Three Things to Know

1. Council Replaces Mandatory Five-Year Rebidding With Documented Contract Review

The La Verne City Council voted 5-0 to approve an update to Administrative Regulation 204, the City's purchasing policy, replacing the automatic five-year contract rebidding requirement with a documented Five-Year Contract Review and raising the purchase order threshold from $5,000 to $7,500. The Finance Commission reviewed and recommended the update on Aug. 19. Finance Director Christy Lopez presented the changes, which also modernize the policy to reflect the City's new electronic ERP purchasing and payment workflow.

Lopez cited a landscape maintenance contract at the Sports Park that increased 40% when rebid due to the five-year limit, and noted an ERP RFP would have taken a year to a year and a half and cost over $100,000.

Public comment was extensive: Richard Bowen opposed the change, citing long-standing non-bid contracts with RKA (over $1 million per year) and the City attorney; Thomas Allison urged written determinations for skipped rebidding; and Jennifer Sauer asked about cybersecurity protections for digital records. Council member Wendy Lau defended the change, citing due diligence and the difficulty of switching professional services midstream.

Why It Matters: This changes how the City decides whether to re-bid contracts for services residents rely on, such as landscaping and professional services. Supporters say it avoids unnecessary costs; critics warn it could reduce competitive bidding and transparency on large public contracts.

What's Next: Lopez said the five-year review will require written documentation, and larger contracts will still return to the City Council for approval.

2. Council Approves 2% Cost-of-Living Raise for 31 Middle Management Employees

The City Council voted 5-0 to adopt resolutions establishing benefits and a salary chart reflecting a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for middle management, professional, and confidential employees, effective September 2026. JR Rennells presented the item, stating the fiscal impact is $55,463 for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The appropriation includes $39,725 within the General Fund with a corresponding Measure LV appropriation, and $15,738 to non-general funds including water, sewer, equipment, and special revenue funds. Rennells clarified that 31 middle management employees are affected and that confidential employees include HR and supervisory staff. Mayor Hepburn noted the increase applies only to the middle management group.

Why It Matters: This is a direct public expenditure of $55,463 and reflects the City's compensation approach across its workforce. A public speaker, separately urged the council to consider comparable treatment for the City's general unit field employees, whose last pay increase was in 2024.

What's Next: The City remains in negotiations with the La Verne General Unit (Teamsters) and the La Verne Fire Middle Management Association; additional salary schedule revisions may follow once those negotiations conclude.

3. Council Approves $35,000 Chamber of Commerce Pact and Potential Use of City Hall Parking Lot for Farmers Market

The City Council voted 5-0 to approve a 12-month partnership agreement with the La Verne Chamber of Commerce, retroactive from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with the financial subsidy reduced from $40,000 to $35,000, plus up to $2,000 in new-business membership incentives. Community Development Director Eric Scherer presented the item and noted work on establishing a new farmers market, with the City Hall parking lot identified as a potential Saturday-morning location.

Chamber Board Chair Adrian Avila reported membership growth from 211 to 241 members and 10 ribbon cuttings. He also touted the 25th anniversary of Taste of La Verne. The agreement also waives processing and business licensing fees for Chamber events.

Why It Matters: Residents may see a weekly farmers market return to La Verne, expanding local food access and gathering space.

What's Next: The farmers market location and schedule are still being finalized; the promoter is also exploring University property in Old Town.

Coming Up

Comprehensive Development Impact Fee Schedule Update—Staff will return before the City Council in October or November to update the comprehensive fee schedule and solidify restricted funds for development impact fee accounts.

Other Topics

• The Council adopted an ordinance amending the Gilead Sciences Development Agreement, extending the term through May 5, 2031 and updating the impact fee provision for the property at 1800 Wheeler Avenue (Case No. 56-26DA), as part of the consent calendar.
• The Council adopted a zoning ordinance amendment (Section 18.10.060) to create a limited exception to the lot merger requirement for nonconforming lots to facilitate affordable housing.
• The Council authorized the City Manager to execute a $460,000 LACAHSA grant agreement to develop a Homelessness Prevention Program, complete the Valley Rancho Mobile Home Park feasibility study, and provide staff training.
• The Council authorized the Chief of Police to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of La Verne for coordination of public safety services (term Sept. 9, 2026 to Sept. 9, 2029); approved 4-0 with Councilmember Lau recused due to her ULV trustee role.
• The Council authorized acceptance of 10 parcels of right-of-way dedicated by the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority resulting from the Metro A-Line Project closeout.
• The Council approved the Registers of Audited Demands totaling $4,189,458.33 across three periods, including CalPERS annual UAL billing of $2,382,217.00, as part of the consent calendar.
• The Council received and filed the Quarterly Treasurer's Report ending June 30, 2026, reporting total cash and investments of $143,221,285 with a market value of $115,706,536.
• The Council approved a revision to the City Council assignment structure distinguishing liaisons, regional agency delegates, and liaison subject areas, rescinding the August 2020 CASI liaison designation.
• The Council approved two new job classifications, Customer Service Lead and Customer Service Assistant, in the Finance Department at no additional cost.
• City Manager Ken Domer provided a cellular service update, noting a signed Verizon master license agreement and plans for six to eight micro cells downtown and in northern La Verne.

Note to readers: An AI platform called Civilio was use to transcribe and draft this report based on a recording from the Sept. 8 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.

👥 Next City Council Meeting

Monday, Sept. 21, 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 Sept. 21 Meeting

Presentations
Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation

Administrative Items

• Administrative Items
• Second reading: Development Impact Fee Ordinance
• Water Master Plan Update
• Walk of Honor Update