HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2020-05-13 CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session
Wednesday, May 13, 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
Raymond Gregory Mayor Pro Tem Remote
Mark Carnevale Councilmember Present 5:00 PM
Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 5:00 PM
Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote
Mayor John Aguilar, Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory and Councilmember Rita
Lamb all participated in the meeting via video conference.
• 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 - Consideration of
whether to Initiate Litigation Pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(4)
Number of Matters: One
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. Conference with Real Property Negotiators, Pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8
City Negotiators: Charles McClendon, City Manager and John A. Corella, City
Engineer
Properties: APN: 677-420-023
Parties: Warrior Asset Management
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:04 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 5:40 p.m.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to
hold a conference with Labor Negotiator related to represented employees of
AFSCME, CCPOA, CCPFA and CCFMA and held a conference with Real Property
Negotiator related to the property located at APN: 677-420-023 owned by Warrior
Asset Management, there was no reportable action taken. Item 2A. Conference
with Legal Counsel related to one item of anticipated litigation was canceled.
ADJOURN
Mayor John Aguilar adjourned the Study Session Meeting of May 13, 2020 at 5:40 p.m.
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44 CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, May 13, 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
Raymond Gregory Mayor Pro Tem Remote
Mark Carnevale Councilmember Present 6:30 PM
Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 6:30 PM
Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote
Mayor John Aguilar, Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory and Councilmember Rita
Lamb all participated via video conferencing.
• AGENDA FINALIZATION
• STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
The following individuals submitted comments for the record. Their comments were
read for three minutes and are summarized below. The entire comment will be
made part of the record according to our standard procedures.
Mike Fish, Cathedral City resident and registered owner of a short-term vacation
rental, expressed his concern with phasing out short-term vacation rentals and
banning them all together. He feels that a ban on short-term vacation rentals may
satisfy some unhappy residents, but it will financially devastate hundreds of
Cathedral City homeowners, including himself and his family. He feels that the Task
Force has proven to be poorly balanced and can only be as good as its advisors.
Some of the members of the Task Force have proven not to be up to the task. He
feels that there are items that need to be considered before a decision of this
magnitude is made.
Dr. Sullivan, 360 Wellness Solutions, Cathedral City. introduced her business and
the services that are provided. She indicated that COVID-19 has shut-down or
severely restricted important services typically available to senior and/or disabled
community members. She stated that establishing a relationship with 360 Wellness
Solutions and senior-focused service organizations in Cathedral City may provide
valuable economic development and employment opportunities by expanding direct
Medicare-authorized telehealth services. She feels that this collaborative
partnership will complement Cathedral City's efforts to protect our senior and
disabled residents and demonstrates the creative and courageous leadership that
the senior residents need during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory reported that due to restrictions he has not had
any in person contacts, however, he has had the opportunity to meet and keep the
information flowing with staff and citizens. He feels that the information flow is very
important. He has attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission
Meeting twice since the last meeting. He stated that they have remained busy and
have concerns with the budgets. He stated that within the last couple of years they
have been putting together a traffic relief plan, which was circulated and finalized,
however with the current situation it will not be moving forward at this time. He also
stated that existing projects are being re-examined. He indicated that as information
becomes available, he will bring it forward to the Council. He also reported that he
attended the CVAG Transportation Committee meeting, which is also dealing with
the impacts of COVID-19 and continues to move projects forward and advocate for
the Valley. He wished the Council well and asked everyone to do what they can to
work with each other.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported that he attended the Coachella Valley
Homeless provider update meeting via zoom. The topics discussed were
unsheltered homeless, housing first approach and working with local police. He
announced that Riverside County is planning a pop-up homeless center with
outreach services for immediate housing for the homeless. He also announced that
CV 100 has housed 1300 individuals for emergency housing and there are currently
15 apartments and 11 motels available for housing. Locally the City has been able to
place one homeless individual into permanent housing. He also participated in a
Public Safety Meeting, where Eddie Moore from CalFire spoke about illegal dumping
and grassy crop areas. He reminded everyone that fire season is approaching and
we need to be cautious. He stated that the District Attorney gave an update on the
court system which is still shut down with the exception of arraignments with a plan
to reopen in phases beginning in June. He also stated that the California Supreme
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Court issued a new bail structure to release low level offenders in a timely manner.
He also stated that he participated in a telephone conference along with City
Manager McClendon, Mayor Aguilar and Police Chief Crum related to the point in
time count. He stated that the Cathedral City Police Department continues to do an
excellent job dealing with the homeless. He stated that he is currently working with
Greg Rodriguez, Public Policy Advisor for County Supervisor Perez, to operate a
cooling center in Cathedral City. He noted that the cooling center will not be funded
by Cathedral City. He asked that any landlord or business owner with an open space
interested in participating in the cooling center contact him at (760) 413-8339. He
thanked local businessman Tony Shawkat for his generous donation to the evening
rotary along with the Boys and Girls Club, Nicolinos and the Flower Bank for serving
164 Mother's Day dinners. He announced that on Memorial Day, the Vault, Nicolinos
Sue Townsley and the Chevron on Ramon Road will be serving 100 meals to
seniors at the Senior Center. He thanked those who have given back to the
Community during this time of need. He announced that the Palm Springs Cemetery
is still having burials for families whose loved ones have passed away.
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez thanked everyone for watching tonight's City
Council meeting. He hopes that everyone had a good Mother's Day under the
current circumstances. He reported that he represented the City at the Greater Palm
Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau Committee meeting via zoom, where all
City representatives commented on the current economic state of their cities.
Overall, all cities in the Coachella Valley are suffering during this pandemic. He
stated that he spoke with many residents in his district who made complaints about
short-term vacation rentals. Many of them claimed that short-term vacation rentals
are still being rented out disguised under friends and family use. He expressed his
concern with those businesses not complying with the emergency order. He
reminded everyone that as temperatures rise so will electricity consumption and
many residents may qualify for the CARE program and can save up to 30%. He
announced that Memorial Day is coming and wished everyone well.
Councilmember Rita Lamb stated that she is delighted to be here tonight. She
thanked the residents, especially those in her neighborhood, for complying with
social distancing guidelines. She stated that COVID-19 testing is being done and
she booked an appointment to get tested tomorrow. Those interested in getting
tested can make an appointment online at Lhi.carelcovidtesting or by calling (888)
634-1123. She reported that she met with several volunteers from the Senior Center
where she interviewed with Director Geoff Corbin, the red cross, who is having a
blood drive, and the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club. Anyone interested in
helping these non-profits as a donor or a volunteer can do so by going on their
websites. She also reported that she participated in a Coronavirus story telling event
with the help of Christopher Parman. She announced that California State University
San Bernardino is offering a list of 60,000 free ebooks for anyone interested. She
congratulated the SCRAP Gallery for being recognized by the Riverside County
Office of Education as one of the top 10 organizations to treasure. She indicated that
she spoke with the General Manager of Cimarron Golf Resort, who indicated that
they are following protocols and social distancing requirements to ensure a safe
environment to get outdoors and play golf. She stated that she has received several
complaints from residents in the Cove regarding short-term vacation rentals that are
not complying with the emergency orders in place.
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Mayor John Aguilar noted that although it is not business as usual, the City is
working really hard to keep the City safe and informed. He reported that he has been
doing a lot of videos related to COVID-19 to keep the public informed. He
participated in a Facebook live discussion with Supervisor Perez regarding what
steps the City has taken to deal with the pandemic and what the economic impact
may be and the County's regional plan, which was submitted to the Governor. He
also participated in a KESQ interview with the other valley Mayors. It was a great
collaboration and a wonderful opportunity to come together with his colleagues. He
has been involved in and will continue to participate in weekly calls to the Governor's
Office and Office of Emergency Services. He attended, via Zoom, the Coachella
Valley Mountain's Conservancy meeting where he was excited to learn of the
acquisition of property to expand the Thousand Palms Preserve. He participated,
along with Councilmember Carnevale, in a conference call regarding the point in
time count and he has asked staff to bring forward an item for discussion at a later
time. He announced that Friday is Peace Officers Memorial Day and he asked for a
moment of silence in memory of Cathedral City's two fallen officers.
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 Tem
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb
A. Receive and file Payment of Claims and Demands for April 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$5,445,890 for
the month of April 2020.
M.O. 2020-65
B. Minutes Approval
M.O. 2020-66
1. City Council - Study Session - Apr 22, 2020 5:30 PM
2. City Council - Regular Meeting -Apr 22, 2020 6:30 PM
C. Ratification of Agreement Between the City of Cathedral City and the
Cathedral City Police Officer's Association
Recommendation: To ratify the agreement between the City of Cathedral City
("City") and Cathedral City Police Officer's Association
("CCPOA") via Memorandum of Understanding for the
period of January 1 , 2020 through December 31, 2021.
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M.O. 2020-67
D. Resolution Rescinding Police Officers Association Vesting and Approving
Police Officer PEMHCA Minimum
Recommendation: To adopt a resolution fixing the employer contribution under
the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act
(PEMHCA) for employees and annuitants; and adopt a
resolution electing to rescind the post-retirement health
benefits vesting requirements under Government Code
Section 22893 for employees first hired on or after January
1 , 2013, as established by Resolution 2012-188.
Reso. 2020-12
Reso 2020-13
E. Annual Approval of the City's Investment Policy
Recommendation: To approve the updated investment policy.
M.O. 2020-68
F. Fire Chief Recruitment
Recommendation: To authorize a Budget Amendment in the amount of$25,000
for executive recruitment for a Fire Chief.
M.O. 2020-69
G. Approve Authorized Agents for Cal OES Forms and Agreements for federal
financial assistance under Public Law 93-288 as amended by the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988.
Recommendation: To approve the Designation of Applicant's Agent Resolution
for Non-State Agencies authorizing the City Manager and
Director of Engineering/Public Works to execute and provide
all forms, agreements, and other assurances as required for
federal financial assistance under Public Law 93-288 as
amended by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act of 1988.
Reso 2020-14
H. Approval of Program Supplement Agreement No. N006 Rev.2, between the
City of Cathedral City and the State of California, for the Purpose of
Administering and Disbursement of Federal Funds for the Construction
Phase of Ofelia Bringas Memorial Bridge (aka Cathedral Canyon Drive
Bridge).
Recommendation: To adopt a Resolution approving Program Supplemental
Agreement No. N006 Rev. 2 to the Administering Agency-
State Agreement for Federal Aid Projects, No. 08-5430R,
between the City of Cathedral City and the State of
California, acting through the Department of Transportation
(Caltrans), for the purpose of administering and
disbursement of Federal Funds for the construction phase of
Ofelia Bringas Memorial Bridge (aka Cathedral Canyon
Drive Bridge), Federal Project No. BR-NBIL(504); and,
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authorize the Director of Engineering/Public Works to sign
the Agreement on behalf of the City of Cathedral City.
Reso 2020-15
4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Update on Emergency Actions Related to COVID-19
Charles McClendon, City Manager, provided an update on the emergency
actions related to COV/D-19. He stated that Police and Fire are still free of any
confirmed cases of the Coronavirus and the Departments have ample supplies.
Calls are down, although there has been some variation lately. City Hall also has
no confirmed cases of the virus. City services continue to be offered with a
skeleton crew working at City Hall and those working remotely. Departments
have submitted 10% and 20% budget reduction plans. He along with
Administrative Services Director Tami Scott, are working on a two- phase
process for budget reductions and will bring recommendations to the Council in
June. Staff is making sure that the Council will have all the tools necessary to
continue the objectives of managing the City's finances in a responsible manner.
He stated that Riverside County has rescinded their orders, which has caused
some confusion. At this time the City has its own order in place related to short-
term lodging, which will be discussed under the next agenda item. The City
currently does not have an order in place regarding face coverings and that too
will be discussed under the next agenda item. The Governor's reopening plan
has also caused some confusion. He indicated that we are currently in Phase I
with some retail businesses being allowed to open with curbside pickup only,
while restaurants remain delivery or pick-up only. Riverside County does not
qualify for any further exceptions from the state-wide orders. There are other
movements coming from the Board of Supervisors Office to promote a push to
get a variance for the County as well as a sub-regional effort to address issues in
the Coachella Valley, however, nothing has been ruled on. The City has received
word that the Cathedral City Library will be a testing site beginning Monday, May
18, 2020, and will be open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Governor has
announced that there is now a dedicated website for testing site resources at
COVID-19.ca.gov, which includes where to obtain free testing. According to
Riverside County there is currently 59% of hospital beds still available for
utilization and 13.6% of total hospitalizations are related to COVID-19. There are
385 ICU beds with 87% occupancy, and 28.8% of those are related to COVID-
19. The County is currently at 24.7% of its ventilator capacity.
City Manager McClendon stated that when the County of Riverside rescinded
their orders it eliminated the requirement for individuals to wear face masks and
practice social distancing in public. He requested that the City Council discuss
whether or not they would like to approve Emergency Order No. 3 Incorporating
by reference the Governor's Executive Order N-33-20, requiring face coverings in
public settings and the requirement of social distancing through June 19, 2020,
unless extended, along with the discussion under item 68.
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City Attorney Eric Vail advised the Council that they may add an item to the
Agenda under the emergency order as long as it is related to COVID-19.
M.O. 2020-70
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilwoman
Lamb to approve to add discussion of Emergency Order No. 3lncorporating by
Reference the Governor's Executive Order N-33-20 related Face Coverings and
Social Distancing under Item 68.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 1]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tern
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Mark Carnevale, Rita
Lamb
NAYS: Ernesto Gutierrez
B. Emergency Order Temporary Suspension of All Short-Term Lodging
Facility Rentals
Recommendation: To amend or revoke Emergency Order No. 2B providing for
the temporary suspension of all short-term lodging facility
rentals.
Under this item the City Council will discuss the Emergency Order related to the
temporary suspension of all short-term lodging and whether or not to approve
Emergency Order No. 3 Incorporating by Reference the Governor's Executive
Order N-33-20 related requiring face masks and social distancing in public. It
was the consensus of the Council to hear all of the comments that were
submitted for the record on both items at the same time.
The following individuals provided public comment via telephone:
Terry Applegate, Cathedral City resident, stated that she is in favor of requiring
face coverings and social distancing. She stated that the County of Riverside
has the second highest confirmed cases in the State, current trajectories show a
rise in cases and the cases have not peeked or plateau yet. She urged the
Council to continue with face coverings and social distancing requirements. She
is also opposed to the reopening plan and short-term vacation rentals and feels
we should not be promoting travel during the pandemic.
Teri Hargreaves, Cathedral City resident, thanked the Council and City staff for
doing a great job managing the challenges that they face daily. She gave a
special thanks to Code Compliance Manager Sandra Molina for being helpful and
responsive to the concerns of residents. She asked that City Council give
direction to issue Emergency Order No. 2C and continue the temporary
suspension on short-term vacation rentals through June 19th or longer. if
necessary. She stated that the State Health Officer recommended that
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Californians not travel significant distances to help prevent the spread of the virus
and hotel and lodging for leisure are considered high risk. She feels that if short-
term vacation rentals are allowed to operate, the City will lose their
neighborhoods and there will be an increase in the virus. She urged the City to
rely on the advice of the health experts.
Joshua Dunn, Cathedral City resident, stated that it is a good idea to have face
masks and social distancing requirements. He feels that all of the health experts
agree that not having social distancing and face masks requirements can cause
worse outbreaks. He feels that it is too soon to remove these precautions and
urged the City Council to mandate them to protect others.
Erin Teran, Cathedral City resident, stated that she works as a registered nurse
here in the Coachella Valley and urged the City Council to vote to uphold face
coverings and social distancing requirements. She stated that nearly 100
healthcare workers in the United States have died from COVID-19 and wearing a
mask is an important factor in preventing the spread of the virus. She asked that
individuals wear a mask to protect others. She encouraged the City Council to
vote to mandate face coverings and social distancing requirements in the name
of healthcare workers, to help prevent the spread of the virus and further protect
and prevent more healthcare workers from becoming ill or perishing.
The following individuals submitted comments for the record. Their comments
were read for three minutes and are summarized below. The entire comment will
be made part of the record according to our standard procedures.
Tim Parrott, Cathedral City resident, requested that the Council continue to make
wearing face masks and social distancing mandatory. It would mean a lot to
elderly residents and those that are immune-compromised. He also feels that it
doesn't make sense to allow short-term vacation rentals to operate during this
time with the potential to spread COVID-19.
Kelly Ray, Cathedral City resident, supports wearing masks in public. She feels
that we have come a long way and it is the least we can do for each other.
Denise Cross, Cathedral City resident, encouraged the Council to protect its
residents and businesses and to remain following Governor Newsom's order
regarding masks and social distancing. She also encouraged the Council to
remain in step with the Governor related to short-term lodging, she feels that
residents are far more important than visitors and short-term vacation rental
owners.
Charity Rae Wooley, Cathedral City business owner, stated that she agrees
wholeheartedly with the County's decision to rescind their emergency orders and
encouraged the Council to do the same. She feels that using the word
mandatory is tyranny and the Council should consider the people's right to
freedom.
Jim Stennett, Cathedral City resident, stated that now is not the time to relax the
standards and encouraged the Council to continue to require people to wear face
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masks in places where they are likely to come in contact with others.
Ruth Grau, stated that she supports the opening of short-term vacation rentals in
Cathedral City. She feels that it would be a great way to kick start the economy
within the City. She suggested the following ideas to help keep things safe for
the community and her staff-
• Limit guests to people who have been self-isolating together in the one
house
• 48-72 hours between guests to allow the virus to die if it has been present
• Extra cleaning protocols like cleaning + disinfecting high touch surfaces
like light switches, door handles etc.
• Only people who test negative???
• Remote check in rather than in person welcomes
• Masks to be worn when outside of the home
• Allow stays of any length so everyone has a chance to spread their wings
a little. This time of year, there are no long-term renters.
Steven Michael, Cathedral City resident, encouraged the Council to enforce face
coverings and social distancing in Cathedral City. He feels that there are still too
many unknowns with the virus, and we have the responsibility to keep ourselves
and each other safe.
Tom Stansbury, Palm Springs resident, stated that though he is a Palm Springs
resident he frequently shops in Cathedral City. He feels that wearing a mask as
a health precaution is a minor inconvenience in light of the current risks to life
and encourages the City Council to require face masks in any public serving
establishment until this is clearly over.
Joayne Andrews, Cathedral City Cove resident, requested that the City Council
keep the face mask order in effect. She feels that it is a simple thing to do to
protect ourselves and others.
Felice Newman requested that the City Council keep in place orders for all
people to wear masks and protective gear to stop the transmission of COVID-19.
Jason Watters, Cathedral City Cove resident, requested that the Council
consider exempting single-family homes (short-term vacation rentals) from the
general "Hotels/Lodging" category. He feels that it should not be included with
the high-density lodging facilities and don't create the risk that the higher density
properties do.
Becki Robinson, Cathedral City resident, requested that the Council continue to
require face masks and social distancing. She feels that the curve has not been
flattened in the Coachella Valley and their health should be important to the
Council.
Jeanne Scott, Cathedral City resident, stated that she believes the County of
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Riverside is moving too fast and would like to see the City Council continue to
make face masks mandatory.
William Cason, Cathedral City resident, stated that he and his husband are high
risk seniors with medical issues and would like to see the City Council continue
to enforce and support requiring face masks in all public facilities.
Kathleen DeRosa, Cathedral City resident, suggested that it may be a good time
to form a Cathedral City restaurant association under the guidance of Stone
James, Economic Development Director. She feels that they are in a better
position to guide city officials on the best practices for opening restaurants in the
near future. She also suggested considering do this with churches and other
segments of the City that have been shut down. She feels the City needs to offer
hope to the people and businesses and let them know the Council is working on
opportunities for real solutions that best fit the needs of Cathedral City.
Donald Vickers, Cathedral City resident, encouraged the Council to require face
masks and social distancing when in public.
Victoria Cavataio, Cathedral City resident, encouraged the Council to keep the
face mask order in place.
Melinda Johnston, Cathedral City resident, urged the Council to mandate safety
for the community and to extend the restrictions on short-term vacation rental
occupancy, require face masks and social distancing in public.
Alan Carvalho, Cathedral City resident, encouraged the Council to not only
consider economic concerns during this time but public safety as well. He
suggested that the Mayor form a sub-committee of citizens, business owners,
public health officials and non-profits so that everyone feels that they have a
place addressing their concerns directly.
Eric Strong, property owner in Cathedral City, stated that he purchased a home
in Cathedral City in anticipation of retiring to the City in a few years. He has been
using the property as a short-term rental to help support the mortgage. He stated
that his property has never generated any complaints. He feels that there are a
few short-term vacation rental owners that are ruining it for everyone. He feels
that short-term vacation rentals bring revenue to the City and it is unfair for the
City to control his ability to retain his property. He encouraged the Council to
consider the negative effect banning short-term vacation rentals will have on
property owners and the City itself and asked that they look at the big picture.
Denise Aubry, Cathedral City short-term vacation rental owner, encouraged the
Council not to ban short-term vacation rentals and to consider the effects that it
would have on the City, and businesses they support.
Elaine Taylor, Cathedral City resident, encouraged the Council to open short-
term vacation rental businesses. She indicated that they rent out their casita,
which supplements their limited income.
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Craig Mahaffey, Cathedral City resident, encouraged the Council to add an item
to the Agenda adopting measures similar to the City of Palm Springs related to
COVID-19.
Shelley Kaplan, Cathedral City resident, encouraged the Council to enact the
same requirements that the City of Palm Springs has done requiring social
distancing and face masks for businesses as they re-open.
Luisa Jacques, Cathedral City resident, stated that now is not the time for
unnecessary traveling and vacationers to bombard our city. She feels that the
City needs to continue with stay at home regulations and not allowing short-term
vacation rentals to open for business. She feels that the health of everyone
should be of upmost importance.
Danny Lee, Cathedral City resident, encouraged the Council to do the right thing
by imposing restrictions on the short-term vacation rental industry and improve
the lives of all residents by permanently banning them from R-1 and R-2 zones,
where they are not specifically allowed by HOAs in the future.
Edward Holzhauer, Cathedral City resident, encouraged the Council to consider
implementing an order to require face coverings until the state mandated stay-at-
home order is completely lifted. He feels that it is a simple request to respect the
quality of human life.
Doug Evans, Cathedral City resident, stated that he feels it is the wrong time to
open the flood gates to our neighborhoods by allowing short-term vacation
rentals to open. He feels that the opening of businesses needs to be done
carefully and feels that it would be too dangerous to open short-term vacation
rentals at this time.
Tee Taylor, Cathedral City resident, stated that she is appalled at the egregious
abuse of power emergency order No. 28 is exercising by telling her who she can
and cannot have in her home, while she is there. She stated that according to
code enforcement, she cannot bring her elderly Cathedral City mother-in-law to
her home for lunch simply because she holds a short-term rental permit.
Meanwhile, her neighbors have large family gatherings, people come and go,
which is apparently fine. She agrees that we need to protect our community but
feels that this set of rules dramatically overreaches that need. She feels this
unfair infringement of her rights is more of the fear mongering and vilification of
short-term rental permit holders that is based on the feelings of a handful of
disgruntled residents, a few permit violators and very, very little data. She stated
that the vast majority of permit holders are following the rules and being good
neighbors, and what scant data the City has provided shows this clearly. She
feels this is not protecting the community, it is simply harassment and feels it
needs to end immediately.
Discussion Emergency Order No. 3
City Manager Charles McClendon stated that proposed Emergency Order No. 3
requires face coverings in all public spaces, which will be effective through June
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19, 2020, unless extended. The provisions are as follows:
Face coverings required in public settings. All persons, including essential
workers, must wear face covering, such as scarves (dense fabric, without
holes), bandanas, neck gaiter, or other fabric face coverings. All persons,
including essential workers, are discouraged from using Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE), such as N95 masks, for non-medical
reasons. Face coverings must be worn in public settings, but are NOT
required to be worn by people who are:
• At home
• In the car alone or with members of their own household
• Children under the age of two years, due to the risk of suffocation.
• Outdoors, walking, hiking, bicycling or running. However, people
must comply with social distancing during these activities, including
maintaining at least six feet of distance from other people. People
should also have face covering readily accessible.
• Residents with a health condition whose medical provider has
advised against wearing a face covering can provide
documentation.
Businesses must:
• Require their employees, contractors, owners, and volunteers to
wear a face covering at the workplace and when performing off-site
work;
• Inform customers about the need to wear a face covering, including
posting signs and advising those in line or in the business;
• Take reasonable steps to keep people who are not wearing a face
covering from entering the business; and
• Refuse service to anyone not wearing a face covering.
Social Distancing Required. All persons are required to engage in social
distancing by maintaining a six-foot separation from all persons except for
members of their same household and medical providers with the
appropriate personal protective equipment.
Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory stated that he supports facial masks and
social distancing, especially with the re-opening of businesses.
Councilmember Lamb stated that she concurs with Mayor Pro Tern Gregory and
supports requiring face masks and social distancing.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale thanked everyone for their comments. He
stated that he would like to continue requiring face masks and social distancing
at least to June 19, 2020, or longer if necessary.
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated that he does not support requiring
individuals to wear face masks and social distancing, he feels that we are all
adults and should have the right to decide for ourselves. He feels that the City
should go along with the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.
Cathedral City Page 12 Printed on 5/21/2020
Mayor John Aguilar expressed his support for requiring face masks and social
distancing.
M.O. 2020-71
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilwoman
Lamb to approve Emergency Order No. 3 Incorporating by Reference the
Governor's Executive Order N-33-20 requiring face coverings in public and social
distancing until June 19, 2020, unless extended.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 1]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Mark Carnevale, Rita Lamb
NAYS: Ernesto Gutierrez
Discussion - Emergency Order 2C
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory stated that this order has to do with short term
lodging not just short-term vacation rentals. He believes that it makes sense to
prohibit short term lodging at this time with the exceptions listed in Order 2C.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale stated that he supports Emergency Order 2C
and extending the suspension of all short-term lodging in the City.
Councilmember Enesto Gutierrez stated that he supports the suspension at this
time, however, he would like to on exclude short term lodging in R-1 and R-2
Zones.
Councilmember Rita Lamb stated that she supports extending the suspension.
City Attorney Eric Vail stated that at the appropriate time the Council can make a
decision to separate the regulations between hotels and short-term vacation
rentals. The Council could not take this action at this time because the County of
Riverside has not entered into Phase ll or Phase II, where they will actually be
able to start opening hotels.
Mayor John Aguilar confirmed that if the Governor allows for the hospitality
businesses to open, local short-term lodging could not re-open unless this order
is rescinded.
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory stated that we need to be prepared when the
time comes to have this discussion, but he still feels that it's too early and not
safe.
M.O. 2020-72
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A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember
Carnevale to approve Emergency Order No. 2C Temporary Suspension of all Short-
Term Lodging Facility Rentals.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb
C. Discussion and Direction for FY 2020-2021 CDBG Program Funding.
Recommendation: To review the FY 2020-2021 CDBG Program Funding,
discuss, and provide direction.
Vincent Lopez, Senior Administrative Analyst, gave an overview of the FY 2020-
2021 CDBG Program Funding.
The following individual provided public comment via telephone:
Geoff Corbin, Executive Director Cathedral City Senior Center, stated that he
submitted a report to the City detailing what the Senior Center is doing and what
resources they have, as well as what they will need for what is still to come. He
stated that the seniors in the City are the most vulnerable and the services they
offer are now more important than ever before. He feels that seniors should be at
the top of the list for consideration of the CDBG funding.
The following individual submitted comments for the record. Their comment was
read for three minutes and is summarized below. The entire comment will be
made part of the record according to our standard procedures.
Shelley Kaplan, Cathedral City resident, stated that he understands the fiscal
issues the City is facing as a result of the pandemic and supports the use of
CDBG funds to offset the funding out of the General Fund for the City's
contributions to the Senior Center. He also endorsed additional funding from
CDBG Program Funding to help with the fiscal crisis the Center is facing as a
result of the pandemic.
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory stated that the City is fortunate to have
received extra funding during this time of need. He feels that utilizing the CDBG
Funding to cover qualifying expenditures that would normally come out of the
General Fund makes sense in order to ensure funding in the areas needed. He
feels the Senior Center has made a good argument for funding. He is in favor of
staff's proposal to put out RFPs to be evaluated.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale stated that there is a need for more funding for
homeless cleanup in the City and would like to see funds go to that effort. He is
also in favor of applying funds to qualifying expenditures that would normally
come out of the General Fund when possible. He questioned what the timeframe
is for spending the funds.
Mr. Lopez responded that the plan is to have an action plan in by the end of
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Summer or early Fall to ensure funding is available in preparation for a second
wave.
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated that it is great news that we have
received these funds. There are many programs that are in need and can use the
funding. He feels that the Salvation Army could use funding as they help many
low-income families. He also agrees that the Senior Center and the homeless
cleanup effort could use funding as well. He plans to evaluate the list of eligible
public services and programs provided by staff when deciding on where to
allocate the CDBG Funds.
Councilmember Rita Lamb feels Geoff Corbin did a good job providing all the
necessary information on how the Senior Center would use the funding and
questioned if other organizations know how to provide the same. She requested
clarification on the RFP process and which programs have been funded by the
City in the past.
City Manager Charles McClendon responded that when the City prepares the
RFPs, not only will they send them out to the agencies that have received
Community Development Block Grant Funding in the past but also to those
agencies in the Community that have received General Fund funding and small
grant funding. He stated that this will cover a broad spectrum of nonprofit
organizations in the Community. The City will ask the agencies to provide their
proposals for how the funding will be used.
Mayor John Aguilar stated that there is a consensus amongst the Council to
replace the funding from the General Fund with CDBG funds. He is in support of
proceeding with the RFP process, however, he expressed his concern with the
timeframe. He is particularly concerned about the Seniors in the City not having
access to food after hearing from Geoff Corbin. He feels that anything we can do
to accelerate the process is going to be important. In the interim, he has donated
to the Senior Center and hopes others can do the same. He questioned what the
timeframe would be to receive recommendations from staff on this matter.
City Manager Charles McClendon responded that the City has the framework in
place and can get the RFPs out quickly. He stated that we don't need to allow a
long turnaround to receive them back from the agencies, but regardless of the
timeframe allowed, the City still has to do the required HUD public participation
process, prepare the Annual Action Plan, hold a public hearing and have the City
Council act on it. Although this process takes time, they will get the RFP process
started right away.
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez feels that transportation for Seniors in the
Dream Homes neighborhood to the Senior Center is important, currently there is
no transportation available. If funding can be used to provide transportation. it
would be great for the residents in that area.
It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to begin the RFP process
and bring forward recommendations for consideration at a future meeting.
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D. Lamar Billboard 641 Lease Renewal (Date Palm Dr & Buddy Rogers)
Recommendation: To authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute the
renewal of a ten-year lease with Lamar Advertising
Companies for the billboard located east of Date Palm Drive
and north of Buddy Rogers, immediately south of the flood
control channel (billboard lease # 641).
M.O. 2020-73
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilwoman
Lamb to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute the renewal of a
ten-year lease with Lamar Advertising Companies for the billboard located east
of Date Palm Drive and north of Buddy Rogers, immediately south of the flood
control channel (billboard lease # 641).
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 1]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez, Rita Lamb
NAYS: Mark Carnevale
E. Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce Fiscal Year 2020/2021
Service Agreement
Recommendation: To approve the Chamber of Commerce Service Provider
Agreement for FY20/21, authorize the City Manager to sign
the Agreement and approve future payment of$42,200
(broken into quarterly installments pursuant to Exhibit "B")
for the agreed-upon services in accordance with the revised
FY20/21 budget.
M.O. 2020-74
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by
Councilmember Carnevale to approve the Chamber of Commerce Service
Provider Agreement for FY20/21, authorize the City Manager to sign the
Agreement and approve future payment of $42,200 (broken into quarterly
installments pursuant to Exhibit "B') for the agreed-upon services in accordance
with the revised FY20/21 budget.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 1]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tern
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Mark Carnevale, Ernesto
Gutierrez
NAYS: Rita Lamb
F. Review of CVAG ATP Design Grant Projects
Recommendation: To review the Coachella Valley Association of Governments
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(CVAG) Active Transportation Program (ATP) Design Grant
Projects for Council comment and discussion.
John Corella, Director of Engineering and Public Works, presented the item and
provided a review of the CVAG ATP Design Grant Projects.
Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory thanked Mr. Corella for his presentation. He
feels that all the presented projects are good deals and make sense. He also
feels that these projects will provide safe walking and biking for the community.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale thanked Mr. Corella for his thorough and
exciting presentation. He inquired on the time frame for completion of the
projects.
Mr. Corella responded that the ATP process can take a long time and we would
expect final approvals sometime next year if submitted by June 15th.
Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez thanked Mr. Corella for his presentation. He
questioned which project is most important, when will the City know the costs
and how the ATP cycles work.
Mr. Corella responded that the Cathedral Canyon Drive and Date Palm Drive
projects are high priority. He stated the cost should be known by July to allow
time for our grant writers to put together a good package to submit by September
15. He gave an overview of the ATP cycles and process.
Councilmember Rita Lamb thanked Mr. Corella for his presentation. She stated
that she has heard many concerns from residents regarding the Cathedral
Canyon Channel east project. She feels the residents would prefer to keep the
area rural.
It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to continue moving
forward with the CVAG ATP Design Grant Project as presented.
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURN
Mayor John Aguilar adjourned the May 13, 2020, Regular City Council Meeting at 10:15
p.m.
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