OTY(}T tAUTRNI
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION & REGULAR
MEETTNG OF JULY 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 (vio Zoom), Johnson, Lau, Kashdalghita ond Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Monager Domer, Assistant City Monoger Ranells, and City Attorney Hall Barlow.
CLOSED SESSION TOPIC
City Attorney Holl Barlow read the closed session items into 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 General Unit, La Verne Firefighters Association, La Verne Fire Middle Management Association, and all Unrepresented Employees.
Conference with Lega! Counse!, Existing Litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(dXl):
Guerrero v. City of La Verne, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 2:23-cv-00644.
Conference with Legal Counse!, Potential Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Cal. Gov't Gode Section 54956.9(d)(2) - One (1) case.
The City Council will recess and reconvene at 6:30 PM for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6:30 PM - meeting wos called to order at 6:36 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE . U.S. ARMY CAPTAIN ERSKINE LEVI
The City Council presented Captain Erskine wtth a Pride of Lo Verne certtficate.
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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 (via Zoom), Johnson, Lau, Kashifalghita and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: None
Advisory Stoff Present: City Manager Domer, Assistant City Monager Ranells, and City Attorney Hall Burlow.
City Attorney Hall Barlow on reporting on closed session, Council gave direction, but lhere was no reportable action token in closed session.
PRESENTATIONS
Fire Safe Foothills (FSF) lntroduction - Funded by the Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and through the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), FSF is a wildfire preparedness and community resilience program serving communities throughout the San GabrielValley foothills, Antelope Valley, and Angeles National Forest, empowering residents with knowledge and resources to prepare themselves against wildfires.
Karla Martinez ond Nick Texero introduced the Fire Safe Foothills organization und shared some progrom details on how they help communities.
National Parks and Recreation Month - Parks and Recreation departments strengthen communities by offering inclusive programs, maintaining safe and welcoming public spaces, and offers events for resident's engagement.
Porks & Recreation Director Duran gove o presentation before Council presented the City Porks & Recreation Deportment staff present with the Proclamation.
Adjournment - Council honored the recent passing of Porks & Recreation employee and community volunteer John Malarkey. It wos a very solemn moment and showed John's impact not iust to city operations, but to the community in all of his octivities and volunteer support.
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 onnouncements receivedfrom: Roe Kearney, LV Rotary, Adrian Romero, LV Library, Sherry Best and Kathy Kolousek, LV Historicol Society.
Staff and Council announcements received from: LT. lay Alvarado, LV Police Department, and Tim Hepburn, Moyor.
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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.)
3. 2027 - 2030 Cooperative Agreement with the Los Angeles county Development Authority for Community Development Block Grant Participation. Resolution Approving Participation in the Los Angeles Urban County Community Development Block Grant Program for Fiscal Years 2027-2030.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE LOS ANGELES URBAN COUNTY PROGRAM" and authorize the City Manager to execute the Participating City Cooperation Agreement with the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney, and any related documents necessary to implement the Ag rcemenl. Approved
4. Film Permit - Danielle Bruncati Productions. The City has been contacted by Danielle Bruncati Productions requesting permission to shoot a short film at a private residence located at 1459 3rd Street. Per the City's Municipal Code Chapter 5.57, film permits must be approved by the La Verne City Council.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Danielle Bruncati and issue a permit for filming if all required steps arc completed. Approved
5. Adoption 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. Consideration of an ordinance amending Chapter
10.40 of Title 10 of the La Verne Municipal Code to revise regulations governing trailer parking on public streets, including parking limitations, permit exemptions, and enforcement provisions.
Recommendation: That the City Council Adopt an Ordinance titled, 'AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 10.40 TO TITLE 1O OF THE LA VERNE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING TRAILER PARKING ON
PUBLIC STREETS, PARKING LIMITATIONS, PERMIT EXEMPTIONS, AND ENFORCEMENT PROVlSlONS.".4pproved
Fiscal Year 2027 Otfice ol Traffic Safety Grant Award. The La Verne Police Department was awarded $66,500 in grant funding through the 2027 Office of Traffic Safety Selective Traffic Enforcement grant program. The grant requires City Council authorizing the acceptance of grant funding.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt a resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING FUNDS AND AGREEING TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE 2027 OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT GRANT PROGRAM." Approved
6 After confirming no ilems were pulled by either Council or a member of the Public, it was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau, and approved 5-0 by roll call vole.
2. City Council Minutes of the Closed Session and Regular meeting of June 15,2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minules. Approved Minutes Cily Council7l20l2026
Resolutions Calling, Consolidating, and Adopting Candidate Regulations for the La Verne General Municipal Election for November 3,2026. The City's General Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. fhe election will be consolidated with the County of Los Angeles who will be conducting the Statewide General Election. Pursuant to laws of the State of California relating to General Law cities, the Council is to adopt certain resolutions to include:
Calling the election for the certain officers; requesting the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors for consolidation and speciflc services for the City's General Municipal Election; and setting forth regulations for candidates' statements.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the following Resolutions for conducting the City of La Verne's General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026:
1. Resolution No. 26-XX - 'A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026, FOR THE ELECTION OF
CERTAIN OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATING TO GENERAL LAW CITIES;"
2. Resolution No. 26-XX - "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE LOS ANGELES BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS TO ORDER THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE'S GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026,
WITH THE STATEWDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ON THE SAME DAY; TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CANVASS THE RETURNS OF SAID GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION; AND TO REQUEST THAT THE REGISTRAR -
RECORDERYCOUNTY CLERK OF SAID COUNTY BE PERMITTED TO RENDER FULL
SERVICES TO THE CITY OF LA VERNE RELATING TO THE CONDUCTING OF SAID
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 10403;" and,
3. Resolution No. 26-XX -'A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR
ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3,2026." All lhree recommendations opproved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
8 Confirmation of Weed Abatement Clearance Charges for Fiscal Yeat 2025'26. The Los Angeles County Department of Agriculture has prepared a report for City Council consideration for weed clearance costs for appropriate parcels within the City. Pursuant to law, a copy of the 2025-26 Weed Clearance Charges was posted on the City's website.
Recommendation: That the City Council confirm the list of charges and direct the County Auditor to enter the assessment against the parcels of land on the current assessment roil.
City Manoger Domer reporled on lhis item. Mayor Hepburn opened lhe Public Hearing.
Co u ncil Disc assion/Comments : None.
Public Comments: None
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It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of 5-0 by roll call vote.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
Public Financing Authority - Enhanced lnfrastructure Financing District Board Appointment. Due to a vacancy on the PFA - EIFD Board, the City Council is asked to consider appointing a new public member to the Board.
9 Recommendatiqn: That the City Council consider a public member appointment to serve on the Public Financing Authority - EIFD Board, to serve until a successor is selected.
City Manager Domer rcported on this ilem.
Public Commenl received from: Applicant Brian O'Keefe
Council Discussion/Comments: Council discussed and ultimately directed slaff to reopen the appointment process lor another 60 days.
Motion by Lau on Councils direction to reopen or extend lhe application period for an additional 60 days with the direction thot il is noticed out t'ith information to the public, and report back to Council within 30 doys on the progress, seconded by Kashifalghita, tnd approved 5-0 by roll call vole.
10. Resolution Authorizing the Appointment of CaIPERS Retired Annuitant Robert Russell to Temporarily Fill a Critically Needed Position Pursuant to the Government Code. Resolution authorizing the temporary appointment of Battalion Chief Robert Russell as a CaIPERS retired annuitant following retirement. This appointment will ensure uninterrupted duties necessary to maintain effective Fire Department operations, support emergency response readiness, and provide continuity in fire suppression, emergency medical services, prevention, training, and administrative functions.
Recommendati That the City Council adopt a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZIN G THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT AND 18O.DAY WAIT PERIOD EXCEPTION FOR RETIRED ANNUITANT ROBERT RUSSELL," pursuant to Government Code Sections 2'1221(g\, and CaIPERS regulations.
Senior Managemenl Analyst Beilstein reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Mayor Hepburu commented ou BC Russells operational and lech nological knowledge being superior.
Public Commenls: None
Motion by Kashifalghita, seconded by Lau, and approved 5-0 by roll call vote,
11. Resolutions Establishing Benefits for Executive Management, Middle Management' Professional and Confidential Employees and Repealing Resolution No' 25-51 and No. 25-
52. ln accordance with the City's compensation and benefit practices, and consistent with the allocations outlined in the approved budget process, the City Council is requested to approve an Minutes City Council712012026 Page 6
update to the benefit resolutions for Executive and Middle Management employees. These updates ensure alignment with established standards and supports the City's ongoing commitment to competitive and fiscally responsible employee compensation.
Senior Management Analyst Beilstein reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council greatly oppreciated all of the efforts by stoff to compile the information.
Public Comments: None
Approved 5-0, by roll call vote, on o motion by Kash{olghito, ond second by Johnson.
12. Resolution Adopting a Salary Chart for Full-Time Employees. The attached resolution and salary table reflect adjustments in compensation that have occurred since the last update in January 2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolution titled, 'A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A SALARY CHART FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 26-04." Senior Management Analyst Beilstein reported on this ttem.
Council Discussion/Commenls: Council greatly oppreciated staffs' efforts to provide this information with this level of detoil.
Public Comments: None
Approved 5-0, by roll call vote, on a motion by Lau, ond second by Johnson.
13. Consideration of Utitizing the Proposition 218 Process to lncrease the Paramedic Service Fee (Measure GG) to Support Continued Paramedic and Ambulance Transport Services without further cost to residents. The City Council is asked to consider proceeding with a Proposition 218 affirmative vote process to increase the assessment for Measure GG, the Paramedic Service Fee, for the purpose of providing waiver of all out-of-pocket expenses to residents for emergency paramedic and ambulance service in the City' Recommendation: That the City Council direct staff to proceed with a Proposition 218 assessment process to increase the Paramedic Service Fee, for the purpose of providing a waiver of out-of-pocket costs to residents for emergency paramedic and ambulance service in the city, to $14.00 per month, with an annual adjustment formula of a ratio of 80% Fire Personnel Cost lndex and20o/o Medical Care Services CPl.
City Monager Domer reported on this item, and City Attorney Hall Barlow clarified the difference between this Prop 218 process ond the prior woter and sewer Prop 218 process, os being the languoge, this assessment requires a maiority vote in favor to poss.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council asked clarifying questions regording the timelinefor getting information to the public, and when this process will toke ploce, ond oppreciated the thorough discussion on this item over the lastfew months.
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Public Comments: None
Approved 5-0, by roll call vote, on a motion by Lau, and second by Kashifilghita.
THE LA VERNE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECESS TO MEET AS THE LA VERNE JOINT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY; FOLLOWNG THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING W|LL IMMEDIATELY RECONVENE.
LA VERNE PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
14. Resolutions Adopting Budgets for La Verne Mobile Country Club Mobile Home Park and Valley Rancho Mobile Home Park. Annually, the La Verne Public Financing Authority (LVPFA) reviews and approves the operating budgets for the t\ivo City owned mobile home parks. The budgets do not reflect significant changes from previous years and are attached for the La Verne Public Financing Authority's consideration and adoption.
Recommendation: That the La Verne Public Financi ng Authority:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE LA VERNE PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR LA VERNE MOBILE COUNTRY CLUB MOBILE HOME PARK;" and,
2. Adopt the attached Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE LA VERNE PUBLIC
FINANCING AUTHORITY ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR VALLEY RANCHO MOBILE HOME PARK.'
Assislant Cily Manager Ranells reported on this iletfi.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council commented on the great conversalions with lhe mobile home park residents recentl!, regarding the future ofthe park and a possible change in the managemenl corrrpan!,
Public Comments: None
Approved 5-0, by roll call vote, on a motion by Kashifalghita and second by Johnson.
THE LA VERNE JOINT PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY wlLL ADJOURN AND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING WILL IMMEDIATELY RECONVENE.
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.
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Public Comments: None
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 Lau announced the recent grand openings oround town, Hoven Hous, La Paloma is celebroting its 60h anniversary and thanked everyone who participated in the Fourth of luly festivities, and the sponsors.
Council Member Crosby thankedfellow Council memberfor ollowing his remote porticipation, ond expressed appreciation to the Parks & Recreation department and the Order of Alhambrans for the AAC Boord at Las Flores park, which makes our parks inclusive for all, thank you to oll for the best Fourth of July ever, and just a reminder there will be a Hula Dance on August Vh for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the Community Center from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, tickets are still on sale.
Mayor Pro Tem Koshifolghito thanked his fellow Council Members for highlighting the many community events throughout the month and recognized lhe nution's 250th onniversory of independence and expressed appreciotion to veterans ond active-duty service members for their sacri/ice ond service, thanked the Friends of La Verne for a successful Fourth of July celebration ond outstandingJireworks show, commended locol businesses, encouraged residents to "Shop La Verne, Eat La Verne".
Council Member Johnson expressed kudos to the La Verne Rotary Clubfor theirfield of valor, the flags, and the parage itself was great, with the Liberty Bell ringing behind the Council the whole way, it wos a very special day.
Moyor Hepburn announced thot pending Council approval, Scott Dilley of Sanders Towing and his organizotion will assume leadership of the City's long-standing Christmas Morning Progrom as a privotely organiTed community event through a newly established 501(c)(3) nonproJit organization.
The goal is to restore the progrom to its troditionol formot, including the distribution of approximately 12,000 candy bags and festive octivities such os decorated golf carts with Santa Claus, fundraising ond volunteers will be essential to the progrom's success, with RSVP volunteers expected to assist with delivery routes, odditional information on volunteer opportunities and fundroising efforts will be shared through the City's communication channels and sociol media, and encouraged residents to participate in upcoming community events, including Movie Night in the Pork, the Eogles Tribute concert, ond the August performance by The Answer at Heritage Park.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment in memory of John Malarkey - John was o devoted husband, fother, friend, City employee, and longtime contributor to lhe La Verne community. John served os a Recreotion Leader Minutes City Council712012026 Page 9
with the City of La Vernefor more than two and a half yeors. In this role, he ossisted with opening park facilities, preparing othletic lields, and ensuring that City parks and recreation programs were ready to serve residents andfamilies. His dedication, kindness, and commitment to public service made him a valued member of the City organization and a positive presence within the community.
John's service extended beyond his employment with the City. He volunteered extensively with the La Verne Girls Softball Associstion ond supported locol youth sports ond community octivities.
He also participoted in the unnuol Christmas Morning progrom, bringing holiday cheer to fomilies throughout Lo Verne while serving as Santo.
Through his generosity, dependability, and willingness to assli/ others, John made a losting impact on the residents, families, volunteers, and colleagues who hod the opportunity to know him. John is survived by his wife, Kelly, his daughter, Kaitlyn. Condolences to his Fomily.
ADJOURNMENT - meeting adjourned at 8:33 PM.
Respectfully s ubmitted,
p^J^ Jd
Debra Fritz, CMd
Deputy City Clerk