CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
MAYOR
Raymond Gregory
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Pro Tem
Ernesto Gutierrez
Councilmember
Nancy Ross
Councilmember
Rita Lamb
Councilmember
Christina Gordon
Pursuant to Senate Bill 707, participation in this meeting is available by videoconference/teleconference. If you would like to attend the meeting via Zoom please use the following link to register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sy_gmC8nT_2AZqjmtAkW5w
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
STUDY SESSION 3:00 PM
Normally no action is taken on Study Session Items, however, the City Council reserves the right to give specific policy direction and take specific action as necessary.
Presentations will be limited to 10 minutes unless other provisions are made in advance.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
AGENDA FINALIZATION
At this time the City Council may announce any items being pulled from the agenda or continued to another date.
2 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is the opportunity for members of the public to comment on any items not appearing on the regular agenda. Because of restrictions contained in California Law, the City Council may not discuss or act on any item not on the agenda but may briefly respond to statements made or ask a question for clarification. The Mayor may also request a brief response from staff to questions raised during public comment or may request a matter be agendized for a future meeting. Public Comment will be limited to three (3) minutes.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Desert Recreation District Services Update
Recommendation: To receive a presentation by staff from the Desert Recreation District on the status of park maintenance and programming.
B. Consideration of Assembly Bill 1775 (Cannabis Cafes) and Other Updates to the City's Cannabis Ordinances.
Recommendation: Staff recommends that City Council receive the report, discuss Assembly Bill 1775, and provide direction to staff regarding preparation of a future ordinance amending Chapter 5.88 and Chapter 3.48 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to allow licensed cannabis consumption lounges to host indoor ticketed and non-ticketed events, live entertainment, and related lounge activities within the approved licensed premises, subject to all applicable State and local requirements.
Staff further recommends that Council receive related amendments to strengthen cannabis business licensing, tax compliance, enforcement, ownership and management review, appeal procedures, and general code cleanup so the City's cannabis regulations remain consistent with current State law and local operational needs.
C. Code Compliance Volunteer Program
Recommendation: Staff recommend City Council receive the report, discuss the proposed Community Engagement and Enhancement Program, and provide direction to staff regarding implementation of a twelve-month pilot program within the Code Compliance Division.
Staff recommend a limited pilot program that would allow trained volunteers to assist the Code Compliance Division with community outreach, education, neighborhood enhancement activities, and observational reporting, while maintaining clear operational boundaries and preserving all enforcement responsibilities for represented Code Compliance staff.
D. Cathedral City Fire & EMS 2027-2029 Strategic Plan – Process Overview and Stakeholder Engagement Update
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file this report as an informational overview of the Cathedral City Fire & EMS 2027–2029 Strategic Plan development process.
3 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 Organizations: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and Cathedral City Firefighters Association (CCFA)
Recommendation: There is no staff recommendation.
RECESS
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
ROLL CALL
AGENDA FINALIZATION
At this time the City Council may announce any items being pulled from the agenda or continued to another date.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is the opportunity for members of the public to comment on any items not appearing on the regular agenda. Because of restrictions contained in California Law, the City Council may not discuss or act on any item not on the agenda but may briefly respond to statements made or ask a question for clarification. The Mayor may also request a brief response from staff to questions raised during public comment or may request a matter be agendized for a future meeting. Public Comment will be limited to three (3) minutes.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
This is an opportunity for each member of the City Council to report on any conferences they attend, local events or make any other comments they may have.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
The following Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and noncontroversial. They will be acted upon by the City Council at one time without discussion. Any Council Member, Staff Member, or Citizen may request removal of an item from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
4 A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
C. Approval of the Study Session and Regular Meeting minutes of June 10, 2026.
Recommendation: To approve the Study Session and Regular Meeting minutes of June 10, 2026.
D. Check Demand May 2026
Recommendation: Receive and File.
E. Check Demand - June 2026
Recommendation: Receive and File.
F. Notice of Completion for the Whitewater Area Street Rehabilitation Project Phase II (C02610)
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Whitewater Area Street Rehabilitation Project Phase II (C02610) 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 Matich Corporation upon expiration of the notice of completion.
G. Notice of Completion for the Sunny Sands Neighborhood Pavement Rehabilitation and Cathedral Canyon Drive Street Rehabilitation Projects (C02612 & C02613)
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Sunny Sands Neighborhood Pavement Rehabilitation Project (C02612) and Cathedral Canyon Drive Street Rehabilitation Project (C02613) as complete; authorize the City Manager to execute and file a notice of completion (NOC) with the Riverside County Recorder’s Office for each project; and authorize the release of retention funds to Matich Corporation upon expiration of the notices of completion.
H. Notice of Completion for the Cypress Road and Santoro Drive Retention Basin Project (C02609)
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Cypress Road and Santoro Drive Retention Basin Project (C02609) 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 Wright Construction Engineering Corporation upon expiration of the notice of completion.
I. Notice of Completion for the Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk Project (C02608)
5 Recommendation: To accept and approve the Cathedral Canyon Drive Sidewalk Project (C02608) 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 S&H Civilworks upon expiration of the notice of completion.
J. Notice of Completion for the Construction of the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601)
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedral Entryway Monument Project (C02601) as complete; authorize the City Manager to execute and file notices of completion (NOCs) with the Riverside County Recorder’s office; and authorize the release of retention funds to Hoffman Steel Fabrication, Inc., Westcon Construction Services, Inc., Towers Electric, and Rhythm Electric upon expiration of the notices of completion.
K. Notice of Completion for the Dream Homes Neighborhood Crack Repair Project (C02611)
Recommendation: To accept and approve the Dream Homes Neighborhood Crack Repairs Project (C02611) as complete; authorize the City Manager to file a notice of completion (NOC) with the Riverside County Recorder’s Office; and authorize the release of retention funds to Riverside Slurry Seal, Inc. upon expiration of the notice of completion.
L. Ratification of Agreement Between the City of Cathedral City and the Cathedral City Firefighter's Association.
Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council ratify the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the newly consolidated Fire bargaining unit, Cathedral City Firefighter’s Association (CCFA), for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028.
Additionally, Staff recommends the City Council formally acknowledge that the Cathedral City Fire Management Association (CCFMA) and the Cathedral City Professional Firefighter’s Association (CCPFA) will no longer be recognized as separate bargaining units upon approval of the consolidated agreement.
M. Approve a Resolution Adopting an Updated City-Wide Salary Schedule Recommendation: To adopt a resolution approving city-wide publicly available pay schedules in compliance with California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Sections 570.5, 571, and 571.1. This resolution will supersede all previous resolutions regarding job classifications and compensation levels to the extent they conflict with this new recommendation.
N. FY 2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Recommendation: Accept the FY 2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) subaward in the amount of $5,146 from the Riverside County Emergency Management Department, authorize the City
6 Manager or designee to execute all required grant acceptance documents, and approve the use of grant funds to support the City's ongoing Emergency Operations Center (EOC) modernization effort.
O. 2026-2027 California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program Recommendation: To approve a resolution accepting the FY2026/2027 California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Front Grant in the amount of $25,152 and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute all related documents.
P. Purchase of Police Vehicle for the Clinical Behavioral Health Assessment (CBAT) Officer Using Opioid Settlement Funds Recommendation: Authorize the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse in the amount of $63,381.07, including vehicle acquisition, outfitting, decals, and mobile data computer.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. AB 2561 Employee Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Recommendation: To hold a public hearing and receive and file this report.
B. CFD 2006-1, IA #23, Formation, Election and Ordinance Public Hearing Recommendation:
City Council of the City of Cathedral City, acting on behalf of Improvement Area (IA) No. 23 (Forest Lawn) of the City of Cathedral City Community Facilities District (CFD) 2006-1 (law enforcement, police, paramedic, park and general maintenance services), adopt the following:
• Resolution of Formation determining the validity of prior proceedings (Resolution 2026-22, Resolution of Intention)
• Resolution Calling for a Special Election
• Resolution Canvassing the Results of the Special Election • Introduce, by title only, the 1st reading of an Ordinance Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Adopt A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager and Financial Services Director to act as the Official Designees for the Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program
Recommendation: To adopt a Resolution identifying the City Manager and Financial Services Director to act as the official designees to accept the grant from the Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program and authorize the City Manager and Financial Services Director to execute any and all documents related to the grant.
B. A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Cathedral City Authorizing The City Manager To Conduct A Feasibility Study For Tax
7 Increment Financing (TIF) Districts
Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to conduct a feasibility study for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts.
C. Approval of a Budget Adjustment to the CWSRF Septic-to-Sewer Planning Project (C01020), Acceptance of Additional (Clean Water State Revolving Fund) CWSRF Funding, and Approval of Additional Scope of Work Proposals from Ardurra, Inc. and Fomotor, Inc.
Recommendation: Approve a budget adjustment to the CWSRF Septic-to- Sewer Planning Project (C01020), utilizing additional Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) funding awarded by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB); and authorize the City Engineer to accept the proposals from Ardurra Group, Inc. and Fomotor, Inc. for additional scope of work necessary to complete the project.
D. Ratify the Nomination by Councilmember Ross to Appoint John Rivera to Serve on the Planning Commission for a Three-year Term to Expire June 30, 2029
Recommendation: To ratify the nomination by Councilmember Nancy Ross to appoint John Rivera to serve on the Planning Commission for a three-year term continuing through June 30, 2029.
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
This is an opportunity for members of the City Council to request that, and for the City Council to discuss whether, one or more items should be added to the agenda of a future regular or special City Council meeting. To comply with the Brown Act, discussion should be limited to whether to add the item(s), and direction given to the City Manager regarding scheduling and prioritization of the item(s).
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NOTES TO THE PUBLIC
The City of Cathedral City complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you require special assistance to participate in this meeting, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (760) 770-0322 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
If you desire to address the City Council during the meeting, please complete a Request to Speak Form available at the entrance and present it to the City Clerk. Speakers will be called upon at the appropriate time.
When providing public comment during a Council Meeting, California Law may require speakers to disclose a campaign contribution made to an elected or appointed City Councilmember if speaking on certain projects or contracts to be acted upon by the City Council. Please use the following link to determine whether you have a legal obligation
8 to disclose your campaign contribution: https://www.cathedralcity.gov/transparency
Written Comments will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Written comments may be submitted via email, letter, or other forms of written communication.
To email comments please email to [email protected].
Hard copies of written comments and any other document will be provided to the City Council and made available for the general public to review. All written comments received by the submission deadline will be made part of the official record. The meeting minutes will include: The name of the individual submitting the comment and a brief statement summarizing the content of the comment.
Submitted Written Comments will not be read into the record during the meeting.
AVISOS AL PÚBLICO
La Ciudad de Cathedral City cumple con la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades de 1990 (Americans with Disabilities Act). Si requiere asistencia especial para participar en esta reunión, por favor comuníquese con la Oficina de la Secretaria Municipal (City Clerk) al (760) 770-0322 por lo menos 48 horas antes de la reunión.
Si desea dirigirse al Concejo Municipal durante la reunión, por favor complete un Formulario de Solicitud para Hablar disponible en la entrada y entréguelo a la Secretaria Municipal. Las personas que deseen hablar, serán llamados en el momento apropiado.
Al proporcionar comentarios públicos durante una reunión del Concejo Municipal, la ley de California puede requerir que los participantes revelen una contribución de campaña hecha a un miembro electo o designado del Concejo Municipal si hablan sobre ciertos proyectos o contratos que serán considerados por el Concejo Municipal. Por favor utilice el siguiente enlace para determinar si tiene la obligación legal de revelar su contribución de campaña: https://www.cathedralcity.gov/transparency
Se aceptarán comentarios por escrito hasta las 2:00 p.m. del día de la reunión. Los comentarios por escrito pueden enviarse por correo electrónico, carta u otras formas de comunicación escrita.
Para enviar comentarios por correo electrónico, por favor envíelos a:
[email protected].
Las copias impresas de los comentarios escritos y cualquier otro documento serán proporcionadas al Concejo Municipal y estarán disponibles para revisión del público en general. Todos los comentarios escritos recibidos antes de la fecha límite de entrega formarán parte del registro oficial.
Las actas de la reunión incluirán: el nombre de la persona que presentó el comentario y
9 una breve declaración que resuma el contenido del comentario.
Los comentarios escritos enviados no serán leídos en voz alta durante la reunión.