CiTYOf LAVERNE
MINUTES OF A CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
ACTION MINUTES
see items in italics"
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL Council Member Meshal " Kash" Kashifalghita, Council Member Rick Crosby, Council Member Wendy Lau, Mayor Pro Tern Steven F. Johnson, and Mayor Tim Hepburn.
Council Members present: Crosby, Kashifalghita, Lau, Johnson, and Hepburn.
Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow, and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
CLOSED SESSION TOPIC
1. Pending Litigation
a. Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2); BKK Landfill.
b. Pending litigation Re National Prescription Opiate Litigation; USDC, Northern District of Ohio, MDL No. 2804.
The City Council will recess and reconvene at 6:30 PM for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
Mayor Hepburn recessed into the closed session.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — RECONVENED AT 6:32 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - LIFE SCOUT EDWARD DENG, FROM TROOP # 411 Council Member Kashifalghita on behalf of the City Council presented Edward with a Pride of La Verne certificate.
ROLL CALL Council Member Meshal " Kash" Kashifalghita, Council Member Rick Crosby, Council Member Wendy Lau, Mayor Pro Tem Steven F. Johnson, and Mayor Tim Hepburn.
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Council Members present: Crosby, Kashifalghita, Lau, Johnson and Hepburn.
Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow, Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
City Attorney Hall Barlow reported on the closed session items. Council gave direction on the signification exposure to litigation matter, and the pending litigation Opiate matter, it was moved by Mayor Hepburn and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Johnson and approved 5-0 to participate in the settlement with funds to be directed to County Opiate abatement efforts.
PRESENTATIONS - NATIONAL PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH, RETIREMENT OF LIBRARIAN GEORGE MAY, 4TH OF JULY SAFETY REMINDERS, EL SIGLO CORP XX 1OOTH ANNIVERSARY, AND FAIR PLAN FIRE INSURANCE.
2. National Parks and Recreation Month National Parks and Recreation Month - For over 40 years, every July is recognized as National Parks and Recreation Month, celebrating the many ways parks and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community through inclusive programs, providing essential services, and creating safe and accessible spaces. This proclamation will be presented to the City's Community Services Department and Public Works Park staff.
Mayor Hepburn presented the proclamation to the Community Services and Public Works staff.
Retirement of Librarian George May - After about 30 years of service to the LA County, George May will be retiring in late July. During this time, we honor the role he has played in the growth of the La Verne Library and the lasting impacts he has made.
Mayor Hepburn presented the proclamation to GeorgeMay, retiring LA County Library Director.
4th of July Safety Reminders - Fire Marshal Fred St. Ange and Community Risk Reduction Specialist Lonnie Shipman will remind the La Verne community on important safety reminders related to the Fourth of July.
Fire Marshal Fred St. Ange and Community Risk Reduction Specialist Lonnie Shipman presented on safety measure to ensure a safe 4th of July.
El Siglo Corp XX 100th Anniversary - El Siglo Corp XX recently celebrated their centennial.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson presented the proclamation to the El Siglo Corp XX representatives.
FAIR Plan Fire Insurance - A representative from the California Department of Insurance will present on the FAIR Plan.
Julia Juarez, Deputy Commissioner of the CA Department of Insurance gave a presentation on the current insurance issues, and what the FAIR Plan can do for residents.
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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 this time.)
Announcements were received from: Battalion Chief Andy Glaze was asked to come forward to receive congratulations from the Council on his recent promotion to Battalion Chief George May, La Verne Library Manager, Sherry Best, La Verne Historical Society President and Yvonne Gallegos, CASI Committee member.
Council Member Lau on the 4th' of July tickets, the Pancake Breakfast, the Parade and thanked the Fire Explorers for assisting with the events.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on the Consent Calendar are routine and will be enacted by one motion unless a member of the Council or member of the audience requests separate discussion.) It was moved by Johnson and seconded by Lau and approved by a vote of 5-0.
3. City Council Minutes of the Closed & Regular meeting of June 17, 2024. Approved
4. Register of Audited Demands in the amounts of:
1. $ 398,513.58 dated 06112/24
2. $ 2,443,475.69 dated 06/19124
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the audited demands. Approved
5. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code Related to Refuse Container Storage. Second reading and adoption of an ordinance updating the Municipal Code adding language to enable the enforcement of removing refuse containers from public rights -of -way in a timely manner.
Recommendation: That the City Council hold a Second Reading and adopt an ordinance updating Municipal Code Chapter 13.28.160 " Maintenance and placement of containers" by adding language to ensure timely removal of containers from public rights -of -way. Approved
6. Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with La Verne Friends of the Fourth of July.
A Memorandum of Understanding with the La Verne Friends of the Fourth of July to plan and conduct celebration events in partnership with the City on July 4th. This MOU is proposed for a single year term.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a Memorandum of Understanding for a period of one ( 1) year with the La Verne Friends of the Fourth of July for July 4th celebration events.
Approved
7. Adoption of Traffic Control Plan for Fourth of July Parade. While not legally required, the City Council is asked to adopt a Traffic Control Plan for the Fourth of July Parade as an additional means of alerting residents to the event and disrupted traffic patterns.
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Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the Traffic Control Plan, developed by the City Engineer, for the Fourth of July Parade. Approved
8. Resolution Canceling the July 15, 2024, City Council Meeting. The second Council Meeting in July 2024 is requested to be canceled due to lack of business. This item requires a resolution to cancel the meeting.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the attached Resolution titled, " A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, CANCELING THE JULY 15, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING."Approved
9. Reduction of Bonds, Tract Map No. 83353 ( Verdana). La Verne 58, LLC ( Brandywine Homes), the developer of Verdana ( Tract Map No. 83353), a 50 unit three-story interlocking townhome project located on Fruit Street between Foothill Boulevard and Amherst Street, has completed the project and has requested to reduce bonds that were established with the approval of the final map for the project on June 6, 2022.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize the reduction of the bond amounts for the Performance Bond and the Labor & Materials Bond to approximately 10% of each original bond value and fully release the Survey Monument Bond.
2. Authorize the City Staff to release the remaining portions of the bonds' value one year after this date.
The recommendations above were: Approved
10. Resolutions Adopting a Salary Chart for Full - Time and Part-time Employees and Repealing Resolutions No. 23-84 and 24-03. The attached resolutions and salary tables reflect adjustments in compensation resulting from increases approved by the City Council and agreed to with represented as well as unrepresented employees. Hourly positions tied to full-time equivalent positions are being adjusted at this time as well.
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 FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 23-85 AND 24-03. Approved
11. Resolution Approving a Class Specification and Salary for Police Support Services Manager. As part of a recent analysis and the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget process, the Police Department has identified a need for a Police Support Services Manager position. The proposed resolution and City Council approval formally creates the classification per the City's Personnel Rules and Regulations.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolution titled, " A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CLASS SPECIFICATION AND SALARY FOR POLICE SUPPORT SERVICES MANAGER." Approved
12. Request to Approve Purchase Order with L.N. Curtis in the amount of $ 101,847.30 for Fire Department Air Compressor.
The Fire Department operates a breathing air compressor to fill Self - Contained Breathing Apparatus SCBA) air bottles at Fire Station One. The compressor is 20 years old, has become unreliable, and Minutes City Council 7/1/2024 Page 5
can no longer meet the department's operational need for breathing air.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the Fire Department to issue a purchase order to L.N. Curtis of Oakland, California, to provide and install one Stallion Air Centaur 3 breathing air compressor at La Verne Fire Station 1. Approved
13. Resolution Amending the 2024-25 Comprehensive Fee Schedule to correct a clerical error for lnsta Bin Rates for Miscellaneous Refuse Charges. The City's Comprehensive Fee Schedule, as established by Resolution 24-22 and amended by Resolution 24-26, is reviewed each year in conjunction with the annual budget process. A clerical error was identified which had replaced " Insta Bin Rates" with " Other Commercial Rates" from the previous section. This amended resolution identifies the revised " Insta Bin Rates", reflecting a 7.28% CPI increase from the last increase in July 2023.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt " AMENDED RESOLUTION 24-26 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, THE 2024-25 COMPREHENSIVE FEE
SCHEDULE FOR THE CORRECTION OF THE INSTA BIN RATES FOR MISCELLANEOUS REFUSE CHARGES." Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
14. Public Hearing to Consider Removal of an Existing Crosswalk Located at Arrow Highway and B Street. At the May 20, 2024, meeting of the La Verne City Council, a resolution was approved setting a public hearing for July 1, 2024, to receive public comments and to initiate proceedings for the removal of the crosswalk located on the east leg of the intersection of Arrow Highway and " B" Street.
Recommendation: That, after conducting a Public Hearing, the City Council adopt a Resolution, Approving the Removal of a Marked Pedestrian Crosswalk located at the intersection of Arrow Highway and " B" Street pursuant to the Provisions of Division 11, Chapter 5 of the Vehicle Code of the State of California.
City Manager Domer called City Engineer Mowing forward to report on this item.
Mayor Hepburn called for Public comment: There was none.
Mayor Hepburn called for Council comment: Mayor Pro Tem Johnson stated he has wanted this crosswalk removed for years.
It was moved by Lau and seconded by Johnson and approved by a 5-0 vote to remove the marked pedestrian crosswalk located at the intersection of Arrow Highway and B Street.
OTHER MATTERS
15. Consultant Agreement for Water and Sewer Cost of Service and Rate Design and Establishment of Ad Hoc Committee. Approval of a Consultant Agreement with Raftelis to perform a Water and Sewer Cost of Service Rate Study to develop legally defensible rates which support the safety and reliability of the City's Water and Sewer Systems. This will be the first rate adjustment study since 2018/2019. Additionally, establish an Ad Hoc Water and Sewer Rate Study Committee to enhance public involvement in the rate - setting process.
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Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement, and any amendments related thereto, with Raftelis, at prices bid, with an estimated cost of 5109,076, for the Water and Sewer Cost of Service and Rate Design Study; and
2. Adopt a resolution, titled " A Resolution of the City Council of the City of La Verne, California, Establishing an Ad Hoc Water and Sewer Rate Study Committee"; and
3. Approve the by-laws of the Ad Hoc Water and Sewer Rate Study Committee.
City Manager Dourer called Public Works Director McWade forward to report on this item.
Mayor Hepburn asked the Raftelis representative what the success rate on the passage of the rate increase
Mayor Hepburn called for Public comment: There was none.
Mayor Hepburn called for Council comment: Council Member Lau asked for clarification on the Ad Hoc Committee framework. Public Works Director McWade clarified the process.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson asked if there was a current assessment on both the sewer and water systems. Public Works Director McWade explained that both a water and sewer master plan that were completed fairly recently and also a current study is happening regarding operations, certifications and salary studies.
It was moved by Crosby and seconded by Kashifalghita to approved Item 15 as recommended by a 5-0 vote.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is the time set aside for anyone wishing to address the City Council on items 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 set for discussion later. Please email your public comment to the City Clerk's Office at cityclerk©cityoflaverne.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.
Public Comments were received from: Gary Hunter and Kathy Goblin.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
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.
Council Comments were received from: Council Member Crosby spoke regarding La Verne resident Dean Curley who played in the National Baseball Championships and is now playing on the USA National Baseball Team. Also, the Autism Spectrum Athletic Sports League used the pool at Las Flores Park for their summer festivities, kudos to the pool staff and lifeguards who did a Minutes City Council 7/1/2024 Page 7
tremendous job. Lastly is the intersection at Bowdoin and Emerald regarding the lack of a crosswalk at that intersection.
Council Member K-ashifalghita asked about an update on the stop signs along Emerald and Esperanza. City Manager Domer asked City Engineer Howing to give an update on this item.
Project is proceeding and hopefully will be competed in a couple of months.
Council Member Lau reported on the YFAC meeting, and the status of the programs. Also, the Active Transportation Committee is meeting on July 9th at City Hall at S pm, all are welcome.
There is a raffle at the fireworks show, the Canine Foundation is providing the raffle prizes.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson asked a question to City Engineer Howing regarding the crosswalk at 8th Street and White Avenue. City Engineer Howing reported that the timing of the signal was changed, also an upcoming pavement project with some federal funding will allow a high visibility crosswalk and they will continue to watch it and improve the efficiencies f possible.
Mayor Hepburn was honored to attend the San Gabriel Economic Partnership and SCVCOG event at the Rose Parade headquarters with various assemblymembers, senators and supervisors in attendance who champion on our behalf with the Governor for funding.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
daz-e,
Debra Fritz
Deputy City Clerk