CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Raymond Gregory called the Study Session portion of the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Raymond Gregory, Mayor
Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Nancy Ross, Councilmember
Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following written comment was received for the record:
David Bernard provided a summary of C4’s odor monitoring and odor-control efforts.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Sarah Street Area Assessment District Formation Project - Phase 2A Results
Recommendation: This item is presented to the City Council to provide an update on the Phase 2A results of the Sarah Street Assessment District Project for discussion, information, and direction from the Council.
Mayor Raymond Gregory and Councilmember Rita Lamb recused themselves from the discussion of this item.
Andrew Lee, Assistant Engineer, provided a presentation on the Sarah Street Area Assessment District Formation Project- Phase 2A Results.
The following points were presented:
Sarah Street Assessment District - Initial Locations
Assessment District Formation Flow Chart
Sarah Street Assessment District - Background
Sarah Street Assessment District - Phase 2A
Phase 2A – Agua Caliente Trail Area
Phase 2A – Sarah Street Area
Phase 2A – Bochner Family Property
Phase 2A - Reduced Scope
Phase 2A – Willdan Engineering
Mike Medve, Wildan Engineering, provided a presentation on the Sarah Street Area Assessment District Formation- Phase 2A Preliminary Estimates.
The following points were presented:
Overview
Assessment District Budgetary Costs
Budgetary Construction Cost Estimate
Phase 2A – Completed Tasks
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
The following written comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera provided comments related to the process of Assessment Districts.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Cathedral City Auto Center SWOT Analysis
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the Cathedral City Auto Center SWOT analysis and provide direction on the areas of focus that Council would like staff to explore as part of future planning and capital improvement discussions.
Mayor Raymond Gregory and Councilmember Rita Lamb returned for the discussion of this item.
Ken Hira and Mike Lee, Kosmont, provided a presentation on the Cathedral City Auto Center SWOT Analysis.
The following points were presented:
Introduction
Executive Summary
Competition
5-Year Motor Vehicle Retail Sale Growth
SWOT
Statewide New Vehicle Sales Data
Incentive Programs
Cathedral City Incentive Programs
Marketing Strategies
Infrastructure Improvement Strategies
Direct Support Strategies
Implementation Priorities
The City Council provided feedback and asked clarifying questions related to the intent of the presentation and analysis, which were responded to by staff and the Kosmont representatives.
Public Comments:
Andy Jessup, Cathedral City Auto Center, discussed the Cathedral City Auto Center’s need for updates and collaboration with the City.
The following written comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera offered suggestions to consider before advancing on future proposals.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
C. 2025 Annual Code Compliance Review
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the 2025 Code Compliance annual review and provide any feedback or direction as appropriate regarding ongoing and future Code Compliance programs and initiatives.
Justin Gardner, Code Compliance Manager, provided a presentation on the 2025 Annual Code Compliance Review.
The following points were presented:
2025 at a Glance
Reporting Statistics
Public Reporting
Code Compliance Caseload
CityDetect on our Streets
CityDetect in the Office
Citation Statistics
Growing Cannabis Compliance
Cannabis Reporting via EnviroSuite
Sidewalk Vending in Cathedral City
Shopping Cart Roundup
Vacation Rentals
Pride and Ownership
Future Goals for Code Compliance
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Public Comments:
Janet Ream expressed concern with the EnviroSuite reporting system.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
D. Winter/Spring 2026 Special Events Preview
Recommendation: This is for presentation purposes only.
This item was heard at the end of the Regular Meeting.
Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager, provided an overview of the Winter, and Spring 2026 Special Events.
The following points were presented:
Coachella Valley’s Battle in the Desert
Howl-O-Ween 2025
Halloween Spooktacular
Palm Springs Pride Parade
Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival
Feliz Navi-Dog & SnowFest 2025
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Yoga in the Amphitheater
Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic
Cathedral City LGBT+ Days
Taste of Jalisco Festival
More 2026 Events
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
3. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d) (1) - One (1) Matter Case Name: Anthony K. Aragon and Margo E. Blessing v. City of Cathedral City
Case No: CVPS2204243
Recommendation: There is no staff recommendation.
B. 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.
The following written comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera provided comments related to the process of reporting out of Closed Session.
C. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code 54957.6
Labor Negotiator: Algeria Ford, Assistant City Attorney and Asusena Soren, Human Resources Manager
Employee Organizations: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and Cathedral City Firefighters Association (CCFA)
Recommendation: There is no staff recommendation.
Eric Vail, City Attorney, announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the items listed under Closed Session on the agenda.
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 4:56 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 5:38 p.m.
City Attorney Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session and reported the following:
Item 2.A – Council provided direction and there was no reportable action
Item 2.B – Will be heard at the end of Regular Meeting Item 2.C – Council provided direction and there was no reportable action
Mayor Gregory adjourned the Study Session portion of the meeting at 5:38 p.m.
RECESS
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Raymond Gregory called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:39 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Nancy Ross provided the Invocation.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Raymond Gregory, Mayor
Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Nancy Ross, Councilmember
Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AGENDA FINALIZATION
Item 2.D from the Study Session portion of the meeting was heard at the end of the Regular meeting.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION – Lift to Rise
Ian Gabriel, Director of Collective Impact, provided a presentation on Lift to Rise.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Janet Ream expressed her concern with the C4 Facility and cannabis odor.
Antonio Baciu would like the City to consider a ban on backyard animal breeding.
Christine Anderson expressed her concern with cannabis odor.
Jay Seller, CVRep, expressed the need to explore collaborated solutions for a safe drop off area at CVRep.
Danny Lee discussed suicide rates and prevention.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Christina Gordon thanked staff for their support during her transition into her new role.
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following:
Her participation in the interview process for the District Three Council seat Her attendance at the Palm Springs International Film Festival festivities The party she will be hosting
Her attendance at a neighborhood meeting
Her attendance at the Mosquito and Vector Control Board meeting Her attendance at two parties
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
She welcomed Councilmember Christina Gordon
The upcoming City Manager Interviews
Her attendance at the Palm Springs International Film Festival festivities The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy activities
The upcoming Emergency Preparedness event
The upcoming Strategic Planning Session
Antonio Baciu in the Desert Sun
The passing of Interim Police Chief’s mother
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez Reported on the following:
The funeral he attended for a family member
His attendance at the Celebration of Life for Mark Carnevale His attendance at SnowFest
His previous experience as Santa for the day
His attendance at the Last Call retirement celebration for Police Chief George Crum
His participation as a volunteer at the Salvation Army The Coachella Valley Conservation Committee activities Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
He wished everyone a Happy New Year
His attendance at the Celebration of Life for Mark Carnevale His attendance at the Last Call retirement celebration for Police Chief George Crum
The recent Special Meeting where Councilmember Gordon was appointed His attendance at SnowFest
His attendance at the Palm Springs International Film Festival festivities His attendance at the Visit Greater Palm Springs meeting and holiday event His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting His attendance at the Annual Hanukkah event at Boomers His attendance at the Shop with Firefighter event
His attendance at Bow Wow Ball at Boozehounds
His attendance at the Desert Business New Years Celebration His attendance at the grand opening of Mark’s Burgers
His attendance at the brunch with Maricahi Arcoiris
His attendance at Dinner with Patsi
The upcoming Martin Luther King Day Holiday
The upcoming Sinfonica de Mineria Palm Springs Philharmonic The upcoming regular City Council meeting
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2026-02
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-03
C. Approval of the December 10, 2025 Special City Council meeting minutes and the December 10, 2025 Study Session and Regular meeting minutes.
Recommendation: To approve the December 10, 2025 Special City Council meeting minutes and the December 10, 2025 Study Session and Regular meeting minutes.
M.O. 2026-04
D. Check Demand - December 2025
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-05
E. Notice of Completion for the SB 821 - Perez Road Class IV Separated Bikeway Project (C08673)
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Senate Bill (SB) 821 - Perez Road Class IV Separated Bikeway Project (C08673) as complete; authorize the City Manager to execute and file a Notice of Completion with the Riverside County Recorder's Office; and authorize the release of retention funds to Union Pavement Services (UPS), Inc., upon expiration of the notice of completion.
M.O. 2026-06
F. Notice of Completion for the SB 821 - Whispering Palms Trail Class III Bike Route Project (C08672)
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Senate Bill (SB) 821 - Whispering Palms Trail Class III Bike Route Project (C08672) as complete; authorize the City Manager to execute and file a notice of completion (NOC) with the Riverside County Recorder’s Office; and authorize the release of retention funds to Granite Construction Company upon expiration of the notice of completion.
M.O. 2026-07
G. Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with MSA Consulting, Inc. for Design of Date Palm Drive between Interstate 10 and Varner Road Project (CIP No. C08671).
Recommendation: Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with MSA Consulting, Inc., for the Date Palm Drive Widening Project (CIP No. C08671) between Interstate 10 and Varner Road, extending the agreement term by six (6) months, retroactive from December 28, 2025, through June 28, 2026, to complete project design and permitting; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
M.O 2026-08
H. Approval of a Resolution to Summarily Vacate unused five-foot wide Public Utility Easements (PUEs) on Lots 66 and 67 and a portion of Lot 68 of Desert Retreat Estates, and on Lots 56 and 57 of Cathy Estates, located north of Dinah Shore Drive, between Cathedral Canyon Drive and Wishing Well Drive (Vacation No. 2025-01).
Recommendation: City Council make the required findings contained in the Resolution, approve and adopt the Resolution summarily vacating all City and public interests in the five-foot wide Public Utility Easements (PUEs) on Lots 66 and 67 and a portion of Lot 68 of Desert Retreat Estates, and on Lots 56 and 57 of Cathy Estates, located north of Dinah Shore Drive, between Cathedral Canyon Drive and Wishing Well Drive.
Reso 2026-01
I. Approve a Resolution Adopting an Updated City-Wide Salary Schedule Recommendation: To adopt a resolution approving city-wide publicly available pay schedules in compliance with California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Sections 570.5, 571, and 571.1. This resolution will supersede all previous resolutions regarding job classifications and compensation levels to the extent they conflict with this new recommendation.
The following written comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera requested clear communication to the public related to salary schedule updates.
Reso 2026-02
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the consent agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0001, Conditional Use Permit Revision 25-0003 and Administrative Variance 25-0006 – A proposal of King’s Schools of the Desert to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow schools in the RR (Resort Residential) zone district to construct an additional 36,170 square feet of school facilities; and allow a 10% increase in building height for the gym building component of the Project located at 67675 Bolero Road (APNs 681-310-019 and -040).
Recommendation: Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines, introduce an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0001, and Conditional Use Permit Revision 25-0003 and Administrative Variance 25- 0006.
Dominique Camps, Associate Planner, provided a presentation on the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0001, Conditional Use Permit Revision 25-0003 and Administrative Variance 25-0006.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Mayor Raymond Gregory opened the Public Hearing to hear from the Applicant and receive public comments, seeing none, he closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
M.O. 2026-09
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Ross to find the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines, introduce an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0001, and Conditional Use Permit Revision 25-0003 and Administrative Variance 25-0006.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
B. Adoption of Local Implementing Provisions for the Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025 (SB 346)
Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council introduce for first reading, read by title only, and waive further reading of an ordinance adding Section 5.96.090 to Chapter 5.96 of Title 5 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to implement the Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025 (SB 346), and direct staff to return for second reading and adoption.
Justin Gardner, Code Compliance Manager, provided a presentation on the proposed adoption of Local Implementing Provisions for the Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act 2025 (SB 346).
Mayor Raymond Gregory opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments.
Public Comments:
Patty Hagadorn discussed the improvement in short-term vacation rentals activity and thanked the City.
Mayor Gregory closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
M.O. 2026-10
A motion was made by Councilmember Ross and seconded
by Councilmember Lamb to introduce for first reading, read by title only, and waive further reading of an ordinance adding Section 5.96.090 to Chapter 5.96 of Title 5 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to implement the Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025 (SB 346), and direct staff to return for second reading and adoption.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. FY 2025/2026 Budget Status Update, Quarter One
Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only.
The following written comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera requested clarification related to the budget update and requested a future study session item to discuss Measure W.
B. Award a Professional Services Agreement to Iteris, Inc. to Update and Revalidate the Local Roadway Safety Plan
Recommendation: Award a Professional Services Agreement to Iteris, Inc. in a not-to-exceed amount of $49,908.07 for the update and revalidation of the city’s Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP), as required by the California Department of Transportation, and approve a 10% contingency for unforeseeable costs totaling $4,990.80, thereby, bringing the total Project budget to $54,898.87, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement and required contract documents.
Public Comments:
Danny Lee reported on the statistics and benefits of roundabouts.
M.O. 2026-11
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to award a Professional Services Agreement to Iteris, Inc. in a not-to-exceed amount of $49,908.07 for the update and revalidation of the city’s Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP), as required by the California Department of Transportation, and approve a 10% contingency for unforeseeable costs totaling $4,990.80, thereby, bringing the total Project budget to $54,898.87, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement and required contract documents.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
The City Council recessed at 7:30 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:40 p.m.
C. Retired Annuitant Appointment - Interim Deputy Fire Chief (Stephen Tumir)
Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing an exception to the CalPERS 180-day waiting period pursuant to Government Code sections 7522.56 and 21221(h), thereby allowing the City to appoint Stephen Tumir as a retired annuitant in the interim position of Deputy Fire Chief, effective January 18, 2026.
The following written comment was received for the record:
Sunshine Herrera requested clarification on the process of this proposed appointment.
Reso 2026-03
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to adopt a Resolution authorizing an exception to the CalPERS 180-day waiting period pursuant to Government Code sections 7522.56 and 21221(h), thereby allowing the City to appoint Stephen Tumir as a retired annuitant in the interim position of Deputy Fire Chief, effective January 18, 2026.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
NOES: Ross
D. Update on the Public Arts Commission Activities
Recommendation: To hear a report on the current activities of the Public Arts Commission.
Mayor Raymond Gregory would like an art piece installed in the Panorama Dog Park and requested it be shared with the Public Arts Commission.
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
7. CLOSED SESSION
Eric Vail, City Attorney, announced that the City Council would meet in Closed Session to discuss item 2.B.
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 9:01 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 9:23 p.m.
The City Attorney announced that the City Council completed discussion on item 2.B. and there was no reportable action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the meeting at 9:24 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City