CITYOFLAVERNE
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION & REGULAR
MEETING AGENDA OF MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2025
ACTION MINUTES
See italics"
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER — meeting was 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 Dourer, Assistant City Attorney Kranitz, and Assistant City Manager Ranells.
CLOSED SESSION TOPIC(S)
City Manager Domer read the Closed Session item(s) 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 Fire Middle Management, 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 — called to order at 6:38 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — ARMY VETERAN JUAN RODRIGUEZ
Mayor Pro Tern Kashifalghita, on behalf of the Council, presented PFC Juan Rodriguez with a Pride of La Verne certificate and thanked him for his service to our country.
Minutes City Council 8/18/2025 Page 2
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, Assistant City Attorney Kranitz, and Assistant City Manager Ranells.
PRESENTATION
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan - Community Risk Reduction Specialist Lonnie Shipman will be providing a brief overview on the current status of the City's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan update and encouraging residents and those who work in La Verne to participate in the survey and provide feedback and thoughts on hazards and risks in our City.
Fire Department Risk Reduction Specialist Shipman provided an overview of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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 to be safe now that school has opened.
Also, asked anyone that notices a problem with the trains or the signals to please contact Metro at 1-800-396-2166.
Council Member Johnson announced the start of the University of La Verne Men's Soccer schedule.
Council Member Lau reminded everyone Bonita High School Choir is hosting a clothing drive this Saturday, from 9:00 — 11:00 am at the high school.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita thanked those that attended the event at Damien High School to support the band and their efforts to raise money to attend the Macy's Day Parade. Donations are still needed.
Public Comments received from: Adrian Romero, LV Library Manager, and Josh Goldman, Chamber of Commerce Representative.
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.) After confirming no items were pulled by Council nor the Public, it was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau and approved S-0.
Minutes City Council 8/18/2025 Page 3
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session, Regular & Joint Public Financing Authority Meeting of August 4, 2025.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register(s) of Audited Demands in the following amounts:
Fiscal Year 2024-25
859,790.61 dated 07-24-25
824,838.64 dated 07-30-25
Fiscal Year 2025-26
1,998,724.09 dated 07-24-25
1,782,306.82 dated 07-30-25
Recommendation: That the City Council approved the audited demands. Approved
3. Quarterly Treasurer's Report Ending June 30, 2025. The Quarterly Treasurer's Report provides an overview of the City's cash and investment holdings as of June 30, 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 June 30, 2025. Approved
4. Body - Worn Camera & Digital Evidence Service Renewal. The Police Department is requesting approval to renew its agreement with Axon Enterprise Inc. for body - worn cameras, in - car video systems, and digital evidence management, as continued service is needed.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to renew the agreement with Axon Inc. for a new five-year term, ensuring continued use of these essential tools for accountability, transparency, evidence integrity, officer safety, and community trust. The 5 -year agreement total is $ 922,373.25 with a year one cost of $ 183,335.70. Approved
5. Resolution Canceling the September 2, 2025, City Council Meeting. The first meeting in September 2025 is requested to be canceled due to the Labor Day holiday and lack of business.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the attached Resolution titled " A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, CANCELING THE SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING." Approved
6. Finding the Wheeler Avenue Park Project is exempt under California Environmental Quality Act, California Code of Regulations Section 15302, Replacement or Reconstruction of Existing Structures and Facilities. 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 lighting, and play netting at Wheeler Avenue Park. Formal CEQA determination and submittal is required as part of the grant program.
Minutes City Council 8/18/2025 Page 4
Recommendation: That the City Council Adopt a Resolution titled, " A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, FINDING THE WHEELER
AVENUE PARK IMPROVEMENTS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PER CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS SECTION 15302 ( REPLACEMENT OR RECONSTRUCTION OF EXISTING FACILITIES)." Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. Make Findings of Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act and conduct a First Reading of Ordinances Regarding Zoning Amendments Related to Accessory Dwelling Units, Reasonable Accommodation, Two - Unit Housing Projects and Urban Lot Splits, and adding a new section on Historic Structures and an Amendment to Chapter
8.20 Relating to Noise ( Case Numbers 54-25ZA, 55-25ZA, 56-25ZA, 57-25ZA) as Recommended by the Planning Commission. State regulations require the City to bring the La Verne Municipal Code into compliance with State law and finalize implementing the General Plan. The proposed updates address accessory dwelling units ( ADUs), historic structures and noise regulations, reasonable accommodations, and two - unit housing projects and urban lot splits as addressed in the General Plan Update and recommended by the Planning Commission at its June 11, 2025, meeting.
Recommendation: That the City Council, based on recommendation of the Planning Commission, introduce by title only and waive further reading of the following ordinances:
1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA
AMENDING THE ZONING PROVISIONS OF THE LA VERNE MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW AND MAKING A
DETERMINATION THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080.17 ( Case Number 54-25ZA);
2. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA ADDING A NEW SECTION 2.56.090 RELATING TO HISTORIC STRUCTURES AND DELETING AND READOPTING CHAPTER 8.20 OF THE LA VERNE MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO NOISE TO IMPLEMENT THE ACTION ITEMS SET FORTH IN THE LA VERNE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ( Case Number 55-25ZA);
3. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING CHAPTER 18.116 AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 18.116 TO TITLE 18,
ZONING, OF THE LA VERNE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO REASONABLE
ACCOMMODATIONS POLICY AND PROCEDURES AND MAKING A
DETERMINATION THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS SECTION 15061(b)(3) ( Case Number 56- 25ZA); and,
4. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING CHAPTER 18.22 AND SECTION 16.12.060 OF THE LA VERNE
MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPLEMENT STATE LAWS CHANGES RELATING TO TWO -
UNIT HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS AND URBAN LOT SPLITS AND MAKING A
DETERMINATION THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 65852.21 AND 66411.7 ( Case Number 57-25ZA) Community Development Principal Planner Bowcock introduced this item, and DeNovo Group Consultant Amanda Tropiano provided a detailed presentation.
Minutes City Council 8/18/2025 Page 5
After Council discussion and clarification by Assistant City Attorney Kranitz, the public hearing was opened.
The Public Hearing for Item 7 Recommendation # 1 — Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units was opened.
Council Comments on Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units: None Public Comments: None
Item 7 Recommendation # 1, Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units was moved to introduce and waive further reading by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved 5-0.
The Public Hearing for Item 7 Recommendation # 2 — Historic Structures and the Noise Ordinance was opened.
Council Comments on Historic Structures & Noise ordinance: Council Member Crosby inquired if this Noise ordinance would affect the recent complaints regarding the pickleball courts at the park.
Public Comments: None
Amendment as stated by Assistant City Attorney Kranitz: Amendment to Section 2.56.090 to make the existing paragraph, subsection A to meet the definition of Historic Structures and delete the cross reference and make a new subsection B that states what Historic Structure means. Removing the language from 15.40.030 of the code directly, rather than including the cross-reference.
Item 7 Recommendation # 2 was moved to introduce as amended and waive further reading by Lau, seconded by Johnson, and approved 5-0.
The public hearing for Item 7 — Recommendation # 3 Reasonable Accommodations was opened.
Council Comments on Reasonable Accommodations: None
Public Comments: None
Item 7 Recommendation # 3 was moved to introduce and waive further reading by Kashifalghita, seconded by Crosby, and approved 5-0.
Minutes City Council 8/18/2025 Page 6
The public hearing for Item 7 Recommendation # 4 — Two - Unit Housing Development and Urban Lot Splits was opened.
Council Comments on Two - Unit Housing Development and Urban Lot Splits: None Public Comments; None
Item 7 recommendation # 4 was moved to introduce and waive further reading by Lau, seconded by Johnson, and approve 5-0.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
8. Los Angeles Metro Lone Hill Avenue to White Avenue Double - Track Project Update and Traffic Signal Concept Discussion. Los Angeles Metro is nearing completion of the design phase for the Lone Hill Avenue to White Avenue Double - Track Project, which aims to improve track reliability and safety along the Metrolink rail corridor through City of La Verne.
Recommendation: That the City Council provide concurrence with the proposed design updates presented, including signalization of a U -Turn pocket on Arrow Highway that will be constructed as part of the regional transportation improvements.
City Engineer Howing introduced this item and J.C. Montenegro, the Metro Local Government and Community Relations Manager for San Gabriel Valley provided an update to Council and highlighted some potential changes to the project. Also provided updates to Council was Brian Valderrama, Deputy Executive Office for Region Rail and Project Manager for the Lone Hill to White Double - Track project.
Council Discussion and Comments were regarding clarification on the location of the U-turn pocket. concerns over the traffic flow and the queueing of cars waiting to turn, inquired regarding the next traffic study, and the signalization and cross arms on the tracks.
Public Comments: None
Follow up Council Comment: Council Member Lau inquired regarding any additional funding that might be required for this U Turn pocket.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau and approved 5-0 to provide concurrence with the proposed design updates and changes presented.
9. City Council Committee and Liaison Assignments for 2025-2026. The City Council designates members to serve on City Council committees, regional boards and committees, and as liaisons to various City Committees, Commissions, and Boards, among other Community groups in order to continue to be informed and partake in local and regional issues. This action will designate current members to serve until the process is redone after the November 2026 election, unless performed earlier.
Minutes City Council 8/18/2025 Page 7
Recommendation: That the City Council review the list of assignments and select members to represent the City Council on the designated committees.
City Manager Domer reported on this item.
Council discussion: Each Council committee and liaison assignment was discussed and delegates and liaisons were agreed upon.
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Lau, seconded by Kashifalghita, to approve the changes to the Council Assignments and Committee Liaisons as noted.
Follow up request from Council regarding an administrative item: Adding the recently agreed upon Committees to their calendars with meeting locations and times.
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 comments 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 La Verne residents: Kathy Kalousek, Archie Hamm, Yvonne Gallegos
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 BiII 1234.
Council Member Crosby attended the San Dimas Canyon Golf Committee meeting, the wedding venue has been updated, National Night Out was a great success, great job to the Parks & Recreation Department for last week's Ability Dance, over 200 people attended.
Council Member Johnson the Gold Line should be up and running by the time we meet next time.
Council Member Lau thanked everyone who contributed to National Night Out, it was a great night the community was out in full force. The first day of school has started at ULV. It is interesting to note the new students moving into the campus as residents have come from 25 nations as well as 31 different states in the US, it is also one of the largest groups of transfer students in the history of the University. On September 8th ULV will be hosting their Golf Minutes City Council 8/18/2025 Page 8
Tournament, and the Men's Soccer Tournament on August 20t at 8:00 pm. Just a reminder, the very first Council Forum will be this Monday, at Hillcrest.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita thanked everyone for an amazing night for the National Night Out, the La Verne Police Department and al! that made it happen, and to reiterate support Damien High School band. Attended the Mosquito Vector Board meeting, was the acting President, wants all to be aware as the mosquitos are everywhere take precautions if you're out enjoying our wildlife.
Mayor Hepburn watch for the wildlife if you are out at night in north La Verne, watch for wildlife in our roadways. Kudos to a!! our guys and retired annuitants and retirees out offire assignment, we are always thinking about them and what they are doing for the wonderful communities they are serving, to help out these other agencies, while we remain fully staffed here in La Verne. The next meeting on September 2"d is cancelled we will meet again on Monday, September 15,' .
ADJOURNMENT — meeting was adjourned at 8:31 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
1/4.0A)k. 4
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk