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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2021-05-12 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, May 12, 2021 2:30 PM Pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20, this meeting was conducted by videoconference. • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 2:30 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 Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation - Consideration of whether to Initiate Litigation Pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(4) Number of Matters: One B. Public Employee Performance Evaluation Per Government Code Section 54957 (B) Title: City Attorney The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 2:31 pm. The City Council reconvened at 5:32 pm. City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss 1 case of anticipated litigation and there was no reportable action taken. He also announced that the City Council began discussion on the Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the City Attorney, they did not complete this item and will continue discussion at the close of the Regular Meeting. Both sets of minutes will report on this item. The following is included in both the Study Session Minutes and the Regular City Council Minutes for the record: City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council did not complete Item 1B. Public Employee Performance Evaluation per Government Code Section 54957 (B) Title: City Attorney, during the Study Session portion of the Meeting. The City Council will recess to Closed Session to complete this item. The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 9:35 PM The City Council reconvened at 9:54 PM. City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to complete the Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the City Attorney, there was no reportable action taken. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no members of the public that wished to speak. 3. STUDY SESSION A. Options for Completion of the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction. The City Council continued this item to a Special City Council Meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the May 12, 2021 Study Session Meeting at 5:32 PM. ' 1 Il#� 104.' d Ma*o , City o :t idral City City Cler tCity o Cathedral Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 5/18/2021 44 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, May 12, 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 5:35 PM by Mayor Raymond Gregory. • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION) Mayor Raymond Gregory offered the moment of reflection. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Raymond Gregory Mayor Remote Ernesto Gutierrez Mayor Pro Tem r Remote Mark Carnevale Councilmember ! Remote Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote Nancy Ross Councilmember Remote • AGENDA FINALIZATION The City Council will complete Closed Session Item 18. Public Employee Performance Evaluation Per Government Code Section 54957 (B) Title: City Attorney following the last item on the Regular Council Agenda. • SPECIAL PRESENTATION - FIRE CHIEF JOHN MUHR - Survival Kits Fire Chief John Muhr introduced Carla Sullivan-Dilley, Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network. Carla Sullivan-Dilley, President Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network, stated that they are a grassroots organization that is over 20 years old of which she has been involved for the last 10 years. She indicated that they are a non-profit that supports first responders and look at all the potential disasters, not just the obvious ones. They train, educate and network all over the Coachella Valley. They are completely inclusive, user friendly and all volunteers. She stated that their website talks about what they do and why they do it and encouraged everyone to visit it at www.cvdpn.org . It was noted that the organization provided survival kits to each of the Councilmembers. Chief Muhr stated that the Fire Department will be partnering with CVDPN moving forward. 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Brad Anderson spoke on the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Board meetings and expressed his concern with how they are conducting business. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Nancy Ross reported that she attended the Coachella Valley Business and Economic Development Conference. She also reported that she attended the Buy Coachella Valley First Program event at Southwest Church, where she made great connections. She stated that she is working on various programs for children. She reported that the proposed FY 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 budget includes money for our local parks, which will be a great thing for children, and future dog park projects. She along with Deanna Pressgrove and Councilmember Mark Carnevale met with Burrtec regarding SB 1383. She is working in collaboration with Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez on a street sweeping program which is moving along. She reported that she attended a meeting with Lift to Rise regarding efforts made for affordable housing in the Coachella Valley. She stated that she is learning about the future of hydrogen fuel through a class at Cal State, and she will keep everyone posted on her findings. She reported on the last Special City Council Meeting Workshop and noted that staff does a great job. She announced that she attended the last Public Arts Commission meeting for her Council Introductions and a zoom meeting with a group of women where they discussed trees, plants and planting. She also attended the League of CA Cities Division Meeting where a member of President Biden's Administration spoke regarding the infrastructure plan, which was very informative. She noted that unlike most Cities, Cathedral City had all Councilmembers as well as our City Manager in attendance which is how they are keeping the City moving forward. Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the most recent information on COVID-19 vaccinations provided by the Desert Sun. She shared part of an article written by Laura James, Vice President of Innovation for Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, regarding specific areas in which the health of the community is going to parlay into economic health. She feels that there is a need for Municipalities to collaborate and she is happy to participate. She gave a shout out to the Cathedral City High School Lions football team. She thanked Fire Chief Muhr and Carla Sullivan-Dilley, Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network, for their assistance with the upcoming June 5, 2021 Disaster Preparedness event at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. She noted that the Art Walk is on the first Friday of each month. She reported that she attended the League of CA Cities Division Meeting along with her colleagues. She also attended the Coachella Valley Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 5/20/2021 Mountain Conservancy meeting, where she volunteered to serve on a subcommittee to write the Conservancy Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Policy. She reported on the 40th Anniversary Committee Meeting, which was great fun. She announced that she will be representing the City at the upcoming CVAG Conservation Commission meeting. She also indicated that she will be attending the "Dinner with Patsi" fundraiser which will benefit the Cathedral City High School Choir and encouraged everyone to attend. She announced that there will be a virtual State of the City and a City Hall at Your Corner. Councilmember Mark Carnevale hopes everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. He gave a shout out to those involved in preparing and helping to pass out meals to the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club's needy families for Mother's Day. He reported on the recent City Hall at Your Corner he attended along with Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez. He reported that he attended the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control meeting and is honored to be sitting on that board. He also reported that he attended a meeting along with Deanna Pressgrove, John Corella, and Mayor Gregory regarding the use of the soccer park. He stated that he attended the Coachella Valley Animal Campus meeting and reported on the new program Healthy Pet Zone. He reported that he also attended the League of CA Cities Division meeting and will be attending another meeting tomorrow. He noted that there are many great Senate Bills coming out and he would like the City Council to receive information to learn more about them. He was able to meet with a couple of constituents regarding an array of issues. He also attended the ARC meeting to hear the discussion on the proposed convention center at the old Burlington Building which is moving along. He gave his wife a shout out for their upcoming 52nd wedding anniversary. Mayor Pro Tern Ernesto Gutierrez hopes everyone is doing well. He spoke about the Mexican Culture regarding Mother's Day. He reported that he met with the developer of the 13.5 acres for an update on their progress. He also reported that he attended the League of CA Cities Riverside County Division Meeting and the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club fundraiser. He reported on the recent City Hall at Your Corner event and the Special City Council Meeting Workshop Meeting. He reported that he attended the Planning Commission meeting and expressed his gratitude for all they do. He also attended his regular meeting with City Manager Charles McClendon to discuss the upcoming agenda. He announced that he met with Police Chief Crum for an update on the Police Department. which was very informative. He indicated that he was able to speak with residents about their many concerns. He stated that he attended a Small Business Development Center meeting and reported on the various assistance programs currently available for businesses. Mayor Raymond Gregory gave a shout out to Kimberly and Bob Jackson, the owners of the new Grocery Outlet for hiring locals. He attended and reported on the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting noting their budget is open for public comment on the RCTC website. He stated that the preliminary environmental report for the San Gorgonio and Coachella Valley rail line is complete and it continues to move along. He noted the City Council is evaluating the City Attorney tonight during Closed Session. He announced the upcoming virtual State of the City and Special City Council Workshop Meeting. Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 5/20/2021 3. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the following Consent Agenda items: RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2021-58 B. Minutes Approval M.O. 2021-59 1. City Council - Special Meeting - Apr 21, 2021 2:00 PM 2. City Council - Study Session - Apr 28, 2021 2:30 PM 3. City Council - Regular Meeting - Apr 28, 2021 5:30 PM 4. City Council - Special Meeting - May 5, 2021 2:00 PM C. Receive and file Payment of Claims and Demands for April 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 Public Finance Authority Board receive and file payment of claims and demands in the aggregate sum of$8,082,681 for the month of April 2021. M.O. 2021-60 D. Annual Approval of the City's Investment Policy Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council approve the updated investment policy. M.O. 2021-61 E. Resolution adopting the City's FY 2021-22 capital improvement projects funded by RMRA. Recommendation: To approve a resolution adopting the City's FY 2021-2022 capital improvement projects funded by the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA)/SB-1 and participation in the Local Streets and Roads Program (LSRP). Reso 2021-07 F. Addendum No. 2 to the Third Amendment and Restatement of the CVAG Joint Powers Agreement Recommendation: To approve Addendum No. 2 to the Third Amendment and Restatement of the CVAG Joint Powers Agreement, which Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 5/20/2021 establishes the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians as a formal member M.O. 2021-62 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Community Development Block Grant FY 2021-22 Annual Action Plan Recommendation: To approve the City's FY 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan (AAP) for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); authorize the City Manager to execute the required certifications; and, execute all funding agreements and documents consistent with the FY 2021- 2022 Annual Action Plan. Vincent Lopez, Senior Administrative Analyst, provided an overview of the proposed Community Development Block Grant FY 2021-22 Annual Action Plan. He indicated that the following is a list of recommended funding allocations: FY 2021 Administrative Allocation Planning and Administration - $107,000 Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMB) - $18,000 FY 2021 Public Services Angel View Outreach Program - $15,000 Cathedral City Senior Center- $18,000 CV Rescue Mission - $51,500 Transgender Health and Wellness Center- $10,000 FY 2021 Public Improvements Via De Anza Sidewalk Improvements - $426,825 Mayor Raymond Gregory opened the Public Hearing for comments, there being none, he returned discussion to the City Council. Councilmember Mark Carnevale questioned if the Boys and Girls Club applied for funding. Mr. Lopez responded that the Boys and Girls Club will be receiving funding from other sources. They are not able to qualify for funding under this program. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez questioned if Staff reached out to organizations to let them know about funding opportunities and whether Council can amend the plan once it is approved. Mr. Lopez indicated that staff does reach out, however, organizations must be able to qualify for funding under the program. He also stated that Council does have the ability to amend the plan if they stay within the percentages for funding allocations. Mayor Raymond Gregory questioned if the same organizations received funding Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 5/20/2021 in the past and if funding is allocated to organizations outside of Cathedral City. Mr. Lopez responded that the organizations have received funding in the past. He also stated that the organizations do not need to be based in Cathedral City, however, their services do need to benefit Cathedral City residents. Organizations that receive funding must provide proof that their services benefited Cathedral City residents per the contract they will be required to enter with the City. M.O. 2021-63 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the City's FY 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan (AAP) for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); authorize the City Manager to execute the required certifications; and, execute all funding agreements and documents consistent with the FY 2021- 2022 Annual Action Plan. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross 5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. 2040 General Plan Update Recommendation: To receive an update on the status of the 2040 General Plan Update. John Criste, Terra Nova Planning and Research, provided an overview of the proposed Cathedral City 2040 General Plan. City Attorney Eric Vail advised the City Council to reframe from commenting or discussing areas within the presented proposal if they have a potential conflict of interest in those areas. The City Council expressed their concern with certain areas of land use proposed to be designated as open space, specifically in the downtown festival lawn and other surrounding areas and would like to keep the festival lawn as its current designation. Mayor Raymond Gregory noted the discrepancies within the chart located on page 586 of the agenda packet. He would like staff to update Terra Nova on the changes made in recent years to the specified areas in the chart and to thoroughly check the rest of the data for updates. He inquired about the recent changes to short-term vacation rentals and how they are related to the proposed General Plan. City Attorney Eric Vail indicated that there may need to be some cleanup of zoning in the proposed General Plan. However, he feels there should be proper Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 5/20/2021 regulations in land use zoning for short-term vacation rentals rather than just a general designation in the General Plan. He noted that he will discuss further with the Planning Director, Robert Rodriguez and City Engineer and Public Works Director, John Corella about the language that should be included within the proposed General Plan related to short-term vacation rentals. Shelley Kaplan thanked all those involved for the hard work on the proposed General Plan and noted that things can quickly get outdated. He noted changes he would like to see within the Traffic and Noise Transportation and Project Development sections, as well as the inclusion of Desert Community Energy, a community center and social services. Alan Carvalho concurs with Mr. Kaplan regarding the proposed General Plan. He expressed his concern with questions asked by City Council during the presentation of the item. Denise Cross thanked everyone for the item presented. She inquired about the historic element. Terry Applegate noted that a question can be a public comment. City Manager Charles McClendon stated that once the updates have been made to the proposed General Plan as noted in Council's discussion, this item will come back before Council for review. B. Process for Filling Commission and Committee Seats Recommendation: To discuss the proposed process for filling Commission seats that are vacant or will be vacated at the end of the fiscal year and potentially add a year to the terms of the members of the Historic Preservation Committee to compensate for the fact that they did not meet during the past year. City Manager Charles McClendon provided an overview of the proposed process to fill the vacant seats and the upcoming seats whose term will be expiring on June 30, 2021. Alan Carvalho spoke in favor of residents being a priority for appointment but also allowing non-residents to apply. It was the consensus of the City Council to do the following regarding the appointment process to fill the current vacant seats and the upcoming seats that will be expiring on June 30, 2021: • Advertise the vacancies beginning the week of May 17, 2021. Applications will be received through June 7, 2021. Staff will contact all existing members to see if they wish to be reappointed and if so schedule them for an interview. • Interviews will be conducted on June 16, 2021 at a Special City Council Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 5/20/2021 Meeting that will begin at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be posted in such a manner that Council can make appointments after the interviews if so desired. The appointments for full term will be for three years and will expired on June 30, 2024. M.O. 2021-64 A motion was made by Councilmember Ross and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to add one year to the terms of the members of the Historic Preservation Committee who wish to continue serving on the Committee and to bring back a Resolution memorializing this action at the next Council Meeting. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross C. An Overview of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Recommendation: For information and discussion purposes only. Stone James, Economic Development Director provided an overview of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund explaining the following: • What is the Restaurant Revitalization Fund • Who can apply • Eligibility • How the funds can be used • How to apply D. CCHS Awards Night Recommendation: To approve Special Use Permit#21-002 and allow Cathedral City High School to hold their School Awards Night at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. Alan Carvalho spoke in support of the Special Use Permit. M.O. 2021-65 A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve Special Use Permit#21-002 and allow Cathedral City High School to hold their School Awards Night at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, to waive the application fee of $510.00 and to waive the entire rental fee. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross E. Update on Emergency Actions Related to COVID-19 Cathedral City Page 8 Printed on 5/20/2021 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 and the current number of cases in Cathedral City. He also provided an overview on the City's continued efforts related to providing services to the residents during this pandemic and what will be done moving forward. Terry Applegate spoke on the availability of vaccines. M.O. 2021-66 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to rescind Emergency Order 3D, related to face coverings and social distancing, and to follow State Guidelines moving forward. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross 6. CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council did not complete Item 18. Public Employee Performance Evaluation per Government Code Section 54957 (B) Title: City Attorney during the Study Session portion of the Meeting. The City Council will recess to Closed Session to complete this item. The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 9:35 PM. The City Council reconvened at 9:54 PM. City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to complete the Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the City Attorney, there was no reportable action taken. ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the May 12, 2021 Regular Council Meeting at 9:54 PM. Mayo , City o .tj-al City -City Clerk,(G ty of Cathedral City Cathedral City Page 9 Printed on 5/20/2021