CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, July 09, 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
There were no members of the public that wished to speak.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Special Events Safety Procedures Presentation
Recommendation: This is for presentation purposes only.
Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager, provided an overview of procedures that are in place to ensure the safety at Special Events. The following points were presented:
Strategic Plan Goal E-14
Evolving Threat Environment
Multi-Department Coordination
30-Day Planning Process
Special Event Safety Alliance Training
Event Types Addressed
Physical Security Elements
Infrastructure Enhancement
Command and Communication
Consistency Across Events Sizes
Universal Safety Standards
Desert Recreation District Collaboration
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Regulations for the Operation of Food Trucks
Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council provide feedback and direction regarding the current mobile food truck regulations and consider potential amendments to the Cathedral City Municipal Code Chapter 5.82 with specific emphasis on allowing food truck vendors to operate on private property with the consent of the property owner.
Justin Gardiner, Code Compliance Manager, provided an overview of the regulations established related to the operation of food trucks in Cathedral City. The following points were presented:
Background
Vending in the Public Right of Way
Other Desert Cities’ Code
Complaint Data
Points of Consideration
Options
1. Maintain current ordinance and enforcement
2. Amend Chapter 5.82
3. Implement a pilot program
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to draft a pilot program allowing food truck vendors to obtain a temporary permit to operate on private property. Staff will bring back a proposed pilot program for Council’s consideration at a later date. Staff will obtain copies of the agreements that the surrounding cities use for their food truck vendors, for Council’s review.
3. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d) (1) - One (1) Matter Case Name: Diaz v. City of Cathedral City
Case No.: CVPS2204274
Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
B. Conference with Legal Counsel — Initiation of Litigation. Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(4)
Two (2) Matters: (1) 68625 Tortuga Rd (2) 69946 Hampton Court Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
City Attorney announced that item (2) 69946 Hampton Court would be removed from discussion.
C. Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation. Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)
One (1) Matter
Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
D. Conference with Real Property Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property Location: 687196007, 687196008, 687196002, 687196003, 687196004, 687196005, 687196006, 687198001, 687198002, 687198003, 687198004, 687198005, 687198006, 687212001, 687212019, 687212028, 687212029, 687212030, 687212031, 687212032, 687199001, 687199002, 687212027, 687212009, 687212022, 687212023, 687212033, 687212034, 687212035
Property Owner: City of Cathedral City
Negotiating Parties: Undesignated Buyer
Under Negotiations: Price and Terms for potential sale of real property Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
E. Public Employee Appointment Pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b) One (1) position: Position Title: City Manager Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the items list on the agenda. He noted that for item 3B. they will only be discussing one matter related to 68625 Tortuga.
David Koslow, provided comments regarding the appointment of the City Manager.
RECESS
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:15 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 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory offered a moment of reflection.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Nancy Ross, Mayor
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AGENDA FINALIZATION
City Manager McClendon announced that item 3E. from the Study Session portion of the agenda will be completed during the Closed Session portion of the Regular meeting.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
David Sanchez expressed his concern with the condition of city streets, the need for a palm tree ordinance, the City’s finances, and other code compliance issues.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
The recent Emergency Preparedness event
The relocation of the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy She recognized the Desert Rats
The upcoming CERT Trainings
The Cathedral City Auto Center’s monthly marketing meeting The new Palm Springs Unified School District Superintendent Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported on the following:
His meeting with City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose His attendance at the Ambulance Roll Back and Badge Pinning Ceremony The cannabis odor update he received from the C4 Facility His attendance at the Citizens on Patrol 4 th of July event Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments General Assembly meeting
His attendance at the Ambulance Roll Back and Badge Pinning Ceremony Measure W funds that will benefit the City
The recent 4th of July holiday and what other cities are doing to address illegal fireworks
The code violations throughout the city and how to report them on GoRequest His meeting with City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose The Kids Summer Movie event at the Mary Pickford Theater Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
His attendance at the graduation for the 2025 Class of Leadership Coachella Valley
His attendance at the Summer Staycation Bingo event
His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments General Assembly meeting
His attendance at the Ambulance Roll Back and Badge Pinning Ceremony Desert Recreation District programing and maintenance of the City’s parks The next City Council Meeting on August 13, 2025
Mayor Nancy Ross reported on the following:
Her attendance at a SunLine event
Her attendance at the Free Summer Movie event at Mary Pickford Her attendance at the Visit Greater Palm Springs monthly meeting Her attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments General Assembly meeting
Her attendance at the Ambulance Roll Back and Badge Pinning Ceremony Her attendance at two house parties
Her attendance at the Mosquito and Vector Control meeting Her attendance at two Coachella Valley Association of Governments Commission meetings
The July 4 th Celebrations she attended
Her attendance at Dinner with Patsi
Her visit with Councilmember Mark Carnevale
Her meeting with residents at the Montage Community
Her participation as a speaker at the Courageous Resistance event Her meeting with City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose The new COO of the Senior Center
The Animal Campus Committee’s progress
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2025-109
B. Approve the Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of June 25, 2025
Recommendation: Approve the Study Session and Regular City Council Minutes of June 25, 2025.
M.O. 2025-110
C. Check Demand June 2025
Recommendation: Receive and File.
M.O. 2025-111
D. Agreement with CVAG for Homelessness Services
Recommendation: To approve an agreement with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to provide $125,000/year for the next three fiscal years, to support the CV Housing First program addressing regional homelessness.
M.O. 2025-112
Sunshine Herrera, provided comments expressing her support for the agreement with conditions.
E. Resolution Confirming Assessments Against Various Property Owners for Nuisance Abatement Costs
Recommendation: To adopt the proposed resolution, thereby confirming assessments against various property owners for nuisance abatement costs and providing for collection.
Reso 2025-20
F. Notice of Completion for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Dream Homes Neighborhood Area and East Palm Canyon Drive Pavement
Rehabilitation Projects
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Dream Homes Neighborhood Area (C08693) and East Palm Canyon Drive (C08694) Pavement Rehabilitation Projects as complete; authorize the City Manager to file a notice of completion (NOC) with the Riverside County Recorder’s Office; and authorize the release of retention funds to Vance Corporation upon expiration of the notice of completion.
M.O. 2025-113
G. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Regarding the Ramon Road Bridge Widening Project
Recommendation: To authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to extend the termination date for the Ramon Road Bridge Widening Project to September 30, 2030.
M.O. 2025-114
Sunshine Herrera, provided comments expressing support of the agreement with conditions.
H. Notice of Completion for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 City Streets Pavement Reconstruction Projects
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 City Streets Pavement Reconstruction Projects at Shifting Sands Trail (C08688), Sky Blue Water Trail (C08689), 33rd Avenue (C08690), Ventura Drive (C08691), and Avenida Quintana (C08692) as complete; authorize the City Manager to file a notice of completion (NOC) with the Riverside County Recorder’s Office; and authorize the release of retention funds to Hardy and Harper, Inc. upon expiration of the notice of completion.
M.O. 2025-115
I. Authorize a one (1) year extension to TAMJAC, LLC. for On-Call Community Development Block Grant Administrative Support Services Recommendation: Authorize a one (1) year extension to the existing subrecipient agreement with TAMJAC, LLC. for on-call Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administrative support services; and authorize the City Manager to execute the associated amendment documents.
M.O. 2025-116
J. Award Subrecipient Agreement to Fair Housing Council of Riverside County
Recommendation: To authorize the award of a subrecipient agreement to the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County (FHCRC) in the amount of $20,000 to provide fair housing services under Cathedral City’s FY 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program; approve a corresponding budget allocation of $20,000 from CDBG funds; and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary contract documents following the execution of the Annual Action Plan (AAP) funding agreement with the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
M.O. 2025-117
K. Second Reading Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0002 and Specific Plan Amendment 25-0002
Recommendation: To provide second reading, by title only, and adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0002 amending Chapter 9.18 of Title 9 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to add single family dwellings as a permitted use in the RM (Multiple-Family Residential) District subject to certain conditions, and to adopt an ordinance approving Specific Plan Amendment 25-0002 amending Specific Plan 87-26C to allow single family dwellings in the specific plan when permitted in the underlying zoning district subject to the development standards of the underlying zoning district.
Ord 889
Ord 890
L. Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0003
Recommendation: To provide second reading by title only and adopt an ordinance amending Title 9 Planning and Zoning of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to add Chapter 9.09 (Public Notification and Community Meetings) and to amend Chapters 9.05, 9.52, 9.72, 9.74, 9.76, and 9.78 to delete existing provisions that conflict with new Chapter 9.09 relating to public notification requirements.
Ord 891
Sunshine Herrera, provided comments expressing concerns with the proposed ordinance and suggested amendments.
M. Palm Springs International Film Festival 2026 Agreement Recommendation: To approve the Cathedral City Sponsorship Proposal for the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival in the amount of $90,000 financial sponsorship and $20,000 in-kind support services.
M.O. 2025-118
N. FY 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EPMG) Recommendation: To approve the purchase of twelve (12) new computers for the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the amount not to exceed $18,804.60 funded partially through the FY 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) award, and the balance from the Fire Department’s FY 2025/2026 Emergency Management budget.
M.O. 2025-119
O. Approval of Agreement for Wellness and Occupational Health Services with Hoag Corporate Health
Recommendation: To approve an agreement for services between the City of Cathedral City and Hoag Corporate Health for a two-year term in the amount not to exceed $170,068.00, for the provision of wellness, fitness, and occupational health services for Cathedral City Fire & EMS personnel and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute all necessary documents.
M.O. 2025-120
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no Public Hearings.
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Special Use Permit for Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic - Sinfonica de Mineria
Recommendation: To approve the Special Use Permit for Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic to conduct a free day of music and festival including Sinfonica de Mineria from Mexico City, Mexico at the Community Amphitheater on January 25, 2026.
M.O. 2025-121
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to approve the Special Use Permit for Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic to conduct a free day of music and festival including Sinfonica de Mineria from Mexico City, Mexico at the Community Amphitheater on January 25, 2026.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
B. Approve Date Change for Taste of Jalisco Festival with SoundSkilz, Inc.
Recommendation: To approve the requested date change for the Taste of Jalisco Festival to align with Cinco de Mayo weekend and authorize a three- year contract extension with SoundSkilz, Inc. through 2028, and authorize the City Manager or their representative to execute all necessary contract amendments.
M.O. 2025-122
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the requested date change for the Taste of Jalisco Festival to align with Cinco de Mayo weekend and authorize a three- year contract extension with SoundSkilz, Inc. through 2028, and authorize the City Manager or their representative to execute all necessary contract amendments.
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. Professional Services Agreement with Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning, Inc. for Community Center Site and Cost Analysis Recommendation: To approve a professional services agreement with Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning, Inc., and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
M.O. 2025-123
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve a professional services agreement with Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning, Inc., and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
D. Approve Recommendation from the Public Arts Commission for a Not to Exceed Budget of $173,000 from the Art in Public Places Fund for the Esperanza Park Entryway Sculpture
Recommendation: To approve the Public Arts Commission’s recommendation to establish a not-to-exceed budget of $173,000 for the Esperanza Park entryway sculpture.
M.O. 2025-124
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to approve the Public Arts Commission’s recommendation to establish a not-to-exceed budget of $173,000 for the Esperanza Park entryway sculpture.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
E. Acceptance of the Donation of a Sculpture - "Ozone, by Craig French - and Authorization to Use Art in Public Places Funds for the Installation Recommendation: To approve the Public Arts Commission recommendation to accept a donation of a sculpture titled “Ozone, by Craig French, and authorize the use of Art in Public Places funds for the installation.
M.O. 2025-125
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to approve the Public Arts Commission recommendation to accept a donation of a sculpture titled “Ozone, by Craig French, and authorize the use of Art in Public Places funds for the installation.
RESULT: PASS [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
It was the consensus of the City Council to agendize an item to receive an introduction of the local Desert Recreation District Staff, with quarterly updates thereafter.
It was also the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to research a possible palm tree ordinance for a future discussion.
7. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 7:18 p.m. to complete discussion on item 3E from the Study Session agenda.
The City Council reconvened at 8:00 p.m.
Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss the Closed Session items listed on the Study Session agenda, and reported the following:
Item 3A- Direction was given, and there was no reportable action taken Item 3B- Direction was given, and there was no reportable action taken Item 3C- Direction was given, and there was no reportable action taken Item 3D- There was discussion and there was no reportable action taken. Item 3E- There was discussion and there was no reportable action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City