The La Verne City Council adopted a disaster mitigation plan, appointed a member to an infrastructure financing board and approved funding for street improvements and water system planning at its Oct. 5 meeting.

The council also approved a $1 annual fee for VFW Post 12034 to continue using space at Veterans Hall. Read the separate story for details about the decision and the post’s questions about required insurance.

🔗 Oct. 5 City Council Meeting Agenda Packet

Planning Ahead for Natural Disasters

The council adopted the 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan by a 5-0 vote. The plan identifies 30 actions to reduce risks from earthquakes, wildfires, floods, drought and landslides.

Community Risk Reduction Specialist Lonnie Shipman introduced the plan, and Black & Veatch lead planner Megan Brotherton presented its recommendations. FEMA approved the plan pending local adoption in May, according to the meeting summary. Adoption makes the City eligible to pursue FEMA hazard mitigation grants.

During public comment, resident Mona Bonte urged the City to update its Emergency Operations Plan, which she said dates to 1990.

🔗 Learn more about the Hazard Mitigation Plan process
🔗 View the draft presented at the Oct. 5 meeting

Wagner Selected for Infrastructure Financing Board

The City Council appointed Steven Wagner to the Public Financing Authority board overseeing La Verne’s Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District by a 3-2 vote. The application period, extended through Sept. 24, drew 10 applicants.

Council member Steve Johnson cited Wagner’s financial qualifications.

“Mr. Wagner met the financing requirements that we were looking for,” Johnson said.

Mayor Tim Hepburn acknowledged other applicants’ qualifications while pointing to Wagner’s repeated efforts to serve.

“Mr. Wagner has applied for multiple positions over multiple years, and he felt that it was time to give him a chance to serve his community,” Hepburn said.

Mayor Pro Tem Meshal Kashifalghita proposed appointing former Councilmember Robin Carter, but his motion did not receive a second. During public comment, resident Richard Bowen questioned the selection process.

Battery Fire Claims and Investigation

Metropolitan Water District reported receiving 28 claims related to the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant battery fire. A Metropolitan representative said batteries had been removed for forensic examination, and an update on investigation timelines was expected at a future council meeting.

Residents and businesses can download Metropolitan’s claim form and instructions.

For questions about claims, email rmanagement@mwdh2o.com or call 213-217-7715.

Other Topics

• White Avenue rehabilitation: The council awarded a $1,272,329 construction contract to Vance Corporation and authorized a 15% contingency, bringing the potential construction total to approximately $1.46 million. It also authorized $91,500 for RKA Consulting Group to provide construction management, materials testing and inspection.
• Water system planning: The council authorized up to $249,946 for Civiltec Engineering to complete the 2027 Water Master Plan Update. Public Works Director Danny Wu said the current plan was completed in 2020. The update will include an assessment of water infrastructure conditions.
• Helicopter equipment: The council awarded a contract of up to $674,050 to Advanced Helicopter Services for a Safran Arriel 1D1 module exchange, funded through the Asset Forfeiture-LA IMPACT Fund.
• Holiday event agreements: The council approved community partnership agreements for the Holiday Stroll and Walk of Honor, with conditions requiring submission of insurance documentation. Councilmember Wendy Lau requested clearer language specifying the required coverage and submission deadline.
• City payments: The council approved audited demands totaling $2,092,167.03 for Sept. 14-27.
• Public comment: Residents raised concerns about waste collection billing, campaign signs on public property, emergency preparedness and oversight of Metropolitan’s solar and battery installation.

Coming Up

• Next regular City Council meeting: Monday, Oct. 19. The supplied meeting information lists a study session at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
• Battery investigation update: Metropolitan is expected to provide further information at a future council meeting. A date has not been specified.
• Holiday Stroll: Scheduled for Dec. 5 in Old Town La Verne.
• Walk of Honor unveiling: Also scheduled for Dec. 5, coordinated with the Holiday Stroll.

Note to readers: This recap was prepared with AI assistance using supplied meeting summaries and a transcript excerpt. If you see an error, please email staci@lavernedaily.org. See my Corrections Policy for information about how corrections are handled.