City Council Adopts Goals for 2019
The City Council met in a day-long planning session on Saturday, January 26, 2019 and developed goals and objectives for the year. The goals statements were formally adopted by resolution during the Council meeting on February 27, 2019. One of the key policy roles of the City Council is to set priorities for the organization. With clear direction from the Council, all staff can then pull in the same direction, increasing the effectiveness of all departments in serving the public. After the Council goals were adopted, department heads and managers met in a planning session on February 28 to begin developing departmental strategies to implement the Council goals.
Council Goals - 2019
1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• Work with tribal officials to insure a smooth planning and development process so that the Casino can break ground as soon as possible.
• Facilitate a quicker completion of Economic Development deals by reviewing economic development policies and priorities by February 28
• Finalize the 13.5-acre transaction
• Work to fill empty store fronts as well as develop new construction
• Engage with Riverside County officials to bring the proposed RUHS medical clinic to Cathedral City
• Work with County agencies, area non-profits and the local CCCC to open a job training and resource center
• Demonstrate the City’s commitment to the Auto Dealers by attending the monthly meeting of their association with the objective that each councilmember will go at least once in 2019
• Bring in new businesses to diversify the local economy and consider incentives from cannabis revenues
• Review the status of the cannabis industry in Cathedral City including a report on applications in progress and operating businesses
• Develop an Ambassador program to welcome new businesses and residents to the City
2. INFRASTRUCTURE
• Provide an update on the Pavement Management plan to the Council by April 30, including financing recommendations to repair our streets such as the development of a street assessment district
• Develop plans to improve the Date Palm entry to city
• Address general plan property designations and the zoning of parcels along the west side of Date Palm from Vista Chino to 30th
• Improve drainage in flood prone areas
• Develop plans to address infrastructure north of Ramon Road near the Dream Homes neighborhood, especially during or in advance of the planned road work in the area
• Develop plans to address infrastructure north of I-10
• Explore a sewer assessment district in the neighborhood near Ocotillo Park
• Look at ways to improve access to broadband internet service in the City
• Advance the DaVall interchange through the CVAG planning and approval processes
3. FISCAL
• Revisit the parks maintenance portion of the LLD assessments for Panorama and Century Parks including identifying ways to equalize how parks maintenance and parks improvements are funded throughout the City
• Include funding in future budgets to reduce pension unfunded liability
• Develop future budgets to increase reserves
4. (A) POLICE
• Research concerns and develop recommendations for police staffing, equipment and facilities
• Continue to build Police strength and special skills teams
• Discuss with the Chief ways in which police may be able to assist with code enforcement
• Review with the Chief and Finance the benefits and costs of a north end police substation
4. (B) FIRE
• Research concerns regarding fire staffing and develop plans to improve diversity in the department
• Start construction on the new Fire station in 2019
5. CODE ENFORCEMENT
• Review the staffing and management structure of the code department and consider adding additional staff
• Provide a review of ways to improve Code Enforcement in Cathedral City including:
• Creating a volunteer code enforcement on patrol program
• Moving code enforcement from a complaint-based focus to an education/program-based focus
• Providing an update on short-term vacation rental regulation and enforcement efforts
• Tightening control on cannabis odor violations
6. PARKS
• Open the high school pool to the community during the summer
• Review the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and related policies:
• Site family-friendly amenities such as dog park, trails, community center near where most people live
• Pursue annexation into the Desert Recreation District
• Offer smaller scale family-friendly events at local parks
• Develop a financing and construction plan for a community center
• Work on grants and other funding options for the Dog park, Dream Homes park and the 1000 Trees initiative
7. HUMAN RESOURCES
• Place an emphasis on diversity in hiring and promotions and achieve a 100% score on the HRC Municipal Equality Index
• Develop and implement an Employee appreciation program for all departments including planning, building, engineering and code, and let the community know about employee achievements and recognition
• Prepare a presentation for Council review on the costs and benefits of implementing a 5-day week for city hall
• Integrate code enforcement into the volunteer process
8. HOUSING
• Increase funding to address homelessness through CVRM and other regional partners and work on City programs for the homeless
• Work with developers to bring affordable housing construction to the City
9. COUNCIL PLANNING, FUTURE ACTIONS
• Do not lose sight of past Council goals
• Complete the Ophelia Bringas and Greg Pettis legacy reviews
• Discuss term limits for council members
• Engage residents to be more active in our community through civic affairs and volunteering
