CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, May 27, 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
Mayor Pro Ernesto Gutierrez arrived at 3:02 p.m.
AGENDA FINALIZATION
Item 2C was heard during the Regular Meeting, last under Legislative Actions.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no members of the public that wished to speak.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Ramon Road Bridge Project — Outreach Update
Recommendation: This item is informational only — no Council action is required.
Ryan Hunt, Communications & Engagement Director, provided an introduction and background on the multi-agency coordination for the Ramon Road Bridge Project outreach. He introduced Josh Zipperman, Burke Rix Communications, to provide the update.
Mr. Zipperman presented the following points:
Project Overview
Communications and Outreach
Business is Open- Supporting Local Businesses
Minimizing Construction Duration and Impacts
Outreach Timeline
Project Website
Follow Us for Construction Updates and Traffic Alerts
The City Council provided feedback and asked clarifying questions which were responded to by Mr. Zimmerman and Joel Montalvo, Palm Springs City Engineer.
Public Comments:
Danny Lee provided feedback related to the potential for issues on Landau Boulevard.
This was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. A Report on Affordable Housing and a Presentation by Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC).
Recommendation: Accept the report and provide direction to the new Community and Economic Director to create and implement a work plan to further the development of affordable housing and receive a presentation by Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC).
Erick Becerril, Economic Development Manager, provided a presentation on affordable housing. The following points were presented:
Housing Element Context
Rancho Mirage Best Practices
Palm Desert Best Practices
Lift to Rise Takeaways
CTACT/HCD Opportunity Area Map
LIHTC Project vs. Lift to Rise Pipeline Map Comparison Prohousing and Development Code Update
Grant Opportunities
AHSC Analysis and Timeline
Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) Presentation Feliciano Vera, Vice President of Real Estate Finance for Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) provided a presentation, The following points were presented:
CHOC Experience and Background
Difficulties and Challenges of LIHTC Models
Reimagining Downtown Cathedral City
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff and CHOC Representatives.
Public Comments:
Danielle Mead would like the City to look into regional housing trust funds.
Sunshine Herrera discussed the importance of affordable housing and feels the public should remain fully involved in this process.
Alan Carvalho encouraged the Council to remain enthusiastic and keep encouraging the process.
The City Council directed staff to explore opportunities and ideas discussed this evening.
C. Spring 2026 Special Events Season Recap
Recommendation: This item is informational only — no Council action is required.
This item was heard last under the Legislative Actions of the Regular Meeting.
Ryan Hunt, Communications & Engagement Director, provided a presentation. The following points were presented:
Yoga in the Amphitheater
Sinfonica de Mineria
Tastes and Sounds
Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic
Cathedral City LGBT+Days
Inaugural Cathedral City Festival of the Arts
Esperanza Rising: Community Art and Culture Series
Taste of Jalisco Festival
State of the City
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
There were no Closed Session items.
RECESS
Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Study Session meeting at 5:33 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Raymond Gregory called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:44 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Mayor Nancy Ross 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
The following changes were made to the agenda:
Item 2C from the Study Session was heard last under Legislative Actions Item 3L was pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration Item 3M was pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration Item 5C was heard first under Legislative Actions
Item 5D was heard second under Legislative Actions
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Seth Berk requested that the City Council consider the adoption of an ordinance to opt into Assembly Bill 1775 related to cannabis lounges.
Janet Ream expressed her concern with cannabis odor.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Christina Gordon reported on the following:
Her attendance at the Harvey Milk Breakfast
Her attendance at the ribbon cuttings for Circle K and Kimkey Restaurant Her attendance at the Do the Right Thing Awards
Her meeting with the staff of CHOC
Her meeting with Scott Berk and Code Enforcement
Her tour of Sunny Lands
Her attendance as a speaker at the AMVETS Memorial Day Event Her attendance at the High School Street Naming event
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following:
The recent State of the City event
Her attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Energy and Sustainability meeting
Her meetings with multiple residents
Her meetings with City leadership
Her participation in the community grants application review process Her attendance at the Do the Right Thing Awards
Her attendance at the ribbon cutting for Kimkey Restaurant Her attendance at the High School Street Naming event
Her Memorial Day with her family
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
Her attendance at the ribbon cutting for Circle K
Her attendance at the Mary Pickford Theatre’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Her attendance at the High School Street Naming event
The Veterans Expo will return to the Riverside County Fair Grounds in 2027 Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
Memorial Day and he thanked those who sacrificed for our nation The recent activities of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Conservation Commission
His attendance at the Senior Center’s Food Bank
Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
His meeting with city staff
His attendance at the Harvey Milk Breakfast
His attendance at the ribbon cuttings for Circle K and Kimkey Restaurant His attendance at the High School Street Naming event
His attendance at the Mary Pickford Theatre’s 25th Anniversary Celebration His attendance at Dinner with Patsi
His attendance at the High School Senior Scholarships Awards night His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commission Ad Hoc Projects and Funding Strategy meeting
The upcoming Fire Department’s Badge Pinning Ceremony and Ambulance Roll Back
The upcoming Flag Raising for Pride Month
The next City Council meeting on June 10, 2026
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2026-83
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-84
C. Approval of the May 13, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting minutes.
Recommendation: To approve the May 13, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting minutes.
M.O. 2026-85
D. Adopt Ordinances for the Change of Zone 25-0001 and Specific Plan 25- 0001 for the Forest Lawn - Cathedral City Specific Plan Project.
Recommendation: Provide second reading, by title only, to adopt Ordinances for the Change of Zone 25-0001 and Specific Plan 25-0001 for the Forest - Lawn Cathedral City Specific Plan Project located on 10 acres at the southwest corner of Ramon Road and Da Vall Drive.
Ord 898
Ord 899
E. Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Appropriations Limit, Gann Initiative Limitation Recommendation: To adopt a resolution establishing the City’s appropriations limit for the FY 2026/2027, Gann Initiative Limitation.
Reso 2026-15
F. Second Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Cathedral City Municipal Code Sections 8.24.010, 8.24.020, and 8.24.070
Recommendation: To provide second reading, by title only, and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 8.24 (Floodplain Management) of the Cathedral City Municipal Code, including Sections 8.24.010 (Statutory Authorization, Findings of Fact, Purpose and Methods), 8.24.020 (Definitions), and 8.24.070 (Stormwater Storage Facilities).
Ord 900
G. Adoption of Resolution accepting an Offer of Dedication for Lots B and C in Tract 24515 for Public Street Purposes, and Lots H and J in Tract 24515 for Drainage and Floodway Purposes.
Recommendation: City Council adopt the Resolution rescinding the prior rejection by the City Council of the offers of dedication for Lots B, C, H and J in Tract 24515, and to now accept the said offers of dedication of Lots B and C for street and public utility purposes, and of Lots H and J for drainage and floodway purposes, as described in the Resolution.
Reso 2026-16
H. Adopt a Resolution Accepting Public Improvements and Certifying Completion of Private Improvements in Parcel Map 37876 (PUD 21-001):
Cathedral Cove 1.0, LLC Developer (Fountainhead).
Recommendation: City Council adopt a Resolution accepting the public improvements and certifying completion of private improvements for Parcels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Parcel Map 37876 and PUD 21-001; 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 project.
Reso 2026-17
I. Approval of corrected Resolution to Summarily Vacate unused five- foot-wide public utility easements (PUEs) on Lots 66 and 67 and a portion of Lot 68 of Desert Retreat Estates, and on Lots 56 and 57 of Cathy Estates, located north of Dinah Shore Drive, between Cathedral Canyon Drive and Wishing Well Trail, and rescinding incorrect Resolution 2026-01, (Vacation 2025-01).
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a corrected Resolution to summarily vacate unused five-foot wide public utility easements on certain lots in Desert Retreat Estates and Cathy Estates, and rescind Resolution 2026-01, adopted on January 14, 2026, due to incorrect lot descriptions and measurements contained in the original resolution.
Reso 2026-18
J. Second Reading - Add Chapter 11.21 to Title 11 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to Prohibit and Regulate Fireworks within the City and Adopt Resolution to Amend the Schedule of Fines for Administrative Citations
Recommendation:
1. To provide second reading by title only and adopt an ordinance adding Section 11.21 to Title 11 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to prohibit and regulate fireworks within the City.
2. Adopt Resolution amending the schedule of fines for administrative citations and establishing a greater administrative fine amount for a public nuisance violation of Chapter 11.21 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code.
Ord 901
Reso 2026-19
K. Approval of Parks and Community Events Commission support for the Panorama Dog Park Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Event - 2026 and the Esperanza Dog Park “Feliz Navi Dog” Event - 2026
Recommendation: Approve a total allocation of $1,000 from the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) Small Events Budget to support the Panorama Dog Park Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Event - 2026 and the Esperanza Dog Park “Feliz Navi Dog” Event - 2026 divided in the amount of $500 each, respectively.
M.O. 2026-86
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve items 3A-3K on the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
L. Approval of the Parks and Community Events Commission support for the Free Movies for Kids Summer Program at the Mary Pickford Theatre - 2026
Recommendation: Approve the allocation of $1,100 from the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) Small Events Budget to support the Free Movies for Kids Summer Program at the Mary Pickford Theatre.
Staff provided clarification on the fiscal impact of this item.
After discussion, the recommendation was amended to remove the Fiscal Year.
M.O. 2026-87
A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve the allocation of $1,100 from the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) Small Events Budget to support the Free Movies for Kids Summer Program at the Mary Pickford Theatre.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
M. Approval of the Parks and Community Events Commission support for the Paint with PACE Event Series
Recommendation: Approve the allocation of $1,200 from the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) Small Events Budget to support the Paint with PACE Event Series at the Cathedral City Library.
Staff provided clarification on the fiscal impact of this item.
After discussion, the recommendation was amended to remove the Fiscal Year.
M.O. 2026-88
A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve the allocation of $1,200 from the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) Small Events Budget to support the Paint with PACE Event Series at the Cathedral City Library.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no Public Hearings.
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
C. Installation of Sign Topper Honoring Former City Councilmember Sarah DiGrandi
Recommendation: Approve the installation of one (1) sign topper honoring former City Councilmember Sarah DiGrandi at the intersection of Buddy Rogers Avenue and Pickfair Street, at a total cost of $758.00. The request is being submitted by Cathedral City business owner Richard Altman and former Cathedral City Councilmember Shelley Kaplan. Mr. Altman has agreed to cover the full cost associated with production and installation of the sign topper.
The City Council recessed at 6:24 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 6:29 p.m.
Deanna Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation and Public Works Manager, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Public Comments:
Sunshine Herrera expressed support and provided feedback to preserve the City’s history.
Richard Altman expressed his support.
Shelley Kaplan expressed his support.
M.O. 2026-89
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Ross to approve the installation of one (1) sign topper honoring former City Councilmember Sarah DiGrandi at the intersection of Buddy Rogers Avenue and Pickfair Street, at a total cost of $758.00. The request is being submitted by Cathedral City business owner Richard Altman and former Cathedral City Councilmember Shelley Kaplan. Mr.
Altman has agreed to cover the full cost associated with production and installation of the sign topper.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
D. Installation of Sign Topper Honoring Richard Altman
Recommendation: Approve the installation of one (1) sign topper honoring Richard Altman at the intersection of Gay Resort Drive and Melrose Drive, at a total cost of $758.00. The application was submitted by former Cathedral City Councilmember Shelley Kaplan, who has agreed to cover the full cost of the sign topper.
Deanna Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation and Public Works Manager, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Public Comments:
Sunshine Herrera expressed support.
M.O. 2026-90
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the installation of one (1) sign topper honoring Richard Altman at the intersection of Gay Resort Drive and Melrose Drive, at a total cost of $758.00. The application was submitted by former Cathedral City Councilmember Shelley Kaplan, who has agreed to cover the full cost of the sign topper.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
A. Downtown Safety Barrier Project
Recommendation: To approve the purchase of twenty-one (21) Meridian Archer 1200 mobile barriers from Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales LLC, including all associated accessories, support equipment, and related components necessary for deployment and operation, at a total cost of $189,225.10; approve a budget adjustment utilizing Environmental Conservation Fund 246 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 in the amount of $42,306.27 and Fiscal Year 2026/2027 in the amount of $52,306.28; and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to complete the purchase.
Luis Perez, Analyst, provided the presentation.
The City Council provided brief comments.
M.O. 2026-91
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gordon to approve the purchase of twenty-one (21) Meridian Archer 1200 mobile barriers from Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales LLC, including all associated accessories, support equipment, and related components necessary for deployment and operation, at a total cost of $189,225.10; approve a budget adjustment utilizing Environmental Conservation Fund 246 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 in the amount of $42,306.27 and Fiscal Year 2026/2027 in the amount of $52,306.28; and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to complete the purchase.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
B. Award Construction Contract and Construction Engineering Support Services Agreement for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11A, 18 Unsignalized Intersection Upgrades Project (C08754)
Recommendation:
To:
Award a construction contract to LC Paving & Sealing, Inc., in the amount of $1,470,710.25 for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11A, 18 Unsignalized Intersection Upgrades Project (C08754);
Award a professional services agreement to NV5, Inc. in the amount of $84,923.22 for professional construction engineering support services for this project;
Approve a ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $155,563.35 for unforeseeable construction costs;
Authorize on-call consultant services for material testing and administrative support on state-funded projects in an amount not to exceed $18,000.00;
Approve a total construction budget of $1,729,196.82;
Authorize the City Manager to execute contract documents; Authorize the City Engineer to execute task orders with on-call consultants, request bonds and insurance, and issue the Notice to Proceed.
Armando Baldizonne, City Engineer, provided a presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-92
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gordon to:
Award a construction contract to LC Paving & Sealing, Inc., in the amount of $1,470,710.25 for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11A, 18 Unsignalized Intersection
Upgrades Project (C08754);
Award a professional services agreement to NV5, Inc. in the amount of $84,923.22 for professional construction engineering support services for this project;
Approve a ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $155,563.35 for unforeseeable construction costs;
Authorize on-call consultant services for material testing and administrative support on state-funded projects in an amount not to exceed $18,000.00;
Approve a total construction budget of $1,729,196.82;
Authorize the City Manager to execute contract documents; Authorize the City Engineer to execute task orders with on-call consultants, request bonds and insurance, and issue the Notice to Proceed.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
E. Purchase of Seven (7) ZOLL X Series Advanced
Monitor/Defibrillators for the Fire Department.
Recommendation: To authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all required documents for the purchase of seven (7) ZOLL X Series Advanced Monitor/Defibrillators and associated accessories.
City Manager Firestine clarified the fiscal impact for this item.
Michael Contreras, Fire Chief, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-93
A motion was made by Councilmember Gordon and seconded
by Councilmember Lamb to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all required documents for the purchase of seven (7) ZOLL X Series Advanced Monitor/Defibrillators and associated accessories.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
F. Approve Public Arts Commission's Funding Recommendations for the FY 2026/2027 Community Arts Grant Program
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Public Arts Commission’s funding recommendations for the FY 2026/2027 Community Arts Grant Program
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-94
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Ross to approve the Public Arts Commission’s funding recommendations for the FY 2026/2027 Community Arts Grant Program.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City