MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL Monday, December 4, 2023 At 6:00 pm, Mayor Hepburn kicked off the holiday season with a holiday message at the City’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of City Hall along with Santa Claus and the Bonita High School Chamber Singers.
A regular meeting of the La Verne City Council was called to order by Mayor Hepburn at 6:33 pm. 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. Also, he communicated that the City of La Verne will not allow for public comment through Zoom until further notice. If you wish to provide public comment for the meeting, please email your comments to citvclerk@citvoflaverne.org prior to the start of the meeting. Public comments will be accepted at the meeting by those physically in attendance at the appropriate time. 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 Advisory Staff Present Ken Domer, City Manager JR Ranells, Assistant City Manager Kimberly Hall Barlow, City Attorney Debra Fritz, Deputy City Clerk Pledge of Allegiance was led by Steven Poe, U.S. NaVy E-4 Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of the City Council, presented to, Steven Poe, US. Navy E-4 a Pride of La Verne Certificate of Recognition thanking him for his service to our country.
City Council Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 4, 2023,, Page» 2.
PRESENTATIONS Legislative Updates for the San Gabriel Valley Bonita High School Boy's Water Polo CIF Champions
University of La Verne Women’s Volleyball SCIAC Regional Runners—up State Senator Susan Rubio provided a legislative update, highlighting the more than $130 million dollars allocated to the San Gabriel Valley in various areas: Supporting Teachers, Workforce Development, and Building Community Parks, to name a few. She also helped fund a Regional Housing Trust which recently completed a housing project to support veterans and those experiencing homelessness. BONITA HIGH SCHOOL BOY’S WATER POLO 2023 The Bonita Boy’s Water Polo team finished with an overall record of 24-12 for the season and placed second in the Palomares League. They advanced to the CIF playoffs where they had the number one seed and after 4 rounds of play, they advanced to the championship game where they won the Division 4 CIF Championship. They moved on to the CIF State Playoffs as the number one seed after 2 rounds and advanced to the finals where they defeated Pacific Palisades and won the school's first Regional State Championship. The team was coached by Dillon Unsoeld and assisted by Gage Unsoeld, Joe Lampson, and Cody Lehotsky. Julian Falk Braydon Jimenez Max Distaso Jaxon Aggers Jake Carlson Matthew Humpert Gary Watson Dylan Vegas Jeffry Heaton Mavryck Mathis Shane lbarra Giancario Garcia Parker Montgomery Jackson Dincin The team was honored with Pride of La Verne certificates and In N Out gift cards from the City Council, Senator Rubio’s office also provided certificates of recognition for the Team’s Division 4 CIF win. UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNE WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL 2023 The University of La Verne volleyball team completed a historic season in 2023. The Leopards finished the season with a 25-5 overall record and a 13-3 record in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). The Leopards earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament and won their first two games to advance to the Sweet 16 where they finished as the regional runners-up. The Leos advanced further and won more games than any team since 2009. Four Leopards were named All-SCIAC (sky-ak) and three were named All- Region. Freshman Malia Capistrano was named the Region 10 Freshman of the Year, sophomore Mya Ray was tabbed SCIAC Offensive Athlete of the Year and First Team All—American. The Leopards were led by the SCIAC Coaching Staff of the Year, head coach Jeff Hendershot, and assistant coaches Randi Taylor-Toomay. Mario Meza, and Jack Coberly.
City Council Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 4, 2023, Page 3.
Nalani Young Ayana Mier Kiley McGarry Madison Smith Isabella Walsh Zacky Coaston Sydne Humphrey Kelly Yeung Lauren Gott Kailin Katena Lexi Giacobbe Kaitlyn Bloomer Noelani Soma CC Flaherty Malia Capistrano Julia Thomas Mya Ray Isabella Quiroz The team was honored with Pride of La Verne certificates and In N Out gift cards from the City Council, Senator Rubio’s office also provided certificates of recognition for the Team. At 7:06 pm, the City Council recessed and reconvened at 7:13 pm. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS Sherry Best, President of the La Verne Historical Society, announced the December 16 Annual Vintage and Baked Good Sale, as well as the Home Tour Event. Two historic homes will be open for tours. Yvonne Gallegos, Cultural Awareness and Social Inclusion Committee (CASI) member, announced the change of their meeting days to the first Tuesday of every month at 5:00 pm. in the Citrus Room at Hillcrest. Danita Beauchamp thanked the community of La Verne for their support of the Wreaths Across America campaign. Continued support is needed to place the wreaths on the headstones, this will take place on December 16 after a small service with VFW members. Mayor Hepburn thanked Cynthia Gabaldon for her efforts to get commitments for the remaining number of wreaths they were short, to ensure the veterans were honored. Council Member Johnson announced the Church of the Brethren Christmas Concert, Sunday, December 10 at 4:00 pm. all are welcome. Council Member Crosby announced the Bonita Chamber singers will be performing their Yuletide Concert at the Methodist Church, December 5 at 7:00 pm. and Saturday, December 12 at 2:00 & 7:00 pm. at Bonita Center for the Arts (BCA) Yuletide. The ULV Chamber Singers perform on December 10 at 4:00 pm. at the Morgan Auditorium. Council Member Meshal “Kash” Kashifalghita announced the Spark of Love is still accepting donations. Donation boxes are located at the Public Safety buildings, and City Hall. Crazy Bear Cycle will be donating bikes again this year. Bikes will be passed out at Hillcrest again this year.
City Council Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 4, 2023, Page 4.
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Council Minutes
Register of Audited Demands
Resolution Cancelling the January 2, 2024, City Council Meeting Council Member Crosby reminded everyone that VWnte-r Wonderland will be this Saturday, December 9 from 9:00 am. till 1:00 pm. at Heritage Park. Mayor Pro Tem Lau announced the Blood Drive at ULV, tomorrow December 5 from 10:00 am. to 4:00 p.m., also Tri-City Mental Health has a slew of events this month at their wellness center, please take advantage of this resource, they will be having a movie night this Saturday, airing The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Mayor Hepburn encouraged everyone to take advantage of the information that is published regarding upcoming events, they can be found on our website and at the back of the agenda page. He thanked all the staff in various departments, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Community Services for the decorations on the buildings, he knows the staff and community appreciates see the lights and decorations. City Manager Domer announced the La Verne Link mobile application is available for download at the Google or Apple store, it’s an easy way to connect with the City and report such things as graffiti or potholes or other issues. The phone app is a direct connection to the City with access to community calendars and events. Mayor Hepburn announced the board meeting for the Public Financing Authority-EIFD is Wednesday, December 13 at 9:00 am. It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Kash, and unanimously carried to accept, approve or act on the Consent Calendar items. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES of the study session and regular City Council meetings of November 20, 2023. RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved REGISTER OF AUDITED DEMANDS for the following: In the amount of $1,819,873.23 dated November 8, 2023, and in the amount of $1,405,998.15 dated November 15, 2023. RECOMMENDATION: That the City CounciIl approve the Register of Audited Demands. Approved RESOLUTION CANCELLING THE JANUARY 2, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING - The first City Council Meeting in January 2024 is requested to be cancelled due to lack of business after the holiday season. This item requires a resolution to cancel the meeting.
City Council Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 4, 2023, Page 5. Authorize City Manager to Administratively Award Construction Contract for CDBG Funded Curb Ramp Accessibility Project OTHER MATTERS Legislative Platform for the 2024 Legislative Session RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the attached Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, CANCELLING THE JANUARY 2, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING.” Approved AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO ADMINISTRATIVELY AWARD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR CDBG FUNDED CURB RAMP ACCESSIBILITY PROJECT - This action will authorize the City Manager to execute a contract award for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded Curb Ramp Accessibility Project to ensure completion of the project by the December 31, 2023, expenditure deadline. The total project costs are anticipated to be $288,000.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to administratively award the CDBG-funded Curb Ramp Accessibility Project (up to $288,000) and execute any necessary documents, including amendments and change orders, subject to City Attorney review as appropriate. Approved LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM FOR THE 2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION - Adoption of the 2024 Legislative Platform will help define the City's interests on priority issues and provide a framework for advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. The policy guidelines and statements included in the proposed 2024 Legislative Platform will allow City staff to address legislative and regulatory issues in a timely and focused manner. Mayor Hepburn called for Public Comment on this item. Danita Beauchamp asked Council to hold off on approving this item due to the dangerous verbiage in the legislative package. Joe Gabaldon opposes this legislative platform. City Manager Domer clarified that items listed in the legislative wrap- up document are summaries of legislation signed by the Governor in 2023, therefore they do not represent the proposed platform. The City's platform is very fiscally conservative, flexible, and politically neutral. Anything the Council wants to debate would be brought forth at an open meeting for discussion to include public input. As part of the process, we always check with the Mayor before signing any letters of support. The platform gives us better parameters to make decisions on behalf of the Council.
City Council Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 4. 2023, Page 6.
REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS CENTER UPDATE
No further comments were received. Mayor Hepburn commented on how the COG also reviews the legislative bills and brings information to the City’s attention. information will be shared and discussed with the community. Council Member Crosby wants the public to have access to review the document, and wants to table item to next meeting, so residents will have more time to read the platform. Mayor Pro Tern Lau suggested an FAQ document be prepared and placed on the website to answer some of the questions of concern. Council Member Johnson felt more time was needed for our residents to review the document due to the timing of the Holiday season and wanted to postpone the item until January. Council discussed when to bring the item back. It was decided to bring the item back on December 18 for more discussion and then again on January 16, 2024, for possible final action. Council Member Meshal “Kash” Kashifalghita agreed with giving more time to review for residents to get a better understanding. Council continued to discuss. RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the Legislative Platform for the 2024 legislative session. COUNCIL ACTION: Motion was made to continue this item to the December 18 meeting, so moved by Johnson and seconded by Lau, and unanimously carried. REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS CENTER UPDATE - As has been summarized in the past, the Covina and La Verne Police Departments are exploring options to consolidate their respective dispatch centers in an effort to regionalize police communication services and gain efficiencies in delivering this critical public safety service. This item provides an update on those efforts.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment. Danita Beauchamp agrees with this change, dispatch jobs .are very difficult. Council Comments. Mayor Hepburn supports this change. Council Member Crosby supports this item. Council Member Meshal “Kash” Kashifalghita also supports this item.
City Council Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 4, 2023, Page 7.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Council Member Johnson, thanked Acting Chief Gonzalez and supports this idea 100%. Mayor Pro Tem Lau agrees this change is necessary.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file this Agenda Report. Council action: Moved by Crosby and seconded by Kash and approved unanimously (5/0) to receive and file.
This is the time set aside for anyone wishing to address the City Council on items within the jurisdiction of the City Council which are not listed in any other place on the agenda. Under the provisions of the Brown Act, the legislative body is prohibited from talking or engaging in discussion on any item not appearing on the posted agenda. However, your concerns may be referred to staff or placed for discussion at a later date. Please email your public comment to the City Clerk’s Office at citvclerk@citvofiaverne.org; Your public comment will be shared with the City Council and included as part of the permanent record. There is a 3-minute time limit on public comments.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment. Jay Bernard commented on the trains blowing their whistles from San Dimas Canyon to White Street, too noisy. Rich Gill reminded everyone that this was the final week to submit nominations for City Council for Districts #2 & #5. Barbara Smythe as part of the Diversity Committee wants City to be aware of labeling things Christmas, to be more sensitive to those in our community, try harder to use Holiday. Joe Gabaldon supports the legislative platform and thanked staff for the hard work. He also asked about the parking lot lights at vacant store locations not being on, and cars for sale parked along White and Wheeler Avenue. He commented on the possibility of using monies at the next election for an at large mayor to do a fiyer, similar to the holiday flyer recently received. Yvonne Gallegos thanked the Council that came out and supported the Cultural Festival last weekend and followed up on the letter by the San Dimas Mayor against hate, and La Verne doing the same.
City Council Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 4, 2023, Page 8. COUNCIL COMMENTS Adjournment at 8:24 pm. Respectfully submitted,
Each Council Member may address the Council and public on matters of general information and/or concern. This is also the time for Council Members to report on conferences and/or meetings they have attended per Assembly Bill 1234. Mayor Pro Tern Lau mentioned YFAC and encouraged the residents to participate. She enjoys the holiday decorations throughout the City and at City facilities, she mentioned the Cultural Festival event was a good experience, and hoped to see more attendees next year. She wished Council Member Crosby a “Happy Birthday” Council then sang happy birthday to him. Council Member Crosby commented on the YFAC meeting and the presentation that Tri City gave. The Police Department is looking for explorers, check out the PD website for more info. And the numerous Holiday singing events. Council Member Meshal “Kash” Kashifalghita mentioned this Saturday is the Fire Explorers first day, and the upcoming Mosquito Vector Control Committee meeting he will be attending. Let him know of any concerns you might have. Senator Holden is hosting a toy and shoe drive to support other communities. Council Member Johnson is enjoying the new mobile app and asked that information on the upcoming election be included. The app has info on the E-Waste event Saturday, December 16, and you are able to report graffiti and other concerns. Council Member Crosby asked about the final day of nominations, Friday, December 8. City Hall will be open for those who want to submit papers. City Manager Domer clarified that staff will be on hand for anyone wishing to pull papers. Mayor Hepburn commented on the SGVCOG board meeting this month, including the Legislative caucus, SGV Regional Housing Trust that Senator Rubio donated to, the insurance commissioner info posted on website, a webinar is available, Cal Trans regarding highway conditions. He attended the wedding of our K-9 officer Weinreb, a good time was had by all, Happy Holidays, spend your money in La Verne. The next Public Financing Authority meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 13 at 9:00 am.
Debra Fritz é ‘ Deputy City Clerk