HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2021-02-10 CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session
Wednesday, February 10, 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
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 Real Property Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.8.
Property Location: Approximately 13.5 acres south of East Palm Canyon Drive
at Date Palm Drive
Negotiating Parties: City of Cathedral City as the Successor Agency to the
former Redevelopment Agency and the City Urban Revitalization Corporation
Property Owner: City Urban Revitalization Corporation
Under Negotiations: Price and Terms for potential sale of real property
B. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2).
Number of Potential Cases: Two
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 3:00 pm.
The City Council reconvened at 4:20 pm.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to
discuss item 1A. Conference with Real Property Negotiator for approximately 13.5
acres south of East Palm Canyon Drive at Date Palm Drive, and item 18.
Conference with Legal Counsel for two cases of anticipated litigation. There was no
reportable action taken.
• STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY CLERK
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
3. STUDY SESSION
A. Presentation SunLine Transit Agency
Recommendation: This is a presentation item only, there is no formal action
required.
CEO/General Manager Lauren Skiver, Chief Planning Consultant Rohan
Kuruppu, and Chief of Public Affairs/Clerk of the Board from SunLine Transit
Agency provided an overview of the Refueled initiative and their community
engagement process.
Lauren Skiver provided further clarification on compressed natural gas and all
battery electric technology, SunLine flexible services, life span of buses,
demographics of riders, federal regulations on charter services, and the West
Coast Center for Excellence.
B. A presentation on Amending Municipal Code 8.30.050 Undergrounding of
Existing Wires for City Council Discussion
Recommendation: This presentation on amending Municipal Code 8.30.050
Undergrounding of Existing Wires is for City Council's further
review, discussion and direction.
This item was not completed and will be continued to the end of the Regular City
Council Meeting of February 10, 2021, and will be reflected in both sets of
minutes of February 10, 2021.
Mayor Raymond Gregory asked that the City Council discuss the item and come
to a consensus to provide staff with direction.
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez feels the appeal process related to Municipal
Code 8.30.050 undergrounding should stay in place, however, he would be ok
with staff making the decision. He would like to make sure the pay in lieu fee is
reasonable and suggested $75 per linear foot.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale feels that staff should have the ability to make
the decision in the appeal process related to Municipal Code 8.30.050
undergrounding, as there is currently the ability to appeal the decision to the City
Council if necessary. He would support a pay in lieu fee of$100 per linear foot.
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Councilmember Rita Lamb feels that in regard to Municipal Code 8.30.050
undergrounding, staff should have the ability to make decisions in the appeal
process as long as the ability to appeal to City Council remains. She does not
have a opinion on the amount of the pay in lieu fee.
Councilmember Nancy Ross feels that in regard to Municipal Code 8.30.050
undergrounding, allowing staff to make the decisions in the appeal process could
cause issues, and the City Council should be able to hear the appeals and
concerns. She would support a reasonable fee of either $75 or $100 per linear
foot.
Mayor Raymond Gregory feels that the criteria in the staff report is workable and
a process and reasonable fee related to Municipal Code 8.30.050
undergrounding should be put in place. He feels the process needs to be one
that can be done in a timely manner. He also feels a fee of$100 per linear foot is
reasonable.
City Attorney Eric Vail clarified that the Municipal Code already provides that any
decision made by a subordinate body or a Director can be appealed to the City
Council. He advised that the City Council should leave that language in place.
It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to bring to the next
meeting an ordinance amendment that keeps the ability to appeal to the City
Council in place and adds the ability if criteria is met, to pay an in lieu fee of$100
per linear foot for undergrounding. An accompanying fee Resolution will be
presented at the second reading of the ordinance.
C. FY 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 Biennial Budget Overview Presentation
Recommendation: This item is presented for information and discussion only.
This item will be heard during the Regular City Council Meeting of February 10,
2021 and will be reflected in both sets of minutes.
Tami Scott, Administrative Services Director, provided and overview of the FY
2021/2022 and 2022/2023 Biennial Budget Overview.
ADJOURN
The Study Session Meeting of February 10, 2021 was adjourned by Mayor Raymond
Gregory at 5:24 pm.
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AllCITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, February 10, 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 5:32 PM by Mayor Raymond Gregory.
• PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Nancy Ross led the Pledge of Allegiance.
• INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Mark Carnevale offered the Invocation.
• 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
City Manager Charles McClendon announced that the City Council did not complete
item 38. A presentation on amending Municipal Code 8.30.050 Undergrounding of
existing wires for City Council discussion and item 3C. FY 2021/2022 and 2022/2023
Biennial Budget overview presentation during the Study Session portion of the
meeting. These items will be heard during the Regular meeting at the end of the
Legislative Actions.
• SPECIAL PRESENTATION - FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief John presented a video to recognize the achievements of employees who
have promoted in the Fire Department.
City Manager Charles McClendon noted that an incorrect statement was made at
the January 27, 2021 meeting regarding the City of Beaumont going live with their
CAD/RMS system prior to receiving California Department of Justice approval. He
stated that this information was not verified and it is the City's policy to correct any
false statements made, which is the reason for his comment.
• STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
Sammy Flores advocated for corporate grocery stores to pay their employees
hazard pay.
Mike Lara, Mayor of the City of Beaumont expressed his concern with the comments
made at the last meeting regarding Beaumont's CAD/RMS system, and thanked City
Manager Charles McClendon for setting the record straight.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Rita Lamb announced the Cathedral City Senior Center has hired a
new Associate Director who is a social media expert. She reported on the Planning
Commission meeting of February 3, 2021, which was a wonderful overview of the
expert job our Planning Department has done. She feels the Commission did a great
job and asked great questions regarding the new development of the old Sam's Club
building. She also thanked Economic Development Director Stone James for his
facilitation with the project. She attended the League of California Cities training and
workshops where the Mayor of Norco discussed turning the current crisis into a way
of rethinking how we provide services to our communities. She also attended the
update on vaccine distribution by Supervisor Perez. She reported on the Goal
Setting Workshop and indicated that she is getting the ball rolling on her goal to
inspire civil engagement by communicating with Commissioners from both the Public
Arts and Parks and Community Events Commissions. She will also be meeting with
representatives of the Mountain Conservancy. She announced the upcoming Dinner
with Patsi fundraiser at the Southern Belle Cafe. She also reported that she was
able to find a community guest to do the Corona Virus story time in Spanish. She
received two resident inquiries regarding any possible requirements by Real Estate
agents to disclose if a property is located near a short-term rental property and on
the bike trails on the East side of Cathedral Canyon.
Councilmember Nancy Ross attended the League of California Cities for training,
which was very enlightening. She reported on the Goal Setting workshop, which took
nearly all day and many good goals were shared. She was able to speak to more
than 20 residents regarding a myriad of issues and feels that helping people in the
Community is very fulfilling. She met with Councilmember Rita Lamb regarding trails
and the Mountain Conservancy. She attended the Riverside County Division training
on February 5, 2021, where she learned about things close to home, made alliances
and was happy to be a part of it. She also attended Supervisor Perez vaccinations
update and noted that those who received their first dose of the vaccine at the Indio
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fairgrounds should be receiving an email regarding scheduling their second dose.
She was able to meet with Fire Chief John Muhr about department staffing and was
thankful for his time. She has been studying the City's finances and researching
what other City's are doing. She expressed her willingness to help and encouraged
everyone to reach out to her with the good and bad news.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale attended the CVAG Public Safety meeting where
they discussed race and diversity. He noted that on December 7, 2020 the Executive
Committee put forth a resolution to outline their commitment to researching systemic
racism and excessive force and public rights to protest. He also attended the Vector
Control meeting with nothing to report, which is a good thing. He attended a Lift to
Rise meeting. He was happy to report that an individual who has been homeless for
many years here in Cathedral City was able to move into temporary housing pending
permanent housing, thanks to the efforts of Tom Cox and Officer Brooks. He feels
the system is working and there will be more stories like this in the future. He stated
that he will be participating in an upcoming CVAG Homeless Committee meeting as
well as a City Hall at Your Corner.
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez thanked those watching and it is his hope that
things will get better soon and he will be able see them in the Council Chambers
soon. He also thanked staff and the Planning Commission for the great job they did
with the developers of the old Sam's Club building. He attended the Greater Palm
Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau meeting where they gave a presentation on
different attractions around the World that are attracting visitors. There are some that
can be implemented in our City including trails and virtual gaming. He announced
that he attended the Goal Setting meeting and is very proud of the ideas that were
discussed by his colleagues. He reported that he has been placing signs in support
of Measure B, and that he is a big supporter of the measure. He met with the
developers of the old Sam/s Club building. He also met with City Manager
McClendon to discuss the agenda. He discussed a number of issues with residents
and he was able to bring up some of those issues to Police Chief Crum. He
reminded everyone that Valentine's Day is approaching.
Mayor Raymond Gregory reported that he was in communication with many
residents on a number of issues. He stated that he enjoys speaking with residents
and encouraged them to continue to express their concerns. He participated in the
League of California Cities training workshops, which was a great refresher. He
reported on the Goal Setting meeting and congratulated all those involved. He is
very encouraged that they will be able to accomplish a lot this year. He thanked the
Council for being engaged and willing to participate in the upcoming scheduled
workshops, and encouraged everyone to join the first workshop via Zoom on
February 17, 2021. He attended the CVAG Transportation Committee where he was
selected to serve on the Fed-Up Task Force, which is comprised of City, business,
Chamber, and Hotel people working together to move things forward that involve
right of way issues with Union Pacific. He also attended Supervisor Perez's update
on the vaccine distribution efforts. He reported that he also participated in the
Riverside County Transportation Committee meeting, with noting new to report. He
reminded everyone of the upcoming Valentine's Day Holiday and that City Hall will
be closed on February 15, 2021 for President's Day.
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3. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember
Lamb to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross
A. Minutes Approval
M.O. 2020-15
1. City Council - Study Session - Jan 27, 2021 3:00 PM
2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Jan 27, 2021 5:30 PM
B. Resolution Supporting "We Will Lift: Regional Pledge for Housing and
Opportunity"
Recommendation: To approve a Resolution supporting "We Will Lift: Regional
Pledge for Housing and Opportunity:"
Reso 2021-02
4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. HSIP Cycle 8 Project Request for Additional Funds for Change Orders for
Traffic Signal Rewiring
Recommendation: To approve additional funding for the HSIP Cycle 8 contract
with Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for change orders for traffic
signal rewiring in the amount of $332,016.00; and, approving
a 20% contingency of $66,403.00 for unforeseeable
construction costs, thereby making the total encumbrance
$398,419.00 for rewiring; and, authorizing the use of
MOE funding on postponed CIP projects for FY
2020/21 .
M.O. 2021-16
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Gutierrez to approve additional funding for the HSIP Cycle 8 contract with
Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for change orders for traffic signal rewiring in the
amount of $332,016.00; and, approving a 20% contingency of $66,403.00 for
unforeseeable construction costs, thereby making the total encumbrance
$398,419.00 for rewiring; and, authorizing the use of MOE funding on
postponed CIP projects for FY 2020/21.
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RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross
B. 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.
City Manager Charles McClendon provided an update on Emergency Actions
related to COVID-19. He stated that the 7-day average of cases is declining,
which he feels is attributed to efforts of our community. He thanked all those for
doing their part. He is hopeful that the cases will continue to decline as more
vaccines become available.
Fire Chief John Muhr provided an update on the vaccination efforts including
their areas of focus.
The City Council took a brief recess at 6:55 pm.
The City Council reconvened at 7:05 pm.
3B. A presentation on Amending Municipal Code 8.30.050 Undergrounding of
Existing Wires for City Council Discussion
This item was not completed and will be continued to the end of the Regular City
Council Meeting of February 10, 2021 and will be reflected in both sets of minutes
of February 10, 2021.
Mayor Raymond Gregory asked that the City Council discuss the item and come
to a consensus to provide staff with direction.
Mayor Pro Tern Ernesto Gutierrez feels the appeal process related to Municipal
Code 8.30.050 undergrounding should stay in place, however, he would be ok
with staff making the decision. He would like to make sure the pay in lieu fee is
reasonable and suggested $75 per linear foot.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale feels that staff should have the ability to make
the decision in the appeal process related to Municipal Code 8.30.050
undergrounding, as there is currently the ability to appeal the decision to the City
Council if necessary. He would support a pay in lieu fee of$100 per linear foot.
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Councilmember Rita Lamb feels that in regard to Municipal Code 8.30.050
undergrounding, staff should have the ability to make decisions in the appeal
process as long as the ability to appeal to City Council remains. She does not
have a opinion on the amount of the pay in lieu fee.
Councilmember Nancy Ross feels that in regard to Municipal Code 8.30.050
undergrounding, allowing staff to make the decisions in the appeal process could
cause issues, and the City Council should be able to hear the appeals and
concerns. She would support a reasonable fee of either $75 or $100 per linear
foot.
Mayor Raymond Gregory feels that the criteria in the staff report is workable and a
process and reasonable fee related to Municipal Code 8.30.050 undergrounding
should be put in place. He feels the process needs to be one that can be done in
a timely manner. He also feels a fee of$100 per linear foot is reasonable.
City Attorney Eric Vail clarified that the Municipal Code already provides that any
decision made by a subordinate body or a Director can be appealed to the City
Council. He advised that the City Council should leave that language in place.
It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to bring to the next meeting
an ordinance amendment that keeps the ability to appeal to the City Council in
place and adds the ability if criteria is met, to pay an in lieu fee of $100 per linear
foot for undergrounding. An accompanying fee Resolution will be presented at the
second reading of the ordinance.
3C. FY 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 Biennial Budget Overview Presentation
Tami Scott, Administrative Services Director, provided and overview of the FY
2021/2022 and 2022/2023 Biennial Budget process.
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURN
The Regular Meeting of February 10, 2021 was adjourned by Mayor Raymond Gregory at
7:56 pm.
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