MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2024
OPENING MATTERS
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Weintraub called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Weintraub; Mayor Pro Tem Kraut; and Councilmembers Albrecht, Bozajian and Shapiro
Staff: City Manager Meik; City Attorney Summers; Assistant City Manager Trujillo; Deputy City Manager McConville; Chief Financial Officer Ahlers; Communications Director Russo; Community Development Director Klein; Community Services Director Green; Public Works Director Castle; and Deputy City Clerk Krdilyan
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Communications Director Russo.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Councilmember Albrecht moved and Mayor Pro Tem Kraut seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
• To Communications Director, Michael Russo, for his years of services to the City
Mayor Weintraub recognized and the Council and City Manager Kindon commended Communications Director Russo for his service to the City.
Communications Director Russo thanked the Council, his family, and staff and discussed the accomplishments over the past several years.
Special City Council Meeting Minutes
June 19, 2024
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Mark Levinson spoke during public comment.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/INTRODUCTIONS
Councilmember Bozajian announced the City’s hosting of American Bloom.
Mayor Pro Tem Kraut announced Calabasas Cuisine on June 20 at the Community Center; and the Senior Center 8th Year Celebration.
Mayor Weintraub acknowledged Juneteenth.
CONSENT ITEMS
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following item:
1. Adoption of Resolution No. 2024 -1905, approving the Annual Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2023-24 and rescinding Resolution No. 2023-1841
MOTION
Councilmember Shapiro moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
2. Consideration of a proposed Ordinance of the City of Calabasas to protect Open Space in the City by requiring two -thirds Voter approval of development on lands designated Open Space – Resource Protection (OS - RP) by the Land Use Map of the Calabasas General Plan, with certain exceptions.
City Attorney Summers, City Manager Meik and Outside Counsel Sunny Soltani presented the staff report.
In response to Council questions, staff explained the number of parcels impacted by the proposed zone changes ; voter approved versus Council approved action; and the need for public outreach.
The Council discussed the need to preserve open space and protect land; election timing and process; and the need for further study.
Special City Council Meeting Minutes
June 19, 2024
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed the Open Space Taskforce and staff to move forward with informational meetings and a public workshop and public hearing to consider a proposed ordinance to protect open space.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
3. City Manager Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 -25 and 2025- 26 – Second Presentation
City Manager Meik and Chief Financial Officer Ahlers presented the staff report.
The Council discussed the recommended budget ; Budget Committee’s review; and the need for fiscal sustainability.
RECESS
Mayor Weintraub called a recess at 8:14 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:20 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
FUTURE INFORMATION/AGENDA ITEMS
4. Direction from Council on requested agenda items
A. City Legislative Platform
City Manager Meik and Deputy City Manager McConville presented the staff report.
The Council discussed the need for a lobbyist and grant writer; Council priorities and legislative goals; coordination to the Las Virgenes - Malibu Council of Government; and creation of a task force.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council referred the matter to the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to work with staff on a legislative platform.
B. Digital Kiosks with Security Cameras
Community Development Director Klein presented the staff report.
The Council discussed the need for public safety; potential exemption to allow digital kiosks with security cameras in shopping centers; and Special City Council Meeting Minutes
June 19, 2024
Municipal Code sign requirements.
5. New requests for future information/agenda items
Mayor Weintraub requested information on State legislation related to lawnmowers and consideration of Juneteenth holiday options.
TASK FORCE REPORTS
Councilmember Bozajian announced the June 20, 2024 Community Center meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Kraut stated he attended a Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy meeting and expressed the City’s appreciation for the grant for the Emergency Operations Center trailer.
Mayor Weintraub announced an upcoming Homeless Taskforce meeting.
Councilmember Shapiro discussed his attendance at recent SCAG meetings and request for a letter of support for AB2485.
Councilmember Albrecht discussed his upcoming participation in the Clean Power Alliance retreat and Contract Cities advocacy.
CITY MANGER’S REPORT
None.
ADJOURN
Mayor Weintraub adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m.
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ALICIA WEINTRAUB, Mayor
ATTEST:
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LISA POPE, City Clerk