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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2020-04-22 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, April 22, 2020 5:30 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor John Aguilar. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived John Aguilar Mayor Remote 5:30 PM Raymond Gregory Mayor Pro Tem Remote 5:30 PM Mark Carnevale Councilmember Remote 5:30 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 5:30 PM Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote 5:30 PM Mayor John Aguilar, Mayor Pro Tem 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 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 B. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation - Consideration of whether to Initiate Litigation Pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(4) Number of Matters: Two The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:30 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 6:10 p.m. City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to hold a conference with Legal Counsel related to conference with Legal Counsel related to two items of anticipated litigation and held a conference with Labor Negotiator related to represented employees of AFSCME, CCPOA, CCPFA, and CCFMA, there was no reportable action taken. ADJOURN Mayor John Aguilar adjourned the Study Session Meeting of April 22, 2020 at 6:10 PM. C \ to May , City of Ca pfedral City City Cler City of cathedral Cit t _ Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 5/06/2020 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, April 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 6:30 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 Tern Remote 6:30 PM Mark Carnevale Councilmember I Remote 6:30 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 6:30 PM Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote 6:30 PM • AGENDA FINALIZATION • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 1. PUBLIC COMMENT The following comments were read into the record: Ronald Priest-Mendiola, Cathedral City resident Good evening Mayor, City Council Members and Staff. Thank you for your continued hard work to our City, especially during these unprecedented times. Hope your family and loved ones continue to be safe and well. I am in opposition to short- term vacation rentals in family neighborhoods. Frustration and anger are what comes to mind when I think of short-term vacation rentals. How irresponsible, during the City's emergency order, that some flagrantly, taunting its order by still advertising and renting out properties. I submitted a GoRequest for suspected illegal usage on 3/28, 4/4, 4/7, 4/9 and 4/11/2020. I was told by City Code Enforcement that it was ok for family and friends of family to use their properties. How does the City confirm that family is staying there? Renters are now told to park vehicles in the garage and hide out of sight. Code Enforcement was able to confirm one illegal usage during the emergency order. This City can't continue to address the level of enforcement needed to monitor irresponsible short-term vacation rental owners. Please continue forward helping me and others affected by quality of life issues we face in our own homes and neighborhoods due to short-term vacation rental businesses operating in family neighborhoods. Thank you for your time. Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident Dear Cathedral City Council Members. Please be advised that due to mandated restrictions placed on all Riverside County citizens, which continues to have the uncertainty of being intensively modified without warning or wide-spread public notice on a daily basis, has caused fear onto the population with little regard to the damage that will impact the true health or each and every person that believes the narrative that City officials have been allowed to infect among Cathedral City residents and the many families and young children that will be negatively influenced throughout their lives. Please take a step back and consider performing your duties as elected officials with the knowledge of using real unbiased reliable information (data) in a non-political approach to true facts. And of course, using ethical behavior and honesty to perform those "Common sense tactics" is a must and people will remember who allowed and fostered the disruptions in their everyday lives. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Rita Lamb, thanked everyone for their hard work. She commended the community for respecting the social impact and for doing their part protecting each other and only going out when essential. She acknowledged Thomi and Michael Kokan for their donation of face masks to the Fire Department and for all they do for the community. She thanked Karen Riley from the SCRAP gallery for all that she is doing for the youth in the community. She stated that qualifying customers of Southern California Edison can apply for the CARE and FERA programs, instructions are located on their Edison bills. She announced that anyone can now get tested for the Coronavirus at the Indio Fairgrounds, they just need to make an appointment. She gave a shout out to the Mary Pickford Theater for offering curb-side popcorn pick-up and thanked them for being a good neighbor. She encouraged residents to apply for the upcoming commission and committee seats, there are positions on many of the commissions and committees and described the application process. She listened to a wonderful presentation on the superintendents of the three school districts where they talked about transitioning 70,000 students to online learning. Though this is not how they would have chosen to end the school year they see it as an opportunity to build resistance. Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 5/06/2020 Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez expressed that he hopes everyone is staying home and is safe and healthy and being patient. He also stated that he hopes everyone had a great Easter Sunday and Easter Week with family under the circumstances. It is his hope that next year will be better. He reported that he participated in the Parks and Community Events subcommittee meeting where they discussed the future of parks, which he feels is not very bright. He has had many conversations with individuals regarding illegal short-term vacation rentals being used, businesses wanting to know when they will be able to re-open and what the financial impact of COVID-19 will have on the City. He reported that he will be participating in a teleconference with the CVB where they will discuss how the Valley is being impacted with the effects of COVID-19. Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported that the Motel 6 in Rancho Mirage will be used as a housing shelter for the homeless, with regulations. He stated that he has confirmed this information with Greg Rodriguez. He stated that he has shared this information with the homeless liaisons from the Cathedral City Police Department, so they have as much information as possible. He stated that the Red Lion may be used as an over-flow for patients with the Coronavirus, however, it is not being occupied at this time. He stated that he has had many contacts regarding short-term vacation rental issues. He will join in on the 2020 Point of Contact brief and he will provide the information to the Council. He announced that there is a City Hall in Your Corner in May and suggested utilizing Zoom to do this. He feels that it is necessary to keep in touch with the residents. He stated that he has been speaking with Stone James with regard to the loan programs out there for businesses. He also feels that Karen Rile is doing an amazing job with the children in the community. He sent prayers and well wishes to everyone stating that we will get through this. Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory announced that it is Administrative Professional Day and thanked those in the City and throughout the community that keep things going, especially during this time. He stated that it is also Earth Day and a good day to think about the planet and ways to conserve it. He thanked Deanna Pressgrove for all of her efforts to ensure the conservation of the earth's resources and Karen Riley at the SCRAP Gallery for all that she does. He reported that he participated in a few meetings and phone calls over the last couple of weeks. As stated by Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez, he participated in the sub-committee meeting with the Parks and Community Events Commission. They discussed items that may be potentially on hold but continue to be important to discuss. He thanked those who participated. He participated in a Zoom meeting with SunLine Transit Agency. He stated that buses continue to be in service. He indicated that it is a reduced service with a limitation on the number of individuals on the bus and other regulations. He reminded everyone that they are an outreach of the City and it is great to see them continue to operate. Some of the buses have been wrapped as a part of the "Coachella Valley Strong" initiative, honoring those that are serving on the front lines during this crisis. He thanked the Mayor for all the videos he has done, as well as Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez, helping to keep the residents informed on the Coronavirus and the 2020 Census. He stated that individuals can still complete the census if they haven't done so at this time. He encouraged everyone to stay safe and to enjoy the sunshine. Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 5/06/2020 Mayor John Aguilar thanked the Council for everything they are doing to keep the City going. He thanked Karen Riley with SCRAP Gallery for everything that she is doing with the children, particularly during this challenging time. He attended the Desert Community Energy Board Meeting. The Board approved a new set of rates, due to a change in pricing, allowing for a lower rate. He stated that he participates in daily calls with the League of California Cities related to CO VID-19. The Executive Board of the Mayors has decided to meet on May 6, 2020, to discuss aid packages for cities so they can start lobbying for funds. He stated that he also participates in weekly meetings with Supervisor Perez' Office to receive updates and best practices. He stated that there has been a lot of talk in the media and press related to the release of restrictions within the community. He stated that the City is in with the County of Riverside and feels very strongly that we need to be cautious of how we proceed. He reported that he will participate in an interview with KESQ, along with other Mayor's in the Valley, to discuss their best practices and what is being done to protect the residents. He gave a shout out to everyone for doing a great job during these very difficult times. 3. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve the following Consent Agenda items: RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb A. Minutes Approval M.O. 2020-61 1. City Council - Study Session -Apr 8, 2020 5:00 PM 2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Apr 8, 2020 6:30 PM B. Receive and file Payment of Claims and Demands for March 2020 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 $6,269,844 for the month of March 2020. M.O. 2020-62 C. Approval of Final Parcel Map 37792: Subdivider Verano Recovery, LLC Recommendation: To approve the Final Parcel Map 37792 submitted by the subdivider, Verano Recovery, LLC; and accept the relinquishment of vehicular access rights to Landau Boulevard and Rio Vista Drive as shown on the map. M.O. 2020-63 Cathedral City Page 4 Punted on 5/06/2020 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Update on Actions Related to COVID-19 City Manager Charles McClendon provided the following update to the City Council related to the Emergency Proclamation due to COVID-19. He stated that there is concern with community support related to the annexation into the Desert Recreation District. He believes the Council has three options - Move forward with the results of the prior survey, do another survey, at a cost of $27,000 or do nothing at this time. He feels that the community will not support taxing themselves, due to the economic impact residents are facing due to COVID-19. Due to the Coronavirus, Desert Recreation District is not able to staff the Summer Swim Program and the pool use will have to be terminated for this year. The City can certainly use the budget savings. Councilmember Rita Lamb stated that she doesn't feel that it is prudent to move forward with the Desert Recreation District. She also feels that it is not the right time for the summer program at the pool and supports staff's recommendation. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated that he supports staff's recommendation with regard to the Desert Recreation District. Councilmember Mark Carnevale stated that he supports staff's recommendation to delay the Desert Recreation District annexation and the Summer Pool Program. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory agreed with the rest of the Council and supports staff's recommendation to not move forward with the election to annex into the Desert Recreation District at this time and feels that we can revisit it at a later time. He stated that he also feels that it does not make sense to move forward with the Summer Pool Program as well. Mayor John Aguilar concurred with the Council. He would like to communicate Council's position related to the Desert Recreation District and the Summer Swim program to the Community. City Manager Charles McClendon stated that Riverside County Health has put out an amended order related to golf courses and other sports complexes. The City is adhering to the County's order and are also allowing golf courses to be open with regulations, as well. Tennis courts will also be allowed to operate. He stated that the parking lots at the parks remain closed, however, the parks are open to individuals that wish to walk to the park. With regard to the budget, he stated that he has spent quite a bit of time talking Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 5/06/2020 to Tami Scott, Administrative Services Director and others related to the budget. He stated that staff is working on budget reduction plans and is hoping to have a meeting with the City Council mid-June to discuss the budget. He reported that Palm Springs is proposing a fiscal emergency. He also reported that the Riverside County City Managers are working on a letter from the City Managers or Mayors asking for assistance and will be looking to the Council for support. He does not expect assistance at the level to fix our fiscal problems, however, if we are able to get assistance, we will certainly take it. He stated that we are looking at having to make reductions in the amount of 10 million dollars. He reported that D.R. Horton is delaying their third take down of lots, which may cause a problem for the Community Facilities District. He further stated that the City will continue to support the builders and to do what we can to keep things moving along. He announced that he received an update from the Office of Emergency Services outlining factors which will be considered when modifying the Stay at Home Order. It includes hospital admissions, ICU occupancy and other items related to COVID-19. It appears there will be a focus on increase testing and contact tracing. Councilmember Rita Lamb thanked the City Manager for his report. She questioned what it means when the city declares a fiscal crisis. City Manager Charles McClendon responded that it depends on what is in the fiscal crisis. He would like to gather more information before taking that step. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez also thanked the City Manager for his update. He stated that he realizes there is a lot that will need to be done in the near future. Councilmember Mark Carnevale stated that no one could have predicted what we are facing at this time. He feels that the City will get through this. The City is being proactive and making the right decision. We need to stick together. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory stated that he feels that we need to keep following the advice of health experts. He also feels that we need to prepare for budget adjustments, however, we do not need to panic. He feels that the Council needs to stay engaged. No one is looking forward to dealing with budget issues, however, we will address it day by day, one by one. He thanked everyone for their continued work. Mayor John Aguilar requested that City Attorney Eric Vail provide an overview of the ordinances that were adopted by the City Council related to evictions residential and commercial. City Attorney Eric Vail provided an overview of the ordinances and the processes provided by the urgency ordinances that were adopted by the City Council. Mayor John Aguilar questioned when and if the ordinances will expire. City Attorney Eric Vail responded that the ordinances will terminate when the executive order is lifted or the City Council takes action to do so. Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 5/06/2020 B. Resolution Consenting to Enforcement by the Riverside County Health Officer Recommendation: To adopt a Resolution consenting to enforcement by the Riverside County Health Officer of public health statutes, regulations and orders, within the corporate boundaries of the City of Cathedral City pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 101375. The following comment was read into the record: Brad Anderson, Rancho Mirage resident Dear Cathedral City Councilmembers. Please show strength and refuse to follow the lead of other cities by appointing the Riverside County Health Officer as Cathedral City's Health Officer. By the act of waiting until after March of this year to make an appointment (Resolution) for a City Health Officer, helps to illustrate that the City government may have over-stepped their authority by implementing the action(s) to restrict people's rights and abilities to care for themselves and their families. Please consider changing the misleading biased narratives that the current Riverside County Health Officials are allowed to spread unabated by appointing a well-informed professional "Locally established Medical officer". The Cathedral City Council should be more concerned about the truth and the well-being of its residents over implementing a narrative that may divert attention away from prior actions of the City to cripple businesses and actions of its residents and guests. It was the consensus of the City Council to move forward with a Resolution consenting to enforcement by Riverside County Health Officer of public health statutes, regulations and orders, within the corporate boundaries of the City of Cathedral City pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 101375 with the inclusion of the following language as Section 3: In implementing the authority subscribed by this Resolution, the Health Officer should advise and confer with the City's Mayor and City Manager, or their designee, a reasonable time prior to the Health Officer, or any agent, employee, or contractor of the County under the supervision or direction of the Health Officer, enacting, promulgating or otherwise adopting, or seeking to implement or enforce within the corporate boundaries of the City of Cathedral City, any law, statute, code, regulation, rule, order, decree or similar measure related to matters of public health. Reso 2020-11 A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to adopt a Resolution consenting to enforcement by the Riverside County Health Officer of public health statutes, regulations and orders, within the corporate boundaries of the City of Cathedral City pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 101375 with the addition of the following language added as Section 3: Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 5/06/2020 In implementing the authority subscribed by this Resolution, the Health Officer should advise and confer with the City's Mayor and City Manager, or their designee, a reasonable time prior to the Health Officer, or any agent, employee, or contractor of the County under the supervision or direction of the Health Officer, enacting, promulgating or otherwise adopting, or seeking to implement or enforce within the corporate boundaries of the City of Cathedral City, any law, statute, code, regulation, rule, order, decree or similar measure related to matters of public health. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb C. Award a contract to Enko Systems, Inc. for Amphitheater Sound System Recommendation: To award a contract to Enko System, Inc. in the amount of $73,688.40 to furnish and install a theatrical sound system for the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater; and authorize the City Manager (or designee) to execute the contract documents. M.O. 2020-64 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilwoman Lamb to award a contract to Enko System, Inc., in the amount of $73,688.40 to furnish and install a theatrical sound system for the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater; and authorize the City Manager (or designee) to execute the contract documents. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb 7. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURN Mayor John Aguilar adjourned the April 22, 2020, Regular City Council Meeting at 8:12 p.m. • _ / ' I Ai-(,�' <c- .".. -ay ity of Ca e,•ral ity City Clerk,c ity of athedral C Cathedral City Page 8 Punted on 5/06/2020