MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2025
CLOSED SESSION
The Council met in Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. with all Councilmembers present, to discuss the following items:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel: Potential for Litigation Against the City Pursuant to Government Code Sections 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, there is significant exposure to litigation against the City, based on existing facts and circumstances which the City believes are not yet known to potential plaintiff or plaintiffs
Number of Potential Cases: 1
2. Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
Based on existing facts and circumstances, the City Council is deciding whether to initiate litigation
Number of Potential Cases: 1
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kraut called the Regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Colonel Sawser, Army Corp of Engineers, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Peter Kraut , Mayor Pro Tem James Bozajian, and Councilmembers Edward Albrecht, David Shapiro, and Alicia Weintraub
Staff: City Manager Kindon Meik; Assistant City Manager Scott Trujillo; Deputy City Manager Michael McConville; City Clerk Lisa Pope; City Attorney Pam Lee; Chief Financial Officer Ron Ahlers; Community Development Director Michael Klein; Public Works Director Curtis Castle; City Planner Tom Bartlett; Planner Jaclyn Rackerby; Assistant Planner Rachel Zadikov; and Sheriff’s Deputy Mason De Matteo
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Kraut suggested reordering the agenda to move Item No. 21 to follow the Consent Calendar.
MOTION
Mayor Kraut moved and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to approve the agenda with Item No. 21 moved to follow the Consent Calendar. The motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Lee reported that the Council discussed the items on the agenda and took no reportable action.
PRESENTATIONS
3. Oaths of Office to Newly Appointed Commissioners and Committee Members
City Clerk Pope conducted the Oaths of Office for newly appointed Commissioners.
Mayor Kraut thanked the Commissioners for their commitment and dedication to the City.
4. Sheriff’s Crime Report
Deputy De Matteo presented the November and December 2024 Sheriff’s Crime Reports.
The Council provided concerns and recommendations on the new format of the Crime Reports.
In response to Council questions, Deputy De Mateo suggested contacting the Sheriff’s Station with questions regarding emergency notifications.
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Albrecht discussed his attendance at the recent Battle of the Bands and Valley Economic Alliance Retreat; and announced the upcoming Environmental Forum on February 20, 2025.
Councilmember Shapiro congratulated the Super Bowl winners and expressed disappointment in the associated hate crimes; announced the Holocaust survivor Docusign Envelope ID: B3B1EFCE-096E-4493-B4A7-1373C7CE060D City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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speaker at Calabasas High School on February 18, 2025; congratulated the Calabasas High Boys B asketball and Boys S occer team s on their successful seasons; c ommended the C ommunity Services Department on receiving the California Parks and Recreation Society’s Award of Excellence; and wished everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day.
In response to Councilmem ber Weintraub, City Manager Meik discussed the evacuation warning for zones near the Kenneth Fire due to potential debris flow.
Mayor Kraut announced Valentine’s Bingo at the Senior Center and Parents Night Out on February 21 at the Community Center.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mark Levinson, immediate Past Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, announced the Attorney Forum on February 20, and Chamber Luncheon.
Skyler Fong , Environmental Commission Alternate Student Commissioner, provided updates on the Bags for Benches P rogram; and the Pencil to Planet Art Initiative at Calabasas High School; and e ncouraged increasing student involvement on the Environmental Commission.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian pulled Item Nos. 8 and 10.
8. Update of the City’s Rental Registration Program for 2024 Recommendation: Receive and file the report.
In response to Council questions, Planner Rackerby explained the charts on page 2 of the agenda report.
10. Professional Services Agreement with John Kaliski Architects, Inc. (JKA) for Preparation of Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards Recommendation: Approve Professional Services Agreement with JKA for preparation of objective design standards for multi -family and mixed -use projects in an amount not-to-exceed $145,000.
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian indicated he would be voting no due his asse rtation that the City was no longer bound by the Housing Element.
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The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
5. Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the January 15, 2025 Special and January 22, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes.
6. Check Register
Recommendation: Receive and file the Check Register Report for the period of January 11, 2025 to January 30, 2025.
7. Calabasas Community Center Fund Analysis
Recommendation: Receive and file the Calabasas Community Center Fund Analysis.
8. Update of the City’s Rental Registration Program for 2024 Recommendation: Receive and file the report.
9. Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott LLP (RAMS) for Independent Auditing Services Recommendation: Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with RAMS for independent auditing services to extend the agreement for a seven-year term and increase the total not-to-exceed amount to $280,000.
10. Professional Services Agreement with John Kalisk i Architects, Inc. (JKA) for Preparation of Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards Recommendation: Approve Professional Services Agreement with JKA for preparation of objective design standards for multi -family and mixed -use projects in an amount not-to-exceed $145,000.
11. Arbor Day in the City of Calabasas
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-1946 proclaiming March 15, 2025, as “Arbor Day” in the City of Calabasas.
12. Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement with American Heritage for Landscape Maintenance for Calabasas Country Estates Recommendation: Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with American Heritage Landscape, LP for landscape maintenance for Calabasas Country Estates within Landscape and Lighting Act District 22.
13. Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement with American Heritage for Landscape Maintenance for Calabasas Park Homeowners Association Recommendation: Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with American Heritage Landscape, LP for landscape maintenance for Calabasas Park Homeowners Association within Landscape and Lighting Act District 22.
14. Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Hinderliter, de Llamas & Associates for Sales & Use Tax Analysis and Reporting Recommendation: Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Hinderliter, de Llamas & Associates for Sales & Use Tax Analysis and Reporting, Sales & Use Tax Audit Services, and Transient Docusign Envelope ID: B3B1EFCE-096E-4493-B4A7-1373C7CE060D City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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Occupancy Tax Audits to: 1) extend the agreement to an eleven -year (11) term; and 2) increase the total not-to-exceed amount to $130,000.
15. Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Se rvices Agreement with HdL Coren & Cone for Property Tax Management, Information, and Audit Services Recommendation: Approve the Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with HdL Coren & Cone for property tax management, information, and audit services to: 1) extend the agreement to an eleven -year term; and 2) increase the total not-to-exceed amount to $110,000.
16. Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith & Associates, Inc.
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi, Smith & Associates, Inc. for comprehensive media, telecommunications, social media, community outreach, and related communications services, in an amount not-to-exceed $450,000, for a one-year term.
MOTION
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried unanimously with Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian dissenting on Item No. 10.
NEW BUSINESS
21. Council Direction on the Disposal of Fire Debris at the Calabasas Landfill
City Manager Meik presented the report.
Colonel Sawser, Army Corp of Engineers, discussed the Corps ’ response to natural disasters and directive from the President.
In response to Council questions , Colonel Sawser explained the process of abating hazardous materials, fire ash debris and site disposal; 17 total landfill sites identified for the fire disposal ; six months to one year to complete the mission; e fforts to get waste in a controll ed environment ; EPA handling collection of suspicious materials ; chip testing for asbestos ; materials allowed at Calabasas Landfill ; p rotective equipment worn in the ash permitter ; South Coast AQMD air test in the Eaton Fire ; d ecisions made by representatives between the City of L os Angeles and Los Angeles County Public Works ; s oil testing at the fire site after debris removal ; and debris removal operating procedures.
The Council expressed concern about the process moving too quickly; potential of moving the debris to uninhabited Nevada count ies; long-term health effects Docusign Envelope ID: B3B1EFCE-096E-4493-B4A7-1373C7CE060D City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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and consequences; concern about hazardous materials, and the lack of documentation on landfill procedures.
RECESS
Mayor Kraut called a recess at 8: 25 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8: 32 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
Kim Beattie, Calabasas resident, expressed concern regarding the materials to be disposed of at the Calabasas Landfill; need for more oversight; damage to roads, traffic, and noise from trucks; and close proximity to homes.
Jeanet Moltke, Calabasas resident, expressed shock that Calabasas officials and the Supervisor were not consulted on the matter; and concern about hazardous material being brought into the City.
Natasha Downing, Calabasas resident, expressed concern about health risks ; indicated Malibu was able to have waste diverted from their City; announced the protest scheduled for Monday , February 17, at 10 am at the landfill ; her upcoming meeting with K CAL News, inviting the Council to attend; and encouraged Calabasas lawyers to fight the issue.
Kelly Martino , Calabasas, Neighborhood Watch Captain, discussed her experience with asbestos abatement in LA apartments; expressed concern about airborne hazardous materials ; and questioned why the Calabasas Landfill was selected with the potential impacts on the residential community at the base of landfill and canyon.
Daniel Vicente, on behalf of Office of Supervisor Lindsay Horvath, discussed the importance of disseminating accurate information; a cknowledged the devastation and thanked the Fire, Sheriff and Army Corps of Engineers ; discussed the EPA ’s Phase 1 removal of fire deb ris, Class 3 landfills, r eporting standards, and Cal Recycle and LA County Department of Public Health not having health concerns; and e ncouraged residents to reach out to the County Supervisors’ Office.
Gilda Emanuel, Calabasas resident, expressed concern that the public was not informed earlier.
Nazeinin Cohen, Calabasas resident, reminded the Council of its responsibility to protect the residents; and expressed concern about waste being dumped in the Calabasas Landfill, lack of guarantees for safety, and proximity to schools and neighborhoods.
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Joe Chilco, Calabasas resident, questioned who was monitoring trucks in transit to ensure there was no leakage; and discussed the need for more waste inspectors, replacement of leaking liners , and s upport for the C ouncil forming an advisory committee and suggestions to look at sites in uninhabited areas.
Michelle Weinstein, Calabasas resident, stated she was alarmed by what was happening and questioned what the Council was doing.
Michelle Geller , Calabasas resident, discussed the EPA’s monitoring of 911; deaths from diseases after 911; use of asbestos in structures burned in the fires; questioned the process of chip testing ; and suggested hazardous debris be dumped elsewhere.
Jamie Weinstein, six-month Calabasas resident, expressed concern about the risks of dumping at the landfill, and shock that no one knew who to address to stop the dumping; and suggested people contact the Governor.
Alison Aharoni, Calabasas resident, expressed concern about Ilan Ramon Day School students; and discussed the process for property owners hiring contractors to clean up debris.
Leanne Norr, Calabasas resident, expressed concern about toxic materials and the impact on children attending Ilan Ramon Day school; urged the Council to do everything in its power to stop the dumping and demand independent accessor to verify the lack of toxicity at landfill ; and discussed potential of residents moving out of the City.
Mark Papia, President Pro Tem of Monte Cal abasas HOA, expressed disappointment in the County, indicating it should be able to stand up to the City of Los Angeles; discussed Class 3 landfills; and asked about a leachate collection system.
Kelly O’Regan , Calabasas resident, echoed concerns about potentially hazardous waste near schools and residents; plans for independent verification; and long-term health issues.
Sarah Lawrence, Calabasas resident, expressed fear about the impact of the landfill on her neighborhood; questioned when the landfill would be full; and suggested taking the debris to Nevada, and demanding third-party oversight of dumping.
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Maryann Kazemi, Calabasas resident, expressed concern about the decision to accept fire debris; and requested the City Council push back on the start date to allow time to figure out how to stop the process.
Rabbi Andy Feig, Ilan Ramon Day School, relayed the concerns of the school families; and requested the Council’s leadership and advocacy for the health of its students and families.
Nicole Radoumis, Agoura Hills resident, discussed her loss in the Woolsey Fire and independent remediation process, during which the debris was not tested.
Stephen Monick , Cala basas resident, expressed concern about the lack of transparency, potential litigation, and need for the City of Los Angeles or County to explain the decision to use the Calabasas Landfill.
Clifton VonBuck, Agoura Hills residents, questioned the Army Corp of Engineers experience and suggested looking into the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Dennis Washburn suggested consideration of creative solutions; and discussed the impact on the atmosphere from truck traffic; removal of Ringe dam; and the need for a phone chain.
Daniel Geller was not present at the time he was called to speak.
Patrick Finn, Hidden Hills resident, asked the steps the C ouncil would be taking and what they would do if they personally lived by the landfill.
Ronya Simon and Jessica Brown were not present at the time they were called to speak.
Negar Nowzar, Calabasas resident, asked what it would take for the petition to be successful.
The Council discussed the need to be relentless and act expeditiously; lac k of notification of the process; acknowledged those that lost their homes and lives, first responders and those working on clean up; the need to protect the community from debris placed in Calabasas landfill ; the need for testing and assurance of no long- term health risks ; concerns about traffic, road damage, noise, and public safety ; issues with toxic waste ; lower quantities and slower process following the Woolsey Fire; landfill ownership; lack of information; impacts to schools, parks and neighborhoods surrounding the Calabasas Landfill; and Council and staff action.
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MOTION
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to vehemently oppose any and all fire debris coming to the Calabasas Landfill based on the lack of any transparency and lack of information to make informed decisions by the City of Calabasas to ensure the safety of residents .
The motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajia n moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion that the Council:
1) Take a formal position with LA County against increasing the tonnage per day;
2) Oppose any expansion to hours of operation;
3) Adamantly oppose any expansion of accepting debris from outside the wasteshed;
4) Oppose any expansion to the capacity of the landfill overall to accommodate the increase;
5) Direct the C ity Attorney to provide the Council with a quick, brief memorandum on the viability of injunctive relief at the Federal or State level; and
6) Push all elected officials and administrative officials at a higher level, St ate and Federal, to allow debris to be removed along with the rest of the waste going to rural areas in Nevada and elsewhere.
The motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Mayor Kraut moved and Councilmembe r Shapiro seconded a motion to petition/advocate for:
• Testing to ensure hazardous wastes are not disposed at the site; • Prohibit non-hazardous wastes containing asbestos;
• Certification that loads transported to the landfill are safe; • Require that loads transported to the landfill are covered to prevent all debris and fugitive dust from dispersing along roadways ; t hird party inspections conducted at the landfill entrance ; and v iolators to be cited and/or banned from transporting to the landfill;
• SCAQMD to provide continuous air monitoring at the landfill and along the hauling routes;
• The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board to provide continuous monitoring at the landfill; and
• Loads containing fire debris to be earth-covered at the landfill within 8 hours of waste disposal and a third party shall provide continuous on- site inspections of earth-cover.
The motion carried unanimously.
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MOTION
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember S hapiro seconded a motion to establish a Palisades and Eaton Fire Debris Removal temporary advisory committee of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to act on the City’s behalf in petitioning and/or advocating on matters related to fire debris transport to the Calabasas Landfill. The motion carried unanimously.
In response to Council questions, City Attorney Lee presented viable actions to stop the process including a temporary restraining order and pre liminary injunction.
RECESS
Mayor Kraut called a recess at 10:22 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:42 p.m. with all Councilmembers present except Councilmember Weintraub.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
17. Digital Kiosks
Community Development Director Klein, City Planner Bartlett and Assistant Planner Zadikov presented the report.
In response to Council questions, City Planner Bartlett and Community Development Director K lein explained the allowable number of kiosks and potential revenue.
Mayor Kraut opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, Mayor Kraut closed the public hearing.
The Council discussed the square footage and increased density; number of allowable kiosks; and revenue sharing agreement.
MOTION
Councilmember Shapiro moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion to: 1) Introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 2025 -411 amending Section 17.30.050 (Sign Permits), Section 17.30.080 (On -site Sign Regulations), and Section 17.90.020.S (Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases) and adding Section 17.30.065 (Kiosks) to Title 17 (Land Use and Development) of the Calabasas Municipal Code , amending Section
17.30.065.D.1 to 13,000 square feet and delet ing Section 17.30.065.I related to cost sharing; and 2) Direct staff to schedule second reading and adoption for the February 26, 2025 City Council meeting. The motion carried 3-1, Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian dissenting and Councilmember Weintraub absent.
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18. El Camino Real Bell Marker Historic Designation
MOTION
Mayor Kraut moved and Councilmember Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian seconded a motion to continue the hearing to February 26, 2025 . The motion carried 4-0, Councilmember Weintraub absent.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
19. Goal Setting and Strategic Plan
MOTION
Mayor Kraut moved and Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian seconded a motion to continue the item to a date uncertain. The motion carried 4-0, Councilmember Weintraub absent.
20. City Council Standing and Temporary Advisory (Ad Hoc) Committees
MOTION
Mayor Kraut moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion to create the Budget Standing Committee of Mayor Kraut and Councilmember Albrecht .
The motion carried 4-0, Councilmember Weintraub absent.
MOTION
Mayor Kraut move d and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to continue the remainder of the appointments to a date uncertain. The motion carried 4-0, Councilmember Weintraub absent.
ORAL REPORTS
Councilmember Albrecht discussed the recent and upcoming Clean Power Alliance meetings.
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian discussed the last meeting of the Calabasas -Agoura Hills Community Center on January 30, 2025 , and upcoming Statewide League of California Cities State Board of Director’s meeting.
Mayor Kraut discussed his attendance at the CAL Cities meeting on January 24 , 2025.
City Manager Meik congratulated the Planning Department on the C raftsman Corner Annexation which would be before the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on March 18, 2025.
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ADJOURN
Mayor Kraut adjourned the meeting 11:13 p.m.
Approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Calabasas on February 26, 2025.
___________________________
PETER KRAUT, Mayor
________________________________
LISA POPE, City Clerk
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