CITY OF LA VERNE
MINUTES OF THE JOINT SPECIAL MEETING - STUDY
SESSION WITH THE AD HOC WATER & SEWER RATE
STUDY COMMITTEE & THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2025
ACTION MINUTES
"SEE IN ITALICS"
JOINT SPECIAL MEETING - STUDY SESSION AGENDA - 4:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER- meeting was called to order at 4:33 PM.
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: Lau, Johnson, and Hepburn.
Absent: Crosby and Kashifalghita.
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
ROLL CALL-AD HOC COMMITTEE Chair Raymond Swain, Co-Chair Daniel Smith, Members Danita Beauchamp, Jaime Riley, and Richard Bowen.
Committee Members Present: Beauchamp, Riley and Bowen, Smith and Swain.
Absent: None
JOINT SPECIAL MEETING - STUDY SESSION TOPIC
Ad Hoc Water & Sewer Rate Study - This presentation will provide both groups with an understanding of the City's current financial position in these enterprise funds and the necessary steps to ensure long-term sustainability.
Raftelis Representative John Wright presented this item.
The Joint Study Session was recessed at 5:47 PM.
The City Council will recess and reconvene at 6:30 PM for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6:30 PM - meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - ARMY VETERAN EDGAR PULLEY
Minutes City Council 4/7/2025 Page 2
Mayor Hepburn on behalf of the Council presented Edgar with a Pride of La Verne certificate 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: Lau, Johnson, and Hepburn.
Absent: Crosby and Kashifalghita.
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Hepburn introduced and welcomed Elena Robles, the Senior District Representative for Senator Susan Rubio.
City of La Verne "C" Division Youth Basketball All-Stars. The City of La Verne "C" Division Youth Basketball All-Star team was formed from 3° and 4 grade players participating in the City's Winter Youth Basketball League. The team participated in the SCMAF-SGV Basketball Tournament hosted by the City of Azusa. The team defeated Walnut in the 1st round, then defeated South El Monte in the 2'd round, and then moved on to beat Temple City in the finals and won by the score of 37-16. The team was coached by Ryan Caines and Adam Karrer.
The team roster is as follows:
Lincoln Dehaan Jackson Caines Aaron Tyler Levi Valdivia Benjamin Paredez Kenji Pasos Mason Gray Carson Wein
Lukas Karrer Edmund Bruchet
Council presented Pride of La Verne certificates to the team and coaches. All team members received In-N-Out gift cards and a certificate from Senator Susan Rubio.
Autism Awareness and Appreciation Month Proclamation. Every year, April is recognized as Autism Awareness and Appreciation Month to honor and support Americans diagnosed with autism.
This year, the City proudly highlights the vital services provided by both the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center and Autism Spectrum Athletics, whose inclusive and collaborative programs create meaningful opportunities for individuals with autism and their families to connect, grow, and thrive.
Mayor Hepburn on behalf of City Council, presented a proclamation to Autism Spectrum Athletics and one to the San Gabriel/Pomona Region Center. Certificates were also presented from Senator Susan Rubio.
Minutes City Council 4/7/2025 Page 3
Outstanding Older American - Bonnie Brunel. The Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) has nominated one senior citizen for the Older American Recognition Award. This recognition is part of the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults (LACCOA) 60* Annual Older Americans Recognition Day (OARD) Awards Program, which honors a senior citizen from each city in Los Angeles County. The Senior Advisory Committee nominated Bonnie Brunel as the City's Outstanding Older American.
Bonnie joined the La Verne Heritage Foundation in 1987 and has contributed countless hours to the renovation and research of the Weber House, as well as other historic buildings, windmills, and farm equipment. Bonnie has served as the Treasurer on the Board, diligently documenting financial records to keep the nonprofit running, and has recently taken on the responsibility of organizing one ot our newer events - the Spring and Fall Vendor Faires. Her contributions allow both the local community and visitors to learn about and enjoy "A Slice of La Verne's Past." Mayor Hepburn on behalf of City Council, presented a Pride of La Verne certificate to Ms. Brunel, along with a certificate from Senator Susan Rubio.
RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATION OF "PRIDE OF LA VERNE AWARDS" - Annually, the City Council presents the "Jack Huntington Award" and the "Jim Scranton Award" to recognize volunteers who have made outstanding contributions and performed exemplary service to the City and the community. Each recipient receives an individual Pride of La Verne plaque and their names are placed on perpetual plaques displayed in City Hall.
The "Jack Huntington Award" was named after S. Jack Huntington, who moved to La Verne in 1970. Despite heavy professional obligations and time commitments to the U.S. Naval Reserve, Jack became actively involved in the community as a volunteer. He was active in various local organizations, including the La Verne Jaycees, Little League and the Youth Basketball program.
Jack also served as a City of La Verne Commissioner for more than 15 years, completing two terms on the Parks & Recreation Commission as well as two terms on the Planning Commission. Jack Huntington was a citizen volunteer who exemplified the "Pride of La Verne" through selfless service to the community.
This year the "Jack Huntington Pride of La Verne Award" is being presented to Harvey Good.
Harvey is a former ULV Professor of Biology and biology department chair for 20 years, is also a 42- year board member for the Inland Valley Humane Society. The Good Mobile was named in his honor, allowing the Humane Society to bring their services directly to the communities they serve.
Outside of his volunteer efforts with the Humane Society, Harvey Good previously worked for more than 30 years as a volunteer firefighter and member of the Mountain Search and Rescue team of the Mt. Baldy Village. Harvey Good is now a resident of the Hillcrest Community. Congratulations Harvey!
Mr. Good was not in attendance.
The "Jim Scranton Award" was named after long-time resident Jim Scranton who was a member of the Youth Sports Committee since its inception. In 1986, he formed the La Verne Lazers Soccer Club organization which provides youngsters an opportunity to play soccer at a highly competitive level. Jim also spent five years on the City Sports Park Committee, which resulted in the development of 35 acres of sports fields for the community. He also participated in the City women's soccer program as a coach. Jim is survived by his wife Susan and their children. The Youth Sports Committee recommended that a Pride of La Verne Youth Sports Volunteer Award be named in Minutes City Council 4/7/2025 Page 4
honor of Jim Scranton.
This year the "Jim Scranton Pride of La Verne Award" is being presented to Tony lacobacci.
Tony is the ultimate volunteer. His demeanor and general life outlook suit him well to lead the largest Youth Sports Organization in La Verne. As AYSO President, he has returned AYSO to membership numbers not seen since before COVID. Tony began his AYSO journey in 2010, immediately signing up for referee duties for his children's teams. Tony turned refereeing into a passion, earning the Intermediate Level Badge in 2013, the Advanced Referee Certificate in 2018, and then became the Regional Referee Administrator in 2019. Tony has remained true to his roots and can be seen on the fields here in La Verne. Today, Tony still referees but spends most of his free time as the Regional Commissioner of the La Verne/San Dimas AYSO Region 112. The youth, families, and cities of La Verne and San Dimas are better places to live and grow up due to volunteers like Tony lacobacci.
Congratulations Tony!
Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of City Council, presented Mr. Jacobacci with a Pride of La Verne plaque and a certificate from Senator Susan Rubio.
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.)
City Manager Domer introduced the new Public Works Director Danny Wu.
Announcements were received from: LV Police Officers Association President Andrew McKindley, Public Information Officer with the Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience Kim Weatherby, and LV Historical Society President Sherry Best.
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 Lau, seconded by Johnson, and approved 3-0, with Kashifalghita and Crosby absent.
City Council Minutes of the Study Session, Regular Meeting & Closed Session of March 17, 2025.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $1,361,666.11, dated 03/13/25 and in the amount of $797,331.32, dated 03/19/25.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the audited demands. Approved
3. 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 Minutes City Council 4/7/2025 Page 5
the local administration of public health services to cities on a no-cost basis. This item asks the City Council to approve a new agreement.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a Public Health Services Agreement with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. Approved
4. Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with La Verne Friends of the Fourth of July. The City and the La Verne Friends of the Fourth of July (Friends) enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) identifying the functions for which the City and the Friends plan and conduct Independence Day celebrations. While the MOU continues to spell out the responsibilities of the City and the Friends, this year's MOU includes flexibility for the term to extend past one-year unless amended or terminated by both parties.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the LV Friends of the Fourth of July for July 4th celebrations and event planning. Approved Federal Emergency Management Agency Emergency Operations Center Grant Program Resolution. The City of La Verne was awarded $169,000 in grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Fiscal Year 2024 Emergency Operations Center Grant Program to fund essential equipment upgrades within the City's Emergency Operations Center. The grant requires that the City Council adopt a resolution identifying authorized contacts to oversee and manage the grant program.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING ITS AGENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPLYING FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE." Approved
6. Film Permit Request from North Six, Inc. The City has been contacted by production company North Six, Inc. to film a commercial at La Verne business American Classic Cars. Per the City's Municipal Code Chapter 5.57, film permits must be approved by the La Verne City Council. To meet the requested filming dates desired by North Six, Inc., the City Council is being asked to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement and issue a film permit if all required steps are completed to the City's satisfaction.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with North Six, Inc., and issue a permit for filming if all required steps are completed. Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE
DISCUSSION CALENDAR (FORMERLY KNOWN AS OTHER MATTERS)
7. Memorandum of Understanding with Crown Castle Fiber LLC for Access to City Right-of- Way for Rapid Connect Fiber and Equipment Installation. In response to resident concerns about reduced cellular coverage in North La Verne, the City approached Crown Castle about their Rapid Connect Fiber installation which, in a less disruptive and more economical manner, installs fiber telecommunication lines within the City right-of-way. With a new fiber installation connecting current fiber in place on Wheeler Avenue to a terminus near Lowell Brandt Park, there is an increased potential for installation of small cell wireless or cellular infrastructure to improve wireless coverage. This Memorandum of Understanding will allow a limited run north on Wheeler and along Golden Hills Road to Lowell Brandt Park Minutes City Council 4/7/2025 Page 6
Recommendation: That the wore horize the ly arap do Ence installation.
City Manager Domer reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: Mayor Hepburn questioned the type of strands that will be used and if they would support future need.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau, and approved 3-0, with Kashifalghita and Crosby absent.
8. Award of Contract for FY 2024-25 Crack Seal/Slurry Seal for Aldersgate to Baseline et al. and Golden Hills to Canterwood et al. Project. This action will award a construction contract to Pavement Rehab Company in the amount of $1,369,000.00 for the FY 2024-25 Crack Seal/Slurry Seal for Aldersgate to Baseline et al. and Golden Hills to Canterwood et al. Project.
The project is budgeted for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 using Annual Streets Pavement Management Program funds. The scope of work includes accessible curb ramp upgrades, pavement surface maintenance utilizing slurry seal material and traffic striping improvements.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Award a public works construction contract to Carter Enterprises Group Inc. DBA Pavement Rehab Company the lowest, most responsible bidder, in the amount of $1,369,000.00 for the FY 2024-25 Crack Seal/Slurry Seal for Aldersgate to Baseline et al. and Golden Hills to Canterwood et al. Project, and
2. Authorize staff to issue construction contract change orders not exceeding 10% of the construction budget for a total possible cost of $1,595,900.00, including engineering, construction management and inspection services.
City Engineer Howing reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: Mayor Hepburn questioned the pavement rehab company status and asked about some of the details regarding the project.
Council Member Lau asked for clarification regarding who was carrying the insurance on this project and the duration of the project and impact on residents.
It was moved by Lau, seconded by Johnson, and approved 3-0, with Kashifalghita and Crosby absent.
9. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Reassessment and Adjustment Recommendations. The Finance Department is providing a financial update for the 2024-25 budget, originally approved on June 17, 2024, to reflect economic and operational changes since adoption. Updated estimates for the General Fund show a $51,243 revenue increase and $632, 164 in additional Minutes City Council 4/7/2025 Page 7
expenditures, primarily due to public safety overtime. Additional adjustments to other funds as well as details of the general fund are outlined in the Budget Amendments Listing.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 ADOPTED BUDGET TO ADJUST FOR BUDGET REASSESSMENT AND ADJUSTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS," that incorporates the "Budget Adjustment Listing" as attached adjusting revenue and expenditure appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget.
Finance Director Lopez reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: Council Member Lau thanked the Finance staff for their hard work and has concerns regarding where the City is financially and is looking forward to the strategic planning session.
Mayor Pro Tem Johnson thanked the Finance staff.
Mayor Hepburn wants to get the overtime under control, without reducing services, and wants to work on getting sustainable businesses, to help ensure the sales tax is as high as possible, while being cost effective. The Finance Department was thanked for their hard work during the budget process.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau and approved by a vote of 3-0, with Kashifalghita and Crosby 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 and within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. 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 [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: 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 Bill 1234.
Council Comments were received from: Mayor Pro Tem Johnson attended the El Merendero 50th Anniversary celebration and had a great time.
Minutes City Council 4/7/2025 Page 8
Council Member Lau reminded everyone of the ongoing Community Utility Art Box Contest for our youth to help design some of the utility boxes downtown, deadline for submissions is April 17%.
Also, the 4th of July is just around the corner, applications are open for float entries, float entry fees are $40.00 for a nonprofit and $70.00 for a commercial enterprise. This is the first year the motorcycle riders will pay a registration fee of $5.00. Tickets to the fireworks show will be sold online only starting this year, and we are still looking for sponsors. Thank you to Ken and JR for serving on the ULV MPA Program. Autism Spectrum Athletics opening day is on April 13th at Wheeler Park, and the Chalk Festival will be in the city hall parking lot. The Active Transportation Committee is meeting tomorrow and there is a Tri-City Mental Health meeting on April 16'h at 5:00 PM, and the ULV Scholarship Gala is May 3ra.
Mayor Hepburn thanked staff again for the amazing job. Egg-cellent Adventure was wonderful, kudos to Community Services.
CLOSED SESSION - NONE
ADJOURNMENT - the meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Fritz
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk