CITY Of LA VERNE
MINUTES OF THE STUDY SESSION & THE REGULAR
MEETING OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025
ACTION MINUTES
SEE ITALICS"
STUDY SESSION AGENDA - 5:00 PM — called to order at 5:02 PM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL Council Member Wendy Lau, Council Member Steven Johnson, Council Member Rick Crosby, Mayor Pro Tem Meshal " Kash" Kashifalghita, and Mayor Tim Hepburn.
Council Members Present: Crosby, Johnson, Lau, and Kashifalghita.
Absent: Hepburn
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
STUDY SESSION TOPIC - BUDGET
City Staff will present a preliminary overview of the proposed operating budget and capital improvement plan for fiscal year 2025/26.
The Finance Department, led by Finance Director Lopez presented this item.
Public Comment: None
Council Comments: The following comments and direction were provided related to the FY 25/26 budget development: Council Member Lau stated that deferrals of Capital Improvement Program projects are not good and requested information on cost of running programs and what revenues can be used; she was not keen on using reserves for services and stated that strategic planning is key. She additionally wanted to see a cost benefit analysis and asked if overtime can be lowered by hiring more.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita inquired about additional funding from partner agencies and inquired about Measure GG's ability to cover paramedic services.
Council Member Crosby stated the initial deficit is not sustainable and would not be able to vote for it if brought back. He stated that adding personnel when potentially going into a recession is not viable and we need to tighten our belt.
Minutes City Council 5/5/2025 Page 2
Council Member Johnson stated that we need to balance the budget as close as we can.
In general, the Council Members wanted information on the cost of programs and potential revenue from certain programs; that Staff needed to cut more before bringing back the budget; that Strategic Planning was important; adding personnel was not viable but review more if adding reduced the larger overtime costs.
Study Session recessed at 6:16 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 6:36 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - MARIA ESTRADA, AIR FORCE AND ARMY VETERAN Council Member Kashifalghita, on behalf of the City Council, presented Maria with a Pride of La Verne certificate and thanked her for her service to our country.
ROLL CALL Council Member Wendy Lau, Council Member Steven Johnson, Council Member Rick Crosby, Mayor Pro Tem Meshal " Kash" Kashifalghita, and Mayor Tim Hepburn.
Council Members Present: Crosby, Johnson, Lau, and Kashifalghita.
Absent: Hepburn
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
Prior to Presentations, Council took a moment to honor the life of longtime University of La Verne Professor Don Pollock, who passed away on March 24. Don's family and colleagues from ULV were in attendance as Council Member Lau read the adjournment followed by comments from UL V Professor George Keeler.
PRESENTATIONS
Older Americans Month Proclamation. Every year in May, the City recognizes older Americans who contribute their strength and wisdom to developing a better nation. This proclamation is presented to the City's Senior Advisory Committee, who continue to provide essential input on the needs of older Americans in La Verne.
Council presented the proclamation to Senior Advisory Committee members, Terry Kistler and Edward Padgett .
Minutes City Council 5/5/2025 Page 3
Military Appreciation Month Proclamation. May is recognized nationally to honor and recognize the contributions of current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. This month - long observance aims to raise awareness and encourage appreciation for those who serve or have served in the military.
Council presented the proclamation to outgoing VFW Post 12034 Commander Phillip Ramirez.
Jack Huntington Pride of La Verne Recognition. 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! Council presented Harvey Good with the Jack Huntington Award plaque and a certificate from Senator Rubio's office.
Introduction of Firefighter Jared Tietgen. The Fire Department is proud to welcome back Firefighter Jared Tietgen, who originally served as an Ambulance Operator with La Verne Fire before accepting a firefighter position with another agency.
Chief Nigg introduced probationary Firefighter Jared Tietgen.
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 from: Nicole Carranza, CEO from Pomona Valley Transportation Authority, Adrian Romero, La Verne Library Manager, Sherry Best, La Verne Historical Society President, and Brian Hildago, from Supervisor Katherine Barger's office.
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.) It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved 4-0, with Mayor Hepburn absent.
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session & Regular Meeting of April 21, 2025.
Minutes City Council 5/5/2025 Page 4
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of:
1,984,074.58 dated 04/09/2025
397,978.61 dated 04/16/2025
1,698,760.86 dated 04/23/2025
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the demands. Approved
3. Oak Mesa Playground Replacement. The existing playground on the City owned property at Oak Mesa, now over 28 years old, no longer meets safety or accessibility standards and must be replaced. Staff recommends awarding a contract to Miracle Recreation Equipment Company through the SourceWell cooperative purchasing program for the installation of a new, ADA- compliant play structure with rubberized surfacing and integrated shade.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Award a contract to Miracle Recreation Equipment Company in the amount of 284,408.57 for the removal, site preparation, and installation of playground equipment at Oak Mesa Park; and
2. Re - appropriate $ 299,409 for the Oak Mesa Playground Capital Improvement Project, PK2402 from the Park Development Fund to the Measure A Fund, which includes 15,000 for construction engineering and inspection of the project.
Recommendations were approved.
4. 1941 White Avenue, Offer of Dedication for Sidewalk and Parkway Easement. Novipax Buyer LLC, the applicant for a mixed - use development project located at 1941 White Avenue, is presenting an offer of dedication for an irrevocable sidewalk and parkway easement. The offer of dedication is a condition of approval for the approved project and the easement will facilitate public improvements along the north curb line of Arrow Highway reflective of the features in the adopted Old Town La Verne Specific Plan.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Clerk to accept the dedication of a sidewalk and parkway easement for areas identified in the conceptual plans for public use.
Approved
5. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Reorganizing the City's Public Advisory Committees, Commissions, and Boards and Setting General Provisions for Membership and Operations. The City Council approved the First Reading of an Ordinance restructuring the City's advisory Commissions, Committees, and Boards and setting general provisions for committee membership and operations on April 21, 2025. This action conducts a Second Reading and requests Adoption of the Ordinance, which if approved, would become effective 30 days thereafter.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Ordinance 25-1130, 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." Approved Minutes City Council 5/5/2025 Page 5
6. Quarterly Treasurer's Report Ending March 31, 2025. The Quarterly Treasurer's Report provides an overview of the City's cash and investment holdings as of March 31, 2025. 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 March 31, 2025. Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. Annual AB 2561 Staffing Vacancies Report. Signed by Governor Newsome in 2024, AB 2561 requires a public agency to present the status of vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts at a public hearing at least once per year prior to budget adoption, allowing recognized employee organizations to present at the hearing. This report outlines the City's compliance with this new obligation.
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct the Public Hearing for compliance with new legal obligations related to AB 2561.
Assistant City Manager Ranells reported on this item.
Public Comments received: None
Council Discussion/Comments: One clarifying question was received from Council Member Crosby.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of 4-0, with Mayor Hepburn absent.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
8. Adoption of an Ordinance Updating the Fire Hazard Severity Zones ( FHSZ) Pursuant to Government Code Section 51178 and the California Fire Code. First Reading of an Ordinance updating the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone ( FHSZ) maps for Local Responsibility Areas ( LRAs) to reflect current fire risk conditions. The ordinance supports implementation of building standards, defensible space, real estate disclosures, and emergency planning in designated zones.
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce and waive further reading of Ordinance entitled, " AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES," accepting and implementing the updated California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ( CAL FIRE) Local Responsibility Area ( LRA) maps for La Verne.
Fire Chief Nigg reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: Council Member Johnson asked for an update on the Firewise program.
Minutes City Council 5/5/2025 Page 6
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of 4-0, with Mayor Hepburn absent
9. Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update - City Council Stakeholder Presentation and Discussion. Stakeholder presentation to the City Council on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update.
Recommendation: That the City Council provide input and appropriate direction to Staff regarding the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update.
Senior Management Analyst Nicole Houston reported on this item with input from KUTA Consultant Jacob Leon.
Public Comment: Sherry Best
Council Comments: Council Member Crosby inquired if the Teen Center was still part of this plan.
Council Member Lau inquired about park accessibility.
Council Member Johnson commented on the use of the school district fields to support our youth sports programs.
It was moved by Crosby to receive and file the report, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of 4-0, with Mayor Hepburn 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 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 received from: Kathy Kalousek
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 Crosby encouraged all to review the preliminary budget, also reminded everyone of the upcoming public hearing for Pomona Valley Transportation Authority ( PVTA), on Tuesday, May 20`h at 11:00 AM at Palomares Community Minutes City Council 5/5/2025 Page 7
Center in Pomona, there is a Library Commission meeting on Monday, May 19th at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, and asked for an update on the probation camps.
Council Member Lau reminded all the LA County Fair is here, opening day was last Friday, La Verne Day will be this coming Friday, May 9th, the ULV Scholarship Gala was last Saturday, it was a beautiful night, and a lot of money was raised for scholarships. Also, there is a Cultural Awareness and Social Inclusion ( CASI) meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 6th at 5:00 PM at Hillcrest in the Citrus Room, and Happy Mother's Day to all, and the new recreation guide is out, with all the information and events for the 4th of July.
Council Member Johnson attended the Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District Board meeting, the Wine Walk was discussed, and the possibility of changing the date next year. The Teacher of the Year Awards is on Tuesday, May 6th, where teachers from the school district will be honored.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita encouraged everyone to take care of each other, in light of his father's recent passing. It doesn't really matter if you're rich or educated, what matters is your good deeds, please be kind to one another.
City Manager Domer gave an update on the probation camps. We are working to set up meetings with the County and a possible online town hall for the community to hear directly from the Probation Department, and to be able to voice their concerns. We will keep people informed as we get information.
City Attorney Hall Barlow read the closed session item for the record.
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.
Meeting was recessed into Closed Session at 8:20 PM.
ADJOURNMENT - IN MEMORY OF DON POLLOCK.
Donald was a longtime University of La Verne professor and Claremont resident, who passed away on March 24. He was 71. Born on December 18, 1953, in New York City, Pollock moved to the West Coast after graduating from the State University of New York at Binghamton. He worked at the University of La Verne for 28 years, where he advanced to full professor and was named Professor Emeritus upon retirement. He led the broadcast journalism program and played a central role in developing its film curriculum.
Pollock brought deep industry experience, producing over 300 films across genres including documentaries, promotional pieces, and performances. His students went on to win more than a Minutes City Council 5/5/2025 Page 8
dozen Emmy Awards. He also helped establish La Verne Community Television ( LVTV), serving as station manager for over 20 years, and helped secure contracts for the University to operate PEG Access TV stations in La Verne and San Dimas.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Michelle Gonzales Pollock; daughter, Ariella Flora Gonzales Pollock Lustig ( Jonah) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; son, McKinley Morganfield Gonzales Pollock; and brother, Blair Pollock ( Rebekkah) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
ADJOURNMENT — the meeting was adjourned at 8:51 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
dick
Debra Fritz,
Deputy City Clerk
iICMC