Coachella City Council puts Mayor Pro Tem and other votes on hold due to absence of Mayor

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) - The Coachella City Council had a lot on their agenda Wednesday evening, from selecting a new Mayor Pro Tem to other appointments, but a no-show from Mayor Steven Hernandez delayed some of those votes.

The meeting addressed a key public health issue in a resolution authorizing an application to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for the city's Chromium-6 Treatment Project, and another resolution authorizing reimbursement for that application.

Drinking water in this part of the valley has been flagged for containing levels of naturally occurring chromium-6 that are above the state's drinking water standard. Chromium-6 is a mineral known to potentially cause cancer if consumed in excess.

The Council also voted to move three items to its next meeting due to Mayor Hernandez's absence.

This included the vote for Mayor Pro Tem, and the other two items were appointments to subcommittees.

Hernandez has made fewer appearances since being arraigned on perjury and conflict of interest charges in October.