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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2021-03-24 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, March 24, 2021 3:00 PM Pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20, this meeting was conducted by videoconference. • 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 Deputy City Attorney Al Ford announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the following item listed on the Agenda. A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2). Number of Potential Cases: One The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 3:00 pm. The City Council reconvened at 3:30 pm. Deputy City Attorney Al Ford announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss item 1A. Conference with Legal Counsel for Anticipated Litigation for one case. There was no reportable action taken. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no members of the public that wished to comment. 3. STUDY SESSION A. Public Safety Enterprise Communication Project (PSEC) Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. Police Chief George Crum provided an overview on the Eastern Riverside County Interoperable Communications Authority (ERICA), which included costs, future upgrades needed and the current issues with the system's inability to communicate with Riverside County Sheriff's Department in a seamless manner. He indicated that the City Council will be presented an option by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department for future emergency communication to allow seamless interoperability throughout Riverside County. This type of service would require the City to join Riverside County's system titled PSEC (Public Safety Enterprise Communications) Project. He introduced Undersheriff Dennis Vrooman of Riverside County Sheriff's Department and Cathedral City Police Department Public Safety Dispatcher Supervisor Kathryn Cox. Mayor Raymond Gregory requested clarification on the cost associated with necessary equipment upgrades regardless of whether the City remains with the ERICA or transitions to PSEC. Chief George Crum provided a brief overview of the costs and necessary upgrades needed. Kathryn Cox indicated that the radio equipment will need to be upgraded as the current radios are at end of life whether we stay with ERICA or move to PSEC. Riverside County Undersheriff Dennis Vrooman provided an overview of the goals of PSEC and a summary of the overall benefits of joining the system. He briefly talked about the current operational costs with ERICA and went over transition options for Cathedral City into PSEC and potential costs. He also provided information on potential grant funding through the Anti-Terrorism Approval Authority. Councilmember Rita Lamb requested clarification on how coordination works with the other Cities under the current JPA. Chief George Crum provided further clarification of the provision of the current JPA. Mayor Raymond Gregory stated that the exit provisions of the current JPA are unclear and suggested our legal counsel decipher the language. Councilmember Rita Lamb requested clarification on the Anti-Terrorism Approval Authority grant. Chief George Crum provided a brief overview on the Anti-Terrorism Approval Authority grant as well as the planned use of the funds. Councilmember Mark Carnevale inquired on the obligations to Desert Hot Springs in regard to our contract for dispatch services. He also asked for Chief Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 4/07/2021 John Muhr to provide any thoughts or comments on the PSEC system and how it would work with the Fire Department. Chief George Crum stated that our contract with Desert Hot Springs for dispatch services is up for renewal in September of 2022. He indicated that at the direction of their City Council they have plans to pursue their own dispatch center, which could be in effect by the renewal date. Fire Chief John Muhr stated that he is interested to see what the PSEC system can do for the Fire Department as they too face communication issues, however, he feels that this should be evaluated widely as a County as they work closely with other agencies. Mayor Raymond Gregory noted that post 9-11 there has been a push to be better able to communicate seamlessly. He inquired if the representative from (Cal Fire) has any comments. Mr. Chet Ashbaugh from Cal Fire provided a brief overview of their current VHF infrastructure and the reasons and time frame for migrating. He feels that the PSEC system's dual capabilities have beneficial uses. Chief John Muhr inquired if the radio issues with PSEC for use in Fire Departments have been addressed.. Mr. Ashbaugh provided a brief overview of some of the issues and the issues that have been addressed. Councilmember Rita Lamb questioned if the Federal relief package would be helpful in regard the purchase of the radios. City Manager Charles McClendon responded that that public safety radios are not specifically listed in the relief package; however, public safety expenses are listed, and it appears to be flexible. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez questioned what the advantages are to move to PSEC sooner and what system do the neighboring Counties currently use. Chief George Crum responded that the main benefit would be the ability to have better interoperability communication and the cost would be lower in future years. Undersheriff Dennis Vrooman responded that other neighboring Counties use their own countywide radio systems and the PSEC system in some cases is more advanced. Councilmember Nancy Ross feels PSEC is our future and asked Chief Crum and Chief Muhr to provide their expert opinion on when we should move to the PSEC system. Chief George Crum responded that research on the exit provisions from the current JPA needs to take place first and he would like to pursue purchasing Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 4/07/2021 equipment that will work on either system. He indicated that it is his opinion that we need to migrate to the PSEC system and would like Council's support to move forward at the appropriate time. Councilmember Mark Carnevale questioned what the benefits of purchasing new equipment would be verses the benefits of waiting two years. Undersheriff Dennis Vrooman provided a brief overview on the technology, upgrades, and life span of radios. Chief George Crum indicated that he has been told there is a 40% discount to purchase now, however, he has not seen that in writing yet. Chief John Muhr responded that it is very complex for the Fire Department, not all jurisdictions are on PSEC system and it will take some coordination. He further stated that the City does not have any costs for the radio systems other than the maintenance for our current radio system, which is also something to consider if we migrate to PSEC. He stated that he doesn't feel that it would be a bad idea to migrate to the PSEC system at some time in the future and feels that it would be beneficial for PSEC to provide a presentation at the County Fire Chiefs Association Meeting to get everyone on the same track. Mayor Raymond Gregory requested that staff bring back to Council a financial breakdown and a realistic time frame for the 2022 and 2023 transition date scenarios. City Manager Charles McClendon feels that the ERICA JPA is looking for leadership on the issue. He indicated that it appears to be the Council's position to transition to the PSEC system at the appropriate time. He believes there needs to be some negotiations with the County of Riverside to figure out when it will be the appropriate time to migrate over to PSEC. He stated that staff has direction to move forward with research and will bring back an item to the Council at a future date for consideration. B. Cathedral City Small Business COVID-19 Physical Adaption Grant Program UPDATE Recommendation: Informational update only. No action is requested. Stone James, Economic Development Director, provided an update on the Cathedral City Small Business COVID-19 Physical Adaption Grant Program. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Guiterrez asked for an overview of how to complete the application of this program. Director James provided a brief overview of the application process. Councilmember Mark Carnevale expressed his concern with the number of applications that were denied. He would like to ensure the process is simplified and that effective information is communicated to those in need of this program. Director James indicated that as issues arise, he works with the applicants to try Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 4/07/2021 and help them through the process. He mentioned that other surrounding cities are experiencing similar issues. ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the March 24, 2021 Study Session meeting at 5:25 p.m. 1.0 yotro $1, t \litt,14 e. ,c1L7- vv Mat Cit o' % ed?al City City Clerk,(tity oyf Cathedral Okt Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 4/07/2021 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 24, 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. Pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20, this meeting was conducted by video conference. • 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 Tern Remote Mark Carnevale Councilmember Remote Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote Nancy Ross Councilmember Remote • AGENDA FINALIZATION 1. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no members of the public that wished to speak. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Nancy Ross stated that it has been another exciting two weeks to be on the Council. She participated in the League of California Cities emergency rescue plan discussion, where she learned about the stimulus funds. She attended the Riverside County Juvenile Probation Offices meeting on how to help at risk children get on track and stay on track. She, along with Councilmember Lamb, participated in the Riverside Women's Leadership Conference, which was fun and informative. She announced the Lift to Rise pop-up event that will be held on April 10, 2021 at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, which is an opportunity for residents in need of help with rent due to COVID-19. She stated that she is looking forward to the re-opening of City Hall and being able to hold regular office hours. She commented on the recent mass shootings in our Country. Councilmember Rita Lamb stated that she has had an interesting two weeks. She. along with Councilmember Ross. attended the Riverside Women's Leadership Conference, and expressed how very proud she is to be representing Cathedral City. She reported that she also attended the CVAG Conservation Committee meeting. She stated that their primary purpose is the acquisition of land for the Multiple Species Habitat Plan. She reported that she is part of the Noon Rotary, and at their last meeting Geoff Corbin. Director of the Cathedral City Senior Center. provided the presentation. She noted that the Senior Center is a non-profit organization that is very dependent on donations from the community. She announced that Josh Bonner from the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a speaker's series and she was able to attend the most recent one where Ricardo Lara, California Insurance Commissioner, was the speaker. She also attended the repainting of the rainbow crossings, and acknowledged the great community contribution of former Mayor, Kathy DeRosa, who is moving out of the State. She stated that she was able to deliver more PPE to local businesses who were very thankful. She stated that she received some resident concerns and thanked John Corella and Charles McClendon for their help in assisting those residents. Councilmember Mark Carnevale stated that he attended the repainting of the rainbow crossings, which was a wonderful day, and he thanked Sue Townsley and the Public Arts Commission for their participation in the event. He reported that he completed his sexual harassment training and will be completing his ethics training next. He reported that he attended the Homeless Committee Meeting and expressed his concern with the difficulties they face. He stated that many cities are rebounding financially after the onset of the pandemic, which is good to see. He reported that he was also able to deliver more PPE to local businesses in the City. He reported that he watched the Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting where they certified the results of the March 2, 2021 Election. He was surprised by many of the comments that were made. He stated that he was able to assist a local businessman, with the help of City Manager Charles McClendon. He announced that between April 25th and 31st small businesses can apply for financial assistance by going to carelifegrant.com. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez stated that since the last Council Meeting the time has changed, which takes time to adjust to. He expressed his excitement that restaurants are now able to open for some indoor dining. He reported that he was also able to deliver more PPE to local businesses. He gave a brief report on the recent Special City Council Meeting, which was held on March 17, 2021. He announced that there will be a virtual City Hall at Your Corner on March 25, 2021 Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 4/07/2021 from 2:00-3:00 pm and encouraged those interested to attend. He reported that he received resident concerns regarding code violations, traffic issues and questions on short-term vacation rentals and Ordinance 842. He asked that his questions be addressed when appropriate by City Manager Charles McClendon or the City Attorney. He reported that he did some research and learned that many cities in the Valley have reopened their counters or are taking appointments to serve the community, and he is looking forward to City Hall reopening soon. He thanked all those who supported Measure B. Mayor Raymond Gregory reported that he attended the rainbow crossings repainting and thanked Councilmember Carnevale and his wife for providing food for everyone. He hopes that the repainting of the rainbow crossings will be an annual event moving forward. He reported that he attended the Desert Community Energy meeting and noted that there are some troubling things happening and feels the Council was wise in its decision not to participate. He reported on the Special City Council Meeting, which was held on March 17, 2021. He indicated that it ran longer than expected but it was well worth it. He reported that he attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission Budget and Implementation meeting where it was recommended that Cathedral City be awarded 4.4 million in grant funds for the Active Transportation Cycle 5 Plan. He also attended the SunLine Transit Agency meeting which continues to move forward. He stated that SunLine recently lost their Chief Performance Officer, Tommy Edwards, to an illness and he would like to adjourn the City Council meeting in his honor. He announced the upcoming virtual City Hall at Your Corner and encouraged everyone to join. 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. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda B. Minutes Approval M.O. 2021-29 1. City Council - Special Meeting - Mar 3, 2021 2:00 PM 2. City Council - Study Session - Mar 10, 2021 3:00 PM 3. City Council - Regular Meeting - Mar 10, 2021 5:30 PM C. Council Appointments to Various Local Agencies Recommendation: To review the list of Local Agency Assignments and ratify the appointments. M.O. 2021-30 Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 4/07/2021 D. Fire Department Application for Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Donation Recommendation: To approve accepting a tribal donation of$25,000.00 from Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to purchase 8 Mobile Data Terminals and install in each fire department apparatus and ambulances. M.O. 2020-31 E. Second Reading Amending Municipal Code 8.30 Underground Wires Recommendation: To provide second reading by title only and adopt an Ordinance amending Municipal Code 8.30 to revise sections relating to undergrounding wires, specifically Local Lines for infill lots within residential neighborhoods. Ord 850 F. Declaration of Results for the March 2, 2021 Special Measure Election Recommendation: To adopt a Resolution declaring the results of the March 2, 2021 Special Measure Election as certified by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters. Teri Hargreaves thanked all those involved in Measure B for their leadership during the process. Karyn McQueen urged the City Council not to accept the results of Measure B and expressed her concern with the election process. Doug Evans thanked all those involved in the Measure B process and feels the vote of the people was decisive. Ed Emond-Worline expressed his heartfelt thanks to the City Council for their support of the short-term vacation rental ordinance and sending it to a vote by the people. Danny Lee thanked City staff for their hard work on Measure B and the City Council for passing the short-term vacation ordinance. He expressed his concern with the Board of Supervisors meeting. Bob Ohda feels that the people have spoken on Measure B and the results and voter turnout were decisive. Reso 2021-06 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT None 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS None 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 4/07/2021 A. Discussion on the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission Trails Management Sub-Committee Appointment Recommendation: To provide direction on how to handle the appointment of the Cathedral City representative on the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission Trails Management Sub- Committee Danny Lee provided background on the sub-committee and encouraged the City Council to consider option # 5 to accept applications from residents to serve as the representative of Cathedral City on the Trails Sub-Committee, conduct interviews and consider an appointment for a three-year term as most other Council appointments on Commissions and Committees, in the staff report. He urged the Council to ensure good communication with the Parks and Community Events Commission and whoever represents the City on this sub-committee. It was the consensus of the City Council to appoint Councilmember Rita Lamb to represent the City on the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission's Trails Management Sub-Committee and Councilmember Nancy Ross as the alternate and to add this assignment to the list of Local Agency Assignments, and to invite Keith Davis to provide Council or Councilmember Lamb with an overview on his efforts on the sub-committee over the years. B. 2021 SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program Funding Application Recommendation: To authorize the submittal of a 2021 SB 821 , Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program funding application for two (2) potential sidewalk and bike lane improvement Projects; and, authorize the Director of Engineering/Public Works to authorize a Task Order under the Annual Contract for Traffic Engineering Services with Albert A. Webb and Associates to provide engineering assistance and complete the Application(s) for the 2021 SB 821, Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program funding program; and, authorize the City Manager to sign all applications/letters for the Funding Program. Robert Middleton, a local business owner on Perez Road, expressed his concern with the lack of parking in the area of his business and the potential dangers of having a bike lane in that area. After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to support the Ocotillo Park Area Sidewalk Gaps Project only for the 2021 SB 821 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program funding application. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to authorize the submittal of a 2021 SB 821, Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program funding application for the Ocotillo Park Area Sidewalk Gap Project; and authorize the Director of Engineering/Public Works to authorize a Task Order under the Annual Contract for Traffic Engineering Services with Albert A. Webb and Associates to provide engineering assistance Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 4/07/2021 and complete the application for the 2021 SB 821,Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program; and, authorize the City Manager to sign all applications/letters for the funding program. M.O. 2021-32 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross C. Agreement for Landscape Maintenance Services at City Facilities Recommendation: To award a Landscape Maintenance Contract to PS Tree Service & Maintenance for a monthly amount $11,062. M.O. 2021-33 A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to award a Landscape Maintenance Contract to PS Tree Service & Maintenance for a monthly amount$11,062. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross D. COVID Update and Consideration of Emergency Order 3D Recommendation: To approve the issuance of Emergency Order 3D requiring the use of face coverings and the practice of social distancing in Cathedral City through June 30, 2021. City Manager Charles McClendon provided an update on Emergency Actions related to COVID-19. He stated that the numbers continue to trend in the right direction, however, we should avoid letting our guard down too soon. He indicated that he has prepared Emergency Order 3D, which would extend the requirement for face coverings and social distancing through June, for City Council consideration. He feels it is time to begin making plans for the reopening City Hall using logic but recommends waiting until we move into the orange tier to have a final discussion by Council. He stated that all City staff is currently operating within the social distancing guidelines to ensure staff exposures continue to be limited. M.O. 2021-34 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the issuance of Emergency Order 3D requiring the use of face coverings and the practice of social distancing in Cathedral City through June 30, 2021. Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 4/07/2021 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross 7. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the March 24, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting at 8:08 p.m. in memory of SunLine's Chief Performance Officer, Tommy Edwards. °it , ' \ , M. i, City . -drat City ity Clerk, 'ity of Cathedral C. , Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 4/07/2021