MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA VERNE
Monday, May 1, 2023
A regular meeting of the La Verne City Council was called to order by Mayor Hepburn at 6:30 p.m.
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.
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 Attorney Scott Porter
Public Works Director Meg McWade
Community Development Director Eric Scherer
Community Services Director Yvonne Duran
Pledge of Allegiance led by Veteran Antonio Rios, Marine Corporal PRESENTATIONS/ Older Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of the City Council, presented a Proclamation American Month Declaring the Month of May 2023, as Older Americans Month celebrating older Americans and the key role, they play in sharing the wisdom and experienc that inform today's decisions and actions, and fostering the connection anc engagement that build strong, resilient communities. La Verne recognizes its responsibility to ensure that every American can age with dignity The Proclamation was presented to the Senior Advisory Committee.
Outstanding Older American Mayor Hepburn reported that the Senior Advisory Committee nominated one Nomination senior citizen for the Outstanding Older American Award. This recognition is part of the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults 58th Annual Older Americans Recognition Day (OARD) Awards Program, which honors a senior citizen from each city in Los Angeles County.
City Council Minutes, Monday, May 1, 2023, Page 2.
Older American Outstanding This year, the Senior Advisory Committee nominated Pat Baur as the City's Nomination
valous special ever fat gize Heria Park,esday. Pat is nstrumental in Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of the City Council, congratulated Pat Baur for being nominated as the City of La Verne Outstanding Older American and presented him with a Pride of La Verne Certificate.
Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of the City Council, presented to Ken and Fang Valmonte, owners of Café Wang a Proclamation declaring the Month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebrating and paying tribute to the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to American history, society, and culture.
At 6:52 p.m., the City Council recessed and reconvened at 6:57 p.m.
Mayor Hepburn stated that many residents attended tonight's meeting to speak pertaining to proposed development at 740 East Foothill Boulevard, San Dimas and that they will have the opportunity during public comment.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF Natalie Chaidez, Fairplex representative, announced that on Friday, May 12, UPCOMING COMMUNITY 2023, is La Verne Day at Fair and admission for La Verne residents is only EVENTS $1.00.
Robin Carder, Fourth of July of Committee Representative, announced that they met with the La Verne Little League and that La Verne Little League will be participating in the Fourth of July Parade.
George May, La Verne Library Manager, reported on the library's upcoming library community events and programs.
Sherry Best, La Verne Historical President, reported on the Society's past and upcoming events.
Yvonne Gallegos, member of the Cultural Awareness and Inclusion (CASI Committee announced that their next meeting is on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at Hillcrest.
Danita Beauchamp, La Verne resident, announced that the Bonita Unified School District will be meeting on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, and requested residents to attend to address the unappropriated sex education material being taught at the schools.
Kathy Kalousek, La Verne resident, announced that Sowing Seeds for Life next Drive-Thru Panty is on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Charisma Life Church located at 305 E. Arrow Highway, Pomona.
City Council Minutes, Monday, May 1, 2023, Page 3.
Mayor Pro Tem Crosby announced that two events are being held in support in La Verne K-9 Police Foundation, the La Verne Police Officers' Association (POA) Golf Tournament and a 2023 Dog-Fest in May.
CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau, and unanimously carried to accept, approve, or act on the Consent Calendar items except for Item No. 3, Ticket Distribution Policy was pulled.
1. City Council Minutes City Council Minutes of April 17, 2023, approved as recommended.
2. Register of Audited Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $1,678,536.34 dated April 13, Demands 2023, and in the amount of $321, 360.80 dated April 20, 2023, approved as recommended.
3. Pulled from the Richard Bowen, La Verne resident, stated he was pleased that the City was Consent Calendar/ approving the policy. He stated he would like to see put in the policy no gift Resolution No. 23-15, giving by contractors and that it is a conflict of interest.
Ticket Distribution Policy
Resolution No. 23-15 Ticket Distribution Policy - The City Council is requested to approve a Ticket Distribution Policy to be included with the City of La Verne's Administrative Regulations. The Policy outlines the City's methods for ticket distribution and reporting that falls in line with regulatory requirements from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau, and unanimously carried to approve Resolution No. 23-15, adopting a Ticket Distribution Policy.
Resolution 23-15, titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A TICKET DISTRIBUTION POLICY, approved as
recommended.
4. Declaration of Surplus Declaration of Surplus Property - Vehicles and Equipment - This action will Property declare five vehicles and three pieces of equipment surplus due to age, condition, or no longer meeting operational requirements. Once declared surplus, the equipment will be disposed of per Administrative Regulation No. 606, approved as recommended
S. 2023-24 Paramedic Service 5. 2023-24 Paramedic Service Finance Director Lopez reported on the 2023-24 Paramedic Service Fee Adjustment. She stated that the City's voter approved Paramedic Service Fee requires an annual public hearing to consider a rate change. The monthly fee is subject to an annual adjustment for a rate change based on the Consumer Price Index.
Mayor Hepburn opened the public hearing and called for public comment.
Danita Beauchamp, La Verne, resident, asked if the anticipated funds from the proposed increased was included in the current budget and what was the percentage of the increase.
Finance Director Lopez responded that yes the anticipated funds are included in the current budget and the percentage increase is 7.5%.
The City Council all agreed that the Paramedic Service Program is a valuable service for the community.
City Council Minutes, Monday, May 1, 2023, Page 4.
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Kashifalghita, and unanimously carried to approve Resolution No. 23-16, as follows:
Resolution No. 23-16, Adopt the Resolution No. 23-16 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY Adopting the Paramedic COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, Service Fee STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE PARAMEDIC SERVICE FEE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24" to adjust the monthly paramedic service fee from $5.91 to $6.35.
6. Appointments to the Active Appointments to the Active Transportation Committee - On July 18, 2022, Transportation Committee the Assistant City Clerk gave notice of two (2) vacancies on the Active Transportation Committee (ATC). The City Council held ATC interviews on April 24, 2023, and will need to appoint two new members to the committee.
It was recommended that City Council conduct two motions to appoint new members to the Active Transportation Committee for a term of four years.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau, and unanimously carried to appoint Sabine Stieber to the Active Transportation Committee to a four-year It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, to appoint Muir Davis to the Active Transportation Committee. Motion failed by a vote of 2/3 (Hepburn, Johnson, and Kashifalghita voted No).
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Johnson, and carried by a vote of 4-1 (Crosby voted No) to appoint Jarrod Palmer to the Active Transportation Committee to a four-year term.
PUBLIC COMMENT This was the time set aside for anyone wishing to address the City Council on neeting.)
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment.
The following residents spoke in opposition on the proposed development at hildren, traffic safety issues, and use of Police and Fire resources. The! sked for the City Council support and a letter signed by all the Council be ent to the Board of Supervisors strongly opposing the proposed developmer few residents were upset with the City for removing their sians on the opposition.
Piper Burke Carlos LeBlanca
Nicky Hoar Lilly Brainard
Melissa Burke Hector Castandas & Mrs. Castabdas
Don Hubblell Richard Bowen
Danita Beauchamp Wayne Perry
Pam Berry
Jeff Bassler
Joe Gabaldon Sabine Sullivan
Rich Gill Cynthis Gabaldon
City Council Minutes, Monday, May 1, 2023, Page 5.
Michael Carmichael, San Dimas resident
John Ban
Robert Schafer
Two (2) additional residents
Christie, La Verne resident, was very concerned with the unappropriated sex education material being taught at the schools and thought the City Council should be aware.
City Manager Domer addressed the removal of the signs, citing that signs ar only removed if there are in the City's right-of-way
City Manager Domer stated that the City Council will call for a Special meeting on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 6:30 for Council to vote on sending a letter in opposition of the proposed development to the Board of Supervisors.
COUNCIL COMMENTS Below are only partial Council comments, please visit the City's website to view the archived Council meeting.
Council Member Lau thanked the audience for their attendance and oafices As iction (r) poing represent verne University org La Verne Scholarship Gala
Council Member Johnson recalled that in 2003 when he was first elected to reported that the La Verne Rotary Club planted two Oak trees in memory of Dr.
Garbis Der-Yeghiayan, a past Rotary member and a man whose life pursing Council Member Kashifalghita stated he strongly supported the residents and he was there for them.
Mayor Pro Tem Crosby stated he appreciated the young speaker's comments ho spoke at tonight's meeting regarding the proposed development ol Foothill Blvd. in San Dimas
Mayor Hepburn thanked the Castanedas for their campaign opposing the proposed development and in getting the community together. He stated Council will be addressing the matter and they too, are opposed. He thanked the audience for attending.
The City Council recessed to 8:56.p.m. to closed session.
City Council Minutes, Monday, May 1, 2023, Page 6.
CLOSED SESSION
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
Assistant 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.
The City Council met with its legal counsel to discuss significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(b)(1)(3)(A) - one potential case - Meter Read Error Issued at Multi-Family Complex.
There was no announcement.
Adjournment at 9:45 p.m., in memory of former City Council Member Patrick Gatti.t in Pat was a long time La Verne resident and business owner of La Verne Florist in Oldtown La Verne. He served as a Council Member for 21 years, from 1982 to 2003, and served as Mayor Pro Tem for some of those years. Pat had a deep passion for the community and ran for Council to serve as a voice for the residents of La Verne.
During his time on the Council, Pat collaborated with and led many committees and commissions including the Child Care Summit Committee, Parks and Recreation Commission, Parks and Human Services Commission, Homeowners Association Advisory Committee, and the Noise Pollution Committee, to name a few. His pride for the community extended far past La Verne's borders spreading across the nation. After the 9/11 attacks, Pat Gatti assisted in the development of the parade as La Verne fire engines carried New Yorkers and their families through the streets. La Verne residents cheered and waved as these survivors made their way through the community.
He valued collaboration and connections with others as he volunteered to visit our sister city in Acambaro, Mexico in 1987 and advocated for providing resources to their community. Gatti prioritized the economic development of the City and guided the Foothill Blvd Committee towards the development of multiple businesses that fostered La Verne's economic growth.
His service to the City continued after his time as a Council Member. He was part of the Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District for many years. He continued to invest his time and wisdom to the community up to his move to Arizona. He enjoyed his retirement in Arizona spending time with his family and speaking fondly of his memories of La Verne, which was his pride and joy. He is survived by his son, John, and his sister, Rose Respectfully submitted,
Sipe shalu Strella
Lupe Gaeta Estrella, CMC
Assistant City Clerk