CITYOFLAVERNE
MINUTES OF THE STUDY SESSION, REGULAR & CLOSED
SESSION OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL,
MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2025
ACTION MINUTES
SEE IN ITALICS"
STUDY SESSION AGENDA - 5:30 PM — meeting called to order at 5:31 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.
STUDY SESSION TOPIC
Caltrans-Foothill Blvd Multimodal Project - CalTrans will present updated plans for proposed improvements along Foothill Boulevard, which include adding bike lanes while preserving the existing vehicle travel lanes. This presentation reflects revisions to the project scope based on community feedback received in late 2024.
Community Engagement Coordinator James Santiago from the California Department of Transportation — District 7 presented this item, with additional input from Benjamin Medina, Martin Nguyen, and Marlon Regisford, Deputy District Director.
The Study Session was recessed at 6:30 PM.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6:30 PM- meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - ARMY VETERAN EDGAR PULLEY, scheduled to lead the Pledge was ill. Commander Phil Ramirez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 Dourer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow, and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
PRESENTATIONS
Minutes City Council 3/17/2025 Page 2
Red Cross Month Proclamation - American Red Cross Month recognizes the everyday heroes who support their communities through the American Red Cross. The San Gabriel Pomona Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross provided essential aid during the recent devastating wildfires, such as meals, overnight shelter, comfort kits, recovery assistance through local resource centers, and more.
Mayor Hepburn presented the proclamation to Red Cross Representative Omar Hovari.
Irish American Heritage Month Proclamation - Irish American Heritage Month is a celebration every March that highlights the rich culture and historical contributions of Irish Americans throughout the United States.
Mayor Hepburn presented the proclamation to residents Rick Bowen and Tom Kiernan and called up several Irish Americans present at the meeting to be present.
Introduction and Welcome to Police Department Chaplain Chris Rix - Pastor Chris Rix, a local resident with deep roots in the community, is joining the LVPD team. As the Police Chaplain he provides encouragement, support and guidance to officers and staff during critical incidents.
Police Chief Gonzalez introduced Chaplain Rix and gave a brief biography/history.
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.)
Public Comments were received fronz: Mayor Hepburn and Council Member Lau regarding the Niagara Buddy Bench project, Tri-City Mental Health Authority Representative Daniel Rojo, and Library Manager Adrian Romero.
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 5-0.
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session & Regular meeting of March 3, 2025.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of:
231,118.24 dated 02/19125 $ 1,999,684.09 dated 02/26/25 707,463.55 dated 03/06/25
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the audited demands. Approved
3. 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report. The City is required to prepare an Annual Progress Report on the status and progress in implementing the Housing Element of the General Plan. This report is required to be presented to the City Council as an informational item to update the City Council on the previous year's Housing Element status.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Annual Progress Report for the General Plan's Housing Element implementation for Calendar Year 2024 and direct staff to file a copy of the report with the Governor's Office of Planning and Research and the Department of Housing and Community Development. Approved
Minutes City Council 3/17/2025 Page 3
4. Resolution Accepting the Fire Department's 2025 Report on Compliance with State Inspection Mandates. In accordance with Senate BiII 1205, all fire departments are to annually inspect buildings, public or private, that are utilized as a school, hotel, motel, lodging house, apartment house, and certain residential care facilities, and report out annually to its administering authority its compliance.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a resolution titled, " A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT
OF A REPORT MADE BY THE FIRE CHIEF OF THE LA VERNE FIRE DEPARTMENTS
REQUIREMENT TO INSPECT CERTAIN OCCUPANCIES PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13146.2 AND 13146.3 OF THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE." Approved
5. Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month Proclamation Request. The Community Services Department requests a proclamation recognizing April as Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month to promote inclusion and highlight the Autism Highway Chalk Festival on April 12. Per the City's Proclamation & Certificate of Recognition Policy, non - annual proclamations must first be approved by the City Council on the consent calendar before being formally presented at a future meeting.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize City staff to present a proclamation for Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month at an upcoming April City Council meeting. Approved
6. Location Agreement for Moonbug Production LLC. to Film at La Verne Fire Department Station 1. Film Permit Location Agreement for Moonbug Production LLC. to Film a children's television show at La Verne Fire Department Station 1.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Location Agreement with Moonbug USA LLC. to Film at Fire Station 1 if all required steps are completed to the City's Satisfaction. Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE
OTHER MATTERS
7. Award of Contract for the City of La Verne Road Network and Public Facility Video Management System Improvement Project. The City received $ 500,000 in Fiscal Year ( FY) 23-24 community project funding from 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. Award a public works construction contract to Convergint Technologies LLC, the lowest, most responsible bidder, for all base bid items A1 - A24 in the amount of $ 589,633.00 and Additive Alternate items B28 - B30 in the amount of $ 20,610.00 for a total construction contract amount of $ 610,243.00 on the La Verne Road Network and Public Facility Video Management System Improvement Project and authorize the City Manager to execute applicable documents; and
2. Authorize the Public Works Director, or designee, to issue change orders not exceeding 12% of the construction budget for a total possible construction contract cost of 682,543.46.
City Engineer Howing presented this item.
Minutes City Council 3/17/2025 Page 4
Public Comment: Danita Beauchamp asked questions about the hard and soft costs.
After the Council Discussion, it was moved by Lau, seconded by Kashf dgliita, and approved 5-0
8. Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District 5 - Year Action Plan. The City and Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District ( OTLVBID) commissioned a study to develop a competitive analysis and a 5 -year Action Plan, focusing on best practices, financial analysis, and strategic recommendations. The Plan emphasizes the importance of social infrastructure, such as board composition, community engagement, and partnerships, as it directly impacts physical improvements like beautification and capital projects. To ensure successful implementation, stakeholder input was gathered, and one of the top priorities is retaining staff to support the plan's execution.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District 5 - Year Action Plan.
Community Development Director Scherer introduced Nathan Ulsh and Kelly Rankin from Community Strong Strategies to give a PowerPoint presentation.
Public Comment: None
Council Comment: Council Member Lau thanked staff and everybody who participated in any of the surveys.
Council Member Kash falgliita, great report and hopefully we can utilize some of the ideas and create good opportunities with the University of La Verne.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson expressed concerns over trying to expand the district and looking to expand to residential.
Mayor Hepburn's biggest concern is economic development and being mindful of how we expand. Merging with the Chamber is a good idea, utilizing appropriate signage, and assisting local businesses.
Council Member Lau followed up with a question regarding the art projects on the utility boxes and coordination with that and YFAC.
No action was required by the City Council as this was a receive and file item.
9. Introduction of Proposed Renewal of Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Services Agreement. The City has been under a Public Health Services Agreement with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health ( DPH) since 1963. Over the last several years, DPH has worked to update the decades - old agreement and is seeking to have cities renew it to continue providing the local administration of public health services to cities on a no - cost basis. This item is an introduction of the new agreement and consideration of approval will be at a future City Council meeting.
Recommendation: That the City Council discuss the renewal agreement and direct staff to place on the April 7, 2025, City Council agenda for action.
City Manager Dourer presented this item, with Director of Governmental Affairs Joshua Bobrowsky from the LA County Department of Public Health participating via Zoom.
Minutes City Council 3/17/2025 Page 5
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: None
It was moved by Crosby, 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: None
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 BiII 1234,
Council Member Lau announced the upcoming Tri-City Mental Health meeting on Wednesday, at 5:00 pm, also YFAC is hosting a meeting on the 25t'' at 5:00 pm. There is an art contest currently going on for young artists to decorate the public utility boxes, applications are available online.
ULV Community Day is taking place on the Campus West, there will be food, music, baseball and softball games to watch. Also, on April 4th there is going to be a blood drive at the VFW from 10:00 am — 4:00 pm, and thanked Fire Marshal St. Ange, and Community Risk Reduction Specialist Shipman for visiting the Lordsburg Court Association and accessing the safety of the fire lanes.
Council Member Crosby commented on the success of the opening day of Little League, YFAC and LVPD is sponsoring an Internet Safety class at Roynon for parents. On Wednesday the Library Commission will be holding a meeting at the Sunkist Library, and tonight we celebrated Irish People's month, which includes Tom Kiernan, a 7thgrade English teacher at Ramona Middle School, who has taught over 5,000 students, we are very lucky to have him.
Council Member Kash falgliita thanked Pastor Rix for joining our Police Department, continuing with strong faith for the men and women of our police department and the fire department and wished Patty Hepburn a happy birthday.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson acknowledged his 41 years of marriage on St. Patrick's Day.
Mayor Hepburn was in Washington, DC where he met with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments to meet with our elected officials regarding budget cuts, met up with Chief Nigg who was also in Washington championing for monies for the fire and defensible space to protect our residents, and the single source issue, regarding to the consolidation of the fire truck manufacturing industry as costs for fire vehicles are triple or quadruple now and the lead time is more than four years on a purchase. Meetings were held with Senator Alex Padilla and his staff, Minutes City Council 3/17/2025 Page 6
Senator Adam Schiff, State Representative Linda Sanchez, Gil Cisneros, Norma Torres, Judy Cliu and several House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure. All the Communities in the Santa Clara Valley met with Congressman Cisneros, who is very concerned about our region.
City Attorney Hall Barlow read the closed session items for the record, and stated there will be no report out this evening.
Regular meeting was recessed into closed session at 8:43 PM
CLOSED SESSION
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.
ADJOURNMENT - closed session meeting was adjourned at 9:32 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Vs&
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk