CITYOFLAVERNE
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION & THE REGULAR
MEETING OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025
ACTION MINUTES
SEE ITALICS"
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - 5:30 PM — called to order at 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: 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.
City Attorney Hall Barlow read the closed session items for the record It is not anticipated to have any reportable action result from the closed session.
Conference with Legal Counsel, Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) Gonzalez v. City of La Verne, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24STCV34625.
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 — Potential exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(2): One ( 1) case.
Recessed to Closed Session at 5:32 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 - called to order at 6:40 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - AIRMAN FIRST CLASS/FIREFIGHTER CORSON SCHERER Minutes City Council 4/21/2025 Page 2
Council Member Kashifalghita, on behalf of the City Council, presented Corson 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: 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.
EXTRAORDINARY BUSINESS
1. City Council Reorganization. Under the provisions of Ordinance No. 1107, the City Council shall reorganize annually by selecting a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
Recommendation. That the City Council follow the established procedure for the selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem by:
1. Selecting a Mayor; and,
2. Selecting a Mayor Pro Tem.
City Manager Dourer acting as the City Clerk, explained the process for the annual rotation of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
Council Member Kashifalghita nominated Mayor Hepburn as Mayor for the next year, it was seconded by Johnson. No other nominations were received Nominations were closed. The nomination was approved 5-0.
Moving to the Mayor Pro Tern nomination. Mayor Hepburn called for nominations. Council Member Crosby nominated Council Member Kashifalghita for Mayor Pro Tem, the nomination was seconded by Mayor Hepburn. No other nominations were received Nominations were closed The nomination was approved by a vote of 5-0.
Mayor Hepburn stated he is honored to continue serving the City and Community and thanked everyone for their vote of confidence.
PRESENTATIONS
Egg-cellent Adventure Coloring Contest - Winners of the Egg-cellent Adventure Coloring Contest sponsored by the La Verne Historical Society, will be announced and prizes will be awarded.
L V Historical Society President Sherry Best and Historical Society Vice President Kathy Kalousek presented prizes to the following winners: Vinny Sweet, Olivia Zhang, Arabella Ly, Lanah Hambarchain, Phoebe Bennett, Avery Martinez, Angel Xia, and Olivia Besheer.
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La Verne Walk of Fame - Presentation outlining a proposed Walk of Fame in Old Town La Verne to honor those who have made lasting contributions to the city and the community from its founding to the present.
Craig Walters presented the proposal to Council.
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:
Mayor Hepburn reminded everyone of the Wine Walk on Saturday, and the La Verne Police Officers Association golf tournament on April 28th, proceeds go to the La Verne Canine Foundation.
Library Manager Adrian Romero and La Verne Historical Society President Sherry Best.
Community Services Director Duran asked everyone to complete the survey to help shape the future of La Verne's parks and recreation, your feedback will directly influence this. Surveys are on the City's website.
Mayor Hepburn read a letter from Los Angeles County Chief Probation Officer, Guillermo Viera Rosa, regarding the depopulation of the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall and what that could mean to the use of the Afflerbaugh & Paige camps.
City Manager Dourer read the social media post from the City, which prompted the reply letter and stated the City steadfastly opposed any potential movement of probationary youth into camps Afflerbaugh and Paige. These camps do not meet the basic criteria set forth by the Board of Supervisors and Board of State and Community Corrections. The City requests that the Board of Supervisors continue to implement the Global Plan to shut down Camp Paige.
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, with the amendment to the minutes regarding the UL V Sponsorship Gala, be changed to the UL V Scholarship Gala, it was seconded by Hepburn and approved S -D with Crosby abstaining from item # 2.
2. City Council Minutes of the Joint Special Meeting - Study Session with the Ad Hoc Water & Sewer Rate Study Committee and the Regular Meeting of April 7, 2025.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
3. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $ 1,925,547.88, dated 03/27/25, and 372,656.65, dated 04/03/25.
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Recommendation: That the City Council approve the demands. Approved
4. Approval of a Resolution Placing 3 - Hour Timed Parking Restrictions for Portions of White Avenue from Sixth Street to Eighth Street. Timed parking restrictions for on - street parking located on White Avenue between Sixth Street and Eighth Street are proposed to preserve parking for the local community. The parking time restriction will allow a maximum duration of three-hour parking in this area. Pursuant to the municipal code section 10.40.140, the City Traffic Engineer shall be authorized to place and maintain such signs where directed by resolution of the City Council.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a Resolution titled, " A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING CERTAIN PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON WHITE AVENUE BETWEEN SIXTH STREET AND EIGHTH STREET," and directing City Staff to install signage along the east curb of said roadway segment, creating a restricted 3- hour time parking zone for on - street parking in the area. Approved
5. Authorizing the Execution of Side Letter Agreements Amending the Memorandum of Understandings Between the City of La Verne and the La Verne City Employees' Association, La Verne Police Officers' Association and La Verne Firefighters' Association Regarding Education Incentives In February, the City Council approved Side Letter Agreements to the Memorandums of Understanding ( MOUs) with the La Verne City Employees' Association ( CEA), La Verne Police Officers' Association, and La Verne Firefighters' Association that formalized tentative agreements on language changes needed for compliance with California Public Employees Retirement System ( CaIPERS) requirements. After further discussion with CaIPERS, each of the side letters needs a minor amendment related to the effective date.
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; 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; 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.
The above recommendations were approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Public Hearing to Determine Necessity of Utility User's Tax. In accordance with the City of La Verne's Municipal Code ( Sec. 3.10.170), an annual public hearing is required to assess the need for the continuation of the City's Utility User's Tax ( UUT). UUT is the third - largest tax revenue for the General Fund, supporting essential City services such as police, fire, recreation, and public works services. UUT is vital to fund and maintain essential City services.
Recommendation: That the City Council maintain the City's Utility User's Tax at the current voter - approved rates for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
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Accountant Jesus Jaimes reported on this item.
Public Comments were received from: Richard Bowen, Danita Beauchamp, and Patricia Sweetman.
Council Discussion/Comments: Clarification regarding the use of the Utility Users Tax, which goes into the general fund and has the most flexible use. Noting that homeowners and businesses pay the Utility Users Tax.
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
7. Public Hearing to Consider an Increase in the Paramedic Fee for Fiscal Year 2025-26 from
6.50 to $ 6.70. The annual review of the Paramedic Service Fee is necessary to maintain financial sustainability and ensure high -quality emergency medical services. The City Council will determine whether an adjustment to the current fee is required based on financial projections, operational needs, and public input during the hearing.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the resolution titled " A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 PARAMEDIC SERVICE FEE," to adjust the monthly paramedic service fee from $ 6.50 to $ 6,70.
Senior Accountant Isabella Guzman reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: Council Member Crosby appreciates this nominal fee for all of the residents. The Council in 1980 did great things for our city, and we should continue it Council Member Johnson stated this is something that has been coming back every year and it gets bumped up a bit. There are different issues, but I think it's a wonderful service and a little cost
Mayor Hepburn identified this is one of those services that is an amazing resource for our residents, and we've got the finest fire department. These fees are minuscule compared to the services that we actually provide.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Kashifalghita, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
8. Public Hearing to Approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Comprehensive Fee Schedule. The City's Comprehensive Fee Schedule is reviewed each year as part of the annual budget process. Adjustments are made to reflect changes in the cost of services in accordance with State and local law. The proposed Resolution provides for adjustment to the 2025-26 Comprehensive Fee Schedule.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled, " A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 24-48 RELATIVE TO CERTAIN FEES AND POLICIES FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF LA VERNE."
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Senior Management Analyst Ellie Luo reported on this item.
Public Comments: Cynthia Gabaldon
Council Comments: Council Member Crosby appreciates the red line version, it really shows where the transparency is, and appreciates the entire team.
Mayor Hepburn mirrored the comments regarding the red line version and also the way that the mitigation fees for the fire department were listed chronologically so the reimbursements could be billed properly. It also explains completely what's going on.
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Crosby, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR ( FORMERLY KNOWN AS OTHER MATTERS)
9. First Reading of an Ordinance Reorganizing the City's Public Advisory Committees, Commissions, and Boards and Setting General Provisions for Membership and Operations. City Council is asked to conduct a First Reading of an Ordinance restructuring the City's advisory Commissions, Committees, and Boards and setting general provisions for committee membership and operations. The proposed changes provide more advisory opportunities for residents as well as create advisory committees across the major policy issues of the City Council.
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce by title only, and waive further reading of Ordinance 25-XX, entitled " AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 2.46 AND AMENDING CHAPTERS 2.48 AND 2.54 OF TITLE 2 OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE MUNICIPAL CODE SETTING FORTH GENERAL
PROVISIONS GOVERNING BOARD, COMMISSION, AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND OFFICE."
City Manager Dourer reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council Member Crosby inquired about the change in the Measure LV Oversight Committee to the Finance Committee, are we still allowed to change that? And the Youth and Family Action Committee what change does that make to this. Also, the bylaws state appointments are done by the Mayor, however in the past the entire council appoints.
City Attorney Hall Barlow responded regarding the Measure LV Committee, stating as long as no duties were reduced or modified to the duties portion of that committee, a change in the name is ok, and expanding additional duties.
City Manager Dourer responded regarding the Youth and Family Action Committee, it is advisory and there's not a lot that comes back to City Council for approval. Staff would propose bylaws for each of the committees. A lot of committees don't have bylaws, there will be conversations regarding the need for a bylaw or lithe resolution process can be those guidelines.
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Council Member Lau would like staff to come back with that information to better understand what the uniformity of it looks like and how we're establishing committees and continuing them. Also, to make sure that we are doing likewise when it comes to bylaws or minutes. It should be standardized to the extent that all residents know that this is a commission of the city or a subcommittee and where they can expect to find the information and it will be the same format.
Mayor Hepburn agrees we need to be careful, with these different organization chart moves and rewording, as we've had issues in the past. Will there still be Council Members on these committees, so we can address any issues through our city management, and our directors of the different organizations.
City Manager Domer responded that one of the reasons for the liaison activity of the City Council is to continue to provide understanding. The committee or commission is for resident advisory purposes to make sure the residents are providing that advisory input back to the City Council. We will continue to advertise through legal advertising in the newspaper, social media, and postings. Applications will be required from everybody and distributed to all the Council, there will be an interview process, and the person need not reside in the district.
Public Comments: Robyn Walker, Lily Brainard, Danita Beauchamp, Cynthia Gabaldon, Richard Bowen, Craig Walters, and Matt Lyons.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita would love to see individuals join the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol, ( the RSVP) and make more of an impact. He doesn't see that this as just a straight appointment. The Council affords opportunity in this bylaw section here 2.46.040 Appointment and Removal which specifically states, the City Council shall use the many following appointment process.
City Attorney Hall Barlow clarified that applications are required for all of these committees and commissions, we are required by law to request applications and to post notice of vacancies in all the committees and commissions. While this does provide for direct appointments by individual council, there is also a provision that allows for a majority of the council to remove somebody if they are behaving in an improper or inappropriate way in the view of those council members. It is an individual appointment, but it is subject to a majority vote for removal. This is in full compliance with California law.
Council Member Johnson wants to ensure that committee members are still providing Council with the necessary information, that there is continuity there, which is important Council Member Crosby believes that a good job was done in trying to get a representation across La Verne and looking at our districts as well to be represented.
Council Member Lau clarified when we ask for participants in items, we try and let everyone know when meetings are happening. The meetings are still open, even if you aren't appointed to a position, there are still ways to be involved within the City and opportunities to be heard.
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Mayor Hepburn stated we are doing this for a reason, to organize what's unorganized, we're putting it on paper. Our process for people applying is fair. I've made appointments outside my district. People are more than welcome to come to committee meetings. We are following the letter of the law.
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Kashifalghita, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
10. Architectural Enhancements for the Metro A - Line ( formerly Gold Line) Transit Oriented Development Pedestrian Bridge Project. This discussion is to review decorative design options for architectural enhancements for the Metro A - Line ( formerly Gold Line) Transit Oriented Development Pedestrian Bridge Project. These architectural features are not required for the bridge function and use, but if selected to be included in the final design documents, they will integrate common architectural treatment strategies to create a more cohesive and visually pleasing connection to the Metro A - Line La Verne/Fairplex Station.
Recommendation: That the City Council provide direction and feedback for the architectural features presented in the staff report, including " Decorative Concrete Slip Forms", " Architectural Lighting" and Bridge Signage."
City Engineer Howing reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Discussion/Comments: Various elements of the bridge were discussed, lighting, fencing and signage. It was decided to use the Oranges graphic as part of the design, Up Lighting was chosen, and Council inquired into the use of permanent signage using a spancrete mold which would integrate the City name into the concrete.
City Engineer Howing will discuss the spancrete mold option with the design team and bring back another concept on this subject.
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of 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 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 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.
Comments were received from: Robyn Walker, Lily Brainard, Richard Bowen, and Cynthia Gabaldon.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
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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 reminded everyone of the YFAC meeting tomorrow, the Fourth to July meeting on Wednesday, and the ULV Scholarship Gala on May 3 Community Services Director Duran and her team were thanked for helping to bring the Autism Highway Chalk Festival to the City. Cool Cruise was a big success, and the K-9 Foundation held a great raffle. Also, a tribute to longtime resident Eric Prince who passed away recently. He was known by many folks in the community and amongst City Staff and others. Eric attended Bonita High School and is survived by his wife April and two daughters, Sammy and Danny. He was known as Big Papa to his grandchildren Violet, Nico, Anya and Valen. Eric happily coached girls soccer in La Verne for over 15 years. He is also survived by his parents Roy and Sharon, his brothers, Shawn and Jason, their wives and several nieces and nephews. Eric is not only know because of his residency here in La Verne, but through his many connections through the lives that he touched.
Council Member Crosby would like to see some signage acknowledging the City on the 210 freeway, maybe across one of the overpasses or one of the utility places, possibly bring this back at another meeting. Also, he would like to start a process at the end of Council meetings whereby the meetings are closed in honor of someone that's passed, acknowledge that, tell that family and sign a card for them. Just a little token from us to them and tonight, starting with Eric.
Council Member Johnson stated the Car Show was a great day this past Saturday, and recently attended the City Selection Committee meeting which did have a quorum.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita appreciates all his colleagues on the Council then took a moment to acknowledge the passing of Pope Francis, and is grateful for the support his family received while he was deployed. He shared two quotes that are emblematic of the Pope's service, one was calling the church afield hospital, which is call to attend to those battered by the burdens of life and the other was urging priests to serve the people deeply to the point of acting as shepherds who have the smell of the sheep.
Mayor Hepburn thanked his colleagues for nominating him again for Mayor, then acknowledged the amount of time required to serve and support various committees, residents who contact council members, via phone calls and texts whether they're in District 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. We all take it very seriously. On behalf of himself thanked all of the Council, City Management and Staff for how much we do in our Community and outside our Community. As a reminder the LVPOA Golf Tournament is on the 28, and the Wine Walk is corning up. The Autism Highway Chalk Festival and the Senior Craft Fair all incredible events. Lastly, if you are interested in public service, the next time elections are coming around, put your hat in the ring.
ADJOURNMENT — the meeting was adjourned at 9:49 PM.
Minutes
Respectfully submitted,
1"44`‘
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
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