ITY0F LAVERNE
MINUTES OF A CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 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, and City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow.
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.
Public Employee Performance Evaluation, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b)(1): Title:
City Manager
Conference with Labor Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 Negotiators:
City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Deputy 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.
Recessed to Closed Session at 5:31 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 6:30 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by Lucy Cozens, Brownie Troop # 7221 Council Member Kashifalghita on behalf of the City Council, presented Ms. Cozens with a Pride of La Verne Certificate of Recognition.
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 Dourer, Assistant City Manager JR Ranells and City Minutes City Council 11/18/2024 Page 2
Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow.
PRESENTATION
Police Department New Hires and Promotions The Police Department will introduce several new and recently promoted employees. These employees include Officer Zach Fidler, Officer Michael McJunkin, Officer Hayley Reyes, and Community Services Officer Daisy Pulido_ Police Chief Gonzalez introduced each new hire and recently promoted staff member and read a short biography for each.
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.)
Public Comments: Raymond Swain, Ad Hoc Water & Sewer Chair, Adrian Romero, LV Librarian, Sherry Best, LVHS President, Yvonne Gallegos, CASI Committee and Mickey Rehm, LV Chamber Representative.
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 Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved 5-0.
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed and Regular meeting of November 4, 2024.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes of November 4, 2024. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $ 661,809.42, dated 10130124.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the audited demands. Approved
3. Safe Clean Water ( Measure W) Transfer Agreement for Receipt of Funds through FY 27-28 and Authorization for City Manager to Execute Documents. This action will authorize the City Manager to execute the attached Transfer Agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District to enable the City to receive and utilize Safe Clean Water ( Measure W) funds for stormwater compliance. The agreement is for FY 2023-24 through FY 27-28 and provides approximately $ 560,000 annually for La Verne's Municipal Stormwater Program.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve, and authorize the City Manager to execute on their behalf, the attached Transfer Agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District Safe Clean Water Program ( Measure W) for Municipal Program funds from FY 23-24 through FY 27-28. Approved
4. Adoption of Resolution Appropriating $ 1.8 Million of Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District Funds and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments for Implementation of the Gold Line Transit Oriented Development Pedestrian Bridge Project This appropriation will provide matching funds for the Gold Line Transit Oriented Development Pedestrian Bridge Project, approve an agreement with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments to continue to serve as lead on the design and construction of the Project, and authorize the City Manager to execute related documents and amendments.
Minutes City Council 11/18/2024 Page 3
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Appropriate $ 1,800,000 in Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District Funds to the Gold Line Transit Oriented Development Pedestrian Bridge Project;
2. Approve the attached Agreement Regarding the Design and Construction of the Gold Line Transit Oriented Development Pedestrian Bridge by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments on Behalf of the City of La Verne; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute any related documents or amendments, subject to review by the City Attorney.
All recommendations above were approved.
5. CaIOES Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program Resolution The City of La Verne was awarded $ 164,295 in grant funding through the Governor's Office of Emergency Services CaIOES) from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to update the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The grant requires that the City Council adopt a resolution to accept the federal funding for this program.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a Resolution entitled, " A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING ITS AGENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPLYING FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE." Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Adoption of an Urgency Ordinance Establishing Minimum Densities in the Mixed - Use 1 and Mixed - Use 2 Districts of the Old Town La Verne Specific Plan and Determination that the Ordinance is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. This Urgency Ordinance proposes the adoption of minimum density requirements within the Mixed - Use 1 and Mixed - Use 2 districts of the Old Town La Verne Specific Plan. The purpose is to ensure that developments meet state housing requirements, support housing element objectives, and contribute to the city's long- term vision for economic and residential growth in Old Town La Verne. Additionally, City Council is requested to determine that the item is exempt as it does not qualify as a project per CEQA section 15378(b)(5) and section 15061(b)(3), the commonsense exemption that it can be seen with certainty that it will not create an environmental impact on the environment.
Recommendation: That the City Council, through a 4/5 vote, adopt the Urgency Ordinance establishing the minimum densities in the Mixed - Use 1 and Mixed - Use 2 Districts of the Old Town La Verne Specific Plan and determine that the Urgency Ordinance is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act per sections 15378(b)(5) and 15061(b)(3) and the City's environmental guidelines.
Principal Planner Bowcock reported on this item.
Public Comments: Kathy Kalousek
City Attorney Hall Barlow clarified the goal is to not only comply with the housing element that was adopted and approved, but also to carry out the anticipated vision.
Council Comments: Council Member Crosby stated though this is an urgency ordinance last council meeting this subject did come up, that's why I don't have any questions because they were answered last time.
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Crosby, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes City Council 11/18/2024 Page 4
OTHER MATTERS
7. Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update Award of Contract.
The City of La Verne's Parks and Recreation Master Plan, last updated in 2006, is due for a comprehensive update to reflect the City's growth and evolving community needs. After a thorough request for proposals ( RFP) process, the City has identified KTU & A Planning and Landscape Architecture ( KTUA) as the most qualified firm to lead this update.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement, and any amendments related thereto, with KTUA, at prices bid, with an estimated cost of $ 274,120, for the update of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Community Services Director Duran and Public Works Director McWade reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: Mayor Hepburn commented there are a lot of parks that are underutilized that we could modify by lighting an unlit field that could be used for baseball or soccer. We do have some parks that need special attention. We've done some great things in our parks, our maintenance processes have improved, and we want to make sure that our little parks, like Rustic Canyon Park have equipment that kids can play on in their neighborhoods.
Council Member Kashifalghita questioned if Emerald Park would be considered.
Council Member Lau, thanked staff for putting out a really good RFP ( Request for Proposal), and appreciated the referenced to the inclusion accessibility, which allows equitable opportunities for all constituents to utilize our parks and recreation areas. One question, will the consultants be looking at the urban heat maps, and assessing what plants would help bring down the temperatures in certain areas.
Public Works Director McWade replied there were discussions about the potential for landscape to be converted differently, as there are water conservation items out there and we need to reduce our water use where possible.
Mayor Hepburn commented on our current playground equipment being the type that does not get hot, the plastic remains cool.
Community Services Director Duran clarified we are currently incorporating integrated shade structures in the newer playgrounds
Council Member Kashifalghita asked about incorporating the community type of workout stations where people can go through the course.
Public Works Director McWade stated yes, that will be part of the survey and based on the Community needs and wants.
Council Member Crosby is Marshall Canyon trail part of the county or La Verne? Community Services Director Duran clarified its part of the County.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson appreciates staff going after grants, like we have for Las Flores, it was a huge money saver for the City.
Minutes City Council 11/18/2024 Page 5
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau and approved by a vote of 5-0.
8. Christmas Morning Parade Route Designation and Authorization of Paid Stipend Incentive for Employee Participation. Since 1925, the Christmas Morning event has been held in which Santa is driven through the streets of La Verne accompanied by emergency vehicles signaling a time for neighbors to share the tidings of the season together. This year, the City Council is asked to approve designating all streets as a parade route and authorize a paid stipend for full and part- time participating City staff in order to facilitate the event.
Recommendation: That the City Council designate the streets in the City of La Verne as a parade route on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. to complete the Christmas Morning Parade program and authorize the provision of a $ 500 stipend to participating full and part-time City staff.
City Manager Domer reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: Mayor Hepburn, it's important that we have this, and its disappointing when people say they will be available to help and then don't, especially with a function like this. It will be the 100th time it's been run, next year will be the 100th Anniversary.
Council Member Crosby, cherishes this event, has been doing it since 2020. Last year was great, it just went a little fast. The community wanted it to slow down, so they can hear the truck coming. Due to liability issues community members can not drive city vehicles. This is why we are paying city employees, it is a significant amount of time away from families on a holiday in the morning prime Christmas time. So it's a burden on the City. The Fire Department did it for the majority of the time, then it was volunteers but the liability to the city of people running in the streets, jumping back on a truck, not on a truck, there have been injuries, is why we have to do it the way we're doing it now to be safe. Thank you staff and Fire Department, Police Department and the rest of our employees that are willing to help out all the residents of La Verne.
Council Member Kashifalghita, my colleague nailed it, that is 100% how Ifeel. As a kid growing up here, it was one of the things I remember all the time seeing Santa. We need to continue this, whatever I got to do, I'll be there.
Council Member Lau, I'm going to say ditto to all the things that my esteemed colleagues said My only question is with regard to the fiscal analysis. The estimated stipend costs are $ 7,000 is that going to be enough? Just to again reiterate, my thanks to the Police, Fire and our staff and everybody for helping make this still happen. Liability exposure is a big deal, nobody wants us to lose money due to a lawsuit for an unfortunate injury, so thank you everybody's who's volunteered to do that and who's continuing to do that. I would ask the community to be patient and kind as we work through this.
City Manager Domer replied yes to the question of fiscal analysis, and the estimated stipend costs.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, Christmas morning is a wonderful event I can remember as a child, five years old at the fire station helping pack bags of candy, peanuts and an apple. It's something that I grew up with, my grandfather was the fare chief at the time. My father was part of the volunteer fare department and most of this event was handled by the volunteers, so there's Minutes City Council 11118/2024 Page 6
just so much tradition in our family with this event. I appreciate that it's continuing , even if it's not an all - volunteer fire department anymore.
Mayor Hepburn next year is a big year and we need to plan ahead for that as we go into our New Year. It needs to happen, we just have to figure out the logistics, it's important It takes a village.
I like the stipend idea. This is very important to our residents, as our families have been doing it for many, many years. I thinks its important to make sure that we start working on next years to keep it going.
It was moved by Lau, seconded by Johnson, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
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 Comment: Tint Blakinger
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 attended Roynon's Veterans Day event, the second graders put on a lovely Veterans Day event on the Friday before Veterans Day. The Teachers did a fantastic job honoring family members and friends of the students who served in the military, or are currently serving in the military. It was a very lovely community event. The kids did a great job. The little student body president gave the little introduction. There was an event at Oak Mesa as well. I attended the Veterans Day event at the VFW Post, they are currently doing a fundraising event for the Veterans Memorial Statues fund. There is a Tri-City Mental Health Authority board meeting this Wednesday, where we will be voting on the contract for the new Executive Director.
The new director was selected his name is Anson Placid. November is Native American Heritage Month, we are on Tonga Land, it's a great opportunity to recognize the contributions of our indigenous people. Also, if you don't like to cook for Thanksgiving, Chase's goes a wonderful full meal.
Council Member Crosby wants to thank Public Works for putting a sign on B Street about the construction happening, fixing the road and tearing down the trees, as the trees are messing up the reads there. Thank you to the Police Department and Community Services for helping our a family of seven that were homeless and needed assistance. I will not be at the December 2nd Council meeting due to a work conflict. The Bonita Chamber singers will be singing for us at our tree lighting at 6:00 pm, come early to celebrate the start of the holiday season. The regular Council meeting will start at 6:30 pm.
Council Member Kashifalghita, thank you everyone for coming out. Thank you to our Minutes City Council 11/18/2024 Page 7
firefighters throughout this whole summer up until just recently who were deployed and engaged in those rough fires throughout the whole state. Thank you for representing us for the entire good of the community. Congrats to those that got elected recently to the Unified School District.
I look forward to working with them and our youth here in the community. Thank you again for all the staff and everybody and their Brothers at VFW Post 12034 for hosting our Veterans Day Event. Afterwards, I attended a Homeward Bound for Veterans, it's a nonprofit that supports veterans to provide housing, education and resources for them. It is something that's near and dear to my heart as we continue to strive to protect our veterans an take care of them the best way we can. The La Verne Firefighters Association and myself are partnering with Crazy Bear Bikes to donate bikes to kids in need. The first 10 bikes are covered, a donation of $ 85 will increase the number of bikes we donate. Bikes will be assembled by Crazy Bear Bikes, and delivered by the La Verne Firefighters Association later this year.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson said the household hazardous waste collection event is coming up at the airport, and the car show is on Saturday.
Mayor Hepburn the Veteran's Memorial event was amazing they did a wonderful job. It was probably one of my most favorite, it was really personal. A lot of the Band of Brothers told their own stories of where they served. The Spark of Love Toy Drive, is going on, you can drop off your unwrapped toys at each fire station and city hall. Shop local keep your tax dollars in La Verne. Thank you to city staff it's a lot of work to put these packets together, it's the dedication from our employees and our staff we really appreciate that. I attended Cal Cog, it consists of 49 regional public agencies across the state, these 49 regional public agencies span from Redding to Palm Springs, including COGS, Metropolitan Planning Organization, County Transportation Commission and similar entities all representing cities and counties within California. I was elected as the second vice president. These are regional agencies, if they do something there, it helps us here because we learn from then. There's a lot of thing that we need to do as far as a local level, if we work as a team throughout the entire state, it's proved very beneficial. I got to tour the Capital, and meet some of our assembly members. The Tesla charging station on the east side of Mr. D's is open, so charge your cars, shop local, eat local. Happy Thanksgiving! ADJOURNMENT - at 8:01 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk