LAVERNE MINUTES OF A CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, April 1, 2024
19 ACTION MINUTES
"see items in italics"
CLOSED 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: Hepburn, Lau, Crosby, Johnson, and Kashifalghita.
Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, Assistant City Manager JR Ranells and City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow (via Zoom).
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
The City Council met in a Closed Session for the following:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9 (a) (d) (1): Hanke vs. City of La Verne WCAB Case Nos. ADJ10559088.
2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9 (d) (1).
Name of Case: California Pistol and Rifle Association, et al. v. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 2:23-cv- 10169- SPG-ADS.
Name of Case: City of Whittier, et al. v. Los Angeles County Superior Court, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 23STCP03579.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6:30 p.m. - The Regular Meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m.
Mayor Hepburn read the rules of decorum.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by Michael Vivelo SR.; Navy (E-3)
Council Member Kashifalghita, on behalf of the City Council, presented Michael Vivelo SR.; Navy (E-3) 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: Hepburn, Lau, Crosby, Johnson, and Kashifalghita.
Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, Assistant City Manager JR Ranells, and City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow (via Zoom).
3. EXTRAORDINARY BUSINESS
Council Member Swearing-in Ceremony and City Council Reorganization Council Member Rick Crosby and Council Member Wendy Lau were appointed to four-year terms on the City Council via Resolution No. 23-88 on December 18, 2023, due to no other persons filing for candidacy for Districts 2 and 5 within the established nomination period. Following, the City Council shall reorganize by selecting a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
Recommendation: That the City Council swear in the following persons for a four-year term beginning April 1, 2024:
• Rick Crosby, Council Member, Second District
• Wendy Lau, Council Member, Fifth District
Deputy City Clerk Debra Fritz administered the oath of office to Wendy Lau, Council Member, Fifth District and Rick Crosby, Council Member, Second District.
Council Comments: Council Member Lau thanked her family and friends for their support urughs and spend years, e with the ed there denon or be omented and sharing thei rouents andr
her colleagues and is looking forward to another four years.
Council Member Crosby thanked the residents of La Verne for their faith in him. He hanked his wife and daughters for their support. He appreciates his parents and extendea family for coming out and lending their support. He also thanked the residents that were there for their support. He thanked his fellow council members and is looking forward to the next four years. April is autism month, and he really appreciates the support.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment. The following commented on this matter:
Jamie Riley on behalf of San Dimas Mayor Sal Medina read a congratulatory letter.
Following Ceremonies for Swearing-in Council Members, the City Council shall reorganize by selecting a Mayor and then a Mayor Pro Tem, until such time as the next reorganization.
City Manager Ken Domer, acting as the City Clerk, explained the process for the annual rotation of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment. The following commented: Danita Beauchamp.
Council Member Kashifalghita nominated Mayor Hepburn as Mayor for the next year, it was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lau.
No other nominations were received. Nominations were closed. The nomination was approved by a roll call vote of 5-0.
Moving to the Mayor Pro Tem nomination. Mayor Hepburn called for public comment:
there was none.
Council Member Kashifalghita nominated Council Member Johnson for Mayor Pro Tem, the nomination was seconded by Council Member Crosby.
Council Member Johnson commented on his years of service on the council and was willing to defer the nomination to Council Member Kashifalghita.
Council Member Kashifalghita declined the nomination due to his current work schedule and workload.
No other nominations were received. Nominations were closed. The nomination was approved by a roll call vote of 5-0.
Mayor Hepburn called for a brief recess for pictures and celebratory snacks. The seating order and name plates were changed at this time to reflect the new Mayor Pro Tem.
The regular meeting resumed at 7:05 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS - Fire Explorers Program.
Fire and EMS career exploring is a hands-on program open to young men and women from the 6th grade to 20 years old with an interest in learning more about careers in the field of fire or emergency medical services (EMS) exploring exists to teach important life and career skills to young people from all backgrounds through immersive career experiences and mentorship provided by members of the La Verne Fire Department. The department's explorer advisors work to mentor and coach young people to develop character, leadership and life skills that can be used both today and in their future careers.
City Manager Domer called forward Fire Chief Nigg.
hief Nigg gave a gave a brief overview of the history of the Explorer Program the progran as been relaunched and is an excellent approach to developing the next generation o firefighters. He expressed words of encouragement to the current class and introduced the fire staff in charge of the Explorer program, Firefighter Kenneth Villasenor who also expressed words of encouragement to the current Explore Class. LV Firefighter Association President Andy Glaze announced the LV Fire Association is working on a scholarship for the fire academy. Each of the twelve class members introduced themselves one by one. Chief Nigg thanked Council for the opportunity to present the class at the Council meeting.
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: Sherry Best, La Verne Historical Society President regarding upcoming activities. Yvonne Gallegos, Vice Chair of the CASI Committee announced the upcoming CASI meeting and time.
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 Crosby, seconded by Kashifalghita, and unanimously approved by a vote of 5-0 to approve the Consent Calendar items.
3. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES of the regular City Council meeting of March 18, 2024.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
4. REGISTER OF AUDITED DEMANDS for the following dates and amounts:
$1,954,916.30 dated March 13, 2024
$448,031.46 dated March 20, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the Register of Audited Demands.
Approved
5. Award of Contract for FY 23-24 CDBG Curb Ramp Improvements Project - This action will award a construction contract to Woodland's General Contracting LLC in the amount of $51,609.54 for the Hayes Dr. and King St. et al. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Curb Ramp Improvements Project. The project will be funded by CDBG funds within FY 23-24 Adopted Budget for the removal of existing curb ramps and replacement with accessible curb ramps meeting current standards.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Determine this project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15301 - Existing Facilities, and the City of La Verne environmental guidelines and affirms the State's determination of a Categorical Exclusion under NEPA, 23 CFR 771.117(c): activity (c)(4);
2. Award a public works construction contract to Woodland's General Contracting LLC, the lowest, most responsible bidder, in the amount of $51,609.54 for the Hayes Dr. and King St. et al. CDBG Curb Ramp Improvement Project (Proj. No.
PK2403);
3. Authorize staff to issue change orders not exceeding 10% of the construction budget for a total possible cost of $56,770.49; and
4. Authorize an appropriation of $56,770.49 from available CDBG funds within the FY 23-24 Adopted Budget to the Hayes Dr. and King St. Et al. Community Development Block Grant Curb Ramp Improvements
All items listed above were Approved.
6. 2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR) - The City is required to prepare an Annual Progress Report on the status and progress in implementing the Housing Element of the General Plan. This report is required to be presented to the City Council as an informational item to update the City Council on the previous year's Housing Element status.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Housing Element Annual Progress Report for 2023. Approved
7. Adoption of Ordinance No. 24-1126 - Military Equipment Policy (AB481) - Under Assembly Bill 481 ('AB 481") the City Council is required to annually renew the Police Department's Military Equipment Use Policy and Inventory through adoption of an ordinance.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a motion to waive further readings and adopt
Ordinance No. 24-1126, "AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING CHAPTER 10 ("MILITARY EQUIPMENT POLICY") OF TITLE 9,
MILITARY EQUIPMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT AND APPROVING THE UPDATED MILITARY EQUIPMENT POLICY 709". Approved
OTHER MATTERS
8. 2023-24 MID-YEAR BUDGET UPDATE - The 2023-24 Budget was approved by the City Council on June 19, 2023. Based on economic changes and organizational challenges that have occurred since then, the Finance Division is providing a mid-year financial update report for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Updated estimates have resulted in an expenditure increase of $610,588 in the General Fund balanced by an increase of $610,588 of revenue or transfers for a zero net impact to the General Fund.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve resolution 24-XX titled, "A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 ADOPTED BUDGET TO ADJUST FOR THE MID YEAR ECONOMIC CHANGES."
City Manager Domer called forward Finance Director Christy Lopez. Finance Director Lopez gave an in-depth overview of the current fiscal year budget. Including an explanation of the general fund overage figures, and general fund estimated revenues.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment: The following individual commented, Danita Beauchamp.
Finance Director Lopez clarified how the reporting system on various reports from outside entities applies to La Verne.
City Manager Domer explained the current level of involvement each department has regarding the budget, and the process which has changed in the last couple of years, everyone involved is much more knowledgeable of the process and what it entails.
Mayor Hepburn applauded the efforts of all departments and staff working together on the budget and seeking grant monies, and feels we are better situated to handle any possible issue. Our own Police and Fire Department are important to our community and the safety of our residents.
Council Member Crosby thanked Finance Director Lopez and her team and expressed concern about reserves and the commitment previously made to build our Fire Department, based on their requests, which we have done, we know we need to also make sure our Police Department receive all they need. Our first responders should always have what they need.
Council Member Kashifalghita thanked Public Works for all their hard work during the recent rainstorms and thanked the Police and Fire Departments for their continued efforts to keep us safe.
Council Member Lau also thanked Finance Director Lopez for the report and thanked the department heads and City Manager Domer for the transparency. Everyone is looking for better ways to tighten their belts and looking for additional funding, and working with the constant balancing of personnel versus services and felt a study session would be beneficial.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson also expressed appreciation for all the Finance Department does and all the departments and thanked the City Manager.
Mayor Hepburn commended the Finance Department, City Manager Domer and all departments for the hard work and collaboration.
It was moved by Kashifalghita and seconded by Johnson and unanimously approved 5-0.
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 comments: The following attendees provided comments to the Council: Gary Hunter, Danita Beauchamp, Sherry Best.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Mayor Hepburn called for Council comments:
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson announced the date for the Department of Insurance to appear before the Council will be May 6h and a discussion on the FAIR Plan will take place at the same meeting. Recycling event will be happening at Bonita High School this weekend.
Council Member Lau gave a list of upcoming items: the CASI meeting is tomorrow, also the Active Transportation meeting will be Tuesday, April gh, and the Cool Cruise and Community Yard Sale are this weekend on April 6t. She attended the House of Ruth grand opening this weekend, it was well attended. The Fair is a month away.
Council Member Crosby appreciates the new fire explorer program and the number of participants, and the fire department for this program. April is Autism Month; he highlighted a wonderful program Autistic Spectrum Athletics it's a sports program for ages 5-18. He also appreciates the staff as they continue to work while the construction goes on around them. Cool Cruise this Saturday.
Council Member Kashifalghita hopes all had a wonderful Easter holiday. April 5'h the Pizza and Stuff ribbon cutting, the Ricciolo Salon on April 12'h at 2 p.m. and April 18'h swearing in ceremony for Police Chief. The Fair is also coming soon.
Mayor Hepburn congratulated Council Member Crosby and Council Member Lau for another four years on the Council, the public support their hard work and he also congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Johnson.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
slobe Fity
Debra Fritz
Deputy City Clerk