Nancy Ross, Mayor Tracey R. Hermosillo, City Clerk
The members of the City Council thanked all in attendance and staff for their hard work.

Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.C
Meeting Date: February 12, 2025
From: Kevin Biersack, Financial Services Director
Title: Check Demand – January 2025
RECOMMENDATION:

The City Council acting in its capacity for the City, the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency, the Housing Successor Agency and the Cathedral City Public Finance Authority Board receive and file payment of claims and demands in the aggregate sum of $9,986,858.64 for the month of January 2025.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that in my judgment these demands were legally and owing by the City and/or the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency, the Housing Successor Agency and the Cathedral City Public Finance Authority and the funds were available for payment thereof, and in all other respects, the demands conform to the criteria set for the in section 3.16.050 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code.

Kevin Biersack, Financial Services Director
ATTACHMENTS:

Demand Register, January 2025

Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.D
Meeting Date: February 12, 2025
From: Cynthia Schultz, Associate Planner
Title: Change of Zone (CZ) 23-001 from Planned Community Commercial to Multiple Family Residential (R3)
RECOMMENDATION:

To provide second reading by title only and adopt an ordinance amending the Zoning Map, to re-zone the property located at the northeast corner of Date Palm Drive and the extension of Rosemount Road from Planned Community Commercial to Multiple Family Residential.

BACKGROUND:

On January 8, 2025 the City Council conducted a public hearing on General Plan Amendment (GPA) 23-002, Zoning Change (CZ) 23-001, and Design Review (DR) 23-002 and the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the proposal. The Zoning Change is predicated on the General Plan Amendment. The General Plan Amendment would change the land use designation from General Commercial to Medium High Density Residential to permit the Zoning Change from Planned Community Commercial to Multiple Family Residential. Design Review 23-002 will allow for development of 204 apartment units in 12 buildings and construction of a community building and associated resident amenities.

At the conclusion of the public hearing, the City council took the following actions:
Adopted the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the project; Introduced an Ordinance to adopt CZ 23-001;
Approved the Resolution for GPA 23-002 to amend the General Plan; and Approved Design Review 23-002; subject to an additional consideration for the west- facing wall.

DISCUSSION:

Attached for adoption is the Ordinance introduced by the City Council on January 8, 2025.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Based on the City’s adopted fee resolution, application filing fees are deposit based, intended to cover costs associated with staff time and direct consultant costs. The initial deposit was made as well as a subsequent deposit. Conditions of approval will also require the payment of any outstanding fees prior to issuance of any building permit. Therefore, no impact to the general fund will be incurred.

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.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Final Ordinance CZ 23-001
ORDINANCE NO. ___
ZONING MAP AMENDMENT CZ 23-001

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA,

ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING MAP (CHANGE OF ZONE 23-001)
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cathedral City (the “City Council”) desires to increase housing units available to local residents and workforce members; and WHEREAS, the Zoning Map was adopted by City Council by Ordinance 861 on September 14, 2021; and
WHEREAS, on October 19, 2023, S2 Builders, represented by Stefan Vogel, (“Applicant”) submitted an application to amend the General Plan (GPA 23-002), a Change of Zone (CZ 23- 001) and Design Review 23-002 (“Project”). The Project proposes to construct 12 apartment buildings to include a total of 204 apartment dwelling units, along with a clubhouse, and recreation facilities including a pool and open space; and
WHEREAS, the Change of Zone will support the goals of the General Plan, including the Housing Element, and the City’s Strategic Plan promoting increased housing production; and WHEREAS, an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared for the Project, pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which determined that the potential impacts to air quality, biological, cultural and Tribal cultural, noise, could be mitigated to levels of insignificance; and
WHEREAS, on November 20, 2024 the City of Cathedral City Planning Commission considered the proposed Project during a duly noticed, regularly scheduled public hearing, and, after considering all evidence, including public testimony, both written and oral, voted to adopt a Resolution recommending that the City Council adopt General Plan Amendment 23-002, Change of Zone 23-001, and approve Design Review 23-002 for the Project; and WHEREAS, on January 8, 2025 the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation on the Project.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. CITY COUNCIL RECORD. The City Council has considered all of the evidence, including written and oral communications submitted into the administrative record for the provisions listed in this Ordinance No. _____, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Cathedral City Municipal Code and Cathedral City General Plan, including the adopted General Plan and Land Use Map;
6 1
9 2. The Staff Report prepared by Cynthia Schultz, including all Exhibits attached thereto;

3. Staff’s presentation at the public hearing conducted at the City Council meeting held on January 8, 2025;

4. Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 2024-05, A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Cathedral City, California Recommending City Council Action on the Project, outlining each recommended action; and

5. Testimony and/or comments on the Project from interested parties including the Applicant and its representatives submitted to the City in both written and oral form at, or prior to, the public hearing conducted at the City Council meeting held on January 8, 2025; and

6. Public comments on the Project, both written and oral, received and/or submitted at, or prior to, the public hearing conducted at the City Council meeting held on January 8, 2025.

SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. The City Council hereby adopts an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Program prepared for the Project.

SECTION 3. ZONING MAP AMENDED. The City Council hereby amends the Zoning Map based on the following findings:

1. The City Council considered all of the evidence submitted into the administrative record, which includes, but is not limited to: a) the Staff Report prepared for the Project; b) the staff presentation; c) public comments, both oral and written, received and/or submitted at, or prior to, the public hearing supporting and/or opposing the staff recommendation; and d) testimony and/or comments from the applicant and its representatives submitted to the City in both written and oral form at, or prior to, the public hearing; and

2. The proposed change of zone is in conformity with the General Plan land use map, as amended, and the lot area development standard for the proposed zone is the same as the lot area designated on the General Plan Map for the property, subject to the proposed General Plan Amendment and zone change; and

3. The subject property is suitable for the uses permitted in terms of access, size and shape of parcel, relationship to similar or related uses, and other considerations deemed relevant by the Commission and Council as the project is consistent with applicable zoning standards; and

4. The proposed change of zone to permit the Project is desirable for the development of the community in that it allows diverse housing types and tenure for local residents and workforce, is in harmony with the Housing, Administration, and Land Use Elements or objectives in the General Plan, and is not detrimental to existing uses or to uses specifically permitted in the R3 Zoning District; and 6 1
9 SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY If any chapter, section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision will not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance, and each chapter, section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its second reading by the City Council.

SECTION 6. POSTING. The City Clerk shall, within fifteen (15) days after passage of this Ordinance, cause it to be posted in at least three (3) designated public places; shall certify to the adoption and posting of this Ordinance; and shall cause this Ordinance and its certification, together with proof of posting, to be entered in the Book of Ordinances of this City.

SECTION 7. CERTIFICATION
The foregoing Ordinance was approved and adopted at a meeting of the City Council held on the 8 th day of January, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
______________________________
Nancy Ross, Mayor
ATTEST:

____________________________
Tracey R. Hermosillo, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
Eric S. Vail, City Attorney
6 1
9 EXHIBIT A

MAP DEPICTING AREA/PARCEL SUBJECT TO ZONING AMENDMENT
CZ 23-001 AMENDING ZONING DISTRICT FROM PCC TO R3
APN 670-110-043

AMEND ZONING DISTRICT

DESIGNATION
FROM: PCC
TO: R3
Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.E
Meeting Date: February 12, 2025
From: Eugenia Torres, HR Manager
Title: 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, 571.1 This resolution will supersede all previous resolutions regarding job classifications and compensation levels to the extent they conflict with this new recommendation.

BACKGROUND:

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) requires all public agencies to establish and maintain publicly available pay schedules for all positions. This requirement is outlined in the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 2, Sections 570.5, and 571.1.

The City's commitment to transparent and compliant compensation practices requires regular review and updates of our publicly available pay schedules. This resolution addresses multiple regulatory requirements and operational needs while ensuring continued organizational effectiveness.

Historical Context
Previous Resolution No. 2024-48 (adopted December 11, 2024) approved a citywide publicly available pay schedule
This update consolidates all subsequent amendments and modifications.

This resolution represents the culmination of these various analyses and considerations, providing a comprehensive update to ensure the City's compensation structure remains competitive, compliant, and aligned with organizational objectives.

DISCUSSION:

The proposed resolution includes adjustments to the City's pay schedules, reflecting our commitment to maintaining competitive compensation while ensuring operational excellence. These changes are based on comprehensive market analysis, internal equity considerations, and operational requirements. These changes are as follows:

EXHIBIT A (Effective January 5, 2025)
- AFSCME Salary Adjustments
• Modification to Salary Ranges 680 and 690 – During a recent review of the salary schedules, it was discovered that Salary Ranges 680 and 690 contained outdated data that requires revision to ensure accuracy and compliance with CalPERS regulations.

EXHIBIT B (Effective December 22, 2024)
– Non-Rep: No changes
EXHIBIT C (Effective December 22, 2024)
– CCPOA: No changes
EXHIBIT D (Effective December 22, 2024)
– CCPMA: No changes
EXHIBIT E (Effective January 5, 2025)
– CCPFA: No changes
EXHIBIT F (Effective January 5, 2025)
– CCFMA: No changes
EXHIBIT G (Effective December 21, 2024)
– ELECTED: No changes
FISCAL IMPACT:

N/A
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:

Goal A – Serve the Community with Pride and Dedication Objective: Through diversity, equity, and inclusion driven employee programs and experiences, Cathedral City is the employer of choice with a workforce that is engaged, motivated, and respected public stewards.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Resolution Citywide Pay Schedule
4 4
0 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-02

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL

CITY, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CITYWIDE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE

PAY SCHEDULE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA CODE OF
REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, SECTION 570.5, 571 and 571.1 AND
RESCINDING RESOLUTION 2024-26
WHEREAS, the City of Cathedral City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits for its employees; and
WHEREAS, California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 2, Section 570.5, requires governing bodies of local agencies contracting with CalPERS to approve and adopt a publicly available pay schedule in accordance with public meeting laws; and WHEREAS, pursuant to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 2, Section 571 for Classic Members and CCR Section 571.1 for new members under California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), Special Compensation items are defined under an exclusive list and shall be reported separately from the pay rate; and WHEREAS, the pay schedule must identify each position by title, the individual pay rate amount or ranges for that position, and the time base upon which the amounts are based; and
WHEREAS, CalPERS Issued Circular Letter 200-003-20 as guidance to public agencies in creating and maintaining a Publicly Available Pay Schedule that complies with Section 570.5, 571 and 571.1; and
WHEREAS, to ensure that the City remains compliant with its obligation under Section 570.5, 571, and 571.1, any time new Memorandum of Understanding Agreements are negotiated or when wage rate/range adjustments or classification title changes are approved, staff will amend the pay schedules for City Council’s consideration and adoption by Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds and determines that it desires to approve a Citywide Publicly Available Pay Schedule in compliance with CCR Section 570.5, 571 and 571.1, that includes changes approved up through February 12, 2025. 4 4
0 NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CATHERAL CITY DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Resolution 2025-02 is hereby adopted to represent the City’s most recent Publicly Available Pay Schedule (Attachments A, B, C, D, E, F, G) pursuant to Section 570.5.

SECTION 2. All previous resolutions related to job classifications and compensation levels are hereby repealed to the extent they are in conflict with this Resolution.

SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution and shall cause a certified resolution to be filed in the Office of the City Clerk.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 12 th day of February, 2025, by the following vote:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Nancy Ross, Mayor
ATTEST:

Tracey R. Hermosillo, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Eric S. Vail, City Attorney

Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.A
Meeting Date: February 12, 2025
From: Anne V. Ambrose, Assistant City Manager
Title: Agreement Between City of Cathedral City and Desert Recreation District for Recreation Programs and Park Maintenance Services RECOMMENDATION:

To approve a services agreement between the City of Cathedral City and the Desert Recreation District for recreation programs and park maintenance services.

BACKGROUND:

The City of Cathedral City has made significant investment in developing and maintaining a variety of city parks to provide places for community recreation. The park inventory includes Century Park, Panorama Park, Ocotillo Park, Dennis Keat Soccer Park, Town Square Park, the Cathedral City Amphitheater, Memorial Park, Patriot Park, the Downtown Dog Park, and Esperanza Park, which is currently under construction and slated to be completed around March of this year.

While there are facilities for outdoor recreation, the City does not have a recreation department and has not had the ability to provide a robust program of diverse recreation opportunities for city residents. The City’s Parks and Community Events (PACE) commission provides some programming, namely Yoga in the Park, and some special events such as the Howloween Dog Costume Contest. The Communications and Special Events division coordinates the City’s signature events (LBGTQ+ Days, Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival, Taste of Jalisco, Snowfest), along with other smaller partner events in the Amphitheater and Town Square. For the past three years, the City has partnered with the Desert Recreation District and Palm Springs Unified School District to provide a summer swim program to city residents.

For at least a decade, the City Council has considered joining the Desert Recreation District (DRD) to provide a full spectrum of recreation programs in Cathedral City. The DRD is the largest park and recreation district in California, covering 1,865 square miles and serving over 380,000 residents across the greater Coachella Valley. Their mission is to work closely with municipalities to ensure that every community, regardless of economic status, has access to quality recreation services. DRD manages and maintains more than 43 parks and recreation facilities, offering a wide range of programs, services, and classes designed to enrich the lives of the residents it serves. Additionally, there has been a strong desire in the community for the creation of a recreation center locally. In addition to providing recreation services, staff have also sought to improve the maintenance of the city’s park facilities.

Currently, very limited staff is allocated to service city parks, which does not include additional staffing that will be necessary to maintain the city’s newest park Esperanza Park, when it opens later this year.

To generate the necessary funds to support a recreation and parks maintenance program, in July 2022, the City initiated Measure K, a property tax measure which proposed an assessment of 15-cents per building square foot annually on single-family residential units.

While a majority of voters approved the measure, it did not receive the super-majority of votes needed to pass.

In July 2024, the City Council approved a measure to be added to the November 2024 ballot seeking approval of the voters for a ½ cent increase to the City’s transactions and use tax.

Measure W will provide funding for the City to join the recreation district, fund a fourth ambulance, increase funding for neighborhood streets, operations of a community center, and set aside funds for future debt service for a community recreation center. The measure passed with an overwhelming 73.54% of the votes in favor.

DISCUSSION:

The first steps necessary for the City to join the Desert Recreation District is for both the City Council and DRD Board of Directors to approve two agreements: a Services Agreement outlining the services to be performed by the DRD and costs and a Tax Exchange Agreement for funding the DRD’s activities in the city. The DRD Board of Directors will also be considering these two items this evening. Following these approvals, the DRD will initiate the annexation process with the Riverside County Local Agency formation Commission (LAFCO) to annex Cathedral City into the recreation district.

The Services Agreement outlines maintenance services to be provided at city parks. While the entire City will be annexed into the district, the DRD will maintain six facilities: Dennis Keat Soccer Park, Panorama Park, Ocotillo Park, Century Park, Esperanza Park, and Patriot Park. Maintenance services at Patriot Park only include emptying trash, cleaning the barbeques, and cleaning tables; Big League Dreams is under contract with the city to maintain the lawn and trim trees. The City will continue to maintain Memorial Park, Town Square Park and the Community Amphitheater. Exhibit B describes the staffing levels to be provided, maintenance service standards, and frequency of tasks (daily, weekly, annually, or as needed).

The Services Agreement also discusses community-based programming to be provided by the DRD. Since the city does not have a recreation center yet, programs will be provided at the city’s parks or at other available facilities such as the library. Some of the types of classes and programs that can be offered include movies in the park, art classes, soccer leagues, t- ball and baseball, gymnastics, seasonal themed events etc. The agreement also includes the continuation of the summer swim program at Cathedral City High School. Another additional benefit of joining the DRD is that Cathedral City residents can register for any program in any city served by the DRD and receive the in-district discounted rates. DRD will also provide a staff person in the city to be able to take registrations and meet with residents with questions about recreation programs.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The costs for parks maintenance and recreation services for FY 2025/26 is $1,798,585.88.

Funding for DRD services will be paid through a tax transfer agreement in which 15% of the City’s 1% property tax allocation will be directed to the District to pay for recreation services.

This is anticipated to be approximately $1 million in year one. The additional costs will be budgeted and paid directly to the district in quarterly installments. These costs will be offset by what the City had previously budgeted to maintain the city’s parks. For FY 2024/2025, approximately $967K was budgeted in the General Fund Parks division budget for parks maintenance.

City Park Forecasted Budget Savings and Reallocations
FY 2024/2025 Budget Savings/Reallocation
Parks Maintenance 100-500-500-511-XXXX-XXXX $967,237 - This only includes operations costs and does not
include personnel costs.

Streets Maintenance Personnel Reallocation (241/243) $341,339 - This includes streets personnel utilized in
grounds/parks reassigned to streets.

Starting July 1, 2025, DRD will be providing both Parks maintenance and Recreation programs. These funds will be reallocated towards DRD services. The amounts listed below will be included in the upcoming biennial budget for FY 2025/2026.

DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER

ACCOUNT
CODES

PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or

ONGOING
2025-26 Parks
Maintenance
151-500-510-
511-8XXX-8XXX N/A $1,452,592.42 On-going
2025-26 Recreation
Programs
151-500-510-
512-8XXX-8XXX N/A $ 345,993.48 On-going
2024-2025 Total $1,798,585.88
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:

Goal B: Community Investment
B-10 City Council to support a measure to provide funding for parks and recreation services through the DRD and other resident priorities including streets and enhanced Fire Department services.

Goal F: Embracing, Inclusive Community
F-3 Promote additional community events and celebrations.

Goal E: Safety
Establish regular inspections of park equipment and playing fields to ensure they are well maintained and functional.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Services Agreement

Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.B
Meeting Date: February 12, 2025
From: Anne V. Ambrose, Assistant City Manager
Title: Tax Transfer Agreement between Desert Recreation District and City of Cathedral City
RECOMMENDATION:

To approve a tax exchange agreement between the Desert Recreation District and City of Cathedral City to provide payment for services.

BACKGROUND:

Earlier this evening, the City Council considered an agreement between the City of Cathedral City and the Desert Recreation District (DRD) for parks maintenance and recreation programming. The second action needed to be taken by the City Council and Desert Recreation District Board of Directors ahead of the application for annexation into the district with the Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is the approval of a Tax Transfer Agreement.

DISCUSSION:

Measure W, a ½ cent transaction and use tax measure was passed in November 2024 by Cathedral City voters. The measure is anticipated to generate approximately $5 million/year.

Part of the funding expected to be generated from this measure was to fund park maintenance and recreation programming through the DRD, including a future recreation center.

Instead of directly providing payment of sales tax proceeds to the DRD for their services, LAFCO requirements regarding funding of services to be provided through annexation will be more clearly met through a tax exchange agreement. The tax exchange agreement would allow the city to share a portion of the one percent it receives in property taxes directly with the DRD to fund services. The DRD would directly get this allocation in the same manner other agencies receive property tax allocations (such as Riverside County, Palm Springs Unified School District, Desert Community College District, etc.).

Staff have proposed the DRD would receive fifteen percent (15%) of the City’s basic one percent (1%) property tax levy, or approximately $1 million in FY 2025/26. This would only cover a portion of the full costs of the DRD services, which are anticipated to total $1,798,585.88 in FY 2025/26. The remaining costs of services would be budgeted in the FY 2025/26 budget and paid in four quarterly direct payments to the DRD. This arrangement will provide the confidence of a regular revenue stream to fund DRD services through the annexation into the district, while allowing the City flexibility should the need arise to modify services due to budgetary constraints in the future.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The anticipated impact of providing the district with fifteen percent of the city’s one percent property tax levy is anticipated to be approximately $1 million in FY 2025/26. If the levy does not fully cover the agreed upon DRD services, the city will allocate additional funds to cover the difference. If it happened that the allocation to the DRD was higher than the cost of services provided, the remaining funds would roll over to cover DRD services in the city for the following year.

DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER

ACCOUNT
CODES

PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or

ONGOING
2024-2025 Property Tax 100-90-910-911-
6100-6101 N/A $-1,000,000 Ongoing
2024-2025 Total $-1,000,000
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:

Goal B: Community Investment
B-10 City Council to support a measure to provide funding for parks and recreation services through the DRD and other resident priorities including streets and enhanced Fire Department services.

Goal F: Embracing, Inclusive Community
F-3 Promote additional community events and celebrations.

Goal E: Safety
Establish regular inspections of park equipment and playing fields to ensure they are well maintained and functional.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Tax Exchange Agreement

Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.C
Meeting Date: February 12, 2025
From: Ryan Hunt, Communications & Events Manager
Title: 2025 Color the Spectrum Art Festival SUP
RECOMMENDATION:

To approve Special Use Permit for the Autism Society Inland Empire's 2025 Color the Spectrum Art Festival in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.

BACKGROUND:

Autism Society Inland Empire’s 2025 Color the Spectrum Art Festival is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, and the organization is requesting use of the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. This event will include fun for the entire family, featuring inflatable attractions, crafts, food trucks, vendor booths for Autism Awareness, and resources for families.

The Autism Society serves families across both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties in the Inland Empire. Currently, there are more than 17,500 children and adults combined in both regions who need support and education on the many issues our families face. The Autism Society Inland Empire’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

DISCUSSION:

The 2025 Color the Spectrum Art Festival is a day of community and celebration that raises much needed funds to support local families living with autism. The organization’s goal is to empower families with knowledge as well as highlight some of the abilities of kids and adults with autism.

The Color the Spectrum Autism Art Festival, is a unique opportunity to celebrate and showcase the artistic talents of individuals on the autism spectrum. The event features youth and adult artists on the range, with a marketplace featuring entrepreneurs on the spectrum.

Attendees can purchase art pieces from artists and entrepreneurs, supporting their artistic ventures and promoting their financial independence.

In addition to the marketplace, the event also includes several art-related activities. Arts and crafts, face painting, bubble art, chalk art, and kid in a bubble activity are just a few interactive activities available at the event. Attendees can enjoy music and performances while indulging in food and other fun-filled activities.

Autism Society Inland Empire requests an in-kind sponsorship in the form of a venue fee waiver to host this important event at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater for the second year in a row. We would be honored to recognize your generous support through:
• Branded signage placed prominently at the event.
• Acknowledgment during event announcements at the event. • Social media recognition across our platforms (27k reach) • Special Plaque commemorating your Sponsorship.
• Opportunities to engage directly with attendees during the event via a Resource Booth *(Optional).

FISCAL IMPACT:

As a third-party event, the applicant must submit all necessary permits and documentation to the City prior to the event. Event organizers are requesting a City Council sponsorship of $2,500 to cover the per day rental fee for nonprofit use of the Community Amphitheater.

Autism Society Inland Empire has already paid the $618 application fee, provided 501c3 documentation and a Certificate of Insurance.

FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:

Action F-2: Promote additional community events and celebrations.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Cathedral City In-Kind Sponsorship Request

2. 2025 Color the Spectrum Art Festival SUP

3. 2025 Art Festival Layout & Map 1-3-25_v1

4. COI - Autism Society City of Cathedral City_v1

5. 501c3 documentation_ Autism Society_v1

Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.D
Meeting Date: February 12, 2025
From: Anne V. Ambrose, Assistant City Manager
Title: Approve Public Arts Commission's Recommendation to Provide $2,300 for an Exhibition of Karen and Tony Barone Sculpture in Town Square RECOMMENDATION:

To approve the Public Arts Commission’s recommendation to sponsor an exhibit of Karen and Tony Barone sculptures in Town Square Park and approve the allocation of $2,300 from the Public Arts Commission general fund budget to pay for installation, signage, and incidental costs towards a reception.

BACKGROUND:

On December 4, 2024, Public Arts Commission Chair Craig Liebelt, Public Arts Commission Liaison Anne Ambrose and Events and Recreation Coordinator Adam Chastain were invited by Michael Fiacco, Director of Special Exhibitions for the Chuck Jones Gallery, to the home of internationally acclaimed artists Karen and Tony Barone to tour their sculptures. The purpose of the meeting and tour was to discuss an idea for an exhibition of Karen and Tony Barone’s sculptures in Cathedral City.

About the Artists:

Karen and Tony Barone are a legendary couple working side by side in the execution of their very large-scale sculpture & paintings. Their sculptures can be experienced throughout the Palm Springs Valley. They are local artists with a global reach. This extraordinarily creative husband and wife team’s works have been exhibited and acquired by cities, individuals, corporations, & museums worldwide.

The Barones were both born in Chicago where they met, fell in love, merged, married and achieved a high level of success: “Chicago was very good to us.” The next stop on their artistic and romantic journey took them to New York City where “we got our stripes.” Working out of their sprawling 4th floor loft, they were known as “Soho pioneers.” A hillside studio on their horse farm in East Tennessee became their next artistic environ before heading west to become a powerful artistic presence disseminating art and producing one couple shows from their massive canal-side studio in Los Angeles’ Venice Beach. Early in the new millennium, they moved their high voltage creativity to the Palm Springs California desert community of Rancho Mirage in the Coachella Valley, where larger-than-life public art began to dominate their oeuvre.

Karen & Tony Barone possess a formidable wit. They create mind-boggling works of art that challenge our sense of scale and spatial reality. They place us in an Alice-In-Wonderland state of disbelief and visual adventure. They believe art can be a powerful force for good and human enrichment and they support many causes to that goal. A principal public art initiative is a series of giant 6’-2” brightly colored Dalmatian puppy sculptures titled “R. HERO”. The “R. HERO” sculpture was conceived to honor Firefighters & First Responders. One of their accomplishments includes an expansive swooping 50’ sculpture known as the “Forks”. It dominates the front façade of Acqua California Bistro @ The River and the colorful mega ensemble art installation of 9 ginormous rabbit sculptures in Palm Desert. The “Rabbits” and the “Forks”.

DESERT WARREN 2”, is a 45ft wide aluminum ensemble sculpture installation consisting of nine rabbit sculptures 8ft & 9ft tall. It is currently on exhibit on Hwy 111 @ Town Center Way in Palm Desert, CA.
“ANIMAL CRACKERS” consists of 2 larger-than-life, illogically positioned and brightly colored jungle creatures: a 7.5ft tall pink, ”CHERRY VANILLA GORILLA” and a 9ft long bright red “JAGUAR” w/black markings. They appear together in a pure desert landscape against a mountain backdrop located in Rancho Mirage CA on Hwy 111. ”SHELTER DOG” @ Westin Mission Hills Resort, Rancho Mirage, CA is on loan from the artists to support the resort’s extremely successful guest adoption program in conjunction with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. The program finds forever homes for rescue/shelter dogs and has achieved over 200 adoptions. “SHELTER DOG” is a 6ft+ tall golden colored aluminum puppy sculpture standing on all fours.

PRESENTLY - The Barone’s are immersed in multi-disciplined art projects which have become vehicles for Karen’s VIDEO PERFORMANCE ART and the couple’s PAINTINGS … the future has arrived! Videos and paintings are viewable in the virtual museum at BaroneArt.com
A full-length documentary film about the couple and their art is in post-production … it’s an amazing love story.

DISCUSSION:

Proposed Exhibition
Michael Fiacco and the Barone’s are proposing a large-scale exhibit of their sculptures, to be exhibited in Town Square Park from March 14 through April 27, 2025. This exhibit will run concurrently to the Desert X Coachella Valley exhibition from March 8 through May 11, 2025, a time where people come from all over to see the various installations throughout the Coachella Valley. While Cathedral City does not have a Desert X installation, it is hoped the Barone event will capture the interest of art lovers locally, throughout the state and beyond.

Cathedral City’s exclusive proposed art installation, Karen & Tony Barone: CAThedral City Public Art Exhibition “CAT-ALYSTS OF THE FUTURE,” promises to be something truly exceptional! An exhibition of 14 ‘larger than life’ Pop Art sculptures by celebrated Coachella Valley Artists Karen & Tony Barone will boggle your mind and dazzle your senses! You will feel as if you’ve entered Disneyland and Alice In Wonderland wrapped into one as you view such works as 6 foot tall “Golden Cat”, the 10 foot tall duo of dancing “Pajama Party” rabbits, two 8 foot tall “Playful Pink Poodles”, “Happy”, a 6 foot Golden Retriever, “Saucy Meatball”, a 9 foot tall Ladle cupping its giant namesake, and “Double Dipping-Double Licking”, an 8 foot tall triple decker ice cream cone. Did we mention an 11-foot pair of bright red chopsticks caressing a “Jumbo Shrimp”? The 7 foot “Creamsicle Dreamsicle”, complete with a giant bite missing? Or an 8-foot-tall packet of “French Fries” pouring on to the sidewalk?? “CAT- ALYSTS OF THE FUTURE” is going to delight everyone who sees it! And it will give Cathedral City much more than just 10 minutes of Warholesque ‘art fame’! The sculptures would be placed around the exterior of Town Square Park and in front of City Hall on concrete surfaces. The pieces will be adjacent to the walkway around the park and will not impede passage on the walkways.

The Barone’s are also discussing a possible opening reception, but details are not fully vetted yet. A request of not to exceed amount of $300 is being made towards a reception.

The cost to move the sculptures from the Barone’s residence to Town Center Park in downtown Cathedral City, and to pick them up and return them at the end of the exhibit is $1,500. There would be additional costs of an amount not to exceed $500 for signs to go along with each art piece.

The Public Arts Commission considered the item at their regularly scheduled January 14, 2025 commission meeting and unanimously voted to support the item and recommend it for approval to the City Council.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The total proposed budget is $2,300 to include:

Transportation of Sculptures $1,500
Signs $500
Reception
Total
$300
$2,300
There are sufficient funds available in the Public Arts Commission’s general fund budget for this event.

DESCRIPTION GENERAL LEDGER

ACCOUNT CODES

PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or

ONGOING
2024-2025 Karen and Tony
Barone Exhibition
100-500-510-513-
8300-8301 $2,300.00 One Time
2024-2025 Total $2,300.00
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:

Goal F: Embracing, Inclusive Community
F-3: Promote additional community events and celebrations.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Quote for sculpture transportation, installation, and retrieval

2. Samples of Karen and Tony Barone's sculpture

Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.E
Meeting Date: February 12, 2025
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Active Transportation Program Cycle 5: Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail Project (C08505) and Date Palm Drive Expansion Project (C08508) - Falcon Engineering Services, Inc.

Professional Services Agreement Amendment No. 1
RECOMMENDATION:

Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Contract Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Falcon Engineering Services, Inc., in the amount of $110,000, for construction engineering services provided on the Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 5 for Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail Project (C08505), and Date Palm Drive Expansion Project (C08508).

BACKGROUND:

The Active Transportation Program (ATP) was created to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking. The program’s goals include increasing the number of trips accomplished by walking and biking and increasing the safety and mobility of non-motorized users. The ATP helps regional agencies achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals, enhance public health, and ensure disadvantaged communities fully share the program benefits. This allows for a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of active transportation users.

Cathedral City’s ATP Cycle 5 Project includes three (3) segments connected to the downtown area that will improve accessibility to active transportation. The three segments and the improvements included in the ATP Cycle 5 Projects are listed below:
East Palm Canyon Drive Bike Lanes (C08504) – Signing and striping, legends, chevrons, and detector loops. The notice of completion was accepted by the City Council on March 27, 2024.
Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail (C08505) – Curb and gutter, sidewalk, multiuse trail, and ADA curb ramps.
Date Palm Drive Expansion South of Perez Road to East Palm Canyon Drive (C08508) – East side roadway improvements include curb and gutter, sidewalk, ADA curb ramps, driveway approaches, metal hand railings, catch basin, bridge widening and standing wall.

On November 8, 2023, the City Council approved and awarded a construction contract and a professional services agreement for construction engineering support services for the Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk and Multiuse Trail (C08505) and Date Palm Drive Expansion (C08508).

Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk and Multiuse Trail Project (C08505) The project is located on Cathedral Canyon Drive from Canyon Shores Drive to Dinah Shore Drive. The project removed the existing Cathedral Canyon Drive striping and installed new striping and signage, incorporating the new 6-foot-wide bicycle lane along the west side of Cathedral Canyon Drive, as well as a multiuse trail on the east side of the road. Additionally, a high intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK), sidewalks (west side), curbs, gutters, and ADA curb ramps were constructed within the limits of the project.

Date Palm Drive Expansion Project (C08508)
The project is located on Date Palm Drive from East Palm Canyon Drive to Perez Road. The project removed the existing Date Palm Drive striping and installed new striping and signage, incorporating the new 6-foot-wide bicycle lane along the east side of Date Palm Drive, which included the widening of the east side of the North Cathedral City Stormwater Channel Bridge. Additionally, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, ADA curbs ramps, driveway approaches, and hand railings were constructed within the limits of the project.

Construction Engineering Support Services
To ensure compliance with all State-funded ATP requirements for construction, in August of 2023, city staff solicited for Construction Engineering Support Services for the ATP Cycle 5 Project. Pursuant to State-funded ATP requirements the construction engineering support services for this Project include construction management, labor compliance monitoring and enforcement, inspections, and material testing.

As a result of the solicitation for services and completing the federal/state evaluation process, the City Council approved Falcon Engineering Services, Inc. for this work on November 8, 2023.

DISCUSSION:

Due to additional scope of work and time delays due to lead time of materials, Falcon Engineering Services Inc. (Falcon) is requesting an amendment to the professional services agreement for construction engineering support services.

Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk and Multiuse Trail Project (C08505) There were utility facilities in the City’s right-of-way that needed to be relocated by each respective utility company. The utility companies were involved during the design process, with design consultant creating utility exhibits for each utility company and each facility that needed to be relocated. The utility companies were notified again when the construction contract was awarded. Due to delays in the schedule of the utility companies to relocate their facilities, there were significant delays. Falcon managed the project by working with the contractor to complete as much of the project while simultaneously coordinating with the utility companies.

Date Palm Drive Expansion Project (C08508)
During the design process, city staff applied for an encroachment permit with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RCFCWCD) to work within the North Cathedral City Stormwater Channel to widen the bridge. The review process by the RCFCWCD lasted nearly one year. This caused delays with the start of this project.

Additionally, when the RCFCWCD issued the city the encroachment permit and the contractor was ready to start work in the channel, the RCFCWCD notified the city that they had missed an element in their review and required the city to make necessary changes to the project. City staff worked with Falcon to review and resubmit the project plans. Once the revised plans were reviewed and approved by the RCFCWCD, the Contractor had to wait for lead time of materials.

The delays in both projects were due to unforeseen conditions related to coordination with outside agencies. Falcon provided construction engineering services by contacting and coordinating with outside agencies and working with the contractor through the delays.

In April 2024, Falcon notified the city that due to the additional scope of work and time delays due to lead time of materials, they were out of budget. Falcon had the option to default on their contract or to finish out the project per their contract, with the risk of no additional compensation being provided for these services. Falcon remained committed to their partnership with the city, and finished out the project, absorbing the costs associated with office engineering, submittal and request for information reviews, and resident engineer services. Falcon has completed the project and is requesting additional compensation to cover their inspection and material testing expenditures.

With the project completed under the approved project budget, city staff is recommending City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Contract Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Falcon Engineering Services, Inc., in the amount of $110,000, for construction engineering services provided on the Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 5 for Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail Project (C08505), and Date Palm Drive Expansion Project (C08508).

FISCAL IMPACT:

The City was awarded a $4,383,000 ATP Grant (twenty-one percent (21%) leverage funding) toward the submitted $5,556,000 ATP Project. The overall Project cost included environmental documentation (PA&ED), design (PS&E), right-of-way (ROW), and construction (CON) phases of the Palm Canyon Drive Bike Lanes Project (C08504), Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk and Multiuse Trail Project (C08505), and Date Palm Drive Expansion Project (C08508).

The budget approved by the City Council for construction and construction engineering is in the amount of $4,638,872, which includes the construction contract in the amount of $3,884,603.00, professional services agreement for construction engineering support in the amount of $149,198.28, and a 15% contingency in the amount of $605,070.72 for unforeseeable construction costs.

Construction and Construction Engineering Amount
Riverside Construction Co. (lowest bidder) $ 3,884,603.00 Falcon (Selected CE Consultant) $ 149,198.28
Subtotal $ 4,033,801.28
15% Contingency $ 605,070.72
Total Construction Budget $ 4,638,872.00
The total construction cost is in the amount of $4,18895,851.72. The balance remaining from the construction budget is in the amount of $293,822.

Total Construction Budget $ 4,638,872.00
Construction Cost $ 4,188,448.48
Falcon Cost $ 149,198.28
Remaining Construction Budget $ 301,225.24
The project has $301,225.24 remaining in the ATP Cycle 5 budget. City staff is recommending to fund Falcon’s Amendment Request in the amount of $110,000 using the remaining ATP Cycle 5 funds.

DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER

ACCOUNT
CODES

PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or

ONGOING
2024-2025 ATP Cycle 5
(grant)
331-100-150-
156-8800-8802
C08505
C08508
$ 55,000
$ 55,000 One Time
2024-2025 Total $110,000
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:

Goal B: Community Investment
Objective: Cathedral City roads, gateways, public spaces, and other city infrastructure are well planned, designed, constructed, and maintained.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Amendment No. 1 Letter from Falcon

2. Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Contract