CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, April 08, 2026
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gregory 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
Public Comments:
Robert McCormick expressed concern related to an incident he had with a Police Officer.
Pam Smith requested sponsorship for an upcoming event in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.
Richard Mellin-Barra requested that the City adopt an ordinance related to ADA accessibility and work to provide more ADA accessibility throughout city events and functions.
Written Comments:
Patricia Lomeli expressed concern with Date Palm Drive conditions and safety.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Comprehensive Cannabis Update and C4 Industry Odor Mitigation Update with 2026 Work Plan.
Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council receive and file this report on cannabis regulation, enforcement activity, and ordinance implementation, and provide feedback or direction, as appropriate.
Justin Gardner, Code Compliance Manager, provided a Comprehensive Cannabis Update. The following points were presented:
Major Changes
Implementation of Ordinance No. 892
The EnviroSuite Reporting System
Reporting Trends
Odor Control Plans
Cannabis Enforcement Practices
Cannabis Enforcement in Action
Compliance and Safety Updates
Planning and Economic Update
Public Outreach
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Lesa Slaughter, C4 Industries, provided an update on their Odor Mitigation and 2026 work plan. The following points were presented:
The 325,000 Square Foot C4 Facility
2026 Odor Elimination Deployment Summary
2026 Roadmap and 2027 Strategic Planning
C4’s Promise to the Community
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by Ms.
Slaughter and David Bernard, COO C4 Industries.
Elisha Meehan expressed concern related to cannabis odor.
B. AB 1600 Development Impact Fee (DIF) Annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) Update
Recommendation: To review the annual inflationary update for the Assembly Bill (AB) 1600 Development Impact Fees.
Kevin Biersack, Director of Financial Services, provided an update on AB 1600 Development Impact Fee (DIF) Annual Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The following points were presented:
Background
DIF Fee Schedule
Construction Cost Index (CCI)
Calendar Year 2026 over 2025 (3.6%) ENR CCI
Key Dates
Fiscal Impact
The City Council asked clarify questions, which were responded to by staff.
James Brownyard, Desert Valley Builders Association, discussed feedback he provided to staff for suggested language inclusions for the upcoming public hearing.
C. City User and Regulatory Fees Update
Recommendation: This item provides findings and recommendations from the recently completed updates to the City User and Regulatory Fees annual update. Upon incorporating City Council feedback, staff recommends the City Council hold a subsequent Public Hearing, whereby the City Council will be able to adopt this updated schedule of user and regulatory fees.
This item was held over to be heard during the Regular Meeting under Legislative.
Kevin Biersack, Director of Financial Services, provided an update on the City User and Regulatory Fees. The following points were presented:
Background
Departments with Fees
What is not included in the Master Schedule of User and Regulatory Fees
Recommended Changes
Key Dates
Fiscal Impact
The City Council provided feedback and 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 – Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)
Significant Exposure to Litigation
Number of Matters: One (1) – Zenergy / Old Landfill
Recommendation: There is no recommendation.
Eric Vail, City Attorney, announced that the City Council would meet in Closed Session to discuss the items listed on the agenda.
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 4:59 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 5:18 p.m.
City Attorney Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session and there was no reportable action taken.
Mayor Gregory Adjourned the Study Session at 5:18 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 Rita Lamb.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Christina Gordon 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
Item 2C from the Study Session meeting was heard last under legislation.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no members of the public that wished to speak.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Christina Gordon reported on the following:
Ribbon cutting for the Retro Distribution Skate Shop
Her tour with the Fire Department
Her attendance at the Senior Inspiration Awards
Her attendance at the Boys and Girls Club Meatball Festival Her attendance at the Women of Distinction Awards
Her Coachella Valley Association of Governments 101 Training Her Police Department briefing
Her Public Works and Engineering Department briefing
Her attendance at the virtual Cannabis Town Hall
Her attendance at the Family Fitness Festival
Her Finance Department briefing
Her Economic Development Department briefing
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following:
Her participation as Principal for a Day at James Workman Elementary School Her attendance at the Senior Inspiration Awards
Her support of the No Kings Rallies across the Valley
Her meeting with a local photographer
Her recent doctor appointments
Her Easter Holiday
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
Her conversation with a commercial property owner
Her attendance at Tastes and Sounds
The Cathedral City High School Band’s trip to Costa Rica Her attendance at Yoga in the Amphitheater
The Mountains Conservancy recent activities
Her attendance at the Festival of the Arts
Her attendance at the Senior Inspiration Awards
Her attendance at the Cardiac Rehab at the Renker Wellness Center The upcoming ribbon cutting for Circle K
The last city shredding event
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
The recent Easter Celebrations
His attendance at the ribbon cutting for Retro Distribution Skate Shop His attendance at the Senior Inspiration Awards
His attendance at the Boys and Girls Club Meatball Festival His meeting with City Manager Firestine
The call he received from a resident related to code enforcement Resident concerns related to street conditions
Mayor Gregory’s upcoming birthday
Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
His attendance at the ribbon cutting for Retro Distribution Skate Shop His attendance at the Visit Greater Palm Springs Board meeting His attendance at the Senior Inspiration Awards
His attendance at the Festival of Arts
His attendance at the Boys and Girls Club Meatball Festival The dinner he won at auction hosted at the Fire Department His attendance at the virtual Cannabis Town Hall
His attendance at the Family Fitness Festival
His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Transportation Commission meeting
The upcoming Esperanza Park Rising event
The upcoming Transportation Commission Tele-Town Hall
The upcoming Tastes and Sounds
The upcoming Senior Center’s Night to Remember Gala
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2026-51
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-52
C. Approval of the March 25, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes.
Recommendation: To approve the March 25, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes.
M.O. 2026-53
D. CCPOA CalPERS Compliance
Recommendation: To authorize the City Manager to extend the current side letter with the Cathedral City Police Officers Association (CCPOA), updating MOU language to ensure compliance with CalPERS reporting requirements for special compensation.
M.O. 2026-54
E. Ratify the nomination of Luis Rubalcava by Councilmember Christina Gordon to fill the unexpired vacant seat on the Historic Preservation Committee continuing through June 30, 2027.
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council ratify Councilmember Christina Gordon’s nomination and appoint Luis Rubalcava to fill the vacant seat on the Historic Preservation Committee for the remainder of the unexpired term ending June 30, 2027.
M.O. 2026-55
F. Annual Approval of the City’s Investment Policy
Recommendation: To approve the City of Cathedral City’s investment policy.
M.O. 2026-56
A motion was made by Councilmember Ross and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Award Agreement for Design Professional Services for the Highway Safety Improvement Program Cycle 12 Projects (C02602 and C02603) Recommendation: To award a Professional Services Agreement to TKE Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $75,556.36, to prepare the plans, specifications, right-of-way and environmental documents for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 12 Projects (CIP C02602 and C02603); and, approve a 10% contingency in the amount of $7,555.64 for unforeseen design related expenses, thereby bringing the total design cost to $83,112.00; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
Andrew Lee, Assistant Engineer, provided an overview of the proposed agreement for the Highway Safety Improvement Program Cycle 12 Projects C02602 and C02603.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-57
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to approve a Professional Services Agreement to TKE Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $75,556.36, to prepare the plans, specifications, right-of-way and environmental documents for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 12 Projects (CIP C02602 and C02603); and, approve a 10% contingency in the amount of $7,555.64 for unforeseen design related expenses, thereby bringing the total design cost to $83,112.00; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
B. Award Construction Contract for the Cypress Road and Santoro Drive Retention Basin Project (C02609)
Recommendation:
To:
Award a construction contract to Wright Construction Engineering Corporation, in the amount of $82,980, for the Cypress Road and Santoro Drive Retention Basin Project (C02609); and,
Approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $16,596 for unforeseen construction costs and potential project changes; and,
Approve a proposal from LandMark Consultants, Inc., in the not- to-exceed amount of $1,500 to provide material testing services during construction, thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $101,076; and,
Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; and,
Authorize the City Engineer to execute the task order proposal with LandMark Consultants, Inc., request bonds and insurance for the project and issue the Notice to Proceed.
Andrew Lee, Assistant Engineer, provided an overview on the proposed agreement for the Cypress Road and Santoro Drive Retention Basin Project (C02609).
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-58
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to:
Award a construction contract to Wright Construction Engineering Corporation, in the amount of $82,980, for the Cypress Road and Santoro Drive Retention Basin Project (C02609); and,
Approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $16,596 for unforeseen construction costs and potential project changes; and,
Approve a proposal from LandMark Consultants, Inc., in the not-to- exceed amount of $1,500 to provide material testing services during construction, thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $101,076; and,
Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents; and, Authorize the City Engineer to execute the task order proposal with LandMark Consultants, Inc., request bonds and insurance for the project and issue the Notice to Proceed.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
C. Award Construction Contract to S&H Civilworks for the Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk Project between Paseo Azulejo and Kieley Road (C02608)
Recommendation: To award a construction contract to S&H Civilworks in the amount of $81,550.00 for the Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk Project between Paseo Azulejo and Kieley Road (C02608), and, approve an eleven percent (11%) contingency in the amount of $8,889.30 for unforeseeable construction costs; and, issue a task order to LandMark Consultants, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $2,000.00 to provide material testing services during construction, thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $92,439.30; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to execute the task order to LandMark Consultants, Inc., request bonds and insurance for the project, and issue the Notice to Proceed.
Andres Perez, Assistant Engineer, provided an overview on the proposed agreement for the Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk Project between Paseo Azulejo and Keiley Road (C02608).
The City Council provided brief comments.
M.O. 2026-59
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve a construction contract to S&H Civilworks in the amount of $81,550.00 for the Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk Project between Paseo Azulejo and Kieley Road (C02608), and, approve an eleven percent (11%) contingency in the amount of $8,889.30 for unforeseeable construction costs; and, issue a task order to LandMark Consultants, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $2,000.00 to provide material testing services during construction, thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $92,439.30; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to execute the task order to LandMark Consultants, Inc., 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: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
D. Purchase Two Fire Department Administration Vehicles 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 3 emergency vehicle lighting equipment and Battalion Chief command vehicle upgrades, at a total cost of $197,835.36; and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all required documents for purchase.
Michael Contreras, Fire Chief, provided an overview on the proposed purchase of two Fire Department vehicles.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-60
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gordon to authorize a budget adjustment to purchase 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 3 emergency vehicle lighting equipment and Battalion Chief command vehicle upgrades, at a total cost of $197,835.36; and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all required documents for purchase.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
It was the consensus of the City Council to agendize a closed session item for the next meeting related to property negotiations.
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gregory adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:10 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City