fiTY()T tAUIRNT
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION & REGULAR
MEETTNG OF APRrL 20,2026
ACTION MINUTES
,,SEE ITALICS,,
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER - meeting was 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, and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: Kashifalghita (excusedfor military duty) Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistont City Manager Ranells, and City Attorney Hall Bsrlow.
CLOSED SESSION TOPIC
City Attorney Hall Barlow 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 Officers Association, La Verne Police Middle Management Association, and all Unrepresented Employees.
Mayor Hepburn called for Public Comment: There wos none.
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 5:32 PM.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6:30 PM - called to order at 6:42 PM (Delay due to audio issues)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - ERIC RODRIQUEZ, ARMY SERGEANT E.5 Mayor Hepburn, on behalf of City Council, presented Mr. Rodriquez with a Pride of La Verne certi/icate.
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,lohnson, Lau, ond Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: Kashifalghita (excused for military duty) Advisory Staff Present: City Monager Domer, Assistant City Manager Ranells, and City Attorney Hall Barlow.
Minutes Cily Council 412012026 Page 2
PRESENTATIONS
Damien High School lce Hockey Team Recognition - The Varsity lce Hockey Team competed in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League during lhe 2025-2026 season in the Division lll Ridge Conference, which consisted of 11 teams. Throughout the regular season, the team demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship, finishing in first place in their conference with an outstanding record of 15 wins and 3 losses. Advancing into the playoffs, the Team continued their impressive performance and secured the Division lll Ridge Conference Championship Following their conference victory, Damien advanced to the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League Commissioners Cup Final, where they faced the Division lll Valley Conference champions.
With a decisive victory, the Damien High School lce Hockey Team captured the Commissioners Cup Championship. This historic achievement marks the first time in Damien High School history that the hockey program has earned the title of Commissioners Cup Champions, representing an extraordinary accomplishment for the players, coaches, school, and community during the 2025-2026 season.
The Team was coached by Scott Shand, Randy Scott, Samantha Pahia, and Addiel Julian. Team Manager is Amber Conway.
Varsity Players:
Joshua Del Rio
Deegan Gutierrez
Zissou Landeros
Renner Thompson
Carter Badow
Jack Donaldson
Connor Reger
Katherine Odell
Ryan Yamamoto
Benjamin Berry Mason Conway
Matthew Floum Joseph Forcheskie
Kane Houfek Michael lngram
Ashton Pahia Aiden Saulibio
Boston Heston-Rojas Robert Scharbach lll
Ryan De La Fuente
Evan Grana
Mateo Julian
Aydin Martinez
Council presented the team with Pride of La Verne certificates and In-n-Out gift cards.
Damien High School Wrestling Achievement - Damien High School Freshman Nathaniel Solorio, had the most successful season in school history. He finished the season with an outstanding overall record of 49 wins and 4 losses, showcasing his dominance on the mat. Throughout the season, Nathaniel recorded 22 pins, 19 technical falls, 88 take-downs, and 142 near falls. His achievements include becoming the 113 lb Baseline League Champion, earning the title of 113 lb CIFSS Champion, and securing a 3rd place finish at the Masters tournament in the 1 13 lb weight class. Congratulations Nathaniel!
Council presented Nathaniel with a Pride of La Verne certilicate and an In-n-Out gifl card.
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 received from: Sherry Best and Kathy Kalousek from the LV Historical Society, Josh Goldman, Chamber of Commerce, Raymond Swain and Chief Sam Gonzalez.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT OUT - per Citt Attorney Hall Barlow, Council gave direction only.
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 412012026
After conJirming no items were requested to be pulled, it was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau and approved 4-0, with Kashifalghita being absent.
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $770,195.87, daied 041O1126.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the demands. Approved Updates to the Rules for the Conduct of City Council Meetings for Senate Bill 707 Compliance. Administrative Regulation 121 is being updated to comply with Senate Bill 707 and reflect current practices, including disruption response procedures.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve updates to Administrative Regulation 121:
Rules for the Conduct of City Council Meetings . Approved 3
Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 7, Engineer's Report.
Approve the Engineer's Report for Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 6, including special zones, establish FY 2026-27 assessments, and set a public hearing for May 18, 2026.
Recommendation: That City Council adopt a resolution, approving the Engineer's Report, and setting the Public Hearing for May 18, 2026. Approved
Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 8, Engineer's Report.
Preliminarily approve the Engineer's Report for Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 8 (fiilarshall Canyon Estates Specific Plan), set FY 2026-27 assessments, and schedule a Public Hearing for May 1 8, 2026.
Recommendation: That City Council adopt a resolution, approving the Engineer's Report, and setting the Public Hearing for May 18, 2026. Approved
Maintenance District No. 84-1M, Esperanza Road Slopes, Engineer's Report. Attached for City Council review is the Engineer's Report for Maintenance District No. 84-'lM. The report contains a reference to the existing plans and specifications for the area to be maintained, the estimated cost to maintain for the Fiscal Year period of July 1 , 2026 to June 30, 2027, and the assessment diagram.
5 6
7 Recommendation: That City Council adopt a resolution approving, on a preliminary basis, the Engineer's Report and setting the Public Hearing for May 18, 2026. Approved
8. Award of Contract for the 2025-26 City of La Verne CDBG Curb Ramp lmprovement Project. This action will award a public works construction contract to Estate Design and Construction in the amount of $88,495.00 for the City of La Verne 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Curb Ramp lmprovement Project. The project will be funded by CDBG and Gas Tax funds for the construction of missing or substandard curb ramps with accessible curb ramps and sidewalk panel repairs.
Recommendation: That City Council:
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session & Regular meeting of April 5,2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
4. Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District No. 6 and Zones 2,3, 4'1, 4-ll, 5 and 6, Engineer's Report. Approve the Engineer's Report for Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 6, set FY 2026-27 assessments, and schedule a public hearing for May 18,2026.
Recommendation: That City Council adopt the attached Resolution, approving the Engineeas Report, and setting the public hearing for May 18, 2026. Approved Minutes Cily Council 412012026 Page 4
1. Award a public works construction contract to Estate Design and Construction the lowest, most responsible bidder, in the amount of $88,495.00 for the 2025-26 CDBG Curb Ramp lmprovement Project;
2. Authorize the City Manager to issue change orders not exceeding 25o/o of the construction budget for a total possible cost of $ 1 10,619; and
3. Authorize staff to issue a Purchase Order for design and construction management support to RKA Consulting Group for a not to exceed amount of $30,000.00 from available project funds from the Annual Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project (ClP No. 512301).
All recommendations above were approved as sloted.
9. Adoption of the 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 13-262A & 14-262,Al and making California Environmental Quality Act Determinations.
Adoption of ordinance updates to the La Verne Municipal Code to ensure compliance with State law related to ADUs, JADUs, and SB I provisions and finding that the ordinances are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt 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 LAW AND AMENDING CHAPTER 18.22 AND SECTION 16.12.060 OF THE LA VERNE IIUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPLEMENT STATE LAWS CHANGES RELATING TO TWO.UNIT
HOUSING DEVELOPIVTENTS AND URBAN LOT SPLITS AND MAKING A DETERMINATION
THAT THE ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 65852.21AND 6641 1.7 AND CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(bX3)," 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 WITH STATE LAWAND MAKING A DETERMINATION THAT THE
ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE sEcTtoN 21080j7."
All recommendations above were approved as staled.
10. Master License Agreement for Small Cell Wireless Facilities ln the Public Right'of-Way.
Approval of a City Attorney approved template Master License Agreement for small cell wireless facilities within the public right-of-way and authorizing the City Manager to issue individual pole license agreements subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the [\/aster License Agreement.
Recommendati on: That the City Council approve the Master License Agreement for small cell wireless facilities within the public right-of-way and delegate authority to the City Manager to execute Master License Agreements and individual pole license agreements subject to the terms and conditions of the City Council approved Master License Agreement. Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1'1. Public Hearing to Consider an lncrease in the Paramedic Fee for Fiscal Year 2025-27 frcm $6.70 to $6.90. Public Hearing to consider an adjustment to the Paramedic Service Fee for FY 2026-27 to support ongoing service delivery, ambulance transport, and insurance billing Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the resolution titled "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR Minutes Page 5
2026-27 PARAMEDIC SERVICE FEE," to adjust the monthly paramedic service fee from $6.70 to $6.90.
Mayor Hepburn opened the Public Hearing and Senior Accountant Guunan reported on this item.
Council Comments: Council comments supported the increase.
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Lau, seconded by Johnson, and approved by a vote of4-0, with Knshfolghita absent.
Council Comments: Council discussed this item.
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Crosby, and approved by a vok of4-0, with Kashifulghita absent.
13. Public Hearing to Determine Necessity of Utility User's Tax. Public Hearing to consider continuation of the Utility User's Tax (UUT) in accordance with Municipal Code Section 3.10.170, supporting General Fund services including police, fire, recreation, and public works.
Recommendation: That the City Council maintain the City's Utility User's Tax at the current voter- approved rates for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Mayor Hepburn opened the Public Hearing and Accountant Jaimes reporled on this ilem.
Clly Council 4120D026
12. Public Hearing, Making CEQA Exemption Determinations, and Approving, Setting, and providing for Annual Cost lncreases to Affordable Housing Development lmpact Fees.
Consider approval ofthe Development lmpact Fee (DlF) Nexus Study for affordable housing linkage and in-lieu fees, establishment of maximum legally defensible fee levels, setting initial fees, and direction to the City Manager to negotiate applicable fees through development agreements on a projec!by-project basis as applicable.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing on the proposed Development lmpact Fee update; and
2. Find that the actions proposed herein are statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b) (4), 15061 (b) (3), and 15273 (Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges); and
3. Adopt a resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING LINKAGE & IN.LIEU DEVELOPIVIENT IMPACT FEE JUSTIFICATION STUDY AND SETTING lNlTlAL FEES"; and
4. Approve a justifiable per square foot fee and provide authority to the City Manager to negotiate and determine an applicable fee amount on a projectby-project basis; and
5. Approve annual adjustments tied to the California Construction Cost lndex (CCCI) to account for inflation in construction and acquisition costs.
Mayor Hepburn opened the Public Hearing and Mansgement Anal!st Blockinger introduced the item, and Consultanl Kuda lltekwete from DTA Public Finance who presented the information.
Minutes City Council 412012026
Council Comments: Council discussion was in support of this item.
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of 4-0, with Kashdalghita obsent.
14. Public Hearing to Approve the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Comprehensive Fee Schedule. The City's Comprehensive Fee Schedule is reviewed each year as part of the annual budget process.
Adjustments are made to reflect changes in the cost of services in accordance with State and local law. The proposed Resolution provides for adjustment to lhe 2026-27 Comprehensive Fee Schedule.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, REPLACING RESOLUTION NO. 25-68 RELATIVE TO CERTAIN FEES AND POLICIES FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF LA VERNE.''
Mayor Hepburn opened the Public Hearing and Senior Management Analyst Luo reported on this item.
Council Comments: Council stated their supportfor this item, and thanked stafffor the detailed level of documentation.
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, ond approved by a vote of 4-0, with Kashifalghito absent.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
15. 2026 Strategic Plan & Program Review. Overview of the February 7,2026, Strategic Planning Session, including City Council direction on Program Review and consideration of revenue and expend iture strategies.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Receive and file this report summarizing the February 7,2026, Strategic Planning Session; and
2. Provide continued direction to Staff regarding expenditure reductions and revenue strategies necessary to achieve a balanced budget.
Assistant City Manager Ranells and Finance Director Lopez reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council requested several clariJications, which was provided by staff, and provided staffgeneral direction regarding budget priorities.
Public Comments: None
It wos moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of 4-0, with Kashifalghita absent.
Minutes City Council 412012026 PageT
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 receivedfrom: Raymond Swain
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 Bil 1234.
Council Member Lou attended the April Vh presentation of the *Big Check" for the public safety fundingfrom Representative Gil Cisneros, which highlights the importance of maintoining relationships with our electees which can help to secure external funding, encouraged residents to follow Tri-City Mental Health Authority for resources and job opportunities, noted recent community events including the Wine Walk ond a Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement (CEEM) celebrotion honoring Reggie lltebb, ond promoted the upcoming University of La Verne scholarship gola and silent auction beneJiting students ond emphosized the signi/icant costs and relionce on commanity sponsorships for the Fourth of July event, expressed appreciation for staff, public sdety personnel, and local businesses for their ongoing contributions.
Council Member Crosby reminded everyone that April is Autism Awareness Month, and La Verne has an inclusive sports program they partner with, which is Autism Spectrum Athletics, Opening Day was yesterday for boseball seoson at Wheeler Park. Thank you Director Duran and stofffor your support. Throughout the year there are other sports offered such as basketball und bowling.
Inclusion donces are held at the Community Center every couple of months. Thanked Mayor Hepburn for throwing out the /irst pitch, ulso thanked the Police Department for their support handing out stickers to the various boseboll divisions.
Council Member Johnson shored an in-memory tribute for his cousin, Murk "Ronnie" Putnam, who passed away peacefully on March 24 ot oge 74 after battling concer. A longtime resident of San Dimos ond Lo Verne, he was a Vietnam Wor-era U.S. Army veteran and was remembered as a devoted husbond, fother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The community mourns the loss of a fellow Bearcat and extends heartfelt condolences to the Putnamfamily.
Mayor Hepburn reported on several community events, the Autism Spectrum Alhletics baseball league opening, the Wine ll/alk, a sold-out event with good attendance, and the Police OfJicers Association (POA) Golf Tournament, which was also well attended and supported by sponsors ond participants. Wos appreciotive of the staff, volunteers, public safety, and local businesses for helping these events succeed. While we are faced wtth some serious Jinanciol things, we will get through it, our community is resilient, has great residents, greot staff and a great Council. Remembered the recent possing of brother-in-law Dave Willman, Vietnam ll/ar veteron Karl Bauer and LA Sheriff Deputy Levi Vargas, recognix,ing their service, character, and contributions and extending condolences to their families and colleagues.
Minutes City Council 412012026 Page 8
ADJOURNMENTS
ln Memory of Kar! Bauer - Karl b,os o veteran of the Vietnum War, serving honorably from 1966 to 1968. Although his official assignment was in bridge construction, his aptitude and interest led him to toke on responsibilities as a radio operator. From 1980 to 1985, he further demonstroted his commitment to public service as u volunteer deputy. In 1976, he settled in San Dimas, Caltfornia, where he raised hisfomily and become an active member of the community.
In 2012, Mr. Bauer joined Veterons of Foreign lYars (VFW) Post 12034, where he devoted himself to supporting fellow veterans. He was especiolly known for ensuring that new members received guidance and assistance, a commitment he upheld until the Jinal month of his life. Outside his service and community involvement, his personal interests included go$ing, woodworking, and working on automobiles.
The City Council extends its deepest condolences to the Bauerfomily and honors Korl Bauer's lde of service, dedicqtion, ond lasting impact on his community. ln Memory of Deputy Levi Vargas - Deputy Levi Vorgos of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department tragicolly passed ob'ay on March 28,2026, after suffering a medical emergency while porticipating in the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Reloy. He was 30 years old and an 11- yeor veteran of the Department, most recently assigned to the San Dimos Station. Deputy Vorgas was widely respectedfor his professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving his community.
The City Council extends its deepest condolences to the Vorgas family, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, and all who knew and served alongside him. His service, character, ond sacriJice will be remembered with honor and gratitude.
ln Memory of Mark Putnam - Mark Ronald Putnam (Bonita High School Class of 1969) possed away peacefully at home on Morch 24, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 74 years old. Known to many as Ronnie, he grew up in San Dimas and later made his home in La Verne. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam lilar, with a posting in Germany. Mork is survived by his beloved wife, Shirlene Davis Putnam (BHS Class of 1969); his daughter and son-in-low; two granddaughters and a grandson-in- low; and one greot-granddaughter.
The community mourns the loss of a fellow Bearcat and extends heartfelt condolences to the Putnamfomily during this dfficult time. Pleuse keep them in your thoughts and proyers.
ADJOURNMENT - meeting adjourned at 8:24 pm
Respectfu lly s u b mitted,
il^l,^4
Debra Fritz, CMC
Deputy Cily Clerk