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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2020-05-27 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, May 27, 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 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 Remote Raymond Gregory Mayor Pro Tern Remote Mark Carnevale I 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 teleconference. • AGENDA FINALIZATION • SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 1. Retirement of Fire Chief Paul Wilson Mayor John Aguilar announced that tonight, Cathedral City reaches another milestone with the retirement of Fire Chief Paul Wilson, who has served Cathedral City with honor, respect, and professionalism for the last five years. Chief Wilson played an instrumental role in bringing the Fire Department up to the standards we enjoy today with three personnel on each fire apparatus, the fastest response time in the Coachella Valley for ambulance services, and the building of a new Fire Station 411 in downtown. Under his leadership, along with the help of a SAFER grant and new revenue from the cannabis industry, 15 new firefighters have been added for greater public safety. These new firefighters are top rated and very well trained to meet the needs of the community. He thanked the Chief for not only his service to Cathedral City Fire Department, but also to the greater community for his participation in the many festivals and non-profit functions. He stated that he will be truly missed, and it is going to be difficult for the City to find someone with his qualifications and giving nature. The City may be able to fill the position, but we will never replace him. He expressed his heartfelt wish that he and Pam enjoy this opportunity to retire, cherish their family and friends, and live the next journey of their lives with health, peace, and safekeeping. It is his hope that he will return for the grand opening of the new fire station as we celebrate another milestone in the City's history. Best wishes and thank you. A video was shown that was prepared for the retirement of Fire Chief Paul Wilson Retirement. Mayor Pro Tern Gregory stated that he had a great time making the video with Chief Wilson. He feels that Chief Wilson has done a great job taking care of the Fire Department. He stated that Chief Wilson and his wife Pam have been great members of the community, and not only has Chief Wilson been instrumental in the Fire Department but in many other projects for the City. He wished him all the best as he moves on. Concilmember Rita Lamb stated that she was fortunate to meet Chief Wilson when she was a community host for KDOC radio show. She knew then as a Cathedral City resident she was in good hands with Chief Wilson. She feels Chief Wilson personifies the hallmark of great leadership, character, confidence and compassion. She was particularly impressed with his facilitation of the Sound the Alarm event at Tramview Mobile Home park. He and his wife Pam will be missed, and she thanked them for all their service to the City. Councilmember Mark Carnevale presented Chief Wilson with a gift from Councilmember Lamb and gift from the City. He stated that is has been a pleasure having him aboard and he appreciates how he always went above and beyond. He feels that Chief Wilson has had a great career and from the bottom of his heart he wished him the best in his retirement. Councilmember Gutierrez stated that Chief Wilson is a gentleman, true scholar and has been a wonderful Fire Chief for our City. He feels that he has learned a great deal from Chief Wilson and thanked him for always answering his questions with professionalism. He feels that the Snow Fest event will never be the same without him and he wished him all the best in his future. Fire Chief Paul Wilson stated that he is honored to be here tonight at the podium that he stood up at 5 years ago when he was sworn in. He stated that he has really enjoyed his time here in Cathedral City. During his time, he was proud to have worked with four different Mayors and three great Councils. He expressed how very Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 6/04/2020 proud of the men and women who provide services for Cathedral City with great pride and in an efficient manner. He is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with City Manager Charles McClendon, who has been a great supporter of the Fire Department, always providing all the resources needed to do their job for the Community. He reflected on the beginning of the cannabis industry in Cathedral City and is proud that the Fire Department played a role in the 53 cannabis businesses that now have a tax revenue of almost 5 million a year. He is also proud that the Fire Department has done a great job with fire prevention and public education. He thanked Councilmember Lamb and the City for the parting gifts and gave a special thanks to Rhonda Guillaume and Sandy Ramsey-Woods for their hard work in the Fire Department. 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. Terry Applegate, Cathedral City, expressed her sadness to read about the retirement of Fire Chief Paul Wilson. She stated that Fire Chief Wilson is thoughtful, compassionate, and has been an advocate for his firefighters and the Public. She stated that Cathedral City will surely miss both Chief Wilson and his wife Pam. Alan Carvalho, Cathedral City, stated that Fire Chief Paul Wilson is a compassionate, studied, and a well, respected member of the communities he has served. He has made significant impressions as reflected in our firefighters, the fire department staff, and everyone he has come in contact with. He also feels Chief Wilson represents what community leadership is all about and he and his wife Pam will be missed. 2. Introduction of Interim Fire Chief- Blake Goetz City Manager Charles McClendon introduced Blake Goetz the new Interim Fire Chief. Interim Fire Chief Goetz stated that it is a pleasure to be here tonight and he knows he has huge shoes to fill. He congratulated Chief Wilson on a well, deserved retirement and thanked him for mentoring him over the last two weeks. He gave a brief overview of his background. He feels the men and women of the Fire Department are top notch and he is proud to be associated with the Department. Mayor John Aguilar welcomed Interim Fire Chief Goetz and stated that he is happy to have someone with his background. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez welcomed Interim Fire Chief Goetz and stated that he is looking forward to working with him. Councilmember Rita Lamb welcomed aboard Interim Fire Chief Goetz. Councilmember Mark Carnevale welcomed Interim Fire Chief Goetz stated he is looking forward to working with him. He stated that his door is always open. Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 6/04/2020 Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory welcomed Interim Fire Chief Goetz. He stated that he has a stellar reputation and he looks forward to working with him. • 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. Ashley Kihlmire, Cathedral City, is in favor of short-term rentals and urged the City Council to consider following the State's guidelines for short-term rentals. Jason Watters, Cathedral City, is in favor of short-term rentals and urged the City Council to consider following the State's guidelines for short-term rentals. Lisa Silver, Cathedral City, is in favor of short-term rentals and urged the City Council to consider following the State's guidelines for short-term rentals. Paria Sadighi, Cathedral City, is in favor of short-term rentals and urged the City Council to consider following the State's guidelines for short-term rentals. Ruth Grau, Cathedral City, is in favor of short-term rentals and feels all homeowners want the same thing whether they live in their homes or rent them out. She also feels that short-term rentals are more desirable in neighborhoods than long term renters. She feels there is room in the City for everyone and urged the City Council to make their decisions based on all homeowners. Danny Lee, Cathedral City, is opposed to short-term rentals and feels a new ordinance would only affect a small portion of the market. He also feels that there are plenty of opportunities in HOAs and other zones for STVRs to operate. He urged the City Council to carry out the wishes of the people rather than those of a small minority. Lowell Friedman and Ellen Joshowitz, Cathedral City, stated that they own multiple rental properties in Desert Princess, and they cannot remain closed much longer. They have received multiple inquiries from renters in the past few weeks and expressed their concern with the loss of revenue to the City and the threat of tourism and revenue going to other cities. Toni Ringlein, Cathedral City, discussed a recent incident at Trader Joes, where he was denied access into the store for not wearing the required mask. He feels that the mask requirement is destroying people's lives and damaging citizens and their freedoms. He urged the City Council to open the City and get rid of the mask requirement. Tim Stieg and Frank Villagas Jr., Cathedral City, stated that they do not rent out their second home located in the Cove; however, they feel the substantial increase in their property over the past few years is directly related to the short-term rentals Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 6/04/2020 market. They feel that eliminating a way for people to generate income and bring revenue in is bad for the City and the residents. They are strongly opposed to any legislation to end or cripple short-term rentals. Keith Haarmeyer, Cathedral City Homeowner, expressed his concern with the banning of short-term rentals, the composition of the STVR Task Force, property values decreasing, and the City's evaluation of noise violations calls. He also feels that STR's should be opened prior to hotels during COVID-19 because the risk of spreading the virus is lower for STR's than Hotels. Robin Budd and Jeffrey Waid, Cathedral City Homeowners, stated that they rent their property out as a way of owning a second home in Cathedral City, while also being able to afford it. They urged the City Council to continue to allow for short-term rentals and to allow them to keep their dream of spending time in a community they already think of as their own. Jim Cox and Tom Aubrey, Cathedral City, stated that they have rented out their property for the past five years and is necessary to their finances. They are in favor of tighter regulations and stricter enforcement of City Codes and feels that if the City implements these regulations, then many issues would cease to exist. They urged the City Council to consider the economic damage that any proposed ban on STRs would bring to them and other law-abiding and responsible neighbors. Tracy Clem and Hugo Acebo, Cathedral City Homeowners, stated that they purchase a home in Desert Princess that they plan to retire to in the next 5-7 years. They rent the property out to help with the mortgage and ownership costs. They suggested stronger regulations to crack down on those operators who have multiple complaints. They urged the City Council to reconsider the ban on short-term rentals. Brian Felber, Cathedral City, expressed his concern regarding the ongoing debate with the City's desire to phase out STVR's in the area. He assured the City Council that he will be speaking up and demanding that the City refrain from banning short- term vacation rentals. He feels the City should have implemented stricter rules and used the 12% TOT to enforce those rules. He also expressed his concern with the STVR Task Force and survey they conducted. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory stated that he continues to speak with residents and staff by phone and video conferences. He attended the SunLine Transit Agency Board meeting, via zoom, and reported that they are facing many of the same issues that the City is facing. He also reported that they are moving forward in filing their short-term plan and hopes the public will provide their input on any changes happening in the City. He stated that he will be meeting with SunLine and City Manager Charles McClendon and will report back to the City Council. Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported that he attended the Homeless Committee Meeting where they discussed the point in time count. He also met, via Zoom, with the Homeless Task Force where they discussed possible locations for a cooling center. He stated that he has received many letters in support of STVRs and he apologized for any letters that he did not respond to. He stated that over the Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 6/04/2020 weekend he along with Rotary Club volunteers placed blue ribbons for the Cathedral City High School Graduation. He reported that he was able to work with the Senior Center to deliver food to Terra del Sol Seniors for Memorial Day. He thanked the owners of Chevron and the Vault for participating in the event and for their donations. He announced that those having financial difficulties should contact Southern California Edison to take advantage of the assistance they are offering with the CARE and FERA programs. He urged them to visit their website at SCE.com/careandfera or by calling 800-798-5723. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated that we recently celebrated Memorial Day. He thanked all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. He was able to represent the City at the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau meeting, where Joe Wallace CEO of CVEP gave a presentation on the Coachella Valley economy. He stated that as the hospitality industry revenues fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cities need to work together along with CVEP to attract more industries into the Coachella Valley. He also discussed the need for a four- year university, which could help diversify the economy in the Coachella Valley. He also participated in a Zoom meeting, hosted by Manny Perez, regarding the County reopening. He thanked Mayor Aguilar and City Manager Charles McClendon for their hard work during this pandemic. He urged the public to support local businesses. Councilmember Rita Lamb reminded everyone that COVID-19 testing is available at the Cathedral City Library, appointments are required. She reported that she attended the food truck luncheon, which was hosted by Destiny Church, to than staff for all that they are doing during this difficult time. She feels that it was a wonderful way to distribute food in a safe manner. She stated that the Coachella Valley Agriculture and Farm Workers Appreciation Truck made a stop at the Senior Center and it was great. She reported that she was able to participate in another Coronavirus story time event where she read two stories. She also announced that the Cathedral City Rotary partnered with the Carlon Foundation to provide scholarships. She reported that the Coachella Valley Conservation Committee was able to acquire three parcels of land in Cathedral City, which are critical to the multi species habitat plan. She spoke with Jo Anne Kennon, who is a wonderful volunteer for the Community, who is planning a Father's Day event on June 20,2020, to benefit the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club. She wanted to recognize and thank volunteers Terry Applegate and Donna Terry West for helping to enroll seniors into the Great Plate program. She touched on what Councilmember Gutierrez discussed regarding the need for a University, stating that she is a beneiciary of the California State University system and feels it would be epic for the California State University system to come to our area. Mayor John Aguilar congratulated the Community for doing such a great job following the State's Stay at Home Order during this challenging time. He knows how difficult this can be, but feels we need to continue wearing masks, social distance, and practice good health protocols until we are advised by our health professionals to do otherwise. He stated that the number of reported cases and the number of deaths, are still rising, with twenty percent of those testing positive being over the age of 65 and a significant number of those over 65 are dying in greater numbers. While other data, such as total rate of Hospitalizations and the number of patients in ICU's are down or stabilized, it should not be taken as an indication that the crisis is Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 6/04/2020 over. He stated that COVID-19 testing is now widely available, and the Cathedral City Library is now a testing site. More information on testing is available on the City's website. He stated that he is proud of our City Employees, Public Safety and Public Works personnel who are all working to keep us safe and protected. He reported that he has participated weekly in the State Office of Emergency calls for Mayors of Southern California. He received updates on the efforts at the State and Federal level. This information is also available on the City's website. He also participates in weekly White House updates and stated that Medicare has announced that it has reached an agreement with providers and insurance companies on the cost of insulin, which should help many residents. He gave an update on Desert Community Energy and stated that 155 families have signed up for the CARE and FERA programs, 1/3 of those being from Cathedral City. He stated that Lift to Rise is working with the El Sol Neighborhood Education Center to increase the number of families enrolled in the programs. He also reported that he participated in the Dinner with Patsi Fundraiser, which was a take-out at Sammy G's, and thanked all those involved. He announced the winners of the City's high school scholarships, which are two students from Cathedral City High School. He urged everyone to stay safe, wears mask and practice social distancing. 3. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilwoman Lamb to approve the following Consent Agenda items: RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb A. Minutes Approval M.O. 2020-75 1. City Council - Study Session - May 13, 2020 5:00 PM 2. City Council - Regular Meeting - May 13, 2020 6:30 PM B. ANNUAL RENEWAL OF THE LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPING DISTRICT BUDGET Recommendation: City Council adopt three Resolutions to renew the annual assessments with Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 (Zones 1 through 54) Reso 2020-16 Reso 2020-17 Reso 2020-18 C. Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Recommendation: To approve the City's appropriations limit for the fiscal year 2020-2021 Gann Initiative Limitation. Reso 2020-19 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 6/04/2020 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. CFD 2006-1, IA #13, Formation, Election and Ordinance Public Hearing Recommendation: To adopt the following: Resolution of formation determining the validity of prior proceedings and resolution establishing Improvement Area No. 13 of the Cathedral City Community Facilities District 2006-1 and call a special election within the improvement area. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City acting on behalf of Improvement Area No. 13 of the City of Cathedral City Community Facilities District 2006-1 (law enforcement, police, paramedic, park and general maintenance services) calling a special election. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City acting on behalf of Improvement Area No. 13 of the City of Cathedral City Community Facilities District 2006-1 (law enforcement, police, paramedic, park and general maintenance services) canvassing the results of the special election held within said district. Introduce an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City acting as the legislative body of Improvement Area No. 13 of the City of Cathedral City Community Facilities District 2006-1 (law enforcement, fire, paramedic, park and general maintenance services) authorizing the levy of a special tax (1St reading). Mayor John Aguilar opened the public hearing. City Clerk Tracey Martinez stated that notice of the Public Hearing has been published in accordance with the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 and proof of such publication is on file in the City Clerk's Office. City Manager Charles McClendon provided a presentation on the formation of Community Facilities District 2006-1, Improvement Area #13. 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 2020-20 A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to adopt a Resolution of Formation of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City determining the validity of prior proceedings, establishing Improvement Area No. 13 of the City of Cathedral City Community Facilities District No. 2006-1 (Law Enforcement, Fire, Paramedic, Park and General Park Cathedral City Page 8 Printed on 6/04/2020 Maintenance Services) RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb Reso 2020-21 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City acting on behalf of Improvement Area No. 13 of the City of Cathedral City Community Facilities District No. 2006-1 (Law Enforcement, Fire, Paramedic, Park and General Maintenance Services) calling a Special Election. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb Mayor John Aguilar directed the City Clerk to tabulate the ballot and announce if two-thirds of the votes cast upon the question of levying the tax are in favor of levying that tax. City Clerk Tracey Martinez announced that two-thirds of the votes cast upon the question of levying the tax are in favor of levying that tax. Reso 2020-22 A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City acting on behalf of Improvement Area No. 13 of the City of Cathedral City Community Facilities District No. 2006-1 (Law Enforcement, Fire, Paramedic, Park and General Maintenance Services) canvassing the results of the Special Election held within said district. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb M.O. 2020-76 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the first reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City acting as the Legislative Body of the Community Facilities District No. 2006-1 (Law Enforcement, Fire, Paramedic, Park and General Maintenance Services) of the City of Cathedral City authorizing the levy of a Special Tax within Cathedral City Page 9 Printed on 6/04/2020 said district. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Update on Emergency Actions Related to COVID-19 City Manager provided an update on what the City is doing through the Emergency Actions related to COVID-19. He stated that the City's business continues, and the Police and Fire Departments continue to protect the City. Residents can contact the City via telephone or internet regarding City services. He noted that every City is facing a financial crisis and revenue shortages, and all City departments are working on budget reductions. He along with Tami Scott, Administrative Services Director, have spent many hours over the past few weeks going over plans, and hopes to have a presentation for Council at the June 17, 2020 Special City Council meeting. He stated that the current hospital capacity in Riverside County continues to be adequate. Currently there are 319 ICU beds in use, which is 82% of capacity. Riverside County has now been accepting patients from Imperial County, as they have reached their maximum capacity. Our total hospitalization capacity is currently at 51.7%. He presented graphs from the Riverside County website which show the rate of daily COVID-19 cases is increasing, while the rate of deaths is decreasing. He gave an update on the Short-Term Vacation Task Force. He stated that due to COVID-19 pandemic the Task Force has not been able to meet, but their work continues. All email comments received from the public regarding STVRs are being complied to share with the task force and the Council. The goal is to have recommendations for the City Council by July. Stone James, Economic Development Director, provided a presentation on COVID- 19 Economic Impacts and what the City is doing to manage it. He discussed the following points: • Timeline • Economic Impact • Available Resources • What the City is doing • What the Residents can do Councilmember Mark Carnevale inquired about SB 939. Mr. James gave a brief overview of Senate Bill SB 939. 7. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURN Mayor John Aguilar adjourned the May 27, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting at 8:32 PM. Cathedral City Page 10 Printed on 6/04/2020 111 'I - — • /6--e M. 'or, City of a'edral City City Clerk,'City of Cathedral Ci�j Cathedral City Page 11 Printed on 6/04/2020 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, May 27, 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 Raymond Gregory Mayor Pro Tern Remote Mark Carnevale Councilmember Present 5:30 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 5:30 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 CCPFA - Cathedral City Firefighters Association CCFMA - Cathedral City Fire Management Association The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:34 PM The City Council reconvened at 6:15 PM City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to hold a conference with Legal Counsel regarding one case 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 May 27, 2020 at 6:15 PM. 6 _ , , , ) A0,, ,, P fl \ir,4.(c_i 1 a'or, City o'�thedral City City Clerk, ity of Cathedra/ CI Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 6/04/2020