CITYOFLAVERNE
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION & REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 20, 2026
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 Hepbum.
Council Members Present: Crosby, Johnson, Lau, Kashifalghita, and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Attorney Tsai, and Assistant City Manager Ranells.
CLOSED SESSION TOPIC
Assistant City Attorney Tsai 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.
Public Employee Performance Evaluation, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1): Title: City Manager
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 6:37 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - US Army Sergeant Veteran, Karl Bauer Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita, on behalf of the City Council, presented Karl 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.
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Council Members Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Attorney Tsai, and Assistant City Manager Ranells.
PRESENTATIONS
Damien Boys Water Polo - Damien High School Water Polo delivered a standout 2025 season, finishing 19-16 overall and 5-3 in Baseline League play to earn second place in league. The Spartans capped the year with a memorable CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoff run, advancing to the championship match and qualifying for the CIF State Tournament.
Damien's postseason success was defined by resilience and composure, as the Spartans earned three overtime victories during the CIFSS playoffs to reach the Division 2 finals. Their ability to perform in high-pressure moments became a hallmark of the team's identity.
Individual honors: Zack Montoya, Aaron Kashifalghita, and Zechariah Verduzco-Murphy earning First Team AII-Baseline League recognition. Kieran Gore and Maddox Redfearn were named Second Team AII-Baseline League, while Benjamin Shehee and Brennon Dallas earned Honorable Mention AII-Baseline League honors.
With a league runner-up finish, a Division 2 finals appearance, and a berth in the CIF State Tournament, the 2025 Spartans set a high standard and built strong momentum for the program's future.
Team coaches are Robert Echeverria and Jesse Johnston. Players are:
Darren Cheng Brennon Dallas Brayden Drown Liam Ferrer
Landen Garca Kieran Gore Jonathan Jimenez Aaron Kashifalghita Landon Mendoza Zachkary Montoya Ralph Munoz Diego Negrete Maddoz Redfearn Luke Rudy Benjamin Shehee Jorge Solis
Diego Solis Zechariah Verduzco-
Murphy
City Council presented each player with a Pride of La Verne certificate and an In - n - Out gift card.
Christmas Morning Volunteers Recognition - The Christmas Morning event requires detailed coordination from City Staff across numerous departments and selfless volunteers from the community to ensure that Santa greets every resident on Christmas Morning. During this time, we honor all who assisted in the Christmas Morning event.
City Council presented each volunteer with a Pride of La Verne certificate.
Martin Luther King Day Proclamation - We honor the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a transformative leader whose courage, compassion, and moral clarity reshaped our nation and moved us closer to justice.
City Council presented CAST with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Proclamation.
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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 Announcements received from: Sherry Best LV Historical Society President, Andrea Blockinger City Admin Analyst, Adrian Romero LV Library Manager, Danita Beauchamp Resident, and Matthew Duran Chamber of Commerce Director.
Council Comments received from: Council Member Crosby, regarding the YFAC meeting date, and Mayor Hepburn regarding fire detectors and scams requesting money from residents.
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, all Consent Calendar items were approved by a vote of 5-0, as moved by Kashifalghita and seconded by Lau.
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session & Regular meeting of December 15, 2025.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $ 565,563.28, dated 12/11/25, and in the amount of $ 2,591,381.59 dated 12/17/25, and in the amount of $ 1,669,457.89, dated 12/22/25.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the audited demands. Approved
3. Award of Contract to Miracle Recreation Equipment Company for Kuns Park Playground Replacement. Due to being over 30 years old, the Kuns Park playground is a candidate for modernization and accessibility improvements. 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 structure.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Award a contract to Miracle Recreation Equipment Company in the amount of 196,684.07 for the removal, site preparation, and installation of playground equipment at Kuns Park; and
2. Adopt a Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget in the amount of 198,184.07 within the Measure A Fund to fully fund the Kuns Park Playground Equipment Project ( Project No. PK2601).
Both recommendations were approved.
4. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Year Ending June 30, 2025. The City has completed its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report ( ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June Minutes City Council 1/20/2026 Page 4
30, 2025. The ACFR, detailing the City's financial position and operating activities, is accessible on the City's website: www.laverneca.gov/ACFR.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report which includes a Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters, along with the Auditor Letter to the City Council for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Approved
5. Resolution Adopting a Salary Chart for Part - Time Employees. The attached resolution and associated part-time salary table reflect adjustments in compensation resulting from increases in the California Minimum Wage.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolution titled, " A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A SALARY CHART FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES."Approved
6. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Pertaining to Regulating Unmanned Aircraft. City Council is asked to adopt an ordinance establishing local regulations governing the takeoff and landing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems ( UAS), commonly referred to as drones.
Adoption of this ordinance ensures alignment with Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA) authority while appropriately exercising the City's authority to regulate activities impacting public safety.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Ordinance 26-1138, entitled " AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL, 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)." Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. Ordinance Adopting the 2026 Los Angeles County Building Code and 2025 Fire Code and Green Building Code by Reference and Determination of Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). The adoption of the 2026 Los Angeles County Building, the 2025 California Fire Code, and the Green Building 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.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached 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.
Mayor Hepburn opened the Public Hearing and City Engineer Howing reported on this item.
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Council Comments: None
Public Comments: Danita Beauchamp
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Crosby, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
8. Community Development Block Grant Program for 2026-27. This is the 52nd funding year for the Community Development Block Grant Program. According to the Los Angeles Council Community Development Block Grant Bulletin, the City of La Verne is anticipated to be allocated $ 137,721 in Community Development Block Grant funds. This item approves participation in the program and how to spend the funds.
Recommendation:
That the City Council conduct a Public Hearing, and upon closing the Public Hearing, approve a Resolution titled, " A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT PROGRAM AND SELECTING CERTAIN PROJECTS FOR FUNDING IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 - 2027."
Mayor Hepburn opened the Public Hearing and Assistant Planner Chin reported on this item.
Council Comments: Council Member Crosby ask if some of these funds could be used for other parks, for inclusive playgrounds.
Mayor Hepburn stated originally we couldn't use it, it was mostly for the lunch program.
Public Comments: Danita Beauchamp
City Manager Domer addressed the use of funds question and the ADA compliance question.
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
9. Ordinance Amending the Old Town La Verne Specific Plan for Minimum Density Requirement in the Mixed - Use 1 Land District and Making Determination of Exemption from the California Environment Quality Act Pursuant to the Common Sense Exemption of CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). Ordinance Amending the Old Town La Verne Specific Plan for Minimum Density Requirement from 38 to 20 dwelling units per acre in the Mixed - Use 1 Land District and Making Determination of Exemption from the California Environment Quality Act Pursuant to the Common Sense Exemption of CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct a Public Hearing, and 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, AMENDING THE OLD TOWN LA VERNE SPECIFIC PLAN TO REVISE THE MINIMUM DENSITY REQUIREMENT IN THE MIXED - USE 1 LAND USE DISTRICT FROM 38 TO 20 DWELLING UNITS/ACRE" and find that the adoption is exempt from the California Environment Quality Act pursuant to the common sense exemption of CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
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Mayor Hepburn opened the Public Hearing and City Manager Domer and Assistant City Attorney Kranitz reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council had various comments, thoughts, and questions.
Public Comments: Kathy Kalousek and Virginia Beltran
It was moved by Lau, seconded by Kashifalghita, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
10. Discussion Regarding San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and City of Pomona Arrow Highway Class IV Two - Way Bikeway Project Design and Potential City of La Verne Participation for Arrow Highway Rehabilitation. SGVCOG and the City of Pomona have finalized design plans for Class IV protected bikeways along Arrow Highway as part of a regional project to improve multimodal access to the Metro A - Line. The City Council is asked to provide input on potentially extending the bikeway to White Avenue as well as City investment in the Arrow Highway street improvements within the City's jurisdiction.
Recommendation: That the City Council provide direction to staff on coordinating with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments ( SGVCOG) and the City of Pomona on the design of the bikeway's terminus and connectivity at the White Avenue/Arrow Highway intersection and the roadway segment within the La Verne city limits, including opportunities to incorporate pavement rehabilitation as part of the project.
Public Works Director Wu and Roy Cho SGVCOG Project Manager, reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the many facets of this project and the ultimate desired outcome.
Public Comments: Jaime Riley, Danita Beauchamp, Richard Bowen, and Terry Prentice.
Council gave direction to move forward looking at specific items related to design, lane width, the reduction of medians, and the back up on eastbound Arrow and bring back to Council a design close to final for better understanding and final decision.
11. Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of La Verne and the La Verne Police Officers' Association and Authorizing Execution by the City Manager.
Consideration and approval of a successor Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) between the City of La Verne and the La Verne Police Officers' Association ( LVPOA). The proposed actions include approving the new MOU, authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement, appropriating Measure LV funds to the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget, and adopting a resolution establishing the updated salary chart for full-time employees.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of La Verne and the La Verne Police Officers' Association; and
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2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the La Verne Police Officers' Association.
Assistant City Manager Ranells reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council Member Crosby and Mayor Hepburn thanked all involved in bringing this negotiation to completion.
Public Comments: Andrew Mckinley President of the L V Police Officers Association It was moved by Lau, seconded by Kashifalghita, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
12. Resolution Adopting a Salary Chart for Full - Time Employees. The attached resolution and associated full-time salary chart reflect negotiated and required compensation adjustments for certain full-time employee classifications, including increases for La Verne Police Officer Association employees, the Ambulance Operator position, and a previously approved, but deferred, salary adjustment for the City Manager position.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the Resolution titled, " A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A SALARY CHART FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES."
Assistant City Manager Ranells reported on this item.
Council Comments: Council Member Crosby appreciates the leadership example of City Manager Domer.
Public Comments: Richard Bowen
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Kashifalghita, and approved by a vote of S-0.
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: Terry Prentice, Raymond Swain, Sherry Best, Barbara Smythe, Virginia Beltran, Richard Bowen, 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 BiII 1234.
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Council Member Lau thanked the volunteers for the Christmas morning event, congratulations to Chief Coatney and best wishes to Chief Nigg, also there will be a Tri-City Mental Health meeting which Council Member Johnson will attend, as I'll be out of town, and thank you to the residents of La Verne that applied for the Tri-City opening, and just a reminder of the Strategic Plan meeting on Saturday, February 7t.
Council Member Crosby wished everyone a happy new year.
Council Member Johnson wished all a happy new year also.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita thanked everyone who participated in the different events during the holidays, also thanked Public Safety for replacing the neighborhood watch signs, and appreciates his colleagues on the Council.
Mayor Hepburn thanked city staff council colleagues and residents, and stated we have a great community here and we strive to listen and do things if we possibly can.
ADJOURNMENT - meeting adjourned at 9:48 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk