HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2022-05-25 CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Study Session
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
3:00 PM
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
This meeting was conducted in person and by 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 Tern 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
City Manager Charles McClendon requested that the City Council hear item 3A first
this afternoon as Item 2A. The Closed Session Item will be heard at the end of the
meeting as Item 3A.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no members of the public that wished to speak.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Desert Recreation District (DRD) Polling Results
Recommendation: Review the Desert Recreation District (DRD) annexation
polling results for discussion and direction only.
Kevin Kalman, General Manager of Desert Recreation District, introduced
Richard Bernard, Ph.D., Partner, FM3 Research, who will be providing a
presentation on the Desert Recreation District annexation polling results.
Richard Bernard, Ph.D., Partner, FM3 Research gave an overview of the results
of the polling that was conducted related to the annexation into the Desert
Recreation District. The following points were presented:
• Survey Specifics and Methodology
• Familiarity with and Opinions of the DRD
• Community Context
• Initial Opinions on Ballot Measure
• Elements of the Ballot Measure
• The Effects of Educational Statements
• The Effects of Critical Statements
• Views About DRD Taking Over Services in Cathedral City
• Conclusions
Terry Applegate feels that we are putting the cart before the horse. She
expressed her concern with the lack of community involvement. She feels that
there is not sufficient time to gain support for the November 2022 election. She
expressed her support for the Desert Recreation District, however, she supports
Option C.
Denise Cross supports Desert Recreation District. She feels that there are
families in need and the City needs to move forward and place this on the ballot.
After discussion of the City Council, it was the consensus of the Council to move
forward with placing the annexation into the Desert Recreation District on the
November 2022 ballot.
3. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council will meet in Closed session
to discuss the following items listed on the agenda.
A. Conference with Legal Counsel -Anticipated Litigation/Threat of Litigation,
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2).
Number of Potential Cases: One
The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 4:15 p.m.
ADJOURN
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez adjourned the Study Session Meeting at 4:15 p.m.
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Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 6/02/2022
44 CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Cathedral City
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, May 25, 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
Councilmember Nancy Ross led the Pledge of Allegiance.
• INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Raymond Gregory offered a moment of reflection.
• ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Ernesto Gutierrez Mayor Present 5:30 PM
Rita Lamb Mayor Pro Tern 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
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
Ricardo Loretta, Executive Director of the Dr. Carreon Foundation, extended an
invitation to the City to partner with them to provide education opportunities for youth
in Cathedral City.
Brad Anderson expressed his interest in collecting data on the Closed Session Items
discussed during the Study Session meeting of May 25, 2022. He also indicated that
he is in favor of the Desert Recreation District being taken to a vote of the people.
Dominic Lopez commented on police transparency and requested that the City
Council consider having police radios be un-encrypted like some other agencies do.
He also indicated that he feels unsafe at Ocotillo Park and encouraged the City do
something about the drug issue. He stated that Desert Vista Road is in very bad
condition and would like the street fixed and maintained.
Corwin DeVeas expressed his concerns to Mayor Gutierrez related to his career. He
also expressed his concern with the Mayor's requests related to code issues around
the City and his conversations with current and former Police Officers.
Richard Altman complemented the City and the Council on the recent State of the
City held on May 19, 2022.
Alan Carvalho echoed the comments of Richard Altman. He feels Chris Parman,
Communications and Events Manager, has done a great job and thanked the
Council for supporting him.
Chuck Parker, Salton Sea Coalition, provided a written comment for the record. He
urged the City Council to consider a resolution to reaffirm the Council's past
resolution supporting the analysis of ocean water import to refill the Salton Sea, and
to support the analysis to evaluate the potential greenhouse gas emissions from any
proposed projects.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Rita Lamb reported that she attended the CVAG Coachella Valley
Conservation Commission meeting and stated that the Big Horn Sheep has been
moved from endangered to threatened. She reported that she, along with
Councilmember Ross, attended a CPR demonstration at the Fire Department. She
reported that she met with Alberto Acosta from the Museum of Ancient Wonders.
She also reported that she attended many of the Cathedral City High School year
end events. She reported on the Cathedral City High School Senior scholarship and
awards night and gave a special recognition to the Jeremy J. Bucker Memorial
Scholarship fund. She also attended the Cathedral City High School Choral awards
event which had a wonderful presentation. She reported that she attended a Palm
Springs Museum that was showcasing of all the different local High School
academies. She announced that Cathedral City High School is gearing up for a new
football season. She reported that she represents the City on the Coachella Valley
Mountains Conservancy Board. She shared that the Desert Sun provided an article
on how to vote and she encouraged everyone to vote. She announced that there is a
new restaurant in town called Mr. Claws Cajun Sea Food and that Restaurant Week
is June 3rd through June 12th. She thanked Richard Altman for sponsoring a table of
the Harvey Milk Breakfast fundraiser, which was a great event. She welcomed Lisa
Luna as the City's new Communications and Events Manager. She reported that she
received resident concerns related to code enforcement and thanked Sandra Molina,
Code Compliance Manager, for her follow-up on the issues. She commented on the
recent mass school shooting in Uvalde Texas and urged everyone to vote for
representatives that will value our children.
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Councilmember Mark Carnevale stated that Mayor Pro Tern Lamb's comments
related to the mass shootings in Uvalde Texas were beautiful and he knows how she
feels. He reported that he attended a CDBG Subcommittee meeting along with
Mayor Gutierrez, City Engineer John Corella, and Assistant Engineer Andrew Lee.
He reported on the recent State of the City, which was a great event. He reported
that he provided dinner for the Cathedral City High School Choral Awards and also
hosted the AMVETS Memorial Luncheon at his restaurant, Nicolinos. He reported
that he spoke with a constituent related to the soccer park and thanked Deanna
Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation and Public Works Manager, for her
assistance with this issue. He reported that he spoke with Katrina Heinrich, owner of
land north of 1-10, related to a possible development. He also reported that he spoke
with Cornerstone Development related to the development of the 13.5 acres project,
which is moving forward. He reported that he, along with Mayor Gutierrez, discussed
the homeless issues in Cathedral City and Palm Springs with Police Chief Crum. He
gave a special shout out to Chris Parman, who is retiring from the City as the
Communications and Events Manager.
Councilmember Gregory reported on the Grand Opening of the Panorama Dog Park,
which was a great event and thanked all those involved. He reported that he
attended the Pride Prom Event at the Air Museum and thanked all the community
volunteers. He announced the upcoming Special City Council meeting, which will be
held on May 18, 2022, to discuss CDBG grant funding. He reported on the recent
State of the City event hosted by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of
Commerce, and thanked Chris Parman, Communications and Events Manager, for
his great video work which can be seen on the City's website. He reported that he
attended a fundraiser for the Senior Center, the Riverside County Transportation
Commission Budget and Implementation meeting, the Desert Business Association
mixer, and the CVRep Drama Club's Breakfast. He announced that Memorial Day is
coming up and reminded everyone to remember those who served to protect our
Country. He also announced the Special City Council meeting scheduled for June 1,
2022, where they will be discussing the City's commissions and committees.
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported that she along with Mayor Pro Tern Lamb
attended a CPR demonstration at the Fire Department. She also attended the grand
opening of the Panorama Dog Park. She reported that she met with some
candidates for the upcoming election and attended the Dinner with Patsi fundraiser
at Sunshine Café. She announced that she will be hosting a Father's Day fundraiser
where all proceeds will go to support Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine. She
reported that she attended the State of the City event, the Sunline Transit Agency
Board meeting, and the Senior Center fundraiser event where she won a case of
tequila. She announced an upcoming photo contest for the Jurassic Wonders
Dinosaur installation, in conjunction with the Mary Pickford Theater and the new
Jurassic World movie. She commented on the recent mass shootings in Uvalde
Texas and many others. She urged everyone to watch, listen, and take responsibility
to make the best decision when voting for elected officials.
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez attended the grand opening of the Panorama Dog Park, the
Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau meeting, and the State of the
City event, which was incredible. He thanked Chris Parman, Communications and
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Events Manager, Stone James, Economic Development Director, and staff for their
great work on the event. He indicated that he received great feedback from residents
and businesses. He reported that he met with a Captain from the Salvation Army to
discuss a partnership with the City. He reported that he attended the League of
California Cities Riverside County Division meeting, where they discussed highways,
freeways and a Bill that would stop freeway widenings. He asked that
Councilmember Gregory look into it for more information. He also reported that he
attended the Cathedral City High School Senior Scholarship and Awards night and
hopes the City can provide a higher amount for scholarships moving forward. He
also reported that he met with City Manager McClendon for their weekly meeting. He
thanked Robert Rodriguez, Planning/Building Director, and City Manager Charles
McClendon for their help with an issue a developer brought to his attention. He also
reported that a local barber shop is looking to offer alcohol to their customers while
they wait for their appointments, which staff will be researching and evaluating. He
commented on the recent mass shooting in Uvalde Texas and expressed his
sadness.
The City Council presented Chris Parman a certificate of recognition for his role as
the City's Communications and Events Manager for the past eight years.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Lamb and seconded by Councilmember
Carnevale to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Councilmember
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
M.O. 2022-93
B. Minutes Approval
M.O. 2022-94
1. City Council - Study Session - May 11, 2022 3:00 PM
2. City Council - Regular Meeting - May 11, 2022 5:30 PM
C. Receive and File Payment of Claims and Demands for April 2022
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 $6,772,210 for
the month of April, 2022.
M.O. 2022-95
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D. Establish the Annual Special Tax for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023 (Rio
Vista Village)
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution of the Cathedral City Community
Facilities District (CFD) No. 2000-1 (Rio Vista Village)
establishing the annual special tax for FY 2022-2023
Reso 2022-21
E. Amendment to the Regulations covering Executive, Administrative,
Professional, Confidential and other Particular Employees
Recommendation: To approve amendments to the regulations covering
Executive, Administrative, Professional, Confidential and
Other Particular Employees and authorize a budget
amendment of$549,359 in the current budget (FY21-22).
Brad Anderson expressed his concern with this item being part of the Consent
Agenda.
M.O. 2022-96
F. Approval of Grant Expenditure SLESA 2019-2020
Recommendation: Approve the Expenditure Plan Appropriating Supplemental
Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA) for FY 2019-
2020 allocation.
M.O. 2022-97
G. Purchase of one vehicle for East PACT
Recommendation: Approve supplementing the allocated PACT funds with
additional funding from the vehicle replacement fund and
payment of a deposit, if necessary to hold a vehicle, pending
Council approval of the purchase on a future agenda.
M.O. 2022-98
H. Replacement of Current Fire Department Breathing Apparatus
Recommendation: To approve the purchase of forty-five (45) self-contained
breathing apparatus' (SCBA), and accessory equipment, for
use in hazardous environments.
M.O. 2022-99
4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. General Plan Amendment No. 20-001 2021-2029 Housing Element
Update
Recommendation: To approve a Resolution adopting a Negative Declaration in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
and approving General Plan Amendment No. 20-001 to
update the Housing Element of the General Plan for the
2021-2029 Planning Period.
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Nicole Criste, Terra Nova Consultant, provided an overview of the City's General
Plan and the proposed Housing Element update, which must be updated every 8
years. The following points where presented:
• Housing needs
• Housing sites
• Policies and Programs
• Process
• Recommendation
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez opened the Public Hearing to receive input from the
general public related to General Plan Amendment No. 20-001 2021-2029
Housing Element Update, seeing none, Mayor Gutierrez closed the Public
Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
Reso 2022-22
A motion was made by Councilmember Gregory and seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Lamb to approve a Resolution adopting a Negative Declaration in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and approving General
Plan Amendment No. 20-001 to update the Housing Element of the General Plan
for the 2021-2029 Planning Period.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Raymond Gregory, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Gutierrez, Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory
6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. 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.
Charles McClendon provided an update on Emergency Actions Related to
COVID-19. He indicated that there is a flattening in the growth's curve of
confirmed cases, which mirrors what is occurring at the County, State and
National levels. He does not have any recommendations at this time.
This item was for information and direction only, there was no formal action taken
by the City Council.
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7. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
It was the consensus of the City Council to agendize an item to consider a
resolution, requested by Chuck Parker of the Salton Sea Coalition, to reaffirm the
Council's past support to import ocean water to refill the Salton Sea.
8. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Eric Vail announced that the City Council met in Closed Session during
the Study Session meeting of May 25, 2022 to discuss Item 3A., originally Item 1A.,
Conference with Legal Counsel for anticipated litigation for one case. There was no
reportable action taken.
ADJOURN
Mayor Ernesto Gutierrez adjourned the Regular Meeting of May 25, 2022 in memory of Jeff
Levine former Chairman of the Board of the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of
Commerce.
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