CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, August 12, 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
Nancy Ross, Councilmember
Christina Gordon, Councilmember
Council Absent:
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
M.O. 2026-128
A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Ross to excuse the absence of Councilmember Rita Lamb from the Study Session and Regular Meetings.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
In-Person Comments:
Alan Carvalho expressed concern related to public records requests, the subcommittee for LGBT Days, and the residency of current and past Councilmembers.
Written Comments:
Alma Chicas expressed opposition to Flock cameras.
A. Lopez expressed opposition to Flock cameras.
Chris P. expressed opposition to Flock cameras.
Garret Langley expressed opposition to Flock cameras.
Daniel expressed opposition to Flock cameras.
Michelle expressed opposition to Flock cameras.
Joe expressed opposition to Flock cameras.
KV expressed opposition to Flock cameras.
2. STUDY SESSION
Desert Recreation District Update - Finances
Recommendation: To receive a presentation by staff from the Desert Recreation District on the status of district finances.
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, provided an update on finances related to Desert Recreation District (DRD). The following points were presented:
• Background
Cost Estimates for Year One
• Year End Estimates
• FY 2025/2026 Expenses
• FY 2025/2026 Staffing
• Fiscal Impact
Dr. Gabriel Martin, Public Information and Legislative Affairs Officer for DRD, provided a presentation on the district's finances. The following points were presented:
• Preliminary Budget Timeline and Overview
• General Fund Overview
• District Wide General Fund Overview
• Assessment District Funds Overview
• General Fund Forecast
• Fund Balance Forecast
• Site Findings
• Policy Recommendations and Review
• Proposed Parcel Tax Measure P
The City Council provided comments and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff and DRD representatives.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Strategic Plan Update
Recommendation: This report is for information, discussion and direction only.
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, provided an update on the Strategic Plan. The following points were presented:
• Strategic Plan Background
• City Council Priority Initiatives Pie Chart
City Council Priority Items
Measure W Update
Neighborhood Street Improvements
• Desert Recreation District Annexation
• Fiscal Impact
• Strategic Plan Goals A-F
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.
C. Preliminary Report on Mailboxes and Other Sidewalk Obstructions Recommendation: For the City Council to receive and discuss the preliminary findings regarding mailboxes and other sidewalk obstructions affecting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility throughout Cathedral City and provide comments and/or direction to staff regarding improvement solutions.
John Corella, Public Works Director, reported on mailboxes and other sidewalk obstructions. The following points were presented:
• Mailboxes and Other Sidewalk Obstructions Strategic Plan • Sidewalks Background
• Obstructions to Pedestrian Access Route (PAR)
• Existing Conditions of Mailboxes
• Mailboxes Field Evaluation
• Mailbox Neighborhood Obstruction Assessment
• Summary of Findings
• Major Corridors Assessment
• Potential Solutions
Right of Way Asset Inventory
• Possible City Approach
• Fiscal Impact
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.
3. CLOSED SESSION
• CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)
Number of matters: One (1) Zenergy Capital, LLC v. Palm Springs Cemetery District, City of Cathedral City, et al.,
Superior Court of California, Riverside County, Case No. CVPS2406355 Recommendation: There is no staff recommendation.
Assistant City Attorney Stephanie Gutierrez announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss item 3A.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:39 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 5:18 p.m.
Assistant City Attorney Gutierrez reported that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss item 3A and there was no reportable action.
Mayor Gregory adjourned the Study Session meeting at 5:18 p.m.
RECESS
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Raymond Gregory at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Nancy Ross.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Christina Gordon offered the Invocation.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Raymond Gregory, Mayor
Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
Nancy Ross, Councilmember
Christina Gordon, Councilmember
Council Absent:
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
The absence of Councilmember Rita Lamb was excused during the Study Session portion of the meeting.
AGENDA FINALIZATION
City Manager Andrew Firestine announced that item 3D under Consent, would be pulled for separate consideration.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
In-Person Comments:
Alberto Ruiz expressed support for Flock cameras.
Raymond Manriquez discussed the upcoming Fields of Valor event.
Written Comments:
David Koslow provided comments related to his demand letter to "cure or correct".
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Christina Gordon reported on the following:
• Her attendance at the Cathedral Police Officer's Association backpack giveaway event
• Her attendance at Assemblymember Greg Wallis's backpack event • Her participation in a blood drive
• Her attendance at the "Know Your Rights" event
• Her attendance at the Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy Meeting • Her attendance at various meetings with staff and City Manager Firestine • Her ride along with the Fire Department
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following:
• Her recent vacation
• Her attendance at the Mosquito Vector Control Board meeting. • Her attendance at the Sunline Transportation Agency meeting. • Her attendance at various Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) meetings
• Her proud work as Chair on the Animal Campus
• Her meeting with City Manager Firestine
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• He participated in the Salvation Army Backpack giveaway event. • He also met with the City Manager.
• He also mentioned his efforts in the re-election process.
Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting • His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Executive Committee Meeting
• His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Administration and Personnel meeting in closed session
• His attendance at the Cashflow Ad Hoc Committee meeting. • His attendance at the Visit Greater Palm Springs meeting • His attendance at Assemblymember Greg Wallis's backpack giveaway event
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2026-129
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-130
C. Approval of the July 22, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes.
Recommendation: To approve the July 22, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes
M.O. 2026-131
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Agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
D. Authorize a Letter of Support to the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) - Supporting the Designation of Eligible Opportunity Zone 2.0 Census Tracts within the City of Cathedral City
Recommendation: To authorize the City Manager to prepare a Letter of Support to the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) supporting the designation of eligible Opportunity Zones 2.0 census tracts located within the City of Cathedral.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Discussion ensued related to the eligible census tracts to be included in the letter.
M.O. 2026-132
A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to authorize the City Manager to prepare a Letter of Support to the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) supporting the designation of eligible Opportunity Zones 2.0 census tracts located within the City of Cathedral to include the following census tracts as discussed:
06065044702
06065044916
• 06065044933
• 06065045000
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no Public Hearings.
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. to conduct a Citywide Classification and Compensation Study
Recommendation: To approve a professional services agreement with Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. for classification and services and authorize the City Manager to execute the services agreement.
Asusena Soren, Human Resources Manager, provide a presentation on the proposed professional services agreement with Gallagher Benefit Services, The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-133
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded y Councilmember Gordon to approve a professional services agreemen vith Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. for classification and services and authorize the City Manager to execute the services agreement.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
B. Consultant Selection for the Citywide Integrated Strategic Communications Plan
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that City Council:
• Approve JPW Communications as the selected consultant for the Citywide Integrated Strategic Communications Plan based on the evaluation panel's scoring and recommendation; and
Approve an Agreement for Services with JPW Communications and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement for an amount not to exceed $78,575.
Ryan Hunt, Director of Communications and Engagement, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Discussion ensued regarding the inclusion of the rollover of Councilmember Gordon's district funds in the amount of $33,817.50. It was noted that the rollover is contingent upon Council approval at a later time and should be clearly identified in the approval.
M.O. 2026-134
A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to:
• Approve JPW Communications as the selected consultant for the Citywide Integrated Strategic Communications Plan based on the evaluation panel's scoring and recommendation; and
• Approve an Agreement for Services with JPW Communications and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement for an amount not to exceed $78,575, which is contingent upon Council's approval of the rollover of Councilmember Gordon's district improvement funds in the amount of $33,817.50.
RESULT: PASS
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ABSENT: Lamb
C. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. for Preparation of the Cathedral City Climate Action Plan Update Recommendation:
For City Council to:
• Approve a professional services agreement with ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. in an amount not to exceed $55,000 for preparation of the Cathedral City Climate Action Plan Update; and a fifteen percent (15%) contingency for unforeseen project related outreach requirements in the amount of $8,250; thereby bringing the total cost encumbrance for this project to $63,250; and,
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.; and,
• Find that approval of the professional services agreement is not a project under CEQA pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines because it consists of administrative and planning activities that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change to the environment.
Deanna Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation and Public Works Manager, provided a presentation on the professional services agreement with ICF Incorporated, LLC.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-135
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to:
Approve a professional services agreement with ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. in an amount not to exceed $55,000 for preparation of the Cathedral City Climate Action Plan Update; and a fifteen percent (15%) contingency for unforeseen project related outreach requirements in the amount of $8,250; thereby bringing the total cost encumbrance for this project to $63,250; and,
• Authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement with ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.; and,
• Find that approval of the professional services agreement is not oroject under CEQA pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines because it consists of administrative and planning activities that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change to the environment.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gregory adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:18 p.m.
Hamao sey Mila Pub
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City