CITY OF LA VERNE
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION & REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025
ACTION MINUTES
"SEE ITEMS IN ITALICS"
CLOSED 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, Lau, Johnson, and Hepburn.
Absent: Kashifalghita
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow, and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
CLOSED SESSION TOPICS
Significant Exposure to Potential Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b):
(1 case). California Pistol and Rifle Association, Inc., et al. v Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, et al., United States District Court for the Central District of California Case No. 2:23-cv- 10169-SPG-ADSx pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9.
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.
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.
City Attorney Hall Barlow read the closed session items into the record. There will be no report out after the Closed Session.
Council Comments: None
Public Comments: None
Closed session recessed at 6:13 PM.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6:30 PM - meeting was called to order at 6:32 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - AIR FORCE VETERAN DANIEL LOPEZ
City Council presented Daniel with a pride of La Verne certificate and thanked him for his service.
Minutes City Council 3/3/2025 Page 2
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, Lau, Johnson, and Hepburn.
Absent: Kashifalghita
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow, and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
PRESENTATIONS
Women's History Month Proclamation - Every year, March is nationally recognized as Women's History Month and in honor of this year's theme, "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating 8 , the City Council recognizes the achievements of La Verne resident and Chemistry Professor at Cal Poly Pomona Chantal Steiber, who was recognized with the Presidential Award of Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.
Council Member Lau, on behalf of the City Council, presented the proclamation to Dr. Chantal Steiber.
Fire Crew & Community Emergency Response Team Recognition - The La Verne Fire Department (LVFD) and City Council are proud to recognize the extraordinary dedication of our firefighters, who have tirelessly served both our community and the state during an unprecedented fire, wind, and rain season. For months on end, LVFD crews have been deployed across California, battling wildfires and responding to emergencies, while those remaining in La Verne ensured the safety of our city during extended critical conditions. Additionally, we also commend the outstanding efforts of our La Verne CERT team, whose swift and selfless response during the LA Fire Storm exemplifies the spirit of community resilience and preparedness.
Fire Chief Nigg recognized the dedication to our firefighters and Community Risk Reduction Specialist Lonnie Shipman recognized our CERT Team with Pride of La Verne certificates.
Fire Department Peer Support Program - The La Verne Fire Department is establishing its first Peer Support Program to enhance the mental health and well-being of its personnel. This program will provide trained peer supporters to assist firefighters in managing stress, trauma, and other job- related challenges in a confidential and supportive environment. Implementing this initiative aligns with industry best practices and demonstrates the City's commitment to supporting first responders' mental health and overall resilience.
Fire Captain Moore gave an overview of the program, and a letter of commitment was signed by Fire Chief Nigg and La Verne Firefighters Association President Bonanno.
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: City Staff member Andrea Blockinger, LV Historical Society President Sherry Best, LV Library Manager Adrian Romero and CASI Member Yvonne Gallegos.
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.) Minutes City Council 3/3/2025 Page 3
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau, and approved 4-0, with Kashifalghita absent.
1. City Council Minutes of the Study Session, Regular Meeting & Closed Session of February 18, 2025.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $1,998,486.76, dated 02/12/25.
Recommendation: That the City Council approved the audited demands. Approved Military Deployment Salary and Benefits. The City has previously extended military leave benefits for permanent employees called to active duty in support of United States operations such as Enduring Freedom. The City was informed that one of its Fire Department personnel has been called to active duty beginning this February in support of military operations overseas. Support of military leave requires City Council approval, extending partial salary and Recommendation: That the City Council approve the extension of partial salary and benefits totaling $88,500 from the General Fund for Firefighter Sean Wilkins as a result of being called to active duty in support of military operations. Approved
4. Approving a Class Specification for Battalion Chief. After undergoing City Council approved staffing changes in the Fire Department, the Battalion Chief job classification is being updated to accurately reflect current duties and responsibilities.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the attached class specification for Battalion Chief. Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE
OTHER MATTERS
5. Youth Sports Facility Use Agreement - La Verne Little League. The proposed Youth Sports Facility Use Agreement renews the long-standing partnership between the City of La Verne and La Verne Little League (LVLL), which first formalized a field use agreement in 1986. This two- year agreement (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2027) grants LVLL priority field access while ensuring complane with Cy police maintenance, safety, programming, and administration, reinforcing shared responsibilities for the benefit of the community.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the attached Youth Sports Facility Use Agreement with La Verne Little League 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 Duran reported on this item.
Public Comments: Travis Cridlebaugh
Council Comments: Mayor Hepburn stressed the importance of having these agreements in place to support our Youth Sports programs and the youth.
Minutes City Council 3/3/2025 Page 4
Council Member Crosby appreciates Little League President Travis Cridlebaugh and Director Duran's leadership for our youth sports programs.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson questioned if lighting was a part of this agreement. Director Duran clarified the process for billing for lights. Grant opportunities are being explored to help with the costs.
Council Member Lau thanked everyone for their hard work to make this agreement happen.
It was moved by Lau, seconded by Johnson, and approved 4-0, with Kashifalghita absent.
6. Department Director Employment Agreement Template. The City Manager is requesting City Council approval of a template for Department Director employment agreements which sets forth terms and conditions for employment of employees serving as Department Directors based on City Council approved salary and benefit resolutions.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Executive Employment Agreement Template for use by the City Manager for Executive Employee/Department Director appointments.
City Manager Domer reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: Council Member Lau thanked CM Domer for creating this template which enables uniformity.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Crosby, and approved 4-0, with Kashifalghita 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: Yvonne Gallegos and Sherry Best.
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 Comments were received from: Council Member Lau announced her appointment as Vice Chair on the Tri City Mental Health Board, is happy to hear about the FD Peer Support Program, and reminded people to subscribe to receive an email from CASI member Yvonne Gallegos with CASI events. The YFAC Committee is looking for artists to beautify our community, as part of the utility box project, proposals are due by April 17, and there will be a Parent night on Internet and Minutes City Council 3/3/2025 Page 5
Social Media Safety in partnership with BUSD and the La Verne Police Department at Roynon Elementary on Tuesday, March 18, at 5pm, this will be recorded by LVTV to be posted on the cable access channel sometime later this month.
Council Member Crosby attended the LVGSA opening day with Mayor Pro Tem Johnson and is excited to attend the upcoming Little League Opening Day.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson asked Little League President Travis Cridlebaugh about the upcoming Rotary project with Little League and is looking forward to the Youth Sports meeting.
Mayor Hepburn announced that the city has posted its first ever End of Year Report, a omprehensive look at the key initiatives, accomplishments, and community investments that shaped 2024. This report provides valuable insight into how La Verne is evolving and growing Online the report can be found at cityoflaverne.org/end of year. Staff did a wonderful job of preparing the Hillcrest State of the City Address for the residents at Hillerest, and I will be representing CALCOG in Sacramento, meeting with the elected. Then going to Washington DC representing the SGVCOG, meeting with the elected pushing for additional funding.
ADJOURNMENT - the meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
them trity
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk