Here's What's Happening at the May 18 City Council Meeting—and How to Weigh In
On the agenda for Monday: a budget preview, landscaping fees, La Verne's long-term water plan, a $4 million internal city loan, and new rules for e-bikes and scooters.
Updated at 2:31 p.m. May 16 with a revised link to the draft Water Management Plan & Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
Updated at 11:48 p.m. May 16 to correct the deadline for emailing comments.
La Verne City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 18
Where: City Hall Council Chambers, 3660 D St., La Verne
How to attend: In person or via Zoom at LaVerneCA.gov/zoom
Call: 1-669-900-6833, ID: 833 5747 6808
🔗 Council Regular Meeting Agenda (pdf)
🔗 Council Agenda Packet (pdf)
Presentations
Damien Spartans Division 1 State Basketball Champions
The 2025-26 Damien High School basketball team capped a remarkable season by winning the California Division 1 State Championship. Fueled by stifling defense and relentless three-point shooting, the Spartans won their first Baseline League title in four years and closed the season on a six-game win streak. Head coach Michael LeDuc and his staff will be recognized alongside the full roster.
Public Works Week Proclamation
The third week of May is designated nationally as Public Works Week, honoring the professionals who keep La Verne's streets, water systems, and infrastructure running.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Proclamation
Every May, the City recognizes the contributions AAPI community members have made to La Verne and the nation.
Soroptimist International Proclamation
The La Verne/San Dimas Chapter of Soroptimist International has been named California's Nonprofit of the Year for 2026. The organization provides educational scholarships, mentorship, and resources to empower women and girls.
✅ Consent Calendar
Items on the Consent Calendar are routine and typically passed as a package unless pulled for individual discussion.
Audited City Payments—approximately $3.7 million Three payment registers from April are up for approval, totaling approximately $3.72 million across routine city operations—everything from water chemicals and tree maintenance to IT support and vehicle repairs. (Agenda packet, p. 17)
Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District (BID) Annual Report The City is required by state law to annually review the BID's report and declare its intention to levy assessments on downtown businesses. If approved, a public hearing on the actual levy will be set for June 1. (Agenda packet, p. 28)
Why it matters: This is what funds sidewalk cleaning, street light banners, and community events like the Wine Walk and Cruisin' La Verne in Old Town. The district collected about $22,500 from businesses this year. For next fiscal year, the BID Board is recommending shifting the Cool Cruise budget toward physical improvements—signs, trash cans, bike racks—in Old Town.
Community Facilities District No. 90-1 — Special Tax Levy (FY 2026-27) Annual renewal of the special tax levied on industrial properties within the La Verne Industrial Specific Plan. The rate increases 3.4% this year, tied to the Consumer Price Index. Total projected revenue: about $1.84 million. (Agenda packet, p. 40)
Why it matters: This tax funds public safety services, sewer pump maintenance, and street upkeep specifically for La Verne's industrial zone—paid by those businesses, not general residents.
Community Facilities District No. 11-1 — Special Tax Levy (FY 2026-27) Annual renewal of a special fire tax applied to taller or high-demand buildings (three stories or more, or requiring fire flows of 3,500+ gallons per minute). The rate increases 3% this year to $0.6757 per square foot. Properties assessed include ULV residence halls and the Verdana community. (Agenda packet, p. 46)
Why it matters: This tax funds enhanced fire suppression services for large buildings that place greater demands on the fire department.
Denial of Liability Claim #26-06 A former police middle management employee who resigned from City employment in June 2025 has filed a claim seeking lifetime medical benefits. The City recommends denial, arguing the employee voluntarily resigned rather than retiring—and therefore does not meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. (Agenda packet, p. 52)
Why it matters: Denying a claim is a required legal step—it doesn't mean the matter is over. The claimant retains the right to file a lawsuit, which would then be handled through the City's insurance authority.
Canceling the July 6, 2026 City Council Meeting Staff is recommending the first July meeting be canceled due to its proximity to the Fourth of July holiday. Any pending business will be moved to the July 20 meeting or later.
📢 Public Hearings
Residents may speak during Public Hearings. Complete a speaker card before the item is called, or participate via Zoom.
Landscaping & Lighting Maintenance Districts — Annual Levies
The Council will hold four separate public hearings to approve annual assessment fees for neighborhoods and zones that pay into special maintenance districts.(Agenda packet, p. 59)
Here's the breakdown:
District No. 6 (Multiple Zones) covers landscaping maintenance in several neighborhoods, from the Rancho La Verne area (Zone 4-I) to the Tract 52965 neighborhood near Fruit and Amherst streets (Zone 6). Most zones are holding flat this year. Zones 4-I and 6 are seeing small CPI-based increases—$163.03 and $319.74 per parcel, respectively.
District No. 7 — La Verne Heights III ($693.26 per parcel, no change) covers fuel modification zones and open space maintenance in the La Verne Heights community. The assessment is at its maximum allowed rate, with reserves being tapped to balance the budget. The City is exploring a Prop. 218 process for future rate adjustments.
District No. 8 — Marshall Canyon Estates ($249.70 per parcel, no change) covers fuel modification and the neighborhood linear park in the Marshall Canyon community. Same situation as District 7—reserves are covering the gap this year while the City looks at long-term options.
Maintenance District No. 84-1M — Esperanza Road Slopes ($8.00 per parcel, no change) covers slope and storm drain maintenance along Esperanza Road.
Why it matters: If you live in one of these neighborhoods, these fees show up on your annual property tax bill. Approval locks in the rates for the coming fiscal year. If costs keep climbing faster than what these districts can legally collect, the City will eventually need to go to voters for permission to raise the cap—a process called Proposition 218.
What District Am I In?
Find your Landscape Lighting District Zone using the City's map.
Previous Coverage
Staci Baird
Urban Water Management Plan & Water Shortage Contingency Plan
State law requires every water agency to update its long-range water supply and drought response plan every five years. The City is ready to adopt its 2025 update, which addresses water reliability, conservation requirements, and the framework for responding to shortages across six defined drought stages. (Agenda packet, p. 153)
Why it matters: This plan is how La Verne documents where its water comes from, how much it expects to need over the next 25 years, and what it will do—step by step—if supply runs short. See the full Water Management Plan & Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Discussion Calendar
Residents may speak on Discussion Calendar items. Complete a speaker card before the item is called.
🔥 Hot Topic
First Reading—Ordinance on Regulated Mobility Devices: E-Bikes, Scooters, and More (Agenda packet, p. 168)
After months of work—including City Council direction in December, a Transportation Commission review in January, and a first attempt at the May 4 meeting that was continued for revisions — this ordinance is back for its first reading. It would add formal rules for electric bicycles, scooters, and similar devices to La Verne's municipal code.
Key provisions include: helmet requirements for riders under 18; no riding against traffic; no performing stunts (wheelies) on public roadways; no using a handheld phone while riding; Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may use sidewalks if they yield to pedestrians; Class 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph) are banned from sidewalks and off-road trails; e-bikes, electric scooters, and motorized boards are prohibited in city parks unless signage says otherwise; and electric motorcycles must have a valid license, registration, and insurance.
Why it matters: This ordinance is a first reading, meaning the Council is not voting to adopt it tonight — they're voting to formally introduce it. A second reading (and final vote) would come at a future meeting. If you have thoughts, now is the time to speak up.
Previous Coverage
Staci Baird
Internal Loan from Sewer Fund to Water Fund—Up to $4 Million (Agenda packet, p. 162)
The City is asking Council to approve a loan structure—similar to a line of credit—allowing the Water Fund to borrow up to $4 million from the Sewer Fund as needed. The Water Fund is experiencing a cash flow gap as it waits for recently approved water rate increases to fully kick in. Funds would only be drawn as needed, interest would accrue only on what's actually borrowed, and repayment would begin in FY 2027-28. Interest is pegged to the state's Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) rate.
Why it matters: This item was continued from the May 4 meeting after language in the repayment terms needed to be clarified. It's back now with a revised structure. Rather than borrowing the full $4 million upfront, the line-of-credit approach means ratepayers won't be on the hook for interest on money the City hasn't actually used yet. No General Fund dollars are involved—this is entirely between the City's water and sewer accounts.
🗣️ How to Comment
- In person at City Hall—fill out a speaker card before the item is called
- By email to cityclerk@LaVerneCA.gov—submitted by noon on May 18; comments are shared with the full Council and become part of the public record
- Via Zoom—visit LaVerneCA.gov/zoom or call 1-669-900-6833, ID: 833 5747 6808; raise your hand to request to comment
Public comment is welcome during Public Hearings, on Discussion Calendar items, on Consent Calendar items if pulled for discussion, and during general public comment on topics not listed on the agenda. All comments are limited to 3 minutes.
👥 Upcoming Dates to Note
Senior Advisory Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 20, 10 a.m.
City Council Chambers, 3660 D St., La Verne
More information
Finance Commission Meeting
Wednesday, May 20, 6:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers, 3660 D St., La Verne
More information
City of La Verne Public Works Open House
Thursday, May 21, 4-6 p.m.
City Yard, 2620 1st St., La Verne
RSVP required
Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 25, 11 a.m.
Veterans Hall, 1550 Bonita Ave., La Vern
More information
