CITYOf LAVERNE
MINUTES OF THE STUDY SESSION, REGULAR MEETING &
CLOSED SESSION OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2025
ACTION MINUTES
SEE ITEMS IN ITALICS"
STUDY SESSION AGENDA - 5:30 PM — meeting called to order at 5:32 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, Assistant City Attorney Scott Porter, and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
STUDY SESSION TOPICS
Inland Valley Humane Society Update - President/CEO Nikole Bresciani will provide an annual overview of Inland Valley Humane Society ( IVHS) activities, including events in La Verne, key statistics on rescues and adoptions, and notable developments. The session will conclude with a showcase of animals in need of adoption, reinforcing the city's commitment to animal welfare.
Inland Valley Humane Society President/CEO Nikole Bresciani gave an update on our animal care contract and statistics from last year.
Tri City Mental Health Update and Introduction - New Executive Director Ontson Placide will provide an overview of services provided by Tri City.
Ontson Placide, the new Executive Director of Tri-City Mental Health Authority gave an update on Tri-City and changes resulting from the passage of Proposition . 1— the Behavioral Health Services Act.
The City Council will recess and reconvene at 6:30 PM for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — reconvened at 6:35 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - AIRMAN FIRST CLASS DALLAS H. LOPEZ-COPP Minutes City Council 2/18/2025 Page 2
Council Member Kash falghita on behalf of the City Council presented Dallas with a Pride of La Verne cert fcate and thanked him for his service to our country.
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 Scott Porter, and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
PRESENTATIONS
Black History Month - Every February, National Black History Month serves as both a celebration of the achievements of African Americans and a recognition of the central role they play in the nation's development.
Proclamation presented to Cultural Awareness & Social Inclusion Committee Member Gil Ivey.
Introduction to New Police Officer Lukas Morris - Officer Lukas Morris joins the La Verne Police Department after spending seven years with the Riverside County Sheriffs Department. Officer Morris has strong ties to the La Verne community, having grown up in La Verne and graduated from Bonita High School. His experience, knowledge and appreciation for the community make Officer Morris an invaluable asset to the La Verne Police Department.
Police Chief Sam Gonzalez introduced new Police Officer Lukas Morris, read his bio, and pictures were taken.
La Verne Police Department Website - The La Verne Police Department will introduce their new website, highlighting its modern, user-friendly design, improved accessibility, and enhanced features that support community engagement, transparency, and public safety.
Community Services Supervisor Hollie Savage presented the new Police Department website to Council and pointed out some of the new features.
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.)
Announcements were received from: Boy Scout Liam Hickam, Library Manager Adrian Romero, and Barbara Smythe about the La Verne Symphony Orchestra.
Mayor Hepburn commented on the swearing in ceremony of our 3lSt District Congressman Gil Cisneros, which was held at UL V. Numerous council members from other communities attended, ULV did a wonderful job.
CONSENT CALENDAR
AII 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.) Minutes City Council 2/18/2025 Page 3
Several items were pulled for further discussion, item # 2, item # 6 and item # 7. All other items were approved by a vote of 5-0 with a motion by Crosby, seconded by Lau.
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular meeting of February 3, 2025.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of:
621,513.48 dated 01/22/25
2,827,284.57 dated 01/30/25
588,305.30 dated 02/05/25
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the demands.
After discussion, it was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Crosby and approved 5-0..
3. Quarterly Treasurer's Report ending December 31, 2024. The Quarterly Treasurer's Report provides an overview of the City's cash and investment holdings as of December 31, 2024. The report confirms compliance with the City's investment policy as set forth in Administrative Regulation Number 215, the Statement of Investment Policy, and the State of California's Government Code ( GC) Section 53646.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Treasurer's Report for the period ending December 31, 2024. Approved
4. Award of Contract for 2024-25 CDBG Curb Ramp Improvement Project. This action will appropriate funding and award a construction contract to Garcon Construction, Inc. in the amount of $ 120,535.00 for the 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant ( CDBG) Curb Ramp Improvement Project. The project will be funded by CDBG funds for the replacement of existing curb ramps with improved accessible curb ramps meeting current standards.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Award a public works construction contract to Garcon Construction, Inc., the lowest, most responsible bidder, in the amount of $ 120,535.00 for the 2024-25 CDBG Curb Ramp Improvement Project, and
2. Authorize staff to issue change orders not exceeding 1 O% of the construction budget for a total possible cost of $ 132,588.50, and
3. Adopt a resolution appropriating $ 32,589 from available CDBG funds to the 2024-25 Adopted Budget for the CDBG Curb Ramp Improvement Project.
All recommendations above were approved.
5. Release of Bonds for Tract Map No. 72428 - Creekside at La Verne. Meritage Homes of California Inc., the developer of Tract Map No. 72428 ( Creekside at La Verne), a 22 - Lot single family subdivision located south of the intersection of San Dimas Canyon Road and Golden Hills Road, has requested the release of their Performance Bond and Grading Bond.
Remediation of the project's detention basin has been completed and function returned to the system.
Minutes City Council 2/1812025 Page 4
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the full release of the bond amounts for the Performance Bond and the Grading Bond for Tract Map No. 72428 ( Creekside at La Verne).
Approved
6. Side Letter Agreements for CaIPERS Compliance with Education Incentives. The proposed side letter agreements to the Memorandum of Understandings with the La Verne City Employees' Association, La Verne Police Officers' Association, and La Verne Firefighters' Association will formalize tentative agreements related to language changes needed to be in compliance with California Public Employees Retirement System requirements.
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 related to the reporting of education incentives; and
2. 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 Police Officers' Association related to the reporting of education incentives; and
3. 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 Firefighters' Association related to the reporting of education incentives.
After discussion, it was moved by Kashifaighita, seconded by Lau and approved 5-0.
7. Efficiency Technician Classification and Salary. To better facilitate an efficient process as part of the authorized Enterprise Resource Planning ( ERP) System upgrade, a part-time Efficiency Technician is being requested utilizing a portion of budgeted savings.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolution titled, " A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CLASS SPECIFICATION AND SALARY FOR EFFICIENCY TECHNICIAN." After discussion, it was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Johnson and approved 5-0.
8. Adoption of General Plan Ordinance No. 25-1129. The City Council at its meeting on February 3, 2025, approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 25-1129, amending Title 18 of the La Verne Municipal Code relating to implementation of Housing Element Policies and other updated to comply with State Law and to implement policies of the General Plan Update.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 25-1129, " AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE OLD TOWN LA VERNE SPECIFIC PLAN AND AMENDING TITLE 18 OF THE LA VERNE
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO IMPLEMENTATION OF HOUSING ELEMENT POLICIES
AND OTHER UPDATES TO COMPLY WITH STATE LAW AND TO IMPLEMENT POLICIES OF THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE," relating to implementation of Housing Element Policies and other updated to comply with State Law and to implement policies of the General Plan Update. Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. Weed Abatement Protest Hearing. On February 3, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-10, accepting the Declaration List of Properties which has been found by inspections to have growing weeds or brush and/or rubbish. This item is the opportunity to hear protests from affected property owners.
Minutes City Council 2/18/2025 Page 5
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct a protest hearing, take appropriate action related to any protests, and following the protest hearing, direct the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights & Measures to abate the nuisance at declared properties.
Fire Chief Nigg reported on this item, with additional information provided by a representative from the LA County Agricultural Department.
Public Comment: None
Council Comment: Council Member Kash falghita questioned if Sierra La Verne was included.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson recused himself due to the proximity of several properties to his business office. and left the dais.
It was moved by Kash falghita, seconded by Lau, and approved 4-0, with Mayor Pro Tem Johnson recused.
OTHER MATTERS
10. Resolution Renewing the La Verne Police Department's AB 481 Military Equipment Policy and Affirming Ordinance No. 24-1126. In 2022, the City Council complied with AB 481 by adopting Ordinance No. 1110, adding Section 9.10.010 - Military Equipment Use Policy to the La Verne Municipal Code. In accordance with AB 481 and La Verne Police Department Policy 701, a military equipment report must be submitted to and approved by the City Council annually for each type of military equipment for as long as the military equipment is available for use. The City Council must also review and renew the enabling ordinance annually by adopting a resolution.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the staff report and adopt a Resolution approving the continuance of the La Verne Police Department Policy 701 as required pursuant to AB 481.
Police Captain Tibbetts reported on this item.
Public Comment: None
Council Comment: Council Member Crosby appreciates the police department's compliance with this law, and the equipment we have to protect our citizens and officers.
It was moved by Kash falghita, seconded by Crosby, and approved 5-0.
11. Local Hazard Mitigation Update Award of Contract. The City of La Verne's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, last updated in 2012, is due for a comprehensive update to reflect the City's growth and evolving hazards, exacerbated by climate change. After a thorough request for proposal ( RFP) process, the City has identified Black & Veatch as the most qualified firm to lead this update.
Recommendation:
Minutes City Council 2/1812025 Page 6
1. That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement, and any amendments related hereto, with Black & Veatch, at prices bid, with an estimated cost of $ 158,575, for the update to the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
2. That the City Council approve the attached Resolution, titled " A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING FISCAL YEAR 2024- 25 ADOPTED BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 158,575 FOR LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE".
Fire ChiefNigg reported on this item.
Public Comment: Richard Bowen asked about the funding, when it will be budgeted, and whether the money will be received based on Federal government grant delays.
Council Comment: Council Member Crosby inquired about the Plan development timeline, confirming it will be brought back to Council in a year.
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau and approved 5-0.
12. Resolution Requesting the Local Agency Formation Commission to Initiate Proceedings for the Reorganization of 406 Baseline Road. On October 2, 2023, the City Council approved Resolution Number 23-68 and Ordinance Number 1120 regarding the annexation of the property located at 406 Baseline Road from unincorporated Los Angeles County into the City of La Verne. Subsequent to that action, the City was requested by the Local Agency Formation Commission ( LAFCO) to adopt another resolution requesting their initiation of proceedings for the reorganization ( annexation) of the property.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled, " A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE LOCAL
AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO INITIATE PROCEEDINGS FOR REORGANIZATION OF TERRITORY."
Principal Planner Bowcock reported on this item.
Public Comment: None
Council Comment: Council Member Crosby thanked the Planning Department staff Mayor Hepburn commented on the process and is looking forward to the final resolution.
It was moved by Lau, seconded by Crosby 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.
Minutes City Council 2//812025 Page 7
Comments were received from: William Perry about issues related to living on Peyton Road and Richard Bowen regarding not reading his public comments sent in for the last meeting, need for cell coverage in North La Verne, and economic development.
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 wished the Mayor a happy birthday, and stated that she attended the swearing in ceremony of Gil Cisneros. The Tri City meeting is on Tuesday at 5:00 PM, the YFAC meeting is next Tuesday at 5:00 PM, and thanked Chief Gonzalez for his participation at the CAST meeting, and to Officer Jay Alvarado for all his efforts with homeless outreach.
Council Member Crosby wished the Mayor a happy birthday and thanked the Community Services Department and Director Duran for the successful Special Needs Sweetheart Dance. The next dance will be the Luau Dance in August Also, thanked the Mayor for the appointment to the LA.
County Public Library Commission with the LA County Selection Committee. Don't forget the Boy Scouts fundraisers, Blaze Pizza on February 28th and Rubios on March 26th, also thank you to the Finance Department and Director Lopez for all they do, the whole department does an amazing job.
Council Member Kash falghita handed out birthday signs and proceeded to wish the Mayor a wonderful birthday with everyone joining in, singing happy Birthday to the Mayor.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson wished the Mayor a happy birthday.
Mayor Hepburn has concerns about the economic development in our city and is hoping some vendors will be coming in soon to fill our empty spaces, because we need the tax revenue. Council Member Lau followed up with a big thank you to the Public Works department, for the recent assistance with clearing the 6-10 inches of water from the rains.
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Labor Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 Negotiators: City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Assistant 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.
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 Sheriffs Department, et al., Case No. 2:23-cv-10169-SPG-ADS.
Assistant City Attorney Porter read the closed session items into the record. No action will be reported from Closed Session.
ADJOURNMENT — meeting was adjourned at 9:21 PM.
Minutes City Council 2/18/2025 Page 8
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk