CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, August 26, 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. 2026-136
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to excuse the absence of Councilmember Rita Lamb from the Study Session and Regular Meetings of August 26, 2026.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no members of the public that wished to speak.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. FIND Food Bank - Presentation on Hunger Action Month Recommendation: To receive a presentation from FIND Food Bank with no formal action.
Lorena Gomez, Associate Development and Community Relations Director for FIND Food Bank, provided a presentation in recognition for Hunger Action Month.
The City Council asked clarifying questions which were responded to by Ms.
Gomez.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Establishment of a Legislative Advocacy Policy
Recommendation: To review and consider options for establishing a City Council legislative advocacy policy.
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, provided a presentation on the review and consideration of options to establish a City Council Legislative Advocacy Policy. The following proposed models were presented:
• Model 1 Council-Adopted Legislative Platform with Delegated Administrative Authority
• Model 2 Administrative Action with Subsequent Council Ratification • Model 3 Case-by-Case Council Approval
In-Person Public Comments:
Sunshine Herrera provided feedback related to the establishment of a legislative advocacy policy.
The City Council asked clarifying questions and provided feedback which were responded to by staff.
After discussion it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to draft a policy for future consideration based on the feedback provided.
Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Study Session meeting at 3:54 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 Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Nancy Ross 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
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sunshine Herrera expressed support for the appointment of Rick Sanchez as Police Chief and discussed the upcoming street sign topper ceremony for Sarah DiGrande.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Christina Gordon reported on the following:
• Her meeting with Inland Council for Immigrant Justice, City Manager and Assistant City Manager
• Her participation in a local clean up event hosted by New Earth Creator Nonprofit • Her attendance at the Cathedral City High School Band's car wash event • Her attendance at the Dinner with Patsi event
• Her interview with United Youth We Stand
• Her various meetings and conversations with constituents • She congratulated Police Chief Rick Sanchez on his appointment • Looking forward to Street Sign Topper event for Sarah DiGrande Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following:
• Her visit to Desert Marigold
• Her participation in a neighborhood food drive
• Her recent trip
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
• He noted that he has been out campaigning
• The residents' concerns and questions he received
• His continued efforts to drive throughout the City to report issues that need addressing through the My Cathedral City App
• His meetings with City Manager Firestine
• The upcoming Street Sign Topper event for Sarah DiGrande Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
• His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Cashflow AdHoc Committee meeting
• Interviewed a candidate for the Architectural Review Committee • His attendance to the Riverside County Transportation Commission's Budget and Implementation Committee.
• The upcoming Street Sign Topper event for Sarah DiGrande • The upcoming Labor Day Holiday
• He congratulated Police Chief Rick Sanchez on his appointment • The upcoming Special City Council scheduled for September 16, 2026 beginning at 3:00 p.m.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of the August 12, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes.
Recommendation: To approve the Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2026.
M.O. 2026-137
B. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-138
Check Demand - July 2026
Recommendation: The City Council acting in its capacity for the City, the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency, the Housing Successor Agency and the Cathedral City Public Finance Authority Board receive and file payment of claims and demands in the aggregate sum of $23,843,317.99 for the month of July 2026.
In-person Public Comments:
Sunshine Herrera questioned items on the check demand and requested a presentation in a public meeting to address her questions.
M.O. 2026-139
D. Designation of a Voting Delegate and Alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Business Meeting on September 25, 2026.
Recommendation: To adopt a resolution entitled:
A resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, designating a voting delegate and an alternate representing Cathedral City at the League of California Cities Annual Business meeting to be held on September 25, 2026.
Reso 2026-35
E. Approve an Amendment to the Cathedral City Firefighters Association (CCFA) Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Cathedral City and CCFA.
Recommendation: To approve an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Cathedral City and Cathedral City Firefighters Association (CCFA).
M.O. 2026-140
F. Authorization to Purchase Axon Enterprise Taser Devices for the Police Department
Recommendation: Approve the purchase of twenty-five (25) Axon TASER 10 Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs), including cartridges, accessories, and extended warranty for $105,508.61.
M.O. 2026-141
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
4. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Approval of Sponsorship Agreement for the 2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
• Approve the Platinum Level Sponsorship Agreement with the Palm Springs International Film Society for the 2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival in the amount of $90,000 in financial sponsorship and $20,000 in in-kind support services; and • Authorize the City Manager to execute the Sponsorship Agreement and any associated sponsorship forms on behalf of the City.
Ryan Hunt, Communications-Events Manager, provided the presentation.
Following his presentation, Toni Merrihew, Executive Director, and Anne Blalock, Brand Partnership & Membership Manager both from the Palm Springs International Film Society introduced themselves and provided a presentation on the organization's non-profit status and their mission statement.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff and the Palm Springs International Film Society staff.
In-Person Public Comments:
Sunshine Herrera asked clarifying budgetary questions and would like to see more financial accountability.
M.O. 2026-142
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Ross to:
• Approve the Platinum Level Sponsorship Agreement with the Palm Springs International Film Society for the 2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival in the amount of $90,000 in financial sponsorship and $20,000 in in-kind support services; and Authorize the City Manager to execute the Sponsorship Agreement and any associated sponsorship forms on behalf of the City.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
B. Extension and Amendment of Vehicle Tow Service Franchise Agreements
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council direct and authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to the Vehicle Tow Service Franchise Agreement with South West Towing and the First Amendment to the Vehicle Tow Service Franchise Agreement with Mohica Towing for the purpose of extending the franchise agreements for a period of three years and amending the franchise agreements to:
• Include a franchise fee rate increase for years 4, 5, and 6 based on the All Urban Consumers Price index (CPI-U) for Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario;
• Adjust the towing and storage rates set forth in Exhibit B; • Permit an annual review of the towing and storage rates established in Exhibit B; and
• Delete obsolete language.
Andy Diaz, Commander, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Ross and seconded
by Councilmember Gordon to direct and authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to the Vehicle Tow Service Franchise Agreement with South West Towing and the First Amendment to the Vehicle Tow Service Franchise Agreement with Mohica Towing for the purpose of extending the franchise agreements for a period of three years and amending the franchise agreements to:
• Include a franchise fee rate increase for years 4, 5, and 6 based on the All Urban Consumers Price index (CPI-U) for Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario;
• Adjust the towing and storage rates set forth in Exhibit B; • Permit an annual review of the towing and storage rates established in Exhibit B; and
• Delete obsolete language.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
C. Construction Contract Award for the Landau Boulevard Public Alley Reconstruction Project (C02607)
Recommendation: To award a construction contract to RJ Noble Company in the amount of $844,969.75 for the Landau Boulevard Public Alley Reconstruction Project (C02607) and approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $168,993.95 for unforeseeable construction cost; thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $1,013,963.70; authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project; and, issue the Notice to Proceed.
Andres Perez, Assistant Civil Engineer, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-144
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to award a construction contract to RJ Noble Company in the amount of $844,969.75 for the Landau Boulevard Public Alley Reconstruction Project (C02607) and approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $168,993.95 for unforeseeable construction cost; thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $1,013,963.70; authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; 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: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
D. Approval of a Budget Adjustment to the HSIP Cycle 9A Traffic Signal Improvements at 12 Intersections Project (C08752), and Approval of Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Service Agreement with Z&K Consultants, Inc.
Recommendation: Approve a budget adjustment to the HSIP Cycle 9A Traffic Signal Improvements at 12 Intersections Project (C08752), utilizing Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding awarded by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans); and authorize the City Engineer to prepare and execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with Z&K Consultants, Inc. for additional construction engineering services necessary to complete the project.
Armando Baldizzone, City Engineer, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-145
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to approve a budget adjustment to the HSIP Cycle 9A Traffic Signal Improvements at 12 Intersections Project (C08752), utilizing Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding awarded by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans); and authorize the City Engineer to prepare and execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with Z&K Consultants, Inc. for additional construction engineering services necessary to complete the project.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
E. Award a Professional Services Agreement to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to Develop the Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan, and the Safe Routes to School Plan
Recommendation: Award a Professional Services Agreement to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in a not-to-exceed amount of $400,576.12 for preparation of the City's Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan, and Safe Routes to School Plan; approve a
14.53 percent contingency in the amount of $58,218.48 for unforeseen costs and optional services; approve a total project budget of $468,794.60, which includes the previously authorized NAI Consulting, Inc. Task Order in a not- to-exceed amount of $10,000.00 for project management services; authorize the City Engineer to approve amendments to the Professional Services Agreement within the approved contingency amount; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement and all required contract documents.
Armando Baldizzone, City Engineer, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-146
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to award a Professional Services Agreement to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in a not-to-exceed amount of $400,576.12 for preparation of the City's Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan, and Safe Routes to School Plan; approve a 14.53 percent contingency in the amount of $58,218.48 for unforeseen costs and optional services; approve a total project budget of $468,794.60, which includes the previously authorized NAI Consulting, Inc.
Task Order in a not-to-exceed amount of $10,000.00 for project management services; authorize the City Engineer to approve amendments to the Professional Services Agreement within the approved contingency amount; and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement and all required contract documents.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
F. Accept Public Arts Commission's Recommendation and Award Contract to Autumn Martino for the Esperanza Park Mural Recommendation: To accept the Public Arts Commission's recommendation, award a contract in the amount of $50,000 to Autumn Martino for her mural concept "Rooted in Hope" for Esperanza Park, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-147
A motion was made by Councilmember Gordon and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve the Public Arts Commission's recommendation, to award a contract in the amount of $50,000 to Autumn Martino for her mural concept "Rooted in Hope" for Esperanza Park, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Gordon
ABSENT: Lamb
5. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
The City Council engaged in brief discussion on future agenda items. There was no consensus to add any future items.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gregory adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:14 p.m.
Mayer. City of Cathedal Cily City Clerk, City of Cathedral City