CITY OF LA VERNE
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR
COUNCIL MEETING OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025
ACTION MINUTES
"SEE ITEM 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: Kashifalghita, Lau, Johnson, and Hepburn.
Absent: Crosby
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow, and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1). (1 case).
California Rifle & Pistol Association, Incorporated, et al., v. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, et al., Case No. 2:23-cv-10169-SPG-ADS.
City Attorney Hall Barlow 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 6:34 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - LIFE SCOUT EVERADO PADILLA
Council Member Kashifalghita on behalf of the City Council presented Everado with a Pride of La Verne certificate and thanked him for his contributions to our 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: Kashifalghita, Lau, Johnson, and Hepburn.
Absent: Crosby
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow, and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
PRESENTATIONS
Minutes City Council 2/3/2025 Page 2
LV Fire Arson Investigation Program. The La Verne Fire Department will introduce it's first Fire and Arson Investigation Program, another significant milestone in enhancing our community's safety and resilience. The new program enables our department to conduct specialized investigations into the causes of fires, identify potential criminal activity, and prevent future incidents through targeted education and enforcement efforts. By bringing this capability in-house, we aim to strengthen public trust, improve response efficiency, and foster collaboration with law enforcement to protect our city.
Fire Chief Chris Nigg gave a brief introduction to the Fire Arson Investigation Program, and introduced Fire Marshal Fred St. Ange to give additional details.
Introduction to the New Tri City Mental Health Executive Director - Ontson Placide. Tri-City Mental Health Authority welcomes a new Executive Director Onston Placide. With over 30 years of experience in community behavioral health and social services, Mr. Placide brings expertise in innovative care for vulnerable populations.
Director Placide was unable to attend, due to unforeseen circumstances. He is planning on attending the February 18th meeting.
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 announced that February is nationally observed as African American and Black History Month, a time to honor the invaluable contributions of African Americans to our Nation.
The Theme for 2025 African Americans and Labor Highlights the transformative impact of black workers throughout history. In celebration, the La Verne Library is hosting a variety of programs for all ages throughout the month, and we will formally commemorate Black History Month with a proclamation at the next City Council meeting.
Announcements were received from: Library Manager Adrian Romero, La Verne Historical Society Representative Kathy Kalousek, and CASI Representative Yvonne Gallegos.
Mayor Hepburn spoke on the City Manager Newsletter located on the City website, which includes upcoming events, Council decisions, La Verne resources, and emergency preparedness information.
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 Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau and approved 4-0, with Crosby absent.
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular Meeting of January 21, 2025.
Recommendation: That City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $3,723,881.92 dated 01/08/25 and in the amount of $2,124,810.57 dated 01/16/25.
Recommendation: That the City Council approved the registers of audited demands. Approved
3. Resolution Approving Participation in the Los Angeles Urban County Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program. The Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program funds Minutes City Council 2/3/2025 Page 3
are State funds received by the City through the County of Los Angeles Community Development Authority. PLHA funds were originally intended to be used as replacement funding due to the dissolution of redevelopment agencies and the loss of Low and Moderation Income Housing Funds; however, State law allows for local agencies to expend the funding to assist in their efforts to prevent or reduce homelessness. The City proposes to use its full allocation of $68,677 to assist with outreach and engagement services provided through the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments for homeless prevention.
Recommendation: That City Council adopt the attached Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
PARTICIPATION IN THE LOS ANGELES URBAN COUNTY PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING
ALLOCATION PROGRAM BY AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN A REIMBURSABLE
CONTRACT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (LACDA) ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY." Approved
4. Declaration of Intention to Provide Weed Abatement on Specific Properties. Each year, the County of Los Angeles Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures conducts inspection for weeds, brush, rubbish, and refuse on public and private property that may be considered a seasonal and recurrent nuisance. A list of properties is provided the City for review. City Council is then required to declare its intention to provide for this abatement and set a public hearing for affected property owners to register objections to said abatement.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution, declaring the intention to provide for the abatement of weeds, brush, rubbish and refuse and setting a public hearing for Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6:30 pm. Approved
5. Designation of the City's Voting Delegate and Alternate at the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Conference and General Assembly Meeting. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) requests the selection of one delegate to vote on behalf of the City for the General Assembly Meeting to be held May 1-2, 2025. It is recommended that the City Council designate Mayor Tim Hepburn as the voting member and Mayor Pro Tem Steve F. Johnson, Council Member Wendy Lau, Council Member Rick Crosby, and Council Member Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita as alternates.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING A VOTING
DELEGATE TO THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS' GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUSINESS MEETING ON MAY 1, 2025." Approved
6. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for June 30, 2024. The City has completed its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. This report has undergone a thorough audit by the independent firm Badawi & Associates (B&A). The ACFR, detailing the City's financial position and operating activities, is accessible on the City's website: https://www.cityoflaverne.org/468/Annual-Budget-Comprehensive-Report.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. Determination of CEQA Exemption and Adoption of Zoning Ordinance Amendments to Implement Housing Element Policies, General Plan Updates, and Other Changes. Staff and the Planning Commission seek the City Council's approval of an ordinance amending the Old Town La Verne Specific Plan (OTLVSP) and Title 18 of the La Verne Municipal Code. These updates were previously implemented through emergency ordinances on October 21, 2024, and November 18, 2024, regarding providing adequate sites for lower income households on sites previously identified and minimum densities in the Old Town La Verne Specific Plan area, Minutes City Council 2/3/2025 Page 4
respectively.
Principal Planner Candice Bowcock and Ashley Brodkin with De Novo Planning Group reported on this item.
Public Comment: None
It was moved by Lau, seconded by Johnson, and approved 4-0, with Crosby being absent.
OTHER MATTERS
8. Resolution Opposing South Coast Air Quality Management District Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121 Related to Regulation of Air Emissions from Residential and Business Natural Gas Furnaces and Water Heaters. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) will consider two Proposed Amended Rules (PARs), Rule 1111 and Rule 1121, regulating the emissions from residential and commercial furnaces and emissions from residential water heaters. The proposed amendments to the rules seek to transition to zero-emission space and water heating appliances, based on future effective dates, when existing appliances need to be replaced. The proposed Resolution seeks to oppose the two rules based on costs to transition and seeks additional time and assistance to affected residents and businesses.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, OPPOSING PROPOSED AMENDED RULES 1111 AND 1121 OF THE SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
RELATED TO REGULATION OF NATURAL GAS EMISSIONS DUE TO COSTS TO AFFECTED BUSINESS AND RESIDENTS."
Mayor Hepburn reported on this item.
Public Comments: Were received from Gary Eskay, and Jim Kritikson.
Council Comments: Council Member Lau thanked Mayor Hepburn for bringing this matter to Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson felt the residents should have their choice.
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau, and approved 4-0, with Crosby being absent.
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: Jim Kritikson, Kathy Kalousek and Gary Eskay.
Minutes City Council 2/3/2025 Page 5
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 acknowledged Captain Tibbetts badge pinning, and officially welcomed him.
Black History month, please educate yourself about different populations, and their contributions, also Lunar New Year started last week, and it's Girl Scout Cookie Time.
Council Member Kashifalghita thanked all the amazing staff in the City that work day in and day out to provide a safe and clean City, and on behalf of Council Member Crosby a reminder the February 14th Dance at the Community Center for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabled, and the Senior Movie Matinee.
Mayor Hepburn gave kudos to the Public Works Department for all their hard work during the recent wind storms, kudos to Council Member Kashifalghita for filling in at the badge pinning ceremony for Captain Tibbetts. Mayor Hepburn was in Sacramento representing the SGVCOG, and visited eight out of the nine senators and assembly members in efforts to secure funding for the San Gabriel Valley communities, a lot of discussion regarding continued funding for the Firewise Program and defensible space and being ready, kudos to the COG for continuing to build strong relationships with our elected at the federal and state level.
ADJOURNMENT - meeting was adjourned at 7:38 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Debe Anity
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk