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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2021-01-13 111 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, January 13, 2021 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 Raymond Gregory. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Raymond Gregory Mayor Remote Ernesto Gutierrez Mayor Pro Tern Remote Mark Carnevale Councilmember Remote Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote Nancy Ross Councilmember Remote • AGENDA FINALIZATION • THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AT 3:00 P.M. Eric Vail, City Attorney announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the following item listed on the Agenda. 1. CLOSED SESSION A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): Name of Case and Number: Dolores De Villalobas Moreno v. City of Cathedral City; Superior Court Case Number: PSC1807423 The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 3:00 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 3:30 p.m. Eric Vail, City Attorney announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to hold a conference with legal Counsel regarding existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), there was no reportable action taken. • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION 2. PUBLIC COMMENT Sammy Flores, Cathedral City resident, encouraged the City Council to require grocery store employers to pay their employees a $5.00 an hour increase of hazard pay during the pandemic. He feels these front-line workers are dealing with and are experiencing a lot of stress and increased hazards more than ever before and should be provided hazard pay for their well- being. He believes this falls under racial and economic justice. 3. STUDY SESSION A. Data Summarizing the Effects of Short-Term Vacation Rentals in Cathedral City Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. Charles McClendon, City Manager, stated that staff will be providing an update summarizing the effects of short-term vacation rentals in Cathedral City. He stated that Police Chief George Crum will provide data from the Police Department, followed by Sandra Molina, Code Compliance/Development Manager, who will provide information from the Code Compliance Department and then he will conclude the report with the effects on housing. He indicated that staff have been very careful when compiling information not to duplicate calls and complaints. George Crum, Police Chief, provided an overview of a 14-month period, calls for service related to complaint calls on short-term vacation rentals. 1 Sandra Molina, Code Compliance/Development Manager, provided an overview of Code Enforcement data for the reporting period of October 2019 through November 12, 2020. Charles McClendon, City Manager, provided an overview of housing market data for the City and the lack of available housing inventory for local year-round housing. Councilmember Nancy Ross questioned how someone would know if a house is not permitted. Sandra Molina responded that there are a number of people who closely follow which homes are licensed and not licensed as a short-term rental. When they notice activity at a location that appears to be renters, they report it. Councilmember Nancy Ross questioned if these reports turned out to be valid. Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 1/20/2021 Sandra Molina responded that in a lot of cases they were found to be in violation after investigation and the others they would monitor. Councilmember Nancy Ross questioned what the dollar amount of the citations issued is. Sandra Molina responded that she does not have a total. Charles McClendon, City Manager, followed up stating that even though a citation is issued, collecting the fine is another process. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez questioned what the fee for a long-term rental is. Tami Scott, Administrative Services Director, responded that she believes the fee is $36.00. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez questioned what the relationship is between the Police Department and the Code Compliance Department related to short- term vacation rentals, and how does it work? Sandra Molina responded that Code Compliance has a STVR Analyst who handles the licensing component and the Police Department handles the complaint portion. The two Departments communicate daily and meet weekly to discuss issues and concerns and a monthly report is produced. She feels that it is working quite well. George Crum, Police Chief, stated that the Police Department handles the field work related to STVR's. They also have an Analyst that works closely with Code Compliance. He stated that he is also adding an additional civilian to manage the program. He also fees that the relationship is working well. Councilmember Mark Carnevale stated that STVR's are supposed to be closed due to the pandemic, yet there are still calls for service and questioned if they should receive a citation immediately. George Crum, Police Chief, responded that the calls for service are STVR in nature, however, that doesn't necessarily mean there is a violation and that a citation should be issued. Councilmember Mark Carnevale questioned if there has been a reduced number of complaints since the new team has been in place. Sandra Molin stated that there has been a reduced number of calls to the hotline since the 24-hour enforcement was put into place. Councilmember Mark Carnevale questioned if the Police Chief feels the new enforcement program is effective. George Crum, Police Chief responded in the affirmative. Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 1/20/2021 Alan Carvalho thanked the Chief for the presentation. He feels that it is important to remind everyone that has a rental property to pay their license. He supports short-term rentals and feels that when individuals visit our community, they often decide to purchase homes and become long-term residents. He feels that we should support tourism and the economic benefit it brings to the City and the Valley. Boris Stark thanked the City Council for providing funding to enforce the codes related to short-term vacation rentals. He stated that he would like to see all crimes reported, not only at STVR's, he feels that it is relevant, and the residents need to know. He also questioned of all the noise complaints related to STVR's, and how many citations were issued. He feels that short-term vacation rentals are being targeted and not all of the calls are resulting in a citation. He lastly questioned what is being done to those callers who are falsely reporting complaints which takes up valuable city resources. Councilmember Rita Lamb thanked staff for their presentation, she feels that it is very easy to understand. She referred to an article related to the housing availability. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez questioned Fire Chief John Muhr what the medical aid calls for service to short-term vacation rentals were related to. John Muhr, Fire Chief, responded that they don't track the type of calls to short- term vacation rentals and nothing was out of the ordinary, with the exception of the ones mentioned in the report. He stated that they could do some type of data mining, however, they haven't done so as of now. Councilmember Mark Carnevale thanked City Manager and staff for putting the facts together. He feels that the facts are true, and some are disturbing. He feels there is an ongoing problem and it is not getting any better. Returning the neighborhoods back to neighborhoods is important. Mayor Raymond Gregory stated that when it comes to response time the Police Department responds by priority not related to whether or not it is an STVR. George Crum, Police Chief stated that the location has no bearing on the Department's response. They are prioritized. John Muhr, Fire Chief concurred with Police Chief George Crum. Mayor Raymond Gregory clarified that during the time prior to 24-hour coverage, complaints may have not been cited because staff did not have the ability to confirm or deny the violation, and he questioned if more citations being issued due to confirmed violations. George Crum, Police Chief responded in the affirmative, he further stated that staff is also equipped to mitigate the issues appropriately. Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 1/20/2021 Mayor Raymond Gregory stated that there has been some discussion related to individuals calling multiple times with complaints and suggested that they are false complaints because citations were not issued. He clarified that citations may not have been issued because when Code did the follow-up the situations had been fixed and a violation no longer existed. This does not mean a violation did not occur at the time the call was made. Charles McClendon, City Manager, stated that people often had to call repeatedly because there was no one on duty and staff was relying on the responsible party to take care of the problem, which in many cases they did, however, there were times when they had to make repeated calls and then ultimately called the Police Department. He stated that with the 24-hour enforcement they will be able to better address whether there is a violation or it's a false call. The officers are good at reporting these items in their daily report and being very careful to document everything which will give them the tools to determine whether there are false complaints or not and address them. Mayor Raymond Gregory thanked staff for the report and the work they are doing. He feels that there is plenty of evidence to show that STVR's are impacting full-time residents and it is something that needs to be addressed. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez thanked staff for all of the information that was provided in the report and reminded everyone that there were complaints long before Sandra Molina began tracking the complaints and that it needs to be remembered. ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Study Session Meeting at 4:51 p.m. n , 41/1/e k, 12-1111,1 M r, City 1 t dral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City 1 I Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 1/20/2021 I 44 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, January 13, 2021 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 Raymond Gregory. • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Mark Carnevale led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION) Councilmember Nancy Ross offered the moment of reflection. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Raymond Gregory Mayor Remote Ernesto Gutierrez Mayor Pro Tem Remote Mark Carnevale Councilmember Remote Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote Nancy Ross Councilmember Remote • AGENDA FINALIZATION • STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION 1. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no members of the public that wished to address the City Council. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Nancy Ross stated that she has had an exciting start being a member of the City Council. She reported that she is assigned to the CVAG Energy and Environmental Resources Committee, the alternate on the Coachella Valley Mountain's Conservancy Commission, and she, along with Councilmember Mark Carnevale, will be sphere heading Senate Bill 1383 for Cathedral City. She will also be serving on the League of California Cities, along with the rest of the City Council. She participated in meetings with several agency directors, developers, department heads, and several constituents. She indicated that the highlight of her first month was when she was able to deliver over thirty thousand pieces of personal protective equipment to local businesses in District two. She thanked the voters of Cathedral City for allowing her to serve them. Councilmember Rita Lamb thanked Mayor Gregory for being an advocate for COVID-19 testing. She stated that her husband's cousin recently passed away from the virus and feels it is hitting close to home. She encouraged everyone to do what they can to protect themselves. She stated that she is looking forward to the City Council Goal Setting Meeting on January 30, 2021, where she will be advocating for ways to build community and ways to expand civic engagement for elementary children. She met with the Chair of the Public Arts Commission, Sue Townsley, where they discussed civic lessons, public arts and art in the parks. She reported that the Noon Rotary has two areas of focus, which are polio eradication and human trafficking. She participated in the National League of Cities Mayor's Round Table, where the focus was public education. She noted that Palm Springs Unified School District is in great shape and thanked all those involved in making education workable for students during this time. She reported on the League of California Cities meeting, where they discussed the Governor's budget which includes 750 million dollars to extend homeless services, 8.5 million dollars to expand State approved construction apprenticeships, and 1 billion dollars towards forest management to address the fire dangers. She stated that the Mountain's Conservancy has three areas of focus which are building visitor facilities, critical habitats and a levy. She will be interviewed along with Geoff Corbin from the Senior Center, by KESQ regarding their arts program, which has been a successful program. She will also be participating, via Zoom, in the Inland Area Economic Summit. She gave a shout out to Patsi for her efforts with the Dinner with Patsi fundraisers, which raised $40,000 for non-profits in Cathedral City. She noted that she heard concerns from residents which included illegal parking, vehicle tampering and the use of the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez welcomed everyone back and hopes everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He had a chance to visit many of our local restaurants to deliver personal protective equipment. He was saddened to see that they are barely surviving and on the verge of losing everything due to this pandemic. They are desperate and ready to disobey State mandates in order to save their businesses, and he wishes there was something more we could do for them. He urged the Community to support the small local businesses who contribute so much to our City. Mayor Raymond Gregory thanked Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez for expressing his concern and he looks forward to hearing today what can be done to help through our Cathedral City Small Business COVID-19 Grant/Forgivable loan program. He wished everyone a Happy New Year. He stated that since the last meeting there have been many activities that have taken place which include personal protective equipment deliveries and the League of California Cities meetings. He reported that Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 1/21/2021 he participated in the Desert Community Energy meeting and thanked Councilmember Rita Lamb for participating as an alternate. He stated that Desert Community Energy has received our Resolution which indicates our plans to end our relationship with them. He represented the City at the Riverside County Transportation Committee meeting, where they discussed the budget and funds available which our City will make good use of. He announced that COVID-19 testing is still available at Northgate Church and more information can be found at discovercathedralcity.com. He also announced that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is approaching, and the City Council issued a proclamation on behalf of the holiday. He also reminded everyone that City Hall will be closed in observance of the holiday on Monday January 18. He announced the upcoming City Hall at Your Corner on January 19, 2021 at 11:00 am via Zoom. He will be participating along with Councilmember Nancy Ross. More information can be found at discovercathedralcity.com. He expressed his concern with the recent attacks on the Capital. He feels that what happened was not only an attack on the building but an attack on all of us as well as on our Democracy. He further feels this is not a political matter but rather a patriotic matter and he wants everyone to remember that words do matter. Although we may disagree at times, that does not mean we are enemies. He feels that in our Nation and in our City it is important to work together and that we are in this together. 3. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve the following Consent Agenda items: RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross A. Minutes Approval 1. City Council - Workshop - Nov 24, 2020 3:00 PM 2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Dec 2, 2020 5:30 PM 3. City Council - Special Meeting - Dec 8, 2020 5:30 PM 4. City Council - Study Session - Dec 9, 2020 2:30 PM 5. City Council - Regular Meeting - Dec 9, 2020 5:30 PM M.O. 2021-01 B. Receive and file Payment of Claims and Demands for December 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$8,054,073 for the month of December 2020. M.O. 2021-02 Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 1/21/2021 C. Clarify the Term of Appointment of Mark Carnevale to the Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control Board of Trustees Recommendation: To reaffirm the appointment of Councilmember Mark Carnevale to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees for a two-year term expiring on December 31, 2022. M.O. 2021-03 D. Appointment of Greg Gregorian to the Finance Advisory Committee Recommendation: To appoint Greg Gregorian to serve on the Finance Advisory Committee to fill an unexpired term continuing through June 30, 2023. M.O. 2021-04 E. Approval of Contracts and Budget Amendment for the Special Election Recommendation: To approve contracts with FM3 and Lew Edwards Group and a budget amendment in the amount of$195,000 for the March 2, 2021 Special Election. M.O. 2021-05 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Resolution in Support of Measure B Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed resolution in support of Measure B. Danny Lee congratulated and supports the City Council in introducing this resolution. He stated that after extensive study, public hearings, and much comment from residents, the City voted to support the concerns of full-time residents by introducing Ordinance 842. The ordinance strikes a balance between the essential need for safe and quiet neighborhoods for the full-time residents of the City, and support for the business of short-term vacation rentals. In doing so it encourages longer-term rentals at reasonable prices for our local families and residents. He feels that these families and residents include the people who build and serve this community. The ordinance supports teachers, police officers, firefighters, nurses and the many local workers who seek housing that is close to their work, is safe for their families, and provides a quiet and secure place to raise children. Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 1/21/2021 He indicated that he is alarmed at the tone of publications from the mostly out-of- city property speculators that oppose this measure. They appear to have considerable resources to buy advertising and to circulate misinformation. Local residents are unable to find out the names of individuals behind this effort, because the listed sponsors of the ballot committee are two organizations that do not reveal the origin of their donations. We cannot tell if large corporations like Expedia and Airbnb are behind this campaign, as they were in the same campaign in Palm Springs. But we do know that the real estate industry is using the same misleading information. Ordinance 842 does not ban short-term vacation rentals. The 114 properties in Desert Princess can continue to operate as long as their HOA wants them to. The City will continue issuing STVR permits for Desert Princess and other HOAs, so that the number of units there can increase. One City Council Member has suggested that they would welcome developers building STVR-focused developments with HOAs that approve this use, which shows the Council's commitment to the continuation of this business model in appropriately zoned areas of the City. The distortions circulated by a small gang of wealthy speculators, most of whom undoubtedly reside outside our city, cannot be allowed to go unchallenged. The full-time residents of our city, the true locals here, do not want whole-house short-term vacation rentals in our R1 and R2 neighborhoods. They stand with our elected representatives in supporting a YES vote on Measure B. He indicated that he is the President of Cathedral City Residents Committee, Cathedral City Residents YES on B. Res 2021-01 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to adopt a Resolution of the City Council expressing the City Council's support for Measure B, a referendum on Ordinance No. 842 of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, establishing more stringent regulations and phasing out permits for short-term vacation rentals in neighborhoods where short-term vacation rentals are permitted by a homeowners' association. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross B. Introduction and First Reading, by title only and waiving of further reading, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City authorizing an amendment to the contract between the City Council of the City of Cathedral City and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System Recommendation: To approve the introduction and first reading, by title only Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 1/21/2021 and waiving of further reading, of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City authorizing an amendment to the contract between the City Council of the City of Cathedral City and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System. M.O. 2021-06 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the introduction and first reading, by title only and waiving of further reading, of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City authorizing an amendment to the contract between the City Council of the City of Cathedral City and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees'Retirement System. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross C. Ordinance Modifying the Composition of the Cannabis Task Force Recommendation: To introduce, waive reading beyond the title, and provide first reading by title only to an ordinance modifying the composition of the Cannabis Task Force. M.O. 2017-07 A motion was made by Councilmember Ross and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve the introduction, waive reading beyond the title, and provide first reading by title only to an ordinance modifying the composition of the Cannabis Task Force. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross D. Public Arts Commission Approval Requests: Swiss Cheese in Panorama Park Recommendation: To approve the Public Arts Commission's ("PAC") recommendation to take Simi Dabah's Swiss Cheese metal sculpture out of City storage and place it on the northwest corner of Panorama Park (southeast corner of Peladora Road and Calada Road). Art in Public Places funds in an amount not to exceed $5,000 will be required to construct a concrete base capable of showcasing the sculpture. Danny Lee expressed some concerns with safety with the placement of the piece of art in the park and suggested that there should be some discussion related to safety when placing art in parks. 1 Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 1/21/2021 i Staff was directed to ensure the Parks and Community Events Commission has an opportunity to review and comment on potential placement of art pieces in the parks in the future. M.O. 2021-08 A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the Public Arts Commission's ("PAC") recommendation to take Simi Dabah's Swiss Cheese metal sculpture out of City storage and place it on the northwest corner of Panorama Park (southeast corner of Peladora Road and Calada Road) and approve the expenditure from the Art in Public Places funds in an amount not to exceed $5,000, to construct a concrete base capable of showcasing the sculpture. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross E. Cathedral City Small Business COVID-19 Grant/Forgivable Loan Program Update and Contract Ratification Recommendation: Ratify the awarding of a contract to TDA Consulting, Inc. for services required to accurately design and administer a CDBG-funded Small Business Grant/Forgivable Loan program. M.O. 2020-09 A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to ratify the awarding of a contract to TDA Consulting, Inc. for services required to accurately design and administer a CDBG-funded Small Business Grant/Forgivable Loan program. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross F. Cooperative Agreement between the City of Cathedral City and the City of Palm Springs for Vista Chino Bridge Project Recommendation: The City Council to approve the Cooperative Agreement between the City of Cathedral City and the City of Palm Springs for the Vista Chino Bridge Project; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City Council; and, authorize $216,093 to be inserted under CIP Project No. 8899 in preparation of the FY 2021/22 - 2022/23 biennial budget to be considered for City Council approval later this year. Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 1/21/2021 M.O. 2021-10 A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve the Cooperative Agreement between the City of Cathedral City and the City of Palm Springs for the Vista Chino Bridge Project; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City Council; and, authorize $216,093 to be inserted under CIP Project No. 8899 in preparation of the FY 2021/22 - 2022/23 biennial budget to be considered for City Council approval later this year. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross G. Discussion regarding Municipal Code 8.30 Underground Wires Recommendation: Staff will make a presentation on Municipal Code 8.30 Underground Wires for City Council questions, discussion and direction. John Corella, City Engineer, provided an overview of the Municipal Code 8.30 related to underground wires which specifically details the requirements to underground all new proposed utility facilities (specifically overhead types of facilities, e.g. power lines, telephone lines, cable lines, etc.) and existing facilities if the owner and/or developer is proposing a project that is identified in the Ordinance. He further stated that the Ordinance is used by staff in reviewing projects that are proposed within the City. When a project meets the thresholds provided in the Municipal Code, the developer is made aware of the requirement within the Conditions of Approval for the Project. He also indicated that a developer changed their project from two lots to three, which is what triggered the underground wiring requirement. Councilmember Nancy Ross questioned why local lines are mandated at 200 feet and community lines at mandated at 600 feet. City Engineer Corella responded that he can't answer why they are so specific; however, it is in line with what other cities have in their codes. Councilmember Nancy Ross also questioned what the reality is of underwiring on Rancho Vista in the next five years. City Engineer Corella responded that he doesn't believe the City would initiate that project unless it was at the direction of the City Council. Charles McClendon, City Manager, added that it doesn't make sense to collect an in-lieu fee due to the fact that this street will likely never be wired underground, at least not in the near future. He indicated that a fee could be considered to go into a fund that would go towards other projects. Councilmember Rita Lamb requested clarification on what triggered the Cathedral City Page 8 Printed on 1/21/2021 underground wiring requirement. City Engineer Corella responded that when the developer wanted to go from two lots to three lots it triggered the requirement. Councilmember Rita Lamb questioned whose responsibility it is to get an estimate from Southern California Edison. City Engineer Corella responded that it is the developer's responsibility to provide the staff with the necessary information, which had not happened to date. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez stated that he met with the developer and they provided information to him. He stated that all of the power poles that are in the area will likely stay there for decades. Bill Wright thanked the Council for considering their request. He stated that he is the general contractor for Alibaba Farzaneh. He stated that the initial project was for two lots, however they added an additional lot, and he stated that undergrounding is never going to happen in that area. He stated that there is a need for housing, and they would like to get started on this project. He has people lined up to work, that need work. He would like to get started on grading. He thanked the Council for their consideration and the staff for their efforts. Alibaba Farzaneh, he stated that he was unaware of the Code requirement until his item went before the Planning Commission. He feels that this is impossible, and that Edison will never do it. He stated that he has another project that will have the same issue. He feels that there are a lot of areas in the City that have the same issue and feels that the Ordinance needs to be changed. He also stated that connecting to the sewer is another issue he is facing; the cost is too high. He stated that he has a lot of developers that are ready to start but they need the City's help with the Codes. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez stated that he spoke to the developers and looked at the property. One of the major expenses is they need to bring in sewer and they are willing to do that. He feels that the wires will never be undergrounded in the area and feels that we need to work with the developers and revise the Ordinance. Councilmember Nancy Ross stated that the City has rules and if they need to be changed it won't happen overnight. After analyzing all of the options she feels that there needs to be an Ordinance change, perhaps some minor language change. Councilmember Rita Lamb stated that if the cost is prohibitive that the developer won't do the project. It will be the same situation for anyone that comes in. The whole point of this Ordinance was to beautify the City. This is a mature neighborhood and all of the lines are not undergrounded and likely will never be because of the cost, so the property will sit undeveloped. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez stated that the developer is required to Cathedral City Page 9 Printed on 1/21/2021 connect to the sewer because the Code requires it not because they want to. He feels if there are no changes to the Ordinance no one will ever develop this property, and it will remain vacant. Councilmember Mark Carnevale stated that there is no easy answer and feels that the Ordinance should be changed to make some changes geared towards mature neighborhoods. Mayor Raymond Gregory feels that he believes the Council realizes that something needs to be changed. He also feels that there is value in undergrounding wires, and it doesn't appear that the Council wants to abandon that requirement. He feels that the Council, if they are going to make a change, that it is a change that will benefit everyone, not just the project. He stated that he may be more in favor of having an underground fund that all developers pay into, when the cost is too high to underground the wires, where money can be spent in other areas of the City where the entire City will benefit. Charles McClendon, City Manager, stated that staff can look at limiting the exceptions to residential neighborhoods where more than a certain number of lots are already developed and falls between 200 and 600 feet. Staff can develop some criteria that can be applied that would allow for reason to prevail. He feels that there will not be a lot of circumstances that this will apply to. He feels that it needs to be defined in an objective manner. Councilmember Nancy Ross stated that this doesn't just limit it to developed areas and demand does not exceed the percentage value of the project. Mayor Raymond Gregory feels that we need to be careful with that. Sometimes development takes time and we want to have smart quality development. Councilmember Rita Lamb is not in support of changing Ordinances for projects and we need to be careful when making changes. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez feels that the City should identify other lots that may be in a similar situation. Charles McClendon, City Manager, stated that staff has direction and it may take time to draft some language so it may come back in two meetings for consideration. H. Ramon Road and Cathedral Village Intersection Emergency Traffic Signal Wire Pull Completed on December 14, 2020. Recommendation: For the City Council to approve the Emergency Traffic Signal Wire Pull at the intersection of Ramon Road and Cathedral Village in the amount of$26,034.22 completed on December 14, 2020; and, Authorize the City Manager to approve the purchase order for payment. M.O. 2020-11 Cathedral City Page 10 Printed on 1/21/2021 A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve the Emergency Traffic Signal Wire Pull at the intersection of Ramon Road and Cathedral Village in the amount of$26,034.22 completed on December 14, 2020; and, authorize the City Manager to approve the purchase order for payment. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross I. Update on Emergency Actions Related to COVID-19 Recommendation: Update on Status of Emergency Proclamation. Possible action to continue or rescind Resolution 2020-06. Update on Emergency Actions taken by City, County, State of Federal Agencies. Possible consideration of additional measures to be taken. Council may add items not listed on the agenda pursuant to Government Code section 54954.2 by majority vote. Charles McClendon, City Manager, provided an update on COVID-19. He stated that the Fire Department has been working with officials to have the Fire Department be a vaccination center and they are taking the necessary steps to make this happen. He reported that fire personnel who opted to get the vaccine have done so. He stated that the Fire Department's December calls for service was the highest month of the year and the patients that are known to be positive have risen to a higher percentage than in the past. We are very fortunate that we haven't had greater outbreaks than what we are seeing within the Department. He stated that we are in good shape amongst City Hall staff at this point, however, he knows that this can change at any time. He stated that the City is doing our best to do what we can to protect personnel. He shared the most recent cases in Cathedral City. The numbers have come down a little bit, however, he is not ready to declare the surge over. He reminded everyone that we all have to do our part to ensure the safety of everyone. He announced that his father recently passed away and this virus is very real, so he knows first hand the effects of COVID-19. Mayor Raymond Gregory expressed his deepest condolences to City Manager McClendon, on behalf of the City Council, for his loss and thanked him for sharing his personal story. There are a lot of very sad stories out there because of the effects of COVID-19. He is very encouraged to hear that the City is doing what we can to issue the vaccine. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez also offered his condolences to City Manager McClendon and his husband for their losses. 7. CLOSED SESSION 4 Cathedral City Page 11 Printed on 1/21/2021 4 ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the January 13, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting at 8:35 p.m. 4 Mays, , ity of at :•r.:1 City City CleriQCity of Cathedral Cathedral City Page 12 Printed on 1/21/2021