CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, February 25, 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
City Manager Firestine announced that item 3A under Closed Session would be pulled from the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no members of the public that wished to speak.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Update on Visit Greater Palm Springs' 2026 Priorities.
Recommendation: To receive an update from Visit Greater Palm Springs.
Scott White and Colleen Pace, Visit Greater Palm Springs, provided an update on Visit Greater Palm Springs’ 2026 goals and priorities. The following points were presented:
2024 Economic Impact of Tourism
Destination Stewardship Plan
2026 Key Research Initiatives
Priority Areas of Focus
Increase Demand Off Peak Emphasis
Air Service
Convention Sales Stats
2026 Goals/Objectives
Destination Marketing
PR/Communications
Regional Collaboration, Economic Diversity & Community Engagement The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by Visit Greater Palm Springs.
Public Comments:
Richard Altman discussed the need for collaboration.
This was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. 2025 Annual Compliance Report (ACR) for Cathedral City Fire & EMS Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the 2025 Annual Compliance Report (ACR) for Cathedral City Fire & EMS, presented in fulfillment of the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) requirement to report annual compliance findings to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Michael Contreras, Fire Chief, provided an overview of the 2025 Annual Compliance Report (ACR) for the Cathedral City Fire and EMS. The following points were presented:
Background and Recommendation
What the ACR Includes
Peer Recommendation Progress
Key Accomplishments
Pending Recommendations
Fiscal Impact
Conclusion
The 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.
3. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code 54957.6
Labor Negotiator: Algeria Ford, Assistant City Attorney and Asusena Soren, Human Resources Manager
Employee Organization: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
Recommendation: There is no recommendation.
This item was pulled from the agenda.
RECESS
The City Council recessed at 3:58 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Raymond Gregory called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Nancy Ross.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez 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
City Manager Firestine announced that item 3E would be pulled from the agenda.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION- Patsi's Promise
Patsi presented certificates of appreciation to those who contributed to the purchase of a van for the Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Janet Ream expressed concern with cannabis odor.
Maryellen Muir expressed concern with cannabis odor.
Georgene Fairbanks expressed concern with cannabis odor.
Bob Summers would like to see something done to clean up the shopping center on the corner of Date Palm and Ramon Road.
Christine Anderson expressed concern with cannabis odor.
Lynn Bary expressed concern with cannabis odor.
Nancy Bozoian expressed concern with cannabis odor.
Jolie Welch expressed concern with cannabis odor.
Elisha Meehan expressed concern with cannabis odor.
Patrick Meehan expressed concern with cannabis odor.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Christina Gordon reported on the following:
Her meetings with City Manager Firestine
Her attendance at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic
The cancellation of the Coachella Valley of Association of Governments Homeless Committee meeting
Her attendance at the Health Fair at Esperanza Park
Her attendance at Tastes and Sounds
The Meatball Showdown between the Fire Department and Police Department at the Roost Lounge
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following:
Her attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Energy and Sustainability Committee meeting
Her attendance at the Date Festival
Her meeting with two City Commissioners
Her attendance at the Desert Health Listening Session
Her attendance at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic
Her attendance at the Do the Right Thing Awards
Her participation in the Wilderness Society Government Council Her participation in the Southern California Edison Advisory Committee Her attendance at the Monthly Elected Women’s Leadership Council The Valentine’s Day Dinner
Her attendance at a meeting with WelbeHealth
Her meeting with a Developer
Her meeting with City Manager Firestine and Assistant City Manager Ambrose Her upcoming meetings
The Animal Campus recent activities and programs
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
Her attendance at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic
Her attendance at the Desert Health Care District Health Fair at Esperanza Park Her meeting with Jay Seller from CVRep
Her attendance at the Coachella Valley Media Hall of Fame Luncheon Her attendance at Yoga in the Amphitheater
Her attendance at Tastes and Sounds
The Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network request to provide a presentation to the City Council
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
Valentines Day
His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Conservation Commission
His attendance at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic
His meeting with City Manager Firestine and Assistant City Manager Ambrose His tour of his district along with City Manager Firestine His attendance at the Steering Committee meeting related to the Development Code update
His attendance at Tastes and Sounds
Upcoming meeting with a local developer
Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
The dissolution of the Joint Powers Authority ERICA
His participation in the State of the City planning meeting His attendance at the RAMMYS Rancho Mirage Business Awards His honor throwing out the first pitch at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic His remarks at the Senior Center’s emergency preparedness event His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commission Budget and Implementation meeting
His attendance at the Sunny Lands Exhibit opening
The upcoming Cathedral City night at Firebirds Game
The upcoming painting of the Rainbow Crossing
The upcoming LGBT Days and activities
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2026-27
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to waive full reading of ordinances on the agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-28
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to receive and file the Commissioner and Committee Member attendance record.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
C. Approval of the February 11, 2026 Study Session and Regular meeting minutes.
Recommendation: To approve the February 11, 2026 Study Session and Regular meeting minutes.
M.O. 2026-29
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the February 11, 2026 Study Session and Regular meeting minutes.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
D. Check Demand - January 2026
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-30
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to receive and file the Check Demand for January 2026.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
E. Notice of Completion for the Panorama Neighborhood Streets, Corta Road, and Alcita Road Pavement Rehabilitation Projects (C02605 & C02606)
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Panorama Neighborhood Streets Pavement Rehabilitation Project (C02605), and Corta Road and Alcita Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project (C02606) 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 Vance Corporation upon expiration of the notice of completion.
This item was pulled from the Agenda.
F. Reject Bids for the Construction of the Cypress Road and Santoro Drive Retention Basin Project (C02609)
Recommendation: To reject all bids received for the construction of the Cypress Road and Santoro Drive Retention Basin Project (C02609) and direct staff to re-advertise for construction bids to ensure compliance with fair and competitive bidding practices.
M.O. 2026-31
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to reject all bids received for the construction of the Cypress Road and Santoro Drive Retention Basin Project (C02609) and direct staff to re-advertise for construction bids to ensure compliance with fair and competitive bidding practices.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CC Industry, LLC dba C4 USA Cannabis Dispensary License Appeal Recommendation:
1. Conduct a public hearing to consider an appeal of City Staff’s denial of the Cannabis Dispensary License for CC Industry, LLC dba C4 USA; and
2. Affirm, reverse, or modify, in whole or in part, City Staff’s decision to deny the renewal of the CC Industry, LLC dba C4 USA Cannabis Dispensary License.
Mayor Raymond Gregory announced the item.
Andrew Firestine, City Manager, provided an introduction.
Eric Vail, City Attorney, provided an overview of the process of the hearing proceedings.
Mayor Gregory opened the Public Hearing.
Kevin Biersack, Director of Financial Services, presented an overview regarding the renewal requirements and compliance review for C4 Industry, LLC dba C4 USA. The presentation included background information on Ordinance 870, Cathedral City Municipal Code (CCMC) Sections
5.88.055(B)(4)(a) and 3.48.080, and applicable renewal requirements.
Mr. Biersack reviewed communications with C4, including notices regarding renewal requirements and compliance expectations. He also discussed onsite inspections and Code Compliance visits, outlining findings observed during those inspections.
Additional information was provided regarding the Metrc track-and-trace system and the regulatory requirements under Title 4 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15047.2, including documentation related to tax returns identifying sales. Mr. Biersack further referenced relevant provisions of Cathedral City Municipal Code section 5.88.055 pertaining to operational compliance.
The presentation also acknowledged the unusual circumstances related to the passing of Councilmember Mark Carnevale and its relevance to the matter under discussion.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Eric Vail, City Attorney, read section 5.88.055(B)(4)(b) and section
5.88.055(E) of Ordinance 870.
Andrew Firestine, City Manager, discussed sections 5.88.055(B)(4)(a) and
5.88.055(B)(4)(c) of Ordinance 870 and explained staff’s review of the license application pursuant to section 5.88.055(B)(4)(a).
The Council reviewed Cathedral City Municipal Code section 3.48.080. They asked clarifying questions related to the definition of a “month” under Ordinance 870, sales reported by C4, and licensing requirements, which were addressed by staff and legal.
The City Council recessed at 7:27 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:37 p.m.
Lesa Slaughter and David Bernard, Appellant Representatives, provided a presentation to the City Council regarding the appeal. They referenced email communications with City staff and reviewed Cathedral City Municipal Code sections 5.88.055 and 3.48.080 regarding tax reporting requirements and the definition of a “month.”
The Appellant Representatives discussed the “previous month” referenced in the code. They presented tax returns and Metrc sales verification as proof of commercial cannabis activity and asserted that C4 complied with City instructions. They also referenced City responses.
The Appellant Representatives stated that C4 resumed sales following clarification regarding its ability to operate, asserted that the business remained operational-ready, discussed economic impacts, and contended that staff’s denial of the renewal was not supported by substantial evidence.
The City Council asked clarifying questions regarding communications with staff, sales, projected revenue, staffing, C4’s determination that this was the first renewal, the dispensary closure period, missing hours of operation, and signage, which were addressed by the Appellant Representatives.
The City Council recessed at 8:11 p.m. due to technical issues.
The City Council reconvened at 8:40 p.m.
Mayor Raymond Gregory called the meeting back to order.
The Appellant Representatives presented photo evidence of the fence referenced in relation to the dispensary’s closure period.
Peter Nolan, Staff’s legal counsel, noted that the statute requires continuous operation and questioned why the Appellant lacked signage and open doors in August. He emphasized that the Appellant bears the burden of proving the business was in operation, and that staff determined one day of transactions did not constitute continuous operation. He further stated that staff’s denial of the renewal was based on these observations and that the city had provided ample notice.
The City Council inquired about when the business license was issued, which was responded to by staff.
Public Comments:
Janet Ream spoke in opposition.
Richard Siler spoke in opposition.
Written Comments:
David Bernard submitted 53 letters from employees of C4 expressing their support.
Eric Vail, City Attorney, stated that the Council should focus on section
5.88.055(B)(4)(a) of Ordinance 870, specifically the language “for the previous month,” which refers to either a 30-day period or the calendar month. The Council must decide whether the Appellant demonstrated that cannabis activity occurred for the month of August, which means for the duration of August.
Mayor Gregory closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
The City Council engaged in deliberation, expressing concerns regarding staff’s investigation and presentation, the language in Ordinance 870, and C4’s insufficient case to show proof of operational activity.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to reverse City Staff’s decision to deny the renewal of the CC Industry, LLC dba C4 USA Cannabis Dispensary License. Motion failed due to a lack of second.
M.O. 2026-32
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Gregory to affirm City Staff’s decision to deny the renewal of the CC Industry, LLC dba C4 USA Cannabis Dispensary License.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor
AYES: Gregory, Lamb, Gordon
NOES: Ross, Gutierrez
B. Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0005 - An amendment to Chapter
9.114 (Accessory Dwelling Units) of Title 9 Planning and Zoning of the Cathedral City Municipal Code for consistency with new State legislation regulating accessory dwelling units.
Recommendation: Find Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0005 exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 9.114 (Accessory Dwelling Units) of Title 9 Planning and Zoning of the Cathedral City Municipal Code for consistency with new Sate legislation regulating accessory dwelling units.
Mayor Gregory noted that this Public Hearing remains open from the February 11, 2026 meeting.
Dominique Camps, Associate Planner, provided a presentation on Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0005.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Mayor Gregory opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments.
Seeing none, he closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
M.O. 2026-33
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gordon to find Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0005 exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 9.114 (Accessory Dwelling Units) of Title 9 Planning and Zoning of the Cathedral City Municipal Code for consistency with new Sate legislation regulating accessory dwelling units.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Cathedral City Community Center Feasibility Study Final Presentation by Group 4 Architecture
Recommendation: To receive and accept the Cathedral City Community Center Feasibility Study, discuss site options based on the presentation and discuss next steps to explore financing options.
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item.
Dawn Merkes, Group 4 Architecture, presented the Cathedral City Community Center Feasibility Study, covering the project overview, planning standards, community and stakeholder input, building program and phasing, site operations, site and program strategies, and financial analysis.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by Ms.
Merkes and staff.
Public Comments:
Shelley Kaplan discussed the conversations between the Desert Recreation District and the Senior Center and feels there are opportunities.
Alan Carvalho expressed his concern with the past relationship between the Salvation Army and the LGBTQ community.
Staff will collaborate with the Desert Recreation District, the Salvation Army, and the Senior Center to further explore the potential partnerships. They will continue to conduct further analysis of financing options and provide updates to the City Council.
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
It was the consensus of the City Council to agendize an item for a future meeting to receive a presentation from the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network.
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gregory adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City