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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes 2023-10-25 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Study Session Wednesday, October 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 3:00 PM by Mayor Rita Lamb. • ROLL CALL Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Rita Lamb Mayor Present 3:00 PM Mark Carnevale Mayor Pro Tem Absent Nancy Ross Councilmember Present 3:00 PM Raymond Gregory Councilmember Absent Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 3:00 PM • AGENDA FINALIZATION City Manager McClendon indicated that the Council will be hearing item 28. prior to 2A. 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Anne Bedrick, Perez Road Art District, provided a brief overview of the Perez Road Art District and asked the Council for their support and to spread the word. 2. STUDY SESSION A. Presentation - Salton Sea Management Program Update Recommendation: This is a presentation only. There is no formal action required. Miguel Hernandez, Public Information Officer with SSMP, presented an update on the Salton Sea Management Program. The following points were presented: • Salton Sea Challenges • 10 -Year Plan • Salton Sea Long-Range Plan • Feasibility Study • Salton Sea Management Plan Overview o Project in Process o Planning Phases of Future Projects The City Council provided comments and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by the presenter. Chuck Parker, expressed the need to do something with the declining water issue of the Salton Sea. He indicated that his group would be glad to make their own presentation if that is the desire of the City Council. Feliz Nunez, expressed her concern with the air quality related to the declining water of the Salton Sea and feels that something needs to be done. Terry Applegate, expressed her concern with the plan that was presented and feels that it is terribly inadequate. This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council. B. Chuperosa Lane: Elevating a Cathedral City Icon Recommendation: This agenda item is for review and discussion only. Stone James, provided an overview on the proposed transformation of Chuperosa Lane into a regional attraction. The following points were presented: • Background of the project • Location • Site Conditions • Goals • Design Thinking • Ideas • Potential Plans • Costs • Moving the project forward The members of the City Council provided comments, asked clarifying questions and received responses from staff. After discussion, it was the direction of the City Council to direct staff to conduct weed removal and routine maintenance and compacting uneven terrain, which will be handled by the Public Works Department. There will be future discussions on when and how to move forward with the conceptual plan. This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council. C. Council Salary Comparison Data Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 11/02/2023 Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. City Manager Charles McClendon provided an overview of Council Salary Comparison Data. He presented the following talking points: • Salaries are set by the City Charter • Council Salary History • Regional Council Salaries • Regional Benefit Data • Option to tie certain benefits to the non-represented employee group • Legal process to change salaries The council provided comments and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff. There was direction given to staff to include language in the Non-Rep Rules and Regulations, when they are updated, that would align the following City Council Member's benefits with the non-represented employee group: • 3.18 Car Allowance • 11.1 Group Insurance • 11.2 PERS • 11.5 Enrollment in Group Insurance Plans upon Retirement • 11.6 Wellness Program • 11.7 Life Insurance • 11.8 Deferred Compensation The Non-Rep Rules and Regulations will be presented to the Council for consideration and approval. At that time, the Council can discuss, as a group, and provide further direction related to how they want to proceed with changing the Council's compensation. This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council. ADJOURN Mayor Rita Lamb adjourned the Study Session meeting at 4:50 p.m. Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk City of Cathedral City Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 11/02/2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Cathedral City Regular Meeting Wednesday, October 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 Tenn Present 5:30 PM Nancy Ross Councilmember Present 5:30 PM Raymond Gregory Councilmember Absent Ernesto Gutierrez Councilmember Present 5:30 PM • AGENDA FINALIZATION There were no changes to the agenda. 1. PUBLIC COMMENT Josiah Maier, President of Cathedral City Professional Firefighters Association, indicated that he is speaking on behalf of the members of the association seeking a one-time payment from the America Rescue Plan Act Funds the City received for their work during the pandemic. He stated the majority of City Employees received a one-time payment from these funds, however, the members of the PFA were not offered the same. Jens Mueller, expressed his concern with trash cans being visible from the street. He encouraged the City Council to establish a task force to come up with ideas to address this issue. He indicated that he would like to participate or help in any way he can. David Koslow, requested that the City Council adopt a binding policy to conduct the City's business with sensitive and diplomatic consideration of the feelings and concerns of the Cathedral City citizens who volunteer their time and expertise to serve on the City's various Commissions and to direct staff to comply with the policy. Fred Bell, Chairman of the Palm Springs Air Museum, presented the City Council with a check in the amount of $9630.80. He announced that they received donations to help Cathedral City residents that were affected by Tropical Storm Hilary and that the check is for the remaining monies not spent. He indicated that the City Council can determine how to distribute the remaining funds. Joe McCabe, Museum of Ancient Wonders, thanked the City Council for their approval of funding for the museum through the Community Assistance Program. Sunshine Herrera, President Cathedral City Evening Rotary, thanked the Council for their support of Fields of Valor. She indicated that the event will be held from November 4, 2023 through November 12, 2023. She stated that any of the Council Members that would like to be involved in any of the activities should contact her. Chip Yarborough, acknowledged the Police Department for their traffic unit and thanked them for the work they are doing. He reiterated what Josiah Maier commented on related to HERO pay. 2. LOCAL EMERGENCY UPDATE A. Update on Emergency Actions Related to Tropical Storm Hilary Recommendation: Update on Status of Emergency Proclamation, Resolution 2023-33. 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 the Emergency Actions Related to Tropical Storm Hilary. He presented the following points: • Ongoing Efforts • Financial Impacts • Financial Impacts - Costs Incurred • Financial Assistance Programs • Mental Health Assistance • Emergency Plan Updates • Emergency Plan Updates - Timeline Cathedral City Page 2 Printed on 11/08/2023 This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council. 3. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following: • Had two meetings with City Manager McClendon and Assistant City Manager Ambrose • Attended the Palm Springs Unified School District Sub-Committee Meeting • Attended the Battle of the Badges Event • Participated in Media Day related to the Maya La Feria Internacional De Cultura Event • Attended the Palm Springs Unified School District Legislative Breakfast along with Mayor Lamb, Police Chief Crum and City Manager McClendon • Attended the Maya La Feria Internacional De Cultura Event on Saturday and Sunday • Complaints received regarding illegal food vendors • Calls received regarding Code Enforcement and the need to be more proactive • Attendance at the upcoming Halloween Dog Costume Contest at Panorama Park • Attendance at the upcoming Halloween Spooktackular Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following upcoming Halloween Events: • Dia de Los Muertos that will be held at Sunny Lands • Run with Los Muertos in Old Town Coachella • Dia de Los Muertos - Palm Springs Art Museum • Dia de Los Muertos at the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery • Dia de Los Muertas events that will be held at all four Forest Lawns across the Valley • S.C.R.A.P. Gallery Event at Forest Lawn Mayor Pro Tem Mark Carnevale reported on the following: • His meeting with Jens Mueller related to trash cans • The calls he received from constituents related to various areas of concern • A call from a local business wanting to relocate • His attendance at the Maya La Feria Internacional De Cultura Event • Complaints received regarding illegal food vendors • A call he received related to a 16-year old boy that attends Cathedral City High School that is homeless • He will be a judge at the upcoming Halloween Costume Contest • The new DJs Sports Bar Mayor Rita Lamb reported on the following: • Her attendance at the Maya La Feria Internacional De Cultura Event Cathedral City Page 3 Printed on 11/08/2023 • Her attendance at the Palm Springs Unified School District Legislative Breakfast • Her attendance at the College of the Desert Listening Tour Program • Her attendance at the Home Depot Foundation re-do of the Salvation Army Facility • Cathedral City High School Football game statistics • Discover Digest • The Friday Night Art Walk • The Fall Booklet mailer 4. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Lamb to approve the following Consent Agenda items: RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor AYES: Rita Lamb, Mark Carnevale, Nancy Ross, Ernesto Gutierrez ABSENT: Raymond Gregory A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2023-166 B. Minutes Approval M.O. 2023-167 1. City Council - Study Session - Oct 11, 2023 3:00 PM 2. City Council - Regular Meeting - Oct 11, 2023 5:30 PM C. Contract Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Woodard and Curran for Septic to Sewer Project Planning Grant Recommendation: To approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Woodard and Curran to provide Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program grant related services updating the submittal of the planning grant for the City's Septic to Sewer Project to the California State Water Resource Control Board requirements; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required Amendment documents. M.O. 2023-168 D. Award Professional Services Contract to Alliant Consulting Inc. for Labor Compliance and Monitoring Services for the Dream Homes Park City Project C07021 Recommendation: To approve a Professional Services Agreement with Alliant Consulting Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of$73,160 for Professional Labor Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Services for the Dream Homes Park Project; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract Cathedral City Page 4 Printed on 11/08/2023 documents. M.O. 2023-169 E. Contract Amendment No. 1 to the On-Call Engineering Services Agreement - State and Federal Projects Recommendation: To approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreements with NAI Consulting, Inc. and with Interwest Consulting Group for On-Call Engineering Support and Grant Administration Services for State and Federally Funded Transportation Projects; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required Amendment documents. M.O. 2023-170 5. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS A. Approval of PAC and PACE Funding for Old Gays Book Signing Event Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the funding requests from PAC and PACE for the Old Gays Book Signing and panel discussion event. M.O. 2023-171 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale and seconded by Mayor Lamb to approve the funding requests from the Public Arts Commission and the Parks and Community Events Commission for the Old Gays Book Signing and panel discussion event. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor AYES: Rita Lamb, Mark Carnevale, Nancy Ross, Ernesto Gutierrez ABSENT: Raymond Gregory B. Approval of the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) support of the 2023 Snow-Fest Dog Costume Contest Event Recommendation: To approve $100 from the Parks and Recreation Commission's (PACE) FY 2023-2024 Events Budget to support the 2023 Snow-Fest Dog Costume Event. M.O. 2023-172 A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Lamb to approve the expenditure of$100 from the Parks and Recreation Commission's (PACE) FY 2023-2024 Events Budget to support the 2023 Snow-Fest Dog Costume Event. Cathedral City Page 5 Printed on 11/08/2023 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor AYES: Rita Lamb, Mark Carnevale, Nancy Ross, Ernesto Gutierrez ABSENT: Raymond Gregory C. Award Professional Services Agreement to David Volz Design for the Downtown Dog Park Design Recommendation: To approve a Professional Services Agreement with David Volz Design in the not-to-exceed amount of$375,797 to prepare the plans, specifications and environmental documents for the Cathedral City Downtown Dog Park; and, approve a ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $37,579 for unforeseeable design costs, making the total encumbrance $413,376; and, amend the FY 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 PIP Plan; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents. M.O. 2023-173 A motion was made by Councilmember Ross and seconded by Mayor Lamb to approve a Professional Services Agreement with David Volz Design in the not-to- exceed amount of $375,797 to prepare the plans, specifications and environmental documents for the Cathedral City Downtown Dog Park; and, approve a ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $37,579 for unforeseeable design costs, making the total encumbrance $413,376; and, amend the FY 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 PIP Plan; and, authorize the City Manager to execute the required contract documents. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Mayor AYES: Rita Lamb, Mark Carnevale, Nancy Ross, Ernesto Gutierrez ABSENT: Raymond Gregory D. Gregory S. Pettis Fountain of Life Repair and Upgrade Recommendation: To authorize staff to proceed with the repairs and upgrades to the Gregory S. Pettis Fountain of Life M.O. 2023-174 A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Carnevale to authorize staff to proceed with the repairs and upgrades to the Gregory S. Pettis Fountain of Life as presented. Cathedral City Page 6 Printed on 11/08/2023 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Councilmember SECONDER: Mark Carnevale, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Rita Lamb, Mark Carnevale, Nancy Ross, Ernesto Gutierrez ABSENT: Raymond Gregory E. General Fund Year End Review for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022/2023 Recommendation: This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only. Kevin Biersack, Financial Services Director, provided an overview on the status of the City's General Fund Year End Balance. He indicated that the City is closing the year with a $2.5M+ surplus for fiscal year (FY) 2022/2023, which brings the City's General Fund "savings account" balance to more than $39 million. He stated that it is essential that the City maintain its Fund Balance at a minimum target balance of 33% of budgeted expenditures. The City is ending FY 2022/2023 with a 58% Fund Balance reserve. The budget for the upcoming FY 2023/2024 was planned to retain a 53% Fund Balance reserve; however, the August 20, 2023. Tropical Storm Hilary event and the resulting expenditures provide a current projection of 38% Fund Balance reserve for the upcoming fiscal year. The City's Forecast for this biennial budget cycle through June 30, 2025. projects an operating deficit and a Fund Balance reserve at 33%, reinforcing the Council's historical decision to prioritize achieving a minimum Fund Balance reserve and to have a sufficient "savings account". He indicated that at the November 8, 2023. City Council Meeting, staff will present a variety of options for the City Council to consider amending the current budget. The City Council provided comments and asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff. This item was for information and discussion only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council. 8. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Pro Tem Mark Carnevale requested that a Zoning Text Amendment be added to a future City Council Agenda for discussion related to pet boarding. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to bring a discussion item on a future Study Session Agenda related to a Zoning text amendment related to pet boarding. 9. CLOSED SESSION None ADJOURN Cathedral City Page 7 Printed on 11/08/2023 Mayor Rita Lamb adjourned the regular City Council Meeting at 7:31 p.m. l-JLIu A L /(6 Mayo); City of Cathedral City City CCity of Cathedral City Cathedral City Page 8 Printed on 11/08/2023