CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, September 10, 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
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that staff would like to add an item of subsequent need under Government Code 54954.2 to Closed Session related to the following:
• Conference with Legal Counsel regarding one matter of existing litigation, Cathedral City vs. Fantasy Balloon Flights case no. 5:25-cv-01490-SSS-DTB A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to add the following item under Closed Session:
Conference with Legal Counsel regarding one matter of existing litigation, Cathedral City vs. Fantasy Balloon Flights case no. 5:25-CV-01490-SSS-DTB.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Robert McCormick, expressed his concern related to crimes committed against him.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. FIND Food Bank - Presentation - Debbie Espinosa, President and CEO Recommendation: This is a presentation only, no formal action will be taken.
Month Campaign and the state of hunger in Cathedral City.
This was a presentation only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Palm Tree Maintenance
Recommendation: There is no specific recommendation, this staff report and presentation are intended to support a discussion on palm tree maintenance. City Council may elect to provide feedback and direction to staff.
Andrew Firestine, Director of Community and Economic Development, provided a presentation on the current Municipal Code related to tree maintenance and staff's suggestions related to the maintenance of palm trees. The following points were presented:
• Background
• Maintenance
• Review of Other Cities' Regulations and Policies
• Assessment
• Staff's Recommendation
Sunshine Herrera, Cathedral City, expressed concern related to the culture references in the staff report and provided suggestions.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council not to do a code amendment to include the requirement of annual palm tree maintenance at this time.
This item was a presentation for discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
C. Fall 2025 Special Events Season Preview
Recommendation: This is for presentation purposes only. No formal action is required.
Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager, provided a preview of fall events. The following points were presented:
• Coachella Valley's Battle in the Desert
• Howl-O-Ween 2025
• Halloween Spooktacular
• Fall Tastes & Sounds Series
• Palm Springs Pride Parade
• Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival • SnowFest 2025
• Palm Springs International Film Festival
This was a presentation only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Real Property Negotiations Pursuant to Government Code 54956.8
Property Location: 68010 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234 A.P.N. 678-210-041
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
Negotiating Parties: City of Cathedral City and Marwan Jizrawi Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the item listed on the agenda and the Conference with Legal Counsel regarding one matter of existing litigation, Cathedral City vs. Fantasy Balloon Flights case no. 5:25-CV-01490-SSS-DTB.
Th sCy. ouncil recessed into Closed Session at p. p.m. and wil reconvene City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed session to discuss the item listed on the agenda ana a held a Conference with Legal Counsel regarding one matter of existing litigation, Cathedral City vs. Fantasy Balloon Fliahts case no. 5:25-CV-01490-SSS-DTB. He reported that direction was given and there was no reportable action taken on either item.
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
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond 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
There were no changes to the agenda.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
A. Special Recognition - Charles P. McClendon, City Manager Recommendation: This is a presentation, there is no action required.
Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager, presented a tribute video from staff to City Manager Charles McClendon.
The City Council presented City Manager McClendon with a ceremonial Key to the City in recognition of his exemplary leadership and in honor of his upcoming retirement.
The Cathedral City Senior Center recognized City Manager McClendon for his leadership and upcoming retirement.
Richard Altman recognized City Manager McClendon for his leadership and upcoming retirement.
Alan Carvalho provided comments related to City Manager Charles McClendon's leadership.
Shelly Kaplan provided comments related to City Manager Charles McClendon's leadership.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Danny Lee, Cathedral City, provided comments related to the signage installed off of Landau Boulevard and questioned their purpose.
3. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Mark Carnevale discussed City Manager McClendon's leadership and thanked him.
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez discussed City Manager McClendon's leadership and thanked him.
Councilmember Rita Lamb discussed City Manager McClendon's leadership and thanked him.
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory discussed City Manager McClendon's leadership and thanked him.
Mayor Nancy Ross discussed City Manager McClendon's leadership and thanked him.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2025-144
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File.
M.O. 2025-145
C. Approve the August 13, 2025, Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the August 13, 2025, Study Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.
M.O. 2025-146
D. Check Demand - August
Recommendation: Receive and File.
M.O. 2025-147
E. Employment Agreement for Interim City Manager
Recommendation: Approve employment agreement with Anne Ambrose for the position as Interim City Manager.
The following comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera, expressed her support.
M.O. 2025-148
F. Resolution Designating Holidays Cathedral City Public Offices Shall be Closed for Calendar Year 2026
Recommendation: To adopt a resolution designating holidays on which the City shall be closed to the public for calendar year 2026.
Reso 2025-23
G. Designation of a Voting Delegate and Alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Business Meeting on October 10, 2025.
Recommendation: To adopt a resolution designating Mayor Nancy Ross as the Voting Delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory as the Alternate Voting Delegate to represent Cathedral City at the League of California Cities Annual Business Meeting, which will be held on October 10, 2025.
The following comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera expressed her support.
Reso 2025-24
H. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager and the Financial Services Director as the Official Designees for the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EPMG) and State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP).
Recommendation: To approve the resolution authorizing the City Manager and the Financial Services Director to act as the official designees for the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EPMG) and State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) for program years Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, FY 2025, and FY 2026 and to execute and provide all forms, agreements, and other assurances as required.
Reso 2025-25
1. FY 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) Recommendation: To approve the city's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
M.O. 2025-149
J. Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Z&K Consultants, Inc. for the Highway Safety Improvement Program Cycle 9A Project: Traffic Signal Improvements at Twelve Intersection (CIP No.
C08752)
Recommendation: To approve Amendment No. 2 to the professional services agreement (agreement) with Z&K Consultants, Inc. (Z&K), for construction engineering services for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 9A Project: Traffic Signal Improvements at Twelve Intersections (CIP No. C08752), extending the term of the agreement by an additional twelve (12) months to complete the construction and closeout phases for the project; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
M.O. 2025-150
K. Amendment No. 1 to Professional Design Services Agreement with Verde Design, Inc. Inc. for the Esperanza Park Project (CIP No. C07021).
Recommendation: To approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Professional Design Services with Verde Design, Inc. to complete the record drawings for the Esperanza Park (formerly known as the Dream Homes Park) project (CIP No. C07021), extending the agreement term an additional six (6) months, and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
M.O. 2025-151
L. Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Kimley- Horn and Associates, Inc. for Design of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11A Project: 18 Unsignalized Intersection Upgrades (CIP No. C08754).
Recommendation: To approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for the design of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11A Project: 18 Unsignalized Intersection Upgrades (CIP No. C08754), 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. 2025-152
M. Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreements with STC Traffic, Inc. for Design of the Highway Safety Improvement Program Cycle 11B, 11C, and 11D Projects (CIP No. C08755, C08756, and C08757) Recommendation: To approve Amendment No. 1 to three (3) Professional Services Agreements with STC Traffic, Inc. (STC) for the design of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11B, 11C, and 11D Projects (CIP No. C08755, C08756, and C08757, respectively), extending the term of each agreement by an additional twelve (12) months to allow for bidding assistance and construction support; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the amendments.
M.O. 2025-153
N. Service Agreement for REAS Improvements for the Cathedral Cove Center (PUD No. 21-001)
Recommendation: To approve a service agreement for the completion of off- site Rubberized Emulsion Aggregate Slurry (REAS) improvements with Cathedral Cove 1.0 LLC (Developer), for Planned Unit Development (PUD) No. 21-001 (Cathedral Cove Center); and authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the service agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
M.O. 2025-154
O. Service Agreement for REAS Improvements for the Grove Street Apartments (DR No. 23-001)
Recommendation: To approve a service agreement for the completion of off- site Rubberized Emulsion Aggregate Slurry (REAS) improvements with Silver Rock Development, Inc. (Developer), for Design Review (DR) No. 23-001 (Grove Street Apartments); and, authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the service agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
M.O. 2025-155
P. Purchase of One (1) 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Electric Vehicle from Ken Grody Ford Redlands, for $45,829.74
Recommendation: To authorize the purchase of one (1) 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle from Ken Grody Ford Redlands for use by the Citizens on Patrol (COP) Program in the amount of $45,829.74, inclusive of vehicle purchase, uptitting, decals, and sales tax.
M.O. 2025-156
Q. Purchase of Four (4) 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) for $396,402.12
Recommendation: To authorize the purchase of four (4) 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) in the total amount of $396,402.12, inclusive of vehicle cost, upfitting, decals, in-car video systems and mobile computer.
M.O. 2025-157
R. Purchase of a 2026 Chevy Blazer PPV EV from Jessup Motors for the Police School Resource Officer
Recommendation: To approve the purchase of one (1) 2026 Chevy Blazer PPV EV from Jessup Motors and associated costs for unfitting for the Police Department, School Resource Officer, in the total amount of $82,376.67.
M.O. 2025-158
S. Resolution Accepting the California Highway Patrol California Traffic Safety Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) Award of $124.561.63
Recommendation: To adopt a resolution accepting the California Highway Patrol California Traffic Safety Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) award in the amount of $124,561.63,
Reso 2025-26
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Interview Applicant for the Mobile Home Fair Practices Commission and Consider Making an Appointment to fill a Vacant Seat.
Recommendation: Interview the applicant, Mr. Erik Castillo, and consider making an appointment to fill the vacant seat on the Mobile Home Fair Practices Commission.
M.O. 2025-159
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to appoint Erik Castillo to fill the vacant seat on the Mobile Home Fair Practices Commission.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
B. Updated Cathedral City Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Recommendation: To adopt the updated Cathedral City Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
M.O. 2025-160
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to adopt the updated Cathedral City Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
C. Council Chambers and Study Session Conference Room Audio/Visual System Upgrades
Recommendation: To award a contract to Western Audio Visual & Security in the amount of $281,757.05 for the Council Chambers and Study Session Conference Room Audio/Visual System Upgrade project, approve a 10% contingency of $28, 175 to address potential unforeseen conditions during the project, and authorize the expenditure of $20,000 for the construction of a projector wall remodel to be completed by the city's Facilities division, for a total project cost of $329,932.05, and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
M.O. 2025-161
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to award a contract to Western Audio Visual & Security in the amount of $281,757.05 for the Council Chambers and Study Session Conference Room Audio/Visual System Upgrade project, approve a 10% contingency of $28, 175 to address potential unforeseen conditions during the project, and authorize the expenditure of $20,000 for the construction of a projector wall remodel to be completed by the city's Facilities division, for a total project cost of $329,932.05, and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
D. Riverside County Transportation Commission Agreement for SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program Funding: Avenida Maravilla Class III Bike Routes Project.
Recommendation: To approve an agreement with the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) for funding under Senate Bill 821 (SB 821) Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program, for the design and construction of the Avenida Maravilla Class III Bike Routes project; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
M.O. 2025-162
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Pro Gregory to approve an agreement with the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) for funding under Senate Bill 821 (SB 821) Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program, for the design and construction of the Avenida Maravilla Class III Bike Routes project; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
E. Construction Contract Award to Union Pavement Services, Inc. and Procurement of K71 bollards for the SB 821 - Perez Road Class IV Separated Bikeway Project (C08673)
Recommendation:
To authorize a total construction budget of $379,250.68, comprised of:
• Award a construction contract to Union Pavement Services, Inc. in the amount of $249,590 for the SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities program (SB 821) for Perez Road Class IV Separated Bikeway project (C08673) and authorize a twenty-five percent (25%) contingency in the amount of $62,410.00 for unforeseeable construction costs. • Authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents.
• Authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project and issue the notice to proceed.
• Authorize the City Engineer to execute a purchase order and all necessary documents, in the amount of $67,250.68, for the procurement of three hundred thirty (330) K71 bollards to be used as the physical separation for the Perez Road Class IV Separated Bikeway project.
M.O. 2025-163
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to authorize a total construction budget of $379,250.68, comprised of:
• Award a construction contract to Union Pavement Services, Inc. in the amount of $249,590 for the SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities program (SB 821) for Perez Road Class /V Separated Bikeway project (C08673) and authorize a twenty-five percent (25%) contingency in the amount of $62,410.00 for unforeseeable construction costs. • Authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents.
• Authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project and issue the notice to proceed.
• Authorize the City Engineer to execute a purchase order and all necessary documents, in the amount of $67,250.68, for the procurement of three hundred thirty (330) K71 bollards to be used as the physical separation for the Perez Road Class IV Separated Bikeway project.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
7. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
8. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedrai City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City