HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2022-04-13 411 CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
3:00 PM
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
This meeting was conducted in person and via Zoom.
• 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 Present 3:00 PM
Rita Lamb Mayor Pro Tem Present 3:00 PM
Mark Carnevale Councilmember Present 3:00 PM
Nancy Ross Councilmember Present 3:00 PM
Raymond Gregory Councilmember Present 3:00 PM
• AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. CLOSED SESSION
City Manager Charles McClendon announced that the City Council will meet in
Closed Session to discuss the following item listed on the agenda.
A. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.6
Agency Negotiator: Charles McClendon, City Manager
Represented Employees: Non-represented Employees
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 3:00 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 3:50 p.m.
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session to
discuss Item 1A. Conference with Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Code Section
54956.6, there was no reportable action taken.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no members of the public that wished to speak.
3. STUDY SESSION
A. Introduction to SiFi Networks an Open Source Fiber Optic Developer
Recommendation: An Introduction to SiFi Networks, an Open Source Fiber
Optic Developer, for Council Review, Discussion and
Direction Only.
Scott Bradshaw, President SiFi Networks, provided an overview of Sifi Networks
which is an Open Source Fiber Optic Developer. The following points were
discussed:
• Addressing the City's Goals and Vision
• A Connected Community- More than just a gig
• Changing the Status Quo- Community, Competition, Choice
• Driving Community Equity- Removing the digital divide
• Pricing that Supports Everyone- Competition and Philanthropy
• Personalized Communication- Local Community Liaison
• Network Installation- Minimally Invasive Technology
• Future-Proofed Design- Supporting the Next Generations
• Finished Product- Mimics Existing Roadway Surface
• Neighborhood Engagement- Meet the Competing ISP's
• Community Awareness- Consistent Messaging
• Open Access Partnerships- 950,000 Premises in Design, Funding and Or
Denise Cross expressed her concern with current cable lines in the City which
obstruct views and hopes SiFi can remove them if this project moves forward.
This item was presented for information and direction only, there was no formal
action taken by the City Council.
B. 2021 Crime Statistics Update
Recommendation: 2021 Annual Crime Statistics Update. This item is
presented for information, discussion and direction only.
Police Chief George Crum provided an update on 2021 Crime Statistics. The
following points where presented:
• Five Year Crime History
• Two Year Crime History
• 2017-2021 Property Crimes
• 2017-2021 Violent Crimes
• 2021- Part 1 Crime Comparisons
• Top 50 Safest Cities
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• Future Crime Reduction Strategies
Danielle Mead is happy to see the numbers in crime going down. She expressed
her concern with people leaving items of value in their cars and feels public
education related to larceny crimes may be helpful.
This item was presented for information and direction only, there was no formal
action taken by the City Council.
ADJOURN
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez adjourned the Study Session meeting at 5:20 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, &ity of Cathedra' City
Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 4/21/2022
44 CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
5:30 PM
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
This meeting was conducted in person and via Zoom.
• CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez.
• PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
• INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
• ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Ernesto Gutierrez Mayor Present 5:30 PM
Rita Lamb Mayor Pro Tem Present 5:30 PM
Mark Carnevale Councilmember Present 5:30 PM
Nancy Ross Councilmember Present 5:30 PM
Raymond Gregory Councilmember Present 5:30 PM
• AGENDA FINALIZATION
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION - Fire Department Recognition Francisco Enriquez
Fire Chief John Muhr introduced Francisco Enriquez, an individual who performed a
heroic act on January 11, 2022 when he intervened in a traffic collision pulling a victim
from a burning vehicle to safety.
The City Council presented Francisco Enriquez with a Certificate of Recognition for his
heroic act that saved a life.
2. SPECIAL PRESENTATION - 40th Anniversary Committee Recognition
Chris Parman, Communications and Events Manager introduced the members of the
40th Anniversary Planning Committee who worked over eight months to provide the
community with a great anniversary celebration in November of 2021.
The City Council presented the following members of the 40th Anniversary Planning
Committee with a certificate of appreciation for their efforts:
• Sergio Espericueta
• JoAnne Kennon
• Thommy Kocan
• Gary Marshall
• Shauna McGloin
• Karen Riley
• James Thompson
• Sue Townsley
Chris Parman, Communications and Events Manager presented James and Ralph
Thompson a Certificate of Recognition for their hard work in assisting with various Fall
events.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Richard Altman welcomed Council back and thanked them for everything they have
been doing during these past two years. He thanked Chris Parman for everything he
has done for the City over the last 7 years and expressed how much he will be
missed.
Dorian Whitney, spoke in honor of those who have died because of the lack of
crosswalks. He feels that the City needs to prioritize pedestrian safety and public
transit. He read names of individuals that have perished from getting hit by cars.
4. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported that she attended a meet and greet at the
Cabot's Pueblo Museum in Desert Hot Springs, which was a great event. She
announced that the Museum of Ancient Wonders has reopened and will now be
displaying items from the Historical Society and new Ancient Asian artifacts, she
recommended that everyone go view them. She reported that she attended the
LGBT Days festivities over the weekend and commented on the Old Gays who were
honored with a Proclamation. She also reported that the Desert Business
Association granted awards to Coachella Valley businesses, which included The
Roost and the Runway from Cathedral City. She along with Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez
attended a planning meeting for the Road Runner Motor Rally. She attended the
Senior Inspiration Awards luncheon, where Cathedral City honored Terry Nelson a
volunteer from the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club. She stated that she was able
to speak with Bea Gonzalez and Aurora Wilson who sit on the College of the Desert
Board of Trustees, who gave her their commitment to vote to keep the Road Runner
Motors Program in Cathedral City. She reported that she met with several
constituents related to crosswalks, sewer connection costs, empty lot cleanups, and
information on City Commissions. She attended the Road Runner Motors Rally and
thanked all that participated. She reported that on her "Notes from Nancy"she wrote
to her gated communities about the Library program where they can check out a free
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State Park pass. She announced that she will be hosting a meetup at Ocotillo Park
for residents to discuss sewer projects, Desert Recreation District, and the
opportunity to officially name their neighborhood if they so choose. She also
reported that she attended a seminar on Russia and future of the United States
energy, which was a great event. She also attended the College of the Desert Board
of Trustees meeting on April 6th and gave public testimony. She along with her
husband attended a free Elton John tribute concert in Palm Springs and feels the
City should hold something similar in the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.
She and her husband along with Councilmember Carnevale attended a tour of the
Sunnylands Estate, which was fun and incredibly beautiful. She reported that the
Parks and Community Events Commission hosted an athletic event at Panorama
Park on April 9th, which was great fun. She was able to meet with one of the City's
Commissioners to brainstorm and come up with great ideas for the City. She also
attended another SCAG Leadership Academy. She met with one of the selected
community member volunteers to discuss the active transportation plan and was
briefed on their first meeting. She also had a lunch meeting with Lauren Skiver of
SunLine and is happy to have the collaboration with their agency.
Councilmember Raymond Gregory stated that it has been a long time since Council
has been in Chambers and he is happy to be back. He reported that he attended the
LGBT Days event and thanked all those involved. He reported that he was able to
get out of town for a few days, which was nice. He also reported that he attended the
Road Runner Motors Program Rally and thanked all those involved and feels things
are headed in the right direction. He reported that he attended the Desert Aids
Project volunteer event at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater where he
presented them with a proclamation and stated that everyone spoke very highly
about the Amphitheater. He reported that he represented the City at the Riverside
County Transportation Commission meeting where they discussed ways to move
towards clean energy transit. He reported on the Parks and Community Events
Commission Athletic Event at Panorama Park on April 9th. He announced that the
City Council will hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday April 20th to discuss
Cannabis related issues. He also announced that CVREP will be having a new
production called "Native Gardens" and urged everyone to attend it. He announced
that the Ofelia Bringas Bridge will be closed temporarily on Friday April 16, and
reminded everyone to avoid it. He reminded everyone that this area in the Valley will
be affected with traffic during Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals. He thanked staff
for their continued efforts with the Dog Park in Panorama Park and stated that a
grand opening will be coming soon.
Mayor Pro Tem Rita Lamb thanked Commissioner Robert Puentes and Chairman
Gary Marshall from the Parks and Community Events Commission for the Athletic
Event at Panorama Park. She also thanked Chairman Gary Marshall for sitting in on
the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission Trails Management Sub-committee
on her behalf. She stated that she along with Chairman Gary Marshall and
Commissioner Erin Hyland will be meeting to discuss trails and what can be done in
Cathedral City. She reported that she participated in the FIND Food Bank fundraiser
Telethon, which raised over $200,000. She announced that the Noon Rotary will be
hosting a Black-Tie Bingo event on April 30th, which will benefit scholarships for
Cathedral City High School. She reported that she attended the College of the
Desert Board of Trustees meeting on April 6t" to voice her concerns related to the
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Road Runner Motors Program and stated that the Board will take their final vote on
April 22nd. She indicated that she represents the City on the Coachella Valley
Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees and is happy to take an upcoming
field trip in the Cove to learn about mosquitos. She also represents the City on the
CVAG Conservation Committee where they discussed acquiring land for the multiple
species' habitat through tax sales. She stated that the Desert Sun had an article that
discussed the Museum of Ancient Wonders displaying items from the Historical
Society in their front lobby, which is a great history of the City. She also stated that
the Old Gays were on the cover of Desert Living magazine and they are amazing.
She thanked all the volunteers on the 40th Anniversary Planning Committee for all
their hard work. She gave a special shoutout to Giselle Woo and the Night Owls for
their performance during the 40th Anniversary Celebration. She reported that she
spoke to some concerned residents related to debris in the wash area under the
Cathedral Canyon Bridge, which has been referred to the appropriate agency.
Councilmember Mark Carnevale thanked Chris Parman, Communications and
Events Manager, for a great job with the LGBT Days which has grown over the
years. He reported that he attended a CVAG Homeless Ad Hoc Committee meeting
where they discussed the new homeless court pilot program in Riverside called
Homeless Outreach Mediation and Education (H.O.M.E.). He announced that he will
be attending the upcoming regular CVAG Homeless Committee meeting and will
report back. He reported that he had some discussions with an interested party in
the old Burlington Coat Factory building and is hopeful that something can be done
after discussing it with Assistant City Manager Fuentes and City Manager
McClendon. He also reported that he attended the LGBT Chamber of Commerce
event where the Runway and Amp Sports Lounge received grants. He attended the
Road Runner Motor Program Rally, and thanked Stone James, Economic
Development Director, for all his efforts. He also reported that he met with
developers of the Sunniva project and stated that they had a water issue which has
been resolved now. He was able to secure a new refrigerator at a great price for the
Senior Center, which he was able to pick up and deliver to them. He commented on
the devastation happening in Ukraine and announced the City Council has issued a
proclamation which will be displayed in City Hall.
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez expressed his concern for the atrocities and destruction he
has seen transpiring in Ukraine. He feels we all must stand together and support
Ukraine and urged everyone to help if they are able and pray for the Ukraine people.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Lamb to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tern
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
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M.O. 2022-68
B. Minutes Approval
M.O. 2022-69
1. City Council - Study Session - Mar 23, 2022 3:00 PM
2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Mar 23, 2022 5:30 PM
C. Amendment No. 1 to the MKASHIWAGI CONSULTING LLC Professional
Service Agreement
Recommendation: Approve Amendment No. 1 to the MKASHIWAGI
CONSULTING LLC Professional Service Agreement for a
total not-to-exceed Phase II contract amount of $195,000.
M.O. 2022-70
D. Notice of Completion for Pavement Striping, Markings and Markers on
City Arterial Streets Project
Recommendation: Accept and approve the Pavement Striping, Markings and
Markers on City Arterial Streets as final; and, authorize the
City Manager to file a Notice of Completion with the
Riverside County Recorder's office; and, authorize the
release of retention funds to Superior Pavement Markings,
Inc. upon expiration of the Notice of Completion.
M.O. 2022-71
E. Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Grant
Recommendation: To approve accepting a tribal donation of$39,000 from Agua
Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to purchase CERT
Program Supplies, one Autel EVO Drone, and Water Tender
equipment.
M.O. 2022-72
F. Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Donation
Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council approve accepting the
$30,000 donation from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla
Indians to fund computer upgrades and the Citizens on
Patrol Program
M.O. 2022-73
G. Second reading and adoption of an Ordinance of the City of Cathedral
City in order for the Cathedral City Police Department to continue its
current use and deployment of specialized police equipment and Adopt
Use Policies of Specialized Law Enforcement Equipment also known as
"Military Equipment".
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council provide second
reading and adopt an ordinance accepting the current
inventory of specialized equipment and adopting the "Use
Policy," related to military equipment as required by AB 481.
Ord 858
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H. Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 5.96 Short Term
Vacation Rental Units
Recommendation: Provide second reading by title only, and adopt an ordinance
amending Chapter 5.96 Short Term Vacation Rental Units.
Ord 859
ADOPT RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND
CERTIFYING COMPLETION OF PRIVATE IMPROVEMENTS IN TRACT
NO. 37354 AND PUD 17-001 "DISTRICT EAST": JONES CREE
VENTURES EAST, LLC: SUBDIVIDER AND DEVELOPER
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution accepting the public improvements and
certifying completion of private improvements in Tract No.
37354 and PUD 17-001; and, authorize the release of the
Improvement Agreement Securities and deposits as
described in the Resolution; and, authorize the Director of
Engineering/Public Works to file a Notice of Completion for
the Project.
Reso 2022-17
Denise Cross suggested this information should be shared with the Historic
Preservation Committee.
J. Annual Approval of the City's Investment Policy
Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council approve the updated
Investment Policy.
M.O. 2022-74
K. Tract No. 28561-1 and 28561: Rio Del Sol Area - Approval of Two
Improvement Agreements with RDS Development, LLC.
Recommendation: Approve an Improvement Agreement with RDS
Development, LLC, for improvements in the Espana village
portion of the Rio Del Sol development; and, approve an
Improvement Agreement with RDS Development, LLC, for
improvements in the Elements village portion of the Rio Del
Sol development; and, authorize the City Manager and City
Clerk to execute the Agreements on behalf of the City in a
form approved by the City Attorney.
M.O. 2022-75
Denise Cross discussed the history of the Rio Del Sol area, and questioned how
these improvements may affect property owners who should pay attention and
be aware.
L. Tract No. 28561-1 and 28561: Rio Del Sol area: Approval of the
Assignment of Two Improvement Agreements from Holt Opportunity
Fund, L.P. to RDS Development, LLC
Recommendation: Approve an Assignment of the Improvement Agreement with
Holt Opportunity Fund, LP, executed on December 12, 2019,
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for improvements in the Montecito village portion of the Rio
Del Sol development, to RDS Development, LLC; and, to
approve the Assignment of the Improvement Agreement with
Holt Opportunity Fund, LP, executed on December 12, 2019,
for improvements in the Palazzo village portion of the Rio
Del Sol development, to RDS Development, LLC; and, to
authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the
Assignments in a form approved by the City Attorney.
M.O. 2022-76
6. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Special Use Permit for Fields of Valor (formerly Healing Field)
Recommendation: To approve SUP# 22-002 for the annual Fields of Valor
(formerly known as "Healing Field") event at Patriot Park.
Mayor Pro Tem Rita Lamb and Councilmember Raymond Gregory announced
that they would sponsor and cover the cost of the Fields of Valor permit fee from
their discretionary funds.
M.O. 2022-77
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by
Councilmember Ross to approve SUP# 22-002 for the annual Fields of Valor
(formerly known as "Healing Field') event at Patriot Park which will be held
November 5-12, 2022.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
B. Zone Ordinance Amendment No. 22-001
Recommendation: Introduce, read by title, and waive further reading of the
proposed ordinance amending Section 9.62.070 of the
Cathedral City Municipal Code to prohibit new billboards in
the City.
M.O. 2022-78
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Lamb to introduce the first reading, by title only, and waive further reading of
an ordinance amending Section 9.62.070 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to
prohibit new billboards in the City.
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RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
Y
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tern
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
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 stated that there is no action necessaryb the
Council at this time. He indicated that the number of COVID-19 cases continue to
decline in the County and the City which is good news. The City's workforce
currently has no employees out due to COVID-19 for an illness or exposure. He
stated that there has been some increase in cases in the Northeast regions of
the nation and he continues to monitor the situation.
Terry Applegate expressed her concern with the COVID-19 variants that have
been spreading throughout the nation. She is fearful and would like us to monitor
the data that the Desert Water Agency puts out.
This item was for information and direction only, there was no formal action taken
by the City Council.
9. CLOSED SESSION
10. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There were no future agenda items to discuss.
ADJOURN
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez adjourned the Regular Meeting at 6:54 p.m.
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