MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA VERNE
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
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 Tem Rick Crosby
Council Member Wendy Lau
Council Member Steven Frank Johnson
Council Member Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita
Absent: None.
Advisory personnel present: City Manager Ken Domer
Assistant City Manager JR Ranells
City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow
Assistant City Clerk Lupe Gaeta Estrella
Community Development Director Eric Scherer
Public Works Director Anthony Ciotti
Community Services Manager Yvonne Duran
Principal Planner Candice Bowcock
Police Captain Sam Gonzalez
3. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Army Veteran Maria Estrada, Sergeant First Class
4. Presentation to Damien High Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of the City Council, recognized the Damien Hig School Water Polo 2022 School Water Polo Team 2022. The Damien Water Polo team completed on of the best seasons in school history. The team finished the season with record of 30-4, highlighted by beginning the year winning the Riverside Pol! Tournament, finishing in 4th Place at the nationally recognized Coronad ournament and winning the Villa Park Tournament. The Spartans went int ne end of season league tournament as the number one seed, where the vent undefeated and were crowned the Baseline League Champions, finishir of the Year. The team was coached by Robert Echeverria and assisted by Jessee Johnston.
The following Water Polo Team Players were recognized by the Mayor and City Council and each were given an In-n-Out gift card.
City Council Minutes, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Page 2.
Jonah Aguilera Sawyer Coleman Lucas Gebhart Liam Gore
Peter Hale Matthew Higareda Brady Kopperud Ko Kusachi
Sebastian Macalla Zander Montoya Zachkary Montoya Colin Olsen Michael Ries Ben Shehee Jacob Vasil Collin White
John Winters
Presentation to Hillcrest Fire Chief Nigg reported on the Spark of Love Toy Drive and the significant Community assistance by the Hillcrest Community in collecting, storing and distributing toys to children in the community. Chief Nigg stated that in November 2022, Hillcrest partnered with the La Verne Fire Department (LVFD) for the 30th Anniversary of Spark of Love Toy Drive. Hillcrest selflessly provided LVED with nuch-needed storage for the many toys that were donated this year, they also coordinated a dedicated and passionate team of volunteers to sort the many boxes of toys and bikes and created a system for distributing them to families in need the week before Christmas. The toy drive is a big lift each year, and lillcrest's partnership was an incredible help during such a busy season. Th _a Verne Fire Department thanked Hillcrest for being such an amazing partne and helping to make Spark of Love Toy Drive such a great success! Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of the City Council, formally recognized anc hanked the Hillcrest Community and their team of volunteers for the amazıng help in the Spark of Love Toy Drive. A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Dennis Smith, who also serves as a La Verne CERT Team Lead
5. At 6:47 p.m., the City Council recessed and reconvened at 6:54 p.m.
6. Announcements of Upcoming Mayor Hepburn called for any announcements from the public.
Community Events
Sherry Best, President of the La Verne Historical Society spoke about an article written by Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Journalist David Allan and the nice things he wrote about La Verne. In addition, she reported on the upcoming Historical Society events. She reported that January is the La Verne Historical Society Membership Drive.
She announced that the La Verne Historical Society received the La Verne Chamber of Commerce 2023 Nonprofit of the Year Award for the Historical Society's commitment and volunteerism.
George May, La Verne Library Manager reported on the Library's upcoming events.
Yvonne Gallegos, La Verne resident and a member of the Cultural Awareness and Social Inclusion (CASI) Committee, reported on her visit to Hillcrest Homes Art Gallery. She spoke about the displayed art "Embracing Ghosts" by Jordan Stacy, a former La Verne resident.
She also reported that CASI has found a permanent home at Hillcrest in the Citrus Room to hold their monthly meetings which are held on the first Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m.
Council Member Lau invited residents to join the Tri-City Mental Health Zoom meeting on Wednesday, January 18, at 5:00 p.m. to learn about all the great services they provide. She also reported on the La Verne Chamber of Commerce Excellence in La Verne Business of the Year Awards Ceremony to be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.
City Council Minutes, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Page 3.
Mayor Hepburn reported that Sowing for Seeds will be holding a drive-through pantry on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. He reported on the following business who were awarded the La Verne Chamber of Commerce Excellence Business of the Year Awards:
Business of the Year:
La Verne Physical Therapy
New Business of the Year:
Bagelry & Brews
Family Owned Business of the Year:
Norm's Hangar Coffee Shop
Employer of the Year:
Fourth Street Mill
Non Profit of the Year:
La Verne Historical Society
Brian McNerney Ambassador of the Year:
Mia Valdez, Mia Valdez Beauty
City Manager Domer reported that some renewal letters of dog/cat licenses sent out by the Inland Valley Humane Society contained outdated information. It was advised that residents contact the Inland Valley Humane Society if they had concerns.
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 filed Council Minutes for December 19, 2022, were received and Register of Audited Demands Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $942,970.70 dated December 15, 2022 and in the amount of $1,082,462. 12 dated December 22, 2022, approved as recommended by Finance
Director Lopez.
Appointment to the San Gabriel Valley
Mosquito and Vector Control Board
Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees, effective December 31, 2022. Council Member Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita stated he would like to serve on the Board. In checking with the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, most Cities appoint a Council Member to the Board.
Staff recommended that the City Council appoint Council Member Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita to the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees for a term of four years at the discretion of the City Council per California Health and Safety Code Section 2024 (a). Approved as recommended.
City Council Minutes, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Page 4.
Rejection of Bid for the Las Flores Park Reiection of Bid for the Las Flores Park Aquatic Center Pool Aquatic Center Pool Decking and Plaster Decking and Plaster Improvement Proiect - The Community Improvement Project Services Department recently solicited bids for improvements to the pool facilities located at the Las Flores Park Aquatic Center. The planned improvements include installation of new shade structures around the perimeter of the pool, demolition and replacement of the pool deck area and replacement of the existing pool tile and plaster.
The project was advertised on November 14 and November 21, 2022 with bid proposals received and opened via electronic platform "Planet Bids" on December 13, 2022.
Staff recommended that the City Council reject the single bid received and direct staff to rebid the project at a future date. Bid rejected as recommended by staff.
Award of Contract to Air Exchange for Award of Contract to Air Exchange for Fire Departmen Fire Department Plymovent Exhaust Plymovent Exhaust Removal Upgrades - The Fire Departmen Removal Upgrades recommends the Council authorize a contract of $119,972.46 with Air Exchange of Ontario, California, to repair, modify and replace the exhaust removal systems at the City's three fire stations. This expenditure was allocated in the 2022/23 fiscal year budget.
Staff recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase order and agreement with Air Exchange in the amount of $119,972.46 to modify and improve the aging exhaust removal systems in the Fire Department's three fire stations and approve the transfer of $119,972.46 from fund 250 as approved in the City's Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget. Approved as recommended.
Ratification of Purchase Order to Braun Ratification of Purchase Order to Braun NW. Inc.. for a NW, Inc., for a Replacement Ambulance Replacement Ambulance - City Council ratification of a City Manager approved Purchase Order of $197,738 with Braun NW, Inc. is requested to complete the buildout of a replacement ambulance on a previously purchased chassis.
Staff recommended that the City Council ratify, and approve a Purchase Order in the amount of $197,738 to Braun NW, Inc., to complete the build out of a previously purchased 2022 F450 Ford 4x2 ambulance chassis, appropriate $197,738 from Community Facilities District 90-1 Fund and authorize adjustments to the 2022-23 adopted Budget. Approved as recommended.
City Council Minutes, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Page 5.
Renewal of Weathermatic Smart Renewal of Weathermatic Smart Irrigation Controller AirCard Irrigation Controller AirCard Software Software - In December of 2011, the City Council authorized the purchase of "Smart" irrigation controllers for all City-maintained landscape areas, including the Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs). Renewal of the existing Smartlink Aircard software with new Smartlink software is needed to continue efficiency, effectiveness and maintain the health and appearance of the landscape. Included with the software is Smartlink Aircards hardware. These Smartlink Aircards connect the Smartlink controllers to the web application, which provides web-based control from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It is estimated by using this software there is a saving of 25% or more of water each year over standard irrigation controllers.
Funding of $90,773 for the Aircard software purchase is available through existing parks operations accounts, and some operational funding from benefitting LMDs. This software program is valid for four (4) years and is eligible for renewal after four (4) years.
Staff recommended that the City Council authorize the renewal of Smartlink Aircards and software and authorize the appropriation of $90,773 for the purchase of Smartlink Aircards and Software.
Approved as recommended.
Approval of Additional Expense for Approval ef Additional Expense fer Amherst Treatment Plant Amherst Treatment Plant Nitrate Vessels Nitrate Vessels Repairs - The original purchase order to repair the Repairs nitrate removal vessels at the Amherst Treatment Plant was approved October 13, 2021 for $99,695.00. During repairs to the Amherst Treatment Plant nitrate removal vessels, additional corrosion spots were discovered, requiring additional welding and a complete interior coating of vessels. This change order amount was $23,842.86. Total adjusted contract amount is $123,537.86.
Staff recommended that the City Council approve the Change Order amount of $23,842.86 required for the completion of repairs for vessels 5 and 10 at Amherst Water Treatment Plant. Approved as recommended.
Replacement of Two (2) Water Replacement of Two (2) Water Department Vehicles - The Department Vehicles Public Works Department Fleet Maintenance Division is seeking to replace a Water Department 2009 Ford F250 Service Body (Unit 2082) and a Streets Department 2008 Ford F250 Service Body (Unit evaluators were co of ute to identy suitabi replacement units. taff recommended that the City approve the purchase of two (2 odge Ram 2500's from Huntington Beach Chrysler Jee
Approved as recommended.
City Council Minutes, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Page 6.
Declaration of Surplus Property Including Declaration of Surplus Property Including Vehicles and Vehicles and Equipment Equipment - Certain vehicles and equipment have been depreciated through the equipment fund and scheduled for replacement. Each unit is no longer useful or is ineffective for current operational requirements. Each will become surplus to the City's operational needs and should be disposed per Administrative Regulation (AR) No. 606. This action is not considered a "Project" under the definition of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is therefore not subject to CEQA review.
Staff recommended that the City Council declare the vehicles and equipment identified in Attachment A as surplus to the City's needs and further recommends that staff be directed to sell each in a fair and equitable manner per AR No 606. Approved as recommended.
Staff recommended approval and passage of the following Resolutions:
Resolution No. 23-01, Resolution No. 23-01 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL Designating Kimberly Hall Barlow as City OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE Attorney OF CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING KIMBERLY HALL BARLOW AS CITY ATTORNEY OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE - On December 31, 2022, City Attorney Robert Kress retired after 32 years of service to the City of La Verne. Upon his retirement, Kimberly Hall Barlow, a partner of Jones & Mayer Law firm, will serve as City Attorney of La Verne
Staff recommended that the City Council approve Resolution No. 23- 01, designating Kimberly Hall Barlow as the City Attorney of the City of La Verne effective January 1, 2023. Approved.
Resolution No. 23-02, Resolution Ne. 23-02 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL, Authorizing the Execution of the Safe OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE Clean Water Regional Funds Transfer OF CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE SAFE Agreement between the City of La Verne CLEAN WATER REGIONAL FUNDS TRANSFER AGREEMENT and the County of Los Angeles Flood BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA VERNE AND THE COUNTY OF LOS Control District ANGELES FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT - Staff is seeking appropriations of Measure W funds in the amount of $60,000 to be added to Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23 adopted Budget and Council authorization to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) for the transfer of funds coming from the Regional portion of the Safe Clean Water Program (Measure W).
These funds are allocated for design costs of a stormwater capture project at Pelota Park, the agreement formalizes the details that include a budget, reporting requirements, timelines and other details.
Staff recommended approval of Resolution 23-02, authorizing the City Manager to execute the attached Transfer Agreement between the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and the City of La Verne to transfer funds from the Safe Clean Water Regional Program (Measure W) to the City of La Verne. Appropriate $60,000 to be added to the FY 2022-23 adopted Budget of Measure W funds to prepare the design project for bid. Approved as recommended.
City Council Minutes, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Page 7.
Resolution No. 23-04, Resolution No. 23-04 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL Proclaiming a Local Emergency OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE Regarding Winter Storm Damages OF CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING A LOCAL EMERGENCY REGARDING WINTER STORM DAMAGES - Due to the recent
series of winter storms and the projected continuation of a heavier than normal winter storm pattern exhibiting "atmospheric river" conditions, it is recommended that the City Council declare a local State of Emergency to support emergency response and recovery efforts and gain potential financial assistance in case of localized impacts.
Staff recommended that Council adopt Resolution 23-04, declaring a Local State of Emergency, and authorize the City Manager to execute necessary agreements in support of local emergency response, recovery, and repair efforts for damage related to winter storms covered under the declaration. Approved as recommended.
Community Development Block Grant Principal Planner Bowcock reported on the Community Development Program (CDBG) for 2023-24 Block Grant Program (CDBG) for 2023-2024. She stated that this is the 49th funding year for the Community Development Block Grant Program. According to the Los Angeles County CDBG Bulletin, the City of La Verne will be allocated approximately $156,474 in CDBG funds. She stated that staff is recommending that the Senior Hot Lunch Program which has been operating successfully with CDBG funds for over 20 years be awarded the full 20% CDBG funding of $31,290, including $7,500 for staff time to successfully operate the program. Additionally, the City can no longer do public improvement projects due to the new HUD regulation that requires the re- certification of slum/ blight areas. In previous years, the City Council typically allocated $58,000, for the sidewalk repair program that would provide for removal of architectural barriers on damaged sidewalks for approximately 30 locations throughout the City. Staff is asking that the City Council approve these funds again with $8,000 allocated towards the administrative costs associated with the project.
Principal Planner Bowcock also reported that as identified in previous years, due to expanding regulatory criteria, it is difficult for La Verne to find programs that will be deemed eligible, e.g. meeting the national objective of assisting low/moderate income persons. One main challenge is the fact that there are no longer Census blocks within the city that qualify as 51% low/mod. She reported that staff would be conducting an audit for ADA improvements at City Hall and come back to City Council with recommendations.
Mayor called for comments from the Council.
Council Member Johnson asked if the funds could be used for street improvements or for the Public Safety Facility. He stated he did not want to see the funds sold.
Council Member Lau confirmed that staff would conduct an audit and get back to Council with their recommendations.
Mayor opened the public hearing and called for public comments.
City Council Minutes, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Page 8.
Robin Carder, La Verne resident stated that the sidewalks on Esperanza on the north side are terrible and the City should look into using CDBG funds to repair the sidewalks.
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and unanimously carried to allocate the 2023-24 Community Development Block Grant funds; and, to adopt Resolution 23-03, approving the proposed projects for funding.
Resolution No. 23-03, Resolution No. 23-03 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL Approving Participation in the OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE Community Development Block Gran OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE Program and Selecting Certain Projects COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM AND for Funding in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 SELECTING CERTAIN PROJECTS FOR FUNDING IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24.
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. Please Note: Only partial public comments are noted below. To hear the rest of their comments, please visit the City's website to view the archived Council meeting.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment.
Anna Anderson spoke about the Amherst project and that the Amherst Home Owners Association should not be paying for the public park. She thanked Mayor Pro Tem Crosby for how he is handling his district and that as the Council representative he should look into the Amherst project.
Council Comments Please Note: Only partial Council comments are noted below. To
10. hear the rest of their comments, please visit the City's website to view the archived Council meeting.
Council Member Lau thanked the Public Works staff for their awesome work in keeping the community safe during the past rains.
She encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Cultural Awareness and Social Inclusion (CASI) Committee meeting on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 5:00 p.m., at Hillcrest.
Mayor Pro Tem Crosby thanked all the volunteers who helped on Christmas Morning handing out candy and that he participated in the event as Santa Claus. He thanked Assistant City Manager Ranells for the tour of the City Yard. He reported on the La Verne Chamber of Commerce Excellence in La Verne Business of the Year Awards and he thanked Council Member Kashifalghita for serving on the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Board of Trustees.
Council Member Johnson also reported on the Christmas Morning Event. In addition, he reported that youth baseball season would be staring soon.
Council Member Kashifalghita stated that the Christmas Morning was a great event. He thanked the Public Works staff for their work in keeping La Verne safe during the rains. He thanked City Manager Domer for reporting about the Humane Society issue.
City Council Minutes, Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Page 9.
Mayor Hepburn stated he was unable to participate in the Christmas Morning Event because he was welcoming a new granddaughter. He stated that staff and the volunteers all did an amazing job. He reported on a tree falling down at Sneaky Park. He wished everyone a Happy New Year and that it was a new beginning for the City with a new City Manager and City Attorney.
11. Closed Session At 7:37 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: 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.
Prior to entering Closed Session, Council Member Johnson had declared a conflict of interest because he is a member of the La Verne Church of the Brethren and that he would not participate in the conference with property negotiator pertaining to the Church.
After the conference with the Labor Negotiators, Council Member Johnson left the Closed Session and the remaining members of City Council met in a Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 for the following:
Conference with Real Property Negotiator
Property: 2425 "E" Street
City Negotiating Parties: City Managers, Interim Public Works Director and City Attorney
Negotiating Parties: La Verne Church of the Brethren
Under Negotiation Price and Term of Payment of Possible Lease of Parking Lot
There were no announcements after closed session.
12. Adjournment at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tupe thaila Estulla
Lupe Gaeta Estrella, CMC
Assistant City Clerk