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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2021-08-25 ittCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, August 25, 2021 3:00 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. • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 3:05 PM by Mayor Raymond Gregory. • 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 There were no members of the public that wished to speak. 2. STUDY SESSION A. City User and Regulatory Fees Update: Full- and Less-than-Full Cost Recovery Analysis Recommendation: This item provides additional detail as requested by City Council during the July 28, 2021 study session on the findings and recommendations from the recently completed user fee study. Upon incorporating any final City Council feedback, staff recommends the City Council hold a subsequent Public Hearing, whereby the City Council can determine whether to adopt the schedule of user and regulatory fees. Terry Madsen, Clearsource Principal Consultant, provided an overview of the 2021 User and Regulatory Fee Study with a cost recovery analysis and options for Council consideration. Gretchen Gutierrez, CEO Desert Valley Builders Association, would like the Council to consider a phase-in approach with annual adjustments. She provided information on general maintenance fees collected by some of the other cities in Coachella Valley. City Manager stated that based on Council's direction this item will be brought back to the September 8, 2021 meeting with the following for consideration: • All proposed fees at 100% cost recovery will remain • Engineering fees to increase to 85% cost recovery immediately with a two- year phase-in plan to bring them up to 100% by year two • All small public facing fees as described by City Manager McClendon will remain the same • Police alarm fees will remain the same and conduct a behavior-based study for later review by the City Council • Implement Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments annually • Business License fees will increase to 100% cost recovery immediately B. Presentation on the Mills Act and Historic Preservation in Cathedral City Recommendation: This is a presentation only, no formal action is required. Leila Moshref-Danesh Deputy City Attorney provided an overview of the Mills Act and Historic Preservation in Cathedral City. John Rivera stated that he drafted an ordinance for Historic Preservation. He provided an overview of the process of writing the Ordinance and the 4 levels of preservation contained within it. He supports the Mills Act, however, he feels there needs to be public education before any commitment. Simeon Den announced that the Agnes Pelton exhibit is at the Palm Springs Museum and encouraged attendance. He also thanked the Council for all their efforts to protect the community. Denise Cross stated that she was on the Historic Preservation Task Force and supports the ordinance that was referenced by John Rivera. 3. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURN Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 9/02/2021 Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Study Session Meeting of August 25, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. till 1(-17741' �MaYityof drat City City Clerl&CitYof Cathedral Ci Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 9/02/2021 ittCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, August 25, 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. • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Raymond Gregory. • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tern Ernesto Gutierrez led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION) Councilmember Mark Carnevale offered a moment of reflection. • 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. SPECIAL PRESENTATION/COUNCIL ACTION A. Consider Approval to Pre-Fund a portion of our OPEB obligation Recommendation: To approve a Prefunding Agreement and election to pre- fund Other Post-Employment Benefits ("OPEB") through the California Employers' Retiree Benefit Trust ("CERBT") fund administered through the California Public Employees' Retirement System ("CaIPERS"); authorize the City Manager (or designee) to execute all documents to fund and maintain participation in the trust; and authorize staff to file the necessary forms with CaIPERS and to make an initial investment of$9.5 million dollars. Karen Lookingbill, Customer Outreach and Support Manager or CaIPERS Prefunding Programs, provided a presentation on the California Employer's Retiree Benefit Trust (CERBT) program. Tami Scott, Director of Administrative Services, provided an overview of how the program works, the benefits, and how it can improve the City's OPEB liability. M.O. 2021-120 A motion was made by Councilmember Ross and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve a Prefunding Agreement and election to pre-fund Other Post- Employment Benefits ("OPEB") through the California Employers' Retiree Benefit Trust ("CERBT') fund administered through the California Public Employees' Retirement System ("CaIPERS"); authorize the City Manager (or designee) to execute all documents to fund and maintain participation in the trust; and authorize staff to file the necessary forms with CaIPERS and to make an initial investment of$9.5 million dollars. RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 1] MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez, Rita Lamb, Nancy Ross NAYS: Mark Carnevale 2. PUBLIC COMMENT Danny Lee expressed his appreciation for the presentation and action to Pre-Fund a portion of our OPEB obligation. 3. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Nancy Ross stated that meeting via Zoom is worth it if it protects individuals from COVID-19. She stated that she is looking forward to a visit from her daughter this upcoming weekend. She reported that she is working with the Museum of Ancient Wonders on a new City event, and she will keep everyone posted. She reported that she has been working on children's programs in the City and has had much discussion with staff, residents, businesses, and organizations during the process. She reported that the last Dinner with Patsi fundraiser was held at Tortillas Restaurant which raised $1500 for the Senior Center. She encouraged everyone to support Patsi's efforts. Councilmember Rita Lamb reported that August 26, 2021 is the last day to participate in the 9 Cities Challenge blood drive and encouraged participation. She reported on the 40th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee meeting. She stated that the theme of the event will be "there's no place like home". She announced that the Cathedral City High School football team will be playing at home Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 9/02/2021 against Hemet on Friday August 27, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. and encouraged everyone to go out and support the team. She also referenced an article from the Desert Sun related to the Cathedral City High School football team. She welcomed newly appointed Assistant City Manager Katherine Fuentes. She announced that the AMVETS Peace Awards will be held on September 21, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. She reported that she is working with Public Arts Commissioners Piper Scott and DeeAnn Hopings on a field trip to encourage civic engagement for elementary students which will be schedule in the future. She also reported on the last Corona Virus Storytime which has been renamed to Cathedral City Storytime. She thanked the Fire Department for their efforts related to the fires burning in California and she is praying for everyone. Councilmember Mark Carnevale thanked Councilmember Lamb for her support of the Cathedral City High School football team and stated that he is a big fan of the Cathedral City High School band. He reported that he attended the Coachella Valley Animal Campus Board meeting. He also reported that he spoke with Stone James, Economic Development Director, to help get more masks and hand sanitizer to local business who were very grateful for the supplies. He reported that he has been very busy meeting with businesses, developers, and constituents. He thanked all those residents that reached out to him regarding the recent emergency orders and action taken by the City Council at the last meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the recent Special City Council Workshop Meeting. He reported that he attended the Dinner with Patsi fundraiser held at Tortilla's Restaurant and thanked Tommy Kocan and Patsi for being great citizens to the City. He reported that he had the opportunity to have meetings with many residents, business owners, City Manager Charles McClendon, and Administrative Services Director Tami Scott. He also reported that he is working with some residents to beautify District 4. He reported that he drove around the City to find ways he could help improve the City. He also reported that he attended the Parks and Community Events Commission meeting to do his introduction. Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the recent Special City Council Workshop meeting where billboards were discussed. He reported that he attended the Riverside County Transportation Budget and Implementation Committee meeting. He also reported that he met with representatives from the Inland Empire Office of the Governor, where he discussed the desire for grant funding for the Dream Homes park. He announced the upcoming Special City Council Workshop meeting on September 1, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. He thanked Police Chief Crum and his staff for their efforts related to PSUSD School Resource Officers. He also thanked the Fire Department for their efforts in assisting with the fires burning in California. He also welcomed newly appointed Assistant City Manager Katherine Fuentes. 4. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve the following Consent Agenda items: Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 9/02/2021 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. 2021-121 B. Minutes Approval M.O. 2021-122 1. City Council - Study Session -Aug 11, 2021 3:30 PM 2. City Council - Regular Meeting -Aug 11, 2021 5:30 PM C. Receive and file Payment of Claims and Demands for July 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$17,935,629 for the month of July 2021. M.O. 2021-123 D. Item Pulled from Consent 5. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT A. Review the Amended Council Policy Manual and approve a Resolution Re-adopting the Amended Policy Manual Recommendation: To review the amended Council Policy Manual and approve a Resolution adopting the Policy as amended. Denise Cross feels that there should be stronger language in regard to Chapter 1.09 Civility Guidelines. She also asked for clarification on whether or not citizens can request an item be agendized. Reso 2021-26 A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to approve the amended Council Policy Manual and approve a Resolution adopting the Policy as amended. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 9/02/2021 7. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Concessionaire Agreement with Kick Back Cinemas Cathedral City, LLC Recommendation: To approve a Concessionaire Agreement with Kick Back Cinemas Cathedral City, LLC to operate the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater's concession stand as a pilot program. Danny Lee supports an agreement to use the concession stands at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. He expressed his concern with this contract not being put out for a formal bidding process. He suggested future items related to parks to be sent to the Parks and Community Events Commission for review. He also suggested allowing agreements at other City facilities that have concession stands. A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve a Concessionaire Agreement with Kick Back Cinemas Cathedral City, LLC to operate the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater's concession stand as a pilot program. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross The City Council recessed at 7:13 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 7:23 p.m. B. Code Compliance Program Update Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. Sandra Molina, Code Compliance Manager provided an update on the Code Compliance Program. Danny Lee expressed his concern with the accessibility of the new GoRequest App and made some suggestions to improve it. He stated that he feels that the City does not want to act like a HOA and become an enemy of the residents. He also feels that the Citizens on Patrol program should be used to assist Code Enforcement. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez expressed his concern with the GoRequest App not working properly. He suggested hiring a hearing judge to save time with the appeal process. He inquired about the day-to-day activities of Code Enforcement Officers. He also inquired if Code Enforcement has a list of things they feel should be updated in the municipal code and feels code compliance at income residential properties should be priority. Sandra Molina provided a brief overview of the day-to-day activities of the Code Enforcement Officers. She discussed some of the things they feel need to be Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 9/022021 updated in the municipal code and would like to brief the City Council at a later date to elaborate. Councilmember Nancy Ross feels that life safety issues should be the primary focus of code compliance. She requested clarification on Code Enforcement's ability to enter properties, code enforcement related to cannabis, and the timeline for hiring new staff. Sandra Molina provided clarification as well as the timeline for hiring new staff. Mayor Raymond Gregory questioned how the initial residential pilot survey areas were determined. He expressed his concern with the City acting like a HOA. Sandra Molina provided a brief overview of how the survey areas were determined. Councilmember Rita Lamb questioned if there is a mechanism in place to identify and help those in certain circumstances, who could benefit from volunteer help. Sandra Molina responded that this is an area they want to look at to see how assistance can be provided under those circumstances, where they are willing to comply but may not have the resources or ability. Mayor Raymond Gregory feels that the Council generally likes the direction staff is going and the comments from Council should help go through the process. He would like Sandra Molina to update the Council on the progress once there is more to report. 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. City Manager Charles McClendon provided an update on emergency actions related to COVID-19. He reported on Emergency Order No. 5 and No. 6, which were issued, and indicated that there is a mix of compliance throughout the City. He feels this will improve as we make contact with businesses and get the word out. He reported that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases are not rising as quickly as they were two weeks ago and have begun to level out. He stated that in the past we have seen leveling of cases before a decrease which makes him hopeful. He reported that staff is working with the City Attorney on the framework for the vaccination mandate for City employees in order to meet and confer with the bargaining units. Denise Cross expressed her appreciation for the actions of the Council and the City Manager. Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 9/02/2021 8. CLOSED SESSION 9. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 8:25 p.m. Maya City o a drat City City Clerk,. ity of Cathedral WI Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 9/02/2021