flTY OT LAUTRNT
MINUTES OF THE STUDY SESSION & REGULAR &
cLosED sEssroN MEETTNG ON MAY L8, 2026
ACTION MINUTES
,,SEE ITALICS,,
STUDY SESSION AGENDA - 4:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER - meeting called to order at 4:36 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, Lou, ond Kashdalghita.
Council Members Absent: Hepburn
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Manager Ranells, and City Attorney Hall Barlow.
STUDY SESSION TOPIC
Budget Study Session - The City Council conducted a Study Session, presented by staff, for the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget.
Finance Director Lopez started the session followed by each Deportment Director then presenting a high-level budget overview, discussing any budget baloncing initiatives.
Public Comments: Cynthia Gabaldon, Richord Bowen, Danita Beouchamp, Joe Gaboldon, and Pam Berry.
Council Comment/Discussion: Council had various questions and comments for each department oft er t h eir pr es ent atio n.
The Study Session recessed at 6:51 PM.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6:30 PM - meeting called to order at 7:03 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGTANCE. LIFE SCOUT & PATROL LEADER LYAM HERNANDEZ Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita, on behalf of City Council, presented Mr. Hernandez with o Pride of La Verne certiftcate.
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 511812026 Page 2
Council Members Presenl: Crosby, Iohnson, Lau, and Kashifalghita.
Council Members Absenl: Hepburn
Advisory Staff Present: Ciq) Manager Domer, Assislanl City Manager Ranells, and City Attorney Hall Barlow.
PRESENTATIONS
Damien Spartans Division 1 State Champions 2025-26
The 2025-26 Damien Spartan basketball team began the season as an unproven roster made up of 6 seniors, 5 juniors, 4 sophomores, and 5 freshmen, but finished as a tighlknit group of undisputed champions. Fueled by stifling defense, relentless three-point shooting, and unwavering resilience, the Spartans quickly established themselves as contenders. They opened the season with five consecutive double-digit victories to win the Battle of Rosecrans title, rebounded from a narrow post- Thanksgiving loss by capturing a second tournament championship, and used a challenging December slate against national competition to prepare for a strong postseason run.
Damien carried that momentum into the new year, winning 11 straight double-digit games and securing its flrst Baseline League title in four years. After briefly struggling against elite Open Division opponents in early February, the Spartans responded with six consecutive victories to close the season. Through adversity, toughness, and team chemistry, this remarkable group of student. athletes achieved the ultimate goal and cemented its legacy as Division 1 State Champions.
The team was coached by Michael LeDuc, Eric Johnson, Yancy Dodson, Darian Zabel, and Andrew Garcia.
PLAYERS: George Bachoura
Samuel Franco Elijah Garner
Joseph Mariles- Andrew Martin
J ara
Joseph O'Connor Cruz Polanco
Nathaniel Voigt
Kameron Dodson Nathaniel Ford
Finnian Herod Dillon Hsieh
Cameron Murray Jr Kyle Nickelberry
Reiner Bowen
Marcus Gholar
Zayden Minor
Zaire Rasshan Eli.iah Smith Abraham Sorian
City Council presented the tedm with Pride of La Verne Certificates and In-N-Out gift cards.
Public Works Week Proclamation - The third week of May is distinguished as Public Works Week, honoring the value and necessity of the Public Works Department. During this time, we recognize how public works professionals contribute to and enhance the quality of life in La Verne City Council presenled the Proclamation to the La Verne Public ll/orks Team in dttendance.
Asian American & Pacific lslander Proclamation - Every May, we honor the role that Asian Americans and Pacific lslanders play in developing this nation and the benefits that they add to the community of La Verne.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month was proclaimed, and Orange Fish sushi restaurant was highlighted.
Soroptimist lnternational Proclamation - The La Verne/San Dimas Chapter was named the California Nonprofit of the Year for 2026. The organization's mission includes providing educational Minutes City Council 511812026 Page 3
scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and resources designed to empower women and girls to achieve their full potential, thereby strengthening families and the broader community.
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 received from'. Adrian Romero Librar! Mdnager, Kathy Kalusek Historical Society VP, Yvonne Gullegos Cultural Awareness & Social Inclusion Committee VP, and Richard Bowen LVC3 Member.
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.) After confirming no items were pulled by members of the public or council, it was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved 4-0, with Hepburn absent.
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular meeting of May 4, 2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minules. Approved
2. Registers of Audited Demands in the amount of $770,195.87, dated 04/01/26, and in the amount of $1,531,539.46, dated 04122126, and in the amount of $1,418,967.45, dated 04t29t26.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the audited demands. Approved 3 Approval of the Old Town La Verne Business lmprovement District Annual Report and lntention to Levy an Annual Assessment. The annual report for the Old Town La Verne Business lmprovement District has been prepared for review by the City Council. Per state law, the City Council is required to declare its intention to hold a public hearing to levy annual assessments for the businesses located within the District area.
Recommendation: That the City Council
1. Approve the Annual Report for the Old Town La Verne Business lmprovement District (BlD); and,
2. Adopt the attached Resolution declaring the City's intention to levy an annual assessment for Fiscal Year 2026-27 lot the BID at their meeting on June 1, 2026.
Both recommendations were opproved.
4. Operations & Maintenance Community Facilities District No. 90-1; Special Tax Levy Fiscal Year 2026-27. Operation and Maintenance Community Facilities District No. 90-1 (O&M CFD 90-1), a special tax district within the La Verne lndustrial Specific Plan, requires the City Council to authorize the levy annually. Exhibit "A" of the attached resolution lists the properties and their levy's included in the district.
City Council presented the proclamotion to the CIub President Rachel Bratakos.
Minutes City Council 511812026 Page 4
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolution, levying a specialtax for FiscalYear 2026-27 per the schedule shown in Exhibit "A" attached to the Resolution, which increases the rate by 3.4o/o to address cost increases based on the annual consumer price index ending lvlarch 2026. Approved
5. Community Facilities District No. 11-1; SpecialTax Levy FiscalYear 2026-27. The City Council, on an annual basis, must authorize the tax levy for Community Facilities District No. 11- 1 (CFD No. 11-1), a special fire tax for buildings three stories (thirty-five feet) and above or with fire flows of 3,500 Gallons Per Minute or more, which was first established in 2011.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolution levying a special tax for Fiscal Year 2026-27 within Community Facilities District No. 11-1, increasing the levy by 3o/o pursuant to Ordinance No. 1023. Approved
6. Denial of Liability Claim #26-06. A claim for damages related to denial of lifetime medical benefits for a former employee who resigned is being recommended due to facts present which do not support the claim. While claims of liability are typically handled for the City by the California Joint Powers lnsurance Authority, this claim is recommended to be acted upon by the City Council.
Recommendation: That the City Council deny the Claim for Damages, Claim 26-06, received April 7, 2026. Approved
7. Resolution Canceling the July 6,2026, City Councit Meeting. The first meeting in July 2026 is requested to be canceled due to the timing of the meeting occurring around the July 4th holiday, causing agenda production issues and corresponding lack of business items.
Accordingly, the item requires the City Councilto adopt a resolution to cancelthe meeting.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the attached resolution titled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, CANCELING THE JULY 6,2026, CITY COUNCIL MEETING;'Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. Citywide Landscaping and Lighting District No. 6 and Zones 2,3,4-1,4-ll, 5 and 6 Public Hearing & Resolution for Annual Levy. On April 20,2026, the City Council adopted a Resolution setting May 18, 2026 al6:30 p.m. as the date and time for the public hearing for the subject assessment district and its zones.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution providing for the annual levy and collection of assessments for the special zones in District No. 6 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifolghito recused himselffrom this item, Council Member Lau presided over the Public Hearing, opening the Public Hearing ond City Engineer Howing reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments : None
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Johnson, and opproved by a vote of 3-0, with Hepburn obsent ond Kashifolghita recusing himself.
I
Minutes City Council 511812026 Page 5
Citywide Landscaping and Lighting District No. 7 Public Hearing; Resolution providing for the Annual Levy. On April20,2026, the City Council adopted a Resolution setting May 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. as the date and time for the public hearing for the subject assessment district. There is no increase to assessment amount levied for this Fiscal Year from the prior year assessment. The proposed assessment amount of $693.26 per parcel is at the maximum allowable assessment for the District.
Recommendation: That City Council adopt a Resolution, providing for the annual levy for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifulghita opened the Public Hearing and City Engineer Howing repo ed on this item,
Co u ncil D isc ussion/Comments : None
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Johnson, and approved by a vote of4-0, wilh Hepburn absent.
10. Citywide Landscaping and Lighting District No. 8 Public Hearing; Resolution providing for the Annual Levy. On April 20, 2026, the City Council adopted a Resolution setting May '18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. as the date and time for the public hearing for the subject assessment district.
There is no proposed increase in the assessment from last year's levy. lt is proposed to set the levy at the 1996-97 approved full year's assessment of $249.70 per parcel.
Recommendation: That City Council adopt the attached Resolution, providing for the annual levy for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifulghita opened the Public Hearing and City Engineer Howing reported on this item.
Co unc i I D is c ussion/Commenls : Non e
Public Comments: None
It was moved by lohnson, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of4'0, with Hepburn absenl.
'll. Maintenance District No. 84-1M, Esperanza Road Slopes; Public Hearing and Resolution providing for the Annual Levy. The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the annual levy for Maintenance District 84-1M for Fiscal Year 2026-27. The proposed assessment remains unchanged at $8.00 per parcel.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolution, providing for the annual levy for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 .
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifulghita recused himself from this item, therefore Council Member Lau presided over lhe Public Hearing, opening the Public Hearing wilh Cit! Engineer Howing reporting on this ilem.
Co uncil Di scussion/Com ments : No ne
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Public Comments: None
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Crosby, and opproved by a vole of 3-0, with Hepburn absent, and Kashifalghila recusing himself
12. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of the City of La Verne 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan Update. The proposed item considers adoption of the City's 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan Update, which updates the City's long{erm water supply planning and drought response framework in accordance with State requirements.
Recommendation: That the City Council
1. Conduct a public hearing on the City's 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Update and Water Shortage Contingency Plan and
2. Adopt a resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE 2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE"; and
3. Adopt a resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE2025 WATER SHORTAGE
CONTINGENCY PLAN'
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita opened the Public Hearing and Acling afififies Manger Ra! Apodaca reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: None
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of4-0, with Hepburn absent.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
13. Approval ofan lnternal Loan from the Sewer Fund to the Water Fund and Adoption of Repayment Terms. Approval of an internal loan from the Sewer Fund to the Water Fund in the amount not-to-exceed $4,000,000 and adoption of repayment terms in accordance with the City's Fund Loan Policy.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached resolution titled 'A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN INTERNAL LOAN NOT.TO-EXCEED FOUR MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE SEWER FUND TO THE WATER FUND AND AUTHORIZING DRAWS AND ADOPTING REPAYMENT TERMS.' Finance Director Lopez reported on this item-
Co u ncil Discussion/Comments : Non e
Public Comments: Joe Gabledon
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau and approved by a vole of4-0, with Hepburn absenl.
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14. First Reading of an Ordinance Pertaining to Regulated Mobility Devices (e-bikes, scooters, etc.) The proposed ordinance adds Chapter 10.80 to Title 10 of the La Verne Municipal Code to regulate the operation of regulated mobility devices, including electric bicycles, electric scooters, and similar devices. The ordinance establishes definitions, operational rules, safety requirements, enforcement mechanisms, and penalties to promote public safety and welfare.
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce by title only and waive further reading of an Ordinance titled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE Clry OF LA.VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 10.80 TO TITLE 1O OF THE LA VERNE MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING THE USE OF REGULATED MOBILITY DEVICES."
Police Chief Gonzalez and Police Captain Tibbetts reported on this item.
Co u n cil D is c uss io n/C o m me nts : Co u n cil os ke d s ever u I clar ify i n g q u e stio n s.
Public Comments: Joe Gabaldon, Tim Blockinger, and Morlene Sarman.
It wss moved by Crosby seconded by Lau and approved by a vote of3-1, with Johnson opposed and Hepburn absent.
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 Comment receivedfrom: Tim Blockinger, Joe Gaboldon, and Steve (lost name not given).
COUNGIL 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 B111234.
Council Member Crosby commented on the support LV Fire Department is currently providing to the two recent Jires.
Council Member Johnson stated he does not think E-Bikes should be on sidewalks.
Council Member Lau provided several community updates beginning with the Volunteer Recognition Lunch held on May 12il'to honor residents who volunteer throughout the community.
Entertainment was provided by the Ramona 6th Grade Jazz Club, the community depends on residents who contribute their time, talents, ond involvement, whether by volunteering or participoting in city meetings and activities, thank you to ull the volunteers for their service to the city. Tri-City Mental Health Authority announced two recent retirements, Dana Barford, who served as Director of Mental Health Services for approximately 17 years, retired after leading numerous community support progroms, including work involving navigators and the therapeutic Minutes City Council 511812026 Page 8
garden. Her leadership and contributions to helping residents were recognized and opprecioted.
Additionally, Micaelo Olmos, the administrator and clerkfor Tri-City, retired effeaive May 21n and plans to focus on supporting her child's band activities as a "band mom." Memorial Day is approaching und the local VFW Post will host a Memorial Day event at 11:00 a.m- Commencement seoson is here, Bonita recently held its prom, with commencement ceremonies scheduledfor June.
The University of La Verne @Ln wil host its baccalaureate ceremony on May 29h, followed by two commencement ceremonies on May 3Uh for bachelor's and graduate degree condidates.
Moyor Pro Tem Kashifalghita commented on the opening day of the fair that was on May Vh it wus a great opportunity for community engagement. Attended a celebration of life servicefor VFW Post member Karl Bauer, honoring his memory ond service. VFW Post, #12034 is a placetilled with a strong community of veterans and supporters. Damien High School's graduation is taking place later that week. His son will also be graduating and joining the United States Air Force, continuing thefamily's military tradition, which started with his dad and himself joining the Army.
Thank you for being here today, great opportunity to see our community members.
City Attorney Hall Barlow reod the closed session items into the record.
The regular City Council meeting recessed into closed session at 8:57 PM.
CLOSED SESSION
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 Miscellaneous/General Unit-Teamsters Local 1932, 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.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (1 case), pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9.
ADJOURNMENT - closed session adjourned at 9:21 PM.
Resp ectfu I ly s u b mitte d,
ill^ J,,fr
Debra Fritz, CMCd
Deputy City Clerk