MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024
CLOSED SESSION
The
Council met in Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. with all Councilmembers present, to discuss the following item:
1. C
onference with Legal Counsel: Potential for Litigation Against the City Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(1) A point has been reached where, in the opinion of the City Council, on the advice of its legal counsel, based on the below -described existing facts and circumstances, there is a significant exposure to litigation against the City. Facts and circumstances that might result in litigation but which the City believes are not yet known to potential plaintiff or plaintiffs. (Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1))
Number of Potential Cases: 1.
OPENING MATTERS
CALL TO ORDER
M
ayor Weintraub called the Regular meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Pr
esent: Mayor Weintraub, Mayor Pro Tem Kraut, and Councilmembers Albrecht, Bozajian and Shapiro
Staff: City Manager Meik; Assistant City Manager Trujillo; Deputy City Manager McConville; City Clerk Pope; City Attorney Summers; Chief Financial Officer Ahlers; Community Development Director Klein; Community Services Director Green; Public Works Director Castle; Deputy Director of Community Services Campbell; Recreation Manager Haber; and Sheriff’s Deputy De Matteo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
B
oy Scout Troop 127 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2024
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Shapiro moved and Mayor Pro Tem Kraut seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Summers reported that the Council discussed the item on the agenda and took no reportable action.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Recognition of Nicholas Thomas Savich for his Assistance in a Traffic Collision
Mayor Weintraub and Sheriff’s Lt. Carr recognized Nicholas Thomas Savich for his assistance in a traffic collision.
2. Recognition of Kimberly Post for her Service to the City
Mayor Weintraub recognized Kimberly Post for her service to the City and presented her with a plaque.
The Council commended Ms. Post on her service to the City and wished her well.
Lois Julien discussed the successes of Kimberly Post at the Senior Center.
Laura Weisshar, Calabasas Steering Committee for the Senior Cente r, thanked Ms. Post for her collaboration and leadership in making the Senior Center a success and presented her with a plaque.
Kimberly Post thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve the City.
3. Presentation on Calabasas “Bags4Benches” Plastic Recycling Project
Environmental Commission Chair David Cohan, Commissioner Luresa Byrne , and Calabasas High School students presented the Calabasas “Bags4Benches” Plastic Recycling Project.
Charlotte Meyer acknowledged David Cohan for his mentorship and the students for their service.
The Council thanked the Environmental Commission and the students for their efforts.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2024
4. Proclamation Recognizing October as Bullying Awareness Prevention Month
Mayor Weintraub read the proclamation recognizing October as Bullying Awareness Prevention Month. The Council discussed the importance and encouraged the community to live kindly.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/INTRODUCTIONS
Mayor Pro Tem Kraut announced CERT Training beginning October 24, 2024; and Holiday Movie Nights starting December 1, 8, and 15.
Councilmember Bozajian thanked staff and the community for the Pumpkin Festival; and announced Day of the Dead Escape Room on November 1 and 2.
Councilmember Shapiro thanked staff for the successful Pumpkin Festival; Public Works for the Ribbon Cutting on Green Streets Project; and announced the Veterans Day Celebration on November 8.
Councilmember Albrecht encouraged residents to attend the Vete rans Day Celebration; and announced Children’s Halloween Story time at the amphitheater
Mayor Weintraub announced the It’s a Small World Toy Drive Kick Off on November 16; and Mayors Youth Council Flea Market on November 9.
Councilmember Bozajian wished everyone a Happy Halloween.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Carol Davis addressed the Council regarding the Cruzan plans and impact on parking at the Senior Center.
Mark Levinson, Chamber of Commerce, discussed the successful Pumpkin Festival; new business openings; and Chamber Breakfast in November at Lovi’s.
Randi Felich requested the City consider banning the sale and use of glue traps.
Sarah Baisley discussed their house in Old Topanga requiring remediation and her request on August 14, 2024 to delay the receivership with no response.
Dr. Christopher Harz requested help regarding the house his partner Ms. Baisley inherited.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2024
CONSENT ITEMS
In regard to Item No. 7 , the Council thanked Matt Summers for his service. City Attorney Summer thanked the Council and community.
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
5. Approve the minutes of the October 1, 2024 Special and October 9, 2024 Regular Meetings.
6. Receipt of Check Register Report for the period of September 28, 2024 through October 11, 2024.
7. Receive and File the Quarterly Investment Report for Quarter Ending September 30, 2024.
8. Legal Services Agreement with the Law Firm of Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
9. Amended Agreement for Outside Counsel Legal Services with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC
10. Adoption of City of Calabasas 2024 Legislative Platform
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Kraut moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
11. Calabasas Community Center Six- Month Operations Update and Recommendations
Community Services Director Green presented the staff report.
In response to Council questions, Community Services Director Green and Deputy Director of Community Services Campbell explained that the Center was below revenue expectations but above anticipated membershi p; hiring of multiple, part -time, specialized instructors; digital kiosk ; incentive to use the daily rate ; c lass flexibility ; a nnual review of suggestions ; and concern that package rentals were too expensive.
The Council indicated support for the class pass concept but suggested a different name; and commended staff on efforts to continue improvements.
City Manager Meik complimented staff on the data driven results and methodology.
R egular City Council Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2024
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Kraut moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion to receive the Calabasas Community Center Six- Month Operations update and direct staff to bring back appropriate actions to prepare a budget allocation to secure f itness instructors at an annual cost of $48,048, and update the fee schedule, including proposed changes to both membership fees and facility rental rates at the Calabasas Community Center , with options to reduce non- profit fees. The motion carried unanimously.
12. I
ntroduction of Ordinance No. 2024-409, adding Chapter 3.58 to Title 3 of the Calabasas Municipal Code to Establish an Administrative Remedies Procedure for Challenges to Fees, Charges and Assessments
C
ity Attorney Summers presented the staff report.
M
OTION
Mayor Pro Tem Kraut moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion to introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance No. 2024-409, adding Chapter
3.58 to Title 3 of the Calabasas Municipal Code to establish an administrative remedies procedure for chal lenges to fees, charges, and assessments . The motion carried unanimously.
13. A
ppointment to the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, Water Supply Reliability and Diversification Study
C
ity Manager Meik presented the staff report.
MOTION
Councilmember Shapiro moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Kraut as the Council Liaison/External Committee representative to the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, Water Supply Reliability and Diversification Study sessions. The motion carried unanimously.
14. A
doption of Resolution No. 2024 -1931, Approving Third Amendment to Employment Contract for City Manager
C
ity Attorney Summers presented the staff report.
M
OTION
Mayor Pro Tem Kraut moved and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024 -1931 approving the Third Amendment to
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2024
Employment Contract for City Manager Kindon Meik . The motion carried unanimously.
FUTURE INFORMATION/AGENDA ITEMS
15. Direction from Council on requested agenda items
None.
16. New Requests for future information/agenda items
Councilmember Bozajian requested a discussion on Charter Cities. Mayor Weintraub seconded to add to future agenda items.
Councilmember Shapiro suggested a better coordinated City calendar to reduce conflicts. City Manager Meik indicated it could be addressed at staff level.
Mayor Weintraub requested lighting City Hall for the Dodgers.
TASK FORCE REPORTS
Councilmember Albrecht discussed the upcoming Clean Power Alliance meeting on October 30; and CPA Board nominations on October 24.
Councilmember Shapiro discussed the upcoming Valley Economic Alliance Board Meeting on October 24; League of CA C ities Conference; SCAG Leadership LA 28 Meeting with the Paris Delegation; Calabasas High School Museum of T olerance Bus; Recreation, Youth and Senior Services Task Force Meeting on October 23; and Mayor’s Youth Council Voters Information Night.
Mayor Pro Tem Kraut discussed his attendance at the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy meeting on October 22 , Pumpkin Festival, and League of CA Cities Conference. He announced that the City was a Fire Risk Reduction Community.
Councilmember Bozajian attended the League of CA Cities C onvention and S tate Board of D irectors meeting . He discussed the C ommunity Center Transfer of Ownership and requested staff inform the Council when it was complete and to conduct an event wishing Agoura Hills farewell.
Mayor Weintraub discussed her attendance at the Hidden Hills C ouncil meeting; Calabasas High Museum of Tolerance event; Community Voter Night; staff’s efforts on Fire Wise communities; and an event at Mayor Bass’ house regarding LA 28.
R egular City Council Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2024
City Clerk Pope discussed the November 5, 2024 Election voting locations.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
C
ity Manager Meik thanked the Council for approving his contract amendment and thanked City Attorney Summers for his service.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
N
one.
ADJOURN
M
ayor Weintraub recognized Matt Summers and Colantuono, Smith and Whatley, LP and adjourned the meeting at 8:56 p.m.
A
pproved by the City Council of the City of Calabasas on November 13, 2024. ___________________________
ALICIA WEINTRAUB, Mayor
________________________________
L
isa Pope, City Clerk