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n. MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION & REGULAR
MEETING OF MARCH 2, 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 Tern Meshal " Kash" Kashifalghita, and Mayor Tim Hepburn.
Council Members Present: Crosby, Johnson, Lau, and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: Kashifalghita
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Manager Ranells, and City Attorney Hall Barlow.
CLOSED SESSION TOPIC
CityAttorney Hall Barlow read the closedsessionitemsfor the record. It is anticipated there will beno report out. The City Attorney askedthat the Council voteto add an item to the closedsession agenda, which is Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956. 9( d)( 2). No report out is expected.
It wasmovedby Johnson, secondedby Lau, and approvedby a voteof 4-0 with Kashifalghita being absent, due to an excused absence.
Mayor Hepburn called for public comment: There was none.
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 Association, La Verne Fire Middle Management Association, La Verne Police Middle Management Association, and all Unrepresented Employees.
The City Council recessedto ClosedSessionat 5:32 PM and will reconveneat 6:30 PM for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6: 30 PM— meeting called to order at 6: 32 PM.
Minutes
City Council 3/ 2/ 2026 Page 2
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- AIR FORCE, TECHNICAL SERGEANT( E- 6) ALBERTO JIMENEZ Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of the City Council, presented Alberto 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, and Hepburn. Kashifalghita arrived at 7:11 PM.
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Manager Ranells, and City Attorney Hall Barlow
PRESENTATIONS
Women' s History Month Proclamation- Women' s History Month is an annual observance to highlight the contribution of women to events in history and contemporary society.
Council presented the proclamation to the Mount Baldy Area League of Women Voters Board Member and La Verne resident Gwen Carr.
Irish American History Month Proclamation- Irish American Heritage Month is a celebration every March that highlights the rich culture and historical contributions of Irish Americans throughout the United States.
Council presented the proclamation to Richard Bowen, from LV3C, who then took a moment to remember LV3C member, Lois" Jo" Wetton who passed recently. LV3C memberspresent were Kathy Newlon, Cynthia Tiner, and family members Erin Van de Veer( Jo" s daughter) and John Van de Veer, Erin' s husband.
Prior to public Announcements, the Mayor commented on the recent passing of Lois" Jo" Wetton, a long- time La Verne resident and community volunteer.
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.)
Announcements were received from: Sam Gonzalez Police Chief Adrian Romero LV Library Manager, Maria McKinney VFW Commander, Kathy Kalousek LV Historical Society, and Tim Hepburn Mayor.
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.) No items werepulled, it was then moved by Crosby, secondedby Lau, and approved by a vote of 4- 0, with Kashifalghita absent.
Minutes
City Council 3/ 2/ 2026 Page 3
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session & Regular meeting of 02/17/26.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of$ 732, 705. 23, dated 02/ 04/ 26, and in the amount of$ 1, 680, 970. 67, dated 02/ 11/ 26, and in the amount of$ 546, 692. 38, dated 02/ 18/ 26.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the audited demands. Approved
3. Quarterly Status Update - Pilot Project Adding Three Firefighter Positions. This report provides a quarterly update on the two- year pilot project authorizing the addition of three full- time Firefighter/EMT positionsto serve as shift-basedfloaters and evaluatesearly performance against the goals outlined in the original staff report.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file this quarterly status update on the Fire Department's two-year pilot projectaddingthree firefighter positionsto improvestaffing efficiency and reduce overtime requirements. Approved
4. Approval of an Amendment to the Professional Service Agreement with LSA for Environmental Services and First Amendment to Agreement with Lewis Management Corp. for Reimbursement of Environmental Services Relating to 3960 Fruit Street Villages at Legacy Green Project). LSAAssociates, Inc. (LSA) is under contractwith the City of La Verne to prepare technical environmental studies for a proposed residential project on the former LutheranHighSchool site. As preparationof the technical studiesprogressed, it was determined that a full Environmental Impact Report( EIR) is required pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. As a result of this change, LSA has submitted a contract amendment for additional costs and staff is also proposing an amendment to the Reimbursement Agreement with Lewis Management Corp.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve Contract Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Service Agreement with LSA Associates, Inc., to perform CEQA services related to the Villages at Legacy Green development project; and
2. Approve the First Amendment to the Reimbursement Agreement with Lewis Management Corp. for full reimbursement.
Approved the recommendations listed above.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
5. Consideration of a Resolution Opposing the Los Angeles County Healthcare Funding Restoration Act and Sales Tax Increase. Los Angeles County has placed a proposed 1A-cent general sales tax measure on the June Primary ballot to support healthcare services, and the City of La Verne has formallyopposedthe measure, listing concernsabout increasedtax burdens on residents and businesses, reduced local fiscal flexibility, lack of guaranteed Minutes
City Council 3/ 2/ 2026 Page 4
proportional return of funds, potential economic impacts, and questions regarding transparency and oversight.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve a Resolution titled, " A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, OPPOSING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY " HEALTHCARE FUNDING RESTORATION ACT" COUNTYWIDE SALES TAX MEASURE."
City Manager Domer reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Discussion/ Comments: Council expressed support for the resolution.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Crosby, and approved 4-0, with Kashifalghita absent.
6. Consideration of Historical Civic Engagement Opportunities - Route 66 Centennial and United States Semiquincentennial. 2026 marks a significant milestone in United States history, commemorating the nation' s Semiquincentennial, or 250th Anniversary, and the celebration of the centennial of Route 66. To maximize opportunities associated with these historic celebrations, City staff is seeking direction from the City Council regarding potential programs, events, and initiatives to recognize and celebrate these milestones.
Recommendation: That the City Council provide direction to City staff regarding potential programs, events, and initiatives to celebrate and recognize the nation' s Semiquincentennial and the centennial of Route 66.
Management Analyst Blockinger reported on this item. Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita joined the meeting after attending the BUSD State of the School District meeting.
Public Comments: Maria Mc Kinney
Council Discussion/Comments: Council provided direction to look at waysto participate in a cost effective fashion for both of these events.
No action; but direction provided by Council.
7. Review and Approval of Revisions to Administrative Regulation No. 215 ( Investment Policy) and Receive and File Administrative Regulation — Fund Loan Policy. Consideration of approval of revisions to Administrative Regulation No. 215 ( Investment Policy) pursuant to California Government Code Section 53646 and receive and file of the Administrative Regulation— Fund Loan Policy, with direction to the City Manager to finalize and implement the Administrative Regulation.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Review and approve revisions to Administrative Regulation No. 215 ( Investment Policy) pursuant to California Government Code Section 53646; and Minutes
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2. Receive and file the Administrative Regulation — Fund Loan Policy and direct the City Manager to finalize and implement the Administrative Regulation.
Finance Director Lopez reported on this item.
Public Comments: None
Council Discussion/Comments: Council wasall veryappreciativeof the Finance team's work and stewardship of our finances.
It wasmoved by Johnson, secondedby Lau, and approved 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Thisisthetimesetasideforanyonewishingto addresstheCityCouncilon itemsnotlistedin any other place on the agenda and within the subject matterjurisdiction of the City Council. Under the provisionsof the BrownAct, the legislativebodyis prohibitedfromtalkingor engagingin discussion on any item notappearingonthe postedagenda. However, yourconcernsmay be referredto staff or set for discussionlater. Pleaseemailyour publiccommentto the City Clerk's Officeat [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 Commentsreceivedfrom: JayBernard, RaymondSwain, and Cynthia Tiner.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/ MEETING REPORTS
EachCouncilMembermayaddresstheCouncilandpubliconmattersofgeneralinformationand/or concern. ThisisalsothetimeforCouncilMembersto reportonconferencesand/or meetingsthey have attended per Assembly Bill 1234.
Council Comments: Council Member Lau commented on the recent changes to the Mental Health ServicesAct, andthetwoupcomingcommunityforums, hostedby Tri CityMentalHealth, onewill bevirtual. Thebill hopestostrengthenthebehavioralhealthsystembyexpandingthescopeof services, increasingaccountability, transparencyandoutcomes. The4t" of July Celebrationis on Saturdaythisyear, weareencouragingpeopletoparticipatein theparade, attendthefireworks show, andpleaseconsidersponsoringyour businessor organization. May2ndisthe ULV Gala, it's beingheldat theFairplexSheratonthisyear, andwill behonoringtheULV Women's Volleyball Team.
MayorPro TemKashifalghita ishappytoreportthattheCityhasanotherCaliforniaDistinguished SchoolwithintheBonitaUnifiedSchoolDistrict, it'samazingtoseeoureducationsystemthriving andgrowing. Becognizantthat it's mosquitoseasonsostartsprayingnow. Also, theAnnual PoliceOfficersAssociationGolf Tournamentiscomingupandwill supporttheK-9 Foundation, donations are needed, and sponsorships are available.
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City Council 3/ 2/ 2026 Page 6
Council Member Crosby thanked Mayor Pro Tern Kashifalghita for attending the School District State of the City meeting, which coincided with tonight' s Council meeting. Spring sign ups are happening for T-Ball and Basketball with the Autism Spectrum Athletics Sports League, which plays at WheelerPark, signupscloseon March 15th,you can sign up on the websiteat www.autismspectrumathletics. org, cost is $140.00. Our City is very diverse, and I propose that our proclamations bepresented to people who have never been represented before, and remembering Jo, who was an amazing resident.
Council Member Johnson thanked Public Works Director Wufor the correction to the traffic light at 8" street.
Mayor Hepburn reminded everyonethefire seasonis upon us, makesureyou checkyour smoke detectors, testthem now, clear brush around your home, clearyour gutters, take care of your home. Wehad a softball game last weekagainstSan Dimas, La Verne wasvictorious,final score 13- 7, it was a lot of fun.
Council, staff and residentsall sang Happy Birthday to Mayor Pro TernKashifalghita.
ADJOURNMENT- meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
4"r-"_
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk