CITY OF LA VERNE
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR
MEETING OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025
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.
Conucil Members present: Crosby, Kashifalghita, Lan, Johnson, and Hepburn.
Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, Assistant City Attorney Lisa Kranit, and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
Conference with Labor Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6:
Negotiators: City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Assistant City Attorney.
Employee Organizations): La Verne City Employees Association, La Verne Firefighters Association, La Verne Police Middle Management Association, La Verne Police Officers Association; and all Unrepresented Employees.
Conference with Legal Counsel, Existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) - Gonzalez, J. v. City of La Verne, La Verne Police Dept. Case No. 24STCV34625.
Assistant City Attorney Kranitz read the Closed Session items into the record.
The City Council will recess and reconvene at 6:30 PM for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - Reconvened at 6:38 PM
Assistant City Attorney Kranit: stated there was nothing to report out from the Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - VETERAN ORLANDO JACKSON, SFC ARMY Council presented Mr. Jackson with a Pride of La Verne certificate and thanked him for his service.
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, Assistant City Attorney Lisa Kranit, and Minutes City Council 1/21/2025 Page 2
Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
PRESENTATIONS
Christmas Morning Recognition. The Christmas Morning event requires detailed coordination from City Staff across numerous departments and selfless volunteers from the community to ensure that Santa greets every resident on Christmas Morning. During this time, we honor all who assisted in the Christmas Morning event.
Mayor Hepburn acknowledged the contributions of all the Christmas Morning Volunteers and presented certificates of appreciation.
Community Survey Results. This presentation will summarize the results of the recent Community Survey, which was conducted to inform the development of the upcoming Strategic Plan. It will focus on key insights and their connection to planning priorities.
Senior Management Analyst Erin Beilstein presented the results of the Community Survey:
Mandatory Recycling and Organics Compliance Update. To meet state regulations (SB 1383, AB 1826, and AB 341), the City of La Verne has partnered with Waste Management to improve compliance with organics and recycling among its commercial and multi-family residential properties. This initiative includes comprehensive public outreach, educational workshops, and a phased rollout of mandatory recycling and organics services. The objective is to provide businesses and property managers with the resources and guidance needed to successfully meet state mandates while fostering a more sustainable community.
Senior Management Analyst Nicole Houston presented the Mandatory Recycling and Organics Compliance Update.
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 reminded everyone we are still under a Red Flag warning and thanked City Staff for the ongoing communication efforts to keep everyone informed.
City Manager Domer informed those that lost power will possibly lose power again due to future wind events, and informed them how to get the alerts from Southern California Edison.
Announcements were received from: Daniel Rojo Tri City Representative, Adrian Romero La Verne Library Manager, Sherry Best La Verne Historical Society President, and Danita Beauchamp, resident.
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 Kashifalghita, seconded by Crosby to approve the remainder of the consent calendar. • It was approved 5-0.
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meeting of December 16, 2024.
Recommendation: That City Council approve the minutes. Approved Minutes City Council 1/21/2025 Page 3
2. Register of Audited Demands in the following amounts:
$1,813,600.19 dated 12/04/24 $506,670.81 dated 12/11/24 $2,552,984.92 dated 12/18/24 $907,957.89 dated 12/23/24 Recommendation: That City Council approve the audited demands. Approved.
3. Resolution Identifying the Terms and Conditions for La Verne Fire Department Response Away from Official Duty and Assigned to a CAL OES Emergency Incident. This resolution authorizes compensation for City of La Verne personnel for their time worked, including portal-to- portal reimbursement, while participating in the California Fire Assistance Agreement (CFAA) outside of normal City duties and schedule. This item amends an earlier Resolution due to an eligible employee changing positions.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, IDENTIFYING THE TERMS
AND CONDITIONS FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE AWAY FROM THEIR OFFICIAL DUTY STATION AND ASSIGNED TO AN EMERGENCY INCIDENT." Approved Resolution Adopting a Salary Chart for Part-Time Employees and Amending Resolution No. 24-45, A Salary Chart for Full-Time Employees to Update the Salary for Ambulance Operator. The attached resolution and associated part-time salary table reflect adjustments in compensation resulting from increases in the California Minimum Wage. The proposed changes also include an adjustment to the full-time Ambulance Operator position since the position is also tied to the statutory minimum wage of $16.50 per hour.
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 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 24-45, A
SALARY CHART FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES TO UPDATE THE SALARY FOR AMBULANCE OPERATOR." Approved
5. License Agreement with Lewis Land Developers and City Regarding Recreational Uses at Former Lutheran High School Property The City of La Verne proposes entering into a License Agreement with Lewis Land Developers, LLC, and Lewis La Verne, LP (collectively, "Lewis").
This Agreement allows the City to utilize portions of the former Lutheran High School property ("La Verne HS Property") for recreational and sports activities managed by the City's Community Services Department. The Agreement outlines terms and conditions, including maintenance responsibilities, permitted uses, insurance requirements, and compliance with legal obligations.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a License Agreement with Lewis Land Developers, LLC, and Lewis La Verne, LP, and to execute a City Attorney approved Agreement and any related documents to lease the former Lutheran High School recreational fields, parking lot, and gym for City and authorized user recreational use.
Due to a conflict Mayor Pro Tem Jolson recused himself.
Public comment: Sherry Best and Danita Beauchamp.
City Manager Domer clarified the parameters of the License Agreement, which will allow the City to utilize the athletic fields, gym, and parking lot for City recreational purposes during the next year otherwise the entire facility would be shuttered. The License Agreement has nothing to do with the potential development of the property.
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lan, and approved 4-0, with Mayor Pro Tem Johnson recused.
Minutes City Council 1/21/2025 Page 4
6. Resolution Ratifying Proclamation No. 2025-01 Declaring the Existence of a Local Emergency.
On January 14, 2025, the City Manager issued a proclamation for a local emergency based on the existence of conditions of disaster or extreme peril caused by widespread windstorms causing extremely critical fire weather, with Red Flag warnings. Per La Verne Municipal Code Section 2.56.050 A.1., the City Council shall take action to ratify the proclamation within seven days thereafter or the prociamation shall have no further force or effect.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING PROCLAMATION NO. 2025-01 DECLARING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY." Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. Community Development Block Grant Program for 2025-2026. The City of La Verne will be eligible to receive an estimated $151,182 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for fiscal year 2025-26.
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct a Public Hearing, and upon closing the Public Hearing, approve a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM AND SELECTING CERTAIN PROJECTS FOR FUNDING IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 - 2026."
Principal Planner Candice Bowcock reported on this item.
Public Comment: None
Council Comments: Council Member Lau thanked staff for making sure we can utilize the monies that we receive.
Mayor Pro Tem Jolmson: Many years ago we just used to sell those funds for pennies on the dollar, happy to see we are using these funds.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Kashifalghita, and approved 5-0.
8. Consideration of Certifying a Final Environmental Impact Report, Adopting Environmental Findings, Adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and approving the City of La Verne General Plan Update Policy Document.
The General Plan Update identifies the community's vision for the future and provides a framework that will guide decisions on growth, development, and conservation of open space and resources in a manner that is consistent with the quality of life desired by the City's residents and businesses. The General Plan Update replaces the City's 1998 General Plan and substantially updates local conditions, community priorities and goals, State law, and has been reorganized to make the document more user-friendly and straight forward. This action considers approving the General Plan Policy Document after certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report and making environmental findings and a Statement of Overriding Considerations as recommended by staff and the Planning Commission.
Recommendation: It is recommended by the Planning Commission that the City Council adopt Resolutions certifying the final Environmental Impact Report, Findings of Fact, and the Statement of Overriding Considerations, and approve the General Plan Update.
Principal Planner Candice Bowcock and Amanda Tropiano from De Novo Planning Group reported on this item.
Minutes City Council 1/21/2025 Page 5
Public Commen: Cynthia Gabaldon and Danita Beauchamp.
At the direction of Assistant City Attorney Kranit,, Environmental Consultant from De Novo Planning Group Starla Barker addressed the concerns raised during Public Comment.
City Manager Domer responded to the concerus regarding the safety issues, which will be addressed as part of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which should be before Council the second meeting in February:
Mayor Hepburn asked for clarification as to the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) mumbers. There was follon-up discussion regarding the RHNA number and how the Fairples property might impact that number. Also, discussed was the small charm element of the document.
The CEQA Resolution was moved by Crosby, seconded by Kashfalghita and approved 5-0.
The General Plan Update Resolution was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau and approved 5-0.
9. Incidental Outdoor Sidewalk Dining and Furniture Policy. The City previously established a policy regulating the placement of tables and chairs and other displays within the public right-of- way, or sidewalk areas in the Old Town La Verne area. This policy was put into place just before the Covid pandemic though was never fully implemented. Based on City Council direction, staff has updated this policy and is bringing forward for City Council consideration.
Recommendation: The Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District's Advisory Board is recommending that the City Council approve the policy regulating outdoor dining and furniture displays within sidewalk areas.
Community Development Director Eric Scherer reported on this item.
Public Comment: None
Council Comment: Council Member Crosby asked about City owned property that is not a sidewalk or a parking space.
Director Scherer listed the four properties, Warehouse Patio, Fourth Street Mill, Lordsburg and Egg-actly, for which the City has lease agreements in place.
Council Member Lau asked about the current lease status with these entities.
Director Scherer stated we were waiting for direction on this policy, provided Council gives direction to move forward, we will work with everybody to be in place and consistent by July 1.
Everyone is current on agreement payments. Insurance requirements for everybody will be addressed ASAP.
Mayor Pro Tem Jolson asked about additional interest in parklets from the downtown merchants.
Director Scherer said only Café Wang has expressed interest to be in the parking spaces.
Mayor Hepburn appreciated the staffs efforts to get everyone together. This is what the Dowatown Improvement District wants, so we are working towards that end.
Minutes City Council 1/21/2025 Page 6
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Kashifalghita and approved 5-0.
10. Award of Contract for the City Wide Video Management System Improvement Project. The city received $500,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 23-24 community project funding fron Congresswoman Napolitano through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Technology & Equipment Grant program to update its Video Management System by installing new cameras at key intersections, updating technology and replacing non-functional units. The project scope recommended for award will also expand coverage of the video surveillance system to City facilities further enhancing public safety.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Reject the lowest bid submitted by CelPlan Technologies, Inc. on the basis that the bid proposal form was incomplete thus rendering the bid non-responsive;
2. Award a public works construction contract to Convergint Technologies LLC, the lowest, most responsible bidder, for all base bid items A1-A8 (City Wide Intersections), and Additive Alternate Items No. B7-B9 (Las Flores Aquatic Center) in the amount of $612,324.97 for La Verne's City Wide Video Management Improvement Project and authorize the City Manager to execute applicable documents; and
3. Authorize the Public Works Director, or designee, to issue change orders not exceeding 18% of the construction budget for a total possible construction contract cost of $764,543.46.
City Engineer Cody Howing reported on this item.
Public Comment: Eric Freking Allied Universal Technology Services Account Manager.
Engineer Howing addressed the concerus raised during public comment.
Council Comment: After Council discussion, including clarifications from Police Chief Gonzales and City Manager Domer, it was moved by Hepburn, seconded by Johuson and approved 5-0, to reject all bids.
11. Enterprise Resource Planning System Upgrade. Authorization for a five year agreement for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System upgrade to enhance operational efficiency, particularly in timekeeping, budget management, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and personnel management, while delivering significant cost savings. City Council is asked to waive formal bidding requirements based on overriding circumstances.
Recommendation: That the City Council waive formal bid requirements and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for the implementation and a five-year agreement with CentralSquare for the purchase of an upgraded Enterprise Resource Planning System called Finance Enterprise and the continuation of the contract for the Naviline System for Utility Billing and Business License modules.
Finance Director Christy Lopez reported on this item.
Public Comment: None
Council Comment: Council Member Crosby, this is a good thing, allowing employees to access their own information, such as direct deposit, etc.
It was moved by Johuson, seconded by Crosby and approved 5-0.
12. Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with City Manager. Annually, the City Minutes City Council 1/21/2025 Page 7
Council performs a performance evaluation of the City Manager. After conducting such an evaluation, the City Council is asked to consider an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with the City Manager providing a five percent (5%) merit increase, three (3) year agreement extension, $100 monthly retiree health savings contribution, and establishment of a higher education tuition allowance.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve an "AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - CITY MANAGER," providing the City Manager certain benefits based on a positive performance evaluation.
Assistant City Attorney Lisa Kranitz presented this item.
Public Comment: Danita Beauchamp.
Council Comment: Council Member Crosby supports this contract and feels CM Domer has done a great job for us.
Mayor Hepburn appreciates the conservative nature of decisions and the communication, and leadership CM Domer provides.
Council Member Lau thanked CM Domer for all he has done while at the City:
It was moved by Lau, seconded by Kashifalghita 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.
Public Comments were received from: Lily Brainard resident, Yvonne Gallegos CASI Representative, Raymond Swain resident, Joe Gabaldon resident, Cynthia Gabaldon resident, and Danita Beauchamp resident.
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 reminded everyone that with the beginning of the New Year, new laws go into effect. La Verne PD social media highlighted one new law regarding, No parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk or 15 feet at crosswalks with curb extensions. Tri-City has a community forum taking place next week at the Alexander Hughes Community Center from 5:30 - 7:00 pm. Also, highlighted the numerous events within La Verne regarding "Doing for Others" honoring Martin Luther King Jr's life tenant of giving back. Be Prepared as we think about the recent fire events. Shout Out to La Verne Brewing Company for supporting the United Way of Greater L4 Wildfire Relief Fund by participating in the Love LA Beer event, by creating a special brew. The LV Chamber of Commerce has offered resources and information for those who need extra information.
Minutes City Council 1/21/2025 Page 8
Council Member Crosby thanked staff member Chad Peterson for filling in at the last minute to assist with Christmas Morning. Be prepared if you live in the high fire areas for your power to be shut off again, as Southern California Edison assesses risk of fires. The Inchusion Special Needs Sweetheart Dance is February 14. Thank you to Public Works efforts during the windstorm to keep streets clear. Commented on the zoning at Sierra La Verne property versus the soning at the Lutheran High School property, we should fight for the zoning that is right for right now.
Council Member Kashifalghita had a great time during the Christmas Morning event. Was grateful for Battalion Chief Russell's quick actions to fix the vehicle issues, and staff member Chad Peterson for volunteering last minute to help out. Thanked Public Works, Fire and Police Departments for all the efforts during the fire and wind event.
Mayor Pro Tem Johuson appreciates every department that helped during this time. Christmas Morning was a success. The California Earthquake Authority has a program still in place to bolt older homes to the foundation, they will contribute S3,000 to assist homeowners, the program is open througlı February 26%, so submit an application is you need assistance.
Mayor Hepburn encouraged all to be prepared for any emergency, the City is doing their part with mutual aid agreements, and additional resources thanks to the efforts of City Staff, CM Domer, Fire Chief Nigg and Police Chief Gonzalez. Thank you staff, everyone has done and amazing job.
ADJOURNMENT - at 10:18 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Fritz, CMC (
Deputy City Clerk