Cathedral City councilmembers welcome new mayor, vote on future of vacant District 3 seat

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) - Cathedral City discussed several items in its first city council meeting since the death of Councilmember Mark Carnevale in November.

Councilmember started with a moment of silence before discussing their grief over Carnevale's death.

The city council voted to appoint his replacement in District 3. The city will accept candidate statements until 5 p.m. on December 29. Statement letters can be emailed or hand-delivered to the city. Qualifying candidates will be invited to a special council meeting at 3 p.m. on January 7.

The council has until January 15 to fill the vacancy.

The city is set to release more information for anyone interested in the position.

Cathedral City also appointed its next Mayor, Raymond Gregory, and Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez. It's Gregory's second term as mayor. The city rotates its mayoral position annually among the five councilmembers.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.