Council approves Foothill Cove PUD, Tentative Tract Map and Zoning Ordinance Amendment, 3–0

Foothill Cove PUD, Tentative Tract Map and Zoning Ordinance Amendment

3 yes, 0 no

Christina Gordon (yes), Rita Lamb (yes), Raymond Gregory (yes)

Consent Agenda (Items 3.A through 3.J)

4 yes, 0 no

Appointments to the Finance Advisory Committee

4 yes, 0 no

Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations Policy (Resolution)

4 yes, 0 no

FY 2025/2026 Preliminary Financial Results and Carryovers

4 yes, 0 no

Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda

4 yes, 0 no

Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record

4 yes, 0 no

Check Demand – September 2026

4 yes, 0 no

Second Reading and Adoption - Cannabis Taxes, Licensing, AB 1775, and Odor Control Compliance - CCMC Chapters 3.48 and 5.88

4 yes, 0 no

Authorization Under Prop 64 Grant to Purchase Forensic Cell Phone Analysis and Unlocking Software

4 yes, 0 no

Second Reading an Ordinance Adopting a Comprehensive Development Code Update

4 yes, 0 no

Authorization to Purchase Axon Enterprise Taser Devices for the Police Department

4 yes, 0 no

Foothill Cove PUD

Van Fleet and D Streets, Cathedral City, CA

GHA Companies got the green light to subdivide a 7.86-acre lot into 75 townhomes with private streets, a dog park, open space, and stormwater retention, plus flexibility on setbacks, parking, and open space rules.

approved (3-0) · still approved

Capital Improvement Program & Maintenance of Effort Projects

Public Works showed off its semiannual progress on medians, retention basins, LLD walls, and the Dinosaur Bridge lighting, plus partnerships with code compliance and the tribe. Councilmembers flagged flood-prone unattended lots along Date Palm ahead of a possible El Niño.

What it means: Residents and businesses near renovated medians, basins, and LLD areas see better-maintained streetscapes and flood protection.

Cannabis Odor Mitigation and Enforcement

A resident reported at least eleven odor complaints from cannabis facilities near Outdoor Resorts since the last meeting, saying residents can't use their patios at night. The council adopted an ordinance adding odor-control equipment compliance deadlines.

What it means: Neighbors of cannabis facilities who have suffered odor impacts, once compliance deadlines take effect.

Establishment of Legislative Advocacy Policy

The city can now respond quickly to state and federal legislative requests without a council vote each time, as long as positions fit the adopted platform. Councilmembers discussed safeguards against a future mayor or manager issuing controversial letters.

What it means: Residents benefit from faster grant advocacy and a stronger city voice in Sacramento and Washington.

Measure W Budget and Expenditure Oversight

The city ended FY 2025/26 with a $2 million surplus and a healthy 53% reserve, but about $3.4 million of that came from one-time FEMA and insurance money — without it, the city would have run a $1.4 million deficit. Officials project deficits of roughly $4 million and $3.4 million in the next two years and urged careful spending.

What it means: The city has a $41 million reserve but faces projected multi-million-dollar deficits in the next two years without new revenue or spending restraint.

Foothill Cove Housing Development

The council approved 75 townhomes on a long-vacant 7.86-acre lot south of the Cathedral Cove shopping center, completing the residential phase of the original Cathedral Cove PUD. Residents get new housing near shops and services, with a dog park, open space, and a pedestrian link to the commercial center.

What it means: Future townhome buyers and the broader community gain new housing and amenities near the Cove commercial center.