CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session 3:00 p.m.
Study & Regular Meeting 3:00 PM
Wednesday, April 23, 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:
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
Jeff Hocker, Hocker Productions, expressed his thanks to the City for the opportunity to contract with them for the State of the City event.
2. CLOSED SESSION
There were no Closed Session Items.
3. STUDY SESSION
A. FY 2025/2026 and FY 2026/2027 Biennial Budget Presentation for Special Revenue Funds, Proprietary Funds, and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Plan and Parks Improvement Program Plan
Recommendation: This item is presented for information and discussion only.
Kevin Biersack, Director of Financial Services, provided an overview of the FY 2025/2026 and FY 2026/2027 Biennial Budget for Special Revenue Funds, Proprietary Funds, and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Plan and Parks Improvement Plan. The following points were presented:
• Cathedral City Funds
• Special Revenue Funds with Operating Budgets
• Public, Education and Government (PEG)
• Gas Tax
• Measure A
• Solid Waste
• Housing Successor
• Proprietary Funds (Internal Service)
• Equipment Replacement Fund
• Insurance Funds
• Technology Fund
• Facilities Fund
• Parks Improvement Program Plan
• 5-Year Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Plan
• How and Why
• General Fund
Measure W
Measure A
RMRA/SB 1
Capital Projects Fund
Miscellaneous Funds
Forecasted CIP Funding Summary
Unfunded CIP Projects
The following comment was received for the record:
David Koslow asked 4 questions related to the City's CIP Park Improvement Programs.
The City Council 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.
RECESS
The City Council recessed at 4:29 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
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Rita Lamb offered a Moment of Reflection in memory of Pope Francis.
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. AGENDA ITEM
Cannabis Moratorium Update
Recommendation: This item is for discussion purposes to serve as an update on the cannabis moratorium. No action is requested.
Andrew Firestine, Director of Community and Economic Development, provided an update on the Cannabis Moratorium. The following points were presented:
• Background
• Presentation Objectives
• Review of Cannabis Regulations
• Cannabis Research
• Zoning Questions
• Enforcement Questions
• Consultant Support
• Envirosuite Pilot Program
• Next Steps
Maryellen Muir expressed her concern about the odor complaint process. She asked questions related to the presentation and staff report.
The following comment was received for the record:
David Koslow asked 7 questions related to cannabis cultivation odor nuisances.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
This was a presentation only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council. Staff will continue researching and will bring a draft ordinance back to the City Council for consideration tentatively in September of 2025.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Maggie Lopez invited the City Council to attend the Mariachi Under the Stars event on April 27, 2025.
The following comment was received for the record:
David Koslow requested that an item be agendized to discuss a mutual protection pact with various agencies.
3. COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• His attendance at the Martha's Village Fundraiser
• His attendance at the final Tastes and Sounds
• The last Special City Council Budget Workshop meeting • His attendance at the Dinner with Patsi Fundraiser
• The upcoming State of the City
• The passing of Laura Ahmed, former District 5 City Council Candidate Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• His attendance at the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission meeting • He wished Mayor Pro Tem Gregory a happy belated Birthday • The last Special City Council Budget Workshop meeting • The Easter Holiday
• The passing of Pope Francis
• The upcoming Commissioners Appreciation Dinner
• The next Special City Council Budget Workshop meeting • The upcoming Development Code Update steering committee meeting • The upcoming 2025 SCAG General Assembly Conference
• The last city free shredding event
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
• Her tour of Esperanza Park
• The classes offered at the Cathedral City Senior Center • The upcoming Mary Pickford Mental Health Awareness presentation on May 20th
• The open seats on various City Commissions/Committees • Long time Cathedral City High School volunteer Betty Denavine • Her attendance at the Riverside County State of the County 4* District • The upcoming Town Hall meeting at City Hall
• Her attendance at the Easter Sunrise services at Forest Lawn.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported on the following:
• His attendance at the Coachella Valley Associations of Governments Homeless Committee meeting
• He gave a shout out to the Homeless Liaison Officers for all the work they do • Sexual Assault Awareness Month
• His attendance at the Riverside County State of the County 4* District • A resident call he received related to blow sand
Mayor Nancy Ross reported on the following:
• Her interviews for the Historic Preservation Committee • Her attendance at the Energy And Environment Resources Committee meeting • The check she presented to the Senior Center at a fundraising event • Her attendance at the Richard Emmert Education Fund (REEF) event • Her meeting with Loving All Animals
• The meals she made for her departing friend
• The past City Council Special Budget Workshop meeting • Her visit to the Eisenhower Campus
• Her attendance at the Leadership Coachella Valley event • Her lunch with Bob McKechnie
• Her visit to the new Angels Black Tiger Martial Arts
• Her Easter breakfast at the Willow
• Her participation in the Autism Certification of the Living Desert • Her attendance at Commissioner Craig Liebelt's event
• Her attendance at the SunLine Board meeting
• Student Anthony Perez Mora, was the recipient of the Do the Right Thing Award
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on the Agenda.
M.O. 2025-55
B. Approval of the April 9, 2025, Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes and the April 16, 2025, Special City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approval of the April 9, 2025, Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes and the April 16, 2025, Special City Council Meeting Minutes.
The following comment was received for the record:
David Koslow requested that the minutes be pulled and corrected to include verbatim comments.
M.O. 2025-56
C. Demand Register - March
Recommendation: Receive and File.
M.O. 2025-57
D. CCPFA/CCFMA Side Letters to Update Language for CalPERS Compliance
Recommendation: To authorize the City Manager to execute side letters with the Cathedral City Fire Management Association (CCFMA), and Cathedral City Professional Firefighters Association (CCPFA) to update their respective Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to ensure compliance with CalPERS reporting requirements for special compensation.
M.O. 2025-58
E. Notice of Completion for the Cove Crack Repair Project (CIP No. C08675) Recommendation: To accept and approve the Cove Crack Repair Project (C08675) as final, authorize the City Manager to file a notice of completion with the Riverside County Recorder's Office, and authorize the release of retention funds to LCR Earthwork and Engineering, Corp. upon expiration of the notice of completion.
M.O. 2025-59
F. Ratify the nomination of Patrick Evan lachetta (Patrick Evans) by Mayor Nancy Ross to serve on the Historic Preservation Committee and appoint him to fill an unexpired term continuing through June 30, 2026.
Recommendation: Ratify the nomination of Patrick Evan lachetta (Patrick Evans) by Mayor Nancy Ross to serve on the Historic Preservation Committee and appoint him to fill an unexpired term continuing through June 30, 2026.
M.O. 2025-60
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Ross
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Assembly Bill 2561 - Public Hearing on City Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts
Recommendation: To hold a public hearing and receive and file this report.
Lidia Buelna, Human Resources Specialist, provided an overview on the City Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts.
Mayor Nancy Ross opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments, seeing none, she closed the Public Hearing and returned the discussion to the City Council.
M.O. 2025-61
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to receive and file the report on City Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
B. Approve the FY 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan
Recommendation: To approve the FY 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan (AAP) for submittal to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the required certifications; and execute all funding agreements and documents consistent with the FY 2025-2026 AAP.
Elizabeth Medina, Analyst I, provided an overview of the FY 2025/2026 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan.
Mayor Nancy Ross opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments, seeing none, she closed the Public Hearing and returned the discussion to the City Council.
M.O. 2025-62
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to approve the FY 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CĎBG) Annual Action Plan (AAP) for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the required certifications; and execute all funding agreements and documents consistent with the FY 2025-2026 AAP.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Carnevale; Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
C. Adopt by Resolution City User and Regulatory Fee Schedule Recommendation: To conduct a public hearing and adopt by resolution the update to the City's master schedule of user and regulatory fees.
Kevin Biersack, Director of Financial Services, provided an overview on the resolution to adopt the City User and Regulatory Fee Schedule.
Mayor Nancy Ross opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments.
James Brownyard, Vice President Legislative and Government Affairs for DVBA, expressed his support and gratitude for the overall process.
Mayor Nancy Ross closed the Public Hearing and returned the discussion to the City Council.
Reso 2025-04
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to adopt by resolution an update to the City's master schedule of user and regulatory fees.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
D. Adopt by Resolution AB 1600 Development Impact Fee (DIF) Annual Update
Recommendation: To conduct a public hearing and adopt by resolution an authorized inflationary adjustment to the City's Assembly Bill (AB) 1600 Development Impact Fees.
Kevin Biersack, Director of Financial Services, provided on overview of the resolution to adopt AB 1600 Development Impact Fee (DIF) Annual Update.
Mayor Nancy Ross opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments.
James Brownyard, Vice President Legislative and Government Affairs for DVBA, expressed his gratitude.
Mayor Nancy Ross closed the Public Hearing and returned the discussion to the City Council.
Reso 2025-05
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to adopt by resolution an authorized inflationary adjustment to the City's Assembly Bill (AB) 1600 Development Impact Fees.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Award Contracts to SoundSkilz, Hocker Productions, and Montage Agency to produce the Taste of Jalisco Festival, State of the City and Cathedral City LGBT+ Days
Recommendation: To award contracts to the following vendors and authorize the City Manager or their representative to execute all necessary documents:
-Hocker Productions for State of the City (May 2026)
-SoundSkilz for Taste of Jalisco Festival (February 2026) -Montage Agency for Cathedral City LGBT+ Days (March 2026) The following comment was received for the record:
David Koslow expressed his opposition to this item.
M.O. 2025-63
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to award contracts to the following vendors and authorize the City Manager or their representative to execute all necessary documents:
-Hocker Productions for State of the City (May 2026)
-SoundSkilz for Taste of Jalisco Festival (February 2026) -Montage Agency for Cathedral City LGBT+ Days (March 2026) RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
B. Approval of Contract for Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival Recommendation: To approve a three-year contract agreement with SoundSkilz as the selected vendor for the 2025-2027 Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival.
The following comment was received for the record:
David Koslow expressed his opposition to this item.
M.O. 2025-64
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve a three-year contract agreement with SoundSkilz as the selected vendor for the 2025-2027 Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
The City Council recessed at 8:06 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 8:12 p.m.
C. Contract Award for HSIP Cycle 9A: Traffic Signal Improvements at Twelve Intersections Project (C08752)
Recommendation: To award a construction contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. in the amount of $850,888 for the construction of Highway Safety Improvements Program (HSIP) Cycle 9A: Traffic Signal Improvements at Twelve Intersections project (C08752); and, approve a twenty-three percent (23%) contingency in the amount of $200,512 for any unforeseeable construction costs; making the total encumbrance $1,051,400; and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; and authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project and issue the notice to proceed.
The following comment was received for the record:
David Koslow expressed his opposition to this item.
M.O. 2025-65
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to award a construction contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. in the amount of $850,888 for the construction of Highway Safety Improvements Program (HSIP) Cycle 9A: Traffic Signal Improvements at Twelve Intersections project (C08752); and, approve a twenty-three percent (23%) contingency in the amount of $200,512 for any unforeseeable the Cly Manager lo axecuth he contract documes, and authorita the city Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project and issue the notice to proceed.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
2025 SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program Funding Application
Recommendation: To authorize the submittal of a 2025 SB 821, Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program funding application for one (1) potential bike lane improvement project; and authorize the City Engineer to sign all applications/letters for the funding program.
The following comment was received for the record:
David Koslow expressed his opposition to this item.
M.O. 2025-66
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to authorize the submittal of a 2025 SB 821, Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program funding application for one (1) potential bike lane improvement project; and authorize the City Engineer to sign all applications/letters for the funding program.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
E. 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) Update
Recommendation: Receive and file this report on the updated 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) issued by CAL FIRE, and direct staff to assess local implications related to zoning, building codes, defensible space requirements, and public education. Consider public outreach regarding updated hazard classifications within local responsibility areas (LRA): The State of California mandate is for the city to adopt the FHSZ Map.
Michael Contreras provided an overview of the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) issued by CAL FIRE and the required process to adopt the FHSZ Map. He indicated that the State of California mandates that the City adopt the FHSZ Map.
This item was to receive and file only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
M.O. 2025-67
7. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
8. CLOSED SESSION
There were no Closed Session Items.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned in the meeting in memory of Laura Ahmed at 8:37 p.m.
City Cierk, City of Cathedral City