1. Council Advances Proposition 218 Process to Increase Paramedic Service Fee to $14/month

The La Verne City Council unanimously directed staff to proceed with a Proposition 218 assessment process to increase the Paramedic Service Fee, known as Measure GG, from approximately $6.29 per month to $14.00 per month. The fee appears on utility water bills and provides residents a waiver of all out-of-pocket expenses for emergency paramedic and ambulance transport services.

City Manager Ken Domer presented the analysis showing the current fee generates roughly $1,059,840 annually, with approximately $1.7 million in additional insurance collections, against approximately $3.8 million in annual paramedic and emergency medical costs. The proposed increase would generate approximately $2,150,400 annually, dedicated solely to paramedic and emergency medical services. Domer explained the $14 figure represents a target to fully fund the service.

City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow clarified that although Measure GG was originally approved by voters in 1980, the proposed charge is an assessment governed by Article XIII D of the California Constitution. This means it requires a property-owner weighted ballot with a 50%-plus-one vote threshold, rather than a registered-voter election. The fee provides a specific financial benefit: persons covered through that property assessment may receive City paramedic and ambulance transportation without being personally responsible for deductibles, copayments, uninsured balances, or other direct charges.

Council member Wendy Lau emphasized the importance of educating residents about what the fee funds since most people 'thankfully, probably don't have to use it.'

Mayor Tim Hepburn stressed the importance of public education through social media and avoiding the November election period when candidate mailers could cause confusion.

Why It Matters: This assessment increase directly affects every property owner in La Verne who receives a utility bill. If approved, the monthly paramedic service fee would more than double—from roughly $6.29 to $14. In return, residents continue to receive protection from any out-of-pocket costs for emergency ambulance transport and paramedic services, a benefit most surrounding communities do not offer. Emergency medical services account for 74% of the fire department's calls for service.

What's Next: The Proposition 218 process involves preparing a fee study and parcel database, mailing notices with assessment ballots to every affected property owner at least 45 days before a public hearing, and then tabulating the weighted ballots. The City is no longer under an Aug. 3 deadline to place a measure on the November ballot, so the process will proceed on its own timeline.

Staff expects to return with more information by the first meeting in September, with the goal of completing the process before December.

The motion was made by Hepburn, seconded by Council member Rick Crosby, passed 5-0.

2. EIFD Board Application Period Extended 60 Days

What's Happening: The La Verne City Council voted unanimously to extend the application period for the Public Financing Authority - Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (PFA-EIFD) Board public member vacancy by 60 days, retaining the two current applicants—Richard Bowen and Brian O'Keefe—in the pool. The vacancy arose following the April 14, 2026 resignation of Wayne Hurley.

City Manager Ken Domer explained that the EIFD was formed after redevelopment ended, using tax increment financing for infrastructure improvements around the Fairplex, Arrow Highway, and the Metro A Line station area. The biggest completed project was improvements on E and 2nd Street connecting the A Line station to downtown, with approximately $4 million in Proposition C funds used as a bridge loan since insufficient tax increment is being generated. The board has been largely dormant since COVID but is at a turning point with Fairplex's potential redevelopment plans.

Council Member Wendy Lau expressed disappointment at receiving only two applications — despite social media outreach reaching over 12,400 people and direct email efforts reaching over 40 individuals — and advocated for extending the recruitment period. Lau stated that unless someone is a 'total government nerd,' most residents do not understand the EIFD's background or purpose, and she proposed a study session or workshop for interested residents. Mayor Hepburn agreed, noting the EIFD is at a turning point and has been constrained by limited commerce generating tax increment, but the upcoming bridge project and potential Fairplex development could make the EIFD significantly more beneficial.

Applicant Keith O'Keefe addressed the council briefly via Zoom, stating he lives between E and F streets and is excited about the city's direction. Council Member Steven Frank Johnson expressed that both applicants would make good board members. The board meets about twice a year and the next major issue is the infrastructure financing plan revision expected to take 18 months.

Why It Matters: The EIFD board plays a critical role in financing public infrastructure that could shape development around the Fairplex, Arrow Highway, and the A Line station for decades. With the bridge project and potential Fairplex redevelopment on the horizon, having engaged and informed board members is essential. Mayor Hepburn noted that other communities have used increment financing for $100 million to $200 million projects, suggesting significant potential for La Verne if the district can generate sufficient tax increment.

What's Next: The application period is extended by 60 days from July 20, 2026. Current applicants Richard Bowen and Brian O'Keefe remain in the pool. Council also directed staff to provide community education about the EIFD's role, potentially including a study session or workshop for interested residents. Mayor Hepburn and Council Member Johnson, who serve as EIFD board chair and vice-chair respectively, will make a recommendation to the full council after the extended recruitment period. The motion by Council Member Lau, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kashifalghita, passed on a unanimous roll call vote.

3. Council Adopts Salary Chart With 3-5% Increases for Police and Fire Personnel

What's Happening: The City Council adopted an updated salary chart for full-time employees reflecting negotiated salary increases across multiple employee groups, totaling $147,595 in new General Fund appropriations. The increases include 3% for the La Verne Police Officers Association and Police Middle Management Association, 5% for Firefighters, and 0.5% for Fire Engineers and Fire Captains, all effective the first full pay period of July 2026.

Assistant City Manager JR Ranells presented the item, noting costs for the LVPOA increases and the Information Systems Specialist position conversion were already included in the adopted FY 2026-27 budget. Only the La Verne Firefighters' Association increases ($105,270) and the La Verne Police Management Association increases ($42,325) required the new appropriation. All new General Fund appropriations are fully offset by a transfer from the Measure LV Fund, consistent with Tier 1 eligible public safety personnel expenditures.

The salary chart also reflects the conversion of the Information Systems Specialist position from a 1,872-hour annual work schedule to a 2,080-hour schedule in recognition of the position's public safety support responsibilities, as well as the previously approved Principal Planner to Planning Manager reclassification. Separately, the council adopted updated benefit resolutions for Executive Management and Middle Management employees that included increased medical contributions for capped employees at an estimated annual cost of $43,200, also offset by the Measure LV Fund.

Why It Matters: These salary adjustments affect the city's police officers, firefighters, and command staff who provide essential public safety services. The total cost of $147,595 in new General Fund spending is fully covered by Measure LV funds — a voter-approved sales tax — meaning no direct impact on the General Fund balance. The city remains in negotiations with the La Verne General Unit (Teamsters) and the Fire Middle Management Association, so additional salary chart revisions are anticipated.

What's Next: The updated salary chart takes effect with the first full pay period of July 2026. The Fire Department also received approval for a separate item: the temporary appointment of retiring Battalion Chief Robert Russell as a CalPERS retired annuitant at $65.73 per hour (up to 960 hours per fiscal year) to fill a vacancy created by a long-term leave of absence. Additional revisions to the salary chart are expected once negotiations conclude with the Teamsters and Fire Middle Management Association. The salary chart motion by Council Member Lau, seconded by Council Member Johnson, passed 5-0.

November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election — Three City Council seats — District 1, District 3, and District 4 — are up for election. The nomination period runs through August 7, 2026 (extended to August 12 if an incumbent does not file). Candidate statements are limited to 200 words.

➡️ Check laverneca.gov/districtmap to confirm your district

Trailer Parking Ordinance — The newly adopted trailer parking ordinance, establishing time limits by trailer type and a temporary permit process, took effect 31 days after the July 20, 2026 passage. Enforcement will continue on a complaint basis.

➡️ Read the draft ordinance in the Meeting Agenda Packet (p. 48)

Residential Solid Waste Billing Transition — Residential solid waste billing transitions from the City to Waste Management effective September 1, 2026. The last City bill is dated August 1, 2026; the first Waste Management bill arrives September 1, 2026.

Other Topics

• The council approved a film permit for filming at 1459 3rd St., with 39 cast and crew filming interior-only scenes July 24-26.
• The council confirmed $21,604.45 in weed abatement clearance charges covering 83 parcels, as prepared by the LA County Department of Agriculture; no public protests were received.
• The council approved a 2027-2030 cooperative agreement with the LA County Development Authority for continued Community Development Block Grant participation, funding the senior meals program and sidewalk accessibility projects with no City financial contribution required.
• The council approved FY 2026-27 operating budgets for the two City-owned mobile home parks: La Verne Mobile Country Club and Valley Rancho, both independently funded from space rent revenues.
• Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) presented the Fire Safe Foothills wildfire preparedness program, a San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC)-funded initiative offering free educational workshops, Firewise community development, and evacuation planning assistance to foothill communities including La Verne.
• Council received the National Parks and Recreation Month proclamation, with Parks and Recreation Director Yvonne Duran sharing some of the department's achievements, including more than 6,200 senior meals served, the City's first inclusive playground, and ongoing special needs programs.
• The meeting adjourned in memory of Recreation Leader John Malarkey, with his wife and daughter present; Malarkey was described as 'an unofficial park ranger of La Verne' for his dedication to city parks and youth sports.

Note to readers: An AI platform called Civilio was use to transcribe and draft this report based on a recording from the July 20 City Council meeting. If you see an error, please email staci@lavernedaily.org. See my Corrections Policy for more information about how I handle corrections. All information

👥 Next City Council Meeting

Monday, Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m. | Join in person at City Hall in the Council Chambers, by Zoom at LaVerneCA.gov/zoom, or by phone by calling 1-669-900-6833 (Enter ID when prompted. ID will be available in the meeting agenda packet.)

Tentative Agenda for Aug. 3 Meeting

Presentations
2026 Fire Risk Reduction Community List Recognition

Administrative Items

• Information Systems Technician Classification
• August 17 City Council Meeting Cancellation
• Skate Park Film Permit
• Gilead Development Agreement
• Non-Conforming Lot Ordinance First Reading
• Claim for Damages Denial
• Christmas Morning Community Group Agreement
• City Council Assignments