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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2021-10-13 litCITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, October 13, 2021 3:00 PM Pursuant to AB 361 and Cathedral City Resolution No. 2021-30, 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 Tern Remote Mark Carnevale Councilmember Remote Rita Lamb Councilmember Remote Nancy Ross Councilmember Remote • AGENDA FINALIZATION City Attorney Eric Vail announced that item 3B. Initiation of Litigation and Threat of Litigation - One case is deferred to a later date. 1. COUNCIL ACTION ITEM A. Continuation of Teleconference Meetings Recommendation: To adopt a resolution authorizing the City Council and Commissions to meet via teleconference pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 361. City Manager Charles McClendon provided an overview of AB 361 and the action required by the City Council. City Attorney Eric Vail stated that the City Council will need to adopt a Resolution to satisfy the AB 361 requirements to conduct this virtual meeting, however, the City Council may take other action during the regular meeting of October 13, 2021 after discussing Item 6D on that agenda. Reso 2021-30 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross 2. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no members of the public that wished to speak. 3. CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss the following items on the agenda. A. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.6 Agency Negotiator: Charles McClendon, City Manager Represented Employees: CCPOA - Cathedral City Police Officers Association B. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2). Number of Potential Cases: One This item was deferred. This item was deferred. The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 3:06 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 3:56 p.m. City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to discuss Item 3A. Conference with Labor Negotiator and CCPOA- Cathedral City Police Officers Association. There was no reportable action taken. 4. STUDY SESSION A. SCAG Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Grant Update Presentation Recommendation: This item is presented to the City Council for an update on the SCAG ATP Grant for discussion, information and comment. Crystal Sandoval, Assistant Civil Engineer, provided a brief overview of the SCAG ATP Grant and introduced Catherine Thibault, Project Manager IBI Group. Catherine Thibault presented the Cathedral City Active Transportation Plan (ATP). Councilmember Mark Carnevale questioned how the residents and community will be notified of the community meetings. Catherine Thibault responded that the information will be shared on the City's Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 10/21/2021 website and social media. They also plan to be out in the public educating and engaging. Councilmember Nancy Ross stated that providing bilingual information is very important. She also inquired on how lBl Group plans to identify stakeholders. Catherine Thibault responded that their staff is bilingual, and they plan to get the information out in both English and Spanish. She also stated that they are currently working with staff to identify a list of stakeholders. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez questioned if they have any plans to mitigate the parking issue as part of this plan. He also questioned if hiking is included in this plan. Catherine Thibault responded that if parking is an issue, it can be looked at and supported though active transportation improvement. She also stated that hiking is included as this is not only for transportation but for recreation as well. Mayor Raymond Gregory questioned how the proposed audit areas were selected and expressed his concern with the exclusion of the Rio Vista Elementary School and surrounding areas. He also questioned if IBI plans to look at current conditions and infrastructure, and if areas that have no bike lanes will be looked at as well. He further questioned if IBI is aware of CVAG's plans to develop design standards and if those will be integrated into this plan. Catherine Thibault responded that the areas selected for audits are those with heavy foot traffic, higher collision rates, new and future bike project areas, and key destinations such as schools and recreation centers. She stated that they will update the plan to include the Rio Vista Elementary School and will provide an updated map for Council's review. She also stated that they plan to look at the City as a whole, which will include areas with and without bike lanes, the condition of current infrastructure, and will be integrating CVAG design standards. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez expressed his concern with oversized mailboxes covering sidewalks causing possible safety concerns and asked if this will be looked at. Catherine Thibault responded in the affirmative. The City Council expressed their excitement and support of moving the Cathedral City Active Transportation Plan forward. The City Council recessed at 4:38 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 4:41 p.m. B. Council Goal 3q. Establish a searchable repository of Council Resolutions available via the City website Recommendation: Provide direction to staff on whether or not they wish to Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 10/21/2021 proceed with the recommendation of utilizing Laserfiche as the searchable repository available via the City's website. Tracey Martinez, City Clerk, provided an overview of City Council's goal to establish a searchable repository of Council Resolutions available via the City's website and the proposed upgrades to Laserfinche software to accomplish this goal. Denise Cross expressed her support for this item. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to move forward with upgrading the Laserfiche License to allow for the Weblink/Public Portal as the searchable repository. City Manager Charles McClendon stated that staff will bring back a budget amendment and provide the City Council with a tentative timeframe for the upgrade for review and consideration. ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Study Session meeting of October 13, 2021 at 5:10 p.m. £ IA 11!L 11,�r I °��O 1.17r4} M t .r Cit of •-..t -dral CityCity Clerk, city of Cedral City Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 10/21/2021 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, October 13, 2021 5:30 PM Pursuant to AB 361 and Cathedral City Resolution No. 2021-30, 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 Raymond Gregory led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION) Councilmember Nancy Ross 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. PUBLIC COMMENT Danny Lee commented on climate change related to electric vehicles and feels the City needs to be ready with multilevel EV Charging stations for the future. Maya Prucell provided an overview of the services offered by 360 Wellness Solutions and the Women's and Family Health Collaborative of Coachella Valley located in the City. She announced their ribbon cutting event and invited the City Council to attend. Assistant City Manager Katherine Fuentes introduced herself and gave a brief overview of her background and accomplishments. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Nancy Ross reported that she met with the management of a low- income housing unit to help assist with conflicts between tenants and management. She also reported that she met with a couple of businesses, constituents, and a printer for an upcoming project. She reported on the Fun-O-Rama Event at Ocotillo Park and the Employee appreciation lunch. She also reported that she attended the Palm Springs Unified School District State of the District event along with her colleagues. She also reported that she attended the Lift to Rise Housing recap. She announced that it was her husband's birthday and they celebrated with a nice evening out. She stated that she is working on her next event and will have more information in the weeks to come. She reported that she spoke with a builder looking to launch a multi-unit apartment building project in the City. She expressed how great it was to meet newly hired Assistant City Manager, Katherine Fuentes, and welcomed her. She reported that she met with Stone James, Economic Development Director, and a local developer. She expressed her excitement about all the things happening in the City. She also reported that she met with Todd Hooks, Economic Development Director for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and feels there are so many opportunities for collaboration. She reported that she also met with Tribal Chairman Grubbe and discussed a possible Tribal Cultural Fair Event in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. She announced that the Amazon building is moving along, and they are now hiring. She announced the upcoming Cathedral City High School Homecoming Parade and encouraged everyone to attend. Councilmember Rita Lamb welcomed newly hired Assistant City Manager, Katherine Fuentes. She reported on the Palm Springs Unified School District State of the District event and stated that our high schools have superior career academics. She announced that the Cathedral City High School Homecoming Parade will have a Wizard of Oz theme in conjunction with the City's 40th Anniversary Celebration, which has a theme of "There's no place like home." She read an article from the Desert Sun related to the Cathedral City High School football team and encouraged everyone to attend their homecoming game on Friday October 15, 2021 at 7:00 pm. She announced that the Noon Rotary will be hosting a Hero's Dinner to recognize local heroes. She also announced that the Evening Rotary will be hosting the Mayor's Golf Tournament to recognize the contributions of public servants and Mayors. She provided information on Sammy's Meatball Festival, which benefits the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club. She reported that she attended the City of Rancho Mirage's disaster preparedness event. It is her hope to have another one here in Cathedral City in January. She encouraged everyone to view the City's Fall Mailer, which is a great source of information. She reported that she attended her first meeting with the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees and feels it is an interesting group where she will learn a lot. Councilmember Mark Carnevale announced that he will be attending the Cathedral City High School Homecoming Parade and the CVAG Homeless Committee meeting. He reported that he spoke with a couple of business owners with concerns about their development projects and thanked staff for their assistance. He also Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 10/21/2021 reported that he met with newly hired Assistant City Manager, Katherine Fuentes, and stated that it is great to have her on board. He reported that he attended the Fun-O-Rama event at Ocotillo park, which was a fun and educational event. He applauded Councilmember Ross and the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery for all their efforts. Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez hopes everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather. He reported that he attended the Fun-O-Rama Event at Ocotillo Park and thanked Councilmember Ross for planning an amazing event. He also reported that he attended the Battle in the Desert Boxing event and thanked Officer Gonzalez and Chris Parman for putting on an amazing event. He reported that he met with a couple of local business owners who are developing within the City and stated that they expressed their gratitude to the City Council and staff for being pro-business. He also reported that he attended the Palm Springs Unified School District State of the District event and reported that enrollment is down, which could be a result of too many short-term vacation rentals in the area. He expressed his concern with recent California legislation prohibiting gas landscaping equipment, which he feels will affect many Cathedral City residents and businesses. He reported that he met with City Manager McClendon to go over tonight's agenda. He also reported that he spoke with many residents related to the Council's decision to rescind Emergency Order No. 6 who were very grateful. He also heard many resident concerns related to code enforcement issues. Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the Fun-O-Rama event at Ocotillo Park and thanked Councilmember Ross, the Commissions, Desert Recreation District, and the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery for the great event. He reported that he attended the Battle in the Desert Boxing event and the Palm Springs Unified School District State of the District virtual event. He also attended the Riverside County Transportation Committee meeting and stated that they continue to work on projects in the City as well as throughout the County. He announced the upcoming City Hall at Your Corner, which will be held on October 19, 2021 at 4:00 pm. He welcomed newly hired Assistant City Manager, Katherine Fuentes, and stated that she is a very welcomed addition to the City. 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. 2021-146 B. Minutes Approval M.O. 2021-147 Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 10/21/2021 1. City Council - Study Session - Sep 29, 2021 3:00 PM 2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Sep 29, 2021 5:30 PM C. Receive and file Payment of Claims and Demands for September 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$ 16,144,726 for the month of September 2021 . M.O. 2021-148 D. Notice of Completion for HSIP Cycle 8 Traffic Signal Improvement Recommendation: To accept and approve the HSIP Cycle 8 Traffic Signal Improvements, CIP 6514, HSIPL-5430(033) as final; and, authorize the City Manager to file a Notice of Completion with the Riverside County Recorder's office on behalf of the City Council; and, authorize the release of retention funds to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. upon expiration of the Notice of Completion. M.O. 2021-149 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Agreement with The Ramsay Group for Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Administrative Services, including the development of the Five-Year (2022-2026) Consolidated Plan, the FY2022 Annual Action Plan, and the Assessment of Fair Housing. Recommendation: To approve an agreement with The Ramsay Group in the amount of$61,200 for the administration of the City's CDBG Program, including the development of the Five-Year (2022- 2026) Consolidated Plan, the FY2022 Annual Action Plan, and the Assessment of Fair Housing necessary to maintain compliance with the program; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. M.O. 2021-150 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve an agreement with The Ramsay Group in the amount of $61,200 for the administration of the City's CDBG Program, including the development of the Five-Year (2022-2026) Consolidated Plan, the FY2022 Annual Action Plan, and the Assessment of Fair Housing necessary to maintain compliance with the program; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 10/21/2021 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross B. Resolution Designating Holidays Cathedral City Public Offices Shall be Closed for Calendar Year 2022 Recommendation: To adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, Designating Holidays on which City Public Offices Shall be Closed for Calendar Year 2022. Reso 2021-31 A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez to adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, Designating Holidays on which City Public Offices Shall be Closed for Calendar Year 2022. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross C. Special Use Permit (SUP) for Yoga Classes in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater funded through the Parks and Community Events Commission Small Events Budget Recommendation: To approve a Special Use Permit for a weekly yoga event in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater (Amphitheater) as supported by the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE); and, approve funding from the PACE Small Events budget of$2,100 for materials and the instructor; and waive all SUP Application fees and Amphitheater rental charges. Danny Lee expressed his support for this item. Denise Cross expressed her support for this item. M.O. 2021-151 A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded by Councilmember Carnevale to approve a Special Use Permit for a weekly yoga event in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater (Amphitheater) as supported by the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE); and, approve funding from the PACE Small Events budget of $2, 100 for materials and the instructor; and waive all SUP Application fees and Amphitheater rental charges. Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 10/21/2021 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember AYES: Gregory, Gutierrez, Carnevale, Lamb, Ross 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 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 stated that the numbers are trending in the right direction, and he does not have any recommendations for action at this time. Katherine Sullivan expressed her concern with children going back to school, vaccinations for children, and would like to be more involved. Enoch Ludlow expressed his concern about COVID-19 and feels that vaccines are helping us turn the corner and urged the Council to rescind all emergency orders. 7. CLOSED SESSION 8. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Nancy Ross requested that an item to be agendized for the IT Department to provide a presentation on the City's readiness to prevent cyber- attacks. City Attorney Eric Vail stated that this is a matter of security and should be discussed in Closed Session. Councilmember Carnevale feels that this issue is very important, however, he feels it can be discussed privately with /T on their own time. Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez feels that many of these concerns can be answered and addressed by the City Manager. Councilmember Lamb concurs that these issues can be addressed by the City Manager. Councilmember Nancy Ross rescinded her request. City Manager stated that staff will prepare information for the City Council to review, Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 10/21/2021 and he and the appropriate staff will meet with each Councilmember, individually, to discuss any concerns and answer any questions they may have. Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez requested that an item be agendized to discuss and review the Municipal Code related to Code Enforcement. He suggested creating an AD-Hoc Committee to review the Municipal Code and recommend changes. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to meet with members of the City Council individually, along with a staff member from the City Attorney's Office, to discuss their concerns related to Code Enforcement and areas of the Municipal Code that may need to be amended. The result of these discussions will help with the Goal Setting Workshop when evaluating the priorities of the City Council. ADJOURN Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Regular City Council meeting of October 13, 2021 at 7:15 p.m. L 11 ik CLOf (11),Cu Cit :f a edral City ity Clerk:city of Cathedral Cgy Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 10/21/2021