CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study & Regular Meeting
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
City Council Chambers
8-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrer
cathedral City, CA 9223
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:
Nancy Ross, Mayor
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. CLOSED SESSION
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.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the Council will not be meeting with the Labor Negotiator, however the Council would be receiving an update from staff in Closed Session.
Recessed to Closed Session at 3:21 p.m.
The City Council returned at 3:32 p.m.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to receive an update from staff, and there was no reportable action taken.
This item was removed
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Alan Carvalho, thanked staff for the recent Community meeting that was held. He expressed his concern with hate crimes in the City and urged the Council to be more active.
2. 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.
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, provided an overview of the discussion on how the Chair and Vice-Chair appointments are made for City Commissions.
The following comments were received and entered into the record:
Danny Lee suggested a system of seniority for Chair and Vice-Chair elections for the City's Commissions. He also suggested a standardization of agendas across Commissions and provided suggestions for changes.
The City Council provided their input and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff. It was the consensus of the City Council to make no changes to the current process to elect Chair and Vice-Chair positions on the City's Commissions and Committees.
RECESS
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned the Study Session meeting at 3:33 p.m.
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
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory offered a moment of reflection.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Nancy Ross, Mayor
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Michael Hayes expressed his concern with issues he is having with his neighbor. and expects more from the City and Council.
Christine Anderson discussed a letter received from the former Communications and Events Manager related to cannabis. She urged the Council to stop C4 from operating.
Rick Hollinshead expressed his concern with the cannabis odor and its proximity to nearby schools.
Maryellen Muir expressed that there is still great concern related to the cannabis odor.
She expressed her concern with an additional strange odor she is now experiencing.
Bills Goorts expressed his concern with the cannabis order and the health effects he is experiencing. He expressed the importance of being outdoors at Outdoor Resorts Palm Springs.
Linda McDonald expressed her concern with the cannabis odor from the C4 facility. She feels the odor cannot be mitigated, and urged the Council to protect the residents and take action.
Scott McDonald discussed the chemicals being used at C4 and documents produced by the City in a public records request.
Janet Ream stated that she will be here for as long as it takes. She expressed her concern with cannabis odor.
George Paull expressed his concern with the cannabis odor.
Alan Carvalho apologized to the Mayor. He feels the cannabis issue should be resolved.
He also expressed his concern related to hate crimes occurring in the City.
Dorian Whittney expressed his opposition to the efforts to widen Varner Road and feels the funds could be better utilized elsewhere.
Danny Lee thanked the Police Department for the recent town hall meeting. He expressed his concern with the crimes committed on the community and he would like more information to be available to the community.
Richard Siler questioned if the Council has pride when they smell the cannabis odor. He feels it is the Council's responsibility to enforce the Municipal Code related to the issue.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Carnevale reported on the following:
• His meeting with Mayor Ross, Anne Ambrose, Andrew Firestine and Mario Gonzales regarding a possible development
• His attendance at the Desert Art Awards Luncheon
• His conversation with a resident related to the lights at Dennis Keat Soccer park • The Date Palm Country Club gas issue
• His discussion with David Bernard regarding quality control. He noted that he set up a meeting for a resident of Outdoor resorts to meet with Mr. Benard and they were a no show
• He discussed the recent town hall meeting that was brought up in public comments
• The upcoming Mary Nutter Softball Tournament
• His visit to the Panaderia bakery
Councilmember Gutierrez reported on the following:
• His attendance at the Parks and Community Events subcommittee meeting • His attendance at the City Council Goal Setting Workshop • His interviews to promote Taste of Jalisco
• His participation in the Taste of Jalisco festivities • His attendance at the ribbon cutting for Mega Dollar
• The call he received regarding an illegal food vendor • He wished everyone a happy Valentines Day
Councilmember Lamb reported on the following:
• Her attendance at the City Council Goal Setting Workshop • Her goals for the upcoming year
• Her attendance at the Auto Center Association's meeting • Her participation in the voting process for Southern California Association of Governments, where Gary Gardner was voted in as the representative • Her attendance at the Chuckwalla Monument celebration at the Mecca Boys and Girls Club
• Her attendance at the Agnes Pelton historic designation event • The recent Emergency Preparedness event, which was well attended • Her attendance at the Taste of Jalisco festivities
• She set the record straight on miss information about her health • She stepped down as Chair of the Mountains Conservancy Mayor Pro Tem Gregory reported on the following:
• Busy three weeks
• His attendance at the Parks and Community Events subcommittee meeting • He thanked residents and Commissioners who attended the City Council Goal Setting Workshop
• His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commission Meeting • His meeting with Southern California Edison Representative, Shane Massoud • His attendance at the Taste of Jalisco festivities
• His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Transportation Committee meeting
• The upcoming holidays and days City Hall will be closed • The upcoming Special Meeting Budget Workshop series
• The Tastes and Sounds of Cathedral City
• He wished a Happy Birthday to Councilmember Gutierrez and Administrative Assistant Christina Burton
Mayor Ross reported on the following:
• Recognized Women in Science Day, and feels we need to do better with LGBTQ
• The Chuckwalla Monument event
• Her participation in the Taste of Jalisco festivities • Her participation in a photo shoot at Acrisure Arena
• Her attendance at the Brunch with Patsi
• Her attendance at the Animal Campus meeting
• Her attendance at the SunLine Transit Bus Rodeo Event • Her attendance at the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership meeting • Her attendance at the WelbHealth event hosted by the Senior Center • She challenged everyone to look around the City and see all the development that is happening
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive full reading of Ordinances on Agenda.
M.O. 2025-14
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.
M.O. 2025-15
C. Check Demand - January 2025
Recommendation: Receive and File.
M.O. 2025-16
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.
Ord 885
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.
Reso 2025-02
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no 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
M.O. 2025-17
The following comment was received and entered into the record:
David Koslow expressed his concern with outsourcing to Desert Recreation District.
Danny Lee expressed his support of this item and would like more information to be provided to the community. He also discussed the Parks and Recreations Plan which is outdated.
Dorian Whitney questioned why the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater is closed and would like the gate on the East side to be open.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to approve a services agreement between the City of Cathedral City and the Desert Recreation District for recreation programs and park maintenance services.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Emesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
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.
M.O. 2025-18
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve a tax exchange agreement between the Desert Recreation District and City of Cathedral City to provide payment for services.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
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.
M.O. 2025-19
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory, Councilmember Lamb, and Councilmember Gutierrez offered to contribute $500 from their community assistance funds towards the venue fee for this event.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve Special Use Permit for the Autism Society Inland Empire's 2025 Color the Spectrum Art Festival in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
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.
M.O. 2025-20
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gutierrez 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.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
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).
M.O. 2025-21
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to 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).
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
7. CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session item.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned the meeting at 7:43 p.m.
i
Nancy Ross, Mayor Tracey R. Hermosillo, City Clerk