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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2021-04-14 111 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, April 14, 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 I Ernesto Gutierrez Mayor Pro Tem 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 PM 1. CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the following items listed on the agenda. A. Conference with Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation 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. City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss item1A. Conference with Legal Counsel for one case of Anticipated Litigation. There was no reportable action taken. • THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECONVENE UPON COMPLETION OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS 2. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no members of the public that wished to comment. 3. STUDY SESSION A. Fiscal Year (FY) 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 Biennial Budget Overview Discussion Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. Charles McClendon, City Manager, introduced the item and provided a brief overview of the budget process so far. Tami Scott, Administrative Services Director, provided an overview of the Biennial Budget Process. Kevin Biersack, Deputy Finance Director, provided an overview of the General Fund and the following categories: • Revenue Categories • Expenditure Categories • Revenue and Expenditure Summary • Significant General Fund Additions • City Staff Composition • City Staff Vacancies City Hall • City Staff Vacancies Public Safety • Department Summary • City Council • City Management Summary • Administrative Services Summary • Planning and Building Services Summary • Engineering and Public Works Summary This was an informational presentation only and there was no formal action taken by the City Council. The City Council expressed support for the proposed items in the presentation, which will be addressed through the upcoming budget process. In addition, it was also the consensus of the Council to direct staff to do the following: • Bring back to Council a comprehensive review of the service provisions alterations in the Fire Department tentatively in June. • Include the proposed Community Assistance line item and Community (District) Project's line item in the budget and bring forward a review and a resolution that governs the usage of those funds. • Move forward with the Code Compliance addition of two Code Compliance Officers then measure and evaluate the effectiveness in October to consider alterations. Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 4/22/2021 • Include the usage of the Cathedral City High School Pool for community use in the budget and bring back a contact for Council consideration. • Include the study for joining the Desert Recreation District into the budget. • Provide Council with a comprehensive review of the budget for parks. The remaining items that were not presented during this meeting will be continued to the Special City Council Meeting on April 21, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. ADJOURN The Study Session meeting of April 14, 2021 was adjourned by Mayor Raymond Gregory at 5:15 pm. May City of Cat J r 1 CityCity Clerk,4 ity of athedral Ci Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 4/22/2021 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, April 14, 2021 5:30 PM Pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20, this meeting was conducted by videoconference • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Raymond Gregory. • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Raymond Gregory led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION) Councilmember Rita Lamb 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 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Alan Carvalho provided comments related to the process of Council questions during staff presentations and thanked Councilmember Ross and Lamb for their efforts with the recent Lift to Rise rental assistance event at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. Terry Applegate reminded the City Council that some members of the community do not have access to the internet and social media and that when distributing information on events and programs it should be considered. She also provided information on vaccines. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Nancy Ross gave an overview of things happening in District 2. She announced that there are two new apartment complexes nearing completion. The Tower Market should be completed by the Summer and the development of the old Sam's Club building has broken ground. She is excited about the potential development of the 13.5 arches across from the Casino, as the plans have been submitted to the building department for consideration. She noted that the plans contain an impressive landscape design. She stated that a large section of Cathedral Canyon has been resurfaced and it looks great. She also noted that the Ofelia Bringas Bridge project is moving right along. She reported on the recent Lift to Rise Rental Assistance Program event that took place at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. She reported that she attended the Veteran's Village groundbreaking, which is very near to her heart. She was also able to attend a little league practice at Ocotillo Park and will be attending more practices in the future. Councilmember Rita Lamb gave a shout out to Councilmember Ross for the very well attended Lift to Rise Rental Assistance event and announced that there are funds still available and those interested should go to unitedlift.org. She stated that the League of California Cities provided a presentation by the Chief Recovery Officer for the Federal Emergency Relief Plan. She recognized the City's Finance Department for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association Award and congratulated them on doing a great job. She announced that Riverside County is holding a virtual Job Fair on April 20, 2021 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. She reminded everyone that Earth Day is April 22, 2021. She announced that the SCRAP Gallery is partnering with the Agnes Pelton Society for a walking tour the weekend of April 24th and 25th. She gave a shout out to Matty Rosales a 5th Grade Teacher at Cathedral City Elementary School who is the Community Spanish reader for Corona Virus story time. She reported that the latest information on COVID-19 vaccinations is available at rivcoph.org. She indicated that she is a part of the Noon Rotary and reported that they had a presentation provided by the owner of Best Friends Closet, which is an organization that supplies wardrobe assistance to individuals for interviews and other job-related support services. She noted that the Desert Sun had an article in it about the recent win that the Cathedral City High School football team had over Banning High School and feels they are doing a great job. She along with Councilmember Ross met with Brian (Keith) Davis who provided an overview and history of the Trails Management Sub-Committee. Councilmember Mark Carnevale attended, along with Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez, a meeting with the Board of the Coachella Valley Water District and encouraged residents to take advantage of the rebate programs available. He attended, as an alternate, the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau meeting, and he was excited to participate once again as he did in the past. He indicated that they discussed many things happening in 2022 and it was very informative. He along with Councilmember Ross met with Burrtec regarding SB 1383 and came up with some great ideas on how the City can do their part. He attended two Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Meetings and will have more to report in the upcoming months. He along with Councilmember Lamb attended the Public Arts Commission Meeting for Council introductions and reported that they have many great ideas and is honored to see their hard work and commitment. He indicated that he will be attending, along with City Engineer John Corella, a meeting with AYSO. He reported that he also attended the 40th Anniversary Zoom Meeting hosted by Chris Parman Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 4/22/2021 and feels that they will be able to have a wonderful event. He indicated that the Cathedral City High School Choir is back to practicing and he looks forward to supporting them with fund raisers. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez reported that during Easter Week he takes time to relax and watch his favorite religious movies which enlighten him. He reported that he along with Mayor Gregory participated in a City Hall at Your Corner. He thanked Councilmember Carnevale for attending the Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau meeting on his behalf He reported that he has been enjoying the Special Meetings that the City Council have been holding every other Wednesday. He along with the City Manager and Mayor Gregory attended a Parks and Community Events sub-committee meeting and feels Danny Lee is a great volunteer for our City. He met with Sandra Molina, Code Compliance Manager, at Panorama Park and indicated that he is willing to support and work with her to ensure Code Enforcement is successful. He reported that he attended the Veteran's Housing project groundbreaking, which he is excited to see completed. He also reported that he met with the Police Chief and noted that he will be presenting new plans to battle the crime issue in the City in the future. He announced that he was able to assist residents with an array of issues and concerns. Mayor Raymond Gregory noted that he participated in several events already mentioned. He reported that he attended the CVAG Transportation Committee meeting where they are moving forward with some flooding and blowsand projects. He also attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting and announced that some ATP projects were approved for funding, which include sidewalks, trails, and bike paths in Cathedral City. He reported on the Special Council workshops, which he is enjoying and feels the interactions with staff have been great and they are doing a great job. He announced that the next workshop will be on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 2:00 pm. He announced that the "Shig Shigley" art piece called "Passages"is up at Panorama Park, and he thanked the Public Arts Commission and Staff. 3. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilwoman 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 M.O. 2021-36 B. Receive and file Payment of Claims and Demands for March 2021 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 Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 4/22/2021 Public Finance Authority Board receive and file payment of claims and demands in the aggregate sum of$7,608,902 for the month of March 2021. M.O. 2021-37 C. Minutes Approval M.O. 2021-38 1. City Council - Special Meeting - Mar 17, 2021 2:00 PM 2. City Council - Special Meeting - Mar 31, 2021 2:00 PM 3. City Council - Study Session - Mar 24, 2021 3:00 PM 4. City Council - Regular Meeting - Mar 24, 2021 5:30 PM D. Accept Resignation of Fergus Currie from the Parks and Community Events Commission Recommendation: To accept the resignation of Fergus Currie from the Parks and Community Events Commission effective immediately and direct staff to proceed with filling the vacant seat. M.O. 2021-39 E. Council Appointments to Various Local Agencies Recommendation: To review the list of Local Agency Assignments and ratify the appointments. M.O. 2021-40 F. Approve the Recruitment of an Assistant City Manager and Authorize a Budget Adjustment Recommendation: To approve the recruitment of an Assistant City Manager and authorize a budget adjustment in the amount of$25,000 for Bob Murray and Associates to conduct an executive recruitment. M.O. 2021-41 G. Purchase of two Replacement Police Vehicles Recommendation: To authorize staff to purchase one 2020 Ford Explorer PIU (Police Interceptor Unit) and one 2021 Ford F150 SSV (Special Services Vehicle) pick-up, including estimated sales tax, outfitting of emergency equipment and delivery, from Dana Safety Supply for a total cost of$115,920.45 M.O. 2021-42 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Interview Applicant for the Architectural Review Committee and Consider an Appointment Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 4/22/2021 Recommendation: To conduct an interview for the Architectural Review Committee and consider making an appointment to fill the member-at-large seat with a term expiring June 30, 2022. The City Council interviewed Tanner Hoss for the vacant seat on the Architectural Review Committee for possible appointment. M.O. 2021-43 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to appoint Tanner Hoss to serve on the Architectural Review Committee to fill the unexpired term of the member-at-large vacant seat with a term expiring on June 30, 2022. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross B. Administrative Amendment to the CDBG FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan. Recommendation: To approve an Administrative Amendment to City's FY 2020- 2021 Annual Action Plan to allocate remaining and unused CDBG funds to supplement a public improvement project for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). M.O. 2021-44 A motion was made by Councilwoman Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve an Administrative Amendment to City's FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan to allocate remaining and unused CDBG funds to supplement a public improvement project for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross C. Award a contract to Matich Corporation for the Construction of the Whitewater Neighborhood Street Improvements and Whispering Palms Neighborhood Streets CIP Projects. Recommendation: To award a contract to Matich Corporation in the amount of $1,475,318 for the construction of the Whitewater Neighborhood Street Improvements, Phase II (C08833) and the Whispering Palms Neighborhood Rehab. (C08831) projects; and, approve a ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of$147,531 for any unforeseeable construction costs; and, approve $15,000 for survey, inspection, and Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 4/22/2021 material testing; thereby, making the total encumbrance for this Project $1,637,849; and, authorize the Director of Engineering/Public Works to issue the Notice of Proceed and request bonds and insurance for the project; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. Mayor Pro Tern Ernesto Gutierrez recused himself from this item due to a potential conflict of interest. M.O. 2021-45 A motion was made by Councilwoman Ross and seconded by Councilwoman Lamb to award a contract to Matich Corporation in the amount of$1,475,318 for the construction of the Whitewater Neighborhood Street Improvements, Phase II (C08833) and the Whispering Palms Neighborhood Rehab. (C08831) projects; and approve a ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of$147,531 for any unforeseeable construction costs; and, approve $15,000 for survey, inspection, and material testing; thereby, making the total encumbrance for this Project $1,637,849; and, authorize the Director of Engineering/Public Works to issue the Notice of Proceed and request bonds and insurance for the project; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents. RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Raymond Gregory, Mark Carnevale, Rita Lamb, Nancy Ross RECUSED: Ernesto Gutierrez D. Authorization to purchase One (1) Caterpillar 415 IL Industrial Loader and authorization of the expenditure necessary to repair an existing John Deere 544 Tractor for the Public Works Department Recommendation: To authorize the purchase of One (1) Caterpillar 415 IL Industrial Loader for the Public Works department in the amount of$89,999.96 with funding from the approved Equipment Replacement Budget for FY 20-21; and, to authorize the repair of Public Work's existing John Deere 544 Tractor in the amount of$16,249.79 funded from the approved Fleet Maintenance and Operations Budget for FY 20-21 for the Public Works Department. M.O. 2021-46 A motion was made by Councilwoman Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Gutierrez to authorize the purchase of One (1) Caterpillar 415 IL Industrial Loader for the Public Works department in the amount of $89,999.96 with funding from the approved Equipment Replacement Budget for FY 20-21; and, to authorize the repair of Public Work's existing John Deere 544 Tractor in the amount of $16,249.79 funded from the approved Fleet Maintenance and Operations Budget for FY 20-21 for the Public Works Department. Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 4/22/2021 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross E. Public Arts Commission: Bench Beautification Project Recommendation: Authorize the Public Arts Commission to obtain proposals for the painting of fifteen benches and one concrete trash receptacle in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 per bench and $250.00 for the trash receptacle for a total of $15,250 from the Art in Public Places Fund. Alan Carvalho expressed support for this project. Kristen Lehigh expressed support for this project. M.O. 2021-47 A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilwoman Lamb to authorize the Public Arts Commission to obtain proposals for the painting of fifteen benches and one concrete trash receptacle in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 per bench and $250.00 for the trash receptacle for a total of$15,250 from the Art in Public Places Fund. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross F. Public Arts Commission 2021/2022 Arts Education Funding Request Recommendation: To approve the recommended arts education funding proposal for FY 21/22 from the Public Arts Commission Stone James, Economic Development Director/Commission Liaison, provided an overview of the proposed 2021/2022 Public Arts Commission Funding Requests. Councilmember Mark Carnevale expressed his concern with the ticket distribution process of the CVREP tickets. City Attorney Eric Vail stated that there are ways to distribute the tickets that would fall within the parameters of the Municipal Code. Councilmember Rita Lamb expressed her concern with approving the item and not having clarification on how the tickets will be distributed. Mayor Raymond Gregory feels that the Council can approve the program if a policy on the ticket distribution is established prior to the program taking place. Ron Celona from CVREP indicated that they can distribute the tickets however Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 4/22/2021 the City Council Members would like. Councilmember Nancy Ross questioned if CVREP is targeting a specific age group. Ron Celona responded that they offer a variety of shows for all age groups that would fall under education. Mayor Raymond Gregory would like to see a program established to ensure that it falls within the guidelines and benefits Cathedral City residents. In the future he would like to see the Commission provide a recommendation on how the tickets are distributed. City Manager Charles McClendon stated that if the Council approves the program this evening staff will bring back an item at the next meeting on how to distribute the tickets. Sue Townsley, Public Arts Commission Chair, feels that there is a way to distribute the tickets according to the Code. Mayor Raymond Gregory requested the number of people that would be able to participate in the art program that is being proposed by the Senior Center and the Cathedral City Library and requested clarification on the projects from Geoff Corbin, Executive Director of the Senior Center. He would like to ensure that Cathedral City residents will be the ones to receive the benefits of this funding/program. Geoff Corbin, Executive Director Cathedral City Senior Center, provided an overview of the proposed project and some of the things they have been doing during COVID-19. Kristen Lehigh, Cathedral City Librarian, stated that they are the co-applicant of the project with the Senior Center and provided an overview of the project. She feels that they will be able to offer the program to 450 students. Scott Robinson, Director Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club, thanked the Council for their consideration. He stated that he would love to work with CVREP, they have done a joint venture in the past and it was a wonderful experience for the kids. He announced that they are having a pasta dinner fundraiser at Nicolino's and encouraged people to attend. Alan Carvalho expressed support of this item and expressed appreciation. M.O. 2021-48 A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilwoman Lamb to approve he recommended arts education funding proposal for FY 21/22 from the Public Arts Commission and directed staff to bring back the policy on how the tickets for CVREP program will be distributed for Council's review and approval. Cathedral City Page 8 Printed on 4/22/2021 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross G. COVID Update and Discussion of Reopening Plans and Options Recommendation: To receive an update on actions related to the COVID emergency and discuss plans and options for reopening City facilities including the Council Chamber. Charles McClendon, City Manager, provided an update on COVID-19 indicating that the numbers continue to improve, however, this can change at any time. He announced that Riverside County has moved into the Orange Tier and it appears that the State will re-open June 15, 2021. He feels that we do not need to move quickly and should ease back into things. He recommends that the first in- person Council Meeting should take place on June 23, 2021. It is also his recommendation that City Hall open to the Public on May 3, 2021. He feels that individuals should be required to make appointments which will provide service in a safe manner for residents and staff. Terry Applegate supports the direction that the City Manager has recommended. Mayor Pro Tern Ernesto Gutierrez supports the recommendation of the City Manager. Councilmember Nancy Ross supports the recommendation of the City Manager and expressed some concern with the use of the elevator and proper social distancing among other areas of concern. She questioned if staff is prepared to address these issues. City Manager McClendon responded that staff will be prepared. Councilmember Mark Carnevale would like to ensure that staff is comfortable with the time frame of the re-opening of City Hall. City Manager McClendon responded that he is working with the Departments to cover these areas of concerns. Councilmember Rita Lamb concurs with the comments made by Councilmember Carnevale. She feels the more we can protect the staff and residents the better. Mayor Raymond Gregory questioned if there will be anything put in place to create a barrier when needed. City Manager McClendon responded that staff will be working through the details over the next few weeks. Mayor Pro Tern Ernesto Gutierrez questioned if the City will be able to mandate that employees get vaccinated. Cathedral City Page 9 Printed on 4/22/2021 City Manager McClendon responded that he is not sure that the City can legally require this. There are things that he believes, as a City, we can do but we are still exploring what can be done. Councilmember Nancy Ross stated that it would be helpful to know who has been vaccinated. City Manager McClendon feels that the participation rate is pretty good based on some of the conversations he has heard. It was the consensus of the City Council to re-open City Hall on May 3, 2021 and to hold the first in person Council Meeting on June 23, 2021, unless there are changes with the numbers that would require the City to change the proposed plan. 7. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the April 14, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting at 8:23 p.m. f),I, M. . City 1 !tdral City City Clerk,UCity of cathedra! Cathedral City Page 10 Printed on 4/22/2021