CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nancy Ross called the Study Session Meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Nancy Ross, Mayor
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
Council Absent:
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
M.O. 2025-126
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to excuse the absence of Councilmember Rita Lamb.
RESULT: PASS [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT: Lamb
ABSTAIN:
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Robert McCormick discussed a letter he submitted to the City Council and his experience with staff.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Desert Recreation District Introductory Presentation and Update on Initial Progress
Recommendation: This item is presented for information and discussion only; no formal action is required.
Cynthia Morquecho, CSS and Scott Sear, PIO, Desert Recreation District, provided a presentation to update the progress of the Desert Recreation and the City. The following points were presented:
• Welcome and Background
• Desert Recreation District Representatives
• Department Establishment and Infrastructure
• Moving Forward
• Foundation for Long-Term Growth
• Planned Programming
• Community Engagement
• Resident Benefits
• Program Responsibilities
• Rapid Response and Park Improvements
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.
B. Presentation on the Axon Body 4 Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Recommendation: This item is presented for information and discussion.
Jon Enos, Commander, provided a presentation on the Axon Body 4 Body- Worn Camera (BWC) and platform.
• Body Worn Camera and Background
• Transition to AXON
• AXON Body 4 features
• Current Body Worn Camera Retention
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
This was a presentation only, there was no formal action taken.
C. 2025 Firework Enforcement and Response Activity Update Recommendation: Information and discussion only.
Rick Sanchez, Deputy Police Chief, provided an update on the 2025 Fireworks Enforcement and Response Activity. The following points were presented:
• Fourth of July Weekend overview
• Community Education
• July 3-5, 2025 Deployment
• Fourth of July Fire Call Volume Analysis (2023-2025)
• 2025 Calls-for-Service
• 2024-2025 Comparison
• Single-Day Fire Department Call Volume Comparison
• June Comparison
• 2025 Fireworks Confiscated
• Total Arrests and Citations July 3-5, 2025
• Future Improvements
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. Strategic Plan Update
Recommendation: This report is for information, discussion and direction only.
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, provided an update on the Strategic Plan. The following points were presented:
• Goals and Objectives
• Measure W Implementation
• Neighborhood Street Improvements
• Desert Recreation District (DRD) Annexation
• Improved Emergency Medical Response
• Community Recreation Center Development
• Goals A-F
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. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b)
One (1) position:
Title: Acting / Interim City Manager
Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
B. CONFERRENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6
Labor Negotiator: City Manager Charles McClendon
Employee Organizations: Management Unrepresented Employees Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
C. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)
Items: One (1) Cathedral City v. Fantasy Balloon Flights Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
D. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2)
One (1) Matter
Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
City Attorney announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the items listed on the agenda.
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 4:40 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 5:27 p.m.
The City Attorney announced that the City Council met in Closed Session and reported on the following:
• Item 3A. No reportable action was taken.
• Item 3B. No reportable action was taken.
• Item 3C. Will be heard during the Closed Session portion of the • Item 3D. Direction was provided, and there was no reportable action taken.
RECESS
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 Gregory led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Gutierrez offered the Invocation.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Nancy Ross, Mayor
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
Council Absent:
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
M.O. 2025-127
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to excuse the absence of Councilmember Rita Lamb.
RESULT: PASS [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT: Lamb
ABSTAIN:
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION
A. August 2025 Month to Celebrate the 100*h Anniversary of the First Recorded Map in the City
Recommendation: This is a Special Presentation only, there is no Staff Recommendation.
Cynthia Schultz, Associate Planner, provided a presentation and proclamation to commemorate the first recorded map in the City.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bob McKechnie invited the City Council to the International Peace Day event.
3. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported on the following:
• His meeting with City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose • The cannabis odor mitigation results
• The Homeless Liaison Officers' great work
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• The various Southern California Edison programs available • His attendance at the Kids Free Summer movies series at Mary Pickford Theater • His participation in interviews for a new Battalion Chief • The Police Department's Back to School Backpack Giveaway event • The calls he received from residents
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory reported on the following:
• His attendance at the My Desert Dogs open house
• His attendance at the Dinner with Patsi fundraiser
• His recent travels
• His participation in a 2x2 meeting with staff and representatives from College of the Desert
• His attendance at the Riverside Transportation Commission meeting • Reminded everyone to be cautious of kids now that school is back in session • The next City Council meeting
Mayor Nancy Ross reported on the following:
• Her attendance at Supervisor Perez' birthday
• Her attendance at the annual installation dinner
• Her attendance at the Riverside County Animal Services update meeting • Her attendance at the Medic 22 Rollback and Badge Pinning Ceremony • Her attendance at the Visit Greater Palm Springs Board meeting • Her attendance at the CVAG General Assembly meeting
• Her participation in a video shoot for Ethylina Canne Day • Her attendance at the Dinner with Patsi fundraiser
• Her attendance at the My Desert Dogs open house
• Her attendance at friends 100" Birthday Celebration
• Her participation in an interview with WelbeHealth
• Her attendance at the SunLine Agency meeting
• Her attendance at the Animal Campus meeting
• Her participation in a 2x2 meeting with staff and representatives from College of the Desert
• Her participation as a speaker at the Transgender Alliance event and Courageous Resistance Group event
• Her attendance at the Do the Right Thing event
• Her attendance at the CVAG Energy and Environment Resources Committee meeting
• Her attendance at the Boys and Girls Club's Art Exhibit • Her trip to Idyllwild
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2025-128
B. Approval of the July 9, 2025 Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the July 9, 2025 Study Session and Regular City Council Minutes.
M.O. 2025-129
C. Check Demand Register July 2025
Recommendation: Receive and File.
M.O. 2025-130
D. Ratify Memorandum of Understanding Between the City and the Cathedral City Police Management Association (CCPMA)
Recommendation: To ratify the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Cathedral City ("City") and the Cathedral City Police Management Association ("CCPMA") for the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
M.O. 2025-131
E. 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.
M.O. 2025-132
F. 2025-2026 California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program Recommendation: To accept the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant in the amount of $124,561.63 and authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreement.
M.O. 2025-133
G. Notice of Completion for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Rubberized Emulsion Aggregate Slurry (REAS) Projects
Recommendation: To accept and approve the following Rubberized Emulsion Aggregate Slurry (REAS) projects: East Palm Canyon Drive (C08695), Assessment District (AD) 86-5 neighborhood streets (C08696), Vista Chino Drive (C08697) and Date Palm Drive (C08698), as final; and, authorize the City Manager to execute and file a notice of completion with the Riverside County Recorder's Office (County); and, authorize the release of retention funds to Petrochem Materials Innovation, LLC (PMI) upon expiration of the notice of completion (NOC).
M.O. 2025-134
H. Purchase of one (1) 2025 Ford F-150 Police Responder from Utilitac Equipment & Upfitting for the Homeless Liaison Unit
Recommendation: To authorize the purchase of one (1) 2025 Ford F-150 Police Responder for use by the Homeless Liaison Officer in the amount of $85,915.37, inclusive of vehicle cost, decals, taxes, and upfitting.
M.O. 2025-135
Resolution Adopting an Updated City-Wide Salary Schedule Recommendation: To adopt a resolution approving a city-wide publicly available pay schedule in compliance with California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Sections 570.5, 571, 571.1, and to acknowledge the charter-mandated salary adjustment for elected officials. This resolution will supersede all previous resolutions regarding job classifications and compensation levels to the extent they conflict with this new recommendation.
Reso 2025-21
Approval of Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA) Expenditure Plan for Fiscal Years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 for Axon Body-Worn Cameras and Software.
Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council approve the expenditure plan appropriating Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA) funds for Fiscal Years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 for the acquisition and implementation of Axon body-worn cameras and associated software.
M.O. 2025-136
K. Resolution Authorizing the Official Designees for the Listos California CERT Support Grant (LC) Program.
Recommendation: To approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager and the Financial Services Director to act as the official designees for the Listos California CERT Support Grant (LC) Program and to execute and provide all forms, agreements, and other assurances as required.
Reso 2025-22
L. Purchase of One (1) Ford Maverick for the Building and Safety Division to Accommodate Newly Hired Building Inspector
Recommendation: To authorize the purchase of one (1) Ford Maverick for the Building and Safety Department, at a total cost of $32,926.71; and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all required documents for purchase.
M.O. 2025-137
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Ross to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS 14 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Mayor
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT: Lamb
ABSTAIN:
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no Public Hearings.
6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Consider Making an Appointment to the Finance Advisory Committee Recommendation: To consider making an appointment to the Finance Advisory Committee to fill an unexpired seat with a term continuing through June 30, 2026, based on the interviews conducted during the Study Session portion of the meeting held June 25, 2025.
M.O. 2025-138
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Ross to appoint David Leach to the Finance Advisory Committee to fill an unexpired seat with a term continuing through June 30, 2026, based on the interviews conducted during the Study Session portion of the meeting held June 25, 2025.
RESULT: PASS [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Mayor
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT: Lamb
ABSTAIN:
B. Administrative Attendance Policy for City Council Commissions and Committees
Recommendation: To review and adopt the administrative attendance policy for City Council Commissions and Committees.
The following comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera, provide feedback related to the proposed policy.
M.O. 2025-139
by monor member Gutierrez to adopt he administrative attendance policy for City Council Commissions and Committees.
RESULT: PASS [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT: Lamb
ABSTAIN:
C. Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering, Inc. for the Sarah Street Area Assessment District Formation Phase 2A.
Recommendation: To approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering, Inc. to extend the term of the agreement for the Sarah Street Assessment District Formation Project - Phase 2A; authorize a budget adjustment in the amount of $15, 131.74 to continue project funding; and authorize the City Manager to execute this Amendment No. 1.
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory recused himself from the discussion of this item.
M.O. 2025-140
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Engineering, Inc. to extend the term of the agreement for the Sarah Street Assessment District Formation Project - Phase 2A; authorize a budget adjustment in the amount of $15, 131.74 to continue project funding; and authorize the City Manager to execute this Amendment No. 1.
RESULT: PASS [3 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gutierrez, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT: Lamb
ABSTAIN:
RECUSED: Gregory
D. Award of a Professional Services Agreement to HR Green Pacific, Inc. for the Design of the Tropical Storm Hilary: Date Palm Drive Pavement Reconstruction Project City Project No. C08684.
Recommendation: To approve a Professional Services Agreement with HR Green Pacific, Inc. to prepare the plans, specifications, estimate, right of way and environmental documents for the Tropical Storm Hilary: Date Palm Drive Pavement Reconstruction project, city project No. C08684, in the not to exceed amount of $345,303.34; authorize a 10% design contingency in the amount of $34,696.66 for unforeseen design related expenses, thereby bringing the total project cost to $380,000; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
M.O. 2025-141
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve a Professional Services Agreement with HR Green Pacific, Inc. to prepare the plans, specifications, estimate, right of way and environmental documents for the Tropical Storm Hilary: Date Palm Drive Pavement Reconstruction project, city project No. C08684, in the not to exceed amount of $345,303.34; authorize a 10% design contingency in the amount of $34,696.66 for unforeseen design related expenses, thereby bringing the total project cost to $380,000; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
RESULT: PASS [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT: Lamb
ABSTAIN:
E. Construction Contract Award to Granite Construction Company for the Whispering Palms Trail Class III Bike Route Project (C08672).
Recommendation: To award a construction contract to Granite Construction Company in the amount of $672,000.00 for the SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities program for Whispering Palms Trail Class III Bike Route project (C08672); approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $134,400.00 for unforeseeable construction costs, thereby bringing the total project budget to the amount of $806,400.00; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project, and issue the notice to proceed.
M.O. 2025-142
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to award a construction contract to Granite Construction Company in the amount of $672,000.00 for the SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities program for Whispering Palms Trail Class III Bike Route project (C08672); approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $134,400.00 for unforeseeable construction costs, thereby bringing the total project budget to the amount of $806,400.00; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project, and issue the notice to proceed.
RESULT: PASS [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale
NOES:
ABSENT: Lamb
ABSTAIN:
F. Balloon Festival Saturday Headliner Options
Recommendation: To approve one of four proposed Saturday headliner options for the 11th Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival, authorize staff to negotiate a shared revenue agreement with SoundSkilz, Inc. for cost recovery where applicable, and authorize the Communications & Events Manager to pursue major sponsorship opportunities to offset production costs.
The following comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera provided comments related to the proposed budget adjustment for the International Hot Air Balloon Festival.
M.O. 2025-143
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve Tier 2: Mid-Level ($80K) for the 11th Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival, authorize staff to negotiate a shared revenue agreement with SoundSkilz, Inc. for cost recovery where applicable, and authorize the Communications & Events Manager to pursue major sponsorship opportunities to offset production costs.
RESULT: PASS [3 TO 1]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gutierrez, Carnevale
NOES: Gregory
ABSENT: Lamb
ABSTAIN:
7. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
8. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed into Closed session at 7:29 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:56 p.m.
City Attorney announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss item 3C.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d) - One item - Cathedral City v. Fantasy Balloon Flights which was listed under the Study Session portion of the agenda, and there was no reportable action taken by the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:56 p.m.
City Clefk, City of Cathedral City