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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2019-09-25 111 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Special Meeting Wednesday, September 25, 2019 3:30 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 • CALL TO ORDER The Special Meeting of September 25, 2019 was called to order at 3:30 PM by Mayor Mark Carnevale. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mark Carnevale Mayor Present 3:30 PM John Aguilar Mayor Pro Tern Present 3:30 PM Raymond Gregory Councilmember Present 3:30 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 3:30 PM 1. AGENDA ITEM A. Declaration of Results for the August 27, 2019 Special Vacancy Mail Ballot Election Recommendation: To adopt a Resolution declaring the results of the August 27, 2019 Special Vacancy Mail Ballot Election as certified by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern John Aguilar and seconded by Councilmember Raymond Gregory to adopt a Resolution declaring the results of the August 27, 2019 Special Vacancy Mail Ballot Election as certified by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters. Reso 2019-35 RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] MOVER: John Aguilar, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember AYES: Mark Carnevale, John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez • OATH OF OFFICE - The City Clerk will Swear-in Newly Elected Councilmember City Clerk, Tracey Martinez, gave the oath of office to newly elected Councilmember Rita Lamb. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez congratulated Councilmember Lamb on being elected to City Council District One and stated that he is looking forward to working with her. Mayor Pro Tem John Aguilar also congratulated Councilmember Lamb and stated that Council has ambitious plans ahead of them and he looks forward to her contributions and bringing a fresh new perspective. Councilmember Raymond Gregory stated that the people have made their choice and he is happy with the result and is looking forward to working with Councilmember Lamb. Mayor Mark Carnevale acknowledged Mayor DeRosa, who was in the audience. He read a statement to Councilmember Rita Lamb congratulating her on her successful campaign and personally welcomed her to the City Council. Councilmember Rita Lamb, thanked her husband, son and daughter-in-law for all of their support through the process. She thanked the community for their support during the election and the Council and staff for the warm welcome. Mayor Mark Carnevale adjourned the Special Meeting of September 25, 2019 at 3:40 PM. (cx„), f ri )111,e_A kJ-63 Mayor, City of dral City City Clerk, City of Chthedral City Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 10/01/2019 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, September 25, 2019 4:00 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM by Mayor Mark Carnevale. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mark Carnevale Mayor Present 4:00 PM John Aguilar Mayor Pro Tern Present 4:00 PM Raymond Gregory Councilmember Present 4:00 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 4:00 PM Rita Lamb Councilmember Present 4:00 PM • AGENDA FINALIZATION • THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 PM 1. CLOSED SESSION Eric Vail, City Attorney, announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the following items. A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2). Number of Potential Cases: Two B. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.6 Agency Negotiator: Charles McClendon, City Manager Represented Employees: AFSCME - The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees CCPOA - Cathedral City Police Officers Association CCPMA - Cathedral City Police Management Association CCPFA - Cathedral City Firefighters Association CCFMA - Cathedral City Fire Management Association The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:00 PM. The City Council reconvened at 6:34 PM. Eric Vail, City Attorney, announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss item 1A. Conference with Legal Counsel- Anticipated Litigation for two cases. The Council was able to conclude discussions on one case, with no reportable action taken. The City Council will meet in Closed Session during the Regular Meeting to continue discussion on the remaining case for item 1A, and item 18. Conference with Labor Negotiator with AFSCME, CCPOA, CCPMA, CCPFA and CCFMA. • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 2. PUBLIC COMMENT Shelley Kaplan, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He expressed his concern with the recent special election process and the voter turnout. He thanked all of those who supported him. He urged the City Council to focus on the issues and work together with the residents to implement a progressive and achievable vision for Cathedral City. Terry Applegate, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. She expressed her concerns with the recent special election and the credibility of members on the City Council. 3. STUDY SESSION A. City Business Hours Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only Mayor Pro Tern John Aguilar inquired on the current services offered on Fridays by the Planning and Engineering departments. John Corella, Director of Engineering and Public Works, gave a brief overview of the services provided by the Engineering Department on Fridays. Robert Rodriguez, Director of Planning, gave a brief overview of the services provided by the Planning Department on Fridays. Mayor Pro Tem Aguilar believes there is a way to up the level of services available without making too much of an impact on City staff He would like staff to bring back recommendations on how to accomplish offering services on Fridays. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated the reasons he believes the current work schedule was originally implemented. He expressed his appreciation of staff Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 10/03/2019 and all that they do. He feels that there should not be an extra fee to have an inspection done on a Friday. He also feels that there are a lot of benefits of a 5- day work week. Councilmember Rita Lamb inquired about when and how the data presented was obtained. She would like clarification on what the current perception is. Tami Scott, Administrative Services Director, gave a brief overview on how and when the data presented was obtained and what she believes the perception is. Councilmember Raymond Gregory feels the perception is that the current work schedule is a benefit to City staff. He also feels that the arrangement of services the City offers now on Fridays is a good first step. He is not clear on what path needs to be taken to better serve and offer more services on Fridays, but he feels we need to continue to move in that direction. Mayor Mark Carnevale feels that if it is not broken then don't fix it. He also feels that if someone needs service, we should accommodate them. His main question is how many staff members would be needed to offer services on Fridays. He is not in favor of moving forward at this time. City Manager Charles McClendon stated that there would need to be a survey done to get the current perception. He stated he will work with departments regarding services for the front counter, inspections, permits and costs associated and then bring back a recommendation to the City Council the first part of next year for consideration. B. Kindergarten-to-College Program Recommendation: This item is provided for information, discussion and direction only. Councilmember Raymond Gregory feels this program is a good idea, however, he feels there are big problems with trying to implement this program in our area. He feels we should not get away from the core business of the City. He does not support the program at this time. Councilmember Rita Lamb does not support moving forward with this program at this time. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated that he is a big advocate of education. He feels this program is a great idea, however, he does not feel that the City is in the financial position to implement a program like this. He does not support moving forward with this program at this time. Mayor Pro Tern John Aguilar feels that this program is a good concept with many benefits. He plans to work independently on perusing more information about the program and help with any possible partnerships that can be made between the banks and the school district. Mayor Mark Carnevale concurs with Mayor Pro Tern Aguilar and would like to work with him. Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 10/03/2019 It was the consensus of the City Council not to move forward with the program at this time. Alan Carvalho, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He stated that former Mayor Greg Pettis was very active in bringing in money to the City. He feels there is funding available that we are not out looking for. He stated that the purpose of the City is to serve the public any way we can afford. He would love to be a part of Mayor Pro Tern Aguilar's efforts. C. Update on Community Engagement and Volunteer Update Recommendation: This is a presentation only, no formal action is required. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez would like to work on a Code Enforcement on Patrol Program similar to the Citizens on Patrol program. Terry Applegate, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. She does not support a Code Enforcement on Patrol program. She feels that it will cause conflict between neighbors. Alan Carvalho, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He feels there is another way to help fix code enforcement issues without doing it in a negative way. D. Preview of Fall 2019 Special Events Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. Mayor Mark Carnevale announced that the City Council will take a recess and he requested that Chris Parman continue the presentation on the Fall 2019 Special Events during the Regular Meeting, which will be reflected in the Regular Meeting minutes of September 25, 2019. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Mark Carnevale at 6:25 PM. • t1_,('A r ,0_,(Asi-9 Mayo City of Cathedral City City Clerk, c y of Cathedral City Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 10/03/2019 litCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, September 25, 2019 6:30 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:34 PM by Mayor Mark Carnevale. • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Rita Lamb led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION) Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez offered the Invocation. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mark Carnevale Mayor Present 6:30 PM John Aguilar Mayor Pro Tern Present 6:30 PM Raymond Gregory Councilmember Present 6:30 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 6:30 PM Rita Lamb Councilmember Present 6:30 PM • AGENDA FINALIZATION • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Scott Wolf, Development Director Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM), was called to speak. He discussed the Cooling Center which served 175 un-duplicated individuals. Of those individuals, 125 were over the age of 50 and 18 of those individuals are now receiving long term assistance through the mission. He thanked the City for their support and the CDBG funding. He stated that CVRM accepts all support and greatly appreciates it. Robert Mueller, Rancho Mirage resident, was called to speak. He spoke on the rapid demise of the Salton Sea. He urged the City Council to pass a Resolution to import sea water. Bob Terry, Salton Sea Coalition, was called to speak. He stated that they are all volunteers and they are doing what is right. The Sea is shrinking much faster than they believed. The only realistic solution to this climate crisis is to keep these chemicals covered by water. He urged the City Council to support sea water import. Chuck Parker, Salton Sea Coalition, was called to speak. He read a letter that they sent to Governor Newsom in August. He urged the City Council to support salt water import. Felicitas Nunez, Salton Sea Coalition, was called to speak. She stated that she is a retired nurse and explained the health issues that are brought on by the Salton Sea. There is a great need to do a human health study on how the dust is affecting everyone. She expressed her concern with local schools that are being affected. She urged the City Council to support salt water import. Mayor Carnevale requested that this request regarding the Salton Sea be placed on a future study session agenda. City Manager Charles McClendon stated that staff will bring a study session item on the Salton Sea back to the City Council on a future meeting for the City Council to consider. Bob Hargreaves, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He expressed his concerns with the noise from the short-term vacation rental behind his property and other items related to short-term vacation rentals. Doug Evans, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He thanked staff for accommodating his public records requests. He discussed affordable housing verses workforce housing. He believes short-term vacation rentals are taking affordable housing away. Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, was called to speak. He spoke on the Mosquito and Vector Control District and submitted information for the record. He urged the City Council to be concerned with the public's safety. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez congratulated and welcomed Councilmember Rita Lamb. He stated that the short-term vacation rental map is very helpful and thanked staff for providing it. Mayor Pro Tem John Aguilar reported that he attended the CVAG Conservation Commission meeting and the CVAG Energy and Environmental Commission meeting. He also reported that he attended the Desert Community Energy board meeting and announced there is an open seat on their advisory committee. He reported that the Lift to Rise program will be working in the community to increase Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 10/03/2019 enrollment in subsidy programs with SCE and SO Cal Gas. He attended the CVEP Meeting and noted that Stone James, the City's Economic Development Director, gave a presentation on the work he is doing for his Doctorate. He reported that he met with developers for the north side of the freeway. He also reported that he met with Thomi Clinton from the Transgender Health and Wellness Center along with a representative from the Police Department and Charlie McClendon to dicuss Police Department training. He announced that he will be attending the Major Regional Transportation Conference in Anaheim. Councilmember Raymond Gregory reported that it has been a busy two weeks. He attended the Desert Valley Builders Association Luncheon; the discussion was on housing numbers which was very informative. He also attended the Progressive Government Academy. He represented the City at the Riverside County Transportation Committee Budget and Implementation Committee meeting, they are working to ensure there is adequate funds available for the cities in the Valley. He participated as a judge for the Cat City Drag Race, which is 6-week event, and has been a great event. He announced The Roost Show Tunes event. He also participated in the Panorama Park neighborhood Tuesday Night Lights bike ride event. He feels that the City puts on a lot of events and it is great that residents put on healthy events on their own. He represented the City at the SunLine Transit Agency meeting. He announced the Cinema Diverse will be at the Mary Pickford Theater and the Fire Department Annual Pancake Breakfast will be held on October 5, 2019, which is his favorite event. Councilmember Rita Lamb had nothing to report. Mayor Mark Carnevale reported that he attended the CVAG homeless committee meeting, where they discussed opening a cooling center in all three cities. He stated that if we look hard enough, we can probably find a location for all year long here in Cathedral City. He stated that CVAG is discussing the building of "Tiny Homes". The City of Palm Springs will be receiving a 10 million dollar grant for homelessness and their success will be Cathedral City's success. He announced that on January 29, 2020, the City will be conducting a head count of the homeless, volunteers are needed. He attended the DVBA luncheon, where affordable housing was the topic of discussion. He had a meeting with the Burlington Building owner, attended the Cat City Drag Race and announced he will be attending the All Valley Mayor Tribal Luncheon, the Clean Air Day event and the Perez Behavior Heath Green Event. 3. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Councilwoman Lamb to approve the following Consent Agenda items: RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Carnevale, Aguilar, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb A. Minutes Approval Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 10/03/2019 M.O. 2019-116 1. City Council - Study Session - Sep 11, 2019 4:00 PM 2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Sep 11, 2019 6:30 PM B. Receive and file Payment of Claims and Demands - August 2019 Recommendation: The City Council acting in its capacity for the City, the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency, the Housing Successor Agency, the Cathedral City Public Finance Authority Board, and the Cathedral City Downtown Foundation Board receive and file payment of claims and demands in the aggregate sum of$9,312,282 for the month of August 2019. M.O. 2019-117 C. Second Reading Cannabis Industry Employee Identification Card Program Recommendation: To provide second reading and approve an ordinance amending Chapter 5.88 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to establish a Cannabis Industry Employee Card Program. Ord 827 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Outdoor Market - Contract for Services with Events A La Carte! Recommendation: To approve a Contract for Services with Events A La Carte! to provide a holiday outdoor market during Snow Fest. M.O. 2019-118 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Aguilar and seconded by Councilmember Gregory to approve a Contract for Services with Events A La Carte! to provide a holiday outdoor market during Snow Fest. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: John Aguilar, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember AYES: Carnevale, Aguilar, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb B. Presentation and Discussion on City's Hedge Regulations Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. Councilmember Raymond Gregory feels it is not environmentally friendly and is not in favor of moving forward. Councilmember Rita Lamb is not in favor of moving forward. Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 10/03/2019 Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez agrees with Councilmember Gregory and is not in favor of moving forward. Mayor Mark Carnevale agrees with the Councilmembers and is not in support of moving forward with an Ordinance. Jack Fulton, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He urged the City Council to pass a clear set of rules for hedges in the City. He suggests a 10 to 12-foot limit on the height of hedges. Alan Carvalho, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He urged the City Council to support a code to limit hedges. Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident, was called to speak. He supports property rights and feels that the City Council should not impose a code on hedges. 7. CLOSED SESSION Eric Vail, City Attorney announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the following items on the agenda. A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2). Number of Potential Cases: Two B. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.6 Agency Negotiator: Charles McClendon, City Manager Represented Employees: AFSCME - The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees CCPOA - Cathedral City Police Officers Association CCPMA - Cathedral City Police Management Association CCPFA - Cathedral City Firefighters Association CCFMA - Cathedral City Fire Management Association The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 7:58 PM. The City Council reconvened at 8:30 PM. Eric Vail City Attorney announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss items 7A. Conference with Legal Counsel- Anticipated Litigation and 78. Conference with Labor Negotiator and AFSCME, CCPOA, CCPMA, CCPFA and CCFMA. There was no reportable action taken. ADJOURN Mayor Mark Carnevale adjourned the Regular Meeting of September 25, 2019, at 8:30 PM. Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 10/03/2019 - ,c, c_)g,17--0-ci A_Qj_o_ Mayor, 'ty of I., •edral City City Clerks City of Cathedral City Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 10/03/2019