MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA VERNE
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
A regular meeting of the La Verne City Council was called to order by Mayor Hepburn at 6:30 p.m.
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 (Participated by Zoom)
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
3. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Veteran Joseph Magallanes, Army Staff Sergeant.
4. General Plan Re-connect and General Plan Re-Connect and Re-Launch - A Consultant from De Novo Re-Launch Presentation Group gave an update on the General Plan Re-Connect and Re-Launch with an accompanying slide presentation.
2023 Community Design 2023 City of La Verne Community Design Awards - The fourteenth (14th) Awards Presentation La Verne Community Design Awards (LVCDA) were awarded to sixteen (16) worthy projects in categories of Commercial, Public Facility, Residential, Institutional, Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse, Interior Design, and Public Art. Mayor Tim Hepburn and Chair Planning Commissioner Simison presented plaques to the following recipients who attended the Council meeting, with an accompanying presentation.
The Koneru Residence - Residential and Landscaping
University of La Verne - "Citrus Roots Mural - Public Art Hillcrest Homes- Hawthorne Road Homes - Institutional
Shell "Rebel" Gas Station - Commercial and Interior Design Tacos Con Cuco - Interior Design
Sweet Time Café Wang - Interior Design
Three Valleys Municipal Water Three Valleys Municipal Water District (TVMWD) Update - Board Director District (TVMWD) Update Jeff Hanion, TVMWD, Division Ill representing the Cities of La Verne and Presentation Claremont reported on water issues and water conservation.
Announcements of Upcoming Sherry Best, La Verne Historical Society President, reported on the Society's Community Events upcoming events and handed out flyers.
Danita Beauchamp, La Verne resident, announced that Saturday, February 25, 2023, is Claremont's Little League Opening Day.
City Council Minutes, Tuesday, February 21, 2023, Page 2.
Gilbert Ivey, La Verne resident stated that February is Black History Month and he wanted to acknowledge Congressman and Civil Rights Leader John Lewis and that it was an honor to work with him. He announced that the Cultural Awareness and Social Inclusion (CASI) Committee's next meeting is on March 1st and that March is Women's History Month.
5. Consent Calendar It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau, and unanimously carried by roll call to accept, approve, or act on the Consent Calendar items. (Council Member Kashifalghita voted remotely).
City Council Minutes City Council Minutes of the Regular and Adjourned meetings of February 6, 2023, received and filed.
Staff recommended approval and passage of the following Resolutions:
Resolution No. 23-08, Resolution No. 23-08 - Amendment to the De Novo Planning Group Amendment to the De Novo Agreement. The City entered into an agreement with the De Novo Planning Planning Group Agreement Group to coordinate and prepare an update to the City's General Plan and associated environmental impact report on June 19, 2017. This amendment ($15,180 increase) to the professional services agreement authorizes De Novo Planning Group to preform traffic analysis services in addition to the original contract services approved via Resolution No. 17-41.
It was recommended that the City Council amend the agreement with De Novo Planning Group to perform additional traffic analysis in support of the General Plan Update in the amount of $15,180; adopt and, appropriate $15, 180 from the General Capital Improvement Fund for the additional traffic analysis; and adopt Resolution No. 23-08, approving the amendment to the De Novo Resolution No. 23-09, Resolution No. 23-09 - Approving a Class Specification and Salary for Approving a Class Specification Senior Accountant. As a result of increasing demands and an associated and Salary for Senior need for additional technical support in the Finance Department, a Senior Accountant Accountant classification is being created. In accordance with the City's Personnel Rules and Regulations, the addition of a classification requires formal City Council approval.
It was recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 23-09, approving a Class Specification and Salary for Senior Accountant. Approved.
Weed Abatement Protest Weed Abatement Protest Hearing - The City Council held a public hearing to Hearing hear objections of owners of properties having been found to have weeds, 1, and refuse in such a manner that creates a public nuisanc anu requires a, and menu
Robert Montaghami, La Verne Fire Marshall, reported on the City's efforts mitigating fire hazards in partnership with the Los Angeles County.
Rosanna Centano, Los Angeles County Weed Abatement Senior Inspector, stated she was available for questions by parcel owners or the City Council.
She reported on the deadline for property owners to clear their properties and what enforcement is taken by the County for their compliance.
Mayor Hepburn opened the Protest Public Hearing and called for public comment.
City Council Minutes, Tuesday, February 21, 2023, Page 3.
There was none and Mayor Hepburn closed the Protest Hearing.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau, and unanimously carried by roll call (Council Member Kashifalghita voted remotely) to direct the Los Angeles h. and refuse removed tor thos
properties remaining on the annual List of Properties.
Resolution Approving Fees for Police Lieutenant Dransfeldt reported on the proposed Resolution for fees for the Issuance of Concealed the Issuance of Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) Permits. He stated that on Carry Weapons (CCW) Permits August 1, 2022, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) stopped processing new applications for Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) from applicants who do not reside within a jurisdiction contracted by the LASD. The La Verne Police Department will now have process CCW applications per California Penal Code Section 26155(b) and it was requested that the City Council approve a Resolution amending the City's Fee Schedule setting forth the CCW processing and issuance fees. He stated that La Verne Police will be contracting an independent vendor for processing the applications. The Vendor will conduct the necessary background checks, etc., and provide the Police Department a complete thorough comprehensive report for their review.
Police Sergeant Weinreb is the Department's liaison for issuance of CCW Permits.
City Council discussed the renewal process, background checks, revoking a permit, the costs and the need for psychological tests.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment on this matter.
Muir Davis, La Verne resident suggested increasing the administrative cost to recoup the whole cost of a psychological test, add language that a psychological test is required for renewals, and that the applicant should identify if they are part of a militia and if the membership verified by the State of California.
Acting Police Chief Gonzales responded that because of State law, the City is not allowed to recoup the entire cost of the psychological test.
Richard Bowen, La Verne resident, stated that citizen's rights are critical and was glad Muir Davis was no longer on the Council.
John Wilson, La Verne resident asked how long the permit is valid...
Lilly Haung, La Verne resident stated it was a citizen's right to carry and protect themselves.
After further discussion by Council, it was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau, (Council Member Kashifalghita voted remotely) and unanimously carried y roll call to approve Resolution No. 23-10, amending the Fee Schedule k dding the processing and issuance fees for Concealed Carry Weapon Resolution No. 23-10, Resolution No. 23-10 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE Amending Resolution No. 22- CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, 54, Relative to Issuance of AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 22-54 RELATIVE TO ISSUANCE OF Concealed Carry Weapons CONCEALED CARRY WEAPONS PERMITS FEES.I (CCW) FEES.
City Council Minutes, Tuesday, February 21, 2023, Page 4
11. 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. (Below are only partial public comments, please visit the City's website to view the archived Council meeting.)
Danita Beauchamp, La Verne Resident stated that the City Council should be ashamed for awarding a Community Design Awards to a resident who has a Stephen Ward, La Verne resident, stated that the City of Claremont adopted the resolution because antisemitic flyers distributed in the City.
John Wilson, La Verne resident asked the City Council for help in installing a traffic signal light at the intersection of Arrow Highway and Fulton Road City Manager Domer replied that as part of the Gold Line Project there are plans to install a traffic signal at that intersection.
Pam Berry, La Verne resident, asked that the City look into using a blue tooth device to help residents who are hearing impaired when they attend Council meetings. She also asked that the City Council not to follow suit in adopting a Resolution condemning any form of hate or discrimination like Claremont.
La Verne is not Claremont.
Cly Coumer on a not a paide state a ver alter are a
discrimination as Claremont.
Lilly Huang, La Verne resident, stated that La Verne is a friendly City and is not racist.
Kathy Kalousek, La Verne resident, spoke about the Resolution adopted by Claremont and that it was not a bad thing.
Kathy Newlon, La Verne resident, stated that Claremont's resolution is divisive.
Yvonne Gallegos, La Verne resident, stated that each City has their own racism and if the City of La Verne is a welcoming City, against racist, hate, bias, and discrimination, the City should not be afraid to stand behind that. She inquired on the Black History Month Proclamation and thought it was being presented tonight.
City Manager Domer replied that the City Council at the last meeting agreed to the Black History Month Proclamation and directed staff to prepare a proclamation.
Richard Bowen, La Verne resident, stated that La Verne is not a racist City and that the City is very welcoming.
City Council Minutes, Tuesday, February 21, 2023, Page 5 Presentation of Black History With the consensus of the City Council, Mayor Hepburn presented to Gilbert Month Proclamation Ivey representing the Cultural Awareness and Inclusion (CASI) Committee a Proclamation declaring the Month of February 2023, as Black History Month honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.
12. Council Comments Council Member Lau spoke about K-9 dog, Tupelo that it was her Birthday, the State of the City Event, University of La Verne Girls' Sports Day, Swearing in Ceremony for Senator Susan Rubio, and on Black History Month.
Council Member Johnson stated it was a pleasure attending the Swearing in Ceremony for Senator Susan Rubio and he thanked the La Verne Police Department for the honor guard provided for Don Redman's funeral.
Mayor Pro Tem Crosby wished Mayor Hepburn a Happy Birthday. He spoke about the Bonita High School Basketball Team, Black History Month, hiking in Marshall Canyon and on the Swearing in Ceremony for Senator Susan Rubio.
Council Member Kashifalghita was thankful to be able to participate in the Council meeting remotely.
Mayor Hepburn spoked about Bonita High School Girls' Water Polo and on the Swearing in Ceremony for Senator Susan Rubio.
13. Closed Session At 9:03 p.m., the City Council met in 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 Firefighters' Association, La Verne
Police Middle Management Association and all
unrepresented employees.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9 (a) (d) (1): Benson vs. City of La Verne WCAB Case Nos.ADJO559211; and ADJ10669100
There was no announcement.
14. Adjournment at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cupe Sara Estrella
Lupe Gaeta Estrella, CMC
Assistant City Clerk