CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, June 10, 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
Beverly Banzuelo expressed concern related to the KGX radio station property.
Angelina Normandy expressed concern related to the KGX radio station property.
Denise Brennan expressed concern related to the KGX radio station property.
Elizabeth Cunneff expressed concern related to the KGX radio station property.
Eric Lizama expressed concern related to the KGX radio station property.
Danny Lee provided comments related to the upcoming nominations for the city’s boards and commissions.
R. Navarre expressed concern with the current code and how it affects her home.
Primitivo Trujillo expressed concern related to the KGX radio station property.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. SunLine Presentation
Recommendation: This is a presentation only, there is no formal action required.
Mona Babauta, CEO SunLine Transit Agency, provided an overview on SunLine Transit Agency’s Phase II of their Rides Reimagined Program.
The following points were presented:
Project Status
Phase 1 Community Survey
Key Survey Findings
What Should SunLine’s Network Prioritize
Where do we go From Here
Existing, Ridership, and Coverage
Phase 2 Engagement
The City Council asked clarifying questions which were responded to by Ms. Babauta.
Public Comments:
Dorian Whitney provided comments related to SunLine’s routes and services.
Frederico Carrillo provided comments related to the B street bus route.
Anita Carrillo expressed concern related to the homeless and drug activity around the bus routes in her area.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Development Code Update - Public Review Draft - Status and Next Steps
Recommendation: Receive the Public Review Draft Development Code Update and provide any additional direction prior to commencement of the formal public review period.
Cynthia Schultz, Planning Manager, provided the update.
The City Council engaged in discussion and provided feedback related to data centers and how they should be defined. They also asked clarifying questions related to ministerial review, mixed use, commercial color schemes, and energy.
Public Comments:
Danny Lee discussed the Planning Commission’s role in this process.
Richard Altman discussed the history and issues with the current development code and thanked staff for updating it.
Sunshine Herrera expressed her concern with the review process for this project.
Brian Boyer-Hoffman feels the code should be clear and expressed concern related to comments made regarding data centers.
Written Comments:
Eri Nox expressed his concern related to the current public review process and offered recommendations.
In response to concerned raised during public comments, the City Council assured the public that they are reviewing the development code and noted that it is still in the public review process.
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.
Mayor Gregory adjourned the Study Session meeting at 5:15 p.m.
RECESS
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Raymond Gregory at 5:01 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
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public Comments:
Janet Ream expressed her concern with the continuous issues with cannabis in the City.
Erik Castillo expressed support for walkability as discussed by CHOC at the May 27th Council Meeting.
Written Comments:
Art Gregorie provided comments related to council candidates for the upcoming November 3, 2026 Election.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Christina Gordon reported on the following:
Here recent ride along with Officer Novy
Her attendance at the raising of the Pride Flag
Her meeting Ryan Hunt
Her meeting with City Management
Her participation in the boards and commission nomination process She thanked the Police Department for their assistance with an incident in her neighborhood
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following:
She discussed homelessness issues
The recent activities of the Animal Campus and how the public can help Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
Her attendance the Fire Department’s Badge Pinning ceremony The Disaster Preparedness Network
Her attendance at the Stories of Cathedral City event
Casting her vote in the June Election
Her attendance at the Senior Center’s Town Hall
Her attendance at the Coachella Valley Voices Part 2 event Her attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Public Safety meeting
Her attendance at the development code update community meeting Resident concerns she received
The passing of Diane Jessup
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Guiterrez reported on the following:
His meeting with a local cannabis business owner
His meeting with a resident
His meeting with a prospective candidate for City Council His attendance at the raising of the Pride flag
Upcoming committee meetings
His meeting with City Management
His participation in boards and commissions nominations process Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
The recent activities of the Riverside County Transportation Commission and meetings he attended
His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Transportation Committee meeting
His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Executive Committee meeting
The Cathedral City High School summer pool program
The upcoming Splash Bash event
The Free Summer Movies program
The upcoming July 22 nd City Council meeting
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2026-95
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-96
C. Approval of the May 27, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes.
Recommendation: Approve the Study Session and Regular Meeting minutes of May 27, 2026.
M.O. 2026-97
D. Calling a General Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Requesting Riverside County Provide Election Services and Establishing Regulations for Candidates Filing an Optional Candidate Statement
Recommendation:
Staff recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution calling and giving notice of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the purpose of electing certain City officers, and requesting consolidation of the election with the Statewide General Election pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10403; and
2. Adopt a Resolution establishing regulations pertaining to candidate statements and other materials submitted to voters for the General Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026.
Reso 2026-20
Reso 2026-21
E. Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Cathedral City and Desert Water Agency for the Clean State Revolving Fund Septic to Sewer Planning Project
Recommendation: To approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Cathedral City and the Desert Water Agency (DWA) for the Clean State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Septic-to-Sewer Planning Project; and authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU and any non- substantive amendments consistent with the intent of the agreement.
M.O. 2026-98
F. Resolution of Intention to Establish Improvement Area (IA) No. 23 - CFD NO. 2006-01
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution of Intention (ROI) to Establish Improvement Area (IA) No. 23 - CFD No. 2006-01
Reso 2026-22
G. Adopt the 2026 Local Roadway Safety Plan for Submittal to California Department of Transportation
Recommendation: Adopt the 2026 Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP); and authorize the City Engineer to submit the final LRSP to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
M.O. 2026-99
H. Amendment Seven to AB 2766 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between CVAG and Member Jurisdictions to Provide Sustainable Funding of the Regional PM10 Street Sweeping Program
Recommendation: Approve Amendment Seven to the AB 2766
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and its member jurisdictions to increase City and County contributions to 100 percent to provide sustainable funding for the Regional PM10 Street Sweeping Program, extend the agreement term two years through June 30, 2028, and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment Seven to the AB 2766 MOU.
M.O. 2026-100
I. Amendment No. 2 to the On-Call Agreement for Concrete Installation, Repair and Maintenance Services between the City of Cathedral City and Desert Ants Engineering, Inc.
Recommendation: To approve Amendment No. 2 to the On-Call Agreement for Concrete Installation, Repair and Maintenance Services between the City of Cathedral City and Desert Ants Engineering, Inc., extending the term of the agreement for one (1) additional year, and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2.
M.O. 2026-101
J. Approval of Final Map and Subdivision Agreement for Broadway Cove (formerly Nirvana Estates) Tract No. 38091 under development by subdivider SH AA Nirvana, LLC (Shea Homes).
Recommendation:
For the City Council to:
1. Approve the Final Map of Tract No. 38091; and,
2. Accept the dedications offered on the map for public street and public utility easement purposes; and,
3. Approve the Subdivision Agreement for Tract No. 38091 and authorize its execution by the Mayor and City Clerk.
M.O. 2026-102
K. Approval of Improvement Agreement for Design Review 23-003 (DR 23- 003) and Specific Plan 99-58A (SP 99-58A) for the Developer Date Palm and Rosemount Realty, LLC.
Recommendation: City Council approve the Improvement Agreement with Date Palm and Rosemount Realty, LLC, for the construction of public improvements on Date Palm Drive, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk, respectively, to execute the Agreement.
M.O. 2026-103
L. Purchase of Four (4) Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) for $427,169.28
Recommendation: Authorize the purchase after July 1, 2026 of four (4) 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) in the total amount of $427,374.20, inclusive of vehicle acquisition, outfitting, decals, in-car video systems, and mobile data computers.
M.O. 2026-104
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: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. 2026/2027 Rate Increase Request for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection for Residential, Commercial and Roll-Off Services.
Recommendation: Hold a public hearing in accordance with Proposition 218, consider all written and oral protests received, determine whether a majority protest exists, and if no majority protest is received, approve the proposed 2026/2027 rate increase for solid waste, recycling, and disposal services for residential, commercial, and roll-off customers; and adopt a resolution approving tax roll billing for residential services.
Deanna Pressgrove, Environment Conservation and Public Works Manager, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
City Clerk Burton asked if there were any members of the public wishing to submit an oral or written protest, seeing none, she announced that the City received four protests.
City Attorney announced that four protests did not constitute a negative vote under proposition 218 and the Council may proceed.
Mayor Gregory opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments.
Public Comment:
Speaker, expressed concern with curbside pickup and how it affects him.
Mayor Gregory closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the Council.
Reso 2026-23
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to hold a public hearing in accordance with Proposition 218, consider all written and oral protests received, determine whether a majority protest exists, and if no majority protest is received, approve the proposed 2026/2027 rate increase for solid waste, recycling, and disposal services for residential, commercial, and roll-off customers; and adopt a resolution approving tax roll billing for residential services.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
B. Annual Renewal of the Lighting and Landscaping District Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/2027
Recommendation: Hold a public hearing, adopt resolutions approving the final engineer's report and order the levy and collection of annual assessments for the sixteen (16) existing benefit zones for the annual renewal of the Lighting and Landscaping District Budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026/2027.
Kevin Biersack, Financial Services Director, provided the presentation.
The City Council had no questions following the presentation.
Mayor Gregory opened the Public Hearing to receive public hearing, seeing none, he closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
Reso 2026-24
Reso 2026-25
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to hold a public hearing, adopt resolutions approving the final engineer's report and order the levy and collection of annual assessments for the sixteen (16) existing benefit zones for the annual renewal of the Lighting and Landscaping District Budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026/2027.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. FY2026/2027 Community Assistance Grant Recipients
Recommendation: The Council Subcommittee recommends City Council approve the award of grants totaling $70,000 for the FY 2026/2027 Community Assistance Grant Program.
Councilmember Gordon recused herself from this discussion.
Kevin Biersack, Director of Financial Services, provided the presentation.
The Council had no questions following the presentation.
M.O. 2026-105
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the Council Subcommittee’s recommendation to award grants totaling $70,000 for the FY 2026/2027 Community Assistance Grant Program.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb
RECUSED: Gordon
B. 2026 Firework Enforcement and Response Activity
Recommendation: This presentation for the 2026 Firework Enforcement and Response activity is for presentation and discussion only. No formal recommendation required.
Sergeant Mark Robles, provided the presentation.
This 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.
C. National Opioid Settlement Funds
Recommendation: City Council approve a new Special Revenue Fund for the dedicated use of the National Opioid Settlement Funds to create a comprehensive opioid response program/strategy.
Sergeant Mark Robles provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-106
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gordon to approve a new Special Revenue Fund for the dedicated use of the National Opioid Settlement Funds to create a comprehensive opioid response program/strategy.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
D. Approve a Contract with C.J. Rench for the Fabrication and Installation of a Sculpture Titled "Crimson Sentinel" in the Esperanza Roundabout.
Recommendation:
1. To accept the Public Arts Commission’s recommendation to select “Crimson Sentinel” by C.J. Rench as the sculpture to be installed in the roundabout at Esperanza Park,
2. To approve a contract with C.J. Rench for the fabrication and installation of the sculpture,
3. To authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-107
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to:
1. To accept the Public Arts Commission’s recommendation to select “Crimson Sentinel” by C.J. Rench as the sculpture to be installed in the roundabout at Esperanza Park,
2. To approve a contract with C.J. Rench for the fabrication and installation of the sculpture,
3. To authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
E. Authorize the Purchase of "Great Scott", a Sculpture by Karen and Tony Barone, for Installation at Panorama Park near the Dog Park.
Recommendation: To accept the Public Arts Commission
Recommendation to purchase “Great Scott”, a sculpture by Karen and Tony Barone, to be Installed at Panorama Park adjacent to the dog park and authorize the purchase and installation of the sculpture in a not to exceed amount of $38,380.
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Public Comments:
Colby Gregory expressed support for this item.
A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to accept the Public Arts Commission’s Recommendation to purchase “Great Scott”, a sculpture by Karen and Tony Barone, to be Installed at Panorama Park adjacent to the dog park and authorize the purchase and installation of the sculpture in a not to exceed amount of $38,380.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
F. Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Remote Participation and Technology Disruption Policy Pursuant to Senate Bill 707 and the Ralph M. Brown Act.
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the Remote Participation and Service Disruption Policy to comply with Senate Bill 707 amendments to the Ralph M. Brown Act.
Christina Burton, City Clerk, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Reso 2026-26
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gordon to adopt a Resolution approving the Remote Participation and Service Disruption Policy to comply with Senate Bill 707 amendments to the Ralph M. Brown Act.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
G. Ratify Nominations by Councilmembers for Commission/Committee Seats and Appoint Individuals to Serve a Three-year Term to Expire June 30, 2029.
Recommendation: To ratify the following nominations and appoint each individual to serve a three-year term continuing through June 30, 2029:
Planning Commission:
Nomination by Councilmember Nancy Ross to appoint Todd Hooks Nomination by Councilmember Christina Gordon to appoint Colby Gregory Architectural Review Committee:
Nomination by Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez to appoint Sunshine Herrera
Nomination by Councilmember Christina Gordon to reappoint Stephen Burchard
Historic Preservation Committee:
Nomination by Councilmember Rita Lamb to appoint Craig Bugbee Parks and Community Events Commission:
Nomination by Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez to reappoint Mario Jimenez Nomination by Councilmember Christina Gordon to appoint Erik Castillo Public Arts Commission:
Nomination by Mayor Raymond Gregory to reappoint Craig Liebelt Nomination by Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez to appoint Diane Anderson- Minshall
The City Council discussed appointments to the City's boards and commissions. Following discussion, the Council directed staff to reopen recruitment for the two vacant Planning Commission seats designated for a licensed landscape architect and a licensed architect.
M.O. 2026-109
A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to ratify the following nominations and appoint each individual to serve a three-year term continuing through June 30, 2029:
Planning Commission:
Nomination by Councilmember Nancy Ross to appoint Todd Hooks Nomination by Councilmember Christina Gordon to appoint Colby Gregory Architectural Review Committee:
Nomination by Councilmember Christina Gordon to reappoint Stephen Burchard
Historic Preservation Committee:
Nomination by Councilmember Rita Lamb to appoint Craig Bugbee Parks and Community Events Commission:
Nomination by Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez to reappoint Mario Jimenez Nomination by Councilmember Christina Gordon to appoint Erik Castillo Public Arts Commission:
Nomination by Mayor Raymond Gregory to reappoint Craig Liebelt Nomination by Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez to appoint Diane Anderson- Minshall.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
7. CLOSED SESSION
There were no Closed Session items.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gregory adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City