CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, October 22, 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
Robert McCorrmick, expressed his concern with the possibility of being evicted from his home.
The following written comment was received for the record:
Javier Enriquez, South Coast Air Quality Management District, provided comments related to the Coachella Valley Dust Summit and the Invest Clean Funding programs.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. College of the Desert Update
Recommendation: This is a presentation only, no formal action will be taken.
Scott Adkins, Director of Educational Centers for College of the Desert, provided an update on the Road Runner Motors project. He introduced Dr. Chip West, Vice President of Administrative Services, and Jessica Enders, Interim The following written comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera expressed her concern related to the Downtown Dog Park project.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Staff was directed to research and provide additional information regarding designated parkland and its relation to the grant funding restrictions. This item was presented for information only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
1. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation/Threat of Litigation, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2).
Number of Potential Cases: One
Recommendation: There is no Staff Recommendation for this item.
The City Attorney announced that City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss item 3.A.
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 4:22 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 5:30 p.m.
RECESS
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
The City Attorney announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss item
3.A., and there was no reportable action taken by the City Council.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nancy Ross called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Mark Carnevale led the Pledge of Allegiance.
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - Sung by the Coachella Acappella
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Rita Lamb offered the Invocation.
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.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported on the following:
• His attendance at the Super Cuts Ribbon Cutting
• His participation at the James Workman walk to school event • His meetings with Interim City Manager Ambrose
• The housing need for a homeless individual and family • His communication with a business owner having issues • The upcoming Howl-O-Ween and Spooktacular events
• The upcoming Boys and Girls Club's Garden Ribbon Cutting • The postponement of the Sun Community Ribbon Cutting
• His attendance at the upcoming Desert Fadez Ribbon Cutting • His attendance at the upcoming CV Link Grand Opening
• Day Light Savings
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
• Her attendance at the League of California Cities Annual Conference • The Cathedral City High School Band's Desert Sun article • Her attendance at the Fire Department's Pancake Breakfast • The new billboard in the City related to the Peace Initiative • Her attendance at the Fire Department's CPR and Stop the Bleed event • The Road Runners Motors project
• Her attendance at the 3'° workshop for the Economic Development Department's Ignite program
• She gave the Dodgers a shout out
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• His participation at the James Workman walk to school event • His attendance at the Battle of the Desert event
• The upcoming shredding event
• The upcoming event season for the City
• The upcoming Tastes and Sounds series
• The upcoming CV Link Grand Opening
• The upcoming Desert Fadez Ribbon Cutting
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• His attendance at the League of California Cities Annual Conference • His attendance at the Fire Department's Pancake Breakfast • His attendance at the Center Stage Gala
• His participation in a demonstration outside of City Hall • His attendance at the Palm Springs Hot Rodeo event
• His attendance at the reception for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association
• His discussions with residents and staff
• His participation as a volunteer at local charity events • The upcoming Howl-O-Ween and Spooktacular events
• The next City Council meeting scheduled for November 12, 2025 Mayor Nancy Ross reported on the following:
• Her attendance at the League of California Cities Annual Conference • Her attendance at multiple Coachella Valley Association of Governments meetings
• Her meeting with the coordinator for Fields of Valor
• Her participation in a demonstration in Palm Springs
• Her attendance at Senator Ochoa Bogh's presentation at the Senior Center • Her attendance at the SunLine Transit Agency Meeting
• Her upcoming trip to Portland Oregon
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2025-180
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2025-181
C. Approve the October 6, 2025, Special City Council Minutes Recommendation: Approve the October 6, 2025, Special City Council Minutes.
M.O. 2025-182
D. Check Demand - September 2025
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2025-183
E. Adopt a Resolution Establishing Campaign Contribution Limits for 2025 Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Establishing Campaign Contribution Limits for 2025.
The following written comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera expressed her opposition.
Reso 2025-28
F. Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapters 3.48, 5.88, 9.108, and 13.240 and Section 9.30.030 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to Update the Cannabis Tax, Cannabis Licensing and Zoning Regulations, and Enforcement Provisions
Recommendation: To provide second reading, by title only and adopt an ordinance amending Chapters 3.48, 5.88, 9.108, and 13.240 and Section
9.30.030 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to substantially update the cannabis tax, cannabis licensing and zoning regulations, and enforcement provisions.
Maryellen Muir expressed her concern related to statements made by staff and David Bernard in a past meeting.
Larry Reed expressed his concern with cannabis smell and urged the City to close the C4 facility.
Roger Laltoo discussed the C4 Facility.
Scott Ruscyzk, on behalf of the Coachella Valley Cannabis Alliance Network, discussed the proposed ordinance and requested modifications.
David Bernard discussed the C4 Facility and the reduction in cannabis odor.
Jose Macz discussed the C4 Facility and its workforce.
Caleb Hayhoe discussed his background and the C4 Facility.
The following written comments were received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera expressed her concern related to the proposed ordinance.
Janet Ream expressed her concern with the C4 facility.
Ord 892
G. 2025-2026 Office of Traffic Safety STEP Grant
Recommendation: To accept the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant in the amount of $55,000.
M.O. 2025-184
H. ABC-OTS Local Enforcement Grant
Recommendation: It is recommended I that the City Council approve a resolution and authorize the Interim City Manager (or designee) to accept the ABC-OTS Local Enforcement Grant award and approve participation in the program for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Reso 2025-29
I. Adoption of a Resolution supporting the issuance of an ABC liquor license for Eagle Cathedral City Limited (The Eagle) based on Public Convenience and Necessity.
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution supporting the issuance of an ABC liquor license for Eagle Cathedral City Limited, proposed to be located at 67625 East Palm Canyon, based on Public Convenience and Necessity.
Reso 2025-30
Amendment to Master Schedule of User and Regulatory Fees EStablishing Fees for the Review of Cannabis Odor Control Plans and the Annual Certification of a Cannabis Odor Control Plan Recommendation: Adopt by resolution an amendment to the City's master schedule of user and regulatory fees a fee for the review of a cannabis odor control plan and the annual certification of a cannabis odor control plan.
The following written comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera expressed her opposition.
Reso 2025-31
K. Adoption of Resolution Establishing an Administrative Fine Schedule for Violations of the Cathedral City Municipal Code that Exceed the Default Fine Established in Section 13.58.020
Recommendation: Approve a resolution establishing an administrative fine schedule for violations of the Cathedral City Municipal Code that exceed the default fine set in Section 13.58.020 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code and establishing a fine greater than the default fine for a public nuisance violation of cannabis odor.
Reso 2025-32
L. Adoption of a Resolution designating the City Manager as the review authority for determinations of Public Convenience and Necessity relating to the issuance of ABC liquor licenses
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution designating the City Manager or appointed Interim City Manager as the review authority for determinations of Public Convenience and Necessity relating to the issuance of ABC liquor licenses.
The following written comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera expressed her concern related to the proposed resolution.
Reso 2025-33
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Adoption of the 2025 California Building Standards and Fire Codes Recommendation:
Staff recommend City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
Introduce for first reading the attached ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code and certain specified appendices thereof, including local amendments, and repealing and replacing section 8.50.030(a) to require verification of a public sewer connection and making findings of local climatic, geological and topographical conditions, as required; and
3. Instruct staff to file the adopted resolution and ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission following the second reading of the ordinance, but at least 30 days before the effective date of the Codes.
Jeremy Frey, Building Official, provided a presentation on the adoption of the 2025 California Building Standards and Fire Codes.
He noted the following edits that staff is recommending to be considered this evening, which will be incorporated into the Ordinance for the second reading and adoption:
Modify section 8.04.020 Amendments to paragraph 1 and 2.
Existing - Section A, paragraph 1, permit exemption for fences and walls under 3 feet. Recommendation to increase the height exemption to 42 inches.
Existing - Section A, paragraph 2, deleting exemption of retaining walls not over + Teet in height (all retaining walls require permits). Recommendation to omit this sections, and, observe CBC 105.2 (4) as is, retaining walls not greater thar 4 feet are exempt, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, Il or IIA liquids.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Mayor Nancy Ross opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments, seeing none, she closed the Public Hearing and returned the discussion to the City Council.
The Council directed staff to consider the modification of the language in the Ordinance that requires the installation of clay or concrete tile roofs for the second reading.
M.O. 2025-185
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to:
Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
Introduce the first reading of an ordinance, by title only, to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code and certain specified appendices thereof, including local amendments, and repealing and replacing section 8.50.030(a) to require verification of a public sewer connection and making findings of local climatic, geological and topographical conditions, as required; including the following modifications:
• Existing - Section A, paragraph 1, permit exemption for fences and walls under 3 feet. Recommendation to increase the height exemption to 42 inches.
• Existing - Section A, paragraph 2, deleting exemption of retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (all retaining walls require permits).
Recommendation to omit this section, and, Observe CBC 105.2 (4) as-is, retaining walls not greater than 4 feet are exempt, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, Il or IIA liquids.
3. Instruct staff to file the adopted resolution and ordinance with the California • Building Standards Commission following the second reading of the ordinance, but at least 30 days before the effective date of the Codes.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
B. Regulations for the Operation of Food Trucks within Cathedral City Recommendation: Adopt the first reading of an uncodified ordinance implementing a temporary food truck pilot program on private property. The Pilot program designates specified areas and time-limited permits for legal food truck operations on private property to evaluate the effects. The pilot program shall: Operate for 18 months unless rescinded or extended by Council, include a cap of 10 permits, and be subject to evaluations for potential incorporation into Chapter 5.82.
Justin Gardiner, Code Compliance Manager, provided a presentation on the proposed pilot program for regulations for the operation of Food Trucks within Cathedral City.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Mayor Nancy Ross opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments.
The following written comment was received for the record:
Eri Nox expressed his concern related to the proposed ordinance.
Mayor Ross closed the Public Hearing and returned the discussion to the City Council.
M.O. 2025-186
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to adopt the first reading of an uncodified ordinance, by title only, implementing a temporary food truck pilot program on private property. The Pilot program designates specified areas and time-limited permits for legal food truck operations on private property to evaluate the effects. The pilot program shall: Operate for 18 months unless rescinded or extended by Council, include a cap of 10 permits, and be subject to evaluations for potential incorporation into Chapter 5.82.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) FEMA AFG Grant FY24
Recommendation: To accept an Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of $877,703.63 and authorize $87,770.37 in local match funds.
M.O. 2025-187
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to accept an Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of $877,703.63 and authorize $87,770.37 in local match funds.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale
B. FY 2024/2025 Preliminary Financial Results
Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only.
The following written comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera expressed her concern related to the FY 2024/2025 Preliminary Financial Results.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
It was the consensus of the City Council to agendize an item to discuss the composition of the Cannabis Task Force for a future meeting. Staff was directed to provide the attendance record for the current Cannabis Task Force members.
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nancy Ross adjourned the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
City Clerk, City of Cathedral City