HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2021-06-09 CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session
Wednesday, June 9, 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 1 Mayor Pro Tern Remote
Mark Carnevale Councilmember Remote
Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote
Nancy Ross Councilmember Remote
• 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 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
Eric Vail, City Attorney, announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to
discuss item 1A. Conference with Legal Counsel for one case of anticipated
litigation. There was no reportable action taken.
• AGENDA FINALIZATION
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Alan Carvalho thanked the Council and Staff for allowing the recent Cathedral City
High School event at the amphitheater.
3. STUDY SESSION
A. Presentation - Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control
Recommendation: There is no formal action required for this item. It is a
presentation only.
Tammy Gordon, Public Information Officer for Coachella Valley Mosquito and
Vector Control District, indicated that an invasive Aedes agypti species was
found in Cathedral City in 2016. This species is known for taking many painful
bites from the hosts. They have a short flying distance, which suggests the
source is close to backyards in plant saucers, ornamental fountains, and lawn
drains. They can transmit diseases; however, no diseases are currently being
treated in California,' and they would like to keep it that way by reducing the
numbers and the risk. She provided an overview of the neighborhood mosquito
control treatments that will be taking place over the summer in Cathedral City.
She provided information for residents who may have an infestation of
mosquitoes.
Brad Anderson expressed concern with the proposed treatments and
encouraged Council to do their research.
This was an information item only, there was no formal action taken by the City
Council.
B. Cathedral City Gang Unit
Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and
direction only.
Police Chief George Crum stated that one of the goals of the City Council is that
an updated be provided to the City Council on the gang unit. He reported that
the Cathedral City Gang Unit was reinstated and has been in effect for
approximately a month. He announced that Sergeant Corwin de Veas is the
supervisor of this unit, and he will be presenting the information to the City
Council.
Corwin de Veas, Sergeant-Supervisor Cathedral City Police Department Gang
Unit, provided an overview of the purpose of the Gang Unit, the definition of a
criminal street gang, the primary objectives of the gang unit gang unit and
provided the statistics for the month that they have been in effect.
Alan Carvalo thanked the Department for the work they do.
This was an informational item only, there was no formal action taken by the City
Council.
C. Citizens on Patrol Program
Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and
direction only.
Police Chief George Crum introduced Police Sergeant Larry Sanfillippo who
oversees the Citizens on Patrol Program.
Sergeant Larry Sanfillippo provided an overview on the Citizens on Patrol
Program, including the following topics:
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• History
• Membership
• Hours and Duties
• Training
• Achievements
• Future Goals
• Financial Impact
Alan Carvalho spoke in support of volunteers.
This was an information item only; no formal action was taken by the City
Council.
D. Riverside County Animal Control Field and Shelter Services Contract
Recommendation: This item is provided for information, discussion and
direction only.
This item was moved to the Regular City Council Meeting as item 6D.
ADJOURN
Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the June 9, 2021, Study Session Meeting at 5:27 PM.
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CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, June 9, 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
Councilmember Nancy Ross 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 Tern Remote
Mark Carnevale Councilmember Remote
Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote
Nancy Ross Councilmember Remote
• AGENDA FINALIZATION
Mayor Raymond Gregory announced that Study Session item 3D. Riverside County
Animal Control Field and Shelter Services Contract was not heard during the Study
Session meeting. This item will be heard as item 6C on the Regular City Council
Meeting Agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
Brad Anderson expressed his concern with access to public meetings and
suggested ways to improve access. He also commented on the Mosquito Vector
Control District and the planned treatment areas in Cathedral City.
Mark Durkton expressed his concern with the Conditional Use Permit process he
and his employer have experienced with the City.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Nancy Ross expressed her love for children and her desire to do
everything she can to promote children's programs. She indicated that she met with
the two baseball teams and an adult team to see what can be done to make the
fields in Cathedral City official. She also indicated that she met with a children's
boxing coach who is looking for a new facility. She stated that she has asked the
City's Economic Development Director to assist them. She reported that she
reached out to both high schools to find out what programs they may be offering in
the upcoming school year and offered her assistance. She stated that she will be
reaching out to the other schools in the coming weeks. She indicated that when she
thinks of extracurricular activities, art always comes to her mind, however, there are
several activities that help form well rounded children and encouraged those
interested in collaborating with her to come up with activities to contact her. She
reported that she met with the Valley Builders Association and was introduced to
many individuals. She also reported that she met with two of the cannabis
businesses in town to discuss some of the issues they are having. She stated that
she looks forward to working with all the businesses in town and feels that
collaboration is effective. She announced that she gave $1,000 of her discretionary
money to the Boys and Girls Club and $1,000 to the Cathedral City Senior Center
and will be meeting with both directors next week. She reported that she sent a
letter to State Senator Nancy Skinner and Assemblymen Phil Tang regarding
funding for the Salton Sea restoration. She expressed her frustration and concern
with the restoration of the sea not moving forward and promised to stay active on
this issue. She reported that she participated with Councilmember Rita Lamb in the
Emergency Preparedness event at the amphitheater and thanked all the local
businesses that donated money and items. She reminded everyone that Cathedral
City does not allow the sale or discharge of fireworks in the city. She stated that the
fireworks that are being heard are illegal and encouraged residents to find other
ways to celebrate our nations birthday. She announced that she recently was able
to visit her children in Oregon, which she had not been able to do in 18 months. She
stated that the pandemic has prevented many people from visiting family and friends
and stressed the importance of visiting family and friends now that we are able to.
Councilmember Rita Lamb thanked everyone for protecting each other in the
community as we work through the pandemic. She feels that the health of our
community is directly proportionate to the wealth of our community and anything we
can do is important. She reported that she represented the City at the Memorial Day
Remembrance at Desert Memorial Park, which was a beautiful ceremony. She
stated that it was the 20th Anniversary of the LGBTQ Memorial and expressed a
special remembrance to all Veterans. She indicated that she is a member of the
Noon Rotary. She reported that the new president discussed at their recent meeting
their service commitments for 2021/2022, their top commitment being a leadership
camp for Cathedral City High School. She thanked Councilmember Nancy Ross for
her help with the Emergency Preparedness Make and Take event at the
amphitheater. She thanked Fire Chief John Muhr and all those who made the event
possible. Chief Muhr introduced her to the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness
Network who was on-site to help as well as Parks and Community Events
Commissioners Chip Yarborough and Gary Marshall. She reported that Patricia
"Corky" Larson passed away and indicated what a great impact she had in the area.
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The Larson Justice Center in Indio is named after her. She stated that she
represents the City on the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission and will be
meeting with them on Thursday. She announced that the Senior Center will be
holding an open house on June 10, 2021. She reported that Desert Health Oasis
will be offering free health screening and COVID vaccinations and encouraged
everyone to take advantage of their services. She reported that she and Mayor
Gregory will be hosting a Virtual City Hall at Your Corner on June 14, 2021, at 10:00
a.m. She commended the Public Arts Commission for the work that they are doing.
She reminded everyone that the City's slogan is "Cathedral City, where art lives".
She reported that performing arts is alive and well and shared a few of her personal
experiences that she recently had. She also reminded everyone of the upcoming
Perez Road Art Walk.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported that he met with Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto
Gutierrez, Police Chief George Crum and City Manager Charles McClendon to
discuss commercial vehicle parking issues, where progress is being made. He
reported that he attended the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board
Meeting where he was appointed to their Ad-hoc Property Committee. He met with
Alex Gonzales to discuss the Lions football team. He reported that they held a
wonderful event at Nicolino's for Veteran's for Peace and the LGBTQ Memorial
anniversary. He stated that this year they had five Holocaust Survivors speak, which
was an incredible experience. He feels that it was a very special day. He
announced that the bench project is underway, and they are all very excited about it.
He suggested having a Council judging contest on the bench project once they are
all complete. He received phone calls from potential new businesses, which he put
in contact with Stone James, Economic Development Director. He announced that
Father's Day is coming up and wished everyone a Happy Father's Day and
encouraged those who still have living fathers to give them a hug and send them
some love.
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez announced that he is looking forward to the June
23, 2021, Council Meeting, which will be held in the Council Chambers in person.
He hopes everyone had a safe Memorial Day Weekend. He reported that he met
with the National Association of Elected Latinos where they discussed City budgets,
which he felt was important. He reported that he was glad to participate in a
Memorial Day fundraising golf tournament, which was hosted by the Riverside
County Attorney's Office. He reported that, as mentioned earlier, he met with
Councilmember Mark Carnevale, Police Chief George Crum and City Manager
Charles McClendon to discuss code enforcement. It is his hope to continue with
these meetings to help beautify the City. He also reported that he attended his bi-
weekly meeting with the City Manager and the Police Chief. He reminded residents
that Southern California Edison has programs, for those who quality, who need
assistance with their electric bill. He wished everyone a Happy Father's Day.
Mayor Raymond Gregory thanked Councilmember Carnevale and Councilmember
Lamb for representing Cathedral City at the Memorial Day events. He reported that
he attended a number of meetings including the Coachella Valley Transportation
Committee Meeting where they approved an increase in the TUMF Fee, which
should help with the costs of projects. They also heard an extensive presentation on
the San Gorgonio and Coachella Valley Rail Line Project. They have preliminary
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environmental reports out that are now available for review. He also attended the
Coachella Valley Executive Committee meeting where he was appointed to serve on
the Finance Committee. He reported that CVAG approved their budget, as a lot of
the local agencies are doing the same. He attended the RCTC meeting, where they
too approved their budget. A hot topic was the discussion on the congestion on the
freeways and a number of violent incidents that have taken place. They discussed
what can be done and reminded everyone to be kind and patience. He reminded
everyone of the upcoming virtual City Hall at Your Corner. He reported that the next
regular City Council Meeting will be held in person in the Council Chambers, but
individuals will also be able to participate virtually. He announced that a Special City
Council Meeting will be held on June 16, 2021, to conduct interviews and potentially
appoint Commission/Committee members.
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
M.O. 2021-75
B. Minutes Approval
M.O. 2021-76
1. City Council - Special Meeting - May 19, 2021 2:00 PM
2. City Council - Study Session - May 26, 2021 3:00 PM
3. City Council - Regular Meeting - May 26, 2021 5:30 PM
C. Administrative Amendment to the CDBG FY 2021-2022 Annual Action
Plan.
Recommendation: To approve an Administrative Amendment to City's FY 2021-
2022 Annual Action Plan to 1) correct a discrepancy in the
City's entitlement apportionment; and, 2) allocate the
additional increase in the apportionment to supplement the
public improvements described in this Action Plan for
submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD).
M.O. 2021-77
D. Assessment of Special Assessments Against Properties for Nuisance
Abatement Costs Incurred During Fiscal Year 2020-2021
Recommendation: To adopt a Resolution confirming and imposing special
assessments against certain properties for recovery of
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nuisance abatement costs and providing for collection.
Reso 2021-14
E. Adopted Fiscal Year (FY) 2021/2022 and FY 2022/2023 Biennial Budget
and Resolutions
Recommendation: To adopt the FY 2021/2022 and FY 2022/2023 Biennial
Budget
Reso 2021-15
Reso PFA 2021-01
Reso 2021-16
Reso HAS 2021-01
Reso SA 2021-01
F. Approval of Grant Expenditures SLESA FY 19/20
Recommendation: To approve the Expenditure Plan Appropriating
Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA)
for FY 2019-2020 allocation
Councilmember Nancy Ross indicated that she had some concerns with the
information that the FLOCK cameras would be able to obtain, however, she was
reassured that it is not as evasive as she initially believed.
M.O. 2021-78
4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. ANNUAL RENEWAL OF THE LIGHTING & LANDSCAPING DISTRICT
BUDGET
Recommendation: To hold a public hearing, adopt resolutions approving the
final engineer's report, and order the levy and collection of
annual assessments for the sixteen (16) existing benefit
zones for the annual renewal of the Lighting and
Landscaping District Budget for FY 2021/2022.
Tami Scott, Administrative Services Director, presented an overview on the
Annual Renewal of the Lighting and Landscape District Budget.
Mayor Raymond Gregory opened the Public Hearing for public comment, there
being none, he closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City
Council.
Councilmember Rita Lamb requested further information on the La Pasada area.
Tami Scott, Administrative Services Director, provided further clarification.
Reso 2021-17
Reso 2021-18
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A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Gutierrez to adopt resolutions approving the final engineer's report, and order the
levy and collection of annual assessments for the sixteen (16) existing benefit
zones for the annual renewal of the Lighting and Landscaping District Budget for
FY 2021/2022.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross
6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Contract for Services - Diaz Enterprises
Recommendation: To approve a Contract for Services with Diaz Enterprises for
Marketing and Musical Consulting for the 2022 Tejano Music
Festival.
Alan Carvalho supports this item.
M.O. 2021-79
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by
Councilmember Lamb to approve a Contract for Services with Diaz Enterprises
for Marketing and Musical Consulting for the 2022 Tejano Music Festival.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross
B. On-Call Engineering Services - State & Federal Projects Contract Award
Recommendation: To award a two (2) year On Call Service Contracts to NAI
Consulting, Inc. and KOA Corporation for Engineering and
Public Works Support Services for State and Federally
Funded Projects.
M.O. 2021-80
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by
Councilmember Lamb to award a two (2) year On Call Service Contracts to NAI
Consulting, Inc. and KOA Corporation for Engineering and Public Works Support
Services for State and Federally Funded Projects.
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RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross
C. On-Call Engineering Services - City Projects Contract Award
Recommendation: To award a two (2) year On Call Service Contract to NAI
Consulting, Inc. and Interwest Consulting Group for
Engineering Support Services for City Engineering and
Public Works Departments Projects and authorize the City
Manager to execute the contract documents.
M.O. 2021-80
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Gutierrez and seconded by
Councilmember Carnevale to award a two (2) year On Call Service Contract to
NAI Consulting, Inc. and lnterwest Consulting Group for Engineering Support
Services for City Engineering and Public Works Departments Projects and
authorize the City Manager to execute the contract documents.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross
D. Study Session Item 3D. Animal Control Field and Shelter Services Contract
This item was held over from the Study Session Meeting of June 9, 2021.
Dane Dickson, Cathedral City Police Commander, presented the Riverside County
Animal Control Field and Shelter Services Contact. He provided the following two
options for consideration:
Full-time ACO at $299,127.00 estimated total cost per year (using current rates) 2-
year contract with the County proposed rate increases included $610,053.00
Part-time ACO at $142,807.00 estimated total cost per year (using current rates) 2-
year contact with the County proposed rate increases included $377,062.00
After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to bring back for
consideration a two-year contract for a part-time animal control officer with the ability
to re-evaluate their provided services in a year and to include a list of expectations
as part of the contract for accountability.
E. Resolution Establishing a Policy for the Use of Council Discretionary
Funds
Recommendation: To approve a resolution establishing a policy to govern the
use of Council discretionary funds.
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Reso 2021-19
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by
Councilmember Lamb to approve a resolution establishing a policy to govern the
use of Council discretionary funds.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross
F. Discussion - California Cities for Local Control
Recommendation: Discuss information, provide direction and consider adopting
the draft Resolution.
Alan Carvalho expressed satisfaction with the process the Council is taking with
this item.
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor
Gregory to not support the draft Resolution requested by California Cities for
Local Control related to zoning and housing issues.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor
AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross
G. 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 stated that the numbers in Cathedral City
continue to improve, the numbers have never been this good. He expressed his
gratitude to the community for taking everything seriously and for doing what they
were asked to do over the past several months. He indicated that staff continues
to sort out and monitor CaIOSHA guidelines, which as an employer we are
required to follow. He stated that once we have clear guidance, we will know
what will need to be required. He indicated that the June 23, 2021, City Council
Meeting will be a hybrid meeting so that those who wish to participate virtually
can do so. He also indicated that measures have been put in place to help
protect staff and the general public for the anticipation of open City Council
Meetings.
Eric Vail, City Attorney, stated that after June 15th staff will know more about
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what the guidelines will be. He believes that the way it looks now, there will be
one set of guidelines that applies to employees and one set of guidelines that
applies to the general public.
Terry Applegate applauded staff for their efforts for allowing public comments
though the pandemic. She expressed her concern with the number of vaccinated
individuals in the County.
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURN
Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting of June 9, 2021,
at 8:15 p.m.
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