Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.F
Meeting Date: March 26, 2025
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Sign Toppers for the Intersection of Channel Drive and Valley Vista Drive and the Intersection of Channel Drive and Carroll Drive.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the installation of 2 sign toppers, each, for the intersection at Channel Drive and Valley Vista Drive and the intersection of Channel Drive and Carroll Drive at a total cost of $610.00 to be paid from City Council District Improvement Funds and authorize the waiver of the sign topper application fee and the staff report preparation fee.
BACKGROUND:
March 11, 2020 the City Council approved the Street Neighborhood and/or District Identification Street Sign Blade “Topper” Policy (Policy). These street sign blade toppers (Topper(s)) are additional signs placed on top of street name sign blades that provide additional information. The information on the topper may be designating a special place, street, neighborhood, district, subdivision or commemorating a special person or achievement. Toppers can build community identity and pride, cultivate an awareness of the designated area, and many times, act as a reminder of the diversity of neighborhoods within a city.
As a point of reference, the city already has sign toppers designating special City streets or areas. A list of locations include:
Minerva Street Topped as “Candy Cane Lane.”
“F” Street Topped as “Agnes Pelton Way”.
Grandview Avenue Topped as “Val Samuelson.”
The area bound by Cathedral Canyon Drive, Date Palm Drive, Ramon Road and Dinah Shore Drives as “Ocotillo Square.”
DISCUSSION:
With respect to the above background, Councilmember Rita Lamb has submitted a Sign Topper Application (attached) requesting that the city recognize two community influencers.
As Councilmember Lamb states in the application,
“Cathedral City is a premier place to live, raise a family and do business. Since incorporating in 1981, steps have been taken to enrich the community and enhance residents’ quality of life. A particularly powerful step is recognizing the contributions of notable residents and thus ensuring that their legacy and contributions live on.” Councilmember Lamb is proposing to install sign toppers within the Cathedral City Cove neighborhood (The Cove) in honor of Cathedral City residents Diane Gill and Jane Rasco.
Sadly, in 2024, the city lost Diane Gill, a community influencer, who lived in the Cove. Along with her wife, Jane Rasco, their philanthropy, civic mindedness, and countless hours, days, weeks, months, years, and decades of unwavering commitment to the residents of The Cove and Cathedral City, merit acknowledgment.
Their lasting contributions are recognized by the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club, the Cathedral City Senior Center and FIND Food Bank. Additionally, the residents of The Cove have benefited from their tireless advocacy for the Cove Community Assessment District formed in 2004 resulting in long anticipated infrastructure improvements which included a sewer system, flood control improvements, curb and gutters, and new roads making the community safer, more resilient and environmentally sound.
Councilmember Lamb wanted to ensure that the Policy was adhered to and that the residents along Channel Drive were in support of the proposal. Councilmember Lamb has completed the following Policy steps:
1. In March of 2025, Sue Townsley, community activist and Cove resident, worked with Councilmember Lamb by contacting the homeowners residing on Valley Vista and Channel Drive.
2. There are a total of 7 homes along Channel Drive (map attached in application), one of which is owned by Jane Rasco and Diane Gill. All 6 remaining homeowners supported the idea of installing sign toppers in support of their neighbors Diane Gill and Jane Rasco (poll results attached in application).
3. Councilmember Lamb had two mock-ups done for what a sign topper might look like using a version of both residents’ names (mocks attached to application).
4. Attached to this report is a map of the neighborhood. CM Lamb is seeking Council authorization to install 2 sign toppers: one at the intersection of Channel Drive and Valley Vista Drive and the second at the intersection of Channel Drive and Carroll Drive.
As required by the Policy, the application and supporting documents were submitted to the city’s Public Works Department and City Manager for review. Staff has reviewed the topper submittal and has determined the application, supporting documents and neighborhood consensus building efforts meet the intent of the Sign Topper Policy.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost to manufacture and install 2 sign toppers is $610.00. Councilmember Lamb is requesting that the Council authorize the waiver of the application fee of $194.00 and the staff report preparation fee of $209, together totaling $403. If waiving of these fees is approved, the cost is as follows:
DESCRIPTION GENERAL LEDGER
ACCOUNT CODES
PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2024-2025 Sign Toppers 100-100-110-
111-8800-8802 M05040 $610 One Time
2024-2025 Total $610
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
GOAL F: EMBRACING, INCLUSIVE CITY
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 and well-maintained and issues surrounding homelessness have been compassionately addressed with thoughtful, coordinated, and collaborative programs.
Action F-5: Help define who Cathedral City is for our families and others.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Diane Gill and Jane Rasco Way Sign Topper Application