CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, January 28, 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:
Nancy Ross, Councilmember
Raymond Gregory, Mayor
Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Robert McCormick thanked Councilmember Gordon for her service and expressed the need for a policy regarding whistleblowing in the Police and Fire Departments.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Cathedral City Community Center Feasibility Study Update by Group 4 Architecture
Recommendation: To receive an update and presentation on the Cathedral City Community Center Feasibility Study and provide input and direction on the preferred site and building program options.
Group 4 Architecture provided an update on the Cathedral City Community Center Feasibility Study. The following points were presented:
Schedule and Workplan
Project Engagement
Building and Site Program
Site Options
Site and Program Strategies
Financial Analysis
oCapital Cost
oOperational Cost
Discussion and Evaluation
Next Steps
The City Council provided feedback and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by Group 4 Architecture and staff.
Public Comments:
Danny Lee provided feedback and options for the Council to consider.
The City Council emphasized the importance of considering financial capacity and long-term operating costs prior to selecting a site.
Anne Ambrose, Interim City Manager, stated that staff is seeking Council direction on a preferred location, after which more in-depth funding strategies will be developed for consideration.
The Council directed staff to explore financing options and continue evaluating the old Burlington building site, old Walmart building site, the City-owned library site, and the City-owned site near the Salvation Army.
This item was a presentation only, and no formal action was taken by the City Council.
B. New City Website Reveal
Recommendation: For presentation purposes only.
Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager, and Matthew Levy, Enterprise Systems Analyst, provided an overview of the city website reveal, including the need for the update, the project team, completed work, key features such as the Service Finder, additional improvements, Google search considerations, and the “Two Sites, One City” approach.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Public Comments:
Danny Lee stated that the Council bios on the website need to be updated to make sure the information is accurate.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
C. Regional Climate Action Plan Update and Cathedral City Next Steps Recommendation: For the City Council to receive a presentation providing an overview of the Regional Comprehensive Climate Action Plan document and provide direction to staff to begin the process of updating Cathedral City’s Climate Action Plan utilizing applicable regional data and strategies.
This item was heard first under the legislative portion of the Regular meeting.
Luis Perez, Analyst l, provided a presentation on the Regional Climate Action Plan (CCAP) and Cathedral City Next Steps. The following points were presented:
Background
California Air Resources Board
Cathedral City Responsibilities
Regional Comprehensive Climate Action Plan CVAG
What the Regional Plan Tells Us About Cathedral City
How the Regional CCAP Helps Cathedral City Update its Climate Action Plan
Why An Update is Needed
Next Steps
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. Public Employees Appointment Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)
One (1) Position
Title: City Manager
Recommendation: There is no recommendation.
B. 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 recommendation.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the items listed on the agenda.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:57 p.m. and reported out at the end of the Regular meeting.
RECESS
REGULAR MEETING – 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Raymond Gregory called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Christina Gordon led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Rita Lamb offered 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
Anne Ambrose, Interim City Manager, announced that item 2C. from the Study Session portion of the meeting will be heard first under legislative on the Regular agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Janet Ream expressed concern with the ongoing cannabis smell issue.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Christina Gordon reported on the following:
Her meeting with Nick Carnevale
Her meeting with applicants who applied for the District Three Council seat Her tour of the Senior Center Food Bank
Her attendance at Dinner with Patsi
Grocery Outlet food drive
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following:
Her work with the Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League Her work for the Animal Campus Outdoor Field Officers Event Her participation in the City Manager interviews
Her attendance at Dinner with Patsi
Her attendance at the Starbucks ribbon cutting
Her attendance at the American Express Golf Tournament Her attendance at the Sinfonica de Mineria PS Philharmonic event Her preparation for upcoming meetings
Her attendance at an upcoming event for Congressman Ruiz Her attendance at the upcoming FIND Food Bank event
Will attend FIIND Food Bank
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
Ribbon cutting Starbucks
She thanked Economic Development for the IGNITE Series Her attendance at Yoga in the Amphitheater
She thanked PACE Commissioner Antonio Baciu and former Commissioner Gary Marshall
The upcoming Fire Department Badge Pinning Ceremony
The Mountains Conservancy’s Activities
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
His attendance at the Starbucks ribbon cutting
His driving tour of his district
His attendance at the American Express Golf Tournament His attendance at the upcoming Visit Greater Palm Springs meeting The upcoming Development Code Update Steering Committee meeting The upcoming Tastes and Sounds
The upcoming City Council Annual Goal Setting Workshop The upcoming California Cities Riverside County Division meeting Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
His attendance at the Starbucks ribbon cutting
His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Homelessness Committee
His attendance at the Sinfonica de Mineria PS Philharmonic event His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commission Budget and Implementation Meeting
His attendance at the upcoming Riverside County Transportation Commission Annual Workshop at the DoubleTree in Cathedral City
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2026-12
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-13
C. Approval of the Special Meeting minutes of January 7, 2026, January 20, 2026, January 21, 2026 and the Regular Meeting minutes of January 14, 2026.
Recommendation: To approve the Special Meeting minutes of January 7, 2026, January 20, 2026, January 21, 2026 and the Regular Meeting minutes of January 14, 2026.
M.O. 2026-14
D. Council Appointments to Various Local Agencies
Recommendation: To review the list of Agency Assignments, ratify the appointments and direct the City Clerk to notify the agencies of the respective appointments.
M.O. 2026-15
E. Approval of the Parks and Community Events Commission Support of the Esperanza Park Community Health Fair – 2026
Recommendation: To approve $500 from the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) FY 2025–2026 PACE Small Events Budget to support the Esperanza Park Community Health Fair event for February 2026.
M.O. 2026-16
F. Reject Bids for the construction of Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11A, 18 Unsignalized Intersection Upgrades Project (C08754)
Recommendation: To reject all bids received for the construction of the Highway Safety Improvements Program (HSIP) Cycle 11A, 18 Unsignalized Intersection Upgrades Project (C08754); and direct staff to readvertise for construction bids to ensure compliance with fair and competitive bidding practices.
M.O. 2026-17
G. Adopt a Resolution accepting the public improvements and certifying completion of private improvements in a portion of amended Tract No. 31774, "Campanile"' and releasing securities, WH Campanile 141, LLC:
Developer.
Recommendation: For the City Council adopt the Resolution accepting the public improvements and certifying completion of private improvements in a portion of Amended Tract No. 31774, authorizing the release of improvement agreement securities as described in the Resolution, and authorizing the Director of Public Works to file a Notice of Completion for the work.
Councilmember Christina Gordon recused herself from this item.
Reso 2026-04
H. Second Reading – Short-Term Rental Facilitator Reporting (SB 346) – C.C.M.C. Section 5.96.090
Recommendation: To provide second reading by title only and adopt an ordinance adding Section 5.96.090 to Chapter 5.96 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to implement Senate Bill 346, the Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025.
Ord 895
I. Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0001 – A proposal of King’s Schools of the Desert to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow schools in the RR (Resort Residential) zone district, subject to a conditional use permit.
Recommendation: To provide second reading, by title only, and adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0001 amending Section 9.24.030.B of Chapter 9.24 of Title 9 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to add schools as a conditionally permitted use in the Resort Residential district.
Ord 896
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve the Consent Agenda with Councilmember Gordon recused from item 3G.
Items 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3H and 3I
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
Item 3G
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
RECUSED: Gordon
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no Public Hearings.
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Traffic Signal Head Backplates Change Order Request for the HSIP Cycle 11C - Citywide Traffic Signal Hardware Upgrades Project (C08756)
Recommendation: To approve Change Order No. 1 to the contract with Econolite Systems, Inc., in the amount of $107,129.84; for the construction of HSIP 11C, Citywide Traffic Signal Hardware Upgrades Project (C08756); and, authorize a budget adjustment to the construction budget for the project, in the amount of $47,875.11; and, authorize the City Engineer to execute the change order and issue the notice to proceed for this work.
M.O. 2026-18
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve Change Order No. 1 to the contract with Econolite Systems, Inc., in the amount of $107,129.84; for the construction of HSIP 11C, Citywide Traffic Signal Hardware Upgrades Project (C08756); and, authorize a budget adjustment to the construction budget for the project, in the amount of $47,875.11; and, authorize the City Engineer to execute the change order and issue the notice to proceed for this work.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
B. Award Service Agreements for the Construction of the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601)
Recommendation:
Staff is presenting two (2) alternative recommendations for City Council consideration.
Option 1 (Recommendation for Solar Powered System)
To:
Award a service agreement to Hoffman Steel Fabrication, Inc. in the amount of $69,431.00 for the fabrication and installation of the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601);
Award a service agreement to Westcon Construction Services, Inc. in the amount of $24,500.00 for construction of the foundation for the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument;
Approve the proposal from Hot Purple Energy in the amount of $6,500.00 to upgrade the existing solar system and install electrical components; and
Approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $15,064.65 for unforeseen construction costs;
Approve a budget amendment to Gas Tax (50%) and Measure A (50%) in the amount of $9,599.91 to establish a combined construction budget totaling $115,495.65 for the Cathedral City Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601); Authorize the City Manager to execute the service agreements; and, Authorize the City Engineer to execute the proposal with Hot Purple Energy, request bonds and insurances and issue notices to proceed.
Option 2 (Recommendation for Hard-Wired System)
To:
Award a service agreement to Hoffman Steel Fabrication, Inc. in the amount of $69,431.00 for the fabrication and installation of the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601); and,
Award a service agreement to Westcon Construction Services, Inc. in the amount of $24,500.00 for construction of the foundation for the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument; and,
Approve the proposal from Towers Electric in the amount of $24,582.15 for installation of underground conduits across East Palm Canyon Drive; and,
Approve the proposal from Rhythm Electric LLC, in the amount of $5,050.00 for installation of power and electrical components for the mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument; and,
Approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $18,534.47 for unforeseen construction costs; and,
Approve a budget amendment to the Gas Tax (50%) and Measure A (50%) in the amount of $36,201.88 to establish a combined construction budget totaling $142,097.62 for the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601); and, Authorize the City Manager to execute the service agreements; and, Authorize the City Engineer to execute proposals with Towers Electric and Rhythm Electric Inc., request bonds and insurances and issue notices to proceed.
M.O. 2026-19
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve Option 2 (Recommendation for Hard- Wired System):
Award a service agreement to Hoffman Steel Fabrication, Inc. in the amount of $69,431.00 for the fabrication and installation of the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601); and,
Award a service agreement to Westcon Construction Services, Inc. in the amount of $24,500.00 for construction of the foundation for the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument; and,
Approve the proposal from Towers Electric in the amount of $24,582.15 for installation of underground conduits across East Palm Canyon Drive; and,
Approve the proposal from Rhythm Electric LLC, in the amount of $5,050.00 for installation of power and electrical components for the mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument; and,
Approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $18,534.47 for unforeseen construction costs; and,
Approve a budget amendment to the Gas Tax (50%) and Measure A (50%) in the amount of $36,201.88 to establish a combined construction budget totaling $142,097.62 for the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601); and, Authorize the City Manager to execute the service agreements; and, Authorize the City Engineer to execute proposals with Towers Electric and Rhythm Electric Inc., request bonds and insurances and issue notices to proceed.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
7. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session during the Study Session portion of the meeting, and there was no reportable action taken by the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City