CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, March 11, 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
Christina Gordon, Councilmember
Council Absent:
Nancy Ross, Councilmember
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve the absence of Councilmember Nancy Ross from the Study Session and Regular Meeting.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
ABSENT: Ross
AGENDA FINALIZATION
City Manager Andrew Firestine announced that item 3.A. under Closed Session would be pulled from the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Robert McCormick expressed concern related to an incident with his neighbor and the response from the Police Department.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. CVAG CV Housing First Regional Homelessness Program
Recommendation: This presentation is for informational purposes.
Kevin Biersack, Financial Services Director, and Candice Graff, Analyst CV Housing Program, presented on CVAG’s Housing First Program. The following points were presented:
Cathedral City’s Contributions since 2009
CVAG’s Transition to In-House Program
Rapid Resolution
Crisis Stabilization Units
Wrap-Around Services
Path of Life Ministries
Changes Ahead
The Chronically Homeless
How They Help
Who They Serve
How They Are Doing
CV 200 in Cathedral City
Opportunities Ahead in 2026
CV Housing First Cathedral City Clients
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by Mr. Biersack and Ms. Graff.
This was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Presentation of the Annual Crime Statistics for 2025 Recommendation: This item is for presentation and discussion only.
Jon Enos, Commander, provided a presentation on the Annual Crime Statistics for 2025. The following points were presented:
Crime Statistics Collection
2025 NIBRS Crimes Against Persons
oCrimes Against Persons
oProperty Crimes
oCrimes Against Society
Two Year History-
oCrimes Against Persons
o Property Crimes
oCrimes Against Society
Calls for Service Comparison
Future Crime Reduction Strategies
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.
C. Drone as First Responder Program Update
Recommendation: This item is presented for discussion only.
Andy Diaz, Commander, provided an update on the Drone First Responder (DFR) Program. The following points were presented:
Background
Drone Deployments
Program Overview
DFR Pilots & Command Monitoring
Operational Impact
oSuspect Search
Interdepartmental Support
Interdepartmental Operations
Future Objectives
DFR Program Value to the City
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
This item was for discussion 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: Cathedral City Firefighters Association (CCFA) Recommendation: There is no recommendation.
This item was pulled from the agenda.
Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Study Session at 4:29 p.m.
RECESS
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 Christina Gordon.
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
Christina Gordon, Councilmember
Council Absent:
Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AGENDA FINALIZATION
City Manager Andrew Firestine announced that item 5C. under Legislative would be pulled from the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Janet Ream expressed concern with cannabis odor.
Alan Carvalho discussed the 10 th Annual Cathedral City LGBT+ Days and the painting of the Rainbow Crossing.
Erik Castillo would like the City to consider implementing rank choice voting.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Christina Gordon reported on the following:
Her attendance at the painting of the Rainbow Crossing Her attendance at Dinner with Patsi
Her meeting with City Manager and C4
Her attendance at the ribbon cutting for Desert Modern Art Gallery Her participation in the 10 th Annual Cathedral City LGBT+ Days Her attendance at the Desert Business Association’s Mixer Her attendance at the Coffee with a Cop event
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
The Community Choice Awards happening this evening
Her attendance at the ribbon cutting for Flooring Pros Her attendance at the painting of the Rainbow Crossing She gave a shout out to Grocery Outlet for their ongoing support Her meeting with staff and SunLine Transit related to public transportation issues
Her attendance at the most recent shredding event
Her participation in the Human Rights Campaign walk
The upcoming Yoga in the Amphitheater
The Old Gays article in the AARP Magazine
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
His attendance at the ribbon cutting for Flooring Pros His meetings with a local developer and investor
His participation in the Boys and Girls Club Golf Tournament His participation in an interview
His participation in the 10 th Annual Cathedral City LGBT+ Days The great comments he received about the City from a Desert Hot Springs resident
His meeting with City Manager and Assistant City Manager The passing of Cathedral City resident Karen Panico-Willis His attendance at Tastes and Sounds
Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
The Cathedral City Night at the Firebirds Game
His participation in the painting of the Rainbow Crossing His trip to Washington DC with the Riverside County Transportation Commission
He thanked Ryan Hunt for highlighting his DC trip on social media His participation in the 10 th Annual Cathedral City LGBT+ Days His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting His attendance at the Desert Business Association’s Mixer His attendance at the City Selection Committee meeting The upcoming Butterfly Festival
The Cathedral City mailer
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2026-34
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
Written Public Comments:
Eri Nox expressed concern related to the Historic Preservation Committee attendance record.
M.O. 2026-35
C. Approval of the Study Session and Regular Meeting minutes of February 25, 2026.
Recommendation: To approve the Study Session and Regular Meeting minutes of February 25, 2026.
M.O. 2026-36
D. Check Demand - February 2026
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-37
E. Approval of Resolution Terminating the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement Establishing the Eastern Riverside County Interoperable Authority (ERICA)
Recommendation: To adopt a Resolution terminating the Joint Exercise Powers Agreement which established the Eastern Riverside County Interoperable Authority (ERICA).
Reso 2026-05
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
ABSENT: Ross
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) FY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan Introduction
Recommendation: To introduce the Community Development Block Grant FY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan for review, discussion, and direction.
Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez stated that he has no conflict of interest regarding this item.
City Attorney Eric Vail confirmed that no conflict of interest exists pursuant to the exception set forth in Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Regulation 18702.2(d).
Elizabeth Medina, Analyst, provided an overview of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) FY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Mayor Raymond Gregory opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments.
Written Public Comments:
Sunshine Herrera provided comments related to CDBG funding, programs and prioritization.
Mayor Gregory closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
M.O. 2026-38
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to introduce the Community Development Block Grant FY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
ABSENT: Ross
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Construction Contract Award to Matich Corporation for the Whitewater Area Street Rehabilitation Project Phase II (C02610)
Recommendation: To award a construction contract to Matich Corporation in the amount of $799,776.00 for the Whitewater Area Street Rehabilitation Project Phase II (C02610), and, approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $119,966.40 for unforeseeable construction costs; and, approve a proposal from LandMark Consultants, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $8,000 to provide material testing services during construction, thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $927,742.40; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents and the reimbursement agreement with the Coachella Valley Water District; and, authorize the City Engineer to execute LandMark Consultants, Inc. proposal, request bonds and insurance for the project, and issue the Notice to Proceed.
Written Public Comments:
Sunshine Herrera provided comments related to the Whitewater Area street rehabilitation project phase ll and the use of CDBG funds.
M.O. 2026-39
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to award a construction contract to Matich Corporation in the amount of $799,776.00 for the Whitewater Area Street Rehabilitation Project Phase II (C02610), and, approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $119,966.40 for unforeseeable construction costs; and, approve a proposal from LandMark Consultants, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $8,000 to provide material testing services during construction, thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $927,742.40; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents and the reimbursement agreement with the Coachella Valley Water District; and, authorize the City Engineer to execute LandMark Consultants, Inc. proposal, request bonds and insurance for the project, and issue the Notice to Proceed.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
ABSENT: Ross
B. Approval of the Parks and Community Events Commission support of the Family Fitness Festival - 2026
Recommendation: To approve $2,000 from the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) FY 2025-2026 PACE Small Events Budget to support the Family Fitness Festival for April 2026.
M.O. 2026-40
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve $2,000 from the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) FY 2025-2026 PACE Small Events Budget to support the Family Fitness Festival for April 2026.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
ABSENT: Ross
Break at 7:03 p.m.
Reconvened at 7:09 p.m.
C. Fire Department Purchase of Two Vehicles for Fire Administration Recommendation: To authorize the purchase of one (1) 2026 2500 HD Custom Crew Cab 4x4 Gas and one (1) 2026 Tahoe 2WD LS Gas for the Fire Department administration, including the outfitting of both vehicles with code three emergency lighting and the Battalion Chief command vehicle upgrades, at a total cost of $196,083.39; and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all required documents for purchase.
This item was pulled from the agenda.
D. FY 2026/2027 Community Assistance Grant Process
Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council approve proceeding with the FY 2026/2027 Community Assistance Grant Program.
M.O. 2026-41
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gordon to approve proceeding with the FY 2026/2027 Community Assistance Grant Program.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
ABSENT: Ross
E. Review and Adopt Amendments Made to the 5-Year Strategic Plan at the February 6, 2026 City Council Goal Setting Workshop Recommendation: To review and adopt the amended 5-Year Strategic Plan Written Public Comments:
Sunshine Herrera provided comments and raised questions related to the 5- Year Strategic Plan.
Eri Nox provided comments related to action D-8 in the 5-Year Strategic Plan.
M.O. 2026-42
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gordon to adopt the amended 5-Year Strategic Plan.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
ABSENT: Ross
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Regular meeting at 7:36 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City