CITY OF LA VERNE
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION, REGULAR & JOINT
PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING OF
AUGUST 4, 2025
ACTION MINUTES
"SEE ITALICS"
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER - meeting called to order at 5:30 PM
ROLL CALL Council Member Steven F. Johnson, Council Member Wendy Lau, Council Member Rick Crosby, Mayor Pro Tem Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita, and Mayor Tim Hepburn.
Council Members Present: Crosby, Johnson, Lau, Kashifalghita, and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, City Attorney Hall Barlow, and Assistant City Manager Ranells.
CLOSED SESSION TOPICS
City Attorney Hall Barlow read the Closed Session items) into the record. It is not anticipated to have any report out.
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, La Verne Fire Middle Management 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.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): National Opioid Settlement: Purdue Pharma L.P. USDC, Northern District of Ohio, MDL No. 2804, Rubris Reference Number: CL - 1732251.
National Opioid Settlement: Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun, Zydus, USDC, Northern District of Ohio, MDL No. 2804, Rubris Reference Number: CL - 1763034.
The City Council will recess and reconvene at 6:30 PM for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
REGULAR AND JOINT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING AT 6:30 PM- called to order at 6:31 PM.
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After meeting in closed session, City Attorney Hall Barlow reported on the existing litigation for Opioids settlements, any jurisdiction which wishes to participate is required to opt in affirmatively and so on motion by Crosby, seconded by Lau, the Council approved the City's participation in those settlements with a vote of 5-0.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - LIFE SCOUT SEVASTIAN PERLA, BOY SCOUT TROOP 411 Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita, on behalf of the Council, presented Sevastian with a Pride of La Verne certificate and thanked him for his commitment to the community.
ROLL CALL Council Member Steven F. Johnson, Council Member Wendy Lau, Council Member Rick Crosby, Mayor Pro Tem Meshal "Kash" Kashifalghita, and Mayor Tim Hepburn.
Council Members Present: Crosby, Johnson, Lau, Kashifalghita, and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, City Attorney Hall Barlow, and Assistant City Manager Ranells.
PRESENTATIONS
Special Presentation - Congressmen Gil Cisneros presented Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita with an award from the Congressional Dad's Caucus.
LVGSA 10U Softball All-Star Team. The 2025 LVGSA 10U All-Star team compiled a record of 23- 12-2 during the All-Star season. The team won the Chino Hills Tournament, placing 1s' out of 17 teams. They placed 4** in the Northern B District Tournament which qualified them for the B State Championships. In the B State Championships, the team went 5-2 finishing 7th out of 42 teams which qualified them for Nationals. The team then traveled to Roseville, California to compete in Nationals where they went 2-3-1. The team was managed by Nik Reppuhn and coached by Jeremy Juarez, Eric Logan, Ashley LoPresto, Josh Carrillo, and James Pulver. The team roster is as follows:
Allison Loaiza Aubrey Carrillo Brynn Juarez
Ellie Nava Faye Mendoza Helen Pulver Julia Nava
Nora Yau Penny St. Pierre Piper Reppuhn Reese Hawkins
Riley Heslop Taylor Logan
Council presented certificates and In-N-Out gift cards to the Team, photos were taken including Congressmen Cisneros.
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.)
Council Announced: Mayor Hepburn reminded everyone of the upcoming National Night Out and the final concert in the park on Sunday, August 10.
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Council Member Crosby reminded everyone of the Luau Dance for those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on Friday.
Public Comments received from: Adrian Romero, LV Library Manager; Cohen and Gary from Damien High School Park Regiment Marching Band announced the upcoming car show fundraiser; Gene Quinn; and Danita Beauchamp, LV Resident.
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.) The Consent Calendar had four items pulled for discussion (Items 2, 6, 7, 9). The remainder of the consent calendar was approved by a vote of 5-0, so moved by Crosby and seconded by Lau.
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular meeting of July 7, 2025.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved ni l Register of Audited Demands in the amounts of:
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Fiscal Year 2025-2026
$679,175.55 dated 06/25/25 $35,060.40 dated 07/01/25
$517,888.94 dated 07/02/25 $4,711,426.39 dated 07/09/25 $728,344.44 dated 07/09/25 $1,408,533.81 dated 07/17/25 $656,470.90 dated 07/16/25
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the audited demands.
Item 2 was pulled due to questions regarding the amounts and some specific items.
Public Comment: Rick Bowen
Council Comment/Discussion: After discussion, it was moved by Crosby, seconded by Kashifalghita, and approved 5-0.
3. Adoption of 2025 Cross-Connection Control Plan. In response to updated regulations adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board in December 2023, public water suppliers are required to implement a Cross-Connection Control Plan (CCCP) by July 1, 2025. While Council approval is not explicitly required, staff is recommending formal adoption to ensure transparency and support regulatory compliance. The updated CCCP replaces Resolution No. 88-49 and reflects current state guidelines, including revised inspection protocols, staff responsibilities, and enforcement procedures.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the attached resolution adopting the City of La Verne's 2025 Cross-Connection Control Plan and authorize the Public Works Director or his/her designee to implement the plan and to make minor administrative revisions as necessary to maintain compliance with applicable regulations. Approved Minutes City Council 8/4/2025 Page 4
4. FY 2025-26 Used Oil Payment Program Resolution. The California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery requires an adopted resolution from the governing body to authorize the submittal of grant applications and to designate a responsible party to administer the program. Staff is requesting approval of a new resolution to authorize the Director of Public Works, or their designee, to submit applications for the Used Oil Payment Program and execute all necessary documents to implement and, if awarded, accept funds for the program through Fiscal Year 2029-30.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE
SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES, RECYCLING AND RECOVERY FOR THE USED OIL PAYMENT PROGRAM," authorizing the Director of Public Works, or designee, to submit grant applications, accept grant funds, and execute any resulting grant agreements, amendments and expenditure reports for Fiscal Year 2025-26 through Fiscal Year 2029-30. Approved
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month Proclamation Request. The City Council is being requested to approve and present a proclamation in September recognizing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month. Per City policy, non-annual proclamations require Council approval on the consent calendar prior to presentation.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve presenting a proclamation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month at the September 2nd City Council meeting. Approved
6. Agreements Relating to Housing Project at 3960 Fruit Street (Lutheran High School Site) - Villages at Legacy Green Project. LSA Associates, Inc. (LSA) is under contract with the City of La Verne to prepare technical environmental studies for a proposed residential project on the former Lutheran High School site. City staff recently directed LSA to expand the scope of work to include two City-owned parcels totaling approximately 0.15 acres for the development of two affordable housing units. As a result of this change, LSA has submitted a contract amendment for additional costs and Staff is also proposing a Reimbursement Agreement with Lewis Management Corp.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve an amended Professional Service Agreement with LSA Associates, Inc. to perform CEQA services related to the Villages at Legacy Green development project and approve the Reimbursement Agreement with Lewis Management Corp.
Item 6 was pulled due to questions regarding an amendment to the agreement for EIR work with LSA to add two city-owned properties to it as part of the Villages at Legacy Green Project (former Lutheran High School).
Public Comment: Rick Bowen, Sherry Best, and Cynthia Gabaldon.
Council Comment/Discussion: After discussion it was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau, and approved 5-0.
7. Authorization to Execute a Renewed Agreement for City Attorney Services. Consideration of a renewed agreement with Jones Mayer for City Attorney services, continuing the engagement of Kimberly Hall Barlow. The proposed update replaces the 2023 version and reflects current legal standards, service rates, and best practices.
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Recommendation: That the City Council approve an agreement with Jones Mayer for continued City Attorney services.
Item 7 was pulled due to questions regarding the renewal of the City Attorney agreement.
Public Comment: Rick Bowen
Council Comment/Discussion: After discussion it was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau and approved 5-0.
8. 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Application The City of La Verne is eligible to apply for a competitive grant through the State Land and Water Conservation Fund. Funding will be used to replace and upgrade the basketball court surfaces, field netting, and field lighting at Wheeler Avenue Park. A signed resolution from the City Council is required to authorize submission of the grant application.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopted a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE
APPLICATION FOR LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND WHEELER AVENUE PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT." Approved
9. Special Assignment Stipend for Exempt Employees for Specialty Assignments Request for City Council authorization for the City Manager to develop an Administrative Regulation establishing a Special Assignment Stipend for exempt employees assigned to City-designated projects that require duties beyond their regular responsibilities. The policy will initially support the City's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) financial systems software implementation effort.
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to develop and implement an Administrative Regulation to provide a Special Assignment Stipend for exempt employees assigned to qualifying special projects; and
2. Receive and file this report for informational purposes.
Item 9 was pulled due to questions regarding the Special Stipend.
Public Comment: Rick Bowen
Council Comment/Discussion: After discussion it was moved by Crosby, seconded by Kashifalghita and approved 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Confirmation of Weed Abatement Clearance Charges for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The Los Recommendation: That the City Council confirm the list of charges and direct the County Auditor to enter the assessment against the parcels of land on the current assessment roll.
LA County Weed Abatement Division Inspector Nanette Cardenas reported on this item after Council Member Johnson recused himself and left the dais.
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Public Comment: Laura Melkesian spoke on concerns about debris piles left after abatement.
Council Comments/Discussion: After discussion, it was moved by Lau, seconded by Crosby, and approved 4-0 with Johnson recused.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
11. Authorization to Initiate Proposition 218 Process for Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments.
As a best practice, municipal water agencies should conduct rate studies to ensure rates are tair, sustainable, and reflective of the true cost of providing services. The City's existing water and sewer rates, last updated in 2018, are no longer sufficient to sustain operations and, based on a new rate study by a third-party consultant, developed in conjunction with the Water and Sewer Ad Hoc Committee, new rates are recommended. Staff is proposing to initiate the Proposition 218 notification and protest process, along with procedures for the public hearing and responding to objections under new state guidelines.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve a Resolution initiating proceedings under Proposition 218 by setting a Public Hearing date of November 3, 2025, for proposed adjustments to the City's water and sewer rates;
2. Authorize the City Clerk, or their designee, to provide notice of the public hearing in accordance with Proposition 218's requirements; and,
3. Approve a Resolution establishing revised procedures for the conduct of the public hearing and majority protest process, including adoption of an Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies procedure (Assembly Bill 2257) in accordance with Government Code sections 53759.1 and 53759.2.
Public Works Director Wu reported on this item, with additional input from Raftelis Financial Consultants Representative Jeremy Tamargo.
Comments received from: Raymond Swain, AD Hoc Water & Sewer Rate Study Committee Chair.
Public Comments: Danita Beauchamp, Robin Carder, Elias Torado, Kathy Newlan, Cynthia Gabaldon, Rick Bowen, Unidentified Woman, and Jaime Riley.
Council Comments/Discussion: After discussion, Scenario 5 was moved by Lau, seconded by Kashifalghita, and approved by a vote of 4-1, Crosby dissenting.
Council presented members of the Ad Hoc Water & Sewer Rate Study Committee with Pride of La Verne certificates in appreciation of their hard work, commitment and dedication.
THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECESS TO MEET AS THE LA VERNE JOINT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY; FOLLOWING THE CITY COUNCIL WILL IMMEDIATELY RECONVENE.
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Council recessed at 9:38 PM to meet at the La Verne Joint Public Financing Authority.
LA VERNE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
12. Resolutions Adopting Budgets for La Verne Mobile Country Club Mobile Home Park and Valley Rancho Mobile Home Park. Annually, the La Verne Public Financing Authority reviews and approves the operating budgets for the two City-owned mobile home parks. The budgets do not reflect significant changes from previous years and are attached for the La Verne Public Financing Authority's consideration and adoption.
Recommendation: That the La Verne Public Financing Authority:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE LA VERNE PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR LA VERNE MOBILE COUNTRY CLUB MOBILE HOME PARK," and
2. Adopt the attached Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE LA VERNE PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR VALLEY RANCHO MOBILE HOME PARK."
Assistant City Manager Ranells reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Comments/Discussion: After discussion it was moved by Crosby, seconded by Johnson, and approved 5-0.
THE LA VERNE JOINT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY WILL ADJOURN AND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL IMMEDIATELY RECONVENE.
The Regular City Council meeting was reconvened at 9:43 PM
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 received from: Andrew McKindley, Pat Widolff, Rory McNair, Robin Carder, Rick Bowen, Laura Melkesian, Cynthia Serner-Tiner, Gil Ivey, and Danita Beauchamp.
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.
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Council Comments: Council Member Lau thanked all the staff and volunteers for their efforts that were integral in making the 4'h of July a success. ULV was gifted with the legislative archives of Grace Napolitano, they are on display at the University if you would like to view them.
Condolences to the Wheatley family, Carroll was a wonderful individual.
Council Member Crosby thanked La Verne Police Department Officers Association for hosting the Movie in the Park and supporting the residents. Also, there are currently Committee positions open a mailer was sent to all residents, if you're interested, please apply. Wants to follow up on cost of reducing noise of the pickleball court. Condolences to the Wheatley family, Carroll was a pillar, he advocated for all to do and be involved.
Council Member Johnson attended the JPIA meeting last month, which is an amazing organization and helps our City out. Costs would be significantly higher if the City had to go through private insurance companies. Having this Joint Powers Authority working for us is a tremendous deal. Shout out to our Police Department we appreciated all that they do, working with LA Impact and the cooperation with the City has made a real difference in our community.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita thanked City staff for all the hard work on the 4'' of July events, and the support from the Friends of the Fourth. Would like some educational materials for parents regarding E-Bikes, they go fast and kids should be safe, wearing helmets. As part of the Mosquito Vector Control Board please remove any standing water, please let me know if you see an abundance of mosquitoes in your area and the Vector Board can send someone out. Support the Damien High School marching band.
Mayor Hepburn thanked the Ad Hoc Committee, it was a lot of work, and they brought some great stuff to us. Mayor Hepburn asked City Manger Domer to make his comments regarding the fire issue.
City Manager Domer gave an update on LA County terminating its Fire Service contract with Pomona effective April 16, 2026. He stated the City's Fire Department is unique in that we have an automatic aid agreement with LA County Fire and the Department goes into the City of Pomona on many calls. There is mutual support that goes both ways between the Cittes and therefore the termination of Pomona's fire services contract by LA County Fire will have consequences for fire and EMS within both the City of Pomona and the City of La Verne. Hence, Chief Nigg and his executive team have been monitoring this issue closely and keeping in contact with each side. On July Th the Pomona City Council gave direction to its City Manager to explore several options to include: (1) to remain and pay over $8 million more for the legacy LA Fire contract; (2) to reestablish the Pomona Fire Department, disbanded in 1994; or (3) to transition to participate in some regional collaboration. He continued that Chief Nigg and he have had initial conversations with Pomona staff about alternatives and potential collaboration for all three options. Given the importance of high quality, regional fire and emergency medical services the City will continue to provide information as needed to the City of Pomona. The Pomona City Council is receiving an update in September about their options and alternatives, and at that time, Chief Nigg would provide an update on this important regional issue.
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City Manager Domer spoke about Assembly Bill 130 which sets forth new guidelines for Homeowner Associations (HOA) in which they cannot fine a resident for a violation of more than $100 after an extensive process that is put in place and recorded. Our authority to enforce property maintenance codes within an HOA gated community are limited as it has to be seen within the public view, and those are private streets. Our Code Enforcement does not go into an HOA community to enforce those codes. City Attorney Hall Barlow stated the critical piece is that HOA Boards are allowed to make determination as to rules that are health and safety driven, so that the limitation of $100 fine will not apply to those rules that are driven by health and safety.
City Manager Domer gave an overview of the change to the election date timeframe which appeared on the May 19' Council Agenda.
Applications for our various Committees, Commissions and Boards will be accepted until August 28'h. A mailer was recently sent to all residents, if you are interested in participating, we encourage you to apply.
Mayor Hepburn thanked our Police Chief and his staff for their fine work on a number of issues recently within La Verne. Great Work by All! Thank you to the Ad Hoc Committee. Take note our final concert in the Park is this weekend and great job by LVOA on their movie nights.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment in memory of Carroll Wheatley. Carroll was a beloved La Verne resident, community leader, and devoted family man, passed peacefully on July 14 surrounded by his loved ones. Originally from Springfield, Illinois, Carroll attended Elmhurst University on a basketball scholarship and later received the distinguished Lincoln Academy Award for leadership and academic excellence. He went on to become a senior partner at Laughlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi, LLP and was a founding member of the African American Workers' Compensation Professionals. Deeply committed to justice and inclusion, he served on the La Verne Cultural Awareness Committee and the Los Angeles Fairplex Watertec Committee, working to empower youth and give voice to those facing discrimination. He also served on the board at Hillcrest. Known for his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering spirit, Carroll continued to inspire others even in the face of illness, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and dedicated service to his community. Condolences to his family.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Fits
Debra Fritz, CMC &
Deputy City Clerk