CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session 3:00 p.m.
Study & Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, May 14, 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 3:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Nancy Ross, Mayor
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
Council Absent:
None
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Alan Carvalho, expressed his concern with the current state of the City.
The following comments were received for the record:
Michael Hayes, provided comments regarding California Fair Political Practices Commission's Case Number 2021-00156.
David Koslow, provided comments regarding California Fair Political Practices Commission's Case Number 2021-00156.
David Trapani, provided comments regarding the sanctions of the FPPC on the City.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. 2025 City Wide Speed Limits Survey Results Review
Recommendation: The results of the 2025 City Wide Speed Limits Survey will be presented to the City Council for review, discussion and comment.
Armando Baldizzone, City Engineer, presented the results of the 2025 Citywide Speed Limits Survey Results for the City Council's review. He introduced Nick Lowe, Deputy Director Albert A. Webb Associates, who conducted the engineering and traffic survey for Council's review.
The City Council expressed their concerns with the proposed speed limits on certain segments of Date Palm Drive, Whispering Palms Trail, and Vista Chino and would like staff to evaluate the mitigating factors and consider adjustments as discussed this evening.
Joseph Chavez expressed his concern related to Varner Road.
The following comment was received for the record:
Robert Ohda provided comments related to the Citywide Speed Study.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
There was no formal action taken by the City Council. Staff will evaluate adjustments based on the feedback from the City Council and bring back for formal consideration.
B. Annual Rate Increase Request for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection for Residential, Commercial and Roll Off Services.
Recommendation: The annual rate increase request for solid waste and recycling collection for residential, commercial and roll-off services is presented to the City Council for discussion, comments and direction in preparation of a rate increase public hearing and City Council approval at the May 28, 2025, City Council meeting.
Deanna Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation and Public Works Manager, provided an overview of the annual rate increase for solid waste and recycling collection for residential, commercial and roll-off services for discussion and comments. She covered the following points:
• Background
• Commercial Customers
• Residential Customers
• Programs Offered
• Proposed Rate Increase
• Fiscal Impact
• Strategic Plan
• Recommendation
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. This item will be brought back for a Public Hearing on May 28, 2025.
3. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) Significant Exposure to Litigation
Number of Matters: One (1)
Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
B. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d) (1)
Items: One (1) Cathedral City v. Mickaeylian et al. CRSC, Palm Springs Division, Case No. CVPS2402714
Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the items listed on the agenda.
RECESS
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:05 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 the Invocation.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Nancy Ross, Mayor
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Council Absent:
Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
M.O. 2025-68
A motion was made by Mayor Ross and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to excuse the absence of Councilmember Mark Carnevale from the Regular City Council Meeting.
RESULT: PASS 14 TO 0]
MOVER: Nancy Ross, Mayor
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT: Carnevale
ABSTAIN:
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. PERMA Award
Gabriela Mitre, Risk Management Analyst, introduced Beth Lions, Executive Director for Public Entity Risk Management Authority (PERMA).
Ms. Lions presented the City with an Outstanding Achievement Award for their ongoing and proactive commitment to risk management.
B. Cadet Introduction and Recognition of the donation by Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Foundation for helmets for the cadets Fire Chief Michael Contreras provided a brief overview of the Fire Department's Cadet program. He introduced each cadet who said a little bit about why they wanted to participate in the program.
C. Presentation of SCAG ATP Sustainability Award for ATP Cycle 5 Downtown Connectors to the City Council.
Andrew Lee, Assistant Engineer, presented the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Sustainability Award in the Healthy Active and Safe category for the City's Active Transportation Cycle 5 Downtown Cathedral City Connectors Project to the City Council.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Maryellen Muir expressed her concern with cannabis odor.
Alan Carvalho expressed his concern with the current state of the City.
Eric Segall expressed his concern with the lack of public works services.
Michael Hayes expressed his concern related to taxes, Measure W and incidents with his neighbor.
Festival.
Terry Applegate expressed her concern with California Fair Political Practices Commission's Case Number 2021-00156 and current litigation against the City.
The following comments were received for the record:
David Koslow provided comments regarding California Fair Political Practices Commission's Case Number 2021-00156.
David Trapani provided comments regarding the sanctions of the FPPC on the City.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• His attendance at a funeral for a local resident
• His attendance at the City's Volunteer Appreciation Dinner • His attendance at the Development Code Update Steering Committee Meeting • His attendance at the 2025 Southern California Association of Governments Regional Conference
• His video shoot with Ryan Hunt for the State of the City • His attendance at the Special City Council and Planning Commission Joint Meeting
• His participation in reviewing applications for the Community Assistance Grants program
• His update meeting with City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose
• His attendance at the State of the City event
• The calls he received from residents related to an array of issues Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
• Her attendance at the State of the City event
• Her attendance at the 2025 Southern California Association of Governments Regional Conference
• Her attendance at the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Board Meeting • Her participation in interviews for the Historic Preservation Committee • Her attendance at the recent LGBTQ+ Town Hall Meeting • The new Desert Recreation District informational brochure • Her attendance at the recent Town Hall meeting hosted by Congressman Ruiz • The Cathedral City High School Band event on May 20 in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater
• The Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club Impact Report
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• His attendance at the City's Volunteer Appreciation Dinner • His attendance at various Riverside County Transportation Commission meetings
• The last Special City Council Budget Workshop meeting • His attendance at the Special City Council and Planning Commission Joint Meeting
• His attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments Regional Conference
• His attendance at the Un-Gala event at the Cathedral City Senior • His attendances at the Desert Business Association Impact Awards • His tour of Esperanza Park
• His attendance at the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast • His attendance at the Coachella Valley Associations of Governments Public Safety Committee meeting
• His attendance at the State of the City event
• The upcoming Peace Officer Memorial Day on May 15, 2025 • The upcoming Memorial Day on May 26, 2025
Mayor Nancy Ross reported on the following:
• The State of the City event
• Her attendance at the City's Volunteer Appreciation Dinner • The last Special City Council Budget Workshop meeting • Her attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments Regional Conference
• Her Cinco de Mayo plans
• Her presentation of a check to the Senior Center at their Un-Gala event • Her meeting with city staff and SunLine to discuss grant opportunities • Her update meeting with City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose
• The meetings she took with residents
• Her attendance at the recent Town Hall meeting hosted by Congressman Ruiz • Her attendance at the Coachella Valley Associations of Governments Energy and Environment Resources Commission Meeting
• Her attendance at the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast • Her Mother's Day with her children
• Her attendance at the Mosquito and Vector Control Board meeting
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive full reading or Ordinances on Agenda.
M.O. 2025-69
B. Approve the April 23, 2025 Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting minutes and the April 30, 2025 Special City Council Meeting Recommendation: Approve the April 23, 2025 Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes and the April 30, 2025 Special City Council Meeting Minutes.
M.O. 2025-70
C. Check Demand April
Recommendation: Receive and File.
M.O. 2025-71
D. Establish the Annual Special Tax for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/2026 (Rio Vista Village)
Recommendation: To adopt a resolution of the Cathedral City Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2000-1 (Rio Vista Village) establishing the annual special tax for FY 2025/2026
Reso 2025-06
E. Professional Services Agreement with BCR Consulting LLC to Prepare Environmental Documents for the Tropical Storm Hilary: Vista Chinc avement Reconstruction Project, City Project No. C08685 Recommendation: To approve a professional services agreement with BCR Consulting LLC to prepare environmental documents related to the Tropical Storm Hilary: Vista Chino Pavement Reconstruction project, city project No.
C08685, in the amount of $7,400; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
M.O. 2025-72
F. Resolution Adopting the City's FY 2025-26 SB-1 (RMRA) Projects Recommendation: To approve a resolution to adopt the city's FY 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program's projects funded by Senate Bill 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
Reso 2025-07
G. Authorize One (1) Year Extensions for Various Engineering Division On- Call Professional Service Agreements
recommendation
To approve a one (1) year extension to the current professional agreements or on-call engineering support services; and authorize the City Manager t execute all amendment documents for the following
1. Albert A. . Webb Associates and GIS Surveyors, Inc. for on-call professional land surveying and mapping services for various city
2. Pland Foundation Engineering, Inc, and Landmark Consultants, In. for on-call material testing services and professional geotechnical
3. Advantec Consulting Engineers, Inc., Albert A. Webb Associates, and STC Traffic, Inc. for on-call traffic engineering for various city projects;
4. Christiansen & Company for on-call development management support services.
M.O. 2025-73
H. Notice of Completion for ATP Cycle 5: Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk and Multiuse Trail (C08505) and Date Palm Drive Expansion (C08508) Recommendation: To accept and approve the ATP Cycle 5: Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail project (C08505), and Date Palm Drive Expansion project (C08508), as complete; authorize the City Manager to execute and file a notice of completion with the Riverside County Recorder's Office; and authorize the release of retention funds to Riverside Construction Company, upon expiration of the notice of completion.
M.O. 2025-74
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT: Carnevale
ABSTAIN:
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no Public Hearings
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Award Agreements for On-Call Engineering Division Support Services Recommendation:
To approve ten (10) professional service agreements for on-call engineering services; and authorize the City Manager to execute all agreement documents with the following companies:
1. NAl Consulting, Inc., Interwest Consulting Group, Fomotor Engineering, Inc., and HR Green, Inc., for on-call engineering support services for various city Engineering Division projects;
2. NAI Consulting, Inc. and TKE Engineering, Inc. for on-call engineering support and grant administration services for various state and federally funded transportation projects;
3. Capital Building Services, Inc., NV5, Inc. and Z&K Consultants, Inc. for on-call construction engineering services; and
4. CASC Engineering and Consultants, Inc. for on-call National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) consulting services.
M.O. 2025-75
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to approve ten (10) professional service agreements for on-call engineering services; and authorize the City Manager to execute all agreement documents with the following companies:
1. NAI Consulting, Inc., Interwest Consulting Group, Fomotor Engineering, Inc., and HR Green, Inc., for on-call engineering support services for various city Engineering Division projects;
2. NAl Consulting, Inc. and TKE Engineering, Inc. for on-call engineering support and grant administration services for various state and federally funded transportation projects;
3. Capital Building Services, Inc., NV5, Inc. and Z&k Consultants, Inc. for on-call construction engineering services; and
4. CASC Engineering and Consultants, Inc. for on-call National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) consulting services.
RESULT: PASS [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT: Carnevale
ABSTAIN:
B. Authorization to Purchase Equipment for Fourth Paramedic Unit - Measure W Implementation Final Phase
Recommendation: To authorize additional FY 2024/2025 Measure W budget adjustments to proceed with the purchase of essential equipment totaling $160,459 to support the deployment of the Medic Unit #4 and $52,702 to support the Desert Recreation District's parks program, recreation program and swim program.
M.O. 2025-76
A motion • made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to authorize additional FY 2024/2025 Measure W budget adjustments to proceed with the purchase of essential equipment totaling $160,459 to support the deployment of the Medic Unit #4 and $52,702 to support the Desert Recreation District's parks program, recreation program and swim program.
RESULT: PASS [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT: Carnevale
ABSTAIN:
C. Annual Renewal of the Lighting and Landscaping District Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
Recommendation: To adopt three resolutions to renew the annual assessments with Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 (Zones 1 through 54, non-sequential)
Reso 2025-08
Reso 2025-09
Reso 2025-10
By Councimense Lame to ada the following the root d
annual assessments with Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 (Zones 1 through 54, non-sequential):
A Resolution Initiating Proceedings for the Annual Levy of Assessments for the City of Cathedral City Street Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District No. 1 For Fiscal Year 2025/2026
A Resolution Declaring its Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments for the City of Cathedral City Street Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
A Resolution for Preliminary Approval of the Engineer's Report for the City of Cathedral City Street Lighting and Landscaping Maintenance District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
RESULT: PASS [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT: Carnevale
ABSTAIN:
D. Investment Policy Annual Update/Review
Recommendation: To approve the updated investment policy.
M.O. 2025-77
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the updated investment policy.
RESULT: PASS [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT: Carnevale
ABSTAIN:
Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/2026 and FY 2026/2027 Proposed Biennial Budget Recommendation: Approve the FY 2025/2026 and FY 2026/2027 Proposed Biennial Budget
M.O. 2025-78
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the FY 2025/2026 and FY 2026/2027 Proposed Biennial Budget.
RESULT: PASS [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
NOES:
ABSENT: Carnevale
ABSTAIN:
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
7. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session during the Study Session portion of the meeting. He reported that staff was given direction and there was no reportable action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
City Clerk, City of Cathedral City