CITY COUNCIL
PACKET
Special Meeting
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
2:00 PM
City Hall
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
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
AGENDA FINALIZATION
1. AGENDA ITEM
A. Staffing and Budget Review of the Public Works Department Recommendation: The staffing and budget review of the Public Works Department is presented for City Council information, discussion and direction only.
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.
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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 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. 1.A
Meeting Date: April 16, 2025
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Staffing and Budget Review of the Public Works Department RECOMMENDATION:
The staffing and budget review of the Public Works Department is presented for City Council information, discussion and direction only.
BACKGROUND:
In preparation for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 and 2026-27 biennial budget process, the Public Works Department is committed to providing a comprehensive overview to the City Council and constituents. This report will explain the roles and responsibilities of the Department, along with its staffing structure and key highlights from the FY 2026-27 biennial budget.
Over the past two years, the Department has made notable progress, particularly through the integration of new personnel who have contributed to successfully completing various projects and achieving strategic plan initiative goals. Furthermore, considering the recent restructuring within the Community Development and Economic Development Departments, there has been a concerted effort by Public Works to foster collaboration that yields predictable outcomes for the development community.
The Public Works Department is structured into two primary divisions: the Public Works Maintenance Division and the Engineering Division. The Public Works Maintenance Division is responsible for essential services such as street maintenance, landscaping, fleet management, and environmental conservation efforts. In contrast, the Engineering Division focuses on engineering design and construction projects, oversees regulatory programs, and manages the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for the city.
In the context of the past 2023-25 biennial budget, which was significantly influenced by the rebuilding efforts following the Covid pandemic, the City Council took proactive measures to enhance the capabilities of the Public Works Department. This included the authorization for the addition of new positions as well as the reclassification of existing roles within both the Engineering and Public Works Maintenance Divisions.
Specifically, these actions were aimed at addressing the increased demand for services and improving operational efficiency in response to challenges posed by the pandemic. By adding new positions, the City Council sought to bolster workforce capacity, ensuring that essential public services could be maintained and improved. The reclassification of existing positions was intended to align job responsibilities with current needs and to better reflect the evolving skill sets required in these divisions.
These strategic decisions underscore the City Council's commitment to rebuilding and enhancing public infrastructure, ultimately aiming for a more resilient and responsive Public Works Department. The positions and reclassifications authorized for each Division were as follows:
POSITION DIVISION NEW OR RECLASSIFIED
Land Development Engineer Engineering New
Analyst I/II Engineering New
Analyst I/II Environmental
Conservation New
Engineering Technician I/II Engineering New
Administrative Assistant I Engineering New
Assistant Engineer Engineering Reclassified
Fleet Coordinator Public Works
Maintenance Reclassified
Street Maintenance Worker
(SMW) I
Public Works
Maintenance Promotion to SMW II
The Public Works Maintenance Division has made significant strides in personnel development over the past biennial budget. Notably, two Street Maintenance Workers were successfully promoted from a Level I to a Level II classification, showcasing the division's commitment to employee growth and skill enhancement. Additionally, the reclassification of the Fleet Coordinator position reflects a strategic alignment of roles to better meet operational needs. The hiring of an Analyst I for Environmental Conservation further strengthens the division's capacity to address environmental challenges effectively.
In the Engineering Division, progress was also evident with the successful recruitment of an Administrative Assistant I and an Analyst I, which are crucial for supporting ongoing projects.
Furthermore, an internal promotion allowed a Technician I to advance to a Junior Engineer position, indicating effective career progression within the team. It is important to note that a reclassification of this position is proposed in the new budget, which may enhance its alignment with current responsibilities.
However, it is worth mentioning that the Engineering Division faced challenges in filling critical positions, specifically the Land Development Engineering role and a recently vacated Technician I position due to internal promotion. Addressing these vacancies will be essential for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring project timelines are met.
DISCUSSION:
The table below detailing the authorized staffing in the Public Works Department from FY 2013-14 to the present illustrates significant changes over the years, particularly highlighting the staffing reductions implemented in June 2020. These reductions, which amounted to a total of 5.8 positions, were a direct response to revenue declines associated with the COVID- 19 pandemic.
Furthermore, it is important to note that both the adopted budget for FY 2022-23 and the subsequent budget authorizations for FY 23-24 & 24-25 reflect amendments made by the City Council in September 2022. These amendments were necessary to adapt to ongoing fiscal challenges while ensuring that essential services continue to be provided effectively by the Public Works Department.
FY
2013-14
FY
2020-21
COVID
FY
2022-23
Adopted
FY
2024-25
Authorized
FY
2025-26
Proposed
Change
from
FY 2013-14
to
FY 2025-26
Public Works
Administration 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Public Works
Maintenance
Division
18.0 13.0 13.0 14.0 14.0 -4.0
Engineering
Division 5.3 4.5 9.0 9.0 7.0 1.7
Public Works
Department Total 23.3 17.5 24.0 25.0 23.0 -2%
The proposed decrease in staffing within the Department for the FY 25/26 & 26/27 biennial budget is primarily attributed to the elimination of two key technical positions: the Land Development Engineering position and the Technician I/II position. This decision has been made after careful consideration of current budget constraints and a thorough recruitment process conducted by Human Resources, which unfortunately yielded no qualified candidates for these roles.
Despite extensive efforts to attract suitable applicants, those who did apply lacked the necessary qualifications and experience to effectively support the Engineering Division both now and in the future. Consequently, during this budget cycle, the Engineering Division plans to engage consultants to fulfill the workload associated with these vacant positions.
Looking ahead, it is recommended that these positions be reassessed for inclusion in the next biennial budget as relying on consultants may not be a sustainable solution in the long term. The functions performed by these positions are crucial as they directly interact with both the public and the development community, which underscores their importance to city operations.
Public Works Department Administration
Public Works Department Administration includes the following positions:
Director of Public Works
Administrative Assistant I
The Public Works Administration plays a crucial role in the effective management and strategic oversight of the Engineering and Public Works Maintenance Divisions. The above positions who work collaboratively to ensure that the department meets its objectives efficiently.
The responsibilities of the Public Works Administration encompass a wide range of strategic needs essential for achieving departmental goals. These responsibilities include:
Internal Coordination: Facilitating communication and collaboration among various departments to ensure alignment with public works objectives. External Collaboration: Engaging with outside agencies to foster partnerships that support public works initiatives.
Strategic Initiatives Completion: Overseeing projects and initiatives that align with the city’s broader goals, ensuring they are completed effectively and on time. Public Outreach: Implementing strategies to inform and engage the community about public works projects and initiatives, enhancing transparency and public trust. Grant Securing: Actively seeking funding opportunities through grants to support public works projects, thereby maximizing resources available for development. Staff Development: Investing in training and professional development for staff to enhance their skills and capabilities within the department. Developer Predictability: Working towards creating a more predictable development process for applicants, which is a key component of the City’s Strategic Initiative.
The City’s Strategic Initiative emphasizes the importance of predictable outcomes in the development process, which necessitates a collaborative effort among various departments.
Public Works Administration will work in conjunction with the Engineering Division, Community and Economic Development, and Fire Departments to refine existing processes.
This collaboration aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in project execution.
To facilitate this initiative, skilled On-Call Development and Plan Check consultants will be engaged. These professionals will provide the necessary expertise and support to ensure that the development process meets the established standards and objectives. By leveraging the specialized knowledge of these consultants and fostering interdepartmental cooperation, the city will streamline operations and achieve consistent, predictable results in its development activities.
Public Works Maintenance Division
The Public Works Maintenance Division currently includes the following positions for FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27:
Environmental Conservation/Public Works Manager
Street Maintenance Supervisor
Fleet Coordinator
Analyst I
Maintenance Worker II (4)
Maintenance Worker I (6)
The Public Works Maintenance Division is further divided into four (4) subdivisions as follows:
Street Maintenance
Landscaping Maintenance
Fleet
Environmental Conservation
Street Maintenance and Landscaping Maintenance
Street Maintenance is managed by the Environmental Conservation/Public Works Manager and the Street Maintenance Supervisor. Street Maintenance and Landscaping crews are all cross trained to perform duties in either area and are assigned duties as needed on a weekly basis. When specific needs arise, and additional hours are needed to complete a larger or unscheduled task, personnel are shifted to those areas. Additionally, specific personnel demonstrate the ability to take lead on specific tasks with a specific skill set, and for efficiency, are assigned lead on these duties, e.g., irrigation system maintenance, signage maintenance, etc.
Street Maintenance and Landscaping crews have numerous responsibilities and functions covering a wide range of areas, allowing the city to function on a day-to-day basis. These responsibilities include maintaining roads, signage, medians, city right of way areas, storm drains and siphons, parkways, channels, spillways, retention basins, lighting and landscaping districts (LLD’s), traffic signals and city owned lots, sidewalks and alleyways.
The maintenance efforts include pothole repairs, crack sealing, debris removal, street painting such as red curb and crosswalks, vegetation removal, street signage installation and replacement and other duties providing our residents of the city with a better quality of life.
Street Maintenance and Landscaping crews collaborate closely with all city departments.
Both during regular hours and after hours, they serve as first responders, assisting with traffic control at accident scenes, removing debris that creates traffic hazards, supporting the fire department, and addressing traffic signal malfunctions. Public Works Maintenance also responds first when roadways need to be closed or cleared due to weather-related issues such as flooding or strong winds. Additionally, Public Works Maintenance is frequently called upon during weekends and after hours to manage a combination of these challenges.
Over the past four years, the Coachella Valley has seen a consistent increase in average wind speeds, with more days experiencing sustained winds of 30 miles per hour and gusts reaching up to 40 miles per hour. As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, the region is becoming both drier and windier. These strong winds throughout Cathedral City impact traffic signals, signage, ability for Public Works Maintenance crews to perform normal maintenance tasks (e.g., painting curbs, crack sealing, landscaping, etc.) and add the additional task of blow sand cleanup along major corridor roadways and neighborhood streets.
Blow Sand Removal
FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25
July through February
27 blow sand removals 33 blow sand removals and continue *Windy season is March through May
Street Maintenance and Landscaping crews assist the Communications and Events Manager with special events. The Public Works Maintenance crews are responsible for closing the roads around a special event, providing labor assistance with the set up and tear down of tables, chairs, benches, barricades, trash boxes and shade structures and providing cleanup assistance during city sponsored special events.
The Public Works Manager coordinates with Engineering on preparing the contract for Illegal Dumping and Homeless Encampment Clean Up & Support Services, manages the contract and works with the Police Department’s Homeless Liaison officers. The Public Works Manager coordinates daily with Burrtec and the graffiti contractor on the removal of illegal dumping and graffiti tags located on both private and public property.
FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25
July through February
Homeless Encampment
Cleanup 712 encampments 756 encampments
Illegal Dumping Removal 791 removals 272 removals
Graffiti Removal 389 removals 238 removals
The Public Works Landscaping crew is responsible for maintaining the medians, parkways, retention basins, channels, city owned sidewalks, alleyways and city owned vacant lots, and small park areas not maintained by Facilities and Desert Recreation District. This maintenance involves weed and debris removal, mowing the grass, reseeding, trimming bushes, tree maintenance, adjusting and repairing irrigation systems, hard raking ground cover, replacement or repair to equipment, gates and perimeter fences. The Public Works Manager is also responsible for managing the general maintenance along the perimeter of 12 Landscaping and Lighting Districts within the city.
On February 12, 2025, the City Council approved a Service Agreement with the Desert Recreation District (DRD) to manage recreation programs and park maintenance services.
Starting July 1, 2025, DRD will maintain six city parks: Dennis Keat Soccer Park, Panorama Park, Ocotillo Park, Century Park, Esperanza Park, and Patriot Park. DRD will be responsible for trash collection and maintenance of the shade structures at Patriot Park, while Big League Dreams will continue to maintain the turf and trees.
Meanwhile, the Public Works Maintenance crew will retain responsibility for maintaining David Vasquez Memorial Park, Festival Lawn, the area in front of CVRep, Lower Cove Basketball Court, Buddy Rogers Dog Park, and CV Link. Public Works Maintenance crews are responsible for supporting the CV Link by repairing vandalized drinking fountains and trash receptacles, removing illegal dumping and abandoned shopping carts, and replacing perimeter decomposed granite when it's washed away by rain or wind. Recently, CVAG extended the bike path by two miles and Public Works Maintenance crews will take on additional maintenance duties to care for the new section.
By partnering with the Desert Recreation District to manage recreation programs and park maintenance services, the City will enable the current Parks/Landscaping team, which consists of three members and currently focuses on daily park, playground, and bathroom upkeep as well as park landscaping, to shift their efforts toward other essential maintenance projects such as crack sealing, street sign upkeep, and street painting (including red curbs and crosswalks).
The City’s 46 traffic signals and 12 pedestrian crossings, including high-intensity activated crosswalk beacons (HAWK), are under the responsibility of Street Maintenance (non- General Fund) to operate and maintain, with staff members being trained to perform basic safety functions to secure the signals in the interim period before the On-Call Traffic Signal Maintenance Contractor arrives on the site.
The Street Maintenance and Landscaping crews handle both scheduled activities and those that are unexpected, e.g., emergencies and special requests. These activities also involve the public submitting an average of 35 Government Outreach (GO) Requests per week for Public Works Maintenance to process and manage.
With the changes cited above, the Street Maintenance and Landscaping duties for FY 2025- 26 and FY 2026-27 will include, but are not limited to, those shown in the table below.
Street Maintenance and Landscaping Functions Approx. %
Street maintenance
oRoadway maintenance
Potholes
Small striping projects
oCurb painting
oCrosswalk painting
Small crack sealing projects
Debris removal
oStorm drains maintenance
Weekly removal of debris/adding tablets as needed
Schedule pumping 2x annually and as needed
oRight of way cleanup/maintenance
Weed/brush removal
Blow sand removal
oStreet signage maintenance
oSignals and Crosswalk maintenance
oConcrete maintenance
Curb and gutter
Ramps
Medians
City owned sidewalks
oDaVall Closed Landfill
Monitor site for damages to fence & signage.
55%
Re-grade the area as needed.
Illegal dumping removal.
oCity Owned Vacant Lots
Weed and debris removal.
Program support
oHomeless Encampment Cleanup Program
oGraffiti Abatement Program
oIllegal Dumping Removal Program
oLLD management (12 districts)
oTraffic signal maintenance contract management
oShopping Cart Retrieval Program with Code Compliance
oUtility Cart Reuse Program
oMy Cathedral City APP
oSpecial events assistance
oTraffic Calming Program
9%
Emergency response
oTraffic control for vehicular accidents
oAssist Fire Department
oFlooding events response
oBlow sand events response
oTraffic signal malfunction response
5%
Landscaping maintenance
oMedian maintenance
Weed and debris removal
Tree/bush trimming
Irrigation system repairs
oCity-Owned Sidewalk maintenance
Weed and debris removal
oParkway maintenance
Weed and debris removal
oSmall Park maintenance
Mowing/raking/reseeding/irrigation (Festival
Lawn/CVRep)
Removal of debris/trash and weed removal/raking/tree
trimming (David Vasquez Memorial Park, Lower Cove
Basketball Court, Buddy Rogers Dog Park, and CV Link)
oRetention Basin/Channel/Spillway maintenance
Weed and debris removal
Regrade areas annually
25%
Park Improvement Projects
oADA improvements
oPark improvement projects related to infrastructure and equipment
3%
Commissions
oParks and Community Events Commission 3%
Fleet
Fleet is facilitated by the Fleet Coordinator position. This is a hands-on position organizing, coordinating and managing tasks to monitor, maintain and improve Cathedral City transportation processes while maintaining Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department, and City Hall assigned vehicles, pool vehicles and other equipment.
Specifically, Fleet schedules and maintains corrective and preventative maintenance on all vehicles and the ordering and overseeing of repairs on vehicles and equipment. Fleet coordinates with the Finance Department and other Departments on the purchasing of vehicles and equipment in conjunction with budget approvals and may prepare City Council staff reports and presentations for fleet and equipment purchases.
Fleet continues to implement maintenance methods to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
In conjunction with these improved methods, Fleet provides continual updates on budgeting, scheduling, maintenance, and fleet progress reports. Fleet also manages license and registration requirements along with yearly smog inspections.
Fleet has successfully implemented the new fuel pumping equipment and oversees the Fuel Management Program to enhance operational efficiency, improve fuel tracking, and ensure accountability in fuel usage. Additionally, Fleet is continuing to implement new and/or revised Fleet Policies and Procedures to help streamline operations.
Fleet is tasked with researching the use of electric vehicles within the fleet and the potential implications this would have for each department. This includes analysis on service lives of equipment/batteries, performance, range and durability. Fleet has coordinated the purchase of an electric forklift and is finalizing the purchase of the city’s first fully electric vehicles.
Additionally, Fleet is in the process of upgrading the Level 2 Electric Vehicle chargers located within the Civic Center parking structure and plans on researching potential new locations for Level 3 chargers.
Fleet’s duties in the upcoming FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 will include, but are not limited to, those shown in the table below.
Fleet Functions Approx. %
Vehicle maintenance
oPolice Department
oPublic Works
oFire Department
oCity Hall vehicles
Assigned
Pool
65%
Equipment maintenance
oPublic Works
oPolice Department
oFire Department
10%
Vehicle and equipment replacement
oAll Departments 5%
Regulatory requirements
oLicenses
oRegistrations
oSmog
oOther vehicle or equipment certifications
oDOT annual inspections
5%
Fleet initiatives
oFuel Management
Pumps and related equipment
Software support
oFleet policies and procedures
oEV vehicle integration
oCitywide EV charging integration
oCommunity Engagement
oTechnology and Innovation Enhancements
15%
Environmental Conservation
Environmental Conservation is managed and implemented by the Environmental Conservation/Public Works Manager and the Environmental Conservation/Public Works Analyst. The Environmental Conservation Division is responsible for ensuring that the city complies with the requirements of The California Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939) and the California Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (SB 1383) which both have targets of reducing disposal of organic waste in landfills and reducing greenhouse gas production. AB 939 requires that all California jurisdictions prepare a SRRE (Source Reduction Recycling Element) report identifying how they divert 50% of their jurisdiction’s waste stream from landfill disposal each year. The penalty for not diverting 50% each year is a $10,000/day fine until the diversion goal is obtained. According to the requirements of Cathedral City’s SRRE, the following components need to be implemented to reach the 50% diversion goal for each year:
Source reduction
Recycling
Composting
Special waste
Public education and information
Disposal facility capacity
Funding
Integration
The Environmental Conservation Division has and will continue to take an aggressive approach towards eliminating the amount of waste disposed of at the landfills. Since 2000, the city has continued to surpass the 50% diversion goal. The following programs have been created and implemented on an on-going basis to accomplish this yearly goal:
Xeriscape/Grasscycling
WaterSmart Landscapes Grant Program
City median, parkway, LLD Water Conservation and Beautification Program Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate Program
Backyard and On-Site Composting/Mulching Educational and Give-Away Program SB 1383, Short-lived Climate Pollutants (SCLP) for Commercial Organics and Recycling Programs
Student Creative Recycle Art Program (SCRAP) Gallery Programs Cathedral City Environmental School Educational Program Multi-Family Recycling and Large Item Collection Programs Government Source Reduction Programs
Material Exchange/Thrift Shops Program
Residential Curbside Recycling Program
Residential Buy-Back (Buy-Back Centers) Program
Stop Identity Theft Community (Shredding) Program
Special Collection Seasonal (Regular) Program
Electronic and Tire Weekly Recycling Event
Residential Curbside Organic Waste Collection
Bulky Item (Large Item) Collection Programs for Residential and Commercial Concrete/Asphalt/Rubble Recycling and Reuse Programs
Print (Brochures, Flyers, Guides, News Articles)
Household Hazardous Waste Facility
Sharps Disposal by Mail and Weekly Collection Program
Unwanted Medication Disposal by Mail and Weekly Collection Program Climate Action Plan
Bicycle Education and Outreach Programs
Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Programs
Community Gardens and Tree Planting Programs
Utility Cart Reuse Program
Senate Bill 1383 passed in 2016 as part of California’s larger strategy to combat climate change. This law is the largest and most prescriptive waste management legislative update in California since AB 939. Jurisdictions play a vital role in implementing SB 1383 and are responsible for the following requirements:
Providing mandatory organics collection services to all residents and businesses. 15,460 residential customers are in compliance with SB 1383. 522 commercial generators are in compliance with SB 1383. Conducting education and outreach to the community
Procuring recycled organics products (procure 2,500 tons annually). In 2024, the city achieved its annual target by spreading compost around the Rio Vista tamarisk trees, which has helped rejuvenate the trees and created a stable ground cover around them, preventing erosion of the surrounding sand. Establishing Food Recovery Programs
The city entered into an agreement with FIND Food Bank to facilitate edible food collection and distribution within Cathedral City. Through this partnership, Cathedral City recovered 21,187 pounds of edible food in 2024.
Securing access to recycling and food recovery capacity Monitoring compliance and conduct enforcement
Environmental Conservation partners with Code Compliance on various programs to enhance efficiency and drive initiatives that elevate the city's quality of life. These programs include shopping cart retrieval program, utility cart reuse program, cleanup assistance for private properties, illegal dumping and efforts to address overwatering.
The Environmental Conservation Division has been collaborating with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to develop a Regional Climate Action Plan (CAP), which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Once finalized, the city will begin updating Cathedral City’s own CAP, integrating key elements from the Regional CAP.
Cathedral City’s updated Climate Action Plan will include a specific component focused on an Electric Vehicle Transition Plan.
Environmental Conservation’s duties in the upcoming FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 will include, but are not limited to, those shown in the table below.
Environmental Conservation Functions Approx. %
Solid waste management
oSolid Waste & Recycling franchise agreement
oBulky item removal for Multi-Family Communities
oIllegal dumping removal coordination
oCommunity Assistance Programs (roll-offs)
15%
SB 1383 programs
oCommercial Multi Family Recycling and Organics Collection Programs.
oResidential Recycling and Organics Collection Programs (cart color changes, cart labeling, organics recycling).
oEdible Food Recovery Programs.
oProcurement (Compost) Requirements.
20%
Other waste diversion programs
oCathedral City WaterSmart Landscapes Grant Program.
oS.C.R.A.P. Gallery and School Environmental Education
Program.
oMonthly Shredding and 55+ Community Shredding Program. oWater Conservation Projects.
oWeekly Community Electronic, Batteries, Tires, Sharps and Medication Program.
oMulti Family Community Cleanup and Recycling Events.
25%
Reporting requirements
oGrants
oAB 939 Annual Report and Record Keeping.
oSB 1383 Implementation Record.
oAir Quality Annual Report.
oGrants: Bottle/Can Collection Grant, SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant and Air Quality Grants.
oPermits: Record keeping and annual permit submittals to operate recycling collections programs: Hazardous Waste Collection, Tires, Sharps, Medication etc.
20%
Environmental initiatives
oSource Reduction Programs.
oRecycling and Reuse Programs.
oComposting Programs.
20%
Public Works Maintenance Division FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 Budget:
Position Reclassification
Maintenance Worker I to II – one (1) position:
This reclassification is to promote one (1) current long time Maintenance Worker I to Maintenance Worker II. This specific request is for one long time employee demonstrating the ability to work with minimal supervision and can perform all job duties related to public works street and landscaping maintenance.
Highlights of the Public Works Maintenance and Environmental operating budget
Public Maintenance Fund:
Homeless Encampment Cleanup Program.
Graffiti Abatement Program.
Maintenance of retention basins, parkways, spillways and channels. Landscape and Parks Operating Fund:
Small Park Maintenance.
Park Improvement Projects (ADA, infrastructure, equipment). Parks and Community Events Commission Budget.
State Gas Tax Fund (241) and Measure A (243):
Crack seal and asphalt repairs.
Removal of blow sand from streets.
Bridges, curb/gutters, guard rails and median maintenance. Concrete repairs.
Traffic signals and crosswalk maintenance.
Citywide Street Striping, Markers and Markings (One-Time). Cypress Retention Basin/Inlet Expansion Project (One-Time). Traffic Signal Repair Projects and Upgrades (One-Time, Multi-year). Town Square Bollard Project (One-Time, Multi-year).
NPDES Debris Collection Baskets (One-Time, Multi-year). Solid Waste Operating (Environmental) Fund:
AB 939 and SB 1383 Record Keeping.
Environmental Programs.
Residential and Commercial Recycling and Organics Collection Programs. Youth and Senior Educational Programs.
Water Conservation Programs.
Edible Food Recovery Programs.
Procurement Programs (paper and compost).
Weekly and Monthly Recycling Collection Events.
Community Assistance Cleanup Programs.
Transportation and disposal of debris related to homeless encampments and blow sand from public streets.
Air Quality Programs.
Climate and Energy Action Plan (EV Chargers).
Engineering Division
The Engineering Division staffing currently includes the following positions:
City Engineer
Land Development Engineer (unfilled)
Development Project Manager/Chief Inspector
Assistant Engineer (x2)
Junior Engineer (currently classified as an Assistant Engineer) Analyst I
Engineering Technician I (unfilled)
Engineering Technician II
The City Engineer guides the Engineering Division and its employees in completing, and not limited to, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) plan, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, new development project integration and all the other regulatory and ministerial work required of the city. The Engineering Division works closely with the On- Call Development and Plan Check Consultants to maintain a predictable development process.
Overall, the Engineering Division has numerous responsibilities and functions covering a wide range of areas supporting the city and other departments in day-to-day operations. These responsibilities range from coordinating the funding and design of roads, bridges and other major infrastructure projects in the implementation of the CIP plan, issuing permits, and providing our constituents with answers to their questions related to public works.
Working closely with the Community and Economic Development and Fire Departments are key responsibilities of the Engineering Division to facilitate developers completing the entitlement process while maintaining adherence to required codes and standards. After the entitlement process has been completed, Engineering continues to work with the developer on the construction portion of their project until it is completed. Engineering is responsible for issuing permits for grading and encroachments for public improvements including streets, alleys, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, storm drains, traffic signals and streetlights. Evaluating and issuing permits for the local utilities, such as Frontier, Spectrum, The Gas Company and Southern California Edison (SCE), are included in day-to-day duties.
Engineering takes the lead in evaluating and submitting applications for grants that have historically bolstered the City’s infrastructure at reduced costs or even no cost. Grants issued through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) cycles have provided significant funding for many traffic safety improvements around the City with applications continuing with each grant offering cycle. Recently, the Engineering Division was also successfully awarded grant funding through the Riverside County Transportation Commission SB821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program which has funded the design and construction of bicycle lanes on Perez Road Whispering Palms Trail. Additionally, the Engineering Division has received grant funding from Caltrans Active Transportation Program (ATP) for multiple projects throughout the city that encourage active transportation methods such as biking.
Other grants successfully awarded improve our constituent’s quality of life. The grant awarded by the California State Parks for the design and construction of Esperanza Park, has provided the city with a new park that the city could not otherwise afford. The latest award is the Clean Water State Revolving Fund grant from the State Water Resources Control Board that is funding the planning project to convert six residential neighborhoods with septic systems to the public sanitary sewer system.
The Engineering Division has played a key role in the recovery efforts following the Tropical Storm Hilary event in 2023. The Division supported the transition from the emergency response of the Police, Fire, and Public Works Maintenance Division to rebuilding efforts, working with consultants and contractors to design and construct improvements to the damaged areas. In 2024, the Engineering Division completed the Tropical Storm Hilary Emergency Clean Up Work- Whitewater River Channel and Tropical Storm Hilary Emergency Soil Removal projects. Currently, design work has begun for the Tropical Storm Hilary Date Palm Drive Pavement Reconstruction and the Tropical Storm Hilary Vista Chino Pavement Reconstruction projects. The division has also played a key role in the collaboration with the Financial Services Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the reimbursement effort for storm damage.
The inclusion of Measure W Funds into the CIP Plan increases the operational scope of the Engineering Division. The Engineering Division will include additional projects each year focused on improving residential streets throughout the city with the implementation of the Measure W 5-Year Residential Roadway Improvement Plan.
Engineering manages several support consultants, who substitute for not having full-time employees, licensed engineers, or an expert in a particular skill set. These include on call traffic engineering services, general city engineering support consultants, construction management services, Federal contract support consultants, material testing services, surveying services, plan check consultants, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) inspection services, CDBG services and labor compliance consultants. These consultants may also produce plans and specifications for larger CIP or grant projects. On- call development plan check consultants will continue to be important for development service operations as the Land Development Engineer position remains unfilled.
Engineering coordinates and manages several programs providing funding for the City, such as the CDBG and SB-1 Programs, other programs that are unfunded and are required by regulatory agencies such as the environmental and water quality NPDES Program, the Dig Alert Program, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) PM-10 program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance program and others.
Engineering is also responsible for interacting with numerous public and private outside agencies. Working with Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), Riverside County Transportation Committee (RCTC), Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Cal Trans, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Desert Healthcare District (DRD), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the County of Riverside, Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), Desert Water Agency (DWA), Riverside County Flood Control District (RCFCD), California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI), neighboring Cities, The Gas Company, SCE, various utility providers, APWA Utilities Committee, Desert Valley Builders Association (DVBA), BIA, State/Federal Parks and many others key to our success.
In particular, the Engineering Division has effectively collaborated with CVAG on a variety of projects. These collaborations have provided resources to design and construct projects that the city otherwise would not be able to complete. Examples include, but are not limited to, Varner Road Improvements from Date Palm Drive to Palm Drive, Date Palm Drive Improvements from I-10 to Varner Road, Esperanza Park, the Ramon Road Bridge Widening, the Vista Chino Bridge, the Canyon Shores Traffic Signal, and ATP projects such as East Palm Canyon Bike Lanes, Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk and Multiuse Trail, and Date Palm Drive Expansion. Furthermore, CVAG collaborates with the Engineering Division on regional studies including CV Link, CV Sync, the I-10 Bypass Feasibility Study, and the Flood and Blowsand Risk Assessment for the Western Coachella Valley.
The Engineering Division’s duties in the upcoming FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 are varied and depending on the complexity of the task, additional time and resources are pulled from one area to bolster another to complete it. The Engineering Division’s duties will include, but are not limited to, those shown in the table below. Please note, the percentage of staff hours allocated to accomplish these tasks equal 130% to reflect the increased operational needs and the current staff vacancies.
Engineering Division Functions Approx. %
Project, Design and Construction Management
oCapital Improvement Program (CIP) Projects
HBP projects
oBridges
SB 1 projects
oRoadway projects
MOE projects
oRoadway projects
Measure A
oRoadway projects
CDBG projects
oLow mod area improvements
HSIP projects
oParticipatory grants
ATP projects
oParticipatory grants
SWRCB
oSeptic to Sewer Planning Grant
Measure W
oResidential streets
FHWA/Caltrans
oTropical Storm Hilary Streets Reconstruction
Assessment District funded projects
Other grant funded projects
29%
Development Services
oEntitlement support
Studies/plans review
oTraffic
oSoils
oPhase I/II
oHydrology
oSWPPP
oWQMP
oConditions of approval
oEtc.
oPermits
Grading
Encroachment
oPlan checking
Tract maps
Parcel maps
Grading plans
Street improvement plans
Cannabis facilities
Single family homes
Commercial
oInspection services
29%
Program Management
oPavement Management Program
oNPDES (stormwater programs)
General compliance upgrade requirement
Commercial compliance
oFEMA
Flood plain management
Flood insurance
FIRM mapping
oCDBG
Annual Action Plan
Sidewalk Assistance Program
oSB 1
RMRA
oReporting
oAccounting
oDig Alert
Marking
Reporting
oState statutory reporting for contracts
DIR PWC-100
oSCAQMD PM-10 monitoring reporting
10%
Real property management
oRight of way
oEasements
oLot lines
oLand dedications
oAgreements
oProperty acquisitions
9%
Traffic management
oSignal synchronization/CVAG
oCitywide Speed Surveys
oTraffic Calming
Traffic Calming Task Force
oGeneral plan determinations and compliance
8%
Engineering Standards
oRoadways
Signage, striping, and pavement markings
oActive Transportation Plan (ATP):
Bicycle lanes and bicycle routes
oTraffic signals
oStorm drains
2%
Grants
oApplications
oAward implementation management
oGrant reporting to awarding agency
5%
Consultant Management
oBiennial Contracts
Engineering City Projects
Engineering State/Federal
Traffic Engineering
Surveying
Material Testing
Traffic Signal Maintenance
Development Support
oEntitlement Management Services
oDevelopment Plan Checking Services
Citywide Striping
Construction Management
oResident Engineers
oLabor Compliance
oConstruction Inspections
oOthers
Grants Management
Parks (Grant Applications)
Specialized RFPs
15%
Disaster relief
oStorm Damage
oFEMA
2%
Commissions and Committees
oParks and Community Events Commission (PACE)
oPlanning Commission
oArchitectural Review Committee
oDevelopment Services Committee
5%
Other Duties
oCounter Service (minimal)
oEmails
oPublic Records Requests
oStaff Reports
oWeekly City Manager Reports
oConstituent Liaison
10%
Department Initiatives
oDowntown Dog Park (ongoing)
oSewer Assessment District outreach
oVarner Road Task Force
oCollaboration with Neighboring Cities
Ramon Road Bridge Widening
Vista Chino Bridge
oLong range planning
Citywide
North City
DaVall Drive Interchange Project
o5 Year CIP for Entryway Monuments
oStaff development
oCommunity engagement
oTechnology and innovation enhancements
6%
Engineering Division FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 Budget
Position Reclassification
Assistant Civil Engineer to Associate Civil Engineer– two (2) positions:
This reclassification is to promote the two (2) current Assistant Civil Engineer positions to Associate Civil Engineer positions. This request is contingent upon the Assistant Civil Engineers obtaining a California professional engineering license.
Assistant Civil Engineer to Junior Engineer- one (1) position:
This reclassification is to adopt the new Junior Engineer position that was created and filled in FY 2024-25 through the downgrade of one (1) unfilled Assistant Engineer position.
Land Development Engineer- one (1) position
Staff are proposing to vacate the position in this biennial budget cycle. This position has been difficult to fill, and if the right candidate is found, there will be further discussion on hiring.
Engineering Technician I- one (1) position
Staff are proposing to vacate the position in this biennial budget cycle. The Engineering Division will utilize consulting services to backfill this position and re-evaluate in the next biennial budget cycle.
Highlights of the Engineering General Fund operating budget:
Advertising/Publishing
oPublish public notices, request for qualifications and proposals (RFQ/P), and invitations to bid in The Desert Sun newspaper.
oPost plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) on PlanIt Print Works for construction bidding.
oThe implementation of Measure W projects and a larger scope of projects within the 5-Year CIP, will increase the number of projects that require proposals and bids to be published.
Non-Capital Equipment
oReplace computers and monitors identified by the IT Department in FY 2025-26. oTablet for engineering field work to refer to the plans and specifications and identify issues with pictures at job sites.
oInitial sign-up fees for software licenses.
Printing Services
oTechnical imaging blueprints for presentations
oScanning services of archive files
oBusiness cards
Maintenance and Operations
oTwo-year plotter maintenance contract
oPlotter maintenance additional repairs
oKonica Minolta printer charges
Professional & Technical Services are essential for the operation of the Engineering Division, including development projects and capital improvement projects. These services include:
oTraffic Engineering Services
oSurvey and Mapping Services
oMaterial Testing Services
oOn-call Consulting for State and Federal Projects
oOn-call Consulting for City Projects
oOn-call Consulting for Development Management and Plan Checking oOn-call Consulting for Grants support
oOn-call Consulting for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program
oOn-call Construction Management Services
oPavement Marking Services
Annual Permit Fees
Riverside County Flood Control
oSarah Street Assessment District: The next phases will be added through a budget amendment dependent on the feedback from the property owners for the creation of the assessment district.
oRegional Studies
Feasibility Study for I-10 Bypass
Flood and Blowsand Risk Assessment for the Western Coachella Valley CV Link
CV Sync
Infrastructure/Maintenance of Effort (MOE) for city participation in capital improvement projects.
FY 25-26 & 26-27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Overview
Below is a list of the proposed projects in the CIP Plan included in the FY 25/26 & 26/27 Biennial Budget. The proposed projects reflect a CIP for the next five (5) fiscal year cycles.
Long-term projects are listed in multiple years as these projects require more time to design and/or construct. Additionally, as more funding opportunities (e.g. grants, etc.) become available, staff will add these as additional projects, subject to City Council approval.
FY 2025-26 Projects
Edom Hill Truck Climbing
CWSRF Septic to Sewer Planning
Ramon Road Bridge
Canyon Shores Traffic Signal
Downtown Dog Park
Date Palm North of I-10 Widening
Whispering Palms Trail Bike Lane
Perez Road Bike Lane
Varner Road- Palm Drive to Date Palm Drive
HSIP 9A Twelve Intersection Safety Improvements
HSIP 11A Pedestrian Crossing Upgrades
HSIP 11B Signalized Pedestrian Crossings
HSIP 11C Traffic Signal Hardware Upgrades
HSIP 11D Pedestrian Crossing 30th & San Eljay
East Palm Canyon MUP, Widening & Cree Traffic Signal
Vista Chino Bridge
Tropical Storm Hilary Date Palm Drive Pavement Reconstruction Tropical Storm Hilary Vista Chino Pavement Reconstruction US DOT Safe Streets 4 All
Whitewater Area Street Rehabilitation Phase II
Landau Public Alleyway Reconstruction
Ocotillo Square Neighborhood Streets
Panorama Neighborhood Grinding & REAS (Measure W)
Corta & Alcita Street Reconstruction (Measure W)
Riverside County Slurry Seal- DaVall Drive & 30th Ave
HSIP 12A- Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements
HSIP 12B- Pedestrian Crossings at Uncontrolled Locations Entryway Monument- East Palm Canyon Drive East
FY 2026-27 Projects
Edom Hill Truck Climbing
CWSRF Septic to Sewer Planning
Ramon Road Bridge
Downtown Dog Park
Date Palm North of I-10 Widening
Varner Road Palm Drive to Date Palm Drive
Tropical Storm Hilary Date Palm Drive Pavement Reconstruction HSIP 11B Signalized Pedestrian Crossings
HSIP 11C Traffic Signal Hardware Upgrades
Vista Chino Bridge
Panorama and Whitewater Neighborhoods Pavement Reconstruction AD 85-1 South of Vega Road, North of Baristo Road
AD 86-1 South of Baristo Road, North of 33 rd Avenue
Landau Public Alleyway Reconstruction
Ocotillo Square Neighborhood Streets
Gerald Ford- Date Palm to Plumbley Street Reconstruction Cathedral Canyon Drive from Perez Road to Ofelia Bringas Bridge Pavement Rehabilitation
Panorama Neighborhood REAS (Measure W)
AD 88-2 South of 30 th Avenue North of Vega Road
Dream Homes Area REAS (Measure W)
HSIP 12A- Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements
HSIP 12B- Pedestrian Crossings at Uncontrolled Locations Entryway Monument- East Palm Canyon Drive West
FY 2027-28 Projects
Edom Hill Truck Climbing
Ramon Road Bridge
Downtown Dog Park
Date Palm North of I-10
Tropical Storm Hilary Date Palm Drive Pavement Reconstruction Sunny Sands Neighborhood Pavement Reconstruction
AD 86-5 South of McCallum Way, North of Ramon Road
Future CDBG Neighborhood Streets Project
Ocotillo Square Neighborhood Streets
Dinah Shore Drive from Date Palm to Plumbley Street Reconstruction The Cove Neighborhood REAS (Measure W)
South side of The Cove: South of Terrace Road, North of Foothill Road Entryway Monument- Ramon Road West
FY 2028-29 Projects
Panorama Park Area Street Reconstruction
Tachevah Drive and Jarana Road
Future CDBG Neighborhood Streets Project
Ocotillo Square Neighborhood Streets Project
Cathedral Canyon Drive from Canyon Shores Drive to Dinah Shore Drive Pavement Rehabilitation
Panorama Neighborhood Street Reconstruction (Measure W) Tortuga Road and Concepcion Road
Entryway Monument- Date Palm Drive North
FY 2029-30 Projects
Varner Road from Palm Drive to Date Palm Drive
Landau Boulevard from Vista Chino to 30th Avenue
Ocotillo Square Neighborhood Streets
Cathedral Canyon Drive from Dinah Shore Drive to Ramon Road Pavement Rehabilitation
The Cove Neighborhood REAS (Measure W)
North side of The Cove: South of East Palm Canyon Drive, North of Terrace Road
Entryway Monument- Dinah Shore Drive East
FISCAL IMPACT:
Public Works
Department
Proposed
Budget
FY 2024-25
Revised
Budget
FY 2024-25
Proposed
Budget
FY 2025-26
Proposed
Budget
FY 2026-27
Engineering
Division $3,015,812 $3,354,482* $2,994,622 $3,243,948
Public Works
Maintenance
Division
$1,009,225 $1,076,452 $1,076,845 $1,085,794
Parks $1,425,400 $1,465,184 $183,500 $577,500
*The Engineering Division’s net operating budget for FY 2024-25 is $3,354,482. In addition, the previously approved General Fund contribution for Esperanza Park totaling $2,481,211 brings the total authorized budget to $5,835,693.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
GOAL C: FISCAL STABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
ATTACHMENTS:
1.Staffing and Budget Review of the Public Works Department Presentation for the City Council Meeting April 16, 2025