CITY OF LA VERNE
VERNE
MINUTES OF A CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR COUNCIL
MEETING OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024
ACTION MINUTES
"see items in italics"
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - 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, Lau, Kashifalghita, Johnson and Hepburn.
Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, Assistant City Manager JR Ranells, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow, and Assistant City Attorney Lisa Kranitz (via remote).
City Attorney Hall Barlow read the closed session items for the record. It is not anticipated to have any reportable action result from the closed session.
Negotiations Conference with Labor Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section Negotiators: City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and City Attorney.
Employee Organization(s): La Verne City Employees Association, La Verne Firefighters Association, La Verne Police Middle Management Association, La Verne Police Officers Association; and all Unrepresented Employees.
Significant exposure to litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2): 1 case.
Recessed to Closed Session at 5:32 pm
The City Council will recess and reconvene at 6:30 PM for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6:30 PM - Meeting called to order 6:36 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by Eleni Glentis, Brownie Troop #7221 Council Member Kashifalghita on behalf of the City Council, presented Ms. Glentis with a Pride of La Verne Certificate of Recognition.
MINUTES City Council 11/4/2024 Page 2
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, Lau, Kashifalghita, Johnson and Hepburn.
Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow, and Assistant City Manager, JR Ranells.
PRESENTATIONS
Police Department New Hires and Promotions. The Police Department will introduce several new and recently promoted employees. These employees include Lieutenant Joshua Wells Sergeant Francisco Cambero, Officer Adriana Ratiu, Communications Officer Elizabeth Canu Communications Officer Elizabeth Stilgenbauer, Communications Officer Kristin Rumbin, Cadet Charles Sorbel, and Cadet Alyssa Reedy.
Police Chief Gonzalez introduced and read a short biography for each of the new hires and recently promoted staff.
Spark of Love. Our annual Spark of Love Toy Drive will run from November 11 until December 13! We will be accepting new, unwrapped toy, sporting goods, and gift card donations at all three La Verne Fire Stations, City Hall, and the Community Center.
Starting November 12, La Verne families in need this holiday season may apply to receive toys at www.lavernefire.org/sparkoflove
Fire Chief Nigg spoke on the upcoming Spark of Love Toy Drive. This annual event has been happening for over 40 years, and has collected nearly 11 million toys to date. Your donations directly support families here in La Verne.
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.)
Mayor Hepburn encouraged any La Verne resident that hasn't completed the Community Survey to get your submission in by November 8th, as this information will assist City Council as they prepare for the 2025 Strategic Planning process, we want your voice to be heard. As a bonus, residents who complete the survey can be entered into a raffle.
Two names were pulled for raffle prizes: Christy Shipley and Sharon Norman.
Public comments were received from: Marissa Castro Salvati, Southern California Edison, Cameron Griffin, Interim Government Relations Manager, Adrian Ramiro, Library Director, Raymond Swain, Sewer and Water Ad Hoc Committee Chair, Sherry Best, La Verne Historical Society President.
MINUTES City Council 11/4/2024 Page 3
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.) Public comments were received from: Sherry Best, supporting item 6 and thanking the City for working with the La Verne Historical Society regarding wood from heritage trees and for the donation of the street signs.
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Johnson, and approved 5-0.
1. City Council Minutes of the meeting of October 21, 2024.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes of October 21, 2024. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the following amounts: of
1. $2,080,422.02 dated 10/09/24 9/221 the following amounts: of
2. $1,146,125.09 dated 10/16/24
3. $2,403,798.92 dated 10/23/24
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the audited demands. Approved Adoption of an Ordinance Setting Speed Limits Proposed by the 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Local speed limits are established by findings of an engineering study pursuant to California Vehicle Code Division 11, Chapter 7. The City recently conducted an engineering and traffic survey to set local speed limits which it does via an Ordinance. This item adopts an Ordinance setting speed limits for the City.
Recommendation: That City Council adopt 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." Approved 2023 Homeland Security Program Subrecipient Agreement & Appropriation of Funds The City of La Verne was awarded $118,500 in grant tunding through the County of Los Angeles from the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) for the Police and Fire Departments. The grant requires an agreement between the County and the City before costs will be reimbursed.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF
SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES AND THE CITY OF LA VERNE, GRANT YEAR 2023 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM AND AMENDING FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 ADOPTED BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $118,500." Approved
5. Adoption of a Resolution Approving Membership in the California Enterprise Development Authority and Authorizing the Execution of an Associate Membership Agreement This item considers the approval of a Resolution for membership in the California Enterprise Development Authority (CEDA) and authorizes the City Manager to execute the Associate Membership Agreement allowing for the City to serve as a conduit issuer of various types of tax-exempt bond financing for businesses seeking to locate in the City of La Verne, with no financial obligation of the City.
MINUTES City Council 11/4/2024 Page 4
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP IN THE CALIFORNIA ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND THE EXECUTION OF AN ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT." Approved
6. Authorize Donation of Surplus Wood from Significant City Trees and Surplus Street Signs to La Verne Historical Society This administrative authority allows for the donation of surplus wood from City trees and surplus street signs to enhance the City's partnership with the La Verne Historical Society (LVHS) by providing preservation and funding opportunities which further LVHS and City goals.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to administratively approve donations of surplus wood from City trees and surplus City street signs to the La Verne Historical Society. Approved
OTHER MATTERS
7. Authorizing the Execution of a Side Letter Agreement Amending the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of La Verne and the La Verne City Employees' Association Regarding Upcoming Holiday Closures The proposed side letter agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the La Verne City Employees' Association (LVCEA) will formalize City Council direction to close non-emergency public facilities in conjunction with the upcoming holiday season of Christmas and New Year's.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Side Letter Agreement amending the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of La Verne and the La Verne City Employees' Association; and
2. Authorize the Closure of City Hall to the public on December 25, December 26, December 30, and December 31, 2024, as well as on January 1 and January 2, 2025; and
3. Authorize the Closure of the Police Department Records Division to the public on December 25, December 26, and December 27, 2024, as well as on January 1, January 2, and January 3, 2025.
Human Resources Analyst Lisette Rodriguez reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: None
It was moved by Lau, seconded by Kashifalghita, and approved by a 5-0 vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. Resolution Approving the Issuance of Tax-Exempt Debt in the form of Industrial Development Bonds Issued by the California Enterprise Development Authority for Financing of Manufacturing Facilities in the City for the Benefit of Aeros Corp. For the MINUTES City Council 11/4/2024 Page 5
purposes of satisfying certain requirements of the Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 ("TEFRA") and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), a public hearing is to be conducted by the City Council to hear and consider information concerning the issuance of tax- exempt debt in the form of Industrial Development Bonds ("IDBs" or "Bonds") issued by the California Enterprise Development Authority ("CEDA") in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 to support Aeros Corp. ("Aeros") in financing the Aeros manufacturing facility located at Brackett Field in the City of La Verne (the "Project").
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct a public hearing to satisfy the requirements of the Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LA VERNE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY CALIFORNIA ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF NOT TO EXCEED $10,000,000
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE AUTHORITY'S REVENUE BONDS FOR THE BENEFIT OF AEROS CORP. AND/OR A RELATED ENTITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF
FINANCING, REFINANCING AND/OR REIMBURSING THE COST OF MANUFACTURING
FACILITIES, PROVIDING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR SUCH BONDS AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO HEREIN SPECIFIED."
City Manager Ken Domer introduced Julio Morales with the Kosmont Companies who reported on this item, as well as Irene Ramirez, Representative for Aeros Corporation.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: None
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Kashifalghita, and approved 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 prohibite 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: There were none.
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 Member Lau reported on the success of the University of La Verne's annual golf tournament for student scholarships, over $100,000 was raised. Tri-City Mental Health held its Executive Director search, the final candidates were interviewed and we are in discussions to move MINUTES City Council 11/4/2024 Page 6
forward soon. Thank you to all that participated in the Halloween events. Community Services always does a great job. Quick reminder Election Day is tomorrow, please exercise your right to vote.
Council Member Crosby thanked our Fire Department for their handling of the brush fire yesterday, and keeping our residents safe, and the Police Department for making sure our streets were available for the Fire Department, and all our first responders. The Band of Brothers are colleting to be able to honor when honor is due. The goal is to raise $100,000, so far they've raised over $40,000 for three bronze statues. Donations can go to the FW Post #12034. Hope to see everyone at the Veterans Day ceremony. The November YFAC meeting is postponed to December 10th, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you to the excellent Community Services department for the Special Needs Dance, I really appreciate our City and what they do for all of our residents.
Council Member Kashifalghita, I want to take this time to honor the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces and the sacrifices they made to protest the freedoms we all hold dear.
Veterans Day is a day to reflect on the extraordinary courage and dedication of our Veterans, and to express our profound gratitude for their service to our Country. Also, please remember the men and women who have not come home, our Missing in Action and Prisoners of War.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, please get out and vote, if you haven't. Looking forward to the next Youth Sports Committee meeting and the Girls Softball.
Mayor Hepburn it important to get out and vote, there's plenty of places to do it, if your registered, get out there and do your constitutional right to vote. This past Wednesday we had the 30th Anniversary of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, which is comprised of 33 cities, 3 water district municipalities and 2 supervisorial districts. On Thursday I attended the Metro Board on the approval of the $798 million for the extension of the Gold Line, now called the A Line, from Pomona to Montclair, the San Bernardino Transportation Authority was also there, they have about 588 million to add for their little piece of extension, which is the first time ever that LA County is going into San Bernardino County. Gold Line is currently going through the procurement for the contractor. So, hopefully within less than two years construction will be finished. Be careful everyone, its dark out there earlier. Thank you to staff, it takes a village, a lot of preparation to put this all together, we do appreciate our Attorney, City Manager and all the staff.
ADJOURNMENT - at 7:48 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Jut
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk