MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 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 (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 exposur e 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: Existing Litigation
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Mountain Restoration Trust, Inc. v. City of Calabasas
(Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 24STCV19154)
3. Conference with Legal Counsel: Existing Litigation
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
City of Calabasas v. County Sanitation District No. 2
(Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 25STCP00642)
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kraut called the Regular meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Girl Scout Troop 3256 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 Docusign Envelope ID: BD5F689C-5B7F-47F0-9A36-577C0D71FF52 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2025
Tom Bartlett; Joel Hayes, Associate Planner; and Sheriff’s Deputy Mason De Matteo
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to approve the agenda. 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
4. Recognition of Planning Commissioner John Mueller
Mayor Kraut recognized Planning Commissioner John Mueller for his 20 years of service.
Mr. Mueller discussed his experience on the Planning Commission and thanked the Council for allowing him to serve.
Glenn Michitsch expressed his gratitude to Mr. Mueller for his service on the Planning Commission.
Maureen Tamuri recognized and thanked Mr. Mueller for his service on the Commission.
Dennis Washburn commended Mr. Mueller for his service to the City.
5. Employee Recognition
Mayor Kraut recognized employees reaching anniversary milestones and thanked them for their service and dedication to the City.
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Albrecht commended staff for their service ; and discussed his participation in the homeless count.
Docusign Envelope ID: BD5F689C-5B7F-47F0-9A36-577C0D71FF52 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2025
Councilmember Weintraub acknowledged staff on their anniversary recognitions ; and thanked the residents for showing up and speaking regarding the landfill issue.
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian discussed the landfill issue and concurred with Councilmember Weintraub and encouraged residents to continue the efforts.
Councilmember Shapiro thanked City staff; discussed the landfill issue; acknowledged those lost in Hamas; discussed the recent Holocaust survivor speaker; and announced Arbor Day at Wild Walnut Park on March 15, 2025.
Mayor Kraut r ecognized staff and John Mueller; and announced the e -waste roundup and upcoming recreation activities.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mark Levi nson, Chamber of Commerce, commended City staff on their commitment to the City and announced upcoming Chamber activities.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian pulled Item Nos. 8 and 10.
Councilmember Shapiro pulled Item Nos. 11 and 12.
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
6. Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the February 12, 2025 Regular and February 17, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes.
7. Check Register Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the Check Register Report for the period of January 31, 2025 to February 14, 2025.
8. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2025-411 – Digital Kiosks Recommendation: Conduct second reading and adopt 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.
9. Conflict of Interest Code
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025 -1948 adopting a Conflict of Interest Code pursuant to the Political Reform Act and rescinding Resolution No. 2022-1806.
Docusign Envelope ID: BD5F689C-5B7F-47F0-9A36-577C0D71FF52 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2025
10. Update on the City’s Tobacco Retail Registration Program for 2024 Recommendation: Receive and file the report.
11. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) And Other Audit Reports for Fiscal (FY) Ended June 30, 2024
Recommendation: Receive and file the following reports:
A. ACFR for FY Ended June 30, 2024
B. Required Communication in Accordance with Statement on Auditing Standards No. 114
C. Report on Independent Auditor’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards
D. Independent Accountant’s Report on Agreed- Upon Procedures Applied to Appropriations Limit Worksheets
E. Report on Compliance for the U.S. Department of Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Program (CSLFRF) Requirements for an Alternative CSLFRF Compliance Examination Engagement
12. Professional Services Agreement with OpenGov, Inc.
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with OpenGov, Inc. for web- based, online bidding and procurement services for a term of five years, in an amount not to exceed $119,808.
The following items were pulled from the Consent Calendar for individual consideration:
8. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2025-411 – Digital Kiosks
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian indicated a no vote due to the increase in the number of digital kiosks.
10. Update on the City’s Tobacco Retail Registration Program for 2024
In response to Council questions, Community Development Director Klein explained the escalating penalties.
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian suggested the Planning Commission review the ordinance.
Docusign Envelope ID: BD5F689C-5B7F-47F0-9A36-577C0D71FF52 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2025
11. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) And Other Audit Reports for Fiscal (FY) Ended June 30, 2024
In response to Council questions, Chief Financial Officer Ahlers explained the funding for the Tennis and Swim Center.
12. Professional Services Agreement with OpenGov, Inc.
In response to Council questions, Public Works Director Castle explained the function of OpenGov.
MOTION
Councilmember Shapiro moved and Councilmember Weintraub seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar . The motion carried unanimously , Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian dissenting on Item No. 8.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
13. El Camino Real Bell Marker Historic Designation (Continued from February 12, 2025)
City Planner Bartlett presented the report.
In response to Council questions, City Planner Bartlett confirmed the property owner’s agreeance; potential historical information from the Board of Supervisors; remote location of the bell; and State recognition.
Mayor Kraut opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, Mayor Kraut closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian moved and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to adopt City Council Resolution No. 2025 -1947, designating the El Camino Real Bell Marker, located at 23508 Calabasas Road, a Local Historic Landmark. The motion carried unanimously.
14. Business Registration Program
Community Development Director Klein recommended continuing the public hearing to April 23, 2025.
Mayor Kraut opened the public hearing.
Docusign Envelope ID: BD5F689C-5B7F-47F0-9A36-577C0D71FF52 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2025
Ryan Embree suggested the City not pursue a business registration program.
There being no additional speakers, Mayor Kraut closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to continue the public hearing to April 23, 2025. The motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS - NONE
CONTINUED BUSINESS
15. Goal Setting and Strategic Plan (Continued from February 12, 2025)
Deputy City Manager McConville, City Manager Meik, and Assistant City Manager Trujillo presented the report.
The Council discussed the use of a facilitator; potential offsite retreat/workshop; and need to leverage County, State and other partners.
MOTION
Councilmember Shapiro moved and Councilmember Weintraub seconded a motion to conduct an offsite Goal Setting and Strategic Planning workshop with facilitator. The motion carried unanimously.
16. City Council Standing and Temporary Advisory (Ad Hoc) Committees (Continued from February 12, 2025)
City Manager Meik presented the report.
The Council discussed the transition of Task Forces to Standing and Temporary Advisory (Ad Hoc) Committees and took the following actions:
A. Established the Commission Procedures Ad Hoc Committee of Mayor Kraut and Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian for the purpose of establishing Commission procedures;
B. Established the LA28 Ad Hoc Committee of Councilmembers Albrecht and Weintraub to consider issues related to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics including but not limited to tourism, transportation, events and short -term rentals;
C. Directed consideration of Economic Development standing or ad hoc committees following the Strategic Planning/Goal Setting Workshop; Docusign Envelope ID: BD5F689C-5B7F-47F0-9A36-577C0D71FF52 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2025
D. Tabled consideration of a Public Safety/Emergency Preparedness Standing Committee;
E. Established the Open Space/Annexations Standing Committee of Mayor Kraut and Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian;
F. Established the 2026 Open Space Ballot Initiative Ad Hoc Committee of Mayor Kraut and Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian for the purpose of preparing the 2026 Open Space Ballot Initiative;
G. Established the Open Space Acquisition ($5 million SMMC Grant) Ad Hoc Committee of Mayor Kraut and Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian for the purpose of determining the use of the $5 million SMMC Grant funds; H. Established the Cool Streets Project Ad Hoc Committee of C ouncilmembers Albrecht and Shapiro for the purpose of determining the viability of Cool Streets Projects; and
I. Directed consideration of Technology and Infrastructure standing or ad hoc committee at the Strategic Planning/Goal Setting Workshop.
ORAL REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian announced his attendance at the State League of California Cities Board meeting on February 20 and 21, 2025.
Councilmember Shapiro stated he attended the Chamber of Commerce A ttorney Forum, Chamber Government Affairs Virtual, Valley Economic Alliance and SCAG meetings.
Councilmember Albrecht stated he attended the C lean Power Alliance Finance Committee meeting and looked forward to the upcoming City Council B udget Committee meeting.
Councilmember Weintraub discussed the recent Las Virgenes Malibu Council of Governments meeting regarding the landfill.
Mayor Kraut discussed the recent City Council Closed Session meeting on February 17; Palisades and Eaton Fire Debris Removal Ad Hoc Committee meeting on February 19; Environmental Forum on February 20; Court hearing regarding the landfill Temporary Restraining Order (TRO); Las Virgenes Municipal Water District Survey on February 24; Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy meeting on February 24; Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting regarding the landfill; and Fire Debris Removal Ad hoc Committee meeting on February 26.
ADJOURN
Mayor Kraut adjourned the meeting 10:02 p.m.
Docusign Envelope ID: BD5F689C-5B7F-47F0-9A36-577C0D71FF52 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2025
Approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Calabasas on March 12, 2025.
___________________________
PETER KRAUT, Mayor
________________________________
LISA POPE, City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: BD5F689C-5B7F-47F0-9A36-577C0D71FF52