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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2021-08-11 411 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, August 11, 2021 3:30 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 Pursuant to executive order N-35-20 AND N-08-28, this meeting was conducted by videoconference and in person. • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 3:30 PM by Mayor Raymond Gregory. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Raymond Gregory Mayor Present 3:30 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Mayor Pro Tern Present 3:30 PM Mark Carnevale Councilmember Present 3:30 PM Rita Lamb Councilmember Present 3:30 PM Nancy Ross Councilmember Present 3:30 PM • AGENDA FINALIZATION 1. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no members of the public that wished to speak. 2. STUDY SESSION A. 2021 Firework Enforcement and Response Activity Recommendation: Information and Discussion Only Fire Chief John Muhr and Police Chief George Crum provided an overview of the 2021 Firework Enforcement and Response Activity. B. Commission and Committee Functions Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. City Manager Charles McClendon provided an overview of the Commission and Committee Functions. The City Council provided the following input to the current code for staff to review and bring back for consideration: All Commissions and Committees CCMC 2.06.010 General rules regarding appointments, terms and vacancies • Section B- If absent from three consecutive regular meetings or from twenty five percent of the duly scheduled meetings of the board or commission within one fiscal year, the matter will be brought before the City Council for consideration. Parks and Community Events Commission CCMC 2.18.030 Meetings- rules of procedures • Mirror language of all other Commissions CCMC 2.18.040 FunctionsPowers and duties • Section E- revise to have the commission submit annual priorities requests to the City Council for review prior to December 1st of each year. • Section D- Remove Public Arts Commission CCMC 2.19.040 Functions, powers and duties • Section B- revise to have the commission submit annual priorities requests to the City Council for review prior to December 1St of each year • Section E- Remove "organization" and include language to have the Commission recommend grants and other financial support programs that might be applicable • Section G- combine with section B and include December 1st as the required date of submission Architectural Review Committee CCMC 2.30.040 Functions, powers, and duties • Section A- include Site Plan Review/Analysis, Lighting (Aesthetics and Safety), Master Sign Program, Walls and Fences, Bus Shelters, and Signs (Maybe forwarded by staff) It was the consensus of the City Council to review the Historical Preservation Committee at a future meeting. ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Study Session Meeting of August 11, 2021 at 4:52 pm. Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 8/19/2021 , 'ill tIJ0fifrI May• , City City Clerk, ,ity of Cathedral City Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 8/19/2021 44 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, August 11, 2021 5:30 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 Pursuant to executive order N-35-20 AND N-08-28, this meeting was conducted by videoconference and in person. • 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 Nancy Ross offered the Moment of Reflection. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Raymond Gregory Mayor Present 5:30 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Mayor Pro Tern Present 5:30 PM Mark Carnevale Councilmember Present 5:30 PM Rita Lamb Councilmember Present 5:30 PM Nancy Ross Councilmember Present 5:30 PM • AGENDA FINALIZATION 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Danny Lee expressed concern for the public not having access to a video recording of Special City Council meetings and suggested the City consider changing that policy. Mark Durkton stated that he represents the applicant for CUP 19-019 and expressed his concern with the application process. Rich Eaton, Vault Dispensary, requested that the City consider giving dispensary businesses a 3-month break on cannabis tax. 2. COUNCIL ACTION A. Fire Department Acquisition of Donated Water Tender Recommendation: To approve a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a 1999 International Water Tender to be donated by the City of Palm Springs Fire Department and expressing appreciation to the City of Palm Springs. The City Council thanked the City of Palm Springs for the donation of the water tender and expressed their sincere gratitude. Reso 2021-25 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a 1999 International Water Tender to be donated by the City of Palm Springs Fire Department and expressing appreciation to the City of Palm Springs. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross 3. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Nancy Ross reported that she met with Bill Noble from the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the recent contract with the City. She reported that she also met with Deanna Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation and Public Works Manager, and Karen Riley from the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery to discuss ways to implement children's programs in the City. She stated that she has done some work with the Commissions on items coming before the Council. She reported on the Special City Council Workshop meeting where they discussed the rotation of the Mayor. She reported that she met with 12 business owners in District 2, letting them know the City is a partner in their success. She stated that she is working on her social media presence since so many people receive news and information that way. She has also started "Notes with Nancy" an informational newsletter that will be provided to the gated communities within her district beginning in October. She reported that she continues work on a new street sweeping program and the next step will be community meetings once COVID-19 numbers decline. She reported that she recently hosted a dinner for her vaccinated neighbors which reminded her how important friends are. She announced the upcoming Dinner with Patsi fundraiser at Tortillas, which will benefit the Senior Center, and she hopes to see everyone there. Councilmember Rita Lamb reported that she participated in a field trip to see Shumway Ranch and the Whitewater Preserve, and how honored she is to be part of a community that preserves natural wildlife. She gave a shout out to Engineering Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 8/18/2021 and Public Works Manager John Corella for refurbishing a basketball court and net located in the Cove. She also discussed the need for pickle ball courts in the City. She reminded everyone about the upcoming dates and locations for the 9 Cities Challenge and encouraged everyone to participate. She announced that Jessica Whiteman, former Principal at Cathedral City Elementary School, has moved on to become the Director of Elementary Curriculum and she looks forward to meeting the new Principal Brenda Santana. She announced that Corona Virus Story Time has now been named Cathedral City Story Time. She reported that the Noon Rotary has begun meeting via Zoom again. She also reported that she has signed up for the Evening Rotary's Mayor's Golf Tournament. She reported that the Senior Center has many programs available, and they are doing a great job. She reported that she will be attending the next 40th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee meeting. She summarized an article from the Desert Sun which reported on the Cathedral City High School Lions and their returning players this year. Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported that he will be attending the Coachella Valley Animal Campus meeting and the CVAG Homeless Committee meeting. He announced that the League of California Cities will be hosting a Mayor's roundtable meeting to discuss homelessness and funding. He reported that he spoke to few constituents regarding short-term vacation rentals and COVID-19 concerns. He thanked Police Chief Crum for expressing his concerns with the School Board's decision to withdraw Resource Officers from their campuses. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez reported that he recently recovered from a minor medical procedure and has a clean bill of health. He reported that he participated in the panel interview process for the top candidates to fill the new Assistant City Manager position, and he is confident that the position will be filled by a well- qualified candidate. He reported on the Special City Council Workshop meeting. He also reported that he attended his regular meetings with City Manager, Charles McClendon, to discuss the upcoming agenda and Police Chief Crum for an update. He reported that he had many interactions with residents via email, telephone, and in-person. He also reported that he drove around the City and he is looking forward to hiring new code enforcement officers. He announced that low-income residents can get help with the cost of their energy bills by taking advantage of the Southern California Edison's CARE program by calling 800-798-5723. He thanked Police Chief Crum for expressing his concerns with the School Board's decision to withdraw Resource Officers from their campuses. Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the Special City Council Workshop meeting where they discussed the Mayor rotation and how to place items on future agendas. He spoke with many residents regarding COVID-19 concerns as well as questions related to the parks. He thanked Police Chief Crum for expressing his concerns with the School Board's decision to withdraw Resource Officers from their campuses which is he feels was an action that was not well thought out. He reported that the next Special City Council Workshop meeting will be conducted via Zoom on August 18, 2021. 4. CONSENT AGENDA Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 8/18/2021 A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve the following Consent Agenda items: RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2021-109 B. Minutes Approval M.O. 2021-110 1. City Council - Study Session - Jul 28, 2021 3:00 PM 2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Jul 28, 2021 5:30 PM 5. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Interview Applicants for the Palm Springs International Airport Commission Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council interview the applicants that have submitted applications for possible appointment to fill one vacant seat on the Palm Springs International Airport Commission with a term expiring on June 30, 2024. The City Council conducted interviews to fill a vacant seat on the Palm Springs International Airport Commission with a term expiring on June 30, 2024. The following individuals were interviewed for consideration: Greg Gregorian Jill Philbrook Christian Samlaska M.O. 2021-111 A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to re-appoint Jill Philbrook to serve on the Palm Springs International Airport Commission with a term continuing through June 30, 2024. Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 8/18/2021 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross The City Council recessed at 6:55 pm. The City Council reconvened at 7:00 pm. B. Hall of Flowers Trade Show Special Use Permit December 2021 Recommendation: To approve Special Use Permit#21- with the attached conditions of approval. M.O. 2021-112 A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve the special use permit for the Hall of Flowers Trade Show on December 8, 2021, and striking condition number 19 from the conditions of approval. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross C. 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. Alan Carvalho stated that we are all suffering with COV1D and mask fatigue, but public safety is priority and hopes they make the best decision. He commended the City Manager for his recommendations. He expressed his concern with Councilmembers not answering questions and feels the public has a right to know how the Council feels about the issues. He encouraged the Council to keep public safety in focus. Danny Lee feels that the City of Palm Springs has moved in the right direction to protect their city and residents and feels Cathedral City needs to do more. He feels it would be helpful if changes can be coordinated with Cathedral City and Palm Springs. He suggested Cathedral City follow the direction of Palm Springs. Bob Ohda stated that everyone is on alert by the increase in numbers and the Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 8/18/2021 increase of community transmission. He expressed the same concern as Danny Lee. He stated that many residents don't feel safe here in the City and are now going into Palm Springs. He encouraged the Council to take the same actions as the City of Palm Springs. He feels that social distancing should be included as well. He would also like the City to require bars and restaurants to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter, and the same requirements for large events. He thanked the Council for their efforts. Denise Cross expressed her appreciation for the Council and everything they are doing. She would like to see the same requirements in Cathedral City as the City of Palm Springs. Confirmed palms springs restaurants requirements, would like to see the same in our City. The virus is spreading too fast, and she is worried about the unvaccinated. She thanked the City Manager for all that he does to stay informed. Councilmember Rita Lamb referred to a Desert Sun article on those who are unvaccinated. She feels Council wants our City to be safe and thrive. We need to do what we need to do to ensure our Community is safe and help stop the spread. She stated that there have been many discussions about this over the last year and half. She feels that if tourist don't feel safe coming here, we are going to suffer. Councilmember Nancy Ross does not feel that people should be forced to take a vaccine, however, she feels we can require testing for City staff. There are thousands of children who are not eligible to take the vaccine and it is the responsibility of adults and leaders to keep residents safe. COVID potentially puts people in danger, and she would like to do everything in her power to protect everyone. Councilmember Mark Carnevale feels this situation is tough, acting too soon or too late can have its consequences. He feels the most important thing is to protect staff, residents, and visitors. He feels the City must act and it's just a matter of when. He feels we need to have a plan to move forward. He suggested taking the next week or two to come up with a plan. He feels we need to be aggressive and considerate but is unsure what that will look like. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez agrees that we need to protect our staff and residents. He echoed Councilmember Ross'opinion that we cannot force anyone to take a vaccine. He feels once one the vaccine is approved by the FDA the City can make different decisions. He feels that testing can be problematic and not reliable. He feels we should take our time and feels that the actions the City Manager has already taken are proper at this time. Mayor Raymond Gregory feels that it is bad enough now to act. He supports the City Manager's actions so far and supports a city-wide mask mandate as before. The City should set a good example and go back to virtual meetings and close City Hall. He also feels we shouldn't force vaccinations, however, we should require proof of vaccination or a negative test in bars and restaurants and consider for City Employees. Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 8/18/2021 Councilmember Rita Lamb agrees with what has been said. She expressed her concern with the possibility of non-vaccinated individuals walking into an eating establishment and infecting those around them. There are many children at risk who cannot be vaccinated and are dependent on adults using good judgment. She talked about her experience with a childhood friend who got polio and how the vaccine made a huge difference. Her husband has lost two family members to COVID-19 and feels we need to do more to protect our community. Councilmember Ross feels that city staff should be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. She indicated that she supports a city- wide mask mandate. She feels everyone is nervous. She stated that she would gladly go out to dinner all time if she feels safe. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez stated that our population is young, and many families will not be able to go out to eat if their children are not eligible to be vaccinated. M.O. 2021-13 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to ratify Emergency Order No. 4 ordering the following: Requiring face coverings in public indoor settings owned or controlled by the City of Cathedral City. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross M.O. 2021-14 A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to add an item to the agenda to consider a City-wide mask mandate. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross Alan Carvalho supports a city-wide mask mandate. Denise Cross supports the City Council. M.O. 2021-15 A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 8/18/2021 adopt Emergency Order No. 5 that mirrors the City of Palm Springs'Local Emergency Supplementary Order, ordering face coverings in all business and indoor settings open to the public with the following amendments: • Include language that excludes wearing a mask for persons who are receiving or engaging in activities for which removal of the face mask covering while that person is receiving such services is essential. • Include language that specifies masks are required for outdoor public gatherings where social distancing cannot be maintained. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross M.O. 2021-116 A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to add an item to the agenda to consider proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID-19 test for bars and restaurants. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross Danny Lee feels that if someone infected with COVID-19 walks into a restaurant they could potentially harm others and supports requiring proof of vaccination for bars and restaurants. Alan Carvalho concurs with Danny Lee. Denise Cross believes that we are all spreaders whether vaccinated or not. She feels the City should continue to push vaccinations and protect those who cannot get vaccinated. She expressed her appreciation for the regulations California has put in place during this pandemic. Cheering the Council on in their efforts. Bob Ohda expressed support for the proposed item. Mayor Pro Tem Emesto Gutierrez expressed his concern with the accuracey of the numbers of COVID-19 deaths and feels we should not mandate vaccinations. He expressed his concerns with children not being able to attend restaurants if they are not able to get vaccinated. He also expressed his concern with how policing this issue will be handled and feels a mask mandate is sufficient. Councilmember Rita Lamb provided examples of other organizations that are requiring proof of vaccination to keep people safe. Cathedral City Page 8 Printed on 8/18/2021 M.O. 2021-117 A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to direct staff to prepare an order requiring all persons entering a bar or restaurant to show proof of vaccination ora negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours effective 3 weeks from August 11, 2021, with the following exceptions: • Children under the age of 12 • Persons having certain medical conditions or other generally recognized exceptions RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 1] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Raymond Gregory, Mark Carnevale, Rita Lamb, Nancy Ross NAYS: Ernesto Gutierrez M.O. 2021-118 A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to add an item to the agenda to consider requiring proof of vaccination or weekly negative COVID-19 testing for city staff. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross Denise Cross is supportive of requiring proof of vaccination or weekly negative COVID-19 testing for city staff. Alan Carvalho stated that it shows true character to do the right thing. He thanked the City Council for taking the City's health into consideration. Danny Lee echoes the previous comments and supports moving this forward to stay consistent. M.O. 2021-119 A motion was made by Mayor Gregory and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to direct staff to take the necessary steps to bring back an order requiring proof of vaccination or weekly negative COVID-19 testing for all city employees. Cathedral City Page 9 Printed on 8/18/2021 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Mayor SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross 8. CLOSED SESSION 9. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS It was the consensus of the City Council to add an item to the September 8, 2021 agenda to discuss the request from Richard Eaton regarding some type of relief related to cannabis tax. ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Regular Meeting of August 11, 2021 at 9:17 pm. 41,1N1A-L,LS Ma •a City of/Cat .-,��r:1 City City Clerk,(ityothedral City •l Cathedral City Page 10 Printed on 8/18/2021