LA VERNE MINUTES OF A STUDY SESSION
AND REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
ACTION MINUTES
"see items in italics"
STUDY SESSION - 5:30 p.m. - Meeting called to order at 5:31 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 and Assistant City Attorney Scott Porter.
The City Council will meet in a Study Session for the following:
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program
Senior Management Analyst Lisa O'Brien, presented on the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program, also known as the NPDES Program-National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, or MS4 the Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System, all of which fall under the Clean Water Act.
Council Comments: Council Member Crosby asked for clarification on the percentages that La Verne is paying compared to other cities.
The council thanked Ms. O'Brien for this informative presentation.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment: There was none.
Mayor Hepburn followed up with comments regarding the costs to cities for this program.
The Study Session was recessed at 5:55 p.m.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6: 30 p.m. - the Regular Meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by James Blackstone - Marine (E-7) Gunnery Sergeant Council Member Kashifalghita, on behalf of the City Council, presented James Blackstone, Marine (E-7) Gunnery Sergeant, a Pride of La Verne Certificate of Recognition thanking
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, and Assistant City Attorney Scott Porter.
PRESENTATIONS - Medal of Merit, presented by the La Verne Police Department, represents a symbol of honor, recognizing those whose actions go above and beyond the call of duty to make a significant impact on the lives of others and on the well-being of our City.
Mayor Hepburn called Acting Police Chief Gonzalez forward to present the Medals of Merit to Detective Gonzalez and Detective Weaver. The Council presented both with a Pride of La Verne certificate.
Sergeant Gutierrez introduced the current cadre of Police Explorers, which is the infant stages of police work. Six explorers were introduced, as well us other officers which support the The following was moved from the adjournment section of the agenda.
Mayor Hepburn read the following:
In Memory of Mel Salz, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a cherished member of the La Verne Police RSVP community. Mel, a distinguished veteran who served in Korea, passed away on February 6, 2024, with his beloved fiancée, Carolyn, by his side.
Mel was badged as a member of the RSVP program in December of 2022. He contributed his time and energy to various tasks, including Live Scan. We ask that you keep Mel's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of a dear friend and dedicated member of our La Verne community.
Acting Police Chief Gonzalez presented Carolyn with the President's Bronze Volunteer Service Award from the White House that was to be presented to Mel in honor of his many hours of volunteerism. Chief Gonzalez read a letter from the White House commending Mel for his contribution to the public good with his 214 volunteer hours.
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:
Danita Beauchamp, La Verne resident announced the meetings of the Probation Oversight Commission, which are held on the second Thursday of each month.
Kathy Kalousek, VP of the La Verne Historical Society, announcing upcoming events.
Representative of the Antioch Church in Pomona announced their Chili Cook Off fundraiser.
Mayor Hepburn spoke on the upcoming election, voting locations and dropbox locations. City Manager Domer clarified the specific locations.
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.) Council Member Crosby requested that Item #3 be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau, and unanimously carried by a vote of 5-0, to accept, approve or act on the Consent Calendar items, except Item #3.
1. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES of the regular City Council meeting of February 5, 2024.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. REGISTER OF AUDITED DEMANDS for the following dates and amounts:
$1,379, 705.25 dated January 17, 2024
$218,661.52 dated January 23, 2024
$1,618,582.41 dated January 31, 2024
$1,077,439.84 dated February 7, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the Register of Audited Demands.
Approved
3. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2.12.010 OF THE LA VERNE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING CITY COUNCIL SALARIES - On February 5, 2024, the City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 24-1125, amending Chapter
2.12.010 of the La Verne Municipal Code regarding City Council salaries.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 24-1125, titled, "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADJUSTING
SALARIES FOR THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND AMENDING CHAPER 2.12.010 OF THE LA VERNE MUNICIPAL CODE.
Council Member Crosby pulled this item for further discussion.
Council Member Crosby stated he felt this item should be a separate item given its issue and therefore pulled it to highlight the item.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment: there were none.
Council Comments: there were none.
It was moved by Crosby and seconded by Johnson, to approve Item #3 of the Consent Calendar, and unanimously carried by a vote of 5-0.
4. MARCH 5, 2024, PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION INFORMATION - A summary of information regarding the March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election is provided to help
inform residents regarding voting process options.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file this March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election information agenda report. Received and filed.
5. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE - The City is currently in the final process of updating the General Plan, which is a long-range planning document that is considered the City's "constitution" or blueprint, because it guides growth, traffic patterns, housing, and resources conservation. This report serves as an update on that process.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council receive and file this General Plan Update.
Received and filed.
PUBLIC HEARING
6. WEED ABATEMENT PROTEST HEARING - On February 5, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 24-08, accepting the Declaration List of Properties which has been found by inspections to have growing weeds or brush and/or rubbish. This item is the opportunity to hear protests from affected property owners.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council conduct a protest hearing, take appropriate action related to any protests, and following the protest hearing, direct the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights & Measures to abate the nuisance at declared properties.
City Manager Domer reported on this item, and LA County Department of Agriculture Weights & Measures Representative Roseanne Centeno summarized the weed inspection and compliance information for the council.
Council Comments:
Council Member Johnson asked about fruit flies and citrus greening.
LA County Rep Centeno stated she did not have that information but would provide it to the Council.
Public Comments: Mayor Hepburn called for public comments. There were none.
Council Comments: There were none.
Mayor Hepburn called for a motion to direct the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights & Measures to abate the nuisance at declared properties. It was moved by Johnson and seconded by Crosby and unanimously approved
OTHER MATTERS
7. BUSINESS ASSISTANCE FOR CRIME REDUCTION PROGRAM (BACR) - The Police Department is seeking direction from the City Council regarding a "Business Assistance for Crime Reduction" (BACR) program, an initiative targeting high-profile businesses susceptible to burglaries and other related crimes. The proposed BACR program aims to
enhance safety through partnerships, environmental design, technology integration, and community collaboration.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council provide direction to the Police Department regarding program elements and potential funding for a "Business Assistance for Crime Reduction" program to be brought back for approval at the March 18, 2024, City Council meeting or soon thereafter.
Lieutenant Cory Leeper provided the Council with an overview of this program, and clarified how this program can assist the business owners in La Verne.
Public Comment: Mayor Hepburn called for public comment. The following commented on this matter: Danita Beauchamp, Kathy Kalousek.
Council Comments: Mayor Hepburn is in favor of this program.
Council Member Crosby also supports this program, and the possibility of attracting new businesses to La Verne since we are safe city.
Council Member Kashifalghita thanked the Police Dept and Lt. Leeper for this program and felt that we could possibly assist business owners further by not charging or adjusting the fees for false alarms.
Acting Police Chief Gonzalez clarified that fees are set by ordinance, and the reduction of fees would need to be addressed at a separate time, at Council's direction, probably with a study session. The current program is geared in a different direction, to deter crime and enhance technology for businesses.
Council Member Johnson asked about the reward offered for arrest and conviction.
Acting Police Chief Gonzalez stated the award is still on the table, and as the investigation is still pending, he could not comment at this time.
Mayor Pro Tem Lau asked for additional information be given to the Council so direction can be given as to the priorities, and the items that can be done immediately, and what the budget is. She also suggested that we collaborate with our other local entities such as the Chamber of Commerce to educate our local businesses.
Mayor Hepburn stated we need to re-engage the community, and our businesses as our current laws are not favorable to our community, residents, and businesses. We need to take control of this and reach out to our legislators, as we have a limited budget. We need to work as a team, all our neighbors need to be engaged, as this crime is unacceptable.
Prioritize the criteria, and then reach out to our partners, the Downtown Businesses, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and all the different members to engage immediately to make this a success.
Mayor Pro Tem Lau followed up on the Mayor's comments, with the suggestion that if we are looking for a discount from a local vendor, for these specialized services maybe, we include other cities, to increase the business for these vendors.
Acting Police Chief Gonzalez confirmed that our outreach on these matters is expanding, whether it's the homeless, business community, resident community and enhancing our business watch, to make sure we include all our stakeholders.
Mayor Hepburn confirmed the Council comments and direction, to bring back a prioritized list of items that can be accomplished immediately, and what the budget is on the other items.
RESOLUTION NOS. 24-11, 24-12, AND 24-13 APPROVING COST SHARE BETWEEN UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEE GROUPS - The City Council is recommended to adopt Resolution Nos. 24-11, 24-12, and 24-13 to approve agreements sharing costs of the employer contribution of the City's California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) contributions for various employee groups.
RECOMMENDATION: that the La Verne City Council adopt the attached resolutions titled:
1. No. 24-11 - "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CHANGE TO THE GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION §20516 COST SHARE WITH UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES WITHIN
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT - DEPARTMENT HEADS EMPLOYEE GROUP";
2. No. 24-12 - "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CHANGE TO THE GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION §20516 COST SHARE WITH UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES WITHIN EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYEE GROUP"; and,
3. No. 24-13 - "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CHANGE TO THE GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION §20516 COST SHARE WITH UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES WITHIN MIDDLE MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEE GROUP."
Acting Senior Accountant Isabella Guzman, reported on the Cost Share between Unrepresented Employee Groups resolutions.
Council Member Crosby clarified that the share means that the employees will be paying extra for their CALPERS, with department heads paying 1%, the city manager paying 2% and the mid-management employees paying 1%.
Public Comment: Mayor Hepburn called for public comment. There was none.
Council Comments: Mayor Hepburn appreciates what the employees are doing as CALPERS is one of the most difficult things the city is faced with due to their investment structure and policies.
Moved by Crosby and seconded by Lau, and unanimously carried, by a vote of 5-0 to approve Resolutions No. 24-11, 24-12, and 24-13 Approving Cost Share Between Unrepresented Employee Groups.
PUBLIC COMMENI
(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: Danita Beauchamp, Joe Gabaldon.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORIS
Council Member Johnson reminded everyone of the upcoming election.
Council Member Crosby participated in the La Verne Historical Society Presidential Walk around ULV, learning about the ULV presidents, also announced the success of the Special Needs Dance, appreciates the Community Services Department and all they lo. The YFAC meeting is next Tuesday, at 6:30 p.m. in the Chamber. Also, Foothill Transit has bus passes free for students. Please vote!
Council Member Kashifalghita thanked city staff, fire and police for their efforts during the recent rainstorm.
Mayor Pro Tem Lau commented on the success of the BUSD state of the district event, and announced Tri City Mental Health Authority will have a meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, February 21 at 5 p.m. and the meeting can be attended via zoom. Cautioned residents to be careful while driving.
Mayor Hepburn reminded everyone that upcoming events are on the last page of the agenda, and the mobile app is also a good way to keep informed. Also, cautioned residents to take care while driving, be careful and slow down. As the President of the SGVCOG he attended the CALCOG event which included 49 organizations that discussed various matters, from transportation, EV charging and budget cuts and the effects on our communities. Thanked the two police officers recognized and thanked the fire department and internal staff for doing a great job during the recent weather event.
Assistant City Attorney Porter read the closed session item for the record. There will be no report out after closed session.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment on the closed session item. The following 'esidents commented: Danita Beauchamp, Bill Henley, and Joe Gabaldon.
Ihe City Council met in a Closed Session for the following:
Conference with Legal Counsel - Public Employee Appointment, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957:
Title: Chief of Police
ADJOURNMENT at 8:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
slide Inty
Debra Fritz
Deputy City Clerk
2/20/24 mth
INCE NEX$
Stormwater/NPDES/MS4
Program Update
Permit
Created and enforced by State Water Resources
Control Board, Los Angeles Region
Jurisdictions must comply or risk $10,000 a day in
fines and unlimited lawsuit liability
Order 2021-0105 became effective on September 11,
2021, which drives our activities
• East San Gabriel Valley Watershed Management
Group (ESGVWMG) documents
• Watershed Management Program (WMP)
Compliance • Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program
(CIMP)
Components
• Biannual training
• Incorporating requirements into operations
• Enhanced outreach and education
• Safe Clean Water Program (more details to follow)
Complete and Prevention/Best Management Practice
(BMP) Implementation
Ongoing
• Industrial and commercial facility tracking &
inspections
• Planning/Land development program
implementation
Monitoring
• Identify sources of pollutants and assess the impacts • Large, centralized
• Small, sporadic and strategically placed
Compliance • Total requirement-64 acre feet of
capacity, per storm
Components • 2-3 Low flow diversion projects
Continued Monitoring
In The • Measure, assess and improve the
effectiveness of pollutant controls
Works
Full Capture Trash Systems
• Required in specific areas
• Required through State Order 13383
Monitoring Results
Wet Weather Dry Weather
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SAFE CLEAN
WATER PROGRAM
La Verne taxpayers contribute approximately $1,400,000 annually • Regional-$700,000
• Competitive funding, through the
Upper San Gabriel Valley
Watershed Area Steering
Committee
• Municipal-$560,000
• Directly to City for stormwater
efforts, can be saved for up to 5
years
• LA County-$140,000
• Regional Municipal * LA County
• Directly to LA County for
Management and staffing of
program, outreach and auditing
SAFE CLEAN
WATER PROGRAM Regional
(Competitive)
East San Gabriel Valley Watershed Management Group taxpayers contribute about $4.5 million annually to the Regional Program et tite undin
20-21 Infiltration Rates Study Regional $385,000
20-21 Pedley Spreading Design & Claremont &
Grounds Construction Pomona $2,800,000
21-22 Fairplex Design Pomona $2,900,000
21-22 Lone Hill Park Design San Dimas $900,000
22-23 Pelota Park Design La Verne $1,325,000
22-23 Marchant Park Design San Dimas $675,000
22-23 San Jose Creek
Bikeway Design Pomona $250,000
Ongoing deliberation of projects for future years
SAFE CLEAN
Municipal
WATER PROGRAM (Direct to City)
$560,000 annually
Past Expenditures What are Future Expenses?
$50,713 $24,309
• Full Capture Trash Systems
& Maintenance
• Low Flow Diversion Projects
& Maintenance
• Monitoring, Technical
Support, Auditing
• Administrative
* Inspections *Future funds will be used to alleviate
general fund burden
• Future Stormwater Expenses
How can we help prevent
stormwater pollution?
Pick up trash Adjust Contain Draining Waste
watering chemicals pools Collection
Make Utilize
adjustments t Hazardous and
rrigation ti Electronic Waste
avoid are contained visit our website collection events appropriately. overwatering. and disposed of hosted by Los roperly-visit Angeles County
it Hall and Sanitation
community District.
events for free
Thank you!
QUESTIONS?