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MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION & REGULAR
MEETTNG ON APRrL 6, 2026
ACTION MINUTES
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CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - 5: 30 PM
CALL TO ORDER - meeting was 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 ( arrived at 5: 36 pm), Lott, Kashifalghito, and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Manoger Ranells, and City Attorney Hall Barlow.
CLOSED SESSION TOPIC
City Attorney Hall Borlow read the closed session items for the record.
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 Legal Counsel, Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956. 9( d)( 1) Workmen' s Comp Case - Case # ADJ 22309982 Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to California Government Gode Section 54956. 9( d)( 1). ( 1 case) - Gonzalez, J. v. City of La Verne, La Verne Police Dept. Case No. 24STCV34625.
Existing litigation Re National Prescription Opiate Litigation - Associated Pharmacies, lnc ( and American Associated Pharmacies); . t tvt Smith Corporation; Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, lnc.; Morris and Dickson Co.; North Carolina MutualWholesale Drug Company, lnc.; and United Natural Foods, lnc. ( Remnant Defendants)
USDC, Northern District of Ohio, MDL No. 2804
Rubris Reference Number: CL- 1 763034
Mayor Hepburn calledfor Public Comment: There was none.
The City Council recessed at 5: 33 PM into Closed Session.
Minutes City Council 4/ 6/ 2026
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6: 30 PM - meeting called to order at 6: 36 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE . ARMY VETERAN THEODORE LENGEL
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghito, on beholf of City Council, presented Mr. Lengel with a Pride of La Verne certiJicate.
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 Stalf Presenl: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Manager Ranells, and Cily Attorney Hall Barlow.
Closed Session Report Oul - City Aaorney Hall Barlow reported on the Opioid Litigation matter, on motion by Council Member Crosby, seconded by Lou and approved by a 5- 0 vote, the Cil! ntill participate in the settlements for what are known as the remnant defendants and approved the City Manager approving subsequent settlements b! other manufacturers and distributors of opioids.
PRESENTATIONS
Outstanding Older American - Jack Mansell - The Senior Advisory Committee ( SAC) has nominated one senior citizen for the Older American Recognition Award. This recognition is part of the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults ( LACCOA) Annual Older Americans Recognition Day ( OARD) Awards Program, which honors a senior citizen from each city in Los Angeles County. The Senior Advisory Committee nominated Jack Mansell as the City' s Outstanding Older American.
Council presented Mr. Mansell with o Pride of La Verne certiJicate.
Recognition of Dr. Henderson for Service as Medical Director for LVFD - Dr. Henderson served the City of La Verne and the La Verne Fire Department for many years as the EMS Medical Director, generously volunteering his time and expertise without compensation. His leadership and medical oversight were instrumental in shaping the EMS program, supporting personnel, and ensuring high- quality patient care for the community. We would like to formally recognize his lasting contributions, mentorship, and the positive impact he has had on the department.
Chief Coatnel recognized Dr. Henderson, who was not able to attend.
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 Commenls received from: Adrian Romero, Library Mantger, Sherry Best and Kathy Kalousek from the LV Historical Society, Maria McKinney VFIY Post 12034, and Gil lvey CASI Memher.
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Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghito announced the upcoming Community Gothering and Powwow event from the Carmel Band of Rumsen Indians, an event that might be of interest to our community members who ore from the same tribe and would like to attend this event. It will be on April lVt' through 19h, at Arcodio County Park.
Mayor Hepburn onnounced the Police Officer' s Association Golf Tournament, which is coming up on April 2Uh, sponsorships are still available and will support the Police Explorer Program. The LVPOA website will have all the information to sign up, make donotions, etc.
Council Member Crosby announced that Sunday, April 19tt' will be the Opening Day for Autism Spectrum Baseball, ages 5- 18 at Wheeler Park, throughout the day.
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.) Consent items # 2, 7 and I were pulled by resident Richard Bowen, it wos then moved by Crosby , seconded by Lau, to approve consent calendar items 1, 3, 4, 5, & 6. These items were approved by a vote of 5- 0.
1. City Counci! Minutes of the Closed Session & Regular meeting of March 16, 2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Registers of Audited Demands in the amount of $ 2, 147, 648. 67, dated 03111126, and in the amount of $ 937, 536. 84, dated 03104126, and in the amount of $ 394, 086. 76, dated 03t18t26.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the audited demands.
After a brief discussion this item was opproved by a vote of 5- 0, moved by Crosby, seconded by Johnson.
3. Senior Advisory Gommittee Appointment. Following an unexpected vacancy on the Senior Advisory Committee ( SAC), the City solicited applications to fill the role. Upon the close of the application period, two applications were received. The SAC recommends that Mary Smith be appointed to serve a term through June 30, 2027.
Recommendation: That the City Council accept the Senior Advisory Committee' s recommendation to appoint Mary Smith to serve a term through June 30, 2027. Approved
4. Resolution Accepting the Fire Department' s 2025 Report on Compliance with State lnspection Mandates. ln accordance with Senate Bill 1205 ( S81205), allfire departments in California must annually inspect specified buildings and report compliance to their administering authority.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled, ' A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT
OF A REPORT MADE BY THE FIRE CHIEF OF THE LA VERNE FIRE DEPARTMENT' S Minutes City Council 4/ 6/ 2026 Page 4
REQUIREMENT TO INSPECT CERTAIN OCCUPANCIES PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13146. 2 AND 13146. 3 OF THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE;' Approved
5. Police Shooting Range Use Agreement with Claremont Police Department. This agreement allows authorized Claremont Police Department personnel to utilize the La Verne Police Department' s shooting range for training and qualification purposes.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to renew the Agreement for Use of the La Verne Police Department' s Shooting Range with the Claremont Police Deparlmenl. Approved
6. Police Shooting Range Use Agreement with Glendora Police Department. This agreement allows authorized Glendora Police Department personnel to utilize the La Verne Police Department' s shooting range for training and qualification purposes.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to renew the Agreement for Use of the La Verne Police Department' s shooting range with the Glendora Police Deparlmenl. Approved
7. Approval of a Salary Range for Utilities Manager. Consideration of a resolution approving a revised salary range for the Utilities Manager position to align with current market conditions.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the aftached Resolution titled, " A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A SALARY RANGE FOR UTILITIES MANAGER."
After a brief discussion this item wts approved by a vote of 5- 0, moved by Crosby, seconded by Kashifalghita.
8. Second reading and adoption of ' AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CASE NO. 114. 252C, 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." The second reading and adoption of an Ordinance to change the zone designation from " PR4. 5D' to . INSTITUTIONAL" for the sites located within the Brethren Hillcrest Homes facility.
Recommendation: That the Ci ty Council adopt an Ordinance, entitled " AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CASE NO. 114- 252C, A REQUEST BY HILLCREST HOMES TO CHANGE THE ZONE DESIGNATION FROM " PR4. 5D" TO ' INSTITUTIONAL" FOR THE SITES LOCATED AT AIN: 838' l- 010- 028, AIN: 8381- 010- 033, AIN: 8381- 010- 006, AND AIN: 8381- 012- 013." After a brief discussion this item was approved by a vote of 5- 0, moved by Kashifulghita, seconded by Lau.
PUBLIC HEARING
First Reading of Ordinance Updates to the La Verne Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units, Senate Bill 9 Two- Unit Developments, Urban Lot Splits, and the Definition of Emergency Shelter ( Case Numbers 13- 26z, A & 14- 26z, Al and making California Environmental Quality Act Determinations. 9 Minutes City Council 4/ 6/ 2026 Page 5
First Reading for updates to the La Verne Municipal Code to ensure compliance with State law related to ADUS, JADUs, and SB 9 provisions and finding that the ordinances are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Recommendation: That the C ity Council should conduct a Public Hearing, introducing by title only and waiving further reading of the following Ordinances:
1. " AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA
AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF' EMERGENCY SHELTER' TO IMPLEMENT STATE LAWAND AIVIENDING CHAPTER 18. 22 AND SECTION 16. 12. 060 OF THE LA VERNE
MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPLEMENT STATE LAWS CHANGES RELATING TO TWO-
UNIT HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS AND URBAN LOT SPLITS AND MAKING A
DETERMINATION THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 65852. 21 AND 6641 1. 7 AND CEOA GUIDELINES SECTION 1 5061 ( b)( 3)," and
2. ' AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA
AMENDING THE ZONING PROVISIONS OF THE LA VERNE MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS IN ACCORDANCE WTH STATE LAW AND MAKING A
DETERMINATION THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080. 17."
Mayor Hepburn opened the Public Hearing and Assistant Planner Chin reported on lhis item, Council Comments: None
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by lohnson, and approved by o vote of 5- 0.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
10. Update on Route 56 Centennial and America 250 Programming and Approval of Public Art Fund Appropriation for Banner Program. To celebrate the Route 66 Centennial and America 250 milestones, the City has developed a series of programming initiatives in collaboration with community groups. lmplementation of the Banner Program will require the appropriation of $ 25, 000 from the General Capital lmprovement Fund, which holds the Public Art Funds.
Recommendation: That the City Councll:
1 . Receive and file this report;
2. Provide direction on the proposed programming efforts; and
3. Adopt a Resolution appropriating $ 25, 000 of Public Art Funds from the General Capital lmprovement Fund to support the Banner Program.
Management Analyst Blockinger reporled on this item.
Council Discussion/ Comments: Council discussed the dilferent options of this project and lhe ultimate desired oulcome.
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Public Comments: Sherry Best
All recommendations above teere approved by a vote of 5- 0, on a motion by Crosby, seconded by Lau.
11. Bonita Unified School District Measure A - June 2026 Election. The Bonita Unified School District has placed Measure A on the June 2, 2026, ballot to authorize $ 256 million in bonds for school facility repairs and upgrades, subject to Proposition 39 accountability requirements and a projected tax rate of $ 59 per $ 100, 000 of assessed value. At the March 2, 2026, City Council meeting, l\ Iayor Tim Hepburn and Council Member Rick Crosby requested the measure be brought forward for Council discussion and consideration of support.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a resolution in support for the Bonita Unified School District Measure A Bond Measure.
Council Discussion/ Comments: Council discussed the bond measure and are in support it.
Public Comments: Theodore Lengel, Jeff Friend, Bruce Becker, Richard Bowen, Sherry Best, Cynthia Tyner, Chantol Steiber, Kathy Newlon, Jaime Riley, and Gloria.
Approved by a vote of 5- 0, on a motion by Crosby, seconded by Kashdalghita.
12. SGVCOG & City of Pomona Proposed Arrow Highway Class lV Bikeway Design. The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments ( SGVCOG) and City of Pomona are proposing improvements on Arrow Highway that include the addition of a Class lV bikeway among other features, with impacts to the City of La Verne. Based on feedback from the January 20, 2026, Council lt/ eeting, SGVCOG staff have conducted further study of the proposed improvements and are submitting the findings for the review and consideration of the City Council.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Support coordination with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and the City of Pomona to advance the Class lV bikeway along Arrow Highway consistent with Pomona City Council approved Alternative 4;
2. Confirm the preferred bikeway terminus at the White Avenue/ Arrow Highway intersection within the City of La Verne;
3. Direct staff to work with partner agencies to incorporate traffic signal modifications and pavement rehabilitation within the City' s segment, as appropriate; and
4. Authorize staff to continue design coordination and return to the City Council with any required agreements, cost- sharing arrangements, or approvals necessary for project implementation.
City Engineer Howing reported on this item.
Council Discussion/ Comments: Council discussed the elements of this project and the ultimate desired outcome.
Public Comments: faime Riley, Bruce Becker, and Chantal Steiber.
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All recommendations above htere opproved by o vote of 5- 0, on a motion by Lau, seconded by Kashdalghita.
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 cityclerk@LaVerneCA. gov. 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: Kathy Kalousek and Bruce Becker.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE/ MEETING REPORTS
Each Council [\ 4ember 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 Bil 1234.
Council Comments: Mayor Pro Tem Kashdolghita commented that the Cool Cruise 2026 was an amazing success, the Mayor' s choicefor the best car wos a 1966 Mustang. Graduotion is right around the corner, there will be some amazing folks future leaders graduoting from our local schools, also will be attending the SGV Vector Control Board event, und is hoping to have o representotive come to La Verne to discuss the latest wave of biting flies.
Council Member Lau announced thot Tri- City Authority, at the recent meeting, decided on a consultant to assist with social media to get information out to people on the programs and resources they provide to La Verne, Claremont, and Pomono, olso there ore Community Well Being grants available up to $ 25, 000 that are being owarded, application are open to organigtions until April 13tt' ot noon, for more information go to the Tri- City website. 4th of July is right around the corner, we are looking for sponsors to help with the various events, and the ULV Gala will be on Saturday, May 2" d , and thonked LVPD and LVFD for the silent auction donutions.
Council Member Crosby attended the Foothill Teruace MHP public salety meeting where Fire Chief Coatney wos the speaker, also additionol information on the Autism Spectrum Athletics baseboll opening day on Sunday, April 19th , the T- Ball division will start at 12: 30 pm, and the Minor Division at 2: 00 pm, and the Major Division at 3: 30 pm. Congressmen Cisneros will be at Public Safety lomorrow, April 7, at 1: 30 pm to present a ceremonial big checkfor over $ 1 M dollurs to help renovate the public safety of/ ice. The Pomona Valley Transit Authority meeting will be on Wednesdoy, April ? th ot City Hall, also the 4tt' of July parade applications are now open.
Council Member Johnson remembered the recent passing of two members of our community, Darryl Brandt, port owner of JBJ Ranch, and secondly Mark Putnam, Army Veteran and cousin to Council Member Johnson.
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Mayor Hepburn commented on the changes to the City and Council over the pastfew years and the need to look at things with fresh eyes and make changes, we have great staff, leadership, and attorney representation to guide us. We recently lost a Band of Brothers member Karl Bauer, a wonderful, funny person who was alwoys there, he will be tremendously missed, our hearts and prayers go out to his family.
ADJOURNMENT - meeting odjourned at 9: 22 PM.
Resp ectful ly s ubmitted,
il,/* 44
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk