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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2020-01-22 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, January 22, 2020 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 4:05 PM by Mayor John Aguilar. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived John Aguilar Mayor Present 4:00 PM Raymond Gregory Mayor Pro Tem Present 4:00 PM Mark Carnevale Councilmember Present 4:08 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 4:00 PM Rita Lamb Councilmember Absent Councilmember Mark Carnevale arrived at 4:08 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 on the agenda. A. 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 B. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2). Number of Potential Cases: One C. Public Employee Appointment Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) Title: Police Chief The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:07 pm. The City Council reconvened at 4:30 pm. Eric Vail, City Attorney, announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss item 18. Conference with Legal Counsel- Anticipated Litigation for one case, there was no reportable action taken. The City Council will return to Closed Session at the end of the meeting to discuss items 1A and 1C. • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 2. PUBLIC COMMENT Alan Carvalho, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He thanked the Fire Chief and the City for the quick and professional response he received from the Fire Department during a recent personal incident he had. 3. STUDY SESSION A. Presentation on 150 Circle of Giving, Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE Recommendation: This is a presentation only, there is no action required with this item. Jack Alotto, MA, Certified Fundraising Executive, gave a presentation on 150 Circle of Giving which is a giving circle of members who make a minimum gift of $150 annually to benefit nonprofit organizations working in the Coachella Valley. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez questioned if the money raised stays in the Coachella Valley. He also asked how someone can donate money and what the requirements are. Jack Alotto responded that every dollar remains here in the Coachella Valley and any organization that is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit is eligible for funds. Donors can sign up on their website or fill out one of the brochures provided tonight. Mayor John Aguilar questioned how his organization manages the competing interests of different nonprofit groups. Jack Alotto stated that some nonprofit groups are more high profile than others and explained that the 150 Circle of Giving's goal is to educate those making the decision on funding and all those applying for funds. B. Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees Update Recommendation: This is a presentation only, there is no formal action required Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 2/06/2020 for this item. Sergio Espericueta, Cathedral City representative on the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees, thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve on this Board. He gave an overview of the services that the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control provide and when the Board meets. He provided some information on types of mosquitoes that have been found in Cathedral City. He provided information on how the district tries to control the mosquitoes. He provided statistics that have been compiled specifically for Cathedral City. He also provided information on the number of requests for services and stated that Cathedral City is number four in the Valley. He talked about applications that have been used in the City and explained that in 2019 there was a high number of mosquitoes. He would like to do more public outreach this year and requested help from the City. He announced that the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control recently launched a new website. Councilmember Mark Carnevale stated that he feels last year was the worst year for mosquito activity that he has ever seen. He feels that education is a great idea and he would like to see information go out to the residents closer to the summer. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez questioned what other services the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control offer. He also questioned what their budget is. He questioned which mosquito is most common and what diseases they cause. Sergio Espericueta stated that the fiscal budget does vary and it was currently around 12 million with about a 5 million emergency fund. He explained that the Aedes aegypti is the most common mosquito in Cathedral City and it can transmit viruses such as chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika. C. Discussion on Regional Services for the Homeless Recommendation: This item is provided for information, discussion and direction only. Tom Kirk, Executive Director of CVAG, gave an overview of the recently approved contract with Path of Life Ministries. He also gave an overview of the 10 million dollar grant the City of Palm Springs will be receiving for homelessness and the recommendations of how funds could be used. He stated that they are continuously looking for grant opportunities. Tom Cox, CVAG, gave an overview of the scope of work for the contract with Path of Life Ministries. He discussed the pop-up access center located in Palm Springs and would like to have one in Cathedral City. He explained the outreach efforts for housing, substance abuse and mental health. Mayor John Aguilar announced that the City of Palm Springs will be holding a public forum at the Convention Center on January 29, 2020. regarding the 10 million dollar grant and homeless Access Center. Councilmember Mark Carnevale would like to see Path of Life Ministries actively Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 2/06/2020 conduct outreach in Cathedral City. Tom Kirk responded that staff will report to the City every month on how many times Path of Life Ministries were active in Cathedral City. Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory stated that he appreciates everything that has been presented. He feels that the homelessness issue has been around for a long time and feels that there is not just one solution to it. He supports the collaborative approach of CVAG. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez questioned if there are any plans or discussions at the County or the State level to incorporate mental health care and housing combined. He also questioned if during the outreach process they inquire where the individual is from. Tom Kirk responded that there have been discussions at the County level regarding long-term mental health care and housing. He explained what information is obtained and tracked from their outreach efforts. Mayor John Aguilar requested that Staff follow up with increased reporting back to the Council on the progress of the program. Mayor John Aguilar announced that the City Council will adjourn to Closed Session to discuss items 1A and 1C as listed on the Agenda. The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:34 pm. The City Council reconvened at 6:08 pm. City Attorney Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss Item 1C Public Employee Appointment Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 (b)(1) - Title: Police Chief, there was no reportable action taken. Item 1A Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.6 - Agency Negotiator: Charles McClendon - Represented Employees: AFSCME, CCPOA, CCPMA, CCPFA, CCFMA, will be heard during the Regular City Council Meeting and will be reflected in the Minutes of January 22, 2020. ADJOURN Mayor John Aguilar adjourned the Study Session meeting at 6:08 pm. 14'1/ VI y_. C vie: Ma, • City of "'th?•ral City City Clerk, ity of Cathedral C (. Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 2/06/2020 44 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, January 22, 2020 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 6:32 PM by Mayor John Aguilar. • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Mark Carnevale led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION) Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez offered the Invocation. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived John Aguilar Mayor Present 6:30 PM Raymond Gregory Mayor Pro Tem Present 6:30 PM Mark Carnevale Councilmember Present 6:30 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 6:30 PM Rita Lamb Councilmember Excused A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to excuse the absence of Councilmember Rita Lamb. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Mark Carnevale, Ernesto Gutierrez ABSENT: Rita Lamb • AGENDA FINALIZATION Charles McClendon, City Manager, announced that item 3G Review of Cannabis Tax Rates, will be pulled from the Consent Agenda. This item will come back on a future Agenda for Council consideration. • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Alejandro D. Mondragon, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the quality of the streets in his neighborhood. He rides his bike, which is problematic when the roads are bad. He expressed his concern with the smell of cannabis in the area of the new amphitheater. He also expressed his frustration that Cathedral Canyon has not been repaired. He would like to see the City spend money in other areas of the City, including the North end. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated that within the next couple of months the City will begin repaving streets projects in the area that Mr. Mondragon referenced. He also stated that the repair of Cathedral Canyon will be done with the bridge project, which staff has been working on for the last year. It is finally in the final stages of funding approval then the bridge construction and repair can begin. Tony Mize, National Core, was called to speak. He wished everyone a Happy New Year from National Core. He expressed his appreciation for the members of the Police Department for helping serve the seniors at the Cathedral Palms Christmas Dinner. He gave an update on the progress at Cathedral Palms. He stated that they have been working on a major rehab of the property. It looks like they will have a financial closing date of May 6th and they will be able to begin the project. He feels that it is a wonderful thing that they are embarking on. They hope to have residents back into brand new units at the property by the end of the year. Doug Evans, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He reported that he had to call the Fire Department for assistance with his mother-in-law. He stated that the staff was professional and did an unbelievable job making everyone feel comfortable. He thanked the Fire Department for doing a fantastic job. He also thanked the Code Compliance Department for taking care of an issue on his street. He stated that in November the residents heard there will be no more warnings for short-term vacation violators. He feels that violators are still getting warnings and it is their hope that this will stop, especially for the chronic violators, and asked the City Council for their help. He feels that computer servers that are operated by big companies should not dictate what happens in our neighborhoods, the City should. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS SPECIAL PRESENTATION - SANTA FOR SENIORS Acting Police Chief Yoakum, gave an overview of the Santa for Seniors Breakfast Event that was held on Christmas Eve morning at the Cathedral Palms Community. It was a wonderful event that warmed his heart and all those who participated. He presented certificates of recognition to Officer Jessica Lamb, Mrs. Darcey Deetz, Mrs. Kimberly Rogers and Mrs. Sherry Mindel for making the event possible. Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 2/05/2020 Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported that he met with an investor who is interested in coming to Cathedral City. He also met with Lt. Luna regarding the first Dream Homes Community outreach meeting, which will be held on February 18, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. at Agua Caliente Elementary School. He also reported that he attended the U.S. Census Meeting along with Mayor Pro Tem Gregory. He stated that it is extremely important to make sure everyone is counted and urged everyone to participate. He also attended the CVAG Homeless Committee meeting, as the alternate member, where they discussed the 10 million dollar grant that Palm Springs will be receiving. He announced that he became a Certified Tourist Ambassador (CTA) for the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitor Bureau. He also met with the City Manager, Charles McClendon, to go over the agenda and City Engineer, John Corella to discuss all of the projects that are going on throughout the City. He also had dialog with one of his neighbors regarding short-term vacation rentals. He stated that the neighbor inquired about the Hotline phone number, which he provided, and that we need to continue to take a good look at the future of short- term vacation rentals here in the City. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory reported that he had the chance to attend many of the meetings mentioned with his colleagues. He reported that he met with the leadership of the Transgender Wellness Center along with City Manager, Charles McClendon and Human Resources Manager, Eugenia Torres. He was able to represent the City, as the alternate, at the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Meeting. He also represented the City at the SunLine Transit Agency Board Meeting. He was pleased that the agency received a clean audit with no findings. He stated that he is looking forward to the Goal Setting Session this week. He announced that the Movies in the Park will be held at Panorama Park on Saturday beginning at 7:00 p.m., they will be showing "Dumbo" and encouraged everyone to attend. Mayor John Aguilar reported that he attended a few of the same meetings mentioned. He reported that the Short-Term Vacation Rental Task Force is working very hard and should have a report to the City Council in the next few months. He also attended the Desert Community Energy Board meeting, the Shelter from the Storm meeting and the Opportunities Zone Meeting. On Sunday he had the privilege of representing the City at the 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Celebration. He also attended, along with Councilmember Carnevale and Staff. the College of the Desert's Annual State of the College luncheon. There was a video done on the new projects they are working on which identified the Automotive and Advance Transportation Facility in Cathedral City. 3. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve the following Consent Agenda items: Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 2/05/2020 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Mark Carnevale, Ernesto Gutierrez ABSENT: Rita Lamb A. Receive and file Payment of Claims and Demands for December 2019 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 $6,945,062 for the month of December 2019. M.O. 2020-14 B. Minutes Approval M.O. 2020-15 1. City Council - Study Session - Jan 8, 2020 3:30 PM 2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Jan 8, 2020 6:30 PM C. Community Facilities District 2006-1 Ordinance, Improvement Area (IA) 12, Elyon Development Recommendation: To conduct Second Reading and adopt the Ordinance authorizing the levy of a special tax within Improvement Area No. 12 of the City of Cathedral City Community Facilities District No. 2006-1 (Law Enforcement, Fire, Paramedic and General Maintenance Services). Ord 831 D. Agnes Pelton Museum Day 2020 Recommendation: To approve Special Use Permit #20-001 for the annual Agnes Pelton Museum Day on February 23, 2020. M.O. 2020-16 E. Accept Resignation of Dirk van Sloten from the Historic Preservation Committee Recommendation: To accept the resignation of Dirk van Sloten from the Historic Preservation Committee effective immediately and direct staff to proceed with filling the vacant seat. M.O. 2020-17 F. Accept Resignation of John Rivera from the Planning Commission Recommendation: To accept the resignation of John Rivera from the Planning Commission effective immediately and direct staff to proceed with filling the vacant seat. Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 2/05/2020 M.O. 2020-18 Alan Carvalho, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He wanted to acknowledge and thank John Rivera for stepping up to serve the Historic Preservation Committee G. 1990 pulled from Consent 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT Review of Cannabis Tax Rates Recommendation: To approve a resolution establishing an exemption from cannabis distribution taxes for businesses paying cultivation or manufacturing taxes to Cathedral City. Charles McClendon, City Manager, announced that item 3G. Resolution Adjusting Distribution Taxes will be pulled from the agenda and will be agendized for a future Council Meeting for consideration. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Vacation No. 2019-01: Public Hearing to Vacate certain streets, alleys, public highway easements and utility easements, at the Northwest quadrant of East Palm Canyon Drive and Date Palm Drive. Recommendation: To hold a public hearing and adopt a Resolution, conditionally vacating all or portions of Hillery Road (formerly First Street) and Grove Street, between Monty Hall Drive and Allen Avenue; a public alley between Hillery Road and Grove Street; two sidewalk easements on the north side of Grove Street; and various utility easements reserved from the previous vacation of other portions of Hillery Road, Grove Street, Dawes Street, Allen Avenue, and public alleys, and easements for street and highway purposes, all as described in City Council Resolutions No. 2015-49-A and No. 2017-11-A, both recorded on August 10, 2017, as instruments No. 2017-0330780 and 0330781, in Official Records, all located in the northwest quadrant of Date Palm Drive and East Palm Canyon Drive, east of Monty Hall Drive and south of Buddy Rogers Avenue; and approve the use of the Resolution attached as Exhibit "C", as outlined herein, for the vacation of the above streets, alleys and easements, in portions or segments, as the conditions of their vacation are met. John Corella, Director of Engineering and Public Works, gave an overview of Public Hearing for Vacation No. 2019-01. He presented the following points: • Location Map • Areas the Vacation No. 2019-01 will affect Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 2/05/2020 • History/Location maps of Vacation No. 2015-01 and Vacation No. 2017-01 • Resolution of Intent No. 2019-45 • Required Findings Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez questioned what will happen to the unused street signs that will be taken down during this process. He also questioned if Tribal properties are exempt from the CEQA requirements. Mr. Corella responded that all signs will be stored in the Public Works yard until a use for the signs are determined. He responded that the properties associated with the street vacations are not subject to the CEQA requirements. Mayor John Aguilar opened the Public Hearing for comments, there being none, he closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council. Reso 2020-02 A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to adopt a Resolution, conditionally vacating all or portions of Hillery Road (formerly First Street) and Grove Street, between Monty Hall Drive and Allen Avenue; a public alley between Hillery Road and Grove Street; two sidewalk easements on the north side of Grove Street; and various utility easements reserved from the previous vacation of other portions of Hillery Road, Grove Street, Dawes Street, Allen Avenue, and public alleys, and easements for street and highway purposes, all as described in City Council Resolutions No. 2015-49-A and No. 2017-11-A, both recorded on August 10, 2017, as instruments No. 2017-0330780 and 0330781, in Official Records, all located in the northwest quadrant of Date Palm Drive and East Palm Canyon Drive, east of Monty Hall Drive and south of Buddy Rogers Avenue; and approve the use of the Resolution attached as Exhibit "C", as outlined herein, for the vacation of the above streets, alleys and easements, in portions or segments, as the conditions of their vacation are met. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Mark Carnevale, Ernesto Gutierrez ABSENT: Rita Lamb 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Recap of Fall Special Events Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. Christopher Parman, Community Events Manager, provided a recap of the Fall Special Events for Cathedral City. He announced that the Taste of Jalisco Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 2/05/2020 Festival will be held on February 8, 2020, at the new Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory requested clarification on the indirect costs. Mr. Parman responded with a brief overview of staffing and potential overtime of public safety and public works at city events. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez thanked Mr. Parman for all of his hard work. He questioned what can be done about the individuals that sell items at the events without participating in the event. He suggested incorporating tequila tasting and a carnitas competition at future Taste of Jalisco festivals. Mr. Parman responded that staff does their best to keep those individuals selling items that are not an event participant off the property, however, there is not much that can be done if they are on the sidewalks outside of the festivals because in most cases they have a permit to do so. He encouraged the City Council to email him with their feedback and suggestions for any of the events. Alan Carvalho, Cathedral City resident, was called to speak. He thanked Chris Parman for all of his hard work. He also thanked Public Safety for making everyone feel safe at City events and thanked the City Council. B. Resolution Supporting the 2020 U.S. Census Recommendation: To approve a Resolution recognizing the importance of the 2020 United States Census and support participation in helping to ensure a complete, fair, and accurate count. Christopher Parman, Community Events Manager gave an overview of the recommendation to approve a Resolution supporting the 2020 U.S. Census. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated that by signing this Resolution the City will be receiving approximately $17,000 in funds to help with the efforts of the census counting process. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory thanked Christopher Parman and staff for the work that has been done. He also thanked those who have volunteered so far and indicated that we are still in need of volunteers. He announced that those who wish to volunteer with the 2020 Census Count should contact Christopher Parman. He expressed the importance of getting a complete count. Reso 2020-03 A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to approve a Resolution recognizing the importance of the 2020 United States Census and support participation in helping to ensure a complete, fair, and accurate count. Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 2/05/2020 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Mark Carnevale, Ernesto Gutierrez ABSENT: Rita Lamb C. Ordinance Amending the Definition of Art Education Recommendation: To introduce and provide first reading, by title only, an ordinance amending the definition of art education as it relates to the Art in Public Places program. Charles McClendon, City Manager, gave an overview of the proposed ordinance amending the definition of Art Education in the Arts in Public Places program. M.O. 2020-19 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve the first reading an Ordinance, by title only, amending the definition of art education as it relates to the Art in Public Places program. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Mark Carnevale, Ernesto Gutierrez ABSENT: Rita Lamb 7. CLOSED SESSION Eric Vail, City Attorney, announced that item 78 and 7C were heard during the Study Session portion of the meeting and will be reflected in the Study Session minutes of January 22, 2020. The City Council will adjourn to Closed Session to discuss item 7A as listed on the Agenda. A. 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 B. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2). Cathedral City Page 8 Printed on 2/05/2020 Number of Potential Cases: One C. Public Employee Appointment Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) Title: Police Chief The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 7:56 The City Council reconvened at 8:45 p.m. Eric Vail, City Attorney, announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss item 7A Conference with Labor Negotiator and AFSCME, CCPOA, CCPMA, CCPFA and CCFMA. There was no reportable action taken. ADJOURN Mayor John Aguilar adjourned the Regular Meeting of January 8, 2020 at 8:45 p.m. ft. _ - __ ' - \9 i't-2�(- - .i.'V1 r.4 ,c C Ma • City of edral City City Clerk, -City of Cathedral City) I ICathedral City Page 9 Printed on 2/05/2020