CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session 3:00 p.m.
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, May 28, 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
The following comment was received for the record:
David Koslow provided comments related to the November 2026 Election.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Presentation on Animal Services from Representatives from the Coachella Valley Animal Campus Commission
Recommendation: This is a presentation only, no formal action is required.
Ty Peabody, Coachella Valley Animal Campus Commission Representative, provided an update on animal services.
This was a presentation only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Real Time Operations Center (RTOC)
Recommendation: For information and discussion only
George Crum, Police Chief, provided a brief overview and introduced Lieutenant William Hutchinson, Palm Springs Police Department, who presented the following points:
• Real-Time Operations Center
• Automated License Plate Readers
• Flock 911
• Drone as First Responders
• Integrated Systems
• Benefits to the Community
Patty Hagedorn asked clarifying questions related to the presentation.
The City Council expressed concern related to the drone coverage area presented and asked clarifying questions related to people's privacy rights and civil liberties, which were responded to by staff and Mr. Hutchinson. This was a presentation only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
C. 2025 Firework Enforcement and Response Activity
Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only.
Commander Nate Hanley provided an update on the 2025 Firework Enforcement and Response Activity. The following points were presented:
• Background
• Historical Data
• Operations Plan
• Enforcement and Education
• Cathedral City Fire and EMS: No Fireworks Campaign
• Physical Awareness: Bus Shelter Campaign
• Mobile Messaging: Fire Department Vehicles
• Fiscal Impact
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.
D. CityDetect Al for Code Compliance
Recommendation: This item is presented for discussion purposes prior to the presentation of a contract award to City Detect, currently anticipated to be presented to City Council on June 25, 2025.
Justin Gardner, Code Compliance Manager, provided the background and introduction of City Detect and introduced Gavin Baum-Blake.
Gavin Baum-Blake, CEO City Detect, provided an overview on City Detect and how it can be used by the City.
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.
3. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Decision Whether to Initiate Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4) Number of Matters:
Two (2)
(1) Decision to Initiate Action — Fantasy Balloon Flights (2) Decision to Join: City and County of San Francisco et al. v. Donald J Trump, et al. USDC Northern District Case No. 25-CV-01350 Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
B. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) Significant Exposure to Litigation Number of Matters: One
(1) Complaint filed by David Koslow
Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the Closed Session items listed on the agenda.
RECESS
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:12 p.m. and will reconvene for the Regular Meeting at 5:30 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nancy Ross called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:48 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Rita Lamb led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Mark Carnevale offered the Invocation.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Nancy Ross, Mayor
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the Agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Michael Hayes expressed his concern related to the Police Department and City Management staff.
The following comment was received for the record:
David Koslow provided comments related to the November 2026 Election.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported on the following:
• His attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments Conference
• His attendance at the City Council and Planning Commission Joint meeting • His attendance at the State of the City event
• The homeless individual he connected with Homeless Liaison Officer Brooks • The Library cooling center
• CVRM is offering free rides to their shelter in Indio • His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Homeless Committee
• His attendance at the Esperanza Park Ribbon Cutting
• His attendance at the 2x2 meeting with the Coachella Valley Water District • His attendance at the High School Street Naming Ceremony • His meeting with staff to discuss the Historic Preservation Committee Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• He hopes everyone enjoyed the Memorial Day Weekend
• He discussed how well the City Council represents the City Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• His attendance at the recent Pride Prom in Indio
• His attendance at resident Patty Hagedorn's birthday celebration • His attendance at the League of California Cities Division meeting • His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting • His attendance at the Esperanza Park Ribbon Cutting
• His attendance at the Parks and Community Events Commission communication subcommittee meeting
• His attendance at the High School Street Naming Ceremony • He reminded everyone that the City Council will be dark for the June 11th meeting
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
• May which is Mental Health Awareness Month
• Her attendance at the Mary Pickford Theatre's Mental Health presentation • Her discussion with Commissioner Erin Hyland related to a proposed health • The Desert Sun article about Esperanza Park
• She thanked Chief Crum for his participation at the Memorial Day event at Forest Lawn
• Her attendance at the AMVETS Memorial Day event at Cimarron Cove Golf Resort
• The upcoming Street Sign Topper Reveal for Diane Gill and Jane Rosco • The next Grab and Go Emergency Preparedness event on June 7' • Her discussion with a resident of Indio related to how great Cathedral City is doing
Mayor Nancy Ross reported on the following:
• Her interactions with citizens
• Her meetings related to the Animal Campus
• The work done by the Commissions to get spay and neuter services in the City • Her attendance at the Esperanza Ribbon Cutting
• Her attendance at a Celebration of Life
• Her attendance at the High School Street Naming Ceremony • Her attendance at the High School Senior Awards Night • Her attendance at the League of California Cities Division meeting
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive full reading of Ordinances on Agenda.
M.O. 2025-79
B. Approval of the May 14, 2025, Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the May 14, 2025, Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.
M.O. 2025-80
Approval of Grant Expenditure SLESA FY 2021-2022 for Drone as First Responder (DFR) Equipment.
Recommendation: To approve the expenditure plan appropriating Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA) for FY 2021-2022 allocation for drone as first responder (DFR) equipment.
M.O. 2025-81
D. Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Appropriations Limit, GANN Initiative Limitation Recommendation: To adopt a resolution establishing the City's appropriations limit for the FY 2025/2026, Gann Initiative Limitation.
Reso 2025-11
E. Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with MSA Consulting, Inc. for Design of the Date Palm Drive between Interstate 10 and Varner Road Project (CIP No. C08671).
Recommendation: To approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with MSA Consulting, Inc., related to the design of improvements along Date Palm Drive between Interstate 10 and Varner Road (CIP No.
C08671), extending the term of the agreement by an additional six (6) months to allow for completion of project design activities; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
M.O. 2025-82
F. Authorize One (1) Year Extensions for Public Works Maintenance and Environmental Conservation Division Service Agreements
Recommendation:
To approve a one (1) year extension to the current service agreements for Public Works Maintenance and Environmental Conservation Services; and authorize the City Manager to execute all amendment documents for the following:
1. Yunex LLC for traffic signal maintenance and emergency on-call services.
2. Graffiti Protective Coating, Inc. for graffiti abatement services and on- call emergency services.
3. Desert Ants Engineering, Inc. for concrete installation, repair and maintenance services as-needed contract.
4. Student Creative Recycle Art Program (S.C.R.A.P.) Gallery for environmental educational services.
M.O. 2025-83
G. Approval of the Parks and Community Events Commission Support of the Panorama Dog Park Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Event and the Esperanza Dog Park Feliz Navi Dog - 2025.
Recommendation: To approve $400 from the 2025-2026 Parks and Community Events Commission small events budget to support the Panorama Dog Park Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Event and the Esperanza Dog Park "Feliz Navi Dog" Dog Costume Event for 2025.
M.O. 2025-84
H. Special Use Permit - Battle in the Desert 2025
Recommendation: To approve Special Use Permit for the 2025 Battle in the Desert to be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.
M.O. 2025-85
I. Ratify the Nomination of Alexandra Heckman by Councilmember Rita Lamb to Serve on the Historic Preservation Committee and Appoint Her to Fill an Unexpired Term Continuing Through June 30, 2026.
Recommendation: To ratify the nomination of Alexandra Heckman by Councilmember Rita Lamb to serve on the Historic Preservation Committee and appoint her to fill an unexpired term continuing through June 30, 2026.
M.O. 2025-86
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: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Revocation of Conditional Use Permit No. 17-015 for Kieley Rd Recommendation: Staff recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution revoking Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 17-015 for the property located at 68342 Kieley Road due to repeated and significant violations of the Cathedral City Municipal Code and California Fire Code, as well as ongoing threats to public health and safety.
Justin Gardner, Code Compliance Manager, provided an overview of the proposed revocation of Conditional Use Permit No. 17-015.
The City Council asked clarifying questions which were responded to by staff.
Mayor Nancy Ross opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments, seeing none, she closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
Reso 2025-12
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to adopt a resolution revoking Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 17-015 for the property located at 68342 Kieley Road due to repeated and significant violations of the Cathedral City Municipal Code and California Fire Code, as well as ongoing threats to public health and safety.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
2025/2026 Rate Increase Request for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection for Residential, Commercial and Roll Off Services.
Recommendation: To hold a public hearing under Prop 218, consider any protests received, determine whether a majority protest has occurred, and if not approve a 2025/2026 tax year rate increase for the collection, recycling, and disposal of municipal solid waste for commercial, residential, and roll-off services; and approve a resolution approving tax roll billing for residential services.
Deanna Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation and Public Works Manager, provided an overview on the proposed 2025/2026 Rate Increase for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection for Residential, Commercial and Roll Off Services.
Mayor Nancy Ross opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments, seeing none, she closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
Reso 2025-13
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve a 2025/2026 tax year rate increase for the collection, recycling, and disposal of municipal solid waste for commercial, residential, and roll-off services; and approve a resolution approving tax roll billing for residential services.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. First Reading of an Ordinance to Adopt the 2025 Citywide Speed Limits Survey
Recommendation: To introduce and provide first reading, by title only, to an ordinance adopting the Traffic and Engineering Study by Albert A. Webb Associates, establishing the 2025 Citywide Speed Limits in Cathedral City.
M.O. 2025-87
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to introduce and provide a first reading, by title only, of an ordinance adopting the Traffic and Engineering Study by Albert A. Webb Associates, establishing the 2025 Citywide Speed Limits in Cathedral City.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
B. First Reading of an Ordinance Adopting the Revised Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) Map.
Recommendation: To introduce, waive reading beyond the title and provide first reading to an ordinance adopting the March 24, 2025 final updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) map.
M.O. 2025-88
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to introduce and provide a first reading, by title only, of an Ordinance, adopting the March 24, 2025, final updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) map.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
C. Approval of FY 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 Biennial Budget Recommendation: 1. To adopt a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION BY
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEARS 2025/2026 AND
2026/2027."
2. To adopt a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF THE
CATHEDRAL CITY PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY APPROVING A
BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEARS 2025/2026 AND 2026/2027."
3. To adopt a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY OF
CATHEDRAL CITY AS THE HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCY
APPROVING A BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEARS 2025/2026 AND
20206/2027."
4. To adopt a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION BY THE SUCCESSOR
AGENCY TO THE CATHEDRAL CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
APPROVING A BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEARS 2025/2026 AND
2026/2027."
5. To adopt a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) PLAN AND THE PARKS
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2026 THROUGH
Reso 2025-14
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to adopt a Resolution by the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, approving a budget for the Fiscal Years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Reso PFA 2025-01
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to adopt a Resolution by the Board of the Cathedral City Public Financing Authority approving a budget for the Fiscal Years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Reso HSA 2025-01
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to adopt a Resolution by the City of Cathedral City as the Housing Successor Agency approving a budget for the Fiscal Years 2025/2026 and 20206/2027.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Reso SA 2025-01
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to adopt a Resolution by the Successor Agency to the Cathedral City Redevelopment Agency approving a budget for the Fiscal Years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Reso 2025-15
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to adopt a Resolution by the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, approving the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Plan and the Parks Improvement Program Plan for Fiscal Years 2026 through 2030.
RESULT: PASS 15 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
7. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed into Closed Session to complete Closed Session items listed under the Study Session portion of the agenda at 7:04 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:26 p.m.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to complete the Closed Session item listed on the Study Session agenda. He reported the following:
• Item 3A. (1) Action to initiate litigation with Fantasy Balloon Flights • Item 3A. (2) Action to join the City and County of San Francisco et al. v. Donald J Trump, et al. USDC Northern District Case No. 25-VC-01350 • Item 3B. There was no reportable action taken
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned the meeting at 7:27 p.m.
City Clerk, City of Cathedral City