CITYOFLAVERNE
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION & REGULAR
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 17,2026
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 Hepburn.
Council Members Present: Crosby, Johnson, Lau, Kashifalghita, and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Manager Ranells, and Assistant City Attorney Ivy Tsai.
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 Fire Middle Management Association, La Verne Police Middle Management Association, and all Unrepresented Employees.
Conference with Legal Counsel, Existing Litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(d) One ( 1) case: Alejandre v. City of La Verne, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 24PSCV02330.
Mayor Hepburn called for Public Comment: There was none The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:32 PM and from Closed Session at 6:05 pm, to 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 6:32 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - MARINE CORPORAL DAVID COFFEY
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita, on behalf of the City Council, presented David 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.
Minutes City Council 2/17/2026 Page 2
Council Members Present: Crosby, Johnson, Lau, Kashifalghita, and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Manager Ranells, and Assistant City Attorney Ivy Tsai
PRESENTATIONS
La Verne Emergency Communications Team ( LECT) Volunteer Recognition - Recognition of volunteers who have dedicated more than three decades of exceptional service to the La Verne Police Department.
Council presented Kathy and David Macchia with a Pride of La Verne certificate.
Black History Month Proclamation - Every February, National Black History Month serves as both a celebration of the achievements of African Americans and a recognition of the central role they play in the nation's development.
Council presented the ULV Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity with the Black History Month Proclamation.
Community Design Awards - The City of La Verne Community Design Awards ( LVCDA) recognizes outstanding achievements in project development. It takes considerable effort to design a project, calling for cooperation between the applicants, owners, architects, contractors, and city staff for successful implementation. Realizing this, the City Council would like to award those projects that merit recognition for excellence in design and compliance with the General Plan policies to protect and promote La Verne's unique character by encouraging distinctive development through architectural quality and people - oriented design.
Council presented the following Community Design Awards:
Interior Design: Carpiaux Family Orthodontics - Weston Carpiaux and Leos Studios - Mario Villalobos
Commercial & Interior Design: Hotworx - Stella Pak and Orange Fish Sushi - Igna Saputra Residential: Verdana I & Verdana II - Brandywine Homes
Residential and Landscape: The Felix Residence - Kenneth Felix Residential and Public Art: Heritage on First - Victor Lockett Industrial: White Industrial-Chalmer Corporation
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 were received from: Tom Cornicelli LV Library, Sherry Best LV Historical Society, Raymond Swain, Deborah Carder Chamber of Commerce Board Member, and Frank Guzman Pomona Valley Pride Director.
Minutes City Council 2/17/2026 Page 3
Council Comments: Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita wished Mayor Hepburn a Happy Birthday.
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.) Consent item # 3 was pulled for further comment, it was then moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau to approve consent calendar items 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 these items were approved by a vote of 5-0.
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session & Regular meeting of February 2, 2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $ 2,043,245.20, dated January 28, 2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council approved the audited demands. Approved
3. Irish - American Heritage Month Proclamation Request. Richard Bowen, La Verne resident, is requesting City Council approval to present a proclamation in March recognizing Irish - American Heritage Month. Irish - American Heritage Month is celebrated every March in the United States to honor the significant contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants to American society, coinciding with St. Patrick's Day to recognize their cultural impact, from politics and arts to community building.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve presenting a proclamation for Irish - American Heritage Month at the March 2 City Council meeting.
After a brief discussion this item was approved by a vote of 5-0, moved by Johnson, seconded by Kashifalghita.
4. Award of Contract to Fraijo Brothers Inc., in the amount of $ 266,206.00 for Amherst Treatment Plant Pre - Filter Replacement Project. This action will award a construction contract to Fraijo Brothers Inc., in the amount of $ 266,206.00 for the Amherst Treatment Plant Pre - Filter Replacement Project ( CIP Project No. WT2502). The project was budgeted in Fiscal Year 2025- 26 at $ 318,000, using Water Capital Improvement Funds. The scope of the project includes the replacement of old treatment filters at the Amherst Treatment Plan with a newer filtering system.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1 Award a City Attorney approved to form public works construction contract to Fraijo Brothers Inc., the lowest, most responsible bidder, in the amount of $ 266,206.00 for the Amherst Treatment Plant Pre - Filter Replacement Project;
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to issue change orders not exceeding 10% of the construction budget for a total possible construction contract cost of $ 292,826.60; and
3. Authorize staff to issue a purchase order in the amount of $ 18,500 to CiviITEC, the City's utility engineer, to provide construction management services during the project.
All recommendations were approved as stated above.
Minutes City Council 2/17/2026 Page 4
5. Metro A - Line ( Formerly Gold Line) Transit Oriented Development Bridge, Grant of Easement from Los Angeles County Fairplex Association Acceptance. The proposed pedestrian bridge crossing over Arrow Highway providing connection between the La Verne A - Line Station and the Fairplex Campus will require easements for the portion of the facilities that land on the adjoining properties. Discussions with the Los Angeles County Fairplex Association have recently reached a conclusion, and they have offered a grant of easement for the project.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a resolution accepting the permanent easement from the Los Angeles County Fairplex Association for the purpose of the Transit Oriented Development Pedestrian Bridge Project. Approved
6. Special Event Agreement for Car Shows. Agreement with Flying Deuces to promote and organize two car shows in Old Town La Verne in 2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the draft agreement, in a form substantially as attached, and authorize a waiver of fees, along with the use of City personnel, equipment, and materials, for two car show events to be held in Old Town La Verne in Spring and Fall 2026.
Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. Resolution Renewing the La Verne Police Department's AB 481 Military Equipment Policy and reaffirming the provisions of Ordinance No. 1115. Adopt a Resolution renewing the La Verne Police Department's AB 481 Military Equipment Policy and reaffirming the provisions of Section 9.10.010 010 - Military Equipment Use Policy to the La Verne Municipal Code ( Ord. No. 1115).
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the staff report and adopt a Resolution approving the continuance of the La Verne Police Department Policy 701 and affirming the provisions of Ordinance No. 1115 as required pursuant to AB 481.
Mayor Hepburn opened the Public Hearing and Captain Tibbetts reported on this item.
Council Comments: None
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Crosby, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
8. Weed Abatement Protest Hearing. On February 2, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-05, accepting the Declaration List of Properties which has been found by inspections to have growing weeds or brush and / or rubbish. This item is the opportunity to hear protests from affected property owners.
Mayor Hepburn opened the Public Hearing and, due to a conflict - of -interest, Council Member Johnson recused himself Fire Chief Coatney presented the item and introduced LA County Inspector Nanette Cardenas.
Council Comments: Mayor Hepburn thanked the Scouts that have done several projects on trailheads, cleaning up and signage.
Minutes
Public Comments: None
City Council 2/17/2026 Page 5
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of 4-0, with Johnson recusing himself
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
9. Contract Award For The City of La Verne Fire Station No. 1 Living Quarters Gender Compliance Improvement Project. This action will award a construction contract to the Contractor with the lowest responsive bid submitted for the City of La Verne Fire Station No. 1 Living Quarters Gender Compliance Improvement Project. Bids were opened on January 6, 2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Reject the bid submitted by Oasis Design & Construction for failure to submit a completed and signed bid proposal form;
2. Reject the bid submitted by Co Brothers LLC, for failure to submit a completed bid due to missing information on the required Subcontractor List;
3. Award a construction contract for the subject project to First Trade LLC DBA YMC in the amount of $ 489,000;
4. Authorize staff to issue change orders not exceeding 10% of the construction budget for a total possible construction contract cost of $ 537,900;
5. Authorize staff to issue a purchase order for construction management and inspection up to the amount of $ 40,740 to RKA Consulting Group to manage the Construction Phase of the Project; and,
6. Appropriate $ 243,750 in funds to the project ( CF2306) budget.
City Engineer Howing reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council discussed the different options of this project and the ultimate desired outcome.
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Crosby, and approved 5-0.
10. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid - Year Budget Review. The Finance Department is providing a financial update for the 2025-26 budget, originally approved on June 16, 2025, to reflect economic and operational changes since adoption. Updated estimates for the General Fund show a $ 390,000 revenue increase and $ 247,232 in additional expenditures, primarily due to building permit activity. Additional adjustments to other funds as well as details of the general fund are outlined in the Budget Adjustment Listing.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the resolution titled, " A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ADOPTED BUDGET TO ADJUST FOR MID - YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS," Minutes City Council 2/17/2026 Page 6
that incorporate the " Budget Adjustment Listing" as attached adjusting revenue and expenditure appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget.
Finance Director Lopez reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council appreciates the transparency, bringing this to Council at mid year, and thanked Finance for the quarterly reports as well as keeping the community informed, this is a testament to our City Manager, Department Heads, and Employees to assist with having a balanced budget.
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau, and approved5-0.
11. Amended Employment Agreement with City Manager. Consideration of an Amended Employment Agreement for the City Manager following the City Council's annual performance evaluation.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve an " AMENDED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - CITY MANAGER," providing the City Manager certain benefits based on a positive performance evaluation.
Assistant City Manager Ranells reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council had a lengthy discussion and spoke positively on the City Manager' leadership, guidance and responsiveness. The City Council decided to follow the report recommendations as well as give the step merit increase of 2.5% due from his previous agreement that the City Manager had offered to decline.
Public Comments: Rick Bowen, Cynthia Gabaldon, and Gilbert Ivy It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Crosby, and approved5-0.
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: Ralph Beltran and Asdghig Salazar.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS
Minutes City Council 2/17/2026 Page 7
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 thanked staff and residents that attended and participated in the Strategic Plan meeting and thanked Council Member Johnson for filling in for her at the Tri- City meeting, the next meeting is Wednesday, February 18"', which will be the first meeting for our new representative Trent West. Just a reminder the State of the City is tomorrow at 8:00 am. ULV is having a blood drive on campus from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm tomorrow, also the 4"` of July Committee is starting to meet. Happy Lunar New Year, it's the year of the horse.
Council Member Crosby represented Council at the LV Softball opening day event, PD was there as well, the girls were very excited. Thanked the Parks & Recreation Department for last Friday's Inclusion Sweethearts Day Dance it was a great event, and thanked the Police Department for all their work with the High School, during a recent threat, the campus was secured with students and staff on lockdown while officers conducted a thorough assessment of the campus, the threat was ultimately determined to be a hoax. La Verne is a safe place because of them and the work they do.
Council Member Johnson wished Mayor Hepburn a happy birthday.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita attended the veteran peer access network event at VFW Post # 12034, LA County Military and Veteran Affairs, through the Wheels for Heroes program, donated a mobility chair to a La Verne veteran. Graduation is just around the corner, looking forward to recognizing them.
Mayor Hepburn thanked Council Member Crosby for his assistance on the sub - committee for the City Manager evaluation. The Bonita girls' soccer team will be playing their semifinal game at the stadium at 5:00 pm. Ms. Wooten recently passed away, we will do an adjournment in her honor soon. There is a bond measure with the school district coming up, which will be used to upgrade the 40 year old HVAC Systems and the 50 year old sewer and plumbing systems, the portable building and upgrade the technology in the labs.
ADJOURNMENT - meeting adjourned at 8:47 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Fritz, CM
Deputy City Clerk