CITY OF LA VERNE
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR
MEETING OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 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 Wendy Lau, Council Member Rick Crosby, Mayor Pro Tem 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(S)
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 City Employees Association, La Verne Firefighters Association, La Verne Police Middle Management Association, La Verne Police Officers Association; and all Unrepresented Employees.
Public Employee Performance Evaluation, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1):
Title: City Manager
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated litigation. Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 (7 cases) Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 (7 cases) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
• City of Whittier, et al. vs. Los Angeles Superior Court, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 23STCP03579.
• Eisen, Erick v. City of La Verne (CJPIA), Case Number: ADJ14580079, ADJ14580097, ADJ17750468, ADJ17814303. Claim Number: 40210165BGG-0001, 23012700, 23017040. File Number: AA126GVv. Date of Loss: 01/21/2021, CT 03/04/2021, 04/17/2023, CT 05/31/2023 The City Council will recess and reconvene at 6:30 PM for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Mayor Hepburn recessed the meeting to closed session.
Minutes City Council 12/16/2024 Page 2
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - Reconvened at 6:34 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - COLE TEAGUE, LIFE SCOUT, TROOP #411.
Council presented Mr. Teague with a Pride of La Verne certificate and thanked him for his contributions to the community.
ROLL CALL Council Member Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita, Council Member Wendy Lau, Council Member Rick Crosby, Mayor Pro Tem 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.
PRESENTATIONS
LVGSA 8U Softball All-Star Team - The 8U All-Star team qualified for the California State Games Regional Tournament where they placed in the top 4, finishing 2 games short of the championship game. The team was managed by Dustin Williams and was coached by Josh Carrillo, Joe Givigliano, Dave Mixon, Angel Tatenco, Nik Reppuhn, and Brett Heslop. The team roster is as follows:
Erisse Amersonis Brynn Blaire Aubrey Carrillo Valissa Diaz Avery Givigliano Riley Heslop Allison Loaiza Charlotte Mixon Ellie Nava Piper Reppuhn Lily Rose Tatenco Jordyn Williams LVGSA President Jonny Hermosillo presented certificates and gift cards to the Team on behalf of the City Council.
LVGSA 10U Softball All-Star Team - The 10U Softball All-Star team placed 1st out of 54 teams and won the USA Softball Southern California State Championship. The team then moved on and placed 3rd out of 36 teams in the California State Games Regional Tournament. The team was managed by Dan Keller and coached by Jeremy Juarez, Steve Newton, and Tito Cruz. The team roster is as follows:
Casandra Cruz Ryan Escujuri Audrey Garcia Jullian Huitrado Brynn Juarez Olivia Keller Sammie Lujan Mina Martinez
Randi Newton Valentina Velasco Victoria Velasquez Ryan Villicana LVGSA President Jonny Hermosillo presented certificates and gift cards to the Team on behalf of the City Council.
Business Assistance Through Crime Reduction Program Overview - The La Verne Police Department will present an overview of the BACR Program. Including the application process, the program progress and the pilot business status.
Sergeant Carlos Flores presented an overview on the BACR Program.
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.)
Minutes City Council 12/16/2024 Page 3
Announcement received from: Adrian Romero La Verne Library Manager and Sherry Best La Verne Historical Society President.
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.) Item #5 was pulled for further discussion. It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau to approve the remainder of the consent calendar. It was approved 5-0.
1. City Council Minutes of the regular Council Meeting of December 2, 2024.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $2,955,445.80, dated 11/20/24, and $457,559.37, dated 11/27/24.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the audited demands. Approved
3. Award of Contract for the City Hall Roof Project, No. CF2401 to Rite-Way Roof Corporation in the amount of $466,000. This report seeks City Council approval to award a contract for the City Hall Roof Project, No CF2401 to Rite-Way Roofing, lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $466,000, and authorization for Staff to award up to a 10% contingency.
This project will replace necessary components of the failing roof.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve plans and specifications for City Hall Roof Project, CIP Project No. CF2401;
2. Award a public works construction contract to Rite-Way Roof Corporation, the lowest, most responsible bidder, for all base bid and additive items in the amount of $466,000.00 for the La Verne City Hall Roof Project, Project Number CF2401; and
3. Authorize staff to issue change orders not exceeding 10% of the construction budget ($46,600) for a total possible construction contract cost of $512,600.00.
All recommendations above were approved.
4. Adoption of a Resolution Recertifying the 2024 Sewer System Management Plan. The City is required to updated its Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) every six years. The adoption of a resolution re-certifying the 2024 SSMP will fulfill the requirements of the State Water Resource Control Board and provide detailed information on the maintenance of the City's sewer system and response and handling of sanitary sewer overflows.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AND
RECERTIFYING THE CITY OF LA VERNE SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
MANDATED BY THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD (SWRCB) ORDER NUMBER 2022-0103-DWQ." Approved
5. Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with WaterTalent. The City entered into a $70,000 agreement with WaterTalent in February 2024 to support the acting Utilities Manager and oversee water and sewer operations. At this time, due to continued need for services, it is proposed to extend the term five months to June 30, 2025, and increase the total contract to $125,000, which exceeds the City Manager's approval authority. Sufficient funds exist within the Public Works Department.
Minutes City Council 12/16/2024 Page 4
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize an increase of $50,000 to the existing professional services agreement with WaterTalent, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $125,000, and extend the term to June 30, 2025.
Public Works Director McWade clarified the need for this agreement.
Public comment: Danita Beauchamp
Council comment: Mayor Hepburn asked for clarification on the vendor type and length of the agreement
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Crosby, and approved 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE
OTHER MATTERS
6. 2025 Legislative Platform & Legislative Update. The City of La Verne's Legislative Platform serves as a strategic framework for advocacy efforts, ensuring the City can respond effectively to legislation and communicate its priorities to policymakers. The proposed 2025 Legislative Platform will guide efforts to protect local interests, support critical initiatives, and adapt to the evolving legislative landscape.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Legislative Platform for the 2025 legislative session.
Administrative Analyst Andrea Blockinger presented this item.
Council Comment: Council Member Crosby thanked City Manager Domer and his team for quickly bringing the Legislative platform to Council, reacting quickly to the resolutions and bills with responses, and for redefining the 2025 Platform.
Mayor Hepburn commented on the benefits of staff establishing relationships with our elected officials, such as our new assembly member John Harabedian and US Representative Gil Cisneros.
Council Member Lau highlighted the changes or additions to the Legislative Platform which are contained in the Community and Recreation Services section, making sure that our recreational spaces are inclusive.
Public Comment: None
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau, and approved 5-0.
7. Youth Sports Facility Use Agreement - La Verne Girls Softball Association (LVGSA). The proposed Youth Sports Facility Use Agreement outlines the terms and conditions for the City of La Verne to grant field and facility use to the La Verne Girls Softball Association (LVGSA). This two-year agreement, effective January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, ensures compliance with City policies and sets forth mutual obligations regarding field use, maintenance, safety, programming, and administrative standards.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the attached Youth Sports Facility Use Agreement with the La Verne Girls Minutes City Council 12/16/2024 Page 5
Softball Association for a term beginning January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2027, with options for two, two-year extensions; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement and any related documents.
Community Services Director Yvonne Duran presented this item.
Council comment: Mayor Pro Tem Johnson asked for clarification on the field conditions, brick dust and lighting.
Council Member Lau asked for clarification on the watering responsibilities per the agreement and gave staff credit for the amount of work behind the scenes to ensure that everyone is in compliance.
Council Member Crosby thanked staff for the agreement that spells out the responsibility of each youth group using the fields.
Council Member Kashifalghita thanked staff for helping out the Community to enable the girls to play softball and win league championships.
Mayor Hepburn thanked staff for the agreement which is absolutely necessary for the safety of our children, thru live scan.
Public comment: Danita Beauchamp
Moved by Lau seconded by Kashifalghita and approved 5-0.
8. Film Permit - The Secret Life of the Dean's Wife. A Film Permit being request by production company Goodflix LLC. to film a movie for Lifetime Network at the University of La Verne. To meet the requirements of the City's Municipal Code and requested filming dates desired by Goodflix LLC, the City Council is being asked to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement and issue a film permit if all required steps are completed to the City's satisfaction.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Goodflix LLC. and issue a permit for filming if all required steps are completed.
Council Member Lau recused herself.
Assistant City Manager JR Ranells presented this item.
Council comment: Council Member Crosby asked about the presentation last year regarding film permits not coming to Council for approval.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson asked about restricting the drone airspace.
Mayor Hepburn commented on the infrequency of film permits received.
Public comment: None
Moved by Johnson, seconded by Crosby, and approved 4-0, with Lau recused.
9. Resolutions Amending the Salary Range for Public Works Director and Adding a Class Specification and Salary Range for a Public Works Director/City Engineer. With the Minutes City Council 12/16/2024 Page 6
announcement of the departure of the City's Public Works Director, a review was initiated of the compensation and job duties. This review includes the potential of incorporating the duties of City Engineer in order to better represent City needs, conduct a competitive recruitment, and ensure retention of the position. An increase to the annual salary, addition of City Engineer duties if an applicant is qualified, and approval of a Public Works Director/City Engineer job description are recommended for consideration.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolutions titled, "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING A NEW CLASS SPECIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE FOR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER," and "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE SALARY RANGE FOR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR."
City Manager Domer presented this item.
Public comment: None
Council Comments: Mayor Hepburn appreciates this looking outside the box philosophy.
Council Member Crosby agreed that a person with an engineering degree and the qualifications is a bonus.
Council Member Kashifalghita appreciates Director McWade and will miss her positive energy.
Council Member Lau thanked Director McWade for her work.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson appreciates Director McWade's efforts.
Mayor Hepburn thanked and appreciates the work on B Street and Director McWade's staff.
The efficiencies and team work.
It was moved by Kashifalghita seconded by Lau and approved 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.
Comments received from: Danita Beauchamp, Kathy Kalousek, and Yvonne Gallegos.
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.
Minutes City Council 12/16/2024 Page 7
Council Member Lau asked that anyone who would like to communicate anything to the new director of Tri-City to please reach out to her. The tree lighting ceremony was wonderful, Santa did a great job taking lots of photos with families and dogs and babies. ULV's Leadership class held a global holiday cultural event on campus with performances and food from different cultures. Las Flores Park grand opening was on December 9th, the park is beautiful, thank you to Chris Holden for the money and everything. Christmas morning routes have been posted on the City website and will be on social media. Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanakkah.
Council Member Crosby announced the new recreation guide is out and my daughter made the cover. Lots of things to do in it. Thankful for the residents and fellow Council Members for an amazing job this year.
Council Member Kashifalghita announced the upcoming Hazardous Waste Roundup at Brackett Field Airport. Also our Community Center will be closed starting December 20th to January 3rd.
All staff were thanked for making our Community safe and fun.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson appreciates everyone on the dais and staff.
Mayor Hepburn is honored to served with all everyone on the dais and the great staff. He will truly miss Director McWade and wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
City Manager Domer announced that Supervisors' Barger and Solis have an emergency item on the agenda for tomorrow dealing with the Los Padrinos issue, to proclaim a local emergency within LA County. The meeting will be tomorrow at 9:30 AM, you can go the their website at bos.lacounty.gov to listen in and participate through their Webex or Zoom.
Council adjourned back into Closed Session at 8:46 PM-Per City Attorney Hall Barlow there will be no report out afterwards.
ADJOURNMENT- Closed session meeting adjourned at 9:02 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
alike Enty
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk