MINUTES OF A STUDY SESSION ON THE CHRISTMAS
MORNING PROGRAM AND THE
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, September 18, 2023
A Study Session on the Christmas Morning Program was called to order by Mayor Hepburn at 5:35 p.m.
Council Members present: Mayor Tim Hepburn
Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Lau
Council Member Rick Crosby
Council Member Steven Frank Johnson
Council Member Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita
Absent: None.
Staff present: City Manager Ken Domer
Assistant City Manager JR Ranells
City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow
Fire Chief Chris Nigg
Community Services Director Yvonne Duran
Acting Police Chief Sam Gonzalez
PERK YOUR PARK Mayor Hepburn reminded residents that today is the last day to support La Verne parks by logging in and voting for La Verne parks. The winner will be awarded a $75,000 grant.
STUDY SESSION ON City Manager Domer reported on the Christmas Morning Program. He CHRISTMAS MORNING summarized the last study session along with a slide presentation. In his PROGRAM presentation, he pointed to the City's growth, increase in Fire calls, the lack of volunteers and 12-hour staff shifts or more has made the program difficult to run. He stated that the Christmas Morning Program is La Verne's most treasured tradition in the City. He stated that a survey was conducted, and 302 residents responded. He summarized the Christmas Program Survey results, which showed residents wished to keep the Christmas Morning program, but understood the difficulty in running the program. Suggestions were made to do away with the goodie bags and shortening the routes.
City Manager Domer recommended that the City Council should continue the Christmas Morning Program for another year pending review and feedback, plan for six (6) routes based on vehicle and volunteer availability, no goodie bags, volunteer commitment of 4 hours, emergency vehicle use as lead to be able to respond to calls, eliminate cul-de-sacs and authorize double overtime incentive for City staff to work the event.
After City Council discussion on the matter, Mayor Hepburn called for public comment on the Christmas Morning Program.
City Council Minutes of Christmas Morning Program Study Session and Regular Meeting, Monday, September 18, 2023, Page 2.
Muir Davis, La Verne resident, and former City Council Member presented a proposal community staffed program using only staff who are on duty to run the Christmas Morning Program. He presented his proposal and he looked forward to discussing it with staff and the City Council. (А сору o the Santa's Helpers LV proposal is attached).
Pam Berry, La Verne resident, stated she wanted the Christmas Morning Program to continue. She asked that cul-de-sacs not be eliminated from the routes.
Danita Beachamp, La Verne, resident, stated she was in support of continuing the Christmas Morning and that the City eliminate the goodie bags.
Marlou Faustini, La Verne resident, and La Verne RSVP, stated she loves the Christmas Morning Program Tradition, but it was hard on the RSVPs who have volunteered for the past four years working long hours and missing Christmas with their families.
Sherry Best, La Verne resident, liked the Santa's Helpers LV proposal presented by Muir Davis.
Patti Latourelle, La Verne resident, stated that the Christmas Morning tradition is dear to her and supports the changes. She asked that cul-de- sacs not be eliminated from the routes.
Kathy Kalousek, La Verne resident, also liked the Santa's Helpers LV proposal presented by Muri Davis and to not eliminate cul-de-sacs from the route.
Lilly Haung, La Verne resident, stated the Christmas Morning tradition is part of La Verne's history and should keep it.
Denise Fisher, La Verne resident, asked that the cul-de-sacs not be eliminated from the routes and suggested moving the event to the After discussion by the City Council, it was agreed to push forward with the Christmas Morning Program this year with Christmas Morning Lite, no goodie bags and to keep the cul-de-sacs in the routes.
The City Council recessed at 6:31 p.m. and reconvened at 6:45 p.m.to the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
A regular meeting of the La Verne City Council was called to order by Mayor Hepburn at 6:45 p.m.
Before the start of the meeting, Mayor Hepburn welcomed the audience to the Council Meeting in which City Council Minutes of Christmas Morning Program Study Session and Regular Meeting, Monday, September 18, 2023, Page 3.
Council Members Present Mayor Tim Hepburn
Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Lau
Council Member Rick Crosby
Council Member Steven Frank Johnson
Council Member Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita
Staff Present City Manager Ken Domer
Assistant City Manager JR Rannells
City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow
Assistant City Clerk Lupe Gaeta Estrella
Community Development Director Eric Scherer
Public Works Director Meg McWade
Finance Director Christy Lopez
Community Services Director Yvonne Duran
Fire Marshal Fred St. Ange
City Engineer Cody Howing
Fire Chief Chris Nigg
Pledge of Allegiance led by Jess Gomez, U.S. Army Special. E-4.
Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of the City Council, presented Jess Gomez, U.S. Army Special. E-4, a Pride of La Verne Certificate of Recognition thanking him for his service to our country.
PRESENTATIONS
RECOGNITION OF Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of the City Council, recognized and
LA VERNE LITTLE LEAGUE
12U ALL-STAR TEAM
an only ouring a baring is years it siDes or one are
Mckinney and coached by Ryan Gomez and Chris Rix.
Silas Barker Austin Horn Anthony Padilla Bobby Rix
Christian Lopez Matt Krause Jacon Harrison Adrian Guzman Drew McKinney Gaetano Miranda Michael Levitiski Gavin Jobe Noah Gomez
Each of the team members were given an In-n-Out gift card by Council.
Alex Avanesayn, District Representative of Senator Susan Rubio's Office, congratulated and presented a certificate of recognition to each La Verne Little League team player on behalf of the Senator.
City Council Minutes of Christmas Morning Program Study Session and Regular Meeting, Monday, September 18, 2023, Page 4.
PROCLAMATION Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of the City Council, presented a proclamation DECLARING THE MONTH declaring the month of September 2023 as National Preparedness Month OF SEPTEMBER 2023, AS honoring our first responders and City staff who run toward disaster at NATIONAL noment's notice; and urging all residents to plan for disasters an PREPAREDNESS MONTH encourage family and friends to do so by visiting Ready. Gov.
Proclamation was presented to La Verne Community Risk Reduction ANNOUNCEMENTS OF Mayor Hepburn called for announcements.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY
EVENTS
Kelly from Kelly's K-9 College announced she is retiring and moving from La Verne. She wished to personally say goodbye to the City Council, staff and especially Police Officer Alan Weinreb and Tupelo. She state hat the City of La Verne is family, and she will miss La Verne. She presented a donation to the La Verne K-9 Foundation.
Mayor Hepburn announced that on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 9:00 am - 11:00 am, there will be a "Coffee with a Cop event" at Miss Donut and Bagel in Downtown La Verne. Residents can join the La Verne Police Officers for coffee and conversation.
George May, La Verne Library Manager reported on the library's upcoming events and programs for the months of September and October.
Sherry Best, La Verne Historical Society President, announced they are hosting a film screening of Uncle Sam, which was filmed in La Verne in October at the University of La Verne. Also, she announced that on October 9, 2023, at Hillcrest there will be a presentation on "Race & Place", exploring the history of racial and ethnic segregation in the Citrus belt presented by Erin Duffy.
Karen Zubiate-of the La Verne/San Dimas Soroptimists reported that every year they sponsor a clothes shopping program for La Verne children whose families are facing financial challenges. They partner with Bonita Unified School District and Target Department Store in La Verne to take the children on a shopping adventure. She also announced that they are holding a Triva fundraiser for Bonita Children in support of the "Live your Dreams Awards" for young women.
Kathy Kalousek, La Verne resident announced that the Committee for a Compassionate La Verne launched their first Beautification Day on September 9, 2023. She also noted that the group was having their monthly planning meeting on Monday, September 25'h via Zoom.
City Council Minutes of Christmas Morning Program Study Session and Regular Meeting, Monday, September 18, 2023, Page 5.
Danita Beauchamp, La Verne resident, announced that on October 15, 2023, at San Dimas Canyon Park there will be fundraiser event to raise etc. to get the word out to stop the 740
committee vacancies on the Agenda. She also communicated that Camp Afflerbaugh-Paige is back on the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Agenda.
Mayor Hepburn reported that Supervisor Barger is aware of Camp Afterbaugh-Paige and he is communicating with Ms. Bager on the 740 E. Foothill Project. He stated that the City will continue to keep monitoring the on the 740 Foothill Project.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS City Attorney Hall Barlow reported that she had two late arriving items ADDED which arose after the posting of the Agenda for closed session as follows:
Public Employee Discipline per Government Code Section 54957.
Code 5495 i will meet with is legal counsel pursuant to Government
2. Conference with legal counsel--Anticipated Litigation The City Council will meet with its legal counsel to discuss significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code
§54956.9(b)(1)(3)(A): one potential case.
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Johnson, and unanimously carried to add the two closed session items, as recommended by the City Attorney.
CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and unanimously carried to approve the Consent Calendar.
City Manager Domer reported an error on the EIFD Staff report regarding the vacancy term limit, which should read there is no term limit.
City Council Minutes ity Council Minutes of the study session and regular City Counc neeting of September 5, 202:
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes.
Approved.
Register of Audited Demands Register of Audited Demands for the following:
Fiscal Year 2022-23 - In the amount of $319, 131.64 dated August 23, 2023, and in the amount of $31,723.00 dated August 30, 2023.
City Council Minutes of Christmas Moming Program Study Session and Regular Meeting, Monday, September 18, 2023, Page 6.
Fiscal Year 2023-24 - In the amount of $1,068,652.21 dated August 23, 2023, and in the amount of $1,899,830.98 dated August 30, 2023.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Register of Audited Demands. Approved.
Resolution No. 23-64, Resolution No. 23-64, Approving a Class Specification and Hourly Approving a Class Compensation Rate for Part-Time Ambulance Operator - After a Specification and Hourly review of organizational structure, departmental efficiencies, and future Compensation Rate for Part- service enhancement opportunities, the Fire Chief has requested the Time Ambulance Operator addition of a part-time classification and requisite compensation be Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the Resolution No. 23- 64, titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING A CLASS SPECIFICATION AND HOURLY
COMPENSATION RATE FOR AMBULANCE OPERATOR." Approved.
Measure LV Citizen Measure LV Citizen Oversight Committee Vacancy - A vacancy has Oversight Committee occurred on the Measure LV Citizen Oversight Board. The Board ensures Vacancy that revenues from Measure LV are spent in accordance with the approved spending guidelines. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have resided within the City for at least one year, and should have knowledge of finance, banking, business, or retirement planning.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file this notification. Received and filed.
Public Financing Authority Public Financing Authority for the Enhanced Infrastructure for the Enhanced Financing District (EIFD) Vacancy - A vacancy has occurred on the Infrastructure Financing Public Financing Authority Board for the Enhanced Infrastructure District (EIFD) Vacancy Financing District. The primary purpose of the Authority is to accelerate the financing of public improvements needed to attract the development that is envisioned within the City's Old Town La Verne Specific Plan and to compliment the extension of the Metro light rail, "A" Line, formerty known as the Gold Line.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file this notification. Received and filed with notification of an error on the staff report regarding the vacancy term limit, which should read there is no term limit.
Tract Map No. 83354 Bond Tract Map No. 83354, Bond Reduction - La Verne 58 LLC, the Reduction Pocated soulf west of the intersection of anut Street and stret, has requested the reduction of their Performance Bond, Labor and Materials Bond and full release of the project Monumentation Bond.
City Council Minutes of Christmas Morning Program Study Session and Regular Meeting, Monday, September 18, 2023, Page 7.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize the release in full value of the project Monumentation Bond and a reduction of the Establishment of Fund for Establishment of Fund for Monsanto PCB Settlement - The City Monsanto PCB Settlement previously received, and the City Council approved, a settlement payment from the class action case City of Long Beach, et al. v. Monsanto Company, et al., United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division, Case No. 2:16-CV-03493-FMO-AS in the Recommendation: That the City Council direct staff to deposit funds Sewer System (MS4) permits and related requirements, including mitigation. Approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Resolution Regarding the City Engineer Howing reported on the request for time extension on Request for Time Extension
on Vesting Map 82201(500
Bearine Road) Public
of the subdiv on ap Act. Pursuat to CITy Cale dion 16020 M City Council may consider granting the requested extension during oticed public hearin
After Council discussion, Mayor Hepburn opened the public hearing and called for public comments on the request for extension for Tract No. 82201 (500 Baseline Road).
Danita Beachamp, La Verne resident, asked if the final map included the preliminary architectural designs of the homes and inquired what is required for a final map.
City Engineer Howing provided a response and explained the difference between a vesting tentative and final map.
City Council Minutes of Christmas Moming Program Study Session and Regular Meeting, Monday, September 18, 2023, Page 8.
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and unanimously carried to adopt Resolution No. 23-65 titled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE
OF CALIFORNIA, GRANTING A ONE-YEAR TIME EXTENSION ON
VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO 82001 PURSUANT TO THE
PROVISIONS OF TITLE 7, DIVISION 2, CHAPTER 3, OF THE
GOVERNMENT CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
ESTABLISHING THE NEW EXPIRATION DATE OF THE VTTM No.
82001 AS OF NOVEMBER 3, 2024.
OTHER MATTERS
Resolution No. 23-66,
Authorizing the City Manager employment for retired annuitant Deborah Seely, and authorizing the to Execute an Agreement for City Manager to execute an agreement, Resolution No. 23-66. He stated that to be compliant with California Law and the 2013 Pensior Reform Act, it is necessary for the City Council to certify there is ar services of a retired employee.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment on this request for temporary employment for retired annuitant Deborah Seely.
There was none.
The City Council acknowledged the difficulties in recruiting and retaining Police dispatchers and thanked Ms. Seely for agreeing to stay on longer.
It was moved by Lau, seconded by Crosby, and unanimously carried to adopt Resolution No. 23-66, titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES,
STATE OF CALIFORINA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT FOR
RETIRED ANNUITANT DEBORAH SEELY."
Conflict of Interest/Johnson Council Member Johnson declared a conflict of interest in the request for a film permit because he owns property within 500 feet of the proposed filming. He recused himself and left the Council Chambers.
Film Permit Request from Assistant City Manager Ranells reported on the request from Picture 304 Picture 304 for a film permit. He stated the City was contacted by a production company, Picture 304, to film a commercial at a residential property on Third Street. Per the City's Municipal Code Chapter 5.57, all film permits must be approved by the La Verne City Council.
City Council Minutes of Christmas Morning Program Study Session and Regular Meeting, Monday, September 18, 2023, Page 9.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment on the request to film in La Verne from Picture 304.
Lily Haung, La Verne, resident, stated that the City of La Verne is well known for filming of the movie "The Graduate".
After discussion by City Council about changing the filming policy to allow the City Manager to sign-off on low impact filming events without it having permit for filming once all required steps are completed.
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 partial public comments, please visit the City's website to view the archived Council meeting.
Richard Bowen (Via Zoom), La Verne resident, asked for clarifications on the term limit for the EIFD Vacancy.
City Manager Domer replied that there is no term limit for EIFD position currently, but the City would be looking at such in the future. He mentioned the error on the staff report regarding the vacancy term.
Gary Hunter, La Verne resident, asked if the City could trim the brush at Chelsea Bridge and that the City should cut down on watering at Emerald Park, it was causing an overgrowth of mushrooms.
Danita Beauchamp, La Verne resident, asked about the public park that tat supposed to be built as part of the Amherst housing project. St ere was a satetv issue in the nublic restroom at Ciw Hall al asked if the City has looked into replacing the Council Chamber doors.
COUNCIL COMMENTS Below are only partial Council comments, please visit the City's website to view the archived Council meeting.
Council Member Lau recommended that the City Council look at joining the California Cities organization who are advocating for local control for cities and that it be scheduled for discussion at a later Council Meeting She reported on attending the 10th Anniversary of the NAACP event, blood drive at Holy Name of Mary, the Inauguration Ceremony for incoming University of La Verne President Dr, Pardis Mahadavi, in October and the University of La Verne homecoming.
City Council Minutes of Christmas Morning Program Study Session and Regular Meeting, Monday, September 18, 2023, Page 10.
Council Member Crosby reported that he and Mayor Hepburn met with the residents of Foothill Terrace Mobile Home Park and were concerned with some of the elderly being victimized in the community. He thanker staff for posting the vacancies of commission and committees on the Council Member Kashifalghita reported he attended the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control meeting. He announced that he will be joining the La Verne Fire Department on Saturday, September 23, 2023, handing out free smoke detectors at Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park He congratulated the 12U All-Star La Verne Little League on their win.
Council Member Johnson reported that he attended the ribbon cutting for a new music studio in Oldtown La Verne called Creative Cultivation Studios, and that there will be a household hazardous waste round-ur event at the Pomona Fairplex on September 23, 2023.
Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, where he is the President, i are via Sop. Sepetber 26, zminded residents to go and have CLOSED SESSION At 8:23 p.m., the City Council recessed to Closed Session.
The City Council met in a Closed Session for the following:
Conference with Labor Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6:
Negotiators: City Manager, Assistant City Manager,
and City Attorney
Organization(s): La Verne City Employees Association
and the La Verne Police Officers'
Association
Public Employee Discipline
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.
City Council Minutes of Christmas Morning Program Study Session and Regular Meeting, Monday, September 18, 2023, Page 11.
Conference with legal counsel Anticipated Litigation
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.
There was no reportable action resulting from the Closed Session.
Adjournment at 8:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Supe Sarta Extrella
Lupe Gaeta Estrella
Assistant City Clerk