Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District Agendas
Regular MeetingLa Verne, CA · July 12, 2021
Minutes
OLD TOWN LA VERNE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
IVIINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
Monday, July 12,2021
I The teleconference meeting was called to order by Chairperson Craig Walters at 8:3la.m.
Mr.Waltersstatedthatquestionscanbeemailedto@.
Advisory Board Members present: Craig Walters, Jason Miller, Marianne Stark, Micky
Rehm, and Matt Forgey (arrived late). City Representative present: Mayor Tim Hepburn,
Community Development Director Eric Scherer, and Secretary Natalie Hiatt. Others
present: Leah Skinner, Craig Hoelzel, and Cindy Vallejo.
2. CALENDAR
Cool Cruise - Saturday, September ll,202l
Cruisin La Verne - Saturday, November 20,2021- Mr. Hoelzel stated that the event is
scheduled for the weekend before Thanksgiving instead of the weekend after and
requested approval from the Board.
It was moved by Mr. Miller and seconded by Ms. Stark to confirm the Cruisin La Veme
event for November 20,2021. Motion was carried by a 5-0 vote.
3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES June 7,2021
It was moved by Mr. Miller and seconded by Ms. Stark to approve the minutes with
changes regarding the discussion of the D Street Closure. Motion carried by a 4-0 vote.
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Beer Walk Event - Ms. Rehm stated that an event in September might be too soon
and it may be a better idea to hold a Wine Walk in October or a combined Beer and Wine
Walk.
Mr. Scherer stated that he is not sure what regulations are in place for this type of event.
Chairperson Walters stated that he prefers holding the Wine Walk in the spring and
holding an outdoor Beer Walk in the fall.
Ms. Stark and Mr. Forgey agreed that they should keep the Wine Walk for the spring.
Ms. Rehm stated that it's a struggle to get breweries to participate in October due to
Oktoberfest events.
Mr. Scherer stated that he will make contact with County for more direction.
I
B. Cool Cruise Update - Mr. Hoelzel stated that 500 cars are registered for the show
and the band The Answer is playing. Proceeds of the event will benefit the La
Veme K-9 Foundation. Mr. Hoelzel stated that the food vendors will include
peanut brittle, shaved ice, and baked potato.
Ms. Stark asked if shaved ice is too similar to Granny's Yogurt. The board
decided that it would be okay if they were placed further away from the shop.
Mr. Hoelzel stated that he is working with the Fire Department to get September
I lth memorabilia to display. He asked if it woutd be appropriate to invite the
Health Department to set-up a vaccination booth.
Mr. Miller stated that the Health Department is looking for more outreach and
opportunities to promote the vaccine.
C. University of La Veme - Freshmen Welcome Dinner - Cindy Vallejo of
University of La Verne stated that the restaurant crawl is scheduled for Monday,
August l6th from 5:00-7:00pm and that she is hopeful to have the band perform at
Mainiero Square.
Mr. Scherer reminded the Board that the band is in the budget for this year
Ms. Rehm requested that the event be changed from a Monday due to several
businesses being closed that day.
Ms. Vallejo stated that she would look into another date and email the group with
more information.
Ms. Rehm suggested that she email everyone because the retail businesses may be
interested in offering special discounts to the students.
Mr. Scherer requested sending the email from the City on behalf of Ms. Vallejo.
D. Future Board Meeting Logistics - Mr. Scherer discussed in-person meetings
versus virrual and hybrid options.
The Board agreed upon an in-person meeting going forward. Ms. Stark suggested
an outdoor meeting on Chase's patio and Ms. Rehm suggested Roberta's or her
shop as a back-up.
Mr. Scherer stated that he would research holding the meeting on Chase's patio.
5. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. D Street Closure - Chairperson Walters stated that at the last meeting they
extended the closure no longer than the opening of the University. The situation
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has since changed and on June 28th the Association met and discussed reopening
sooner,
Mr. Scherer stated that he has added this item to go before the City Council on
July l9th. In anticipation to the Board and Council's vote the businesses will be
notified of the reopening. Mr. Scherer expects that the Public Works Department
can have the street open as early as Thursday, July 22"d. Mr. Scherer stated that
because the closure is meant to be a final decision and due to potential negative
community comments, we want the item to be discussed at an open meeting.
Mayor Hepburn stated that the survival of the businesses is most important and if
the businesses want to reopen the street he would be in support.
Mr. Scherer stated that the merchant parking passes will resume once the
University returns. He will notifu businesses and they can obtain their permit by
August 2i'd.
Ms. Rehm noted that there have been many negative comments from customers in
the past 2-3 weeks complaining about parking and the street not being utilized.
Ms. Rehm stated that we need to pay attention to these complaints and open as
soon as possible.
Mr. Scherer stated that there is still an option for interested restaurants to build
out into parking spaces.
Mr. Forgey stated that he would be in favor of a permanent closure but not in its
current state.
It was moved by Mr. Forgey and seconded by Mr. Miller to recommend the
immediate reopening of D Street to City Council. Motion was carried by a 5-0
vote.
After fuither discussion of permanent closure it was decided that more
information is needed before proceeding. The Board will continue the discussion
at a later date.
6. COMMITTEE R"EPORTS/ UPDATES
A. City Report (Eric Scherer): Mr. Scherer stated that Carmel Plotkin will not be
moving forward with the craft fair at this time. The Mainiero Square project is
close to going out to bid and construction will hopefully begin in the New Year.
B. University Report (Jason Miller): None
C. Marketing (Micky Rehm): Ms. Rehm asked if the Board wants to continue
offering free ads on Facebook to promote the businesses. All agreed to continue
with the free ad boosts.
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The Board discussed the Holiday Stroll and Halloween event. Mr. Scherer stated
that the events are included in the budget and are expected to continue as normal.
Ms. Rehm asked for a volunteer organize the delivery and decorating of the
Christmas tree. Mr. Scherer will add this item to the next agenda for further
discussion.
D. Chamber Report (Leah Skinner): Ms. Skinner stated the Chamber has partnered
with the Califomia Offices of Emergency Services to offer free masks to
businesses. The Community Yard Sale is scheduled for Saturday, July 3l't at
Bonita High School. Ribbon cutting and open house for In Motion Dental on
Friday, July l6th. In person Happy HourNetworking at Third Street Wine Shop
on Thursday, July 22"d.Taste of La Veme will be held Wednesday, October 20'h
followed by Restaurant Week from October 2l't through October 24th.
E. Social Media Update (Micky Rehm): None
F. Financial Report: None
7 PUBLIC COMMENT (Any discussion or action on non-agendized items must be
deferred to the following meeting, as required by Califomia Brown Act Law)
No comments received.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at9;39 a.m., to the next meeting to be held on Monday, August 2,
2021 at 8:30 a.m.
Respectively
Natalie M. Hiatt
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Agenda
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE JULY 12, 2021
OLD TOWN LA VERNE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT MEETING
The Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District meeting will be closed to the public in
compliance with Governor Newsom’s Executive Order to minimize the spread of the COVID-
19 Virus. Additionally, the meeting will be conducted via teleconference with members
participating remotely. Considering this, the customary meeting format has been modified.
Even with this change in format, the City is still encouraging public participation and wishes to
make residents aware of the following opportunities for participation:
1) View the meeting through the City’s website at www.cityoflaverne.org/stream
2) Please submit your written comments via email at planning@cityoflaverne.org. They
will be shared with the District Board Members prior to the meeting and will be made
part of the permanent record. We ask that you provide those emails before 7:00 p.m.
the day before the meeting. Please be advised that public comments submitted by
emails or any other format to the City are public records that will be made
available for public viewing.
3) For individuals that wish to share their comments during the live stream, you may
email planning@cityoflaverne.org by 7:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting with a phone
number and the item(s) you wish to speak on. We will call you back at the appropriate
time during the meeting for your comment.
4) Additionally, if you wish to participate via Zoom, you will need to register before 8:00
a.m. on the date of the meeting and please be aware that space is limited.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_knXkZigjRj2aNo3avUr-Lg
You will be provided a link after registering and will have the ability to watch the
meeting live. If you wish to speak during the meeting, you can “raise your hand” as
appropriate on the current agenda item(s). Once it is your turn to speak, you will be
brought into the meeting and have the ability to speak and turn on your video when
called upon.
AGENDA
Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District
Advisory Board
Monday, July 12, 2021 – 8:30 am – www.cityoflaverne.org/stream
1. WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER-
Board Members City Representatives/Others Present
Craig Walters, Chair Tim Hepburn, Mayor
Marianne Stark Eric Scherer, Com. Dev. Director
Jason Miller Natalie Hiatt, Com. Dev. Admin. Clerk
Micky Rehm Leah Skinner, Chamber of Commerce
Matt Forgey Craig Hoelzel, Flying Deuces
Sean Franco (Alternate) Cindy Vallejo, University of La Verne
2. CALENDAR-
Cool Cruise Sat. September 11, 2021
Cruisin La Verne Sat. November 20, 2021
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 7, 2021
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Beer Walk Event
B. Cool Cruise Update – Craig Hoelzel
C. University of La Verne – Freshmen Welcome Dinner – Cindy Vallejo
D. Future Board Meeting Logistics
5. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. D Street Closure
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS/ UPDATES
A. City Report (Eric Scherer):
B. University Report (Jason Miller):
C. Marketing (Micky Rehm):
D. Chamber Report (Leah Skinner):
E. Social Media Update (Micky Rehm):
F. Financial Report:
6. PUBLIC COMMENT (Any discussion or action on non-agendized items must be deferred to the
following meeting, as required by California Brown Act Law)
7. ADJOURNMENT – Monday August 2, 2021 8:30 am–www.cityoflaverne.org/stream
OLD TOWN LA VERNE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
Monday, June 7, 2021
1. The teleconference meeting was called to order by Chairperson Craig Walters at 8:30a.m.
Mr. Walters stated that questions can be emailed to planning@cityoflaverne.org.
Advisory Board Members present: Craig Walters, Jason Miller, Matt Forgey, Micky
Rehm, and Marianne Stark (late). City Representative present: Community Development
Director Eric Scherer. Others present: Leah Skinner.
Mr. Scherer congratulated Chairperson Walters for serving on the Board for 25 years.
2. CALENDAR
City Council Public Protest Hearing – Monday, June 7, 2021 @ 6:30p.m.
Mr. Scherer stated that he and Chairperson will be presenting to City Council tonight.
Mr. Scherer stated that reappointments are due for Chairperson Walters, Ms. Rehm, Ms.
Stark.
Cool Cruise – Saturday, September 11, 2021
Cruisin La Verne – Saturday, November 20, 2021
3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES May 3, 2021
It was moved by Mr. Miller and seconded by Ms. Rehm to approve the minutes as
submitted. Motion carried by a 4-0 vote.
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Election of Officers for Remainder of the Year - Vice-Chair, Secretary,
Treasurer – It was moved by Chairperson Walters and seconded by Mr. Miller to
elect Ms. Rehm as Vice-Chairperson, Ms. Stark as Treasurer, and Mr. Forgey as
Secretary. Motion carried by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Scherer stated that the elections must take place during the first meeting of
the calendar year.
B. Annual Report of the District – Mr. Scherer attached a copy of the report that will
be presented at the City Council meeting.
C. Proposal for Craft Fair – Carmel Plotkin presented a proposal for an Artisan Fair
for local artisans. Board members asked questions regarding the vendor criteria
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and location. The Board expressed support for the event. Ms. Plotkin will prepare
more information and present a potential date in the future.
D. Cool Cruise Update – Mr. Scherer stated that he has not received any updates
from Craig Hoelzel.
5. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. D Street Closure – Update and Comments Received – Mr. Scherer attached
emails received from two Old Town business owners. Both expressed concerns
with the continued street closure scheduled in the beginning of August.
The board discussed the timing for re-opening “D” Street. Mr. Scherer suggested
aligning the re-opening with the Gold Line’s closure at the “D” Street railroad
crossing.
The board agreed that it’s best to keep the street closure in place until mid to late
August. Mr. Forgey asked if it’s possible to explore a permanent street closure.
Mr. Scherer stated that Public Works would not support a closure due to traffic
circulation but it can be placed on the agenda and discussed with Council if the
Board wished to advance the concept.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS/ UPDATES
A. City Report (Eric Scherer): Modified 4th of July parade and fireworks show. The
parade will take place on Saturday, July 3rd in respect for the churches.
B. University Report (Jason Miller): More information will be provided after June
15th but he anticipates a greater number of students on campus and in the
classrooms.
C. Marketing (Micky Rehm): Ms. Rehm asked if the Beer and Wine Walk will be
added to the calendar. Mr. Scherer stated that more guidance is needed from the
County and OSHA.
D. Chamber Report (Leah Skinner): None
E. Social Media Update (Micky Rehm): None
F. Financial Report: None
7. PUBLIC COMMENT (Any discussion or action on non-agendized items must be
deferred to the following meeting, as required by California Brown Act Law)
No public comments were received.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 9:22 a.m., to the next meeting to be held on Monday, July 12,
2021 at 8:30 a.m.
Respectively submitted,
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_____________________
Natalie M. Hiatt
ATTACHMENTS: ANNUAL REPORT, 2021/22 BUDGET, AND EMAILS
RECEIVED.
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ATTACHMENT A
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OLD TOWN LA VERNE
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR THE 2021-2022 FISCAL YEAR
FINANCE
During the 2020-2021 fiscal year the Old Town La Verne Business Improvement
District (“District”) received approximately $14,000 from the District fees paid by the
businesses within the District. While the budget was prepared at the beginning of
COCID, the events were budgeted as normal, but virtually no events occurred during
the year. The reduction of revenue in 2020/2021 from not having these events
resulted in the use of approximately $6,000 of the $126,000 in reserves. The
proposed 2021-2022 annual budget provides for approximately $40,000 in ongoing
annual expenditures and $42,000 in capital projects, with projected revenues of
$46,500. These Capital Improvement projects (Mainiero Square and Tree Lights)
where postponed in the last fiscal year due to COVID. These figures are assuming
that only a modified (reduced) Wine Walk could occur in the spring. It is now
expected that later this year a budget amendment request will be made to include
more events which will increase the expenditures but also the revenues the District
will receive.
PROMOTIONS
Unfortunately, due to the COVID pandemic, almost no events were allowed to occur.
While the District was hopeful that in the fall of 2020 events might have been able to
occur, these were all cancelled as a result of State and County orders, restricting
mass gatherings. In the summer of 2020, D Street was closed to vehicles to allow for
restaurant expansion into the street. Many of these restaurants have shared that
without this change, many of them wouldn’t have survived the pandemic. At this time,
it is expected that the closure will remain in place until the University begins their fall
semester in August 2021.
The positive news is at this time it appears that the restrictions will be lifted as soon
as June 15, 2021, allowing for the planning of events, potentially modified slightly, to
occur as they would in a normal year. The 2020 Cool Cruise event has been
postponed multiple times, but now looks to be locked-in for the current announced
date of Saturday, September 11, 2021. It is also likely that a Beer Walk event in the
fall, Halloween event in October, Cruisin La Verne Car Show in November, and the
Holiday Stroll in December will all occur.
Support for all of these events includes logistics, advertising and other publicity,
which in turn brings the public and new businesses to Old Town. The continued
business growth in Old Town is a result of these efforts. The Old Town La Verne
Business Improvement Association has taken on more of the responsibilities of
marketing the Old Town businesses and events. They continue to use social media
and their website, www.oldtownlaverne.org, to help promote the area.
ANNUAL BREAKFAST MEETING
The Annual Meeting of the OTLVBID was held virtually on March 1, 2021. The
District Board heard an update on the Gold (“L”) Line project and the Mayor’s State of
the City address.
ONGOING SERVICE/MAINTENANCE
The District provides ongoing service for Old Town businesses by way of regular
sidewalk cleaning, landscape maintenance and replacement, and through funding of
the electrical costs for the lights in Old Town street trees.
MAJOR PROJECTS
This year it was expected that Phase 2 of the tree lights would occur, which would
have included the expansion of electrical and irrigation primarily on Bonita Avenue in
order to plant new trees and expand the tree lights in the future. The other major
project that was expected to occur was the Mainiero Square re-design. Both of these
projects were placed on hold as a result of COVID. Both are, however, scheduled to
proceed in the next fiscal year and are listed in the City’s Capital Improvement
Program.
OLD TOWN LA VERNE
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
2021/2022 BUDGET
2020/2021 2020/2021 2021/2022
REVENUES Budget Est. Year End Budget
Business License Fees $16,000 $14,000 $15,000 32%
Interest $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 3%
Wine Walk $60,000 $0 $30,000 65%
Beer Walk $40,000 $0 $0 0%
REVENUES - TOTAL $117,500 $15,500 $46,500 100%
2020/2021 2020/2021 2021/2022
EXPENDITURES Budget Est. Year End Budget
OPERATIONAL (Div 1)
Sidewalk/Trash/Cleaning/Landscaping $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 8%
ULV Dinner Crawl Entertainment $500 $0 $500 1%
Edison $800 $800 $800 1%
Annual Meeting $800 $0 $800 1%
Street Light Banners $2,000 $0 $1,000 1%
Contingency $900 $0 $900 1%
Transfer to Association $20,000 $12,000 $6,000 7%
Capital Outlay (Mainiero, Street/Tree Lights) $40,000 $0 $40,000 49%
OPERATIONAL SUBTOTAL $72,000 $19,800 $57,000 69%
EVENTS
Cool Cruise Auto Show (Div 2) $3,000 $0 $1,750 2%
Future Old Town Event (Div 4) $3,000 $0 $0 0%
Holiday Stroll (Div 5) $6,300 $1,700 $3,500 4%
Wine Walk Event (Div 6) $33,150 $0 $18,100 22%
Fall Event- Halloween (Div 7) $300 $300 $300 0%
Cruisin La Verne Auto Show (Div 8) $3,000 $0 $1,750 2%
Beer Walk (Div 9) $22,500 $0 $0 0%
EVENTS SUBTOTAL $71,250 $2,000 $25,400 31%
EXPENDITURES TOTAL $143,250 $21,800 $82,400 100%
Note: Beginning Fund Balance on July 1, 2020 was $126,500
From: dymnd13 [mailto:dymnd13@aol.com] (Philippe Sigal)
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2021 12:12 PM
To: Eric Scherer
Subject: Hi Eric
This is Philippe sigal from sigal diamonds
I would like to know what the status of these tents that look like a homeless shelter is
I saw the petition to keep this but none of these people are even from around here.
-------- Original message --------
From: Eric Scherer <escherer@cityoflaverne.org>
Date: 6/2/21 12:23 PM (GMT-08:00)
To: dymnd13 <dymnd13@aol.com>
Subject: RE: Hi Eric
Hi Phillipe:
The Board discussed this at their meeting last month, and indicated support for keeping it through the
summer. They will be discussing it again at their meeting on Monday morning at 8:30am virtually.
The agenda with instructions on how you can participate to let them know your thoughts about it
directly will be posted on the City’s website tomorrow, and an email will go out from Natalie tomorrow
afternoon with the direct link. I will make sure you are on that email list with this email address.
-Eric
From: dymnd13 [mailto:dymnd13@aol.com] (Philippe Sigal)
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2021 1:00 PM
To: Eric Scherer
Subject: RE: Hi Eric
Thank u for your quick response but these tables r not being used and the trash is everywhere and
not safe for our businesses lot of drunk people this street is discussing know body comes here
from city to look. It's a shelter for homeless at night
Unexpeptable
Most people from laverne do NOt WANT THIS.
From: smoke shop [mailto:smokeshoplaverne@gmail.com] (Frank Farraj)
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2021 1:33 PM
To: Eric Scherer
Subject: Re: FW: Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District Meeting
Hi Mr. Eric I'm sending you this email follow the meeting tomorrow I hope everybody OK Mr.
Eric the situation here and downtown it's bad we can't handle it the street to be close that's
enough We Hope guys you understand our situation like you understand the other side it's not
fair for us to lose our business more and more to keep another people going we must be shared
and fair for all of us we was help them With covid But now what do we see guys you don't Pay
attention for us If you guys come and look nobody used in this table we are here all the time one
table or 2 table so it's mean No necessary to close the street They can Service inside the
restaurant plus I'm gonna send you picture for the trash the food everywhere in the street it's
blocks disgusting And we talk to everyone from the list the one I sent you all of them they agree
to open the street and i talk to Spooner the one you tell me she agreed to be to close the street
she showed me the email the one she sent it for you she agreed to open the street not close it
anymore we Are all Shock when we see the list you send us with this signature from the people
they agreed to keep the street to close most of these people they are not to from Laverne I don't
know how you guys you take the decision from people they don't have the right to vote this is not
legal What we ask we need the street to be open as soon as possible we are dying here Mr. Eric
and Mr. Bob and who can't read this email thank you if you work with us Like a part From
downtown business thank you have a beautiful day day
From: Eric Scherer
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2021 1:37 PM
To: 'smoke shop'
Subject: RE: FW: Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District Meeting
Hi Frank:
I will share your email with the Board. Their meeting is this coming Monday at 8:30am. I encourage you
to participate to let them know your thoughts, as this is the Board’s direction.
You will receive an email from Natalie tomorrow afternoon with a link to the agenda which has the
instructions on how you can participate on Zoom or over the phone.
-Eric
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