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MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION & REGULAR
MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2026
ACTION MINUTES
SEE ITALICS"
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER- meeting called to order at 5: 31 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 City Attorney Hall Barlow.
CLOSED SESSION TOPIC
City Attorney Hall Barlow read the closed session itemsfor 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 Middle Management Association, and all Unrepresented Employees.
Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Cal. Gov' t Code Section 54956.8:
Property: APN 8378- 015- 009[ approx. 30, 657 square feet] Negotiators: Ken Domer: Negotiating Parties: Arrow White Corner, LLC.
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
Mayor Hepburn called for Public Comment: There was none.
The City Council recessed at 5: 33 PM into Closed Session.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING- 6:30 PM- meeting was called to order at 6:34 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- RONALD LEWIS, AIR FORCE, TECHNICAL SERGEANT( E- 6) Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita, on behalf of the City Council, presented Sergeant Lewis with a Pride of La Verne certificate.
Minutes City Council 3/ 16/ 2026 Page 2
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 MembersPresent: Crosby, Johnson,Lau, Kashifalghita, and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Manager Ranells, and City Attorney Hall Barlow.
PRESENTATIONS
Bonita High School Girls' Water Polo 2026 - The Bonita Girl' s Water Polo team finished the 2026 season with an overall record of 26- 6 and were the undefeated League Champions in the Palomares League. The team advanced to the CIF playoffs where they had the number 3 seed and after 4 rounds of play, BHS girls water polo fell 16- 15 in overtime to the eventual Division 2 champion La Serna High School in the Semi- Final game. The team was coached by Dillon Unsoeld and assisted by John Ashby and Cody Lehotsky.
Natalie Rosen Maddie Rosen Ava Wu Peyton Ashby
McKenzie Allred Charlotte Cruz Giselle Rappa Kennedy O'Connell Isla Romero Rosanna Jimenez Sophia Quezada Vivianna Velasquez Eva Hanke Jocilyn Ortega Juliet Perez Charlotte Scholefield Joy Peoples Abbie Noyes
City Council presentedeachplayer with a Pride of La Vernecertificate and an In- N-Out gift card.
Red Cross Month Proclamation - American Red Cross Month recognizes the everyday heroes who support their communities through the American Red Cross. The San Gabriel Pomona Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross provided essential aid during the natural disasters, providing meals, overnight shelter, comfort kits, recovery assistance through local resource centers, and more.
City Council presentedSGV/Pomona ChapterBoard memberOmar Houari with the Proclamation.
Recognition and Presentation of" Pride of La Verne Awards" - Annually, the City Council presents the "Jack Huntington Award" and the "Jim Scranton Award" to recognize volunteers who have made outstanding contributions and performed exemplary service to the City and the community. Each recipient receives an individual Pride of La Verne plaque and their names are placed on perpetual plaques displayed in City Hall.
The " Jack Huntington Award" was named after S. Jack Huntington, who moved to La Verne in 1970.
Despiteheavy professionalobligationsandtime commitmentsto the U.S. Naval Reserve, Jack becameactivelyinvolvedinthe communityas a volunteer. Hewas active in various local organizations, including the La Verne Jaycees, Little League and the Youth Basketball program. Jack also served as a City of La Verne Commissioner for more than 15 years, completing two terms on the Parks & Recreation Commission as well as two terms on the Planning Commission. Jack Huntington was a citizen volunteer who exemplified the " Pride of La Verne" through selfless service to the community. This year, the City Council has nominated Raymond Swain.
Raymond Swain has been a dedicated member of the La Verne community since moving to the city in 1989. Over the years, he has generously contributed his time and leadership to numerous local and regional organizations. Raymond volunteered for four years with Boy Scouts of America Troop 411, Minutes City Council 3/ 16/ 2026 Page 3
attending weekday meetings and participating in overnight camping trips to support youth development. He also spent three years as a parent volunteer with La Verne Little League, regularly attending games and workouts while assisting coaches and encouraging young athletes. For six years, Raymond was active with International Toastmasters, serving as both Club President and Area Governor, where he helped members achieve their communication goals and supported clubs in reaching their membership and growth objectives. In addition, he served as Chairman of the City' s Ad Hoc Water and Sewer Rate Study Committee, providing valuable input on a key community issue. He also served on the City' s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Steering Committee, providing input on the City' s update to its' Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Raymond also dedicated hundreds of hours leading the effort to establish La Verne' s first Firewise community, helping neighbors reduce wildfire risk and strengthen local preparedness. A frequent attendee of City Council meetings, Raymond continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to civic engagement and the well- being of the La Verne community.
City Council presented Raymond with a Pride of La Verne plaque.
The "Jim Scranton Award" was named after long-time resident Jim Scranton who was a member of the Youth Sports Committee since its inception. In 1986, he formed the La Verne Lazers Soccer Club organization which provides youngsters an opportunity to play soccer at a highly competitive level.
Jim also spent five years on the City Sports Park Committee, which resulted in the development of 35 acres of sports fields for the community. He also participated in the City women' s soccer program as a coach. Jim is survived by his wife Susan and their children. The Youth Sports Committee recommended that a Pride of La Verne Youth Sports Volunteer Award be named in honor of Jim Scranton. This year' s award recipient is Ray Ortiz.
Ray has been in the region for over 25 years and on the Board for over 10 years. He has coached players in AYSO from their earliest days ( 6U) to their last days ( 19U). He has been a positive influence on many players that have come through the region and today can be found helping our referees perform their duties. In the last three years, he has been our referee administrator and has worked tirelessly to bring volunteer referees out on the fields, he has performed the necessary training and mentoring with them so that they could be confident in their duties and enjoy their time on the field. In the past year alone, Ray has invested his time and effort to help over a dozen referees achieve the Intermediate and Advanced referee badge levels. These badge levels allow the referees to officiate with more confidence in the older age groups. Ray was also involved in bring back the Great Western Shootout this past year. Congratulations, Ray! City Council presented Ray with a Pride of La Verne plaque.
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: Adrian Romero Library Manager
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.) Minutes City Council 3/ 16/ 2026 Page 4
After confirming no items were pulled, it was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Johnson and approvedby a voteof 5-0 to approvethe Consentcalendar items with thefollowing amendmentto the minutes, "Council presentedtheproclamation to Richard Bowenfrom L VC3, who then took a moment to rememberLVC3 memberLois Jo Witten, whopassedaway recently."
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular meeting of March 2, 2026, and the State of the City Special meeting on February 18, 2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of$ 1,752, 325. 26, dated 02/ 26/ 26.
Recommendation: That City Council approved the audited demands. Approved
3. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement with the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County for Communications and Dispatch Services. Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Communications and Dispatch Services with the Consolidated Fire Protection Districtof LosAngelesCountyto revisethe per-incidentcost calculationand authorize reimbursementfor Tablet Commandsoftware subscriptionlicensesfollowingthe expirationof grant funding.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Communications and Dispatch Services with the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County and authorize the Mayor to execute the Amendment. Approved
4. Annual Housing Progress Report 2025. The City is requiredby the state to preparean Annual ProgressReporton the status and progressin implementingthe HousingElementof the General Plan. This report is required to be presented to the City Council as an informational item to update the City Council on the previous year' s Housing Element status. The attachment contains the reportable progress that will be provided to the state.
Recommendation: That the City Councilreceiveand file the HousingElementAnnual Progress Report for 2025. Approved
5. Metro A- Line ( formerly Gold Line) Transit Oriented Development Bridge, Grant of Easement Acceptance. The proposedpedestrianbridgecrossingover Arrow Highwayproviding a connection between the La Verne A- Line Station and the Fairplex Campus will require easementsfor the portionof the facilitiesthat land on the adjoiningproperties. Discussionswith FoothillGold Line ConstructionAuthority and LosAngeles MetropolitanTransit Authority( Metro) staff are nearing conclusion.
Recommendation: That the City Counciladopt a Resolutionacceptingthe permanenteasement from the FoothillGold Line ConstructionAuthorityassociatedwith the Transit Oriented DevelopmentPedestrianBridge Project, in a form approved by the City AttorneyApproved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Brethren Hillcrest Gateway Project— General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, and Mitigated Negative Declaration. Consideration of the Brethren Hillcrest Gateway Project, including a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, and Mitigated Negative Declaration for redevelopment of the North and South Gateway sites within the Hillcrest continuing care retirement community.
Minutes City Council 3/ 16/ 2026 Page 5
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt:
1 . The resolution titled: " A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA
VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN INITIAL STUDY/ MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION AND A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM FOR
PORTIONS OF THE BRETHREN HILLCREST GATEWAY PROJECT AND
RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE SAME FOR THE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT ( 113- 25GPA) AND ZONE CHANGE ( 114- 25ZC) PORTIONS OF THE BRETHREN HILLCREST GATEWAY PROJECT."
2. The resolution titled: " A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CASE NO. 113- 25GPA, A REQUEST BY HILLCREST HOMES TO AMEND THE GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION OF THE SITES AT AIN: 8381 - 010- 006, AIN: 8381 -010- 028, AND AIN: 8381 - 010- 033 FROM LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO COMMUNITY FACILITY."
3. 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, APPROVING CASE NO. 114- 25ZC, A REQUEST BY HILLCREST HOMES TO CHANGE THE ZONE DESIGNATION FROM " PR4. 5D" TO " INSTITUTIONAL" FOR THE SITES LOCATED AT AIN:
8381 - 010- 028, AIN: 8381 -010- 033, AIN: 8381 - 010- 006, AND AIN: 8381 - 012- 013." Mayor Hepburn openedthe Public Hearing and Principal Planner Bowcock reported on this item.
CouncilComments: Councilhadseveralclarifyingquestionsandareverysupportiveof the project.
Public Commentsreceivedfrom: Christine Carrasco, Hillcrest Director of Project Management, Matthew Neeley, and Dale Stanley.
It was moved by Johnson, secondedby Lau, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
7. Adoption of the 2026 Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update and finding of Exemption from Environmental Review. Adoption of the 2026 Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the 2026 Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update and find that it is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies).
Management Analyst Houston introduced this item and KUTA Project Team Lead Leon, presented the report.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council discussedthe different aspectsof the Parks & Recreation Master Plan and are happy and supportive of it.
Public Comments: Bill Aguirre
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau and approved 5- 0.
Minutes City Council 3/ 16/ 2026 Page 6
8. Fiscal Year 26-27 Preliminary Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Districts No. 6, 7, and 8 Budget Outlook. The City of La Verne has three active Landscape & Lighting Maintenance Districtsservingthe communitiesthat benefitfrom ongoing maintenance. Annually, the City is required to consider the budget for each District. Fiscal Year 2026- 27 is expected to continue to see increasedcostsfor utilitiesand operations. Per previousCity Councildirection, Staff is presenting options to address the maintenance of these districts with an emphasis on cost control.
Recommendation: That the City Councilreceiveand file the updateon Landscapeand Lighting Maintenance Districts.
City Engineer Howing reported on this item.
CouncilDiscussion/Comments: Councildiscussedcommunicatingandeducatingthepublic on the Landscapeand Lighting Maintenance Districts goingforward.
Public Comments: None
Council approvedthe receiving andfiling of the update.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is the time set aside for anyonewishingto addressthe City Councilon items not listed in any other place on the agendaand within the subject matterjurisdiction of the City Council. Underthe provisionsof the BrownAct, the legislativebody is prohibitedfrom talking or engaging in discussion on any item not appearingon the postedagenda. However, your concernsmay be referredto staff or set for discussionlater. Pleaseemail your public commentto the City Clerk's Office at [email protected]. Your public commentwill be sharedwith the City Counciland includedas part of the permanentrecord. There is a 3-minutetime limit on public comments.
Public Commentsreceivedfrom: RebekahHong
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/ MEETING REPORTS
Each Council Membermay addressthe Counciland public on mattersof general informationand/or concern. This is also the time for Council Membersto reporton conferencesand/or meetingsthey have attended per Assembly Bill 1234.
CouncilComments: CouncilMemberLau announcedthe Tri Citymeetingon Wednesdayat 5:00 PM, information can befound on their website. Theyare still looking for Mental Health Commissioners.
CouncilMemberCrosbyrepresentedLa Verneat theCasaColinaeventthispastSaturday, celebratingtheir 90thYear. Thisweekhewill bevisitingFoothill Terracewith Fire ChiefCoatney and requested the mobile food vendors be checked into.
Council Member Johnson wishedhis wife a happy anniversary.
Mayor Pro TemKashifalghita announced the recent receipt of a $500,000 checkfrom Senator Susan Rubios' s office to support the district in the vital work of responding to the aftermath of the Minutes City Council 3/ 16/ 2026 Page 7
fires. Preparations are underwayfor the spring swimmingpool condition efforts to identify and addressneglectedswimming pools, and mosquitoseasonis upon us asthe weatherheats up after all the rain.
Mayor Hepburn attendedthe Little League opening day along with Mayor Pro TemKashifalghita, andnumerouscitystaff, PoliceChief Gonzalezthrewoutthefirst pitch. OpeningDaywasa big success,followed by a visit to the Spring Squeezeeventandfollowed by the Womenof the Year eventin Covina wheretwo La Verne Womenwerehonored. As a reminder beprepared asthe weatherheatsup, haveyour exit plans in place, checkyour smokedetectors, and clear brush away from your house.
ADJOURNMENT- meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
4444..
Debra Fritz, CM
Deputy City Clerk