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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2021-09-29 ittCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, September 29, 2021 3:00 PM 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 3:00 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. CLOSED SESSION A. City Attorney Report out on the September 15, 2021 Closed Session Item - Conference with Real Property Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8. Property Location: Approximately 13.5 acres southwest corner of East Palm Canyon Drive and Date Palm Drive Negotiating Parties: City of Cathedral City as the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency and the City Urban Revitalization Corporation Property Owner: City Urban Revitalization Corporation Under Negotiations: Price and Terms for potential sale of real property City Attorney Eric Vail stated that on September 8, 2021 the City Council adjourned to Closed Session. This item is the opportunity for him to report the outcome of that Closed Session. He reported that the City Council met in Closed Session to hold a conference with Real Property Negotiator for approximately 13.5 acres located at the southwest corner of East Palm Canyon Drive and Date Palm Drive. There was no reportable action taken. 3. STUDY SESSION A. School Resource Officer Program Recommendation: Presentation Only Police Chief George Crum provided an overview of the Schoolof Resource Officer (SRO) Program. Charles Siqueiros, SRO Cathedral City High School, provided an overview of his training and procedures while on campus patrol. The City Council collectively thanked Chief Crum and Officer Siqueiros for their hard work and dedication to the students and staff at Cathedral City High School. B. Affordable Housing Development within Cathedral City: Open, Closed, or Locked Doors Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. Stone James, Economic Development Director, provided an overview of Affordable Housing Development within Cathedral City. City Manager Charles McClendon stated that staff and legal counsel will analyze Senate Bill 9 and Senate Bill 10 to evaluate what it means for the City and what is necessary to align with the new laws. Staff will continue to update the City Council on the developments related to affordable housing. C. Update on the Fall 2021 Special Events Recommendation: To present an update to the City Council on the 2021 Fall Special Events. Chris Parman, Communications and Events Manager provided an update on Fall 2021 Special Events. ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Study Session meeting of September 29, 2021 at 4:47 p.m. Ti; M: or, Cit of ra edral City City Clerk, ,ity of Cathedral Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 10/06/2021 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, September 29, 2021 5:30 PM 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 Councilmember Rita Lamb led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION) Mayor Raymond Gregory offered a moment of reflection. • 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 3F. Approval of AB 109 Expenditures was pulled from the agenda. 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Mark Durkton expressed his concern with the trees that border his property and the US Bank property. He wanted to bring the issue to the City's attention and stated that he plans to submit for a tree removal permit to avoid a potential liability. Brad Anderson expressed his concern with public access for participation in the City Council meetings. Marty Vistica expressed her concern with a property near her home that has continuously been an issue with parties and loud noise. She thanked Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez for his assistance. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Ross reported on the unveiling of the 9/11 Memorial at Fire Station 411 and thanked artist Corey Goddard. She reported that she attended the CVAG Energy and Environmental Resources Committee meeting and stated that she and her husband do what they can to help the environment. She reported that she attended a City Hall at Your Corner event. She also reported that there has been significant movement on the property located across from the Casino. She welcomed Katherine Fuentes, the newly hired Assistant City Manager, and expressed her excitement to work with her. She reported that she had meetings with John Corella. Robert Rodriguez, and the IT Department. She announced the upcoming Fun-O-Rama Event at Ocotillo Park and encouraged everyone to attend. Councilmember Rita Lamb reported that she attended the Women's Leadership Round table, hosted by Supervisor Karen Spiegel, and the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Board meeting. She announced the upcoming Boys and Girls Club Meatball Festival, the Noon Rotary's first Hero's Dinner, and the Cathedral City High School Homecoming Parade and football game. She reminded everyone that Giselle Woo will be preforming for the City's 40th Anniversary Celebration. She also reported that she attended the services for Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez, who lost his life during the closing of the war in Afghanistan. She recognized and thanked Tom Hernandez for his awards ceremony honoring International Day of Peace. She reported that she attended the League of California Cities Annual Conference, representing the City, and gave an overview of some of the sessions she attended. She also welcomed new city staff members David Castro, Kenneth Skinner and Joseph Tomayo. She reported that she received many resident concerns related to mail theft and Emergency Orders No.5 and 6. She congratulated Stone James on receiving his Doctorate. Councilmember Mark Carnevale thanked Councilmember Lamb for representing the City at the League of California Cities Annual Conference. He reported that the FPPC recently held an investigation, which is now closed. He apologized for any embarrassment to the City and thanked all those who supported him. He reported that he attended the CVAG Homeless Committee meeting and shared the successful placement of individuals into homes and feels they are doing a great job. He also reported that he attended the CVAG Safety Committee meeting. He announced that he will be attending the Fun-O-Rama event at Ocotillo Park where Public Arts Commissioner Piper Scott will be demonstrating how to paint on metal. He reported that he received many resident concerns related to Emergency Orders No. 5 and 6, and he shared a press release from Supervisor Perez related to an action plan for addressing the demands of vaccines. He announced that he will soon be a great grandfather and expressed his excitement. Mayor Pro Tern Ernesto Gutierrez hopes everyone is enjoying the cooler weather. He looks forward to having in-person meetings soon. He reported that he attended the 9/11 Memorial unveiling at Fire Station 411, the Greater Palm Springs meeting, Parks subcommittee meeting, and a meeting with City Manager McClendon. He received many resident concerns related to Emergency Orders No. 5 and 6, parking, and trash issues. He reminded everyone to attend the Fun-O-Rama event at Ocotillo Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 10/06/2021 Park. Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the Special City Council meeting that was held on September 15, 2021. He also reported that he attended the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce All Valley Mayors and Tribal Leaders Luncheon along with Councilmember Lamb, City Manager McClendon, and Stone James. He reported that he attended the 9/11 Memorial unveiling at Fire Station 411. He announced that he met with the Parks subcommittee and welcomed Chip Yarborough to the subcommittee. He reported that he attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission meeting, and provided an update on their projects, and the Riverside County Transportation Budget and Implementation meeting and provided an update. He also reported that he attended the CVAG Executive Committee meeting, and the SunLine Transit Agency Board meeting. He indicated that bus service has been a struggle with a shortage in staffing, however, they are working to find solutions. He announced the upcoming Fun-O-Rama event at Ocotillo Park and the Battle in the Desert Boxing event. 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. 2021-136 B. Minutes Approval M.O. 2021-137 1. City Council - Special Meeting - Sep 1, 2021 2:00 PM 2. City Council - Special Meeting - Sep 15, 2021 2:00 PM 3. City Council - Study Session - Sep 8, 2021 2:30 PM 4. City Council - Regular Meeting - Sep 8, 2021 5:30 PM C. Receive and file Payment of Claims and Demands for August 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 $ 9,316,605 for the month of August 2021 . M.O. 2021-138 Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 10/06/2021 D. Improvement Agreement (Agreement) for Completion of Improvements for CUP No. 20-018 Commercial HUB Center at Date Palm Dr. and Converse Rd. Recommendation: To approve an Improvement Agreement with AG Cathedral City Owners, LLC, for completion of improvements on Date Palm Drive and Converse Road, for CUP 20-018; and authorize the execution of the Agreement by the Mayor and City Clerk, in a form approved by the City Attorney. M.O. 2021-139 E. School Resource Officer Contract for school year 2021-2022 Recommendation: To authorize an agreement, in the amount not to exceed, $176,000, by and between the City of Cathedral City and Palm Springs Unified School District (District) for the Police Department to provide the District one trained police officer on a full-time basis as a School Resource Officer (SRO). M.O. 2021-140 F. Item Pulled from Consent G. Approval of Grant Expenditure SLESA FY 2020-2021 Recommendation: To approve the Expenditure Plan appropriating Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA) for FY 2020-2021 allocation. M.O. 2021-141 H. 2021-2022 California Office of Traffic Safety STEP Grant Recommendation: To accept the California Office of Traffic Safety Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant in the amount of $50,000. M.O. 2021-142 Adoption of the IS/MND - Date Palm Drive ATP Cycle 5 Project Recommendation: To adopt a Resolution approving the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the ATP Cycle 5 Date Palm Drive Bicycle Lane and Sidewalk Improvements Project. Reso 2021-29 J. Second Reading Mayoral Rotation Ordinance Recommendation: To provide second reading by title only; waive further reading; and adopt an ordinance amending Section 2.04.180 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code relating to the rotational appointment of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. Ord 851 K. Second Reading Ordinance Updating Commission and Committee Functions Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 10/06/2021 Recommendation: To waive reading beyond the title, provide second reading, and adopt an ordinance amending sections of the Municipal Code regarding Boards and Commissions. Ord 852 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Public Art Commission's Utility Box Wrapping Program Recommendation: To authorize the Public Arts Commission to utilize Art in Public Places Funds to wrap five utility boxes located along East Palm Canyon between Date Palm Drive and Cathedral Canyon Drive. The cost of wrapping each box would not exceed $600 per box for a total project cost not to exceed $3,000.00. Danielle Mead supports this program. Denise Cross supports this program. A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to authorize the Public Arts Commission to utilize Art in Public Places Funds to wrap five utility boxes located along East Palm Canyon between Date Palm Drive and Cathedral Canyon Drive. The cost of wrapping each box would not exceed $600 per box for a total project cost not to exceed $3,000.00. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross B. Accept Resignation of Councilmember Mark Carnevale from the Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control Board of Trustees Recommendation: To accept the resignation of Councilmember Mark Carnevale from the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees effective September 15, 2021, and appoint a replacement or direct staff on how to proceed with filling the vacant seat. Councilmember Mark Carnevale provided a brief overview of the role for serving on the Mosquito and Vector Control Board. Brad Anderson supports the City Council appointing a Member of the City Council to serve on the Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees. Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 10/06/2021 A motion was made by Councilmember Ross and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Gutierrez to accept the resignation of Councilmember Mark Carnevale from the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees effective September 15, 2021. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Gutierrez to appoint Councilmember Rita Lamb to fill the unexpired term on the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees with the term expiring December 31, 2022. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross C. CCHS Homecoming Parade & Rally Recommendation: To approve Special Use Permit#21-009 to hold the annual Cathedral City High School Homecoming Parade and Rally in Downtown Cathedral City. Danielle Mead expressed her excitement and requested further details about the events. George Howell, Cathedral City High School Activities Director, provided information on the upcoming Homecoming events. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve Special Use Permit #21-009 to hold the annual Cathedral City High School Homecoming Parade and Rally in Downtown Cathedral City on October 14, 2021. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross The City Council recessed at 6:53 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 7:00 p.m. D. 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 Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 10/06/2021 of Federal Agencies. Council will consider and may act to extend, revise or rescind Emergency Order 5 (facial covering requirement) and Emergency Order 6 (vaccine proof in bars and restaurants). 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 gave a recap on previous actions taken by the City Council. He reported on the average number of new cases which has been declining. He reported that the number of deaths continues to climb. Danielle Mead supports the continuation of Emergency Orders No. 5 and 6. Rozalind Holbrook supports rescinding Emergency Orders No. 5 and 6. Brad Anderson supports rescinding Emergency Orders No. 5 and 6. Denise Cross supports the continuation of Emergency Orders No. 5 and 6. Lynda Anderson supports rescinding Emergency Orders No. 5 and 6. Enoch Ludlow supports rescinding Emergency Orders No. 5 and 6. Enrique Chio expressed his concern about disposable masks littering the City and asked that the City Council consider implementing a program to combat the issue. Andrew Macchia supports rescinding Emergency Orders No. 5 and 6. Audrey Ruttan supports rescinding Emergency Orders No. 5 and 6. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez stated that he believes he does what is the right thing to do for the residents. He feels that the data does not indicate COVID-19 is transmitted in restaurants. He expressed his concern with other types of businesses that do not have the same requirements, including the Casino. He also expressed his concern with businesses losing business to other cities. He feels that Council's actions are taking away freedoms and hurting businesses. Mayor Raymond Gregory inquired on the ability to enforce mask mandates on Tribal Land. City Attorney Eric Vail responded that the City does not have any authority to enforce any mandates on Tribal Land. Councilmember Mark Carnevale feels that everyone has the right to choose. He Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 10/06/2021 also feels that many will be cautious and not go out. He believes the awareness is out there and people should have the choice to wear a mask and get vaccinated. He feels things are changing for the better and supports rescinding Emergency Order No. 6. He indicated that he is undecided about Emergency Order No. 5 at this time. Rita Lamb stated that she has received many y comments from residents on both sides of the issue. She agrees with Councilmember Carnevale that those who want to be cautious will wear a mask. She stated that she is conflicted at this time. Councilmember Nancy Ross stated that she is not conflicted on this issue and the numbers have indicated an increase when protective measures were not in place and then a decrease when protective measures were in place. She is confident that vaccines and masks are the best chance at stopping the transmission of this virus and supports an extension of the orders. Councilmember Lamb provided data that was released in the Desert Sun on the percentage rate of vaccinations in the Coachella Valley. Mayor Raymond Gregory stated that the actions of the City Council were not made lightly, and we should continue to look to the data as we have been. He feels we should celebrate that the numbers are on a decline. He stated that he is prepared to take action on rescinding Emergency Order No. 6. He feels we have not seen enough to move back to no requirements, and we have a moral obligation to keep the mask mandate in place. He stated that if time goes by and we see an incline, we may need to take further action. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to rescind Emergency Order No.6 RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 1] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Raymond Gregory, Ernesto Gutierrez, Mark Carnevale, Nancy Ross NAYS: Rita Lamb A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to extend Emergency Order No. 5 through October 31, 2021. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross City Attorney Eric Vail reported that Assembly Bill 361 was signed into law by Governor Newsom and an Emergency Order was issued making it effective October Cathedral City Page 8 Printed on 10/06/2021 1, 2021. The bill provides an exception to the Brown Act which allows for virtual meetings. Under the provisions outlined in AB 361 the City Council will need to adopt a Resolution outlining their findings every 30 days to continue virtual meetings. He would like to get direction from Council on how they would like to hold their October meetings. He stated that Council can return to in-person meetings beginning October 13, 2021 or they can hold a virtual meeting and consider a Resolution making a determination that as a result of COVID-19, meeting in-person will present imminent risk to the health and safety of attendees, which would allow virtual meetings in October. The Council will need to make these findings every 30 days. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez would like to add this to the next Regular Meeting for further discussion. Councilmember Mark Carnevale supports continuing virtual meetings and to error on the side of caution. He would like to discuss the issue further at the next meeting. Mayor Pro Tern Ernesto Gutierrez concurs with Councilmember Carnevale. Councilmember Rita Lamb concurs with Councilmember Carnevale. Councilmember Nancy Ross concurs with Councilmember Carnevale. City Manager Charles McClendon stated that the Study Session and Regular City Council meetings of October 13, 2021 will be noticed and held virtually. Staff will work with the Legal Counsel to prepare a Resolution for the City Council determining that as a result of COVID-19, meeting in-person will present imminent risk to the health and safety of attendees. 7. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS There were no future agenda items to discuss. 8. CLOSED SESSION ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the September 29, 2021 City Council Meeting at 8:15 p.m. r '11 40 , ,I . M ►r, Cit ort ai edral City City ClerkJOCity of athedral C Cathedral City Page 9 Printed on 10/06/2021