CITYOFLAVERNE
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION & REGULAR MEETIN OF THE
CITY COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 15, 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 TOPIC
City Attorney Hall Barlow read the closed session items for the record. It is anticipated there will be no 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 Association, La Verne Police Officers Association, La Verne Police 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.
The City Council recessed at 5:32 PM and will 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 6:34 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - US MARINE CORP, IRAQ VETERAN KEVIN SMITH Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita, on behalf of the City Council, presented Kevin with a Pride of La Verne certificate.
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
Minutes City Council 12/15/2025 Page 2
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, City Attorney Hall Barlow, and Assistant City Manager Ranells.
PRESENTATIONS
Bonita High School Boys' Water Polo 2025 - The Bonita Boy's Water Polo team finished the 2025 season with an overall record of 23-12 and placed second in the Palomares League. The team advanced to the CIF playoffs where they had the number 8 seed and after 4 rounds of play and a goal differential of 68-49, the team advanced to the championship game against the number 2 overall seed, Temecula Valley High School, where they won the Division 3 CIF Championship with a score of 10-9. The team was coached by Dillon Unsoeld and assisted by Cody Lehotsky and Bryce Riihimaki.
Julian Falk
Bradley Radnotti
Andres Parra
Carbon Snider
Bronx Aponte
Eian Bane
Ethan Beltran
Gary Watson
Jeffrey Heaton
Jayden Diekmann
Carsen Mayville
Adien Minter
Evan Andrade
Giancarlo Garcia
Antonio Finnianos
Matt Humpert
Jake Spielbuehler
Bareden Scoffinger
Council presented each player with a Pride of La Verne certificate and an In - n - Out gift card.
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 Announcements: Mayor Hepburn thanked staff for the numerous successful City Events that occurred recently.
Council Member Johnson announced the upcoming concert at the Church of the Brethren on Sunday, December 215 at 4:00 PM.
Council Member Lau reminded everyone of the upcoming Blood Drive at the University of La Verne on Thursday, December 18`x' from 10:00 am to 4:00 PM.
Public Announcements: Sherry Best and Kathy Kalousek, LV Historical Society, Adrian Romero, L V Library.
City Attorney Hall Barlow announced a fundraiser she is performing in, of It's a Wonderful Life.
Tickets are still available, performance will run from Thursday, December l8t" through Sunday, December 21".
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.) Minutes City Council 12/15/2025 Page 3
Consent Calendar Item # 2 was pulled for further discussion; the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved by a vote of 5-0.
1. City Council Minutes of the Regular and Closed Session meeting of December 1, 2025.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $ 2,252,716.47, dated 11/19/25 and in the amount of $ 1,432,600.83, dated 11/25/25, and in the amount of $ 2,926,471.32, dated 12/03/25.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the audited demands.
After further discussion regarding the RKA invoicing process, this item was approved 5-0.
3. Authorization to Purchase Advanced Metering Infrastructure ( AMI) Digital Water Meters.
Authorization of sole source purchase of Advanced Metering Infrastructure ( AMI) digital water meters from HydroPro Solutions, Inc.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to issue a sole - source purchase order to HydroPro Solutions, Inc., an authorized distributor of Master Meter's Advanced Metering Infrastructure ( AMI) digital water meters, registers, skirts, and related components in the amount not to exceed 540,000.00; and
2. Approve the use of funds previously appropriated from Fund 507 ( Water Capital Improvement Funds) to CIP Project No. WT2304; and
3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all purchase orders and related documents necessary to complete this procurement, up to the total appropriated amounts approved by the City Council.
All recommendations as stated above were approved.
4. Development Impact Fee Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025. Pursuant to Government Code Section 66006, this report provides detailed information on the collection, interest earned, expenditures, and balances of the City's development impact fees as of June 30, 2025. During the fiscal year, the Park Development and Storm Drain Funds incurred expenditures, while the remaining funds did not and continue to hold balances for future projects. This report is submitted in compliance with State legislative requirements.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive, file, and make available to the public the Development Impact Fee Annual Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and adopt the required five-year findings pursuant to Government Code Section 66001(d). Approved
5. Resolution Cancelling the January 5, 2026 City Council meeting. The first meeting in January 2026, is proposed to be canceled due to the Christmas and New Year holidays and tentative agenda schedule with no items requiring immediate City Council action. Accordingly, the canceling of a City Council Meeting is being placed on the agenda, so the City Council can formally adopt a resolution to cancel the meeting.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Resolution cancelling the January 5, 2026 meeting. Approved
Minutes
PUBLIC HEARINGS
City Council 12/15/2025 Page 4
6. Adoption of Urgency Ordinance and introduction of regular Ordinance adopting the 2026 Los Angeles County Building Code, 2025 Fire Code, and the Green Building Code by Reference. The adoption of the 2026 Los Angeles County Building, the 2025 California Fire Code, and the Green Buildings Standards Code are required under the California Health and Safety Code. These codes are established to provide the City of La Verne with the minimum construction and property maintenance standards that promote the health and welfare of the public, to make buildings more efficient in the use of materials and energy, and to reduce environmental impact during and after construction. On November 25, 2025, the County of Los Angeles adopted an amended version of these codes, and it is necessary for the City of La Verne to adopt these changes.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Hold a duly noticed public hearing and adopt the attached Urgency Ordinance adopting Title 26 — Building Code of the Los Angeles County Code, Title 27 — Electrical Code of the Los Angeles County Code, Title 28 — Plumbing Code of the Los Angeles County Code, Title 29 — Mechanical Code of the Los Angeles County Code, Title 30 — Residential Code of the Los Angeles County Code, Title 24 Part 9 — California Fire Code including Appendices Chapters 4, B, C, D, and I, Title 24 Part 7 — Wildland-Urban Interface Code which includes Appendices Chapters A, B, C, D, F, G, H and I, Title 24 Part 11 — California Green Building Code, and the City of La Verne amendments to portions of these codes also known as the 2025 California Building Standards Code, by reference, with certain changes and modifications, and making revisions thereto; and
2. Introduce by title only, waive reading an Ordinance adopting Title 26 — Building Code of the Los Angeles County Code, Title 27 — Electrical Code of the Los Angeles County Code, Title 28 — Plumbing Code of the Los Angeles County Code, Title 29 — Mechanical Code of the Los Angeles County Code, Title 30 — Residential Code of the Los Angeles County Code, Title 24 Part 9 — California Fire Code including Appendices Chapters 4, B, C, D, and I, Title 24 Part 7 — Wildland-Urban Interface Code which includes Appendices Chapters A, B, C, D, F, G, H and I, Title 24 Part 11 — California Green Building Code, and the City of La Verne amendments to portions of these codes also known as the 2025 California Building Standards Code, by reference, with certain changes and modifications, and making revisions thereto; and
3. Set a public hearing for the second reading of the Ordinance ( Recommendation No. 2) pursuant to Government Code section 50022.3 to occur at 6:30 PM on January 20, 2025; and
4. Authorize and direct the City Clerk to notice and publish the public meeting and public hearing as required by law.
Mayor Hepburn opened the Public Hearing and City Engineer Howing reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council asked how many of the codes have changed, also noted that LA County made these changes on November 25th which did not give enough notice to residents and staff
Public Comments: None
Minutes City Council 12/15/2025 Page 5
Further Council Comments: Regarding the important change to the High Fire Zones, sprinklers inside homes, and ADU's, roof styles and roof products for fire safety.
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Crosby, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
7. First Reading of an Ordinance Pertaining to Regulating Unmanned Aircraft. Staff has identified a need to establish regulations governing the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems drones) within City limits. A proposed ordinance has been prepared and is presented for first reading initiating the formal adoption process.
Recommendation: That the City Council 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, ADDING CHAPTER 8.37 TO TITLE 8 OF THE LA VERNE MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING THE USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS ( DRONES)" Mayor Hepburn opened the Public Hearing and LVPD Sergeant Cambero reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council questioned where a drone can take off and land and possible interference with emergency operations violations and activity permits with insurance.
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
8. Resolution Authorizing the Appointment of CaIPERS Retired Annuitant Kathy Cordova to Temporarily FiII a Critically Needed Position Pursuant to the Government Code.
Resolution authorizing the temporary appointment of Payroll Specialist Kathy Cordova as a CaIPERS retired annuitant following her retirement. This appointment will ensure uninterrupted payroll operations and timely completion of critical year-end CaIPERS, IRS, and audit reporting.
The action complies with CaIPERS regulations and will have no additional cost to the City.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled, " A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT AND 180 - DAY WAIT PERIOD EXCEPTION FOR RETIRED ANNUITANT KATHY CORDOVA," pursuant to Government Code Sections 21221(h), and CaIPERS regulations.
Assistance City Manager Ranells reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council provided various comments Public Comments: None
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Johnson, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes City Council 12/15/2025 Page 6
THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECESS TO MEET AS THE LA VERNE JOINT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY; FOLLOWING THE CITY COUNCIL WILL IMMEDIATELY RECONVENE.
Regular meeting recessed at 7:27 PM.
LA VERNE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
9. Extension of Management and Asset Services Agreements with Haven Management Through December 2026. Approve the extension of the Management and Asset Agreement(s) with Haven Management Services through December 31, 2026, under existing terms to ensure continued stability and compliance for the La Verne Public Financing Authority - owned mobile home parks while preparing for a future competitive RFP process.
Recommendation: That the La Verne Public Financing Authority authorize the Executive Director to execute extensions of the existing Management and Asset Agreements for La Verne Mobile Country Club and Valley Rancho Mobile Home Park with Haven Management Services, under the current terms and conditions through December 31, 2026, in a form approved by Agency Counsel.
Assistant City Manager Ranells reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council provided various comments Public Comments: None
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Crosby, and approved by a vote of S-0.
THE LA VERNE JOINT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY WILL ADJOURN AND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL IMMEDIATELY RECONVENE.
Regular meeting reconvened at 7:34 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: Richard Bowen and Terry, a resident regarding previous comments on water costs.
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.
Minutes City Council 12/15/2025 Page 7
Council Comments: Council Member Lau commented on the recent holiday festivities, and the successful downtown Walk of Honor ceremony, the pavers look great. Also, a reminder Tri City Mental Health is looking for another member from the community to be a representative on the Governing Board, applications are on the City website and also available on the Tri City website, applications are due on January 12th by 5:00 PM. The ULV Women's Volleyball Team made it to the finals, however, did not win the final match. Great teamwork by all! Council Member Crosby is looking forward to honoring Damien's Water Polo team at the meeting in January for making it to the finals. Parking restrictions will be suspended from Christmas Eve through New Year's Eve. Happy Holidays to all, looking forward to Christmas Morning even with the forecasted rain, rain will not stop the event.
Mayor Pro Tern Kashifalghita is reminded of the goodness in people and seeing the amazing folks that were laying wreaths on the Veterans graves at the LV Cemetery. Also Winter Wonderland was an amazing event with all the families and kids, staff did a wonderful job. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year.
Council Member Johnson thanked his fellow Council members for being at the Veterans Memorial wreath ceremony, and the Rotary Clubs Project. Christmas Morning is one of my favorite times, when neighbors all come out and the fire vehicles with sirens come by announcing Santa is coming, it warms my heart to see that happening. There is a concert at Church of the Brethren on Sunday, December 21St at 4:00 PM.
Mayor Hepburn commented there are some amazing events happening in our community these last few weeks of the year. As we rotate between functions, Walk of Fame and Winter Wonderland it is important to remember there is a lot of bad stuff going on right now. Slow down, pay attention and be safe. Thank you all and thank you for your participation. See you in 2026! ADJOURNMENT - meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
City of La Verne