LA VERNE MINUTES OF A STUDY SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
ACTION MINUTES
"see items in italics"
STUDY SESSION - 5:30 p.m. - Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL Council Member Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita, Council Member Steven Frank Johnson, Council Member Rick Crosby, Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Lau, and Mayor Tim Hepburn.
Council Members present: All
Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, Assistant City Manager JR Ranells Assistant City Attorney Scott Porter.
The City Council will meet in a Study Session for the following:
Code Enforcement - Overview of the City's Code Enforcement Program Code Compliance Officer Ron D'Alessandro gave an overview of the City's code enforcement practices, and policies highlighting some updates coming in 2024.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6: 30 p.m. - the Regular Meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by Christopher Muzquiz, Army, Spec.4 (E-4) Counci Viber mas pets it an eride of the Cir Counci, presentecogniso harking him for his service to our country.
ROLL CALL Council Member Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita, Council Member Steven Frank Johnson, Council Member Rick Crosby, Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Lau, and Mayor Tim Hepburn.
Council Members present: All
Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, Assistant City Manager JR Ranells, Scott Porter Assistant City Attorney.
PRESENTATIONS - Nathan Kwan is currently a senior at Bonita High School and was honored Mor his academic achievements.
achievement.
Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of the City Council, presented Nathan with a Pride of La Verne Certificate of Recognition congratulating him on this achievement.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
(Any person who wishes to make a brief announcement of a future community event that is open to the public may do so at thistime.)
Announcements were received from:
Josh Goldman, La Verne Chamber of Commerce Board Member, announcing the 2024 Excellence in La Verne Business Awards.
George May, La Verne Librarian, announcing upcoming and current library programs.
Kathy Kalousek, VP of the La Verne Historical Society, announcing upcoming events.
CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items on the Consent Calendar are routine and will be enacted by one motion unless a member of the City Council or member of the audience requests separate discussion.) It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Crosby, and unanimously carried by a vote of 5-0, to accept, approve or act on the Consent Calendar items.
1. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES of the regular City Council meeting of December 18, 2023.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. REGISTER OF AUDITED DEMANDS for the following:
In the amount of $1,906,750.44 dated December 6, 2023, and in the amount of $335,956.99 dated December 12, 2023, and in the amount of $1,331,988.98 dated December 20, 2023, and in the amount of $1,117,958.50 dated December 27, 2023.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the Register of Audited Demands.
Approved
3. DESIGNATION OF THE CITY'S VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE AT THE
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) REGIONAL CONFERENCE AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING - The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) requests the selection of one delegate to vote on behalf of the City for the General Assembly Meeting and it is recommended that the City Council designate Mayor Tim Hepburn as the delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Lau as the alternate.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 24-05 appointing Mayor Tim Hepburn to represent the City of La Verne as the voting delegate for SCAG's General Assembly Meeting, and Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Lau as alternate. Approved
4. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING VISION ZERO FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ACCEPTING THE FY22/23 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT - This item requests adoption of a Resolution affirming the City's Vision Zero philosophy to aid in future grant applications for traffic safety improvements and accepting the Active Transportation Committee's Annual Report. The Annual Report summarizes the City's Complete Streets activities and the Active Transportation Committee's progress and accomplishments during fiscal year 2022/2023.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolution No. 24-01 affirming Vision Zero for traffic safety and accepting of the Active Transportation Committee Annual Report (Annual Report) for fiscal year 2022/2023. Approved
5. PURCHASE OF GRANT FUNDED BEAM GATE VEHICLE BARRIER - The Department received grant funding from a State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) to purchase protection barriers to be used to strengthen public safety. This item will appropriate funds to proceed with the purchase.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Approve the purchase of a beam gate that includes four vehicle barriers from Meridian Rapid Defense Group for $51,000; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 24-02 appropriating $51,000 from the Miscellaneous Grants Fund for the purchase of vehicle barriers; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the applicable documents.
All recommendations above Approved.
6. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 23-24 CDBG FUNDED CITY HALL ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT - This action will provide funding and award a construction contract to ACE Capital Engineering in the amount of $395, 132.25 for the 23- 24 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) City Hall Accessibility Improvements Project. The project will be funded in part by CDBG funds for the accessibility enhancement focused portions of project scope, with the remaining amount of work (paint and carpet) funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Award a public works construction contract to ACE Capital Engineering, the lowest, most responsible bidder, in the amount of $395,132.25 for the CDBG City Hall Accessibility Improvements Project (Project. No. CF2304); and
2. Authorize staff to issue change orders not exceeding 10% of the construction budget for a total possible cost of $434,645.48; and
3. Authorize staff to shift $45,000 of ARPA (Fund 290) appropriations previously designated by City Council for "CIP / Outdoor Improvements Project" to the 23-24 CDBG City Hall Accessibility Improvement Project (Project. No. CF2304) to provide additional funding for the project.
All recommendations above Approved.
7. RESOLUTION NO. 24-03 ADOPTING A SALARY CHART FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 23-85, A SALARY CHART FOR
FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES TO UPDATE THE SALARY FOR AMBULANCE OPERATOR - The attached resolution and associated part-time salary table reflect adjustments in compensation resulting from increases in the California Minimum Wage. The proposed changes also include an adjustment to the full-time Ambulance Operator position since they are also tied to the statutory minimum wage of $16 per hour.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolution titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING A SALARY CHART FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 23-85, A SALARY CHART FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES TO UPDATE THE SALARY FOR AMBULANCE OPERATOR." Approved
8. RESOLUTION APPOINTING CITY MANAGER AS CITY CLERK - This item approves a Resolution appointing the City Manager as the City Clerk, with no additional compensation.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 24-04 titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA APPOINTING THE CITY MANAGER AS THE CITY CLERK." Approved
PUBLIC HEARING
9. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FOR 2024-2025 - This is the 50t funding year for the Community Development Block Grant Program. According to the Los Angeles County CDBG Bulletin, the City of La Verne will be allocated approximately $154,782 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve Resolution No. 24-05 titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
PROGRAM AND SELECTING CERTAIN PROJECTS FOR FUNDING IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 - 2025."
Principal Planner Candice Bowcock reported on the CDBG Program for 2024-2025.
Council Comments:
Council Member Johnson asked for clarification on the unallocated amount of $31,000.
City Manager Domer, clarified what these funds could be used for and explained there is a drawdown timeline on CDBG funds. The unallocated funds can be used for items not yet identified or used on items that have been identified as a priority, such as the crosswalk pedestrian signal notifications that need to be updated.
Council Member Kashifalghita, asked if the Senior Hot Lunch program amount was the same as last year.
Public Comments: Mayor Hepburn called for public comments.
D. Beauchamp asked what the maximum percentage was to repair the sidewalks and curbs and if the amount of CDBG funds is the same as last year.
Principal Planner Bowcock clarified the fund amount was very close to last year with only a few thousand dollars difference, and there is no maximum on sidewalk construction projects that are removing barriers for disabled persons.
Mayor Pro Tem Lau thanked staff for finding uses for these restrictive funds. She appreciates that the projects that have been identified do provide accessibility to our community and would love to have our 15% allocation increased.
Council Member Crosby thanked staff for their diligence in using these funds to the extent possible.
Mayor Hepburn called for a motion. It was moved by Crosby and seconded by Lau and unanimously approved by a vote of 5-0 to approve Resolution No. 24-05.
OTHER MATTERS
10. 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. This item is continued from the December 4, and 16, 2023, City Council meetings to allow for additional resident input on the Platform.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the 2024 Legislative Platform.
Administrative Analyst Andrea Blockinger gave a follow up report on the 2024 Legislative Platform.
Public Comment: Mayor Hepburn called for public comment, there was none.
Council Comments:
Council Member Crosby thanked the City for extending the item so people could get a better understanding and give guidance to the City Manager. He appreciates the hard work that went into this well written document.
Council Member Kashifalghita thanked and appreciated staff for all the hard work and the presentation.
Council Member Johnson thought it was great to have a document such as this for staff and residents to refer to.
Mayor Pro Tem Lau echoed the sentiments of her colleagues, noting the guiding principles will inform the community and elected officials that we work with, what's Local controls, fiscal stability, and making sure there are funding opportunities is important.
Mayor Hepburn thanked staff, and agreed we need to stay in tune to what is happening in Sacramento. It's important that we stay focused on decisions that are being made and how they affect us.
Mayor Hepburn called for a motion. It was moved by Crosby and seconded by Kashifalghita and unanimously carried by a vote of 5-0, to approve the 2024 Legislative Platform.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER SALARY UPDATE PER SENATE BILL 329 - The California Government Code provides that a City Council may enact an ordinance providing that each member of the City Council shall receive a salary. Senate Bill 329 (SB 329) increases the maximum threshold for council member compensation.
RECOMMENDATION: that the La Verne City Council provide Staff with further direction on Mayor and City Council salary and request for the item to be brought back for potential First Reading at the February 5, 2024, City Council meeting.
City Manager Domer reported on Senate Bill 329 - Council Member salary update.
Senate Bill 329 was passed in the last legislative session, effective January 1. Current La Verne Council salaries were set in 1999 and became effective in 2001, as salaries can only become effective when a new term begins. Based on direction, the item could be brought back in ordinance form at the February 5th meeting for a first reading, followed by the second reading and adoption at a subsequent meeting. Pay would become effective in April, after the (2) council seats are certified and sworn in. The State uses a per capita approach odetermine the limits payments would change to 950 per month from $519.
Public Comment: Mayor Hepburn called for public comment.
D. Beauchamp asked if the salary increases to Council were included in the budget.
City Manager Domer responded to the question, the salary increases were not included, due to the legislation not in place at the time of the budget process. An allocation or appropriation will need to be brought back with an ordinance, should Council so direct.
Council Comments:
Council Member Johnson commented on the fact that in 2003 the Council was paid $519. He was in favor of the change.
Mayor Pro Tem Lau agreed with Council Member Johnson regarding the need to increase the amount and supported the change.
Council Member Crosby agreed with moving this item forward.
Council Member Kashifalghita agreed with moving this item forward and stated he felt this was a fair amount.
Mayor Hepburn agrees with this increase, it's important to be compensated for all the efforts the Council puts forth and that it definitely needs to be updated. He appreciates the Staff's time and thanked City Manager Domer for putting together this information.
Mayor Hepburn stated it was important to let the item go on for residents to digest the information.
Mayor Hepburn called for a motion to direct Staff to provide further direction and to bring the Council salary item back for first reading on February 5th. It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Johnson, and unanimously carried, by a vote of 5/0.
Council Member Johnson asked for a survey of local Councils with regard to the amount others receive when the item is brought back.
City Manager Domer clarified when the amount was set in 2001 and if it was ever increased by at least the annual CPI. City Manager Domer also noted on if the amount was compounded, the amount would be different. The ordinance will be brought back with the $950 amount and the survey of other cities.
Mayor Hepburn requested a wide survey of other like cities in population size.
PUBLIC COMMENT
(Below are only partial public comments, please visit the City's website to view the archived Council meeting.)
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment:
The following attendees provided comments to the Council: Mary Teng on the use of the Community Center for meetings, Patrick Ramirez also spoke regarding using the Community Center for meetings and thanked staff for their help with homelessness, Danita Beauchamp spoke on the Community Center meeting use, and the parking at Haynes Family of Programs facility.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Council Member Johnson spoke on the Earthquake Brace and Bolt program.
Registration closes February 21, 2024, and information can be found at Earthquakebracebolt.com.
Council Member Kashifalghita wished everyone a Happy New Year and is looking forward to continuing to serve this great community. He shared his hope to be able to protect the community and businesses. He also encouraged the community to like, follow, and subscribe to the new City app, and to attend the FW Post, on January 20th for the fundraising event.
Council Member Crosby noted he is happy to see that our firefighters are able to attend training exercises and get proper training. He thanked Chief Nigg for making that happen. Council Member Crosby shared he was a proud participant for the Christmas Morning Program as Santa and was glad that we are still able to do this. He thanked Robert Russel for his hard work in coordinating Staff and volunteers. Council Member Crosby would like to recognize the volunteers at a future council meeting. He also thanked Eric Scherer and Ron D'Alessandro for the Code Enforcement presentation and announced upcoming events.
Mayor Pro Tem Lau reported on the recent AT meeting and the upcoming YFAC meeting on Tuesday, at 6:30 p.m. as well as the ULV Day of Service that was on MLK Day. The owner of Wahfles passed away and will be closing. Mayor Pro Tem asked for people to keep the family in their thoughts. This Saturday 2:00-5:00 p.m. they will be honoring the owner at the location. Happy New Year, stay safe, and be kind! Mayor Hepburn expressed his condolences to the family, encouraged all to come out on Saturday and support the family and business. The State of the City is at ULV on Monday, January 2g at 10:00 a.m. School is back in session, be careful and look out for students. Happy New Year!
Mayor Hepburn announced the closed session items. There will be no report out after closed session.
Ihe City Council met in a Closed Session for the following:
Conference with Real Property Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8:
Property: Vacant parcel on 800 block of Canyon View Drive; APN: 8665-032-049 City Negotiator: City Manager
Negotiating Parties: DeAnza Land & Leisure Corporation
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9 (one case):
City of Whittier, et al. Vs. Los Angeles Superior Court, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 23STCP03579, and
Public Employee Performance Evaluation, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b)(1):
Title: City Manager
ADJOURNMENT at 8:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alla Frity
Debra Fritz
Deputy City Clerk