CITY OF LA VERNE
MINUTES OF A STUDY SESSION, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AND CLOSED SESSION OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024
ACTION MINUTES
"see items in italics"
STUDY SESSION- 5:30 PM - Meeting called to order at 5:30 PM.
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.
Council Members present: Crosby (via Zoom), Lau, Kashifalghita, Johnson and Hepburn.
Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow, and Senior Management Analyst Erin Beilstein.
STUDY SESSION TOPIC
Discussion and Direction Regarding Reorganization of City Public Advisory Committees, Commissions, and Boards. City Council direction is requested for a proposed reorganization of City advisory committees to better align subject matters and provide wider opportunities for residents to become involved in local government issues.
City Manager Domer reported on this item.
Public Comments were received from: Kathy Kalousek, Danita Beauchamp, Yvonne Gallegos, and Richard Bowen.
Council Comments were received from: Council Member Lau would like a structure and governance for all these committees and commissions, as part of the process, that includes the respective departments as it relates to each committee. Its important to have uniformity so that any new committees that may be established have an understanding of what the requirements are.
Mayor Hepburn likes the idea of people signing up for a committee that interests them, regardless of district, this gives people the freedom to choose whatever committee they want to be on.
Council Member Kashifalghita stated having an understanding on exactly what these committees all look like moving forward in the future and really, how do committees want to come about.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson thinks a lot of people get a lot out of being on these committees. It's a step to figure out how the system work, how the city works, what potential there is for individuals that want to sit in this chair.
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Council Member Crosby (via Zoom), liked the idea of getting more people though out the City involved, and appreciates CM Domer for really looking at the entire model and really making it cohesive.
Mayor Hepburn appreciates the information and direction and the comments.
Mayor Hepburn called for a brief recess at 6:25 PM.
The City Council will recess and reconvene at 6:30 PM for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - Meeting called to order at 6:37 PM.
Mayor Hepburn read the rules of decorum.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by Pete Serrano, Army E-4
Council Member Kashifalghita on behalf of the City Council, presented Mr. Serrano with 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 Rick Crosby, Council Member Wendy Lau, Mayor Pro Tem Steven F. Johnson and Mayor Tim Hepburn.
Council Members present: Crosby (via Zoom), Lau, Kashifalghita, Johnson and Hepburn.
Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow, and Senior Management Analyst Erin Beilstein.
PRESENTATIONS
Assembly Member Chris Holden - Legislative Update
Assembly Member Holden gave a presentation to wrap up his 12 years as our local Assemblyman. He presented City Council with a Legislative proclamation. Council thanked him for his many contributions and long support to the City of La Verne and presented him a City proclamation.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. October 2024 is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, encouraging all residents to challenge the social norms that enable domestic violence, offer meaningful support to survivors, and acknowledge the dedicated efforts of those working to prevent and respond to this issue.
Mayor Hepburn presented House of Ruth CEO Pat Bell with the proclamation.
Police Department Promotions and New Hires. The Police Department will introduce several new and recently promoted employees. These employees include Sergeant Steve Figueroa, Sergeant Carlos Flores, Lead Communications Officer Jaslyn Cedeno, Lead Communications MINUTES City Council 10/21/2024 Page 3
Officer Shantelle Garcia, , Communications Officer Tracy Montez, Communications Officer Brittany Kilmer, and Cadel Brenden Pi.
Police Chief Gonzalez introduced and read a short biography for each of the new hires and recently promoted staff.
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: Resident Robin Carder, Adrian Romero, Library Manager, Kathy Kalousek, VP of the La Verne Historical Society, Resident Richard Bowen, and Chair of the Ad Hoc Rate Study Committee, Raymond Swain.
Council Announcements: Mayor Hepburn announced the following events: Old Town Trick or Treating 2:00-5:00 PM. The 23rd Annual Heritage Park Classic Car Show, and Heritage Park Pumpkin Patch with tractor rides, and other great opportunities for our residents, between the Historical Society and our Heritage Foundation.
Council Member Lau announced the Tri-City Mental Health Authority meeting at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, there is a blood drive at ULV from 8:00 AM -7:00 PM and Bonita High School Girls Soccer Team is collecting clothes and donation of home good to help benefit their team, this Thursday the 24th at 5:30 PM.
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 Lau seconded by Johnson, and approved 5-0 by roll call vote.
1. City Council Minutes of the regular meeting of October 7, 2024.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $492,536.76 dated 10/02/2024.
Recommendation: That the City Council approved the audited demands. Approved
3. Professional Services Agreement with LSA Associates, INC. for Lutheran High School Residential Development Project California Environmental Quality Act Services The applicants, John Graham and Dave Little, of the Arroyo Seco Group, Inc., have agreed to the City's selection of LSA Associates, Inc. as the consultant to prepare the required environmental documents to meet the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Staff is proposing the City enter into an agreement with LSA Associates, Inc. to prepare the necessary documents for a proposed project at the Lutheran High School located at 3960 Fruit Street. The applicant will be fully responsible for the costs of the agreement.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Professional Service Agreement with LSA Associates, Inc. to perform CEQA services related to the Lutheran High School residential development project. Approved
4. City of La Verne Treasurer's Report for Quarter Ending September 30, 2024 The MINUTES City Council 10/21/2024 Page 4
Treasurer's Report for Quarter ending September 30, 2024, is submitted for City Council to receive and file per City of La Verne Administrative Regulation Number 215, the Statement of Investment Policy, and the State of California's Government Code (GC) Section 53646.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Treasurer's Report for the quarter ending September 30, 2024. Approved
5. Authorize Removal of Approximately 88 Trees Related to the B Street - Bonita to Foothill Pavement Project, Project Number ST2304 Based on an arborist evaluation, roadway impacts, and the City's goal to limit future liability, this action will authorize the removal of approximately 88 trees as part of the B Street - Bonita to Foothill Pavement Project ST2304.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the removal of approximately 88 trees related to the B Street - Bonita to Foothill Pavement Project, Project ST2304. Approved
6. Adopt a Resolution Appropriating $45,000 from Large Building CFD Fund and Award a Contract to FC & Sons Roofing, Inc. in the amount of $192,495 for the Fire Station 2 Roof Project The roof at Fire Station 2 is failing due to age. The City Council is recommended to adopt a Resolution appropriating an additional $45,000 from the Large Building CFD Fund reserve balance to the FY 2024-25 CIP Roofing Project (fully funding the project at $200,000) and award a construction contract to FC & Sons Roofing Incorporated, the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $192,495.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Adopted Budget in the amount of $45,000 from the Large Building CFD Fund (Fund 252) to fund the Fire Station 2 Roof Project (Project No. CF2402);
2. Award a Public Works Construction contract to FC & Sons Roofing Incorporated, the lowest, most responsible bidder, in the amount of $192,495 for the Fire Station 2 Roof Project, No. CF2402, and authorize the City Manager to execute applicable documents; and,
3. Authorize staff to issue change orders up to $7,505, for a total possible construction contract of $200,000.
All recommendations above were approved.
PUBLIC HEARING
7. Emergency Ordinance for Housing Element, Housing Program No. 25: Provide Adequate Sites for Lower Income Households on Non-vacant and Vacant Sites Previously Identified. An Urgency Ordinance is requested to add a new Chapter 18.66 for ministerial approval of sites identified in the adopted and certified Housing Element related to sites previously identified in the City's 5th Cycle Housing Element, pursuant to Government Code section 65583.2(i). While the City is in full compliance with the Housing Element, this Urgency Ordinance finalizes the requirement to codify compliance with the Government Code section.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the Urgency Ordinance implementing the requirements of Housing Element Program Number 25, allowing by-right development on designated properties for projects that provide at least 20% affordable units, and directing staff to also process the Ordinance through the normal Ordinance process.
MINUTES City Council 10/21/2024 Page 5
City Manager Domer reported on this item.
Public Comments were received from: Resident Danita Beauchamp.
City Attorney Hall Barlow, clarified regarding the SB9 question.
Council Comments: Mayor Hepburn inquired about the tightening up to protect the City from lawsuits over an element that has been approved by the State.
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Johnson, and approved 5-0 by roll call vote.
OTHER MATTERS
8. Adoption of a Resolution Approving 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey and Introduction of An Ordinance Setting Proposed Speed Limits Local speed limits are established by findings of an engineering study pursuant to California Vehicle Code Division 11 Chapter 7. Such studies are conducted to ensure speed limits are reflective of current conditions and to support enforcement of speed law with radar or other electronic equipment as used by the La Verne Police Department. The only roadway that is proposed to receive a speed limit increase within this report is Wheeler Avenue from Arrow Highway to Puddingstone Drive, increasing from 30 MPH to the proposed 35 MPH. All other speed limits will remain unchanged.
Recommendation: That City Council:
1. Adopt a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LA VERNE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY JUSTIFYING THE SPEED LIMIT ON CITY STREETS," and
2. Introduce by title only and waive further reading of an Ordinance titled, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of La Verne, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING ORDINANCE NO. 1066 AND SETTING LOCAL SPEED LIMITS," establishing local speed limits in accordance with the La Verne Municipal Code.
City Engineer Cody Howing reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: Mayor Pro Tem Johnson questioned the current posted speed limit on B Street, and the proposed change.
City Engineer Howing clarified the section referenced will not have a speed limit change.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau, and approved 5-0 by roll call vote.
9. Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding for a Workers' Compensation Alternative Dispute Resolution with the Police Officers' Association The La Verne Police Officers' Association (POA) recently approached the City and requested consideration of a Workers' Compensation Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for claims made by the City's sworn police personnel. ADR's provide an expeditious review, treatment, and dispute process for workers' compensation claims. The City has come to an agreement with the POA on an ADR process and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) is the final step prior to implementation.
MINUTES City Council 10/21/2024 Page 6
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of La Verne and the La Verne Police Officers' Association; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the L Verne Police Officers' Association
Ferone rom Derren portero this en, vi, repaina ferna erneoped by John It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau, and approved 5-0 by roll call 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 [email protected]. 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: Resident Gary Hunter, Resident Danita Beauchamp, and Inga Maranto.
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: Council Member Lau, regarding all the homecoming events at ULV last weekend. Thanked both the Fire and Police Departments for their support of this ULV event.
Thanked Assistant City Manager Ranells for his participation on the screening interview committee for the Tri-City Mental Health Executive Director. Thanked the residents that went above and beyond with their Halloween decorations.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson attended Trunk or Treat and the Heritage Vendor Fair, reminded residents that voting starts October 26 through November 5. Be aware of the kids as they are trick or treating.
Council Member Kashifalghita wanted to take this time to acknowledge everybody in our City that's been working so hard to keep our City safe, thanked City Manager Domer, Public Works and City Engineer Howing.
Council Member Crosby (via Zoom) announced the Inclusion dance, the Halloween Hop, and that the FAC meeting has been moved to next week, Tuesday, October 29 at 5:00 pm. He attended the JPIA conference and gained insight on the implementation of risk management policies, workman's comp and other liabilities, and the City is doing an amazing job. Reminded residents of the consent item on B Street, that will be removing 88 trees as the roots are ruining that street. Thanked the residents, Council and City Staff for the opportunity to still participate MINUTES City Council 10/21/2024 Page 7
in the meeting today, while being at his daughters event.
Mayor Hepburn attended the League of California Cities where over 470 cities, with 2200 participants in attendance. Fire Chief Nigg was there and spoke and was also appointed as President of the League of City's Fire Chiefs. Congratulations Chief Nigg. Upcoming events are on the last page, please slow down for the children and cars during Halloween. Last reminder tonight is the last night to register to vote online.
City Attorney Hall Barlow read the closed session items for the record. There will be no report out after closed session.
Ihe City Council will meet in a closed session for the following:
Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1), Claim of David Diaz.
Negotiations Conference with Labor Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6:
Negotiators: City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and City Attorney.
Employee Organization(s): La Verne Police Middle Management Association, and all Unrepresented Middle Management Employees.
Recessed to Closed Session at 8:27 pm.
Adjournment at 8:49 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Petra Frity.
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk