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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2020-07-22 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, July 22, 2020 4:00 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 4:00 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 I Present4:00 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 4:00 PM Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote Mayor John Aguilar, Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory and Councilmember Rita Lamb participated via Zoom videoconference • AGENDA FINALIZATION • THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 PM 1. 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 54957.6 Agency Negotiator: Charles McClendon, City Manager Represented Employees: AFSCME - The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 4:05 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 4:30 pm. City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the Council met in Closed Session to hold a conference with Legal Counsel regarding one case of anticipated litigation and to hold a conference with Labor Negotiator related to represented employees of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. There was no reportable action taken. • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. STUDY SESSION A. Update on Council Goals for 2020 Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. City Manager Charles McClendon indicated that the City Council met in January 2020 to develop goals for the 2020 year. He indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the City's ability to achieve the 2020 goals in two ways. First, the closure of businesses and city facilities, the cancellation of meetings and events and the subsequent focus on only essential tasks has delayed action necessary to meet some of the goals. Second, the resulting fiscal crisis and subsequent reductions in personnel and other resources has affected our ability to work on some of the goals. He provided an overview of the achievements to date related to the adopted City Council goals. It was the consensus of the City Council to continue to work on the following items under each section. Police and Fire • Police Advisory Group • Neighborhood Watch Program Code Enforcement • If we are not going to update the Municipal Code at this time related to shopping carts, then we need to make sure the businesses know the city's approach, so everyone is on the same page. Parks and Recreation Facilities • Continue exploring funding for a dog park City Manager Charles McClendon stated that staff will continue to search for Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 8/19/2020 viable grants for the City to apply for. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez expressed the following related to the established goals for 2020: • Explore having no parking signs on stop signs for cost savings. • Explore whether or not the City can require property owners to install or repair sidewalks and if they don't the City can do so through the abatement process and lien the property for the cost. • Questioned how other cities are able to maintain roads better than Cathedral City and what staff can do to increase funding for road maintenance city-wide. • Pursue a sewer assessment district for areas that are not currently on sewer. • Stated that he is not satisfied with the animal control contract and feels that the goal was not completed, he feels that there needs to be more not less. • Would like the Police Department to have cameras installed throughout the city for enforcement and safety • Would like Code Enforcement enhanced. • Would still like to see City Hall open five days per week, even with the recent Staff reductions. • Address the illegal dumping issues. He further stated that he understands that many of the goals have not been completed due to the pandemic. He stated that he put a lot of effort into coming up with his goals for the city and feels that a lot of them do not have a cost associated with them and could be accomplished. He expressed his discouragement. There were no further comments or direction provided from the City Council. B. Final Review of CVAG ATP Design Grant Projects Recommendation: A final review of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Active Transportation Program (ATP) Design Grant Projects prior to the ATP Cycle 5 Grant Application preparation and submittal for Council review. John Corella, Director of Engineering /Public Works, provided the final review of CVAG ATP Design Grant Projects. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory stated that he is supportive of the projects presented by Mr. Core/la. Councilmember Rita Lamb thanked staff for the presentation and stated that she too supports the presented projects. C. 2020 Fireworks Enforcement Recap Recommendation: Information and discussion only. George Crum, Chief of Police provided a summary of Police Department Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 8/19/2020 enforcement related to fireworks during the 4th of July celebrations. Blake Goetz, Interim Fire Chief provided a summary of calls related to fireworks that the Fire Department responded to during the 4th of July celebration. Councilmember Mark Carnevale thanked staff for their efforts during the 4th of July Holiday. D. Potential Changes to Accommodate One-Roof Cannabis Operational Efficiencies Recommendation: For Council review and discussion only. This item will be heard at the end of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 22, 2020. ADJOURN Mayor John Aguilar adjourned the Study Session Meeting of July 22, 2020 at 6:21 p.m. C- c) --i: C) ,a-ki '\1_) It N. 0 r_TVI,C1. (A Mayo City of Cat dra/ City City Clerk, ity of Cathedral i Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 8/19/2020 411 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, July 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 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 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 Tern Raymond Gregory and Councilmember Rita Lamb all participated via Zoom videoconference. • AGENDA FINALIZATION • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Kevin Andrews, expressed his concern with short-term vacation rentals and the effects that they are having on neighborhoods. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory stated that it has been a busy couple of weeks. He reported that he has had meetings with both, staff and residents. He thanked Stone James for his efforts with existing businesses and potential businesses and thanked everyone for keeping the wheels turning. He participated in the recent League of CA Cities Meeting that was done via Zoom that was hosted by the City of Perris. He represented the City at the SunLine Transit Agency meeting; they too continue to move forward to offer better transportation options for the community. We continue to deal with the COVID-19 Pandemic. The City is really leading on trying to make sure that people are safe and thanked his colleagues for all that they continue to do and for all that staff is doing to get through these times. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reminded everyone to stay hydrated and to wear sunblock. He reported that he attended a couple of Zoom meetings as well as the National League of Cities meeting. He stated that the Coachella Valley only has one industry and feels that the Valley needs to diversify to attract more businesses. He feels that expanding the bandwidth will help with that expansion. Cities that don't rely on one industry are not struggling as much as the cities in the Valley, he feels that the cities all need to work together. He reported that he met with the City Manager, Police Chief and City Engineer. He also reported that he spoke to several residents expressing their frustration with fireworks and short-term lodging. He was asked if there was any financial assistance for residents that are struggling due to COVID-19 pandemic. He reminded everyone that there is a special meeting scheduled for July 29, 2020 to discuss short-term vacation rentals. He reminded everyone to support local businesses. Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported that he has been spending the majority of his time on the cooling center, which is located at the Elks Lodge. He reported that the center got off to a rocky start but is going well now. Councilmember Rita Lamb announced that she attended the League of CA Cities virtual conference. She thanked Chris Parman and Kevin Lockwood for their work on the Face Mask Campaign. She reported that the United Way and Lift to Rise have joined forces in offering rental assistance for families in need and provided the website where they can fill out an application. She also reported that they will be testing motorized scooters at Tierra Del Sol. She acknowledged Chip Yarborough who sent her a good article on how to look at policing. She indicated that she got an inquiry from a Cathedral City High School Student that is interested in local government. Mayor John Aguiar commended Councilmember Mark Carnevale for his work on the cooling center. He stated that the majority of the community are cooperating with the requirements related to COVID-19. He said that it is very important that we wash our hands, wear masks and stay home. He reported that he has attended several meetings via Zoom. He along with other members of the Council participated in the League of CA Cities meeting and continues to participate in the various webinars and meetings related to the pandemic. He reported that there is an increase in domestic violence. Shelter from the Storm is closed because of the pandemic; however, victims can call their hotline at 760 328-7233 for assistance. He reported that even though we have given our notice to withdraw from the DCE, he continues to participate in the meetings until the time expires. He reported that Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 8/20/2020 DCE did an RFP to procure power. Three of the four companies that responded and were selected are based in Riverside County. They are projecting that over a period of five to ten years, for the construction, etc., will create approximately 600 positions locally. 3. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to approve the following Consent Agenda items: RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb A. Minutes Approval M.O. 2020-104 1. City Council - Special Meeting - Jun 30, 2020 8:00 AM 2. City Council - Special Meeting - Jun 30, 2020 2:00 PM 3. City Council - Study Session - Jul 8, 2020 5:30 PM 4. City Council - Regular Meeting - Jul 8, 2020 6:30 PM B. Receive and file Payment of Claims and Demands for June 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$7,031,544 for the month of June 2020. M.O. 2020-105 C. Item Pulled from Consent D. Air Conditioning Unit Replacement at the Cathedral City Library Recommendation: To authorize the replacement of one of the two roof mounted air conditioning systems at the Cathedral City Library in an amount not to exceed $136,746. M.O. 2020-106 E. Item Pulled from Consent F. Biennial As-Needed Contract for Material Testing Services and Professional Geotechnical Recommendations Recommendation: To award biennial as-needed Material Testing Services and Professional Geotechnical Recommendations Contracts to Petra Geosciences, Inc.,Palm Desert, and Leighton Consulting, Inc., Palm Desert, for Material Testing Services Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 8/20/2020 and Professional Geotechnical Recommendations; and authorize the City Manager to execute all the required contracts. M.O. 2020-108 G. Contract for the Development and Preparation of the Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) Federal Project No. LRSPL 5430(036) Recommendation: To award a contract for the development and preparation of the Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) to STC Traffic, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $49,900.55; and, Authorize funding for NAI Consulting Task Order 07 in the not to exceed amount of$15,140; and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract for STC Traffic, Inc. M.O. 2020-109 H. Second Reading Zone Ordinance Amendment No. 20-001 Cannabis Billboard Advertising Recommendation: To provide second reading, by title only, and adopt an ordinance amending Section 9.62.070A (Billboard Signs) of the Municipal Code regulating the placement of billboards advertising cannabis within the City of Cathedral City. Ord 841 I. Award a contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. in the amount of $1,368,629.00 for the construction phase of the HSIP Cycle 8 Project and include a contingency of$65,371 for a total encumbrance of$1,434,000 for the Project and other related approvals. Recommendation: To award a contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. in the contract bid amount of $1,368,629 to complete the construction portion of the HSIP Cycle 8 Project, which includes, but not limited to, traffic signal modifications at 20 intersections; and, approving a contingency of $65,371 for unforeseen construction circumstances, inspection and other technical services related to the Project, thereby making the total encumbrance $1,434,000 for the Project; and, authorize the City Engineer to issue a Notice of Award and request bonds and insurance for the Project; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. M.O. 2020-110 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT A. Resolution Establishing Council Meeting Times Recommendation: To approve a resolution establishing the starting times for City Council meetings. Alan Carvalho, stated that he is opposed to changing the meeting time of the City Council Meetings. He feels that the public should have had more of an opportunity to comment on this item. Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 8/20/2020 Chip Yarborough, stated that this topic should be discussed with public input. He is opposed to changing the meeting time. He suggested that staff modify their schedules so they don't have to work the extended hours. He suggested a start time of 5.30 p.m. Terry Applegate, expressed her concern with the Council changing the Regular Council Meeting start time. She feels that those residents that work will be unable to participate in the meeting with an early start time of 5:00 p.m. She stated that members from the pubic signed and petition against the early start and listed their names. Daniel Bowe, stated that he is opposed to the Council Meetings being changed to 5:00 p.m. He feels that the public should have an opportunity to comment on this item. Mayor John Aguilar stated that he does not support changing the time of the Council Meetings at this time. Councillmember Ernesto Gutierrez, stated that he still feels that the time needs to be modified. If the time does not work out, it can come back to Council for adjustments. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory stated that he supports an earlier start time but not earlier than 5:30 p.m. for the regular Council Meeting. Councilmember Rita Lamb concurs with Mayor John Aguilar. Councilmember Mark Carnevale stated that starting earlier is healthier for everyone and suggested starting at 5:30 p.m. Reso 2020-34 A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to approve a resolution establishing 5:30 p.m. as the starting time for City Council meetings. RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 1] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember AYES: Raymond Gregory, Mark Carnevale, Ernesto Gutierrez, Rita Lamb NAYS: John Aguilar B. Approve an agreement with the County of Riverside for the PLHA Program. Recommendation: To approve an agreement delegating the County of Riverside as lead applicant, administrator and fiscal agent of the PLHA grant funds on behalf of the City; and, authorize Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 8/20/2020 the City Manager to execute all PLHA documents. The Council is approving this Agreement with the understanding that an amended agreement will come back to the City Council for consideration that will include the following: • That more clear reporting requirements are included. • The indemnification is equal to both parties. • That co-ability to use funds is added. M.O. 2020-107 A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve an agreement delegating the County of Riverside as lead applicant, administrator and fiscal agent of the PLHA grant funds on behalf of the City; and, authorize the City Manager to execute all PLHA documents. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Substantial Amendment to the CDBG FY 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan. Recommendation: To approve a Substantial Amendment to allocate unspent CDBG funds to supplement the South Panorama Neighborhood Project included in the FY 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Vince Lopez, Engineering Senior Administrative Analyst, provided an overview of the Substantial Amendment to the CDBG FY 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan. Mayor John Aguilar opened the Public Hearing for comments from the public, there being none, he closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council. M.O. 2020-111 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to approve a Substantial Amendment to the CDBG FY 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan to allocate unspent CDBG funds to supplement the South Panorama Neighborhood Project included in the FY 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 8/20/2020 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Resolution Declaring a Fiscal Emergency Recommendation: To approve a resolution declaring a fiscal emergency. Reso 2020-35 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Gregory and seconded by Councilwoman Lamb to approve a resolution declaring a fiscal emergency. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb B. Healing Fields Mural Recommendation: The Public Arts Commission recommends the City Council approve an allocation of $5,000 from the Public Art Fund for the installation of a Healing Fields Mural honoring Cathedral City residents at Patriot Park. Alan Carvalho thanked Stone James for his work as the new Liaison of the Public Arts Commission. He expressed his concern with comments previously made by Councilmembers related to the Public Arts Commission Items that were brought before the Council for consideration. He feels that the voices of the Commission were not allowed to be heard. Councilmember Mark Carnevale expressed his frustration with the comments that were made. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez expressed his support for the mural. M.O. 2020-112 A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory to approve the Public Arts Commission recommendation to allocate $5,000 from the Public Art Fund for the installation of a Healing Fields Mural honoring Cathedral City residents at Patriot Park. Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 8/20/2020 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb C. Public Arts Commission Recommendations for the Ofelia Bringas Memorial Bridge - Phase 1 Recommendation: To approve the Public Arts Commission's recommendations for the Ofelia Bringas Memorial Bridge Project - Phase 1. M.O. 2020-113 A motion was made by Councilwoman Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Gregory to approve Phase 1 of the Ofelia Bringas Memorial Bridge Project as recommended by the Public Arts Commission. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Aguilar, Gregory, Carnevale, Gutierrez, Lamb D. Update on Emergency Actions Related to COVID-19 Charlie McClendon, City Manager, provided an overview of the 7-day average related to COVID-19. The average has flattened out over the last two weeks. He feels that this may be an indication that the rate of growth is slowing. The Departments have the necessary supplies required. Those that were out from work that were exposed, or sick are back at work. Staff continues to follow established guidelines. He recommended that the City follow the same procedures on the Special Meeting of July 29, 2020 as we have been doing over the last several months. He further recommended that the Council hold the Council Meeting on August 26, 2020 only for the potential proposed Ordinance related to Short-term Vacation Rentals and to go dark on August 12, 2020. He stated that the Face Mask Campaign is moving forward, and information should be mailed out to the community soon. Mayor John Aguilar stated that small businesses in the community continue to struggle and he would like staff to look into the ability to use funds that the City will receive for COVID-19 purposes to help those businesses. Terry Applegate, expressed her concern with the Agua Caliente Tribe holding a job fair while this pandemic is going on. She feels that this is a super spreader event and that something should be done to prevent this from happening again. Cathedral City Page 8 Printed on 8/20/2020 E. Item 3D. from the Study Session Agenda Potential Changes to Accommodate One-Roof Canabis Operational Efficiencies Stone James, Economic Development Director, reported that the owner of the property at 69375 Ramon Road is requesting a zone change ordinance amendment. He stated that in the four years since the building was initially designed and entitled, the cannabis industry has undergone significant change. The owner believes that tenants must have the ability to house all cannabis related operations, from seed germination to the packaging of a finished product under one roof. A one-roof operation is critical for employee and product safety, quality and cost control, and increasing taxable production volumes. Mr. James indicated that there are three options the Council can consider in order to achieve what the property owner would like to do. The Council could approve a Zone Ordinance Amendment, a Zone Change or do a Specific Plan Overlay. He indicated that any of the options would take some time for staff to complete thus staff is requesting Council's feedback on exploring these options. After discussion by members of the City Council, it was the consensus of the City Council that there is support to explore the options that may be considered for the property at 69375 Ramon Road related to zoning. 7. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURN Mayor John Aguilar adjourned the Regular City Council meeting of July 22, 2020 at 8:32 PM. .1"1 _ —_ e_ t.4 ce)- 1 M. •r, it o edral City City Cler City orCathedral C" . Y Nit Cathedral City Page 9 Printed on 8/20/2020