HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2022-02-09 111 CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
3:00 PM
Pursuant to AB 361 and Cathedral City Resolution 2022-06, this meeting was conducted by
videoconference.
• CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM by Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez.
• ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Ernesto Gutierrez Mayor Remote
Rita Lamb Mayor Pro Tem Remote
Mark Carnevale Councilmember Remote
Nancy Ross Councilmember Remote
Raymond Gregory Councilmember Remote
• AGENDA FINALIZATION
City Attorney Eric Vail informed the City Council that a matter has come up that
needs action prior to the next scheduled meeting. If the City Council approves the
item to be added to the agenda, it will be added under Closed Session as Item 18.
Conference with Legal Counsel for one case of existing litigation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Lamb to add an urgency item under Closed Session, as 18. Conference with Legal
Counsel for one case of existing litigation for the City of Palm Springs v. Luis A
Avalia Paz, et al., Case No. CVPS210471918.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
1. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Eric Vail announced the City Council will meeting Closed Session to
discuss the following items listed on the agenda.
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation -Pursuant to
Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)
One Matter: City of Cathedral City vs All Persons Interested in the Matter of the
Sale of Bonds. CASE # CVPS2105159, Superior Court of Riverside
B. Conference with Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation Pursuant to
Government Code section 54956.9(1)
One Matter: City of Palm Springs v. Luis A Avalia Paz, et al., Case No. CVPS
2104719
Danny Lee expressed his concern with adding this type of item late to the agenda.
He suggested adding any available public information as well, so the public has a
better understanding.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 3:05 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 3:58 p.m.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to
discuss item 1A. Conference with Legal Counsel for one case of existing litigation for
the matter of the Sale of Bonds Case No. CVPS2105159, and item 1B. Conference
with Legal Counsel for one case of existing litigation for the City of Palm Springs v.
Luis A Avalia Paz, et al., Case No. CVPS2104719. There was no reportable action
taken.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Diane McAlpine wanted to clarify her comments made at the January 26, 2022
meeting. She stated that she is favor of a liability policy for STVRs in regard to
insurance to protect the City against litigation.
3. STUDY SESSION
A. Fire Department Strategic Plan Adoption
Recommendation: Approve and adopt the 2021-2025 Cathedral City Fire
Department Strategic Plan.
Fire Chief John Muhr provided an overview of the Cathedral City Fire
Department's Strategic Plan for 2021-2025.
Councilmember Raymond Gregory feels the Strategic Plan is good, however, he
feels it is incomplete and suggested including cost associations within the plan.
He also cautioned accreditation. He expressed the importance of evaluating the
value and benefits of the accreditation and that it is not just a piece of paper.
Chief Muhr provided a brief overview of the department's intent when seeking
accreditation and the plan to accomplish it.
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Councilmember Mark Carnevale requested further information regarding
diversifying the recruitment process.
Chief Muhr provided a brief overview over the plan and ideas related to
diversifying the recruitment process.
The City Council recessed at 4:43 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 4:48 p.m.
B. Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Enforcement Program
Recommendation: This item is presented for information and discussion only.
Sandra Molina, Code Compliance Manager, provided an overview of the
proposed restructuring of the Short-Term Vacation Rental Program. She
explained the prior roles of the Code Compliance Department and the Police
Department related to the program. She explained the benefits of the team
transitioning from the Police Department to the Code Compliance Department
and what the role of staff members will be.
Police Chief George Crum also provided an overview of the Police Department's
role with the Short-Term Vacation Rental Program and the benefit to having the
Police Department managing the program. He stated that the calls for service
and complaints have subsided due to the enforcement of the Code and that he
supports the restructuring of the program to the Code Compliance Department.
He assured the City Council that the two departments will work together to
ensure the transition is smooth and the Code continues to be enforced.
The City Council expressed concern with the confusion related to who residents
should call for service.
Police Chief Crum responded that the calls for service received by the
communications center will be dispatched as they come in, with follow-up with
Code when necessary.
Doug Evans expressed his support for the STVR Compliance Program. he
concurs that communication is important. He expressed his concern with illegal
vacation rentals and encouraged staff to stay diligent on this issue.
Ed Emond-Worline thanked staff for their efforts. He questioned if the hotline will
continue and if so, suggested one single source phone number so there is no
confusion. He questioned who will set the priority when calls come into the call
center.
Diane McAlpine thanked staff for their efforts. She is happy to see the
coordination between Code and the Police Department. She urged the Council to
consider prohibition of STVRs in HOA communities.
This item was for information and direction only, there was no formal action taken
by the City Council.
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ADJOURN
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez adjourned the Study Session meeting at 5:21 p.m.
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CITY COUNCIL
Cathedral City MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
5:30 PM
Pursuant to AB 361 and Cathedral City Resolution 2022-06, this meeting was conducted
by videoconference.
• CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez.
• PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Nancy Ross led the Pledge of Allegiance.
• INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Mayor Pro Tern Rita Lamb offered the Invocation.
• ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Ernesto Gutierrez Mayor Remote
Rita Lamb Mayor Pro Tem Remote
Mark Carnevale Councilmember Remote
Nancy Ross Councilmember Remote
Raymond Gregory Councilmember Remote
• AGENDA FINALIZATION
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
Doug Evans expressed his support for the proposed Urgency Ordinance
establishing an indefinite stay on the issuance of STVR permits in R1 and R2 Zones,
and for Tentative Tract Map 38137, if the Ordinance is passed. He feels it is a good
project.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Raymond Gregory announced that he has been away traveling and
is happy to be back home. He reported that he attended the Riverside County
Transportation Commission meeting and highlighted the current and future projects.
He announced the upcoming Taste of Jalisco festival. He reported that yoga classes
are now happening at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, which has been
well attended. He announced the upcoming Special Meeting Workshop to discuss
the redistricting process and the Special Meeting to finalize the Goal Setting Session
and multi-year plan moving forward. He also reported that the Panorama Dog Park
is under construction.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale reported that he met with Rich Eaton from the Vault
and Geoff Corbin from the Senior Center to discuss support for the Senior Center.
He spoke with Jim Shute from the Landau development project. He reported that he
attended the CVAG Homeless committee meeting and the League of California
Cities Riverside Division meeting. He also attended the CVAG Animal Campus
meeting and reported that pet adoptions are available. He met with Mayor Guiterrez
and Assistant City Manager Fuentes regarding City businesses. He also met with a
local veterinarian to discuss her business plans. He met with some parents and
students from the Cathedral City High School band to hear their wants and needs
and he will be working on a plan to help. He along with Stone James, Economic
Development Director, met with the owner of the old Sunniva building to discuss his
plans, which was very productive. He announced that Stone James, Economic
Development Director, will be speaking at the Evening Rotary to discuss the College
of the Desert Road Runner Project, more information can be obtained at by
contacting Mr. James at sjames@cathedralcity.gov. He thanked Antonio Baciu for
proposing yoga classes in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported that she, along with Mayor Pro Tem and
Assistant City Manager Fuentes, attended a meeting with WeeCare to discuss
childcare programs and hopes to partner with them. She reported that she finished
delivering the last of the 10k N-95 masks donated by the Coachella Valley Chamber
of Commerce. She expressed the importance of having relationships with other
Councilmembers from the Coachella Valley and reported that she recently had a
great phone conversation with Palm Desert Councilmember Kathleen Kelly. She
announced that February is Black History Month and there are many events going
on. More information is available at www.palmspringsblackhistory.org. She reported
that she shared SunLine's taxi voucher program on her "Notes from Nancy" column.
She also reported that there is a group working to keep the College of the Desert
Road Runner Program in Cathedral City, more information can be found at
www.promisesmadepromisesbroken.org. She announced that the Emergency Make
and Take Event, hosted by Mayor Pro Tem Rita Lamb, was a very successful event.
She announced the upcoming redistricting workshop meeting and the arrival of two
more dinosaurs to the Jurassic Wonders exhibit.
Mayor Pro Tem Rita Lamb reported that she had an opportunity to meet with Rich
Eaton and tour the Vault Dispensary, which was beautiful. She reported that she
participated in the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control strategic planning
meeting. She also participated in the yoga classes at the Cathedral City Community
Amphitheater, which is a wonderful event. She reported on the Emergency Make
and Take Event hosted at the Cathedral City Library and thanked all of those
involved. She announced that the Cathedral City Fire Department will be offering
free C.E.R.T. Training in March and more information can be found at
www.discovercathedralcity.gov. She feels the Jurassic Wonders Exhibit is wonderful.
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She reported that the Firebirds Hockey arena is moving along. There have been
discussions to possibly have a youth program in conjunction with the Boys and Girls
Club once it is complete. She referred to an article stating that Cathedral City High
School is the first school to benefit from Electric Vehicle chargers through a State
approved program. She referred to an article from the Desert Sun that showcased
Cathedral City High School Senior football player, Frankie Valentino. She
announced that the Cathedral City High School Band and Choir are hoping to hold a
Southern California Vocal Association Choral Festival in the Cathedral City
Community Amphitheater on May 4, 2022. She announced that she will be attending
the CVAG Conservation Committee on February 10, 2022. She also announced that
the Noon Rotary inducted two new members and they have begun their strategic
planning. She read a quote from Gerald Ford in honor of Black History Month.
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez reported that he attended the Greater Palm Springs
Visitors and Convention Bureau meeting where Dr. Martha Garcia, President of
College of the Desert, was the guest speaker. He reported that when he questioned
Dr. Garcia regarding the Road Runner Motors project, she responded that she was
unable to discuss the matter and that he should be hearing from her office. He
expressed the importance of having the Road Runner Motor Program in Cathedral
City and urged residents to get involved with the promises made promises broken
group to learn more about the Road Runner Motor Program issue. He reported that
he attended the yoga classes in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater which
was well attended. He was very impressed. He, along with Councilmember Mark
Carnevale, met with the Cathedral City High School Band. He reported that he heard
from many residents regarding abandoned vehicles and fireworks. He also reported
that he. along with City Manager McClendon, will be meeting with Assemblyman
Garcia to discuss the Dream Homes Park grant. He announced the upcoming
Special City Council meeting. He also announced that he will be doing an early
morning interview on Friday with KESQ to promote the Taste of Jalisco Event and
encouraged everyone to join the festival.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern
Lamb to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
M.O. 2022-21
B. Minutes Approval
M.O. 2022-22
1. City Council - Special Meeting - Jan 19, 2022 2:00 PM
2. City Council - Study Session - Jan 26, 2022 3:00 PM
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3. City Council - Regular Meeting - Jan 26, 2022 5:30 PM
C. Resolution to Approve the Master Agreement Administering Agency-
State Agreement for State-Funded Project No. 08-5430S21 and Delegate
Authorizations to Execute Program Supplemental Agreements, Fund
Exchange Agreements, and/or Fund Transfer Agreements to the Master
Agreement
Recommendation: Approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to
execute the Master Agreement Administering Agency-State
Agreement for State-Funded Project No. 08-5430S21 ; and,
authorize the City Manager or Director of Engineering/Public
Works to accept, execute, and endorse all Program
Supplemental Agreements, Fund Exchange Agreements
and/or Fund Transfer Agreements and any amendments
theretoto the Master Agreement No. 08-5430S21 between
the City of Cathedral City and the State of California,acting
through the Department of Transportation for the purpose of
Administering and Disbursing of State Grant Funds on
Projects.
Reso 2022-07
M.O. 2022-23
D. Adopt a resolution certifying completion of public improvements in
portions of Tract No. 28639-1 and Tract No. 32559, and authorize release
of securities pursuant to the Improvement Agreement with HPH
Homebuilders 2000, L.P., developer and with Amendment No. 1 to that
Agreement.
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution: (a) certifying the public improvements
constructed within portions of Tract No. 28639-1 and Tract
No. 32559 by HPH Homebuilders 2000, L.P., pursuant to its
Improvement Agreement with the City, and with Amendment
No. 1 to that Agreement, were completed in accordance with
City standards and specifications; (b) authorize the release
of improvement agreement securities and deposits as
described in the Resolution; (c) authorize the Director of
Engineering/Public Works to file a Notice of Completion for
the project; and, (d) accept certain improvements into the
City maintained street system.
Reso 2022-08
M.O. 2022-24
E. Award a two-year Agreement for Services to CASC Engineering and
Consulting, Inc. for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) Program Consulting
Recommendation: Award a two-year Agreement for Services to CASC
Engineering and Consulting, Inc. for National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program Consulting
Services; authorize the City Manager to execute the
Agreement documents; and authorize the Director of
Engineering/Public Works to issue Task Orders as needed
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to complete the NPDES Program requirements within
existing FY 2021-22 and 2022-23 budget limits.
M.O. 2022-25
F. Authorizations Related to the Remaining Items for the Completion of the
Panorama Dog Park
Recommendation: Authorize the Director of Engineering/Public Works to
execute all the required quotes and proposals for labor and
material to complete the Panorama Dog Park Project,
including purchasing amenities and services with the
remaining balance of the Project budget in the amount of
$334,640, which includes the contingency for unforeseen
construction related expenses; and, $23,000 for qualifying
Dog Park amenities from the Environmental Conservation
Fund (246).
M.O. 2022-26
G. Contract for Services - Samuel Eric Davis
Recommendation: To approve a contract for services with Samuel Eric Davis
for special event fundraising.
M.O. 2022-27
H. Ratification of Agreement Between the City of Cathedral City and the
Cathedral City Police Officer's Association (CCPOA)
Recommendation: Ratify the agreement between the City of Cathedral City
("City") and Cathedral City Police Officer's Association
("CCPOA") via the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU")
for the period of January 1, 2022, through December 31,
2024.
M.O. 2022-28
4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. An Uncodified Urgency Ordinance of the City of Cathedral City,
Establishing an Indefinite Stay on the Issuance of Permits for Short-
Term Vacation Rentals Issued Under Chapter 5.96 of the Cathedral City
Municipal Code for Residential Units Located within the R1 and R2
Zoning Districts
Recommendation: Find that the Ordinance is Exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to 14 Cal. Code
Regs. § 15378 and 15378(b)(5); and
Introduce, read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt
Urgency Ordinance of the City of Cathedral City,
establishing an indefinite stay on the issuance of permits for
Short-Term Vacation Rentals issued under Chapter 5.96 of
the Cathedral City Municipal Code for residential units
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located within the R1 and R2 Zoning Districts.
Deputy City Attorney Leila Moshef-Danesh provided an overview of the proposed
Urgency Ordinance Establishing a Moratorium on the issuance of Short-term
Vacation Rental permits under the Cathedral City Municipal Code Chapter 5.96.
Danny Lee expressed his support for the proposed Urgency Ordinance and
thanked the City Council for listening to the residents.
Diane McAlpine expressed her concern for residents located in HOAs zoned in
RR zones and feels they need the same protection from Sort-Term Vacation
Rentals.
Tony Michaelis, President of Montage Mission Hills HOA, is hopeful that this
urgency ordinance will allow for the wishes of the majority of their residents to
prevail.
Ord 855
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by
Councilmember Carnevale to find that the Urgency Ordinance is Exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to 14 Cal. Code Regs. §
15378 and 15378(b)(5); and Introduce, read by title only, waive further reading,
and adopt an Urgency Ordinance of the City of Cathedral City, establishing an
indefinite stay on the issuance of permits for Short-Term Vacation Rentals issued
under Chapter 5.96 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code for residential units
located within the R1 and R2 Zoning Districts.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
B. Approve Professional Service Agreement with Woodard and Curran
Consulting to Provide Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program Grant
Related Services Required to Submit a Planning Grant for the Septic to
Sewer Project
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional
Service Agreement with Woodard and Curran Consulting in
the amount not-to-exceed $35,380 to provide Clean Water
State Revolving Fund Program grant related services
required to submit a planning grant for the City's Septic to
Sewer Project.
M.O. 2022-29
A motion was made by Councilmember Ross and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Lamb to authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services
Agreement with Woodard and Curran Consulting in the amount not-to-exceed
$35,380 to provide Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program grant related
Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 2/17/2022
services required to submit a planning grant for the City's Septic to Sewer
Project.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tern
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
C. Consulting Agreement with HR Green for On Call Capital Projects
Program Management Consulting Services and Electronic Plan Check
Services
Recommendation: Approve a Professional Services Agreement with HR Green,
Inc. to provide On Call Engineering Program Management
Consulting Services for Capital Projects and Electronic Plan
Check Services for the amount of $150,000 and $50,000,
respectively for a not to exceed total of$200,000; and,
authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement.
M.O. 2022-30
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro
Tern Lamb to approve a Professional Services Agreement with HR Green, Inc. to
provide On Call Engineering Program Management Consulting Services for
Capital Projects and Electronic Plan Check Services for the amount of$150,000
and $50,000, respectively for a not to exceed total of $200,000; and, authorize
the City Manager to execute the Agreement.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
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 overall the organization is in better condition
than the previous month, with less employees out sick. He stated that the
numbers of confirmed cases in Cathedral City, during the Omicron surge, did not
mirror what we have been seeing worldwide. He stated that the number of
confirmed cases for January 2022 were increased, however, they did not exceed
the numbers back in January 2021, which could be due to a backlog in County
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data. He announced the State mask mandate will expire on February 15, 2022.
The City is currently following State guidelines.
Terry Applegate expressed her concern with the pandemic and large numbers of
cases around the world. She will continue to mask and hopes others consider
continuing wearing their masks as well.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Tentative Tract Map 38137
Recommendation: 1. Conduct a Public Hearing to consider an appeal of the
Planning Commission's approval of Tentative Tract Map No.
38137 to subdivide an approximately 3.74-acre residential
parcel into 14 residential lots and a common lot for retention
purposes in the R1 (Single Family Residential) Zoning
District; and
2. AFFIRM the Planning Commission's actions to i) Find
that the Project is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section No. 15332, Class
No. 32 (In-Fill Development); and ii) Approve Tentative Tract
Map No. 38137 subject to the attached Conditions of
Approval and based on the findings contained in the staff
report.
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez recused himself from this item.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that this Public Hearing is a continuation from
the Regular City Council meeting of January 26, 2022. He stated that the Public
Hearing is open for those who have not had a chance to speak on this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Rita Lamb opened the Public Hearing to receive input from the
general public related to Tentative Track Map 38137. Seeing none, she closed
the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
M.O. 2022-31
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by
Councilmember Gregory to affirm the Planning Commission's actions to i) Find
that the Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Section No. 15332, Class No. 32 (In-Fill Development); and ii)
Approve Tentative Tract Map No. 38137 subject to the attached Conditions of
Approval and based on the findings contained in the staff report.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
AYES: Rita Lamb, Mark Carnevale, Nancy Ross, Raymond Gregory
RECUSED: Ernesto Gutierrez
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez rejoined the meeting at 7:24 pm.
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The City Council recessed at 7:25 pm.
The City Council reconvened at 7:35 pm.
B. Conditional Use Permit No. 19-019
Recommendation: 1 . Conduct a Public Hearing to consider an appeal of
the Planning's Commission's denial of Conditional Use
Permit No. 19-019 which proposes establishing an event
center within a vacant commercial building on Date Palm
Drive in the PCC (Planned Community Commercial) Zoning
District; and
2. AFFIRM, REVERSE, OR MODIFY, IN WHOLE OR IN
PART, the Planning Commission's decision.
City Attorney Eric Vail recommended that the City Council allow the applicant 15
minutes to speak and 3 minutes for each public comment.
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez stated that if additional time is necessary the City
Council can consider allowing additional time for the applicant to speak.
Brenda Ramirez, Associate Planner, provided an overview of the appeal of
Conditional Use Permit No. 19-019.
Deputy City Attorney Leila Moshef-Danesh provided an overview of the basis for
the Planning Commission's denial and the standard of review for this appeal. She
stated that the City Council will either affirm, reverse, or modify, in whole or in
part, the Planning Commission's decision.
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez opened the Public Hearing to receive input from the
general public related to the appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of
Conditional Use Permit No. 19-019, which proposes establishing an event center
within a vacant commercial building on Date Palm Drive in the PCC(Planned
Community Commercial) Zoning District.
Mark Durkton, Representative for the Applicant, provided a presentation on the
basis of the applicant's appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of
Conditional Use Permit No. 19-019.
Christina Baine, Attorney for a nearby HOA, stated that their community opposes
the proposed Conditional Use Permit No. 19-019 and urged the City Council to
affirm the Planning Commission's denial.
Diane McAlpine expressed her concerns with the broad parameters of the
proposed event center and feels the public will not know what is going on at that
location. She also has concerns with the proposed hours of operation and
parking plan.
Mark Durkton, Representative for the Applicant, addressed the concerns of noise
stating that he has decibel readings from the Hall of Flowers event. which were
within the allowable limits. He also stated that they do not expect to hit capacity
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for most events. He expressed his concerns with the conditions of approval for
Conditional Use Permit No. 19-019.
Mayor Ernesto Guiterrez closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to
the City Council, after no other members wished to comment.
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez questioned what the significant conditions of approval
are that the applicant is opposing.
Staff provided an overview on the conditions of approval in question.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale expressed his support for an event center and
feels the conditions of approval list is lengthy and is not sure he can make a
decision without a better understanding of those conditions.
Mayor Pro Tem Rita Lamb concurs with Councilmember Carnevale's comments.
She expressed her support for an event center in Cathedral City, however, she is
not sure this is the best location. She also expressed her concern with the list of
conditions of approval and whether this project is best for the residents.
Councilmember Raymond Gregory stated that any large project will have many
conditions of approval. He feels the conditions are not unreasonable. He believes
there is support for an event center in the City. He feels the Planning
Commission did their job and is what is expected to have a quality project.
Councilmember Nancy Ross stated that she attended every Planning
Commission meeting prior to being on the City Council and feels that they have
always done a good job. She feels it is not unreasonable that the Planning
Commission would put our Code into action for this project. She believes a large
facility will come with many conditions, they go hand in hand. She supports the
Planning Commission's decision.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale agrees that there is a standard in Cathedral
City, however, he feels that rather than lose this project he would like to work
with the applicant.
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez feels that an event center is a great addition to
Cathedral City, however, he feels it needs to be done the right way. He stated
that projects can come with a lengthy list of conditions and in his experience
many of the conditions may be simple. He feels the City and the City Council
want to work with the applicant and believes the conditions are reasonable. He
suggested working with the applicant to modify the list of conditions of approval.
A motion was made by Councilmember Ross and seconded by Councilmember
Gregory to affirm the Planning Commission's denial of Conditional Use Permit
No. 19-019, without prejudice.
M.O. 2022-32
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RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 2]
MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
SECONDER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
AYES: Rita Lamb, Nancy Ross, Raymond Gregory
NAYS: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mark Carnevale
7. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Carnevale would like to bring an agenda item forward to evaluate
cannabis tax rates.
City Manager feels there needs to be a comprehensive review and he has assigned
a working group to work on this matter. He will provide an update to the City Council
within three months.
8. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURN
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 9:11 p.m.
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