CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Special Study Session Meeting 3:00 PM
Special City Council Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gregory called 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
AGENDA FINALIZATION
Item 2B was moved to the Regular Meeting under Legislative Actions as item 4D.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Written Comments:
Danielle Soto provided comments related to the Commercial Electric Lawn and Garden Rebate and Demo event.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Program – Public Safety, Privacy, Accountability, and Transparency
Recommendation: Receive and file a presentation from the Cathedral City Police Department regarding the Department's
Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) program,
including its public-safety applications, privacy
protections, access controls, auditing requirements,
data-sharing practices, and accountability measures.
Rick Sanchez, Police Chief, provided the presentation. The following points were presented:
• What does Information Does ALPR Collect?
• ALPR: Turning Vehicle Information into Investigative Leads • ALPR: What ALPR Does and Does Not
• Who Can Access our ALPR Data?
• Access in Earned Not Granted
• Accountability Through Auditing
• Why Accountability Matters
• How ALPR Supports Criminal Investigations
• Investigative Case Examples
• ALPR in Action
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff, Flock representatives, and legal.
Public Comments:
Hector Valenzuela expressed concern related to flock cameras.
Yasmine Espinoza expressed concern related to flock cameras.
Gary Paulsen discussed the future implications of this technology.
Dave Obrien would like a citizen oversight commission to be created.
Andrew Negus expressed concern related to flock cameras.
Written Comments:
Sofia A. expressed opposition to flock cameras.
Zoom Comments:
Colby Gregory expressed the need to continue monitoring the ALPR program.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
3. CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1)
Number of Matters: Eight (8)
1. Robert Williams v. Cathedral City, et al.; Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVPS2504349
2. Craig Sanborn v. Cathedral City, et al.; Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVPS2504814
3. Ronda Guillaume v. Cathedral City, et al.; Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVPS2507057
4. Christopher Jackson v. Cathedral City, et al.; Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVPS2503670
5. Corwin De Veas v. Cathedral City; California Court of Appeal Case No.
E088891; Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVPS2500481
6. City of Cathedral City v. Corwin De Veas; California Court of Appeal Case No. E088502; Riverside County Superior Court Case No.
CVPS2600008
7. Anthony Janosz v. Cathedral City, et al.; Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVPS2604510
8. Irene Gorosave v. Cathedral City, et al.; Riverside County Superior Court Case No. CVPS2406366
Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez recused himself from the discussion of matters 5 and
6. City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the items listed on the Agenda.
The City Council recess to Closed Session at 5:01 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 5:21 p.m.
City Attorney reported that direction was provided on matter 8 and there was no other reportable action.
Mayor Gregory adjourned the Study Session meeting at 5:22 p.m.
RECESS
REGULAR MEETING – 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gregory at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Lamb.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember 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
Study Session item 2B was moved to the Regular meeting under Legislative Actions as item 4D.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION- Proclamation in Recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month The City Council received a special presentation in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public Comments:
Gary Paulsen expressed concern with the conditions of streets.
Rick Saldivar provided comments related to Cathedral City’s Mayor rotation process.
Pedro Padilla discussed immigration issues.
Raymond Lafleur discussed comments made by a public speaker at a pervious City Council meeting.
Sunshine Herrera discussed her pervious requests about public money and transparency.
Alan Carvalho discussed the diverse community, individuals singling out one event, and campaign sign.
Rudy Morales discussed the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and urge City Council to work with the business community.
Julian Ruiz discussed Sunshine Herrera comments raised regarding the LGBT Days event and feel the City should respond.
Written Comments:
David Koslow requests removal of Ernesto Gutierrez.
Terry Applegate expressed concern related to Ernesto Gutierrez’ campaign signs.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Gordon reported on the following:
• Her participation in jury duty
• Her attendance at the Street Sign Topper event for Sarah Di Grandi • Her attendance at the All Valley Mayors, County and Tribal Chairpersons Luncheon • Her attendance at the Fire EMS 9/11 Memorial
• Her attendance at the Esperanza Rising event at Esperanza Park • Her attendance at the Meet and Greet at Caliente Sands Community • The upcoming Dinner with Patsi
Councilmember Ross reported on the following:
• Her participation in the North American Trade Association meeting. • Her work with the Animal Campus
• Her attendance at a campaign kickoff
• Her meeting with a group concerned about C4
• Her meeting with constituents and staff at Ocotillo Park for the Septic-to-Sewer Project Community Meeting
• Her attendance at the “Do The Right Thing” ceremony
• Her attendance at the CVAG Energy and Sustainability Committee meeting • Her attendance at the Fire EMS 9/11 Memorial
• Her attendance at the Southern California Edison Advisory Panel meeting • The upcoming California League of Cities Annual Conference Councilmember Lamb reported on the following:
• Her participation in the Public Safety Commission meeting • Her attendance at the Septic-to-Sewer Project Community Meeting • Her attendance at the Fire EMS 9/11 Memorial Ceremony • Her attendance at the All Valley Mayors, County and Tribal Chairpersons Luncheon
• Her attendance at a Fall Prevention Workshop at the Senior Center • Her various telephone conversations with constituents • Her meeting with Parks and Community Events Commissioner Erick Castillo Councilmember Gutierrez reported on the following:
• Expressed his support for the LGBTQ Community
Mayor Gregory reported on the following:
• His attendance at the Street Sign Topper event for Sarah Di Grandi • His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Transportation Commission’s Budget and Implementation Committee
• His attendance at the new Police Chief swearing in ceremony • His attendance at the Riverside County Transportation Committee meeting • His attendance at the 9/11 EMS Memorial Ceremony
• Her attendance the All Valley Mayors, County and Tribal Chairpersons Luncheon • Her attendance at the Esperanza Rising event at Esperanza Park • The upcoming International Day of Peace Event
• The upcoming California League of Cities Conference
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2026-148
B. Approval of the August 26, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes.
Recommendation: To approve the Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026.
M.O. 2026-149
C. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-150
D. Check Demand – August 2026
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-151
E. 2026 Conflict of Interest Code Biennial Notice Pursuant to the Political Reform Act
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file the 2026 Local Agency Biennial
Notice; and
2. Direct staff to process the necessary amendments to
the City’s Conflict of Interest Code and return to the
City Council for consideration and adoption of the
amendments prior to December 31, 2026.
M.O. 2026-152
F. CFD 2006-1, IA #23 (Forest Lawn) Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax (2nd Reading)
Recommendation: Conduct Second Reading and adopt the Ordinance authorizing the levy of a special tax within Improvement Area No. 23 (Forest Lawn) of the City of Cathedral City Community Facilities District No. 2006-1 (Law Enforcement, Fire,
Paramedic, Park and General Maintenance Services).
Ord 902
G. FY 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER)
Recommendation: To approve the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual
Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
M.O. 2026-153
H. Ratification of Mayor Gregory’s Appointment of Tyler Rinehart to the Architectural Review Committee – Landscape Architect Seat Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council ratify Mayor Gregory’s nomination of Tyler Rinehart to fill the Architectural Review Committee seat designated for a Landscape
Architect, pursuant to Cathedral City Municipal Code Section
2.30.010(B), for the unexpired term ending June 30, 2029.
M.O. 2026-154
I. 2026–2027 California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant PT27027
Recommendation: Accept the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant PT27027 in the amount of $50,000 for the grant period October 1, 2026
through September 30, 2027 and authorize the Chief of
Police to execute the grant agreement on behalf of the City.
M.O. 2026-155
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
City Clerk Burton read the title of the Ordinance.
4. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Cathedral City Pride Event Name Change, 2027 Date Change, and Contract Amendment
Recommendation: Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Approve the renaming of Cathedral City LGBT+ Days
to Cathedral City Pride, effective with the 2027 event;
2. Approve the change of the 2027 event dates from
March 5–7, 2027 to March 12–14, 2027; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment
to the existing Event Services Agreement with
Montage Agency LLC reflecting the event name and
date changes.
Ryan Hunt, Director of Communications and Engagement, and Michael Westman, Montage, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by Mr.
Hunt and Mr. Westman.
Public Comments:
Danny Lee expressed support.
Art Gregoire expressed support.
David Powell, Desert Business Association, expressed support.
John Aguilar expressed support.
Terry Leffgoff expressed support.
Rick Paul discussed the LGBTQ community and PRIDE.
Charlie McClendon expressed support.
Brian OConnor expressed support.
Alan Carvalho discussed the history of the event.
Danielle Mead expressed support.
Stephen Golden expressed support.
Mel England expressed support.
Written Comments:
Donald Steele expressed support.
Andrew Allan expressed support.
Jason Nutile expressed support.
Andrew Wancowicz support.
DAP Health expressed support.
Randall Krogstad expressed support.
Steven Caristo expressed support.
Steven Byrket expressed support.
Todd Hunter expressed support.
Charles Konopinski expressed support.
Patrick James Magee expressed support.
Terry Applegate and Jeanne Scott expressed support.
David Gray expressed support.
Eri Nox expressed support and discussed the backlash towards Ms. Herrera.
Zoom Comments:
Colby Gregory expressed support.
Christopher Parman expressed support.
M.O. 2026-156
A motion was made by Councilmember Gordon and seconded
by Councilmember Lamb to:
1. Approve the renaming of Cathedral City LGBT+ Days to Cathedral City Pride, effective with the 2027 event;
2. Approve the change of the 2027 event dates from March 5–7, 2027 to March 12–14, 2027; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the existing Event Services Agreement with Montage Agency LLC reflecting the event name and date changes.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
Recess 7:56 p.m.
Reconvened at 8:12 p.m.
B. Construction Contract Award to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for the Cathedral Canyon Drive and Canyon Shores Drive Traffic Signal Project
Recommen
dation:
To award a construction contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. in the amount of $367,614.00 for the Cathedral Canyon Drive and Canyon Shores Drive Traffic Signal Project
(C06517); and, approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $73,522.80 for unforeseeable construction costs, thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $441,136.80; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project, and issue the notice to proceed.
M.O. 2026-157
Andres Perez, Assistant Engineer, provided the presentation.
Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Written Comments:
Bob Jaworski expressed concern with the proposed project.
Michelle and John Giacopuzzi expressed concern with the proposed project.
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gutierrez to award a construction contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. in the amount of $367,614.00 for the Cathedral Canyon Drive and Canyon Shores Drive Traffic Signal Project (C06517); and, approve a twenty percent (20%) contingency in the amount of $73,522.80 for unforeseeable construction costs, thereby bringing the total construction budget to the amount of $441,136.80; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project, and issue the notice to proceed.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
C. Contract with Petrochem Materials Innovation, LLC for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Rubberized Emulsion Aggregate Slurry Projects Recommen
dation:
To approve a contract with Petrochem Materials Innovation, LLC. (PMI) for $589,571.00 to supply and apply Rubberized Emulsion Aggregate Slurry (REAS) on the Dream Homes Area (C02701), Assessment District (AD) 88-2 Area (C02702), and Cove Lane and Grove Street (C02703), including traffic control and striping replacement; and, approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $88,435.65 for unforeseeable construction costs, making the total encumbrance
$678,006.65; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project, and issue the notice to proceed.
Provided the presentation.
M.O. 2026-158
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to approve a contract with Petrochem Materials Innovation, LLC. (PMI) for $589,571.00 to supply and apply Rubberized Emulsion Aggregate Slurry (REAS) on the Dream Homes Area (C02701), Assessment District (AD) 88-2 Area (C02702), and Cove Lane and Grove Street (C02703), including traffic control and striping replacement; and, approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $88,435.65 for unforeseeable construction costs, making the total encumbrance $678,006.65; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents; and, authorize the City Engineer to request bonds and insurance for the project, and issue the notice to proceed.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
D. FY 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Program Update
Recommen
dation:
To receive a presentation providing an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP),
including the status of ongoing projects and projects
anticipated to be completed during the current fiscal year.
Armando Baldizzone, City Engineer, provided the presentation.
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.
E. HSIP Cycle 13 Grant Application Preparation
Recommendation: To authorize the City Engineer to execute a task order with Albert A. Webb Associates (Webb), in the not-to-exceed
amount of $64,901, to provide engineering assistance,
supporting traffic engineering evaluations, and prepare up to four (4) grant applications for the Highway Safety
Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 13 Call for Projects; and authorize the City Engineer to submit the completed HSIP Cycle 13 grant application packages to the California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
M.O. 2026-159
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gordon to authorize the City Engineer to execute a task order with Albert A. Webb Associates (Webb), in the not-to-exceed amount of $64,901, to provide engineering assistance, supporting traffic engineering evaluations, and prepare up to four (4) grant applications for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 13 Call for Projects; and authorize the City Engineer to submit the completed HSIP Cycle 13 grant application packages to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
5. CLOSED SESSION
The closed session items were completed during the Study Session portion of the meeting.
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was no discussion on future agenda items.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gregory adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:38 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City