CITY OF LA VERNE
VERNE
*
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION & THE REGULAR
MEETING OF THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, MAY 19, 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 Rick Crosby, Council Member Steven F. Johnson, Council Member Wendy Lau, Mayor Pro Tem Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita, and Mayor Tim Hepburn.
Council Members Present: Crosby, Johnson, Lau, Kashifalghita, and Hepburn.
Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, 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 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 v. City of La Verne, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24STCV34625.
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 6:33 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - ARMY VETERAN JOSEPH MAGALLANES
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita, on behalf of the City Council, presented Joseph with a Pride of La Verne certificate and thanked him for his service to our country.
Minutes City Council 5/19/2025 Page 2
ROLL CALL Council Member Rick Crosby, Council Member Steven F. Johnson, Council Member Wendy Lau, Mayor Pro Tem Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita, and Mayor Tim Hepburn.
Council Members Present: Crosby, Johnson, Lau, Kashifalghita, and Hepburn.
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Ken Domer, City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow, and Assistant City Manager JR Ranells.
PRESENTATIONS
University of La Verne Baseball Team - For the first time since 2015, the University of La Verne (ULV) baseball team has been crowned the 2025 SCIAC Tournament Champions, securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. In a thrilling championship finale, the Leopards rallied past Pomona-Pitzer for a dramatic 9-7 victory. ULV has enjoyed an outstanding season, boasting a 34-9 record and an impressive 79% winning percentage, which they look to carry into their postseason run. The team is led by head coach Scott Winterburn, with support from assistant coaches Keith Prager, Ralph Grajeda, Justin Duarte, Gabe Miranda, Matt Durant, and Luke Garcia.
ULV, Baseball Coach Scott Winterburn was presented with a certificate honoring the baseball teams outstanding season, hard work, dedication and perseverance, and also presented a certificate of recognition from State Assembly Member John Harabedian.
University of La Verne Volleyball Team - The incredible 2024 University of La Verne volleyball season ended in the NCAA Division III Volleyball Championship Quarterfinals, when the Leopards fell in four sets to No. 1 seed and two-time defending National Champions Juniata College. The Leopards advanced a round further than last year and finished with their best season since 2009 when they ended as the national runner-up. La Verne completed the season 26-6 with an NCAA Regional Championship, the program's first SCIAC Tournament Championship, two All-Americans, three All-Region selections, and four All-SCIAC awards.
ULV, Director of Athletics Jenna Panatier was presented with a certificate honoring the volleyball teams outstanding achievement and also presented a certificate of recognition from State Assembly Member John Harabedian.
Public Works Week Proclamation - The third week of May is distinguished as Public Works Week, onoring the value and necessity of the Public Works Department. During this time we recogniz now public works professionals contribute to and enhance the quality of life in La Verne The Public Works Department was presented with a proclamation honoring the vital role and numerous services that they provide to support the City.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Month Proclamation - Every May, we honor the role that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders play in developing this nation and the benefits that they add to the La Verne community.
The owner of Nambah Coffee, Maha, was presented with the proclamation.
Minutes City Council 5/19/2025 Page 3
Police Department Introductions - The Police Department presented recognition awards to two personnel: Officer Zachary Fidler, and Community Services Officer Daisy Pulido.
Chief Gonzalez introduced Officer Fidler and CSO Pulido as the first recipients of a new police department program: Employee of the Quarter Recognition. This is a peer driven program that acknowledges those who are seen doing more, showing leadership, working together, and staying connected to the community. Both received an engraved acrylic award.
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 received from: Andrea Blockinger, City Employee regarding Tri-City Mental Health programs, Kathy Kalousek, VP of the LV Historical Society, and Adrian Romero LV Library Manager.
Council Comments received from: Mayor Hepburn regarding the Los Padrinos facility depopulation and the relocation to other camps. Staff is working with the County Supervisors regarding this matter.
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 Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved 5-0.
1. City Council Minutes of the Study, Regular and Closed Session of May 5, 2025.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $203,876.17, dated 04/30/25, and in the amount of $2,255,307.63, dated 05/07/25.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the demands. Approved
3. Adoption of Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) Pursuant to Government Code Section 51178 and the California Fire Code. Second 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 adopt an 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.
Approved
4. Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 6 and Special Zones, Engineer's Report. Pursuant to the requirements of the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972, Minutes City Council 5/19/2025 Page 4
part of Division 15 of the Streets and Highway Code of the State of California, an Engineer's Report for Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 6, including special zones (those areas receiving specific benefits in addition to the special citywide benefit) has been prepared for City Council approval. Said approval sets the levy of assessments for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 and schedules the public hearing for June 16, 2025.
Recommendation: That City Council adopt the attached Resolution, approving on a preliminary basis the Engineer's Report, and setting the public hearing for June 16, 2025.
Approved
5. Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 7, Engineer's Report. Pursuant to the provisions of Division 15, Part 2, of the Streets and Highway Code, an Engineer's Report for Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 7 (La Verne Heights III) has been prepared for City Council preliminary approval. Said approval sets the levy of assessments for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 and schedules the public hearing for June 16, 2025.
Recommendation: That City Council adopt the attached Resolution, approving on a preliminary basis the Engineer's Report, and setting the public hearing for June 16, 2025.
Approved
6. Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 8, Engineer's Report. Pursuant to the provisions of Division 15, Part 2, of the Streets and Highways Code, an Engineer's Report for Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 8 (Marshall Canyon Estates Specific Plan development) has been prepared for City Council preliminary approval. Said approval sets the levy of assessments for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 and schedules the public hearing for June 16, Recommendation: That City Council adopt the attached Resolution, approving on a preliminary basis the Engineer's Report, and setting the public hearing for June 16, 2025.
Approved
7. Maintenance District No. 84-1M, Esperanza Road Slopes, Engineer's Report. Attached for City Council review is the Engineer's Report for Maintenance District No. 84-1M. The report contains a reference to the existing plans and specifications for the area to be maintained, the estimated cost to maintain for the Fiscal Year (FY) July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, and the assessment diagram.
Recommendation: That City Council adopt the attached Resolution, approving on a preliminary basis the Engineer's Report, and setting the public hearing for June 16, 2025.
Approved
8. Update to the Rules for the Conduct of City Council Meetings. The Rules for the Conduct of City Council Meetings is contained within Administrative Regulation 121, originally adopted in 2019, to ensure respectful and professional conduct among all meeting participants. The Administration Regulation is being updated to reflect current practices for virtual public participation via Zoom or other virtual platform.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the update to Administrative Regulation 121:
The Rules for the Conduct of City Council meetings. Approved
9. Approval of the Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District Annual Report and Intention to Levy an Annual Assessment. The 2024-2025 annual report for the Old Town La Minutes City Council 5/19/2025 Page 5
Verne Business Improvement District has been prepared for review by the City Council. Per state law, the City Council is required to declare its intention to hold a public hearing to levy annual assessments for the businesses located within the district area.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the 2024-2025 Annual Report for the Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District (BID; and,
2. Adopt the attached Resolution declaring the City's intention to levy an annual assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for the BID at their meeting on June 2, 2025.
Both recommendations above were approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
10. First Reading of an Ordinance Changing the Date of the City's Municipal General Election. First Reading of an Ordinance changing the date of the City's Municipal General Election from alternating dates in March and June in even years to be consolidated with the November Statewide General Election.
Recommendation: Introduce by title only and waive further reading of an Ordinance titled, "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA,
CHANGING THE DATE OF THE CITY'S GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION FROM THE DATE
OF THE STATEWIDE PRIMARY IN ELECTION YEARS TO THE DATE OF THE STATEWIDE
GENERAL ELECTION (FIRST TUESDAY AFTER FIRST MONDAY IN NOVEMBER) IN ELECTION YEARS."
City Manager Domer reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments: Council Member Crosby has concerns regarding possible resident confusion due to the boundary districts for City elections being different than the school board election districts. There are towns that have them both together, we do not.
Council Member Johnson asked if the districts would stay the same. They will.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Kashifalghita, and approved 5-0.
11. Authorization to Hire a Retired Annuitant as Range Master for Oversight of Firing Range Use by Outside Agency. The Los Angeles County Probation Department has requested to utilize the City's firing range for an agreed upon fee. The City does not have staff capacity to ensure safe operations during the requested use but has identified retired Sergeant Martin Weinreb who possesses the training and experience to provide this service. The recommended action is requested to comply with the California Public Employee's Retirement System regulations related to such retired annuitant appointments.
Minutes City Council 5/19/2025 Page 6
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to appoint a retired annuitant pursuant to Government Code section 21224 under the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to temporarily serve as a Range Master for oversight of the City's firing range during use by an external law enforcement agency.
This item was removed from the discussion calendar pending further communication from CalPERS. Item will be brought back at a future meeting.
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.
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 Bill 1234.
Council Comments: Council Member Lau reminded everyone the last day of the LA County Fair is May 26, and thanked the staff and residents that attended the Strategic Plan meeting on Saturday, May 17. There is a Tri-City Mental Health meeting on Wednesday, May 21 at 5:00 PM, and the Memorial Day Ceremony is at the FW Hall on Monday, May 26. ULV Baccalaureate and Commencement events will take place May 30 and May 31.
Council Member Crosby dittoed Council Member Lau's comments.
Council Member Johnson thanked the staff that were at the Strategic Planning meeting, it went really well.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita attended the SG Valley Mosquito Vector Control Board meeting, encouraged everyone to remove any standing water, and mosquito fish are available if you're interested.
Mayor Hepburn thanked staff for the study session, it's important for Council to understand the cur residens and department backbone of the either actives, sure ecated she trance react for and deficits. The LA County Supervisors' meeting is on May 27.
ADJOURNMENT - the meeting was adjourned at 7:46 PM.
Minutes City Council 5/19/2025 Page 7
The Council adjourned the meeting in honor of Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita's father who passed away on May 3, may he rest in peace, condolences on your loss.
Council also expressed condolences to Rosemary Hunter and Family on the recent passing of their family member Gary Hunter, a long-time La Verne resident and friend to many.
Respectfully submitted,
Debe Arif
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk