MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA VERNE
Monday, March 20, 2023
1. A regular meeting of the La Verne City Council was called to order by Mayor Hepburn at 6:31 p.m.
2. Before the start of the meeting, Mayor Hepburn welcomed the audience to the Council Meeting in which City business is conducted. He reminded everyone that per the City's Rules for Decorum, all speakers, members of the audience, and Council Members are to conduct themselves with decorum and to not engage in conduct that interrupts the orderly conduct of the meeting.
Mayor Hepburn, before calling for roll call, addressed an issue which has been brought to the Council's attention regarding the insertion of vocal personal statements upon the conclusion of the Pledge of Allegiance. The Mayo tated the City Council understands the Constitutional right of free speech and the sworn oath to protect it, that ight of free speech, and all our other Constitutional protections, are the result of the sacrifice of others who have defended our Flag, and through it, our nation, and therefore asked persons to respect the presentation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Members present: Mayor Tim Hepbum
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 Attomey Kimberly Hall Barlow
Finance Director Christy Lopez
Community Development Director Erick Scherer
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Veteran Maria McKinney, Air Force Staff Sergeant Introduction of New Bonita Bonita Unified School District (BUSD) Board President Glenn Creiman Unified School District (BUSD) introduced BUSD new Superintendent Matt Wien. Also in attendance were Superintendent Board of Education Board Members Greg Palatto, Chris Ann Horsley, and Jim Elliot.
BUSD Superintendent Wein stated that the School District ranked in the top 10 percent of best schools in the San Gabriel Valley, and he reported on the District's academic achievements. He looked forward to working with the City Proclamation Declaring the Mayor Hepburn introduced and read the Proclamation declaring March 2023, Month of March American Red Red Cross Month honoring the many volunteer heroes who provide hope in Cross Month the face of life's emergencies.
City Council Minutes, Monday, March 20, 2023, Page 2.
Recognition and Presentation Mayor Hepburn reported on the Recognition and Presentation of "Pride of of "Pride of La Verne Award" La Award" Recipients. He stated that annually, the City Council presents the Recipients "Jack Huntington Award" and the "Jim Scranton Award" to recognize volunteers who have made outstanding contributions and performed exemplary service to the City and the community. Each recipient receives an individual Pride of La Verne plaque and their names are placed on perpetual plaques displayed in City Hall.
The "Jack Huntington Award" The "Jack Huntington Award" was named after S. Jack Huntington who moved to La Verne in 1970. Despite heavy professional obligations and time commitments to the U.S. Naval Reserve, Jack became actively involved in the community as a volunteer. He was active in various local organizations including the La Verne Jaycees, Little League, and the Youth Basketball program. Jack also served as a City of La Verne Commissioner for more than 15 years, completing two terms on the Parks & Recreation Commission as well as two terms on the Planning Commission. Jack Huntington was a citizen volunteer who exemplified the "Pride of La Verne" through selfless service to the community.
Mayor Hepburn announced that this year the "Jack Huntington Pride of La Verne Award" is being presented to Linda Logan. She is a long-time resident and is the Vice President of The Mcintyre Company in Covina, a Commercial Real Estate Development and Management firm. She was involved in La Verne Little League as a team mom and a founding member of the La Verne Little League Auxiliary and helped to raise funds for the Junior Division Little League families to travel to Taylor Michigan for the World Series.
Linda started K9 Partners of Covina, is a member of the Covina Rotary Club, was Rotary District 5300 Youth Exchange Officer for 4 years, Founder and Chairman of Field of Valor and most recently, in 2019, Linda started La Verne K-9 & Police Foundation. The Foundation has raised $160,000.00 to date.
They funded the purchase of K-9 Dino, equipped an existing police car with the special items needed to transport and help the K-9s work effectively, purchased special equipment, leashes, food, and training, and paid for medical expenses. Most recently the Foundation funded the purchase of K-9 Tupelo, a Bloodhound, her special leashes, hamesses, a GPS collar, and other special equipment for her handler, Officer Weinreb. Linda credits the community as having been wonderful partners. Katie's Pet Depot, a Foundation partner, has donated toys, food, and other items for K-9 Tupelo. The Foundation continues to support K-9 Tupelo with food and necessary items not donated.
Mayor Hepburn on behalf of the City Council, presented a Pride of La Verne Plaque to Linda Logan.
The "Jim Scranton Award" The "Jim Scranton Award" was named after long-time resident Jim Scranton who was a member of the Youth Sports Committee since its inception. In 1986, he formed the La Verne Lazers Soccer Club organization which provides youngsters an opportunity to play soccer at a highly competitive level. Jim also spent five years on the City Sports Park Committee, which resulted in the development of 35 acres of sports fields for the community. He also participated in the City women's soccer program as a coach. Jim is survived by his wife Susan and their children. The Youth Sports Committee recommended that a Pride of La Verne Youth Sports Volunteer Award be named in honor of City Council Minutes, Monday, March 20, 2023, Page 3.
Mayor Hepburn announced that this year the "Jim Scranton Pride of cie, intrase, and is war yes, i Sou Tops, a volunted at AYSO, such as Assistant Regional Commissioner, Divisional Coordinator, Referee, Coach, Trainer, Spring Select Coach, All-Star Coach, as well as Director of the Great Western Shootout. Eric began coaching at the club level 8 years later with the La Verne Lazers Soccer Club, where he ioined the Board created two teams for the Club and was voted President a year later. There he served with an all-volunteer Board and helped strengthen the Club from 3 to 11 teams and was the Club Liaison to the City's Youth Sports Committee for all 7 years. Since moving on from the Lazers, he looks forward to continuing to serve on the Youth Sports Committee as a Member at Large and is most recently a proud new founding member of Cal Poly Pomona's Parent Ambassador Program, which helps support Cal Poly students & families as they transition to college life.
Mayor Hepburn on behalf of the City Council, presented a Pride of La Verne Plaque to Eric Sharick.
At 6:56 p.m., the City Council recessed and reconvened at 7:00 p.m.
9. Announcements of Upcoming Sherry Best, President of the La Verne Historical Society, reported on their Community Events upcoming events.
Mayor Pro Tem Crosby announced that Foothill Transit is proposing a change in their service line to Pomona making it a faster route to Mt. Sac and Cal Poly.
Council Member Lau announced that the La Verne Police and Fire Departments are holding a "Battle of Badges" Blood Drive on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Fire Station One.
Mayor Hepburn announced that Garey Avenue in Pomona closed due to the Gold Line Construction will be reopened by next week.
10. Consent Calendar was moved by Johnson, seconded by Kashifalghita, and unanimously 1 ccept, approve, or act on the Consent Calendar items
City Council Minutes City Council Minutes for March 6, 2023, received and filed.
Register of Audited Demands 2.202, and the amount of i her later 1r 27 date Mach City Council Minutes, Monday, March 20, 2023, Page 4.
Street Closures for the 2023 Street Closures for the 2023 La Verne Cool Cruise and Cruisin La Verne La Verne Cool Cruise and Holiday Car Shows - The City Council approved a three-year agreement with Cruisin La Verne Holiday Car Flying Deuces, the event organizer for the La Verne Cool Cruise and Cruisir La Verne Holiday car shows in August 2022. In advance of the April 8, 2023.
Cool Cruise car show, staff is recommending that the City Council approve street closures for the remainder of the car show events under the agreement and appropriate the necessary funds to cover the costs associated with having the April 8 Cool Cruise event. Future events will be budgeted separately as par It was recommended that the City Council:
Authorize the Public Works Director to take the necessary steps to permit the temporary street closure for portions of D Street and Third Street in Old Town La Verne for the remainder of the car show events as outlined in the 2022 agreement, appropriate $8,500 from the General Fund to the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget to cover the costs associated with having the April 8, 2023, event; and to approve the waiver of administrative review fees for the La Verne Cool Cruise and Cruisin La Verne car shows. Approved as recommended.
Lowell Brandt Park Playground Lowell Brandt Park Playground - The playground replacement at Lowell Brandt Park was originally approved as part of the Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 2019-2020 using Park Development Funds. This playground no longer meets safety standards and needs to be removed immediately and replaced, and an additional appropriation from the Capital Improvement Fund Reserve of $171,700 is requested.
It was recommended that the City Council:
Award a contract to Miracle Recreation Equipment Co. in an amount of $246,700 for the removal, site preparation, and installation of playground equipment at Lowell Brandt Park; and appropriate $171,700 from the Capita Improvement Fund Reserve. Approved as recommended
Resolution No. 23-12 - Accepting the Fire Department's 2022 Report on Compliance with State Accepting the Fire Inspections Mandates - In accordance with Senate Bill 1205 (SB1205) all fire Department's 2022 Report on departments, within the State of California, annually inspect buildings, public ol Compliance with State private, that are utilized as a school, hotel, motel, lodging house, apartment Inspections Mandates house, and certain residential care facilities and report annually to its administering authority its compliance.
It was recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 23-12, as follows:
Resolution No. 23-12 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
ACKNOWLEDGING RECEPT OF A REPORT MADE BY THE FIRE CHIEF OF
THE LA VERNE FIRE DEPARTMENTS REQUIREMENT TO INSPECT
CERTAIN OCCUPANCIES PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13146.2 AND
13146.3 OF THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE. Approved.
City Council Minutes, Monday, March 20, 2023, Page 5.
11. 2022-23 Mid-Year Budget Finance Director Lopez reported that the Mid-Year Budget is a financial update Update report for the 2022-23 Fiscal Year. Updated budget assumptions and estimates have resulted in increases of $2,249,697 in revenue and $2,243,504 in expenditures for the General Fund resulting in a net increase of $6,193 to the General Fund Reserves for mid-year adjustments. Various non- general fund adjustments are included with a revenue increase of $389,567 and expenditure increase of $2,382,088. Finance Director Lopez went over the requested appropriations and budget amendments as detailed in the Staff There were Council comments. All Council Members agreed that Finance Director Lopez and Staff did an excellent job in preparing the Mid-Year Budge Report. City Council Members were also pleased with the increased transparency and the internal financial audit.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comments.
There was none.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Kashifalghita, and carried nanimously to approve the budget amendments detalled in the attache udget Amendments Listing, adjusting revenues and expenditu appropriations for the fiscal year 2022-23 budget.
12. Request to Adjust Fire Marshal Fire Chief Nigg reported on the request to adjust the Fire Marshal Salary. He Salary reported that when the Fire Marshal was hired, it was agreed that once the administrative cost-recovery failures were resolved, a more competitive Fire Marshal salary would be re-evaluated for recruitment and retention. A comprehensive review of the area Fire Marshal salaries including La Verne was conducted. A compatible and completive suggested salary was proposed.
The position of a Fire Marshal better serves the Community and City Staff an aligns with Senate Bill 1205 which requires annual reporting to the Cit Councill to State-mandated inspections on various facilities. It was recommended that the City Council approve a salary adjustment for the Fire Marshal classification to remain competitive in compensation.
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Kashifalghita, and unanimously carned to approve Resolution No. 23-13, updating the salary for Fire Marshal, as Resolution No. 23-13 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 22-48, A SALARY CHART FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES TO UPDATE THE SALARY FOR FIRE MARSHAL.
13. 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. (Below are only partia public comments, please visit the City's website to view the archived Counci meeting.)
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment.
City Council Minutes, Monday, March 20, 2023, Page 6.
Joe Gabaldon, La Verne resident, spoke about Council Decorum rules. He felt that proclamations should only be issued to deserving La Verne residents who have shown their commitment and service to the City. He questioned the rules for public comments asking speakers not to repeat general comments that have been made before on the same matter. He also spoke on the City's statement on the Pledge of allegiance.
Sherry Best, La Verne resident, thanked the City Council for the statement on the Pledge of Allegiance.
Danita Beauchamp, La Verne resident, called the City Council hypocrites for the statement on the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jeff Bassler, La Verne resident, stated that the CCW carriers are very safe, and they are trained. He also spoke about the statement on the Pledge of Allegiance.
Kathy Kalousek, La Vere resident, thanked the City Council for having military veterans perform the Pledge of Allegiance. She also thanked the City Council for the statement on the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Hepburn stated it was Council Member Kashifalghita idea for having veterans perform the Pledge of Allegiance, and he should be thanked.
14. Council Comments Below are only partial Council comments, please visit the City's website to view the archived Council meeting
Mayor Pro Tem Crosby reported that the City of La Verne has many actives planned and one of them of the Easter Egg Hunt in April.
March and announce that Ti-Chily Menta Heath Services of many op in job opportunities.
Council Member Johnson stated he was applying for a CCW permit and asked City Attorney Barlow if that would be a conflict of interest for him when the matter of the CCW fees comes up again before Council.
City Attomey Barlow replied she felt he did not have a conflict, because it was State matter and felt it would fall under the "public generally" exception, but would contact the FPPC to make sure and get back to him.
Council Member Kashifalghita reported that Wednesday, March 22, 2023, is the start of Ramadan. He reported he attended the American Armenian Coalition Charity event. He congratulated Damien High School Freshmen Maddox Park and Brandon Park for winning the First Year Policy National Debate Championship.
Mayor Hepburn thanked Finance Director Lopez and staff for the great job in keeping the Finance Department running smoothy.
City Manager Domer cautioned residents that in the next few days there will be high winds and rain and for them to be careful. He advised residents to call the Police Department for fallen power lines and the Public Works Department for fallen trees.
City Council Minutes, Monday, March 20, 2023, Page 7.
15. Meeting Adjoured to Monday, The City Council adjourned to Monday, March 27, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. to meet March 27, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., in Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 for the for Closed Session 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, La Verne Firefighters'
Association, and all unrepresented
employees.
16. Adjournment at 8:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Supe Batta Extrela
_upe Gaeta Estrella, CMC
Assistant City Clerk