MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA VERNE
Monday, November 21, 2022
A regular meeting of the La Verne City Council was called to order by Mayor Hepburn at 6:30 p.m.
2. Council Members present: Mayor Tim Hepburn
Mayor Pro Rick Crosby
Council Member Wendy Lau
Council Member Steven Frank Johnson
Council Member Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita
Absent: None.
Advisory personnel present: Interim City Manager Jess Duff Assistant City Manager JR Ranells
City Attorney Robert L. Kress
Assistant City Clerk Lupe Gaeta Estrella
Community Development Director Eric Scherer
Police Captain Sam Gonzales
Community Services Manager Yvonne Duran
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Hepburn.
4. Announcements of Upcoming
Community Events
Council Member Lau announced that the City of La Verne is looking for volunteers to assist in the delivery of goody bags to residents on Christmas Morning.
Council Member Kashifalghita announced that the La Verne Fire Department is holding their annual Spark of Love for Toys Drive. He stated that the donated toys would go to La Verne families.
Council Member Johnson announced that the La Verne Rotary Club gave out 75 Turkey dinners to families in need
Mayor Hepburn announced that the La Verne All-Stars Softball Game with the La Verne Police and Fire Department and Holiday Toy Drive would be held ir December 5, 2022 at 6:30 p.m., the City will be holding its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. There will be free pictures with Santa and Bonita Hiah School Chamber Singers will be performing
5. Consent Calendar It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Johnson, and unanimously carried to accept, approve, or act on the Consent Calendar items.
City Council Minutes City Council Minutes of November 7, 2022, received and filed.
City Council Minutes, Monday, November 21, 2022, Page 2.
Register of Audited Demands Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $2, 150, 704.30 dated October 27, 2022; and in the amount of $195,080.12 dated November 3, 2022, approved as recommended by Finance Director Lopez.
Extending Salary Continuation Extending Salary Continuation to Permanent Employees Called to Active Duty to Permanent Employees - The City of La Verne previously extended veteran leave benefits for Called to Active Duty permanent employees called to active duty in support of United States military operations such as Enduring Freedom. The City was informed that one of its Public Works personnel has been called to active duty in support of military operations overseas. Authorization of this requires City Council approval for the extension of partial salary benefits during the entirety of the deployment.
Assistant City Manager Ranells recommended that the City Council approve an eleven (11) month extension of partial salary totaling $10,500 from the General Fund for the employee being called to active duty in support of military operations overseas. Approved as recommended.
Staff recommended approval and passage of the following Resolutions:
Resolution No. 22-75, Resolution No. 22-75 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF Authorizing a Memorandum of THE CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF Understanding with the County CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING of Los Angeles by and through WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES BY AND THROUGH THE LOS the Los Angeles County ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FOR PARTICIPATION IN Sheriff's Department for THE LOS ANGELES TASKFORCE FOR REGIONAL AUTOTHEFT Participation in the Los Angeles PREVENTION (TRAP) TEAM - The Police Department values its participation Taskforce for Regional and partnership with the various regional task forces comprised of department Autotheft Prevention (TRAP) members from individual participating agencies. The Police Department seeks Team to add a police officer to the Los Angeles Taskforce for Regional Autotheft Prevention (TRAP) Team.
Police Chief Flores recommended that the City Council approve Resolution No. 22-75, authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement between the City of La Verne and the County of Los Angeles by and through the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to assign a Police Department membet to TRAP on a full-time basis, and approve the hiring of an additional officer to backfill the Officer assigned. Approved as recommended.
Ordinance(s), Second Reading, approved as recommended as follows; Ordinance No. 1112, Ordinance No. 1112 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, regarding Personal Con doct AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING PERSONAL CONDUCT nd Property Maintenanc AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE - At the August 1, 2022 City Counci meeting, the Police Department sought appropriations to utilize funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to address the homeless population within the community. The Police Department also recommended additional measures to assist the Department's Homeless Outreach Support Team (HOST) in maintaining the quality of life by adding and amending existing ordinances. On November 7. 2022, Ordinance No. 1112 was placed on first City Council Minutes, Monday, November 21, 2022, Page 3.
Police Chief Flores recommended that the City Council approve Ordinance No 1112, amending the Municipal Code regarding personal conduct and property maintenance. Approved as recommended.
6. Public Hearing/2021-2029 Eric Scherer reported on the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update. He stated Housing Element Update that the Housing Element is a state-mandated element of the City's General Plan and is required to identify and analyze existing and projected housing needs for the City of La Verne. The document includes the City's goals, policies, quantified objectives, and programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing. The Housing Element is the only element that must be updated at regular intervals or cycles (every 8 years).
The current adopted Housing Element for the 5th Cycle covers the period 2013-2021. Based on timeframes set by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the City must now adopt an updated Housing Element covering the 6th Cycle period 2021-2029.
He stated that the one public comment was received. He clarified that the Fairplex Specific plan has nothing to do with the Housing Element. They are two different matters.
Prior to adoption, the 2021-2029 Housing Element must be reviewed by the HCD and the City must consider and respond to the Department's comments by making necessary modifications to comply with State Housing Law. City staff and the City's consultant completed the First Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element in December 2021, which was circulated for a 30-day public review period and submitted to HCD for a State-mandated 60-day review. HCD provided comments on the First Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element in February 2022. The City then updated its 2021- 2029 Housing Element to respond to HCD's comments and resubmitted its Second Draft 2021- 2029 Housing Element to HCD on August 5, 2022 for a second State-mandated 60-day review period. On September 30, 2022, the City received an official confirmation letter from HCD that the Second Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element will comply with the Housing Element Law upon adoption (Attachment E).
Generally, the updates to the Housing Element include compliance with state- mandated programs (e.g., Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing), updates to the housing unit counts, and other modifications to ensure that the document is n compliance with Housing Element law. State law also requires the Housin! Element to identify sites suitable for development of all housing types, witl capacity to satisfy the City's regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) for the period 2021-2029 (6th Cycle).
Overall, the City has the ability to adequately accommodate its RHNA (at all income levels) within the City's current general plan and zoning designations (including through adopted Specific Plans); no rezoning is proposed as part of this project.
According to the Assistant City Attorney Lisa Kranitz in a memorandum dated October 21, 2022 (Attachment C), "Failure to adopt a housing element leaves the City open to lawsuits, will prevent the City from retaining certain funding, subjects the City to fines, and allows affordable development to be built anywhere in the City regardless of zoning.
City Council Minutes, Monday, November 21, 2022, Page 4.
In addition, in a recent article in the Daily Bulletin (Attachment F) it was stated that almost two-thirds of Southern California's cities and counties have failed to meet the state housing plan deadline and what the consequences are for rezoning and loss of grants.
Amanda Tropiano, Principal from De Novo Planning Group reported on the City of La Verne's draft Housing Element along with a PowerPoint slide presentation.
Staff and the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council should find the General Plan Amendment exempt from the Calitornia Environmental Quality Act in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines the adoption of this policy document would have a significant effect on the environment, directly or indirectly.
Mayor Hepburn opened the public hearing and called for public comment.
Several public comments were received in opposition. (To hear what was said Curingi met comment, please visit the City's website to view the archived Two public comments received via email were received and are attached.
The City Council thanked the Community Development Department staff and De Novo Planning Group for all the work they did on the Housing Element.
Resolution No. 22-77, Resolution No. 22-77 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELS, STATE OF CALIFORNIA APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 07-22GPA FOR THE 6TF CYCLE 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT AND FINDING THE PROJECT TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA.
Approval of City Manager City Attorney Kress reported on the employment agreement with Kenneth Agreement
selected Kenneth Domer as La Verne's next City Manager. The terms and conditions of Mr. Domer's employment are contained in an employment contract that was presented for Council approval.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment on this matter.
There was public comment received at the meeting. (To hear what was said Council meetingnment, please visit the iys website to view the archived The City Council welcomed Kenneth Domer and they look forward to working with him. They thanked Interim City Manager Jesse Duff for his leadership and management of the City.
City Council Minutes, Monday, November 21, 2022, Page 5.
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau, and unanimously carried to approve the City Manager employment agreement with Kenneth Domer and approve Resolution No. 22-76, authorizing an employment agreement with Kenneth Domer for the position of City Manager.
Resolution No. 22-76 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH
KENNETH DOMER FOR THE POSITION OF CITY MANAGER.
8. Public Comment This was the time set aside for anyone wishing to address the City Council on items not listed in any other place on the agenda.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment.
There were public comments at the meeting. (To hear what was said during public comment, please visit the City's website to view the archived Council meeting.)
9. Council Comments Mayor Pro Tem Crosby stated that they would fix the lighting of the flag in front 5, at 6:30 p.m. He sent his prayers to the victims of the Colorado Club ( Incident. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving
Council Member Kashifalghita reported on the Classic Car show held over the weekend. He said that Saturday, November 26, 2022, is Small Business aturday and urged residents to shop and dine in La Verne. He wishe vervone a Happy Thanksgivin
Council Member Johnson reported on the Classic Car show held over the spoke about te Turning or they we in ore or are a are dens, Office. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving
Council Member Lau reported on the Tri-City meeting and the amazing services they provide to the community. She also reported she attended the Fairplex Specific Plan Open House and the Classic Car show. She also spoke about the Turkey giveaway sponsored by Assembly Member Holden's Office and that ULV Leo Pantry accepts food and cloth donations for the students She wished everyone to celebrate with family and stay safe.
Mayor Hepburn thanked the Community Development, Community Services and the Public Works Departments for their work on the Classic Car Show event. He spoke about the Turkey giveaway sponsored by Assembly Member Holden's Office and the Fairplex Specific Plan Open House. He stated that the Fairplex Specific Plan is concerning and it should be vetted. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
In closing, the Mayor Hepburn announced that the City's annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony would be held on Monday, December 5, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., in front of City Hall. Santa and the Bonita High School Chambers City Council Minutes, Monday, November 21, 2022, Page 6.
10. Closed Session At 8:37 p.m., the City Council met in a Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 for the following:
Conference with Labor Negotiators
Negotiators: Interim City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and City Attorney
Employee Organization(s): La Verne City Employees Association, La Verne Police Officers' Association, La Verne Police
Middle Management Association and all
unrepresented employees.
11. Adjournment at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Supe Data Estrela
Lupe Gaeta Estrella, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
RECEIVED
Re-Zoning of the Sierra La Verne Golf Couse.
2022 NOV 16 AM 8:21
Let us address the Elephant in the room,
CITY OF LA VERNE
ADMIN / CITY CLERK
Housing Sites Inventory: State law requires local governments to prepare an inventory of land suitable for residential development, including vacant sites and sites having the potential for redevelopment, and an analysis of the relationship of zoning and public facilities and services to these sites. The inventory of land suitable for residential development is used to identify sites that can be developed for housing within the planning period.
For many years now we have watched this once nice section of our city decay into a useless burdensome eyesore. Instead of hearing the surrounding neighbors complain about down trees as a fire hazard and Mosquitoes, etc... It is now time to turn this into a productive useful part of our wonder city.
Part 1 of the 2021-2029 Housing Element is the City's "Housing Plan", which includes the goals, policies, and programs the City will implement to address constraints and needs. The City's overarching objective is to ensure that decent, safe housing is available to all current and future residents at a cost that is within the reach of the diverse economic segments which comprise La Verne.
To Promote a variety of housing opportunities that accommodate the needs of all income levels of the population, and provide opportunities to meet La Verne's fair share of extremely low-, very low-, low- and moderate- income housing by promoting the City's program of density bonuses and incentives.
This is a prime location to achieve our city's goal, and that this area (the former La Verne Country Club) should be re-zoned for high density housing for thousands of new La Verne residents, much like the 3 to 4 story Paseos in Montclair and in other areas with ample ground level parking. This could also provide relief for our new Homeless reality, as they would utilize the un-rented apartments.
The area that is now the entrance (Country Club Drive) "The main entrance" where the clubhouse is, and could have retail shops and perhaps a Gas station with a convenience store like a 7-11 or Circle K. or perhaps, a "Mom and Pop" convenience store. Other locations for entrance and shops could be at the Golden Hills location, Bogie Dr. Driver Ln, and the Birdie Dr. entrance at Via Entrada.
Transportation to these areas would be easy, Transit bussing and a Trolly system would loop from Foothill BI. To Wheeler to Golden Hills back down Esperanza with no additional infrastructure. (Trolly System would provide service up and down Wheeler Ave. to Arrow Hwy. utilizing the center median) much like a Tram ride, incorporating with our new Metro link (Gold Line) Terminal with a drop off zone at Wheeler and Golden Hills. This would be beneficial for the homeless transportation needs as well as local resident late night shopping needs.
While South La Verne Is carrying the burden of most of the Mobile home parks and low-income housing, it is time for North La Verne to get in on the action and carry its fair share of this burden especially with this ideal location.
Beautiful well designed High-density housing and the Proposed shops and Gas stations would be a considerable "upgrade" to this portion of La Verne. This will prosper and grow this Stagnate area and bring wonderful new Diverse neighbors to North la Verne while addressing all required housing concerns.
The reality is, that cities are becoming more populated and we need to grow responsibly with the times and get ahead of this, and prosper at the same time.
I normally do not agree with Thomas Allison and some of his opinions, but in this case, it is time to put a viable plan together and get a Beautiful High-Density housing and retail shops plan together for the DE funked Sierra La Verne golf course.
This will put La Verne Miles ahead of the curve, and provide jobs and tax Base monies coming into our city. Think of all the new citizens of La Verne working and shopping in our town, not to mention the property tax coming in.
This is a NO-BRAINER! A win-win with absolutely no down side for our unique diverse city.
We need to get this done before we are faced with having to do something stupid and costly because we were not prepared.
Just to be prepared, I believe Tim Hepbern, the City Council and Mrs. Bowcock should contact the contractor who is building the project on Fruit Street or the Amhurst project or perhaps the contractor on the Pomona project and the Paseos as well as the owner of the Sierra La Verne Country Club and bring all parties together for a roundtable discussion on this matter.
Anyone who loves our city should be in favor of this ambitious and worth-while undertaking.
A city-wide vote may have to take place or, the city council could get together and make this worthy project happen.
Let's get together and make this happen!
This is to be read at the next city council meeting.
Regards,
J, Aragon
950 Glenlea St.
La Verne CA 91750
11/7/2022
11/14/22,4:09 PM Mail - Lupe Estrella - Outlook
* Re: Housing Element Comments
cynthia.gabaldoncgrme.com <[email protected]>
Mon 11/14/2022 3:53 PM
To: Rick Crosby - Agenda <[email protected]>;Tim Hepburn - Agenda <[email protected]>;Wendy Lau - Agenda <[email protected]>
Cc: Eric Scherer < [email protected]>;Jess Duff < [email protected]>;Candice Bowcock <[email protected]>:[email protected] <[email protected]>;Jeff Allred <[email protected]>;[email protected] <[email protected]>;[email protected] <[email protected]>;City Clerk <[email protected]> Elected Representatives -
At the Planning Commission meeting | asked if there was a "response to comment" letter to be provided concerning the Housing Element.
I was told that the Planning Department had to be directed to do so.
I am asking at this time for a "response to comment" summary be provided and posted concerning all of the comments made on the Housing Element.
As this is a publicly reviewed document with a public comment period, the public should have the administrative record documentation complete.
As the Council will be voting on this element next Monday, the Public and Councilmembers, should have this available for review prior to making the decision.
Again, I do not have all of the elected emails, so I have to trust that you are forwarding this to those not copied on this email (Johnson, Kashifalghita, and Conrad) Thank you,
Cynthia Gabaldon PE, CPSWQ, CPESC, QSD/P, QISP, CGP/IGP ToR CG Resource Management and Engineering, Inc.
2105 Foothill Blvd Ste B- 135
La Verne, California 91750
909-455-8520
https://www.cgrme.com/
From: cynthia.gabaldon cgrme.com
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2022 10:51 PM
To: Rick Crosby <[email protected]>; Tim Hepburn <[email protected]>; Wendy Lau <[email protected]>
Cc: Eric Scherer <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; Candice Bowcock <[email protected]>; [email protected] < [email protected]>; Jeff Allred <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Housing Element Comments
1/2
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADd|ZjZkZjNmLTRhMGMtNGRhMS1hMD|iLTcwODY2YWYzZDg5NwAQAFNQBftQiCJLtUaacu5VJRl... 11/14/22,4:09 PM Mail - Lupe Estrella - Outlook
I have been asked by Councilman Crosby to provide this comment letter electronically.
I also added a few more references at the end.
I do not have the email addresses for Councilmembers Kashifalghita and Johnson.
I was also told that planning commission members are interested in this data. I copied those that I have emails for.
Please forward to those unintendedly omitted.
Also, I can bring an elected from another City to speak on the resolution and why it is important (or set up a townhall zoom meeting).
The "Catalysts" link also has four "townhal|" videos that have great information including one on why cities are joining.
Thank you,
Cynthia Gabaldon PE, CPSWQ, CPESC, QSD/P, QISP, CGP/IGP ToR CG Resource Management and Engineering, Inc.
2105 Foothill Blvd Ste B- 135
La Verne, California 91750
909-455-8520
https://www.cgrme.com/
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADd|ZjZkZjNmLTRhMGMtNGRhMS1hMD|iLTcwODY2YWYzZDg5NwAQAFNQBftQiCJLtUaacu5VJRI...