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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2023-01-25 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, January 25, 2023 3:00 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 3:01 PM by Mayor Rita Lamb. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Rita Lamb Mayor Present 3:00 PM Mark Carnevale Mayor Pro Tern Present 3:00 PM _Nancy Ross Councilmember Present 3:00 PM Raymond Gregory Councilmember Present 3:00 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 3:00 PM • AGENDA FINALIZATION There were no changes to the agenda. 1. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no members of the public that wished to speak. 2. STUDY SESSION A. Historic Preservation Application and Fee Analysis Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction. Robert Rodriguez, Planning/Building Director, provided an overview of the proposed Historic Preservation application and fees. Peter Palladino feels that there is value in historic preservation. He provided a brief overview of the city's journey to develop a historic preservation ordinance and thanked those who helped the process along, including Greg Pettis, John Rivera, and Charles McClendon. He also gave a shout out to Denise Cross, Cathedral City's only historian. He expressed his concern with the proposed fees. Sue Townsley expressed her support of the Agnes Pelton House and supports a waiver of fees instead of a blanket of no fees. Alan Carvalho expressed his supports the Agnes Pelton Home and referenced modernism week. He would like the City to make this a place that supports history. Shelley Kaplan feels history of a city provides a context of the city. He also feels that the City should want to designate sites as historic to provide the history of the City even if the site is no longer there. He would like something that encourages people to apply, not discourage. Simeon Den doesn't want the Council to lose site of the value of residents taking pride in their community. He feels it will be a missed opportunity if we don't do community building to bring the entire community together. He feels if you put obstacles in front of something, people are less likely to move forward. He expressed his love for this community. Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale expressed his support for zero fees, however he would support a minimum charge should Council recommend it. Councilmember Gregory feels only serious applicants should apply. He would like to see a minimal cost of $100, or possibly more, and would like to see a waiver of fees for the certificate of appropriateness, if the applicant can demonstrate that there is a public benefit to making the repair. He also supports a full downgrade fee. Councilmember Ross indicated that she did not see preservation plans included and feels that this would prove the applicants are serious. She expressed her support for no fees and lower fees for the certificate of appropriateness. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez feels the proposed fees are a little high and feels that they can be lowered. He suggested only charging the cost of advertising and mailing notices, approximately $709.00, which he feels would be a reasonable amount. Mayor Lamb feels the concern is whether or not the City is able to absorb the cost to designate these historical sites. She wants the City to encourage applicants to apply and expressed her support for a minimal cost to be respectful of staff's time. Charles McClendon, City Manager, stated that staff will bring forward a fee resolution with a $100 fee, full cost recovery for downgrade or removal, and full certificate of appropriateness fee with a provision of a hardship waiver. He indicated that a decision related to the plaque does not need to be made at this time. Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 2/02/2023 This item was for information and direction only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council. B. Cannabis Industry and Taxation Analysis Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. Stone James, Economic Development Director, provided an overview of the cannabis industry analysis which included surveys and interviews. Lisa Goldfine, Double Eye Dispensary, expressed her concerns with the struggling cannabis industry and requested assistance from the City. Kenneth Churchill, West Coast Cannabis Club, thanked staff and the Council for taking the time to talk to the cannabis industry and listening to them. He expressed his concern with the struggle the cannabis industry is facing and feels they need to work together to ensure these small businesses survive. He encouraged the City Council to help support small businesses and lower taxes to 5%. Meagan Hogg, Double Eye Dispensary, expressed her concern with the changes in the cannabis industry and requested assistance from the City. John Chaissa, Atomic Budz, thanked the City for listening to the cannabis industry. He would like to see cannabis businesses treated the same as all other businesses, which he feels will cause the black market no longer to exist. Armando Perez, Desert Sun Ray, expressed his concern with challenges with the industry is facing and by being taxed at a premium. He feels tax reductions would help and he would like this to be looked at as a mid to long term solution. Mayor Lamb stated that she is invested in protecting businesses in the City and thanked staff for the comprehensive analysis. She expressed her support for lowering the taxes to help the cannabis industry and is in favor of staff's recommendations. Councilmember Gregory stated that he remains conflicted on how much to help. He expressed his concern with making a decision that will reduce revenue and would like to know how it will be made up. He would also like to see what the budget cuts will look like and what the forecast will be for over the next few years. In regard to cultivation and manufacturing, he feels the ordinance may need to be looked at and cleaned-up to go to the vote of the people. He expressed his support of finding a way to help the industry through the budget process and proposed limiting the number of licenses in the future. Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale feels the cannabis industry is being affected nationwide and feels that the cannabis businesses should be treated the same as other businesses. He feels that over taxing cannabis businesses is harsh and supports reducing the tax rate for retail and cultivation. Councilmember Gutierrez stated that he can see that the cannabis industry Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 2/02/2023 needs help, however, he is conflicted on how much help to provide. He questioned if the industry has reached out to the State for assistance. He expressed his concern with revenue loss and feels that before they take action, the City needs to be able to balance and analyze the budget with staff's input on how to do it. Councilmember Ross feels that the cannabis industry is in need of help, and she supports a tax cut. She feels the City needs to analyze the budget to find a way to do it. It was the consensus of the City Council to support some type of tax break for the cannabis industry. It was the direction of Council for staff to provide what the budget ramifications of the tax break will be and to bring back a recommendation at a future meeting for Council's consideration. ADJOURN Mayor Lamb adjourned the Study Session meeting at 5:04 p.m. P Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Cler'Ci y of Cathedral City Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 2/02/2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, January 25, 2023 5:30 PM City Council Chambers 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 • CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Rita Lamb. • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tern Carnevale led the Pledge of Allegiance. • INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION) Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez offered the Invocation. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Rita Lamb Mayor Present 5:30 PM Mark Carnevale Mayor Pro Tem Present 5:30 PM Nancy Ross Councilmember Present 5:30 PM Raymond Gregory Councilmember Present 5:30 PM Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 5:30 PM • AGENDA FINALIZATION There were no changes to the agenda. 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Deborah McGearry, So Cal Gas, read a statement regarding an increase in gas prices in the western hemisphere. 2. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Raymond Gregory reported that he attended a League of California Cities Committee orientation for the Governance Transparency and Labor Relations Committee (GTLR), which he has been appointed to serve on. He reported that he attended the Palm Springs Film Festival and encouraged the public to attend. He also attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Budget and Implementation Committee meeting. He reported that RTTC will be having a conference, which will be held in Palm Springs, and plans to attend. He reported that he attended a task force meeting, along with Councilmember Ross, to discuss the issues with Varner Road, which was a good start. He announced the upcoming City Council Goal Setting meeting which will be held on January 28, 2023, beginning at 8:00 am. He also announced the upcoming Taste of Jalisco event, which will be held January 3-5, 2023, and encouraged everyone to attend. He announced the upcoming Special City Council Study Session meetings in preparation for the FY 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 budgets and encouraged attendance. Mayor Pro Tern Mark Carnevale reported that he attended the CVEP meeting, where they discussed cannabis cultivation. He spoke with Craig Smith from Fountainhead Development regarding the 13.5-acre development project. He spoke with a couple constituents and referred a gentleman to John Corella, Engineering and Public Works Director, regarding a Circle K Store. He met with Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager, to discuss a new idea to help promote Cathedral City. He reported that he discussed some issues with Fire Chief Contreras, related to paramedic services. He also reported that Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend was very busy for him. He reported that he attended the Ocotillo Street Sign Topper dedication ceremony, which was a fun event and feels Councilmember Ross did a great job. He also reported that he attended, along with many City Officials, Richard Altman's wife's funeral. He provided a brief overview of the Homeless Liaison Officer's progress and thanked Commander Jon Enos for providing the information. Councilmember Nancy Ross thanked John Corella, Director of Engineering and Public Works, for his work in establishing the Varner Road Task Force. She announced that she sits on the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees and urged everyone to avoid allowing standing water on their properties. She reported on the Ocotillo Square Street Sign Topper dedication ceremony and thanked staff. She attended the Dinner with Patsi fundraiser benefiting the Cathedral City High School Choir, and she urged the community to help support the choir. She reported that she will be attending the upcoming City Council Goal Setting meeting and Taste of Jalisco and hopes to see everyone there. Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez hopes everyone is staying warm as it gets cold outside. He reported that he attended the CVAG Conservation Committee meeting, where they discussed a contract related to the Palm Hills Mountain area. He reported that he visited the Cahuilla lake where a fence is being installed to protect the big horn sheep. He reported that he met with a business owner related to remodeling his Circle K Store. He also reported that he attended the Ocotillo Square Street Sign Topper dedication ceremony. He reported that he spoke with a cannabis owner regarding the current tax rate, which was discussed during the previous study session meeting. He announced that he received several resident concerns, which he was able to assist with and referred some to city staff. He reported that spoke with a resident looking for information on how to develop homes in the City and spoke with a longtime friend interested in opening a new business in the city. He Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 2/02/2023 reported that he will be attending the City Council Goal Setting meeting, which will be held on January 28, 2023, beginning at 8:00 am. He also reported that he met with City Manager McClendon to discuss tonight's agenda. He reminded those who qualify to contact So Cal gas for available programs and discounts. Mayor Rita Lamb acknowledged Public Arts Commissioner Sunshine Herrera who was in attendance. She stated that the Commissions are doing a great job. She discussed the Yoga program and feels the participants are having a blast. She reported that she will be attending the Drucker School's So Cal Mayor's Conference which will be held on January 27, 2023. She provided her "Mayor's Message" for the month of February, which is "be prepared", and she announced the upcoming Emergency Preparedness event, which will be held on February 4, 2023 at the Cathedral City Library. 3. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale and seconded by Councilmember Ross to approve the following Consent Agenda items: RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2023-16 B. Minutes Approval M.O. 2023-17 1. City Council - Study Session - Jan 11, 2023 3:00 PM 2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Jan 11, 2023 5:30 PM C. Receive and File Payment of Claims and Demands for December 2022 Recommendation: The City Council acting in its capacity for the City, the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency, the Housing Successor Agency, the Cathedral City Public Finance Authority Board, and the Cathedral City Downtown Foundation Board receive and file payment of claims and demands in the aggregate sum of$4,288,757.35 for the month of December 2022. M.O. 2023-18 D. Chapter 5.98 Sidewalk Vendors and Chapter 5.48 Peddlers Recommendation: Provide second reading by title only, and adopt an ordinance adding Chapter 5.98 and amending Chapter 5.48 of the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code. Ord 867 Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 2/02/2023 E. COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2006-1, IMPROVEMENT AREA #15 (LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE, PARAMEDIC, PARK AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES) AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF A SPECIAL TAX (2nd Reading) Recommendation: Conduct Second Reading and adopt the Ordinance authorizing the levy of a special tax within Improvement Area No. 15 of the City of Cathedral City Community Facilities District No. 2006-1 (Law Enforcement, Fire, Paramedic. Park and General Maintenance Services). Ord 868 4. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Ocotillo and Soccer Park Renovation Projects Recommendation: To authorize the City Manager to execute the documents required for the purchase and installation of new soft surfacing around the play equipment at Ocotillo Park and the purchase of new fitness equipment for the Soccer Park Fitness Track and Ocotillo Park in the amount of $175,754.71; and, authorize the Director of Engineering/Public Works to execute all required quotes and proposals for the labor and materials to complete the Ocotillo Park and Soccer Park Fitness Track Renovation Projects in the amount of $45,047.98, for a combined project total of$220,802.69, which includes a 10% contingency of $20,072.97 for unforeseen construction related expenses all to be funded from FY 2021-22 and 22-23 Parks Improvement and Maintenance Plan. M.O. 2023-19 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Carnevale and seconded by Councilman Gutierrez to authorize the City Manager to execute the documents required for the purchase and installation of new soft surfacing around the play equipment at Ocotillo Park and the purchase of new fitness equipment for the Soccer Park Fitness Track and Ocotillo Park in the amount of$175,754.71; and, authorize the Director of Engineering/Public Works to execute all required quotes and proposals for the labor and materials to complete the Ocotillo Park and Soccer Park Fitness Track Renovation Projects in the amount of $45,047.98, for a combined project total of $220,802.69, which includes a 10% contingency of $20,072.97 for unforeseen construction related expenses all to be funded from FY 2021-22 and 22-23 Parks Improvement and Maintenance Plan. Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 2/02/2023 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember AYES: Lamb, Carnevale, Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez B. FY 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 Biennial Budget Overview Presentation Recommendation: This item is presented for information and discussion only. Brian Avez inquired how residents can have access to the upcoming budget information. This item was for information and direction only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council. C. Cathedral City Grant Activity Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to not move forward with the addition of a Senior Analyst position at this time, and to further analyze the need through the goal setting and budget process. 7. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS There was no discussion on future agenda items. ADJOURN Mayor Rita Lamb adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 6:53 p.m. 1(t,c_t.rynn (LC Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, 't of Cathedral City Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 2/02/2023