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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2020-09-23 litCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, September 23, 2020 3:00 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 3:00 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 Absent Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 3:00 PM Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote Mayor John Aguilar, Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory and Councilmember Rita Lamb all participated by video conference via Zoom. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to excuse the absence of Councilmember Mark Carnevale. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez, Rita Lamb ABSENT: Mark Carnevale • AGENDA FINALIZATION • THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:00 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 - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): Name of Case and Number: Corey Goddard v. City of Cathedral City; USDC Case Number: 5:19-CV-00482 The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 3:02 pm. The City Council reconvened at 3:30 pm. The City Council met in Closed Session to discuss item 1A. Conference with Legal Counsel for one case of litigation. There was no reportable action taken. • THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECONVENE AT 3:30 PM • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. STUDY SESSION A. Understanding City Debt & Debt Management Policy Discussion Recommendation: This is a presentation only, there is no action required with this item. Tami Scott, Administrative Services Director, presented an overview of the City's debt obligations and obligations and associated management of said obligations. She provided an overview of City, Successor Agency, Assessment and Community Facilities District outstanding debt as well as review the proposed Debt Management Policy as required by Senate Bill 1029. B. Discuss and Provide Direction to Staff Regarding Assembly Bill 571 and Campaign Contribution Limits Imposed Under State Law Effective January 1, 2021. Recommendation: Staff recommends Council discuss and provide direction to either: 1. Take no action and comply with campaign contribution limits set under state law per AB 571; or 2. Give direction to develop local campaign contribution limits that are "different" than state law. City Attorney Eric Vail provided an overview of Assembly Bill 571 and Campaign Contribution Limits imposed under State law effective January 1, 2021. He made the following recommendations: 1. Take no action and comply with campaign contribution limits set under state law per AB 571; or 2. By way of Resolution, give direction to develop local campaign contribution limits that are "different" than state law. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to prepare a resolution to Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 10/08/2020 establish a local campaign contribution limit of$1500 and a violation fee of$500. C. CVB Resolution Supporting Meetings at Hotels Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and possible direction to Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez, the City's representative on the CVB Board. Mayor John Aguilar announced that he would recuse himself from the meeting for the discussion of this item. City Manager Charles McClendon provided an overview of the proposed Resolution of the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Board of Directors directing President/CEO to engage with and lobby local, county and state officials regarding reopening guidelines for local meetings and adopting reopening guidelines for local meetings. Scott White, President/CEO, Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, provided the City Council with insight on the proposed resolution and urged the City Council to support their efforts. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez indicated that he is in support of the Resolution and would like the City Council to provide their direction to him on whether they support it. Councilmember Rita Lamb indicated that she is supportive of the resolution. Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory indicated that he is supportive of the resolution. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez, as the City's representative on the JPA Board, to vote in favor of the Resolution that is being proposed to the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau Board supporting meetings at hotels. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory at 4:50 pm. N. or City of Cathedral City City Clerk, ity of Cathedra! Clty, City,-- ' .) V Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 10/08/2020 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, September 23, 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. • 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 Absent 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 by video conference via Zoom. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to excuse the absence of Councilmember Mark Carnevale. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez, Rita Lamb ABSENT: Mark Carnevale • AGENDA FINALIZATION Item 6E. Professional services agreement with Clearsource Financial for the completion of a Citywide Comprehensive Cost Allocation Plan Update and User Fee Study, was pulled and will be heard at the October 14, 2020 City Council meeting. • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK 1. PUBLIC COMMENT The following individual submitted a public comment for the record. Their comment was read for three minutes and the full comment will be made part of the record according to our standard procedure: Teri Hargreaves thanked the City Council for voting to approve Ordinance 842 and accompanying resolutions to phase-out short-term vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods. She expressed her concern with the circulation of a petition referendum to overturn the ordinance, and she encouraged residents to say no to the petition. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez stated that it is a pleasure to be here and serve the community. He noted that he is glad that the city is able to start reopening. He wished everyone that has birthdays in September a happy birthday. He reported that he participated, along with Councilmember Lamb and City Manager McClendon, in a Zoom meeting with PSUSD to discuss what the district is doing to educate their students. He participated in a meeting with Scott White, the Director of Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, where he discussed a resolution to allow conventions to be held in the Valley. He also met with City Manager McClendon for his regular biweekly meeting to go over the City Council Agenda. He reported that he received a lot of phone calls related to short-term vacation rentals, one of which was from a friend of his that lives in district five. He also spoke to other members of the community regarding other issues in the City. Councilmember Rita Lamb acknowledged the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She reported that she represented the City on the CVAG Conservation Committee and Energy and Environment Resources Committee. She participated in the Dinner with Patsy fundraiser curbside pickup at Sunshine Café, benefiting the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club. She announced that the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club will be having a virtual Meatball Festival fundraiser on October 4, 2020. She also announced that North Gate Community Church is hosting a Blood Bank on October 14, 2020 and Lift to Rise is having a rental assistance pop up event at Agua Caliente Elementary School on October 7, Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 10/08/2020 2020 and October 10, 2020. She reported that Supervisor Perez held several meetings updating us on the impacts of COVID-19. She also participated in the Cathedral City Noon Rotary meeting, where Fred Bell, the Executive Director of the Palm Springs Air Museum, gave an overview on what is happening at the museum. She had the opportunity to chat with many residents about various issues in the City. She announced there will be an event put on by local students to raise awareness about the Salton Sea on September 26, 2020. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory stated that it is good to see everyone. He reported that he participated in the Parks and Community Events Commission sub- committee meeting. He also reported that on Thursday and Friday he participated in the 2020 Mobility 21 Southern California Summit, virtually. He also participated in the SunLine Transit Agency Board and reported that there are a lot of exciting things, energy projects and opportunities that will be coming up in the near future. He thanked Councilmember Lamb for bringing up the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, he feels her passing has affected a lot of people and she will be missed. Mayor John Aguilar agreed with council on their comments related to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. He stated that it has been a busy last couple of weeks. He reported that he attended the Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy meeting. He stated that he continues to participate in the weekly emergency services calls related to COVID-19. He met with several small business about re-opening. He announced that September was declared "Hunger Action Month", which is a national campaign. He thanked those who support the campaign and noted that a $20 donation can buy 100 meals. He also met with staff and developers interested in coming into the City. He also attended the Desert Community Energy Board meeting and the Executive Committee meeting of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, where they discussed two items. One was the ATP project and the seconded was bringing in a Homeless program in- house, which will begin January 1, 2021 and will be ran by Greg Rodriguez and Tom Cox. He stated that he will be presenting about the great projects going on in the City and best business at the all Mayors and Tribal Chiefs Zoom meeting. He thanked all the Firefighters for their work as they continue to battle the fires in California. He sent his prayers out to the family of the firefighter who recently lost his life. 3. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Gregory to approve the following Consent Agenda items: RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez, Rita Lamb ABSENT: Mark Carnevale A. Minutes Approval Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 10/08/2020 M.O. 2020-129 1. City Council - Study Session - Sep 9, 2020 3:00 PM 2. City Council - Special Meeting - Sep 9, 2020 4:00 PM 3. City Council - Regular Meeting - Sep 9, 2020 5:30 PM B. Debt Management Policy Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council, on behalf of the City; the City Council, in its capacity as Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency and as the Board of Directors of the Cathedral City Public Finance Authority, adopt a resolution approving the Debt Management Policy ("Policy"). CC Reso 2020-47 SA Reso 2020-01 PFA Reso 2020-01 C. Tract No. 37647: Approval of Final Maps and Subdivision Agreements for Three map increments: HPH Homebuilders 2000 L.P. (D. R. Horton): Subdivider. Recommendation: To approve the Final Maps of Tracts 37647-1, 37647-2, and 37647; and, accept the dedications of the street, alleys, easements and park and open space lot shown on the maps, subject to their improvement; and, approve the Subdivision Agreements for each Tract and authorize their execution by the Mayor and City Clerk. M.O. 2020-130 D. Adopt Resolution for Paying & Reporting the Value of Employer Paid Member Contributions ("EPMC"), whereby all costs are absorbed by the employee Recommendation: To adopt a resolution for paying and reporting the value of Employer Paid Member Contributions via a cost sharing arrangement between the City of Cathedral City ("City")and the American Federation of State ,County and Municipal Employees ("AFSCME"). Reso 2020-48 E. Resolution Denying an Appeal and Affirming Conditional Use Permit No. 19-013 Recommendation: To approve a resolution denying the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission's approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 19-013 Reso 2020-49 F. 2020-2021 California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant PT21166 Recommendation: To accept the California Office of Traffic Safety Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant in the amount of $47,000. Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 10/08/2020 M.O. 2020-131 G. 2021 California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Traffic Records Improvement Project (TR21035) Grant Recommendation: To accept the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Traffic Records Improvement Project Grant in the amount of $24,800 M.O. 2020-132 H. Approval of Grant Expenditures SLESA FY 2018-19 Recommendation: To approve the Expenditure Plan Appropriating Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA) for FY 2018-19 allocation. M.O. 2020-133 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Approve the Community Development Block Grant FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Pan for submittal to HUD. Recommendation: To approve the City's FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan (AAP) that includes the proposed activities to be funded from the City's CARES Act appropriation for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the required certifications; and, execute all funding agreements and documents consistent with the FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan. Vince Lopez, Engineering Senior Administrative Analyst, presented the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan. Mayor John Aguilar opened the Public Hearing for comments, there being none, he closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council. Councilmember Rita Lamb requested clarification on the funding allocations and the operating timeframe for the cooling center and homeless shelter. Mr. Lopez responded that the allocations for funding of the cooling center and homeless shelter are good through this fiscal year only. City Manager Charles McClendon stated that the City supports CVRM in the wide range of services they provide. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez requested clarification on the CARE plan. Mr. Lopez provided clarification on the CARE plan and the processes for applying. Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 10/08/2020 Mayor Pro Tern Gregory requested clarification on how the organizations and the amounts of allocations in the staff report were selected. Mr. Lopez responded that the City received many applications, however some did not meet the requirements for CDBG funding. Mayor John Aguilar would like to follow the lead of other Cities in the Valley and provide grant programs to our businesses. He asked staff to come back to the City Council with a small business grant program proposal. City Manager Charles McClendon stated that staff will research what programs are available in other Cities and report back to the City Council. Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory expressed his support for a grant program. Councilmember Rita Lamb concurs. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez concurs. M.O. 2020-134 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Gregory and seconded by Councilwoman Lamb to approve the City's FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan (AAP) that includes the proposed activities to be funded from the City's CARES Act appropriation for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the required certifications; and, execute all funding agreements and documents consistent with the FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez, Rita Lamb ABSENT: Mark Carnevale 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Resolution Supporting Funding for Engineering Study of Salton Sea Water Import Alternative Recommendation: To adopt a resolution requesting that the State allocate approved funding for an engineering study of the salt water import alternative. City Manager Charles McClendon presented the resolution supporting funding for an Engineering Study of Salton Sea Alternatives. Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 10/08/2020 Mayor Pro Tern Raymond Gregory feels that the Salton Sea is a big problem. He expressed his concerns with the proposed resolution and would like more information to be provided before the City Council takes action. Councilmember Rita Lamb expressed her frustration with the ongoing problems with the Salton Sea over many years. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez feels whatever we can do to support the issue will be great. He feels this issue deserves everyone's support from the City to the State level. He would also appreciate more information. It was the consensus of the City Council to continue this item to a future Council meeting so more information can be provided. B. CVRep Use of the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater Recommendation: To approve Special Use Permit#20-009 allowing CVRep to utilize the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater for multiple holiday and spring performances. M.O. 2020-135 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez to approve Special Use Permit # 20-009 allowing CVRep to utilize the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater for multiple holiday and spring performances, waive the use fee and require the mandatory security deposit and special use permit application fee. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez, Rita Lamb ABSENT: Mark Carnevale C. Contract for Services - Amphitheater Sound & Lighting Consultant Recommendation: To approve the Contract for Services with Vicente Mercardo for sound and lighting consulting for the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. M.O. 2020-136 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Gregory and seconded by Councilwoman Lamb to approve a Contract for Services with Vicente Mercardo for sound and lighting consulting for the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 10/08/2020 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez, Rita Lamb ABSENT: Mark Carnevale D. Emergency Medical Dispatch Call-Taking Software and Training Recommendation: To authorize the purchase of Emergency Medical Dispatch Call-Taking Software from ProQA and provide communication center staff training for dispatchers and supervisors. M.O. 2020-137 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to authorize the purchase of Emergency Medical Dispatch Call-Taking Software from ProQA and provide communication center staff training for dispatchers and supervisors in the amount of$116,025.12. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: John Aguilar, Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez, Rita Lamb ABSENT: Mark Carnevale E. Professional services agreement with Clearsource Financial for the completion of a Citywide Comprehensive Cost Allocation Plan Update and User Fee Study Recommendation: To authorize a professional services agreement with Clearsource Financial for the completion of a Citywide Comprehensive Cost Allocation Plan and User Fee Study Update in the amount not to exceed $38,280. This item was pulled from the agenda. F. Update on Emergency Actions Related to COVID-19 City Manager Charles McClendon gave an update on actions related to COVID-19. He indicated that the seven-day average of new confirmed cases in the City has been at five or below since September 6, 2020, which is a significant improvement. He stated that Riverside County was cleared to move to the red level which allows certain businesses to open with restrictions. He announced that the Cathedral City Library will be opening on October 5, 2020, with restrictions. He noted that the City currently has an emergency order in place for face coverings and social distancing which expires on September 30, 2020. He explained that the City Council has the option to do nothing, as the State has orders in place, or they can choose to extend the order and ratify at a future meeting if they wish to. He also indicated that staff is Cathedral City Page 8 Printed on 10/08/2020 in the process of exploring next steps in terms of opening City Hall and City Council Meetings. Mayor John Aguilar feels that it is wonderful news that our numbers have gone done and thanked the community for doing their part. He feels that we should continue with our own order in place, and he would like to extend and ratify. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory thanked City Manager McClendon for his continuous monitoring of the issue. He agrees with Mayor Aguilar that we should continue with our own order and keep the basic safety measures in place past the County's date. He thinks it is great that the numbers are coming down but feels we need to keep going in the right direction. He feels that what we are doing is working and urged the City to re-open slowly. Councilmember Rita Lamb supports extending the order. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez supports extending the order. It was the consensus of the City Council to continue with the existing order and ratify the order at the next City Council meeting. 7. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURN Mayor John Aguilar adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 7:44 pm. i#I .J./ May: City of Cath dral City City Clerk, t.ty of Cathedral i Cathedral City Page 9 Printed on 10/08/2020