flTYOTHWRNT
CLOSED SESSION & REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
oF SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
ACTION MINUTES
"SEE ITALICS"
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER - meeting called to order at 5:35 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, Kashifalghila, and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: City Monager Domer, Assistant City Attorney Tsai, and Assistant City Manager Ranells.
CLOSED SESSION TOPIC
Assistant City Attorney Tsai reod the closed session items into the record, with one additional wolk on closed session item, Pursuant to Government Code 554956.9 (a) (d) (1): City of La Verne WCAB Cuse Nos. ADJ17372562.
Conference with Labor Negotiators, pursuant to Government Gode Section 54957.6:
Negotiators: City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and City Attorney.
Employee Organization(s): La Verne General Unit, and La Verne Firefighters Association.
Conference with Legat Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1). (1 case). - Gonzalez v. City of La Verne, Case # 24STCV34625.
Conference with Legat Counset - Anticipated Litigation (2 cases) Government Code Section 54956.9.
Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Cal. Gov't Code $ 54956.8: Property:
2909 Arrow Hwy, Trailer 24. Agency Negotiators: Ken Domer; Negotiating Parties: Professional R.E. & Finance. Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
Public Comments received from: Janelle Gray, regarding General Unit negotiations.
The City Council will recess and reconvene at 6:30 PM for the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
Minutes Page 2
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 6:30 PM - meeting called to o er at 6:32 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE . NAVY E-4 JAMES BORLAND
Mr. Borland was unable to atten(l lhe meeting. Mayor Hepburn asked Chamber Chairman Adrian Avila lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 Presenl: Crosby, Johnson, Lau, Kashifulghita, and Hepburn.
Council Members Absent: None
Advisory Staff Present: Cily Manager Domer, Assistant Cit! Altorne! Tsai, and Assistant City Manager Ranells.
PRESENTATIONS
America 250 Photo Contest Results - This year, the City conducted a photo contest to highlight La Verne to celebrate America's 2501h Anniversary. Tonight we will present the awards for the winning photos in each category.
Council recognized the contest winners with a Pride of La Verne cerlilicate, framed cop! oflheir winning photo, and a gift card.
The categories and winners are listed below:
In the La Verne Community Category, lhe winner is Lydee \Yalsh b,ith the picture ti ed "A beautiful eveningfor little league baseball!"
In the La Verne Landmarks & Legacy Categor!,lhe winner is Julielte Arnold wilh the piclure titled "The Past Continues lo shape our community."
In the Patriotic Momenls Cotegory, the winner is Debbie Viggers with the picture titled " Gene ralion s an d Tradition s. "
National Preparedness Month Proclamation - Each September, National Preparedness Month is recognized to promote disaster and emergency planning, emphasizing the need to strengthen community resilience. This observance serves as a crucial reminder for residents to stay informed and be better equipped to handle emergencies.
Council presented the Proclamation lo the Lu Verne Community Emergency Response Team (CERD.
University of La Verne (ULV) 2026-27 Academic Year - ULV President Risa Dickson will provide an update on the academic session.
City Council 9/8/2026
In the Faces of La Verne Category, lhe winner is Jami Guillen with lhe picture titled "Peoce Starls with Me."
Minutes City Council 9/8/2026 Page 3
President Dickson was unable to attend the meeting.
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: Jill Dolan, Represenlutive from Mt. Sac College, Tom Cornicelli, Library Representative, Sherry Best, Historical Society, Rick Bowen, Yvonne Gallegos, and Deputy Fire Chief Dominic.
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 conjirming no items were pulled by either Council or a member of the Public, it was moved by Crosby, seconded by Kashtfalghita, und approved 5-0. Councilwoman Lau recused herselffrom the vote on item 7, resulting in a 4-0 vote on item 7.
1. City Council Minutes of the Closed, Study Session, and Regular meeting of August 3, 2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the minutes. Approved
2. Registers of Audited Demands in the amount of $3,238,545.18, dated 07/27126 through 08102126 and in the amount of $621,322.28, daled 08/03/26 through 08/09/26, and in the amount of $329,590.87, dated 08/10/26 through O8116126.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the demands. Approved
3. Quarterly Treasurers Report ending June 30, 2026. The Quarterly Treasurer's Report provides an overview of the City's cash and investment holdings as of June 30,2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the Quarterly Treasurer's Report for the period ending June 30, 2026. Approved
4. Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the Gilead Sciences Development Agreement.
Gilead Sciences, lnc. is requesting approval of a First Amendment to the Development Agreement to extend the term through May 5, 203'1, and update the impact fee provision. No changes are proposed to the approved land uses, development standards, or project entitlements. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amendment at its June 10, 2026, meeting and the City Council approved the First Reading of the ordinance at its August 3, 2026 meeting.
Recommendation: That the City Council Adopt an Ordinance titled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE FIRST
AMENDMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA VERNE AND GILEAD SCIENCES, INC. FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 18OO WHEELER AVENUE, WITHIN THE ARROW CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN, CASE NO. 56-26DA." Approved Minutes
5 City Council 9/8/2026 Page 4
Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Nonconforming Lot Development Standards. Zoning Ordinance Amendment for nonconforming lot development standards to facilitate affordable housing.
Recommendation: That the City Council Adopt an Ordinance titled, 'AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTION 18.10.060 OF THE LA VERNE MUNICIPAL CODE TO FACILITATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING;' Approved Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency Grant Agreement. The City was awarded $460,000 in Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) technical assistance funding to develop a Homelessness Prevention Program, complete the Valley Rancho Mobile Home Park feasibility study, and provide staff training on homelessness-related laws and procedures.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and all related documents, including extensions of time, between the City and LACAHSA for the granl. Approved
Authorization to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of La Verne for Coordination of Public Safety Services. The MOU establishes guidelines for coordination and clarifies the respective responsibilities of each agency related to public safety, investigations, major incidents, affests, warrant service, and traffic-related maters on and around the University campus.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the Chief of Police to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of La Verne and the City of La Verne, through the La Verne Police Department, and authorize the Chief of Police to take any administrative actions necessary to implement the agreemenl. Approved by a vote of 4-0, with Council Member Lau recusing due lo her relationship w h aLV as a trustee.
Acceptance of Right-of-Way Dedicated by Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority Resulting from the Metro A-Line (Formerly Gold Line) Project. The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority (FGLCA) acquired certain properties for construction ofthe Metro A-Line Project and related connections to existing public infrastructure. As part ofthe project closeout and transfer of improvements, FGLCA has offered to dedicate portions of the acquired properties that serve the City of La Verne for City ownership.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Clerk to accept each of the ten (10) parcels offered for dedication by Foothill Gold Line Construction Authorily. Approved
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Management Analyst Blockinger reported on this item.
6 7
8 Co un ci I Dis c uss ion/Comments : No n e
9. Development lmpact Fee Ordinance Standardization. Following the update to the City's development impact fees over the past year, the City is also looking to update the municipal code to ensure all development impact fees can all be centrally located.
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce by title only, and waive further reading an Ordinance, entitled'AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NEW DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE CHAPTER AND
REPEALING IN PART EXISTING SECTIONS OF THE LA VERNE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES.'
Minutes City Council 9/8/2026 Page 5
Public Commenls: None
It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded blt Crosby, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
{0. Consideration of Gity Council Assignments Revision. Annually, the City Council assigns members to various regional, City, and partnership committees including designating liaisons to various groups. This item seeks to revise the City Council assignments and better define such assignments.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the revisions to the City Council Assignment List.
City Manager Domer reported on lhis item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council discussed changes ond decided to cease oppointing liaisons to community groups, such as CASI, and cleaning up the list of all olher agencies lo reJlect current needs.
Public Comments: None
Il wos moved by Kashifalghito, seconded by Crosby, and approved by a vole of S-0. 1 l. Annual Partnership Agreement with the La Verne Chamber of Commerce. The La Verne Chamber of Commerce is proposing a new Partnership Agreement for a 12-month term retroactively from July 1,2026, through June 30,2027. Staff is proposing to reduce the financial subsidy provided last year from $40,000 to $35,000 for various services and programs which would benefit the La Verne business community.
Recommendation: As recommend ed by the City Council Chamber Liaison Committee, that the City Council:
1. Approve a Partnership Agreement with the La Verne Chamber of Commerce retroactively from July 1, 2026, through June 30,2027;
2. Approve the potential use of the City Hall parking tot for a Farmer's Market with a Special Event Permit for the term of this agreement; and
3. Waive all processing and business licensing fees for Chamber of Commerce events Communit! Developmenl Direclor Scherer reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Asked clarifying questions and was in favor ofthefarmer's market.
Pablic Commenls: Adrian Avila, Chairman of the La Verne Chamber of Commerce, Richard Bowen, Sherry Best La Verne Historical Society, and Thomas Allison, It was moved by Kashifalghita, seconded by Johnson, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
12. Update of Purchasing Policy Administrative Regulation 204. Amendments to Administrative Regulation 204 update the City's electronic purchasing and payment processes, increase the Minutes City Council 91812026 Page 6
purchase order threshold from $5,000 to $7,500, and clariff purchasing, contract administration, and procurement requirements.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the updated Administrative Regulation 204, Purchasing Policy, as recommended by the Finance Commission.
Finance Director Lopez reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council discussed the importance of updating this policy and were appreciative of the time and efforts of the Finance Department.
Public Comments: Jennifer Souer, Richard Bowen, ond Thomos Allison.
It was moved by Johnson, seconded by Crosby, and approved by a vote of5-0.
13. Resolutions Establishing Benefits for Middle Management, Professional and Gonfidential Employees to reflect a 2% Cost of Living Adjustment and Repealing Resolution No. 26-51 and Adopting a Salary Chart for Full-Time Employees and Repealing Resolution No. 26-
53. Adopt resolutions establishing benefits for Middle Management, Professional, and Confidential employees and revising the full-time employee salary chart to reflect a2Yo salary adjustment for Middle Management employees effective September 2026.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached Resolutions, titled, "RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING
BENEFITS FOR MIDDLE MANAGEMENT, PROFESSIONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 26-51" and "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. 26-53.'' Assistant City Manager Ranells reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments : Co uncil as ked some clorifying q uestions.
Public Comments: Richard Bowen
It wos moved by Johnson, seconded by Crosby, ond approved by o vote of 5-0.
14. Approving Job Classifications for Customer Service Lead and Customer Service Assistant. Approval of the establishment of a Customer Service Lead and Customer Service Assistant job classifications within the Finance Department.
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the class specification for Customer Service Lead; and 2. Approve the class specification for Customer Service Assistant.
Assistant City Manager Ranells reported on this item.
Council Discussion/Comments: Council was in agreement with these changes.
Public Comments: None
It wos moved by Kashifalghito, seconded by Lau, and approved by a vote of 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Minutes City Council91812026 Page 7
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: Roymond Swain, Richard Bowen, Yvonne Gallegos, and Thomas Allison.
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 Bill1234.
Council Member Lau highlighled several events celebrating local businesses, promoted community participotion in fall sports and supporting Bonita High School athletic progroms, encouraged residents to explore activities in La Verne, and recogniryd the economic and community beneJits generated by visitors attending local sporting events.
Council Member Crosby will be attending the Pomona Valley Tronsit meeting tomorrow and thanked those in attendonce and encouroged them to keep attending.
Council Member Johnson is looking forward to the Former's Murket ond the Taste of La Verne.
Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita will be attending the Mosquito Vector Control Board meeting and was honored to represent lhe City on the 1.3 mile Walk of Honor at the S-Year Anniversary of the loss of 13 service members and met the mother of one of the service members lost, who is a Family Member of a Marine Corp's Gold Star Family. Encouraged all to stond strong and remember this Fridoy, September I ltt'
Mayor Hepburn recognized the l.3-mile morch around Kun's Pork held in hot weather to honor the lives of 13 militory members. Fire Department personnel participated by carrying message boards and flags, and the Mayor commended the fireJighters and organizers for their involvement, also snnounced his reappointment to the Gold Line Authority for onotherfour-year term by the City of Pasadeno, and encouraged everyone to use caution around E-Bikes, take care in the extreme heat and emphasized the City's efforts to facilitate additional antennas/microcells ond improve commun ication w ith residents.
ADJOURNMENT - meeting was adjourned ot 8:34 PM.
Respectfully s ub mitted,
$rj^ J",h
Debro Fritz, CMftl
Deputy City Clerk