flTY (lT LAUTRNT
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION & REGULAR
MEETTNG OF JUNE 15, 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, Lou, and Hepburn.
Co uncil Members Absent: Kas h dalgh ita
Advisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Manager Ranells, and City Attorney Hall Barlow.
CLOSED SESSION TOPIC
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 General Unit, 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.
The City Attorney requestecl that an anticipated litigation item be added to the Closed Session and on a motion by Crosby, seconded by Lau, the item was opproved to be added on a 4-0 vote with Kashifalghilo absent because of mititary duty. The other items discussed were labor negotiations. No reportable action occurred antl direction was provided by City Council.
The Closetl Session recessed to Regular Session at 6:30 PM.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6:30 PM - meeting was called to order at 6:38 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE . BOY SCOUT FIRST CLASS ZACHARY KOVAR The City Council presented Zochary with a 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.
Council Members Present: Crosby, Johnson, Lau, and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: Kash ifolgh ila
Aclvisory Staff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Manager Ranells, and City Attorney Hall Barlow.
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PRESENTATIONS
America 250 Essay Contest Winners - As part of the America 250 celebrations, the City invited students to answer the prompt "lf Someone Visited My Neighborhood, What Would They Learn About America?" Bonita Unified School District students Gianna DeFazio, Zadie Thompson, and Simone Guilatco were selected as the winners of the contest.
Incoming itt' grader Zadie Thompson read her winning essayfor Council and was presenled with a Pride of La Veme certificdte and special prize. Both Gianna and Simone were not available lo attend the Council meeling recognition. Gianna's essay was read by Council Member Lou and Simone recorded herself reading her winning essay. Both Gianno and Simone will receive their Pride of La Verne certificates and prizes al a lster date.
America 250 & Route 66 Centennial Street Banners Artist Recognition - ln Spring 2026, the City issued a Call for Artists to design unique street banners to celebrate America 250 and the Route 66 Centennial. The following artists were selected: Gary Samuelson with "Freedom Still Rings" and "Mile Markers: Stamps from La Verne," Sophia De La O with "Untitled," and Manuel Lecaspe with "A Heritage of Vision, a Future of Promise."
Council presented the bannet drtists h,ith Pride of La Verne certiJicates and the stipend, also each artisl received one of their banners to take home.
Bonita High School Student Lexi Cocores - lncoming Senior of Bonita High School, Lexi Cocores, is a published iuthor who recently debuted her young adult fantasy novel, I Accept the .R.ole_ of Villainess' published under the pen name Allie Kris. Her book is published through Amazon's Kindle Direct FrOti.ning platform. A second book should be coming soon, and she is now drafting her third, with the goal of cJmpleting the series before graduation. Alongside her writing, Cocores maintains a 4.2 GPA' 6alances Advanced Placement coursework, and competes on Bonita High School's golf team' Council presentett Lexi with a Pride of La Verne certirtcak.
Juneteenth proclamation - June 19th honors Black freedom, resilience, and the abolishment of slavery in the United States.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council presented lhe proclamation to Morgdn Sternquist from Hillcresl'
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, Andrea Blockinger La Verne Management Analyst, Matthew Dagata, Damien High school Band, Travis Tibbetts, LVPD Caplain, and Yvonne Duran, Parks & Recreation Direclor.
council Announcements received from: Mayor Hepburn and council Member Lau. (All items on the consent calendar are routine and will be enacted by one motion unless a member of the douncil or member of the audience requests separate discussion ) 3 Minutes City Council 6/15/2026 Page 3
After conJirming no items were pulled by either Council or a member of the Public, it wos moved by Lau, seconded by Johnson, and approved 4-0 with Kashifilghita absent.
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular meeting of June 1,2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council approved lhe minules. Approved
2. Register of Audited Demands in the amount of $2,233,340.57, dated 05/28/26.
Recommendation: That the City Council approved the audited demands. Approved Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing One - Year Extensions to Annual Public Works Maintenance Service Agreements. This item recommends the adoption of a Resolution approving amendments to extend the existing maintenance services agreements for various Public Works and Community Development Services on-call services through June 30,2027, covering Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING ANNUAL CITY AGREEMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 FOR PUBLIC WORKS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT RELATED SERVICES,' approving amendments to the annual City maintenance services agreements related to Public Works and Community Development services and authorizing the Mayor and Deputy City Clerk to execute the amendments to the agreemenls. Approved 4 Final Map Approval, Tract No. 83278 "Heritage on First" Condominium Conversion' On May 13,2026, the Planning Commission approved Tentative Tract Map No. 83278 for a 17-unit condominium conversion located at 2467 Ftsl Street. The Final Tract Map has been submitted for approval, allowing for the condominium conversion of the residential development.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled 'A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVIN G THE FINAL MAP FOR TRACT NO. 83278, A REQUEST BY WHITE AVENUE TOWNHOMES LLC, TO SUBDIVIDE ONE PARCEL WTH AREA OF 0.56 ACRES AT 2467 FIRST STREET WTH 17 EXISTING RENTAL UNITS INTO A '17 UNIT CONDOMINIUM SUBDIVISION." Approved Rejection of all bids for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Catch Basin Retrofit Project. This action will reject all bids submitted for the City of La Verne Fiscal Year 2025-26 Catch Basin Retrofit Project. A total of five bids were received and opened on April 20, 2026. The lowest bidder and second lowest bidder have requested to withdraw their bids due to clerical errors.
Recommendatio!!i That the City Council reject all bids submitted for the Catch Basin Retrofit Project 6 and direct staff to rebid the project. Approved
Resolution tot FY 2026-27 Appropriations Limit. Every year, the City must adopt the annual appropriations limit for expenditures paid by tax proceeds, consistent with the requirements of California law. Appropriations financed by service fees, grants, and other non-tax revenues are exempt. The City's proposed FY 2026-27 budget reflects appropriations well under the limit set by law.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN APPROPRIATIONS LIMITATION FOR THE 2026-27 FISCAL YEAR." Approved
Adoption of Traffic Control Plan for 2026 Fourth of July Parade Although not legally required, staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Traffic Control Plan for the 2026 Fourth of July Parade to further inform residents of the event and anticipated traffic disruptions. 5 7
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Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the Traffic Control Plan, developed by the City Engineer, for the 2026 Fourth of July Parade. Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. Affordable Housing Agreement for Heritage on White. MW lnvestment Group, LLC received Planning Commission approval for Tract Map No. 83278, a condominium conversion project at2467 First Street that converts an existing 17-unit apartment complex into individually owned condominiums subject to final City Council approval. To comply with the affordable housing requirements of the Old Town La Verne Specific Plan, the applicant has agreed to restrict three units as affordable ownership housing for 45 years through an Affordable Housing Agreement that establishes affordability, eligibility, resale, and compliance requirements.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the Affordable Housing Agreement between the City of La Verne and MW lnvestment Group, LLC for Tract Map No. 83278; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Mayor Hepburn opened the public hearing and Planning Manager Bowcock reported on this item- Council Discussion/Comments: Council clariJied the location of the project.
Public Comments: None
It was moved by Crosby, seconded by Johnson, and approved by a vote of 4-0, with Kashifalghita absent.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
9. First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 10.40 to Title 10 of the La Verne Municipal Code regarding trailer parking on public streets, parking limitations, permit exemptions, and enforcement provisions. The proposed ordinance amends Chapter 10.40, Stopping, Standing, and Parking, of the La Verne Municipal Code to establish regulations for trailer parking on public streets, including parking limitations, permit exemptions, and enforcement provisions intended to support public safety and neighborhood quality.
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, AMENDING CHAPTER 10.40 TO TITLE 1O OF THE LA VERNE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING TRAILER PARKING ON PUBLIC STREETS, PARK]NG LIMITATIONS, PERMIT EXEMPTIONS, AND ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS.'
LVPD Lieutenant Alvarado reported on this item, with additional clarifying informotion provided by Chief Gonazlet
Council Discussion/Comments: Council asked afew clarifying questions regarding timeframes ond cost offtnes.
Public Comments: Resiclent Mike Alt
First reoding was approved,4-0 as motioned by Johnson, seconded by Crosby, with Kashifalghita absent.
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10. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Residential Solid Waste Billing Transfer. Consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with USA Waste of California, lnc (Waste Management) to transition residential solid waste billing responsibilities from the City to Waste Management effective September 1, 2026, and receive an update on customer outreach and education efforts related to the transition.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of La Verne and USA Waste of California, lnc. (Waste Management) regarding the transition of residential solid waste billing responsibilities from the City to Waste Management, effective September 1, 2026;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU and any subsequent administrative revisions or implementing documents that do not materially modify the rights, obligations, rates, fees, service levels, or other substantive provisions of the existing Solid Waste Franchise Agreement; and
3. Receive and file an update on customer outreach and public education activities related to the billing transition.
Public lYorks Director llu introtluced lhis item, and llaste Management Public Sector Solutions Manager Josh Goldman provided details on the transition.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council asked clardying questions regarding the transition.
Public Comments receivedfrom: One unidenlified resident All recommendutions approved, 4-0 on a motion by Crosby, seconded by Lau, wilh Kashifolghita absenl.
11. Amendment to the City's Concealed Carry (CCW) Psychological Evaluation Practice and Subsidy Program. The Department is recommending removal of the universal psychological evaluation requirement for Concealed Carry Weapon License applicants and elimination of the City subsidy, Psychological evaluations would remain available on a case-by-case basis when supported by objective findings during the background investigation process, as allowed by California Penal Code section 26190 (e)(1).
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the amendment to the Department's CCW licensing process removing the mandatory psychological evaluation requirement for all applicants;
2. Authorize the Chief of Police, as the licensing authority, to require psychological evaluations on a case-by-case basis consistent with California law and objective findings developed during the background investigation process; and
3. Eliminate the City's current $'150 subsidy for CCW psychological evaluations.
Due to a conJlict of interest, Council Member Johnson recused himself and exiled the ChdmbeL Police Chief GonzaleT reported on tltis item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council had a lengthy discussion regarding lltis item.
City Attorney Htll-Barlow: Addressed the liability questions raised during public commenl ancl the Bruen Supreme Court decision.
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Public Comments from: Residents, Kathy Kalousek, Gene Quinn, Lily Brainard, Patly Sweetmu, Yvonne Gallegos, Rick Bowen, and Slephen Wiard via coll in.
Coancilmember Johnson recused himsef due to having a CCIY already, the item was moved by Crosby, seconded by Lau, and approved 3-0 with Kashifalghila absent and Johnson recused.
12. Direction Regarding Measure GG to Support Paramedic and Ambulance Transport Services.
Staff is providing additional opportunity for public input based on direction from the City Council regarding the potential development of a ballot measure to modify Measure GG for voter consideration at the November 2026 election.
Recommendation: That the City Council take continued public comments regarding Measure GG funding options, revenue projections, and escalation methodologies prior to considering applicable documents to place a measure on the November ballot at the July 20,2026, City Council meeting.
Fire Chief Coatney reported on this item.
Public commenls receivedfrom: Residents, Kathy Kalousek, Rick Bowen, Pam Berry, Stephen ll/iard via cull in, and Bill McKenna.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council had a lengthy discussion regarding this item.
The Council was supportive ofo Proposition 218 process and provided directionfor staff to return on July 2Ut'with additionol informdtion ond hopefully a consideration of which way to amend the c urre nl p aro.medic ass essme nt,
13. Resolution Adopting the Fiscal Year 2O26-27 Budget. The City operates on a fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30 and is required to adopt a balanced budget prior to the start of each fiscal year. The proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget includes General Fund ongoing expenditures that exceed ongoing revenues. However, the budget is operationally balanced through expenditure adjustments and one-time funding sources identified during the budget development process. The proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 General Fund budget totals $48,994,062 in expenditures, with total citywide appropriations across all funds of $101 ,547,087. ln addition to considering adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget, the City Council is requested to adopt a resolution formally approving the budget and related appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year.
Recommendation: That the C ity Council adopt a resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE 2026-27 FISCAL YEAR,'approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating Budget and appropriating $101 ,567,087 to cover expenditures across all funds.
Finance Direclor Lopez reported on this item-
Council Discussion/Comments: Council greatly appreciated all of the efforts to become more sustainsble and slso realize there is still a tough road aheod.
Public Commenls from residenls: Rick Bowen and Lily Brainard Approved by a vole of4-0, on a motion by lohnson, seconded by Lau, with Kashifalghita absent.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
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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: Natolie Morales, Rick Bowen, and Pam Berry.
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 Bill 1234.
Council Member Lau recognized City stofffor their dedication and highlighted the City's HOST Program, which recently helped a Navy veteran experiencing 15 years of homelessness obtain mental health services, permanent housing, and stability through partnerships with community organizotions, and ulso commendecl the community group CASIfor organizing afree neighborhood picnic that brought together residents of all ages and backgrounds,fostering community spirit and welcoming new residents. Appreciation is extended to the Police Deportment, Parks antl Recreation stffi snd all volunteers for supporting the event, including providing a visible public safety presence following online tltreats, and last just a reminder of all the upcoming Fourth of July festivities and events.
Council Member Crosby revisited concerns regardingfood vendors operating on city streets, particularly in locations where they may create traftic visibility and safety issues, and requestedfurther review of potential restrictions, and thanked residents and locul businesses for attending the meeting, recognized a local businessfor its community support, and expressed appreciationfor the implementation of the three-minute public comment time limitfor virtual speakers, noting that it allowed porticipants to provide their comments effectively. Appreciation was also expresseclfor staffs efforts tofacilitate online public participation ond ensure compliance witlt evolving public meeting requirements.
Council Member Johnson expressed sympathy to residents regarding the dfficult situations they described during public comment, acknowledged that no one should have to experience such circumstances, and expressed hope that law enforcement would be able to provide assistance.
Mayor Hepburn thunked the City Council and stafffor their work during his absence. He expressed sympathy to residents who spoke during public comment, encouroged acldressing concerns directly before making public accusations, and acknowledged neighborhoocl issues involving nuisance and property use thut warrant enforcement, and also recognized the recent celebrations of lifefor two community members ond encouraged residents to cherish time with family ond friends, reminding everyone to check in on loved ones and enjoy the upcoming holiday seoson.
ADJOURNMENT - meeting adjourned at 10:20 PM.
Respectful ly s ubmitted,
ilJ,,^ -/r-*6ebra Fritz, CMd
Deputy City Clerk