Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 4.E
Meeting Date: August 13, 2025
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Approval of a License Agreement with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District for the Maintenance of the Date Palm Drive Bridge on North Cathedral Canyon Channel.
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve a license agreement with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District for the maintenance of the Date Palm Drive Bridge over the North Cathedral Canyon Channel, and associated drainage and channel improvements; and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
BACKGROUND:
On November 8, 2023, the City Council awarded a contract for the construction of the Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 5: Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalks and Multiuse Trail project (C08505), as well as the Date Palm Drive expansion project (C08508).
Along with the roadway improvements on the east side of Date Palm Drive between East Palm Canyon Drive and Perez Road, the Date Palm Drive expansion project (C08508) included widening the Date Palm Drive Bridge (bridge) over the North Cathedral Canyon Channel (Channel), and related drainage and channel improvements.
The North Cathedral Canyon Channel is an essential and integral component of Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RCFCD) regional stormwater management infrastructure system, providing critical flood control and drainage to both the city and other incorporated areas. The Channel lies within existing RCFCD easements and rights-of-way, with RCFCD responsible for its operation and maintenance. The city retains ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the bridge structure over the Channel within the city right of way.
During the bridge widening construction portion of the project, RCFCD issued encroachment permit No. 4150 to the city, authorizing work within the Channel. All channel improvements were completed to RCFCD standards and received final inspection and approval on April 24, 2025. The City Council subsequently approved the notice of completion for the project on May 14, 2025.
To formalize ongoing responsibilities related to improvements within the Channel, RCFCD requires the execution of a license agreement.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed License Agreement, titled Cathedral Canyon Channel – East and West, Stage 2, Encroachment Permit No. 4150, Project No. 6-0-00010 (Agreement), formalizes the mutual understanding between the city and RCFCD regarding construction responsibilities and long-term maintenance obligations for the bridge over the Channel, as well as associated drainage and channel improvements.
Under the terms of the agreement, the city will be responsible for maintaining all city-installed improvements within the Channel, including the newly constructed sidewalks, architectural barrier with metal railing, drainage improvements and retaining walls on the east side of the Channel.
RCFCD will continue to be responsible for the maintenance of the concrete-lined channel bottom and the native stream bed to ensure effective water flow and stormwater drainage.
City staff, in consultation with legal counsel, have reviewed the agreement and concluded that the proposed agreement ensures continued collaboration with RCFCD and clearly defines maintenance responsibilities for the city improvements within the North Cathedral Canyon Channel.
City staff is requesting the City Council to approve a license agreement with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District for maintenance of the Date Palm Drive Bridge over the North Cathedral Canyon Channel, and associated drainage and channel improvements; and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with the approval of this agreement beyond the city’s standard maintenance obligations.
The improvements are within the city limits and will be maintained by the city’s Public Works Maintenance division. These maintenance responsibilities will be absorbed within the maintenance and operation budget and will be included in future maintenance budgets.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal B: Community Investments
Objective: Cathedral City roads, gateways, public spaces, and other infrastructure are well planned, designed, constructed and maintained.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. License Agreement - Cathedral Canyon Channel (EP4150) City of Cathedral City