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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2020-04-08 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, April 8, 2020 5:00 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by Mayor John Aguilar. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived John Aguilar Mayor Remote 5:00 PM Raymond Gregory Mayor Pro Tern Remote 5:p0 PM Mark Carnevale Councilmember Remote 5:00 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 5:00 PM Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote 5:00 PM Mayor John Aguilar, Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory and Councilmembers Mark Carnevale and Rita Lamb all participated via teleconference. • AGENDA FINALIZATION • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 1. PUBLIC COMMENT 2. CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the following items listed on the Agenda: A. Conference with Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2). Number of Potential Cases: Three 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 CCPFA - Cathedral City Firefighters Association CCFMA - Cathedral City Fire Management Association C. Public Employee Appointment, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 Title: Police Chief The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:05 PM. The City Council reconvened at 6:05 PM. City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to hold a conference with Legal Counsel related to three items of anticipated litigation, held a conference with Labor Negotiator related to represented employees of AFSCME, CCPOA, CCPFA, and CCFMA, and discussed public employee appointment related to the Police Chief, there was no reportable action taken. ADJOURN Mayor John Aguilar adjourned the Study Session Meeting of April 8, 2020 at 6:05 PM. r Ma'.r, City of C he City 4yClerk; 6ty off Cathedral City Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 4/20/2020 411 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, April 8, 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 6:30 PM by Mayor John Aguilar. • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez 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 Remote 6:30 PM Raymond Gregory Mayor Pro Tem Remote 6:30 PM Mark Carnevale Councilmember Remote 6:30 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 6:30 PM Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote 6:30 PM Mayor John Aguilar, Mayor Pro Tern Gregory and Councilmembers Mark Carnevale and Rita Lamb all participated via teleconference. • AGENDA FINALIZATION • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 1. PUBLIC COMMENT The following comment was read into the record: Sandra Richter, Cathedral City resident On March 28, 2020 there was loud music (with bass that vibrated my home) along with yelling and screaming. This went on all day. At 6:00 p.m. I called the Vacation Rental Hot Line and the police. Shawn called me back on Sunday and we had a helpful conversation. Our Country is in critical times. By law in California, we are sequestered except for essentials. Vacation rentals are non-essentials. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory, reported that, like everyone else, he has been staying at home and has participated in a few teleconference meetings. He thanked staff for the regular updates to the Council. He thanked City Manager, Charlie McClendon, for all that he has been doing as well as City Staff. He also thanked those on the front line making sure that all of us are taken care of ensuring that we are able to get the essentials that we require. He thanked those that are doing their part by sheltering in place and for their team-work. He stated that crime does continue, and there have been some serious crimes in the City, however, the Police Department is doing an excellent job at solving the crimes and keeping the City safe. Councilmember Mark Carnevale, reported that he spoke to City Manager Charles McClendon and Police Chief, George Crum, related to the budget and the needs of the Police Department during this crisis. He thanked Chief Crum for all of the work his team is doing with regard to the recent crimes. He also reported that he, along with Councilmember Rita Lamb, met with Tami Scott, Administrative Services Director, and City Manager, Charles McClendon, regarding the budget and the effects of COVID-19. He announced that he will receive the data for the point and time count on April 16, 2020, which he will share with the Council. He reported that CV 100 is an outreach for the homeless and he thanked them for what they are doing. He stated that he spoke to our homeless liaison officers who reported that there are 12 homeless individuals that have been on our streets for a very long time. He reported that two of the twelve individuals will be placed in housing and one will be placed in crisis stabilization housing. He reported that the homeless center in Palm Springs is fully staffed at this time. He stated that Riverside County is working hard to get housing for the homeless. He indicated that he would like to begin looking into possible cooling centers. He felt that the church that was utilized last year worked out well, however, the homeless liaison officers would prefer that the center not be located in a residential area. He reported that he participated in a webinar, along with Stone James, Economic Development Director. He thanked Mr. James for his efforts helping local businesses during these very difficult times. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez, reported that he has been sheltering at home as much as he can. He stated that he has been driving around looking at all of the construction and projects going on in his district. He indicated that the roads are almost completed, and they look beautiful. He stated that he is trying to stay informed on the stimulus packages that are being proposed. He thanked Stone James, Economic Development Director, for his efforts with the CARE programs and for helping our local businesses. He reminded everyone to wear their face masks, keep your distance, wash your hands and don't touch your face or eyes. He stated this pandemic will cause the City to have financial hardships in the near future and wants to be sure that the community is aware of this. He encouraged everyone to Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 4/15/2020 shop, eat and do everything locally in order to help our local economy recover and keep going. Councilmember Rita Lamb, thanked the City Manager and Staff as well as the Mayor and Council for their continued support during this time. She stated that Discovercathedralcity.com has a wonderful article on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for their donation of face masks to the Fire Department and on Dunn Edwards for their donation of supplies. She reported the different activities that the SCRAP Gallery has for the children in the community. She thanked everyone for what they are doing during this difficult time and for doing their part. Mayor John Aguilar, stated that a lot of people are utilizing social media as their source of information during this crisis. He thanked the City Manager, Department Heads and City Staff for everything that they are doing to keep the City safe. He is proud of the community for stepping up and for doing what they are supposed to be doing. He reminded everyone that we are still in the midst of the crisis and we are ahead of the projections that were initially stated. We need to be aware of the numbers and continue to be vigilant moving forward. He stated that the County is offering an opportunity for those who have been financially affected by COVID-19 to request a deferment on their property taxes, which are due on Friday. More information on this opportunity can be found on the Riverside County website. 3. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to approve the following Consent Agenda items: RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Ernesto Gutierrez SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb A. Minutes Approval M.O. 2020-60 1. City Council - Study Session - Mar 25, 2020 5:30 PM 2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Mar 25, 2020 6:30 PM B. Second Reading General Plan Amendment No. 17-003, Change of Zone No. 17-004 and Conditional Use Permit No. 18-008 Near Ramon and Landau Recommendation: To provide second reading, by title only, and adopt an ordinance approving General Plan Amendment No. 17-003 (RM - Medium Density Residential to CG - General Commercial), Change of Zone No. 17-004 (R2 - Multiple- Family Residential to PCC - Planned Community Commercial) and Conditional Use Permit No. 18-008 for an expansion of the existing parking area. Ord 838 Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 4/15/2020 C. Resolution of Intention to Establish Improvement Area No. 13 within CFD NO. 2006-1 Recommendation: To adopt a Resolution of Intention Establishing Improvement Area No. 13 within CFD 2006-1 Reso 2020-10 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. To Provide an Update on the COVID-19 Preparedness by the City of Cathedral City Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. Paul Wilson, Fire Chief, provided an update of the Local Emergency Dedication. Limited Services are still available. He reported that staff has been working to prepare for and address the COVID-19 Pandemic. The City has actions in place and continue to monitor local and state recommendations. He provided statistics of available medical supplies within the County of Riverside and stated that it is imperative that community members do their part to follow the orders. He provided a breakdown of what to do in the event that you are ill. He also went over current statistics in the County related to COVID-19. He stated that the City is prepared to meet the surge, however, we need the public to continue to do their part. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez, questioned if the County has access to additional ventilators if needed. Chief Wilson stated that the State is pursuing it, however, we do not have access at this time. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory thanked the Chief for his report and encouraged everyone to listen to the numbers presented and take this situation seriously. B. Update on Actions Related to COVID-19 Update on Status of Emergency Proclamation. Possible action to continue or rescind Resolution 2020-06. Update on Emergency Actions taken by City, County, State or Federal Agencies. Possible consideration of additional measures to be taken. Council may add items not listed on the agenda pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2 by majority vote. City Manager Charles McClendon provided an update on what the City has done Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 4/15/2020 since the last Council Meeting related to the orders that have been put in place by the County Health Official, State Official and the City. He provided an overview of what the City is doing to enforce the orders and what staff itself is doing to comply with the orders. He indicated that there is going to be a significant reduction to the City's revenue and budget reductions will need to take place. He reported that the Community Development Block Grant Funding has been increased, which will help with some allocation to non-profit services that would typically be funded by the general fund. He reported the increase of social media hits, which is proven to be a good source of information for our community. Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory, thanked the City Manager for his update and the Mayor for everything that he is doing to keep everyone up to date. Councilmember Mark Carnevale, thanked the City Manager for his update. He feels that the worst is yet to come and the City is really going to have to make some tough decisions related to the budget. He feels that the City will get through it and be stronger in the end. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez, thanked City Manager and Chief Wilson for their updates. He also thanked Tami Scott for the information she has provided to the City Council related to the budget. Councilmember Rita Lamb, thanked the City Manager for his updat . Stone James, Economic Development Director, provided information on the CARE Act, Small Business Administration and Federal Resources available to local businesses. Mr. James stated that the Economic Development website has a list of local restaurants that are open for curbside pick-up and delivery and encouraged everyone to support our local businesses. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez, followed up with additional information related to sales tax, loans and the PPP Program. Councilmember Rita Lamb, requested clarification on the loan processes. Mr. James stated that there is information on the processes and who to contact for assistance with regard to all of the information he has provided on the Economic Development website. Mayor John Aguilar stated that the County Economic Staff are providing webinars in Spanish and wanted to ensure that the information is passed along to the businesses in Cathedral City that can benefit in those webinars. He requested confirmation that a list of lenders that will be accepting loan applications from those who don't already have a relationship with them will be available on the EDD website. He also questioned if the PPP Program will be available to those employers that have already laid people off or if it would only pertain to those businesses that have retained employees. Mr. James responded that the website will have the mentioned information on the Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 4/15/2020 Economic Development website. He also responded that the PPP Program applies to all businesses, even those that have laid people off as long as they re- employ the same employees or hire the same number of employees they had when they qualified for the program. The following individuals provided comments which were emailed to the members of the City Council, City Manager and City Attorney and are written into the record as follows: Ronald Priest-Mendiola, Cathedral City resident. Hello, Mayor and Council Members and staff. Thank you for your dedicated work to our city. With regards to the emergency order pertaining to STVR. We have had 3 groups of guests occupying the next door STVR on 3/28, 4/4 & 4/7. Amazing how flagrant they taunt this city order, per code enforcement 4/8/20 owner is allowed to use home for family or friends of family. How do we verify such vaguely worded statements? Occupants on 4/4/20 were different nationality, do we just assume they're family? Also, there is an issue concerning quiet times for STVR, even motel 6, or the Hyatt have rules regarding quiet time, 10 pm to 10 am. Enforce, create rules that will help with disrespectful guests. Thanks for your time. Ronnie Mendiola, 30-year resident. Aron Velarde, UFCW Local 1167 Our union represents 19,000 essential workers who are maintaining the food supply for all the residents of Riverside County and the rest of the country during this pandemic. They bravely go to work every day in supermarkets, pharmacies, warehouses and food processing plants. They work at Albertsons, Vons, Stater Bros., Ralphs, Food 4 Less, CVS, and Rite Aid among other companies. Today, I'm here to advocate for ALL grocery and pharmacy retail workers in the county. In response to the current pandemic, the State of California and Riverside County have ordered all individuals to stay at home except for those who work in sectors designated as essential. In addition, the Riverside County Health Officer ordered that all public gatherings of any size within the county are prohibited. However, the "no gathering" order does not apply to essential businesses including grocery and pharmacy stores. Although these businesses must use social distancing measures to keep customers six feet away and employees must now wear face coverings, we need to implement additional measures to keep essential workers and the general public safe in public spaces like grocery stores and pharmacy stores. Such additional measures include the right for employees to wash their hands every 30 minutes-or as needed, proper personal protective equipment for employees and proper sanitizing tools and increased sanitation activity throughout the day. This must be provided at the expense of the employers. Urgently, in order to protect the health of workers and customers, we must limit the number of customers inside a grocery or pharmacy store at any given time to Cathedral City Page 6 Punted on 4/15/2020 ensure social distancing. Other states and counties have begun to take these measures. There must also be security onsite for crowd control. And customers not wearing face coverings should not be allowed to enter a store. We have to work together and do everything we possible can so that essential workers can continue to provide access to food, medicine and other essential supplies and return safely to their families at the end of the day. Thank you and UFWC 1167 is ready to work together with the City so that we can protect the health and safety to ALL essential workers. C. Animal Control Services contract discussion Recommendation: Staff is seeking direction from City Council on how to proceed with Animal Control Services contract. George Crum, Police Chief, presented the information related to the contract the City has with Riverside County for Animal Control Services as well as the proposal that was submitted by Desert Hot Springs. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory, expressed some of his concerns with the numbers presented for costs of services provided by the County. He recommended that staff evaluate the numbers provided and use estimations by using statistics for more than one year back. He also suggested that the numbers from Desert Hot Springs be evaluated more. He stated that he supports moving forward with the County of Riverside, however, he feels that a deeper look will need to be done moving forward to obtain stronger numbers from both Desert Hot Springs and Riverside County. He supports negotiating a one-year contract. Councilmember Mark Carnevale, stated that he supports moving forward with the County of Riverside at this time. He suggested negotiating a longer contract for potential savings. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez, questioned if we have an animal ordinance that mirrors the County's ordinance. Charles McClendon, City Manager, responded that our animal ordinance does not mirror the County's ordinance. He stated at some point in the near future, staff will be bringing forward an ordinance that will allow the county to do better enforcement within the City. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez, stated that he supports negotiating a contract with Riverside County and would support a two or three year contract for lower rates. He would like to see more solid numbers as opposed to estimates. Councilmember Rita Lamb, stated that she would support renewing with Riverside County for one-year. She is not comfortable entering into a contract for a longer period of time base on our current situation. Mayor John Aguilar, stated that he supports moving forward with negotiating a contract with the County of Riverside for Animal Control Services. He further Cathedral City Page 7 Pnnted on 4/15/2020 stated that if the County is willing to lock in numbers, a multiple year contract may be something to consider, however, it is his experience that most County contracts include language that allows the Board of Supervisors to increase rates as they see fit and he believes it will get to the point where they implement rates to cover their overhead. He suggested negotiating a contract that has a cap included. He feels that a one-year contract would be a conservative approach, however, if they are willing to lock in a price, he would support a longer contract. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to negotiate a one-year contract or a multiple year contract, if they are willing to agree to fixed rates, with the County of Riverside for Animal Control Services and to bring back options for the City Council to consider. 7. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURN Mayor John Aguilar adjourned the April 8, 2020, Regular City Council Meeting at 8:30 PM. - /CA_,c n(,(•_, A „.re, M. r ity of7 athedral City City Clerk,(CIty of Cathedral City I Cathedral City Page 8 Punted on 4/15/2020