CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Monday, October 06, 2025
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
Council Absent:
Nancy Ross, Mayor
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to excuse the absence of Mayor Nancy Ross.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
ABSENT: Ross
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. CLOSED SESSION
A. Public Employee Appointment Pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b)
One (1) position: Title: City Manager
Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation. •
Stephanie Gutierrez, City Attorney, announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss item 3.A. on the agenda.
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 4:49 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 5:21 p.m.
Stephanie Gutierrez, City Attorney, announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss item 3.A and there was no reportable action taken.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no members of the public that wished to speak.
3. STUDY SESSION
A. Cathedral City Community Center Feasibility Study Update by Group 4 Architecture Research
Recommendation: There is no staff recommendation as this presentation is only meant to provide a project update.
Don Merkes, Group 4 Architecture Research, provided an update on the Cathedral City Community Center Feasibility Study. The following points were presented:
• Work plan and Schedule
• Needs Assessment
• National Standards
• Comparable Communities
• Community Input to Date
• Site Assessments
• Community Analysis
• Site Analysis
• Cost Models
• Cost Analysis
• Evaluation Criteria
• Draft Site Analysis/Discussion
• Next Steps
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
The City Council directed staff to analyze Dennis Keat Soccer Park and land owned by Northgate Community Church as potential sites for a community center.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Capital Improvement Program and Pavement Management Program Update
Recommendation: City staff will present an update on the 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the Pavement Management Program (PMP) since its implementation in June 2023.
Armando Baldizzone, City Engineer, provided an update on the Capital Improvement Program and Pavement Management Program. The following points were presented:
• Background
• Pavement Management Program (PMP)
• Pavement Condition Index (PCI) Scoring
• Funding Scenarios and Projects PCI Outcomes
• Completed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Projects
• Completed Projects 2015-2025
• PMP Update as of September 2025
• PMP Update
• 5-Year Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
o Programmed Investments
• Upcoming Roadway Projects
• Conclusion
This City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
This was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
C. Wayfinding Signage Update
Recommendation: This is an informational item for presentation purposes only.
Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager, provided an update on the Wayfinding Signage. The following points were presented:
• Strategic Plan Goal
• Why Update Now?
• New Design Features
• Watermark Elements
• Sign Specifications
• More Design Concepts
• What's New on the Signs
• Phase One (Downtown) Timeline
The City Council provided feedback and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
This was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
RECESS
The City Council recessed at 5:21 p.m. and will reconvene for the Regular Meeting at 5:30 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory 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 Ernesto Gutierrez offered the Invocation.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro 1em
Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
Council Absent:
Nancy Ross, Mayor
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to excuse the absence of Mayor Nancy Ross.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
ABSENT: Ross
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION
A. Presentation of Proclamation - Planning Month, October 2025 Recommendation: This is a presentation only.
Erick Becerril, Economic Development Manager, presented a proclamation for Planning Month and recognized staff.
B. Recognition - IGNITE Cohort
Recommendation: This is a presentation only.
Victor Gomez, Analyst II, provided an overview of the IGNITE program, which is a four-week program. He recognized the first Cohort and recognized Janet David, who completed the program.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no members of the public that wished to speak.
3. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported on the following:
• His attendance at the ribbon cutting for Starbucks
• The upcoming ribbon cutting at Super Cuts
• The upcoming Walk to School Day event
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
• Her attendance at the ribbon cutting for Koffi
• Her attendance at the ribbon cutting for Starbucks
• Her attendance at a Cove Community event
• Her attendance at the first and fourth sessions of the IGNITE program • Her attendance at the upcoming League of California Cities Annual Conference • Her participation in the Induction Ceremony for the Filipino American Association of the Coachella Valley
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• His attendance at the ribbon cutting for Koffi
• His attendance at the ribbon cutting for Starbucks
• His meeting with Fountainhead Development related to the Cove Center • His meeting with a local business owner to discuss an upcoming project • The upcoming Walk to School Day
• His update meeting with Interim City Manager Ambrose
• The upcoming ribbon cutting for Super Cuts
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• His attendance at the ribbon cutting for Koffi
• His attendance at the ribbon cutting for Starbucks
• His attendance at the upcoming League of California Cities Annual Conference • The passing of Dana Hobart Rancho Mirage Councilmember
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda.
M.O. 2025-171
B. Approve the September 24, 2025, Study Session and Regular City Council Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the September 24, 2025, Study Session and Regular City Council Minutes.
M.O. 2025-172
C. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2025-173
D. Riverside County Animal Control Field and Shelter Service Contract Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council approve a three-year contract with Riverside County Department of Animal Services for field and shelter service on a part-time basis and approve a budget adjustment in the amount of $72,540.00 in FY 2025-2026 and $147,211.00 in FY 2026-2027.
Staff also recommends City Council authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the contract between the City of Cathedral City and Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
M.O. 2025-174
E. Accept the Resignation of Charlotte Hunter-Copper, PhD., from the Historic Preservation Committee
Recommendation: To accept the resignation of Charlotte Hunter-Copper, PhD., from the Historic Preservation Committee, effective immediately, and direct staff to move forward with filling the vacant seat.
M.O. 2025-175
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
ABSENT: Ross
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
Construction Contract Award to Vance Corporation for the Panorama Neighborhood Streets, Corta Road, and Alcita Road Pavement Rehabilitation Projects (C02605 & C02606)
Recommendation: To award a construction contract to Vance Corporation in the amount of $919,715.40 for the Panorama Neighborhood Streets Pavement Rehabilitation Project (C02605), and Corta Road and Alcita Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project (C02606); and, approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $183,943.08 for unforeseeable construction costs, thereby bringing the total project budget to the amount of $1,103,658.48; 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. 2025-176
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gutierrez to approve a construction contract to Vance Corporation in the amount of $919,715.40 for the Panorama Neighborhood Streets Pavement Rehabilitation Project (C02605), and Corta Road and Alcita Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project (C02606); and, approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $183,943.08 for unforeseeable construction costs, thereby bringing the total project budget to the amount of $1,103,658.48; 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
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
ABSENT: Ross
B. Authorize a Task Order to NAI Consulting, Inc. for the Design of the Landau Boulevard Public Alley Reconstruction Project (C02607) Recommendation: Authorize a task order to NAI Consulting, Inc. (NAI), to provide design engineering services for the Landau Boulevard Public Alley Reconstruction Project (C02607), as part of the city's on-call engineering support services contract in the amount not to exceed $76,708; and approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency for unforeseen design-related issues in the amount $15,342; thereby bringing the total design phase encumbrance for this project to $92,050; and authorize the City Engineer to execute the task order.
M.O. 2025-177
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Carnevale to authorize a task order to NAI Consulting, Inc. (NAl), to provide design engineering services for the Landau Boulevard Public Alley Reconstruction Project (C02607), as part of the city's on-call engineering support services contract in the amount not to exceed $76, 708; and approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency for unforeseen design-related issues in the amount $15,342; thereby bringing the total design phase encumbrance for this project to $92,050; and authorize the City Engineer to execute the task order.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
ABSENT: Ross
C. Award Contracts for HSIP Cycle 11C: Citywide Traffic Signal Hardware Upgrades (C08756)
Recommendation:
To:
• Award a construction contract to Econolite Systems, Inc., in the amount of $564,709.40 for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11C - Citywide Traffic Signal Hardware Upgrades Project (C08756); and,
• Award a professional services agreement to RT Engineering & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $134,229.04 for professional construction engineering support services for this project; and, • Approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $139,861.56 for unforeseeable construction costs and project changes; thereby bringing the total construction budget for this project to $838,800.00; and
• Authorize the City Manager to execute both contract documents, and, • Authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project and issue the Notice to Proceed.
M.O. 2025-178
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Carnevale to:
• Award a construction contract to Econolite Systems, Inc., in the amount of $564, 709.40 for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11C - Citywide Traffic Signal Hardware Upgrades Project (C08756); and,
• Award a professional services agreement to RT Engineering & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $134,229.04 for professional construction engineering support services for this project; and, • Approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $139,861.56 for unforeseeable construction costs and project changes; thereby bringing the total construction budget for this project to $838,800.00; and
• Authorize the City Manager to execute both contract documents, and, • Authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project and issue the Notice to Proceed.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
ABSENT: Ross
D. Balloon Festival Production and Revenue Sharing Agreement and Concert Headliner
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the Concert Production and Revenue Sharing Agreement with SoundSkilz Entertainment, establishing the two-phase revenue sharing structure (Producer cost recovery, then 75% City / 25% SoundSkilz on remaining revenue), production responsibilities, and other terms as detailed in this report
2. Approve Robin Thicke as the headline entertainment for the 11th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival on Friday, November 21, 2025
Note: Council previously approved the $80,000 allocation from the General Fund for festival headline entertainment. The City is also receiving $12,500 from Visit Greater Palm Springs toward artist fees and production support. This recommendation seeks approval of the specific artist and the revenue sharing agreement structure. Upon Council approval, staff will proceed with public announcement and ticket sales launch on October 7, 2025.
Antonio Baciu expressed his excitement for the proposed headliner and event.
M.O. 2025-179
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to:
1. Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the Concert Production and Revenue Sharing Agreement with SoundSkilz Entertainment, establishing the two-phase revenue sharing structure (Producer cost recovery, then 75% City / 25% SoundSkilz on remaining revenue), production responsibilities, and other terms as detailed in this report
2. Approve Robin Thicke as the headline entertainment for the 11th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival on Friday, November 21, 2025
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
NOES: Gregory
ABSENT: Ross
DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
8. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Gregory adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m. in the name of Dana Hobart.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City