🔗 Oct. 19 City Council Meeting Agenda Packet

How La Verne pays the firefighters and the City's plans for emergencies, were among the issues before the City Council on Oct. 19.

The council unanimously approved an interim paramedic pay agreement and incorporated the City’s hazard mitigation plan into its General Plan. It also waived business license fees for University of La Verne Homecoming vendors.

Council Approves Interim Paramedic Pay Agreement

The council voted 5-0 to approve a side letter, an agreement supplementing the City’s labor contract with the La Verne Firefighters Association, addressing compensation for firefighters who become certified paramedics.

The agreement places employees moving into the firefighter-paramedic classification at the corresponding salary step. It establishes interim compensation terms while the City and association negotiate their next labor contract.

Assistant City Manager JR Ranells said the agreement was tied to a grievance settlement totaling approximately $37,862 for three firefighter-paramedics.

The next labor agreement is expected to address long-term paramedic compensation. The City also expects to send two firefighters to paramedic training in early 2027.

Disaster Planning Amendment Prompts Evacuation Questions

The council voted 5-0 to incorporate the 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan by reference into the General Plan’s safety element.

Planning Manager Candice Bowcock said the amendment is administrative and does not change land use or zoning. She said the action, taken under Assembly Bill 2140, could help qualify La Verne for state disaster assistance.

City Manager Ken Domer said staff is working to update the City’s 2003 Emergency Operations Plan and has applied for a grant to support that work. He said routes out of schools are also under review.

The General Plan amendment and the Emergency Operations Plan update are separate actions; the council’s vote did not itself establish a new evacuation plan.

Council waives Homecoming vendor fees

The council voted 4-0 to waive business license fees for vendors participating in the University of La Verne’s Homecoming activities Oct. 23-24. Council Member Wendy Lau recused herself because she serves as a university trustee.

The waiver covers up to 25 vendors, representing as much as $1,750 in waived fees.

Domer said the waiver was consistent with previous actions involving short-term vendors. Staff is drafting an ordinance to address temporary or master business licenses for events, he said.

Supplemental Dispatch Agreement Provides Staffing Backup

The council approved an agreement with Covina, Irwindale and Azusa allowing the cities to provide supplemental police dispatch staffing.

The agreement sets a rate of $62.30 per hour and an annual spending cap of $30,000. Its initial term runs from Oct. 19, 2026, through Oct. 19, 2028, with one-year extensions.

Battery Fire Claims Remain Under Review

Mayor Tim Hepburn reported that Metropolitan Water District had received 37 fire-related claims. Nine had been settled and paid, eight were in settlement and 20 remained under review.

Other council business

• City payments: The council approved payments totaling $3,121,123.58, including $870,161.49 to Three Valleys Municipal Water District and $134,970.85 to the Department of Justice LA CLEAR.
• University update: University of La Verne President Risa Dickson reported that 1,286 students graduated in spring 2026. She discussed enrollment challenges facing higher education and invited residents to Homecoming.
• Donation: Council Member Rick Crosby reported a $10,000 donation from the Order of the Alhambrans.
• Legislative advocacy: The council received and filed a report covering the City’s advocacy on 17 state bills during the 2026 legislative session.

Coming up

• Temporary vendor licenses: Domer estimated that the proposed ordinance would reach the council in three to four months.
• Emergency planning: The City is seeking grant funding to update its 2003 Emergency Operations Plan, including evacuation planning for North La Verne.
• Candidate forum: Bowen announced an LV3C candidate debate for Monday, Oct. 26.
• Commission applications: Applications for the finance, parks and recreation, planning, and transportation and infrastructure commissions are due Nov. 19.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at City Hall, 3660 D St.