CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Raymond 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
Ted Hanes provided comments related to the Mary Pickford’s 25th anniversary and upcoming celebration event.
Robert McCormick expressed his concern related to the flying of the American Flag.
Jeff Cristina provided comments related to the Development Code update and zoning of his commercial building.
Sean Webb provided comments related to the Read with Me volunteer program.
Eileen Lynch provided comments related to Parkinsons and available resources.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Update from Leadership Coachella Valley
Recommendation: Receive and file an informational update from Leadership Coachella Valley.
Sean Webb, Eileen Lynch and Erin Hyland, Leadership Coachella Valley, provided an overview on Leadership Coachella Valley (LCV). The following points were presented:
About LVC
Moving the Valley Forward
25 Years of LCV
How LCV Strengthens Your Community
Partner with LCV
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by Leadership Coachella Valley.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Palm Springs International Airport Updates
Recommendation: This presentation is for informational purposes and there are no recommended actions.
Jake Ingrassia, Communications and Marketing Specialist for Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), provided an update on the Palm Springs International Airport. The following points were presented:
Flight Activity at PSP
Roles in Aircraft Operations and Noise
Federal Law and Aircraft Noise
Flight Paths
Safety Navigation and Standards
Voice Your Concern
Record Year for 2025
New Flights
Economic Impact
All New Concessions
Iconic Seating
ProgressPSP.com
flyPSP.com/StayAndPlay
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by Mr.
Ingrassia.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
C. Public Works Small Maintenance and Renovation Projects Update Recommendation: The Public Works Small Maintenance and Renovation Projects Update is presented for information, discussion, and direction only.
Deanna Pressgrove, Public Works and Environmental Conservation Manager, provided an update on Public Works Small Maintenance and Renovation Projects. The following points were presented:
Purpose
Program Approach
Key Challenges
Project Areas
Retention Basin Highlights
Lighting and Landscape District (LLD) Completed Improvements Median Improvements
Upcoming Work
LLD Projects
Retention Basin Project
Median Project
Funding Strategy
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.
D. Downtown Safety Bollard Project Update
Recommendation:
Staff is presenting an update to the City Council on the Downtown Safety Bollard Project for information, discussion and direction.
Luis Perez, Environmental and Public Works Analyst, provided an overview of the Downtown Safety Bollard Project. The following points were presented:
Safety Bollard Project
Option1: Reliance Foundry Cash-Rated Bollard
Option 2: Meridian Mobile Barrier Solution
Funding
Phases
Next Steps
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to move forward with Option 2 Meridian Mobile Barrier Solution.
3. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Property: APNs 673-250-026, 673-250-027, 673-250-028, and 673-250-029 Agency Negotiator: Andrew Firestine, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Cathedral City and Cristina Companies- Cathedral City LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and terms
Recommendation: There is no recommendation.
Eric Vail, City Attorney, announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the item listed on the agenda.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:22 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 5:05 p.m.
City Attorney Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session and there was no reportable action taken.
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 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
There were no changes to the agenda.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION- 5-Year Anniversary of Yoga in the Amphitheater The City Council recognized the 5-Year anniversary of Yoga in the Amphitheater and presented certificates to individuals for their dedication to the program.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION - Firefighter of the Year Joseph Richardson The City Council and the Fire Department recognized Josephe Richardson as Firefighter of the Year.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Janet Ream expressed concern related to the recent Cannabis Town Hall and cannabis odor.
Enrique Chio expressed concern related to speeding and animals defecating in his neighborhood.
The Cathedral City High School Rotary Interact Club invited the City Council to their upcoming Cinco de Mayo event.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Christina Gordon reported on the following:
Her recent trip with her school
The upcoming meet and greet with Patsi
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following:
Training in Council Chambers
Her attendance and preparation for various Committee meetings Her attendance at the Esperanza Rising event
Her attendance at the retreat with the Mosquito and Vector Control Board Her attendance at the Do the Right Thing Awards
Her attendance at the ribbon cutting for Circle K
Her attendance at a meeting with the Council on Foreign Affairs Her attendance the Senior Center’s Night to Remember Gala Her attendance at the District Attorney Crimes Victims Memorial The annual Board and Commission Recruitment
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
The 5-Year Anniversary of Yoga in the Amphitheater
Firefighter of the Year
The Mountains Conservancy’s recent activities
The collaboration between the municipalities in the Coachella Valley Her attendance at the Senior Center Food Bank
Her attendance at the California Cities Riverside Division Meeting The recent activities of the City’s Commissions
Her ride along with the Homeless Liaison Officers
Her attendance at the Vendor Fair with city staff
Her tour of Desert Dunes
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Conservation Commission meeting
His meeting with Fire Chief Contreras
His attendance at the Esperanza Rising event
His meeting with Interim Police Chief Sanchez
His meeting with City Manager Firestine
His attendance at the Senior Center’s Night to Remember Gala His meeting with the Desert Princess Home Owners Association Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
Earth Day
His participation in Tele-Town Halls along with various transportation agencies
His attendance at Taste and Sounds
His attendance as the alternate at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Homeless Committee meeting
His attendance at the ribbon cutting for Circle K
His attendance at the Leadership Coachella Valley’s Government event His attendance the Senior Center’s Night to Remember Gala His meeting with the Desert Princess Home Owners Association His attendance at the District Attorney Crimes Victims Memorial The upcoming Taste of Jalisco event
The upcoming State of the City
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2026-61
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-62
C. Approval of the April 8, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting minutes.
Recommendation: To approve April 8, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting minutes.
M.O. 2026-63
D. Check Demand - March 2026
Recommendation: Receive and File.
M.O. 2026-64
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.
M.O. 2026-65
F. 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Recommendation: To review and accept the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report for submittal to the California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.
M.O. 2026-66
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Ross to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. AB 1600 Development Impact Fee Annual Inflationary Update Recommendation: Staff recommend City Council conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt by Resolution an authorized inflationary adjustment to the City’s Assembly Bill (AB) 1600 Development Impact Fees.
Kevin Biersack, Director of Financial Services, provided an overview of the AB 1600 Development Impact Fee Annual Inflationary Update.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Mayor Raymond Gregory opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments, seeing none, he closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
Reso 2026-07
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to adopt by Resolution an authorized inflationary adjustment to the City’s Assembly Bill (AB) 1600 Development Impact Fees.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
B. City User and Regulatory Fees Annual Update
Recommendation: Staff recommend City Council conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt by Resolution an annual adjustment to the City’s Master Schedule of User and Regulatory Fees.
Kevin Biersack, Director of Financial Services, provided an overview of the City User and Regulatory Fees Annual Update.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Mayor Raymond Gregory opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments, seeing none, he closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
Reso 2026-08
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to adopt by Resolution an annual adjustment to the City’s Master Schedule of User and Regulatory Fees.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Construction Contract Award to for the Sunny Sands Neighborhood Pavement Rehabilitation and Cathedral Canyon Drive Street Rehabilitation Projects (C02612 & C02613)
Recommendation: To award a construction contract to Matich Corporation in the amount of $1,114,672.00 for the Sunny Sands Neighborhood Pavement Rehabilitation Project (C02612) and the Cathedral Canyon Drive from Perez Road to Ofelia Bringas Bridge Street Rehabilitation Project (C02613); approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $222,934.40 for unforeseeable construction costs; approve a proposal from LandMark Consultants, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $7,000.00 to provide material testing services during construction, thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $1,344,606.40; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to execute LandMark Consultants, Inc. proposal, request bonds and insurance for the project, and issue the notice to proceed.
Armando Balizzone, City Engineer, provided an overview of the proposed contract award for the Sunny Sands Neighborhood Pavement Rehabilitation and Cathedral Canyon Drive Street Rehabilitation projects.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-67
A motion was made by Councilmember Gordon and seconded
by Councilmember Lamb to award a construction contract to Matich Corporation in the amount of $1,114,672.00 for the Sunny Sands Neighborhood Pavement Rehabilitation Project (C02612) and the Cathedral Canyon Drive from Perez Road to Ofelia Bringas Bridge Street Rehabilitation Project (C02613); approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $222,934.40 for unforeseeable construction costs; approve a proposal from LandMark Consultants, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $7,000.00 to provide material testing services during construction, thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $1,344,606.40; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; 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: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
B. Construction Contract Award to Riverside Slurry Seal, Inc. for the Dream Homes Neighborhood Crack Repair Project (C02611) Recommendation:
To award a construction contract to Riverside Slurry Seal, Inc. in the amount of $396,772.08 for the Dream Homes Neighborhood Crack Repair Project (C02611), and, approve a ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $39,677.21 for unforeseeable construction costs, thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $436,449.29; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project, and issue the notice to proceed.
Armando Baldizzone, City Engineer, provided an overview of the proposed contract award for the Dream Homes Neighborhood Crack Repair project.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-68
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to award a construction contract to Riverside Slurry Seal, Inc. in the amount of $396,772.08 for the Dream Homes Neighborhood Crack Repair Project (C02611), and, approve a ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $39,677.21 for unforeseeable construction costs, thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $436,449.29; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to 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. To Approve the Public Arts Commission Recommendation to Allocate up to $5,000 for a Partnership Event with The Perez Art District to Celebrate Where Art Lives
Recommendation: To Approve the Public Arts Commission
Recommendation to Allocate up to $5,000 for a Partnership Event with The Perez Art District to Celebrate Where Art Lives
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, provided an overview of the recommendation from the Public Arts Commission to approve an allocation of up to $5000 from their general fund budget to support the Perez Art District event to Celebrate Where Art Lives.
The City Council provided brief comments.
M.O. 2026-69
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve the Public Arts Commission Recommendation to Allocate up to $5,000 for a Partnership Event with The Perez Art District to Celebrate Where Art Lives.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
It was the consensus of the City Council direct staff to agendize an item for a future meeting to receive an update on the Desert Recreation District related to operations, funding and annexation.
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City