MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2025
CLOSED SESSION
The Council met in Closed Session at 5:30 p.m. with all Councilmembers present to discuss the following items:
1. 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)
2. Conference with Legal Counsel: Potential for Litigation Against the City (Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(1))
Based on existing facts and circumstances which the City believes are not yet known to potential plaintiff or plaintiffs, there is significant exposure to litigation against the City.
Number of Potential Cases: 2
3. Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated Litigation (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: One
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kraut called the Regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Girl Scout Troop 1586 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Kraut, Mayor Pro Tem James Bozajian, and Councilmembers Edward Albrecht, David Shapiro, and Alicia Weintraub
Absent: None
Staff: City Manager Kindon Meik; Assistant City Manager Scott Trujillo; Deputy City Manager Michael McConville; Interim City Clerk Kristy Buxkemper ; City Attorney Pam Lee; Chief Financial Officer Ron Ahlers; Community Development Director Michael Klein; Public Works Director Curtis Castle; Docusign Envelope ID: B0556D03-BED0-4E8F-8547-E703BB58D23D City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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Director of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Michael Dyer; Landscape Maintenance Superintendent Christopher Parker ; Building Official Sparky Cohen; and Sheriff’s Deputy Mason De Matteo
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Lee reported that the Council discussed two potential cases under item #2 on the Closed Session agenda. Councilmember Shapiro recused himself from one potential case due to a conflict of interest with real property within 500 feet.
The City Council reconvened after the meeting at 7:36 p.m. to discuss items #1 and #3.
No reportable action was taken with any cases under items # 1, 2, or 3.
PRESENTATIONS
4. Appointment to the Library Commission
Interim City Clerk Buxkemper presented the report.
Appointee Stephanie Adams introduced herself to the Council and thanked them for the opportunity to serve on the Commission.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian moved and Councilmember Weintraub seconded a motion to confirm the appointment of Stephanie Adams to the Library Commission for a term expiring January 2028. The motion carried unanimously.
Interim City Clerk Buxkemper conducted the Oath of Office and Mayor Kraut thanked the newly appointed commissioner for her willingness to serve.
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Albrecht announced the Valley Economic Alliance ’s 30 th Anniversary event with emcee Fritz Coleman, commending the Alliance for serving the community and the upcoming Senior Center Volunteer Appreciation event.
Docusign Envelope ID: B0556D03-BED0-4E8F-8547-E703BB58D23D City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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Councilmember Shapiro congratulated Brian Cameron, on behalf of EPIC, for tremendous efforts to educate the community on home hardening and fire safety.
Announced the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce annual Law Day on May 6, 2025, and encouraged residents to schedule a free legal consultation. Wished a Happy Mother’s day to all mothers.
Councilmember Weintraub commemorated Yom HaShoah, honoring the murder of six million Jews, encouraged residents to remember those lost as well as the heroism of those who rescued, and acknowledged those currently held in captivity emphasizing the words “never again.”
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian additionally recognized Yom HaShoah and encouraged awareness of Genocide Awareness Month , holocaust remembrance, and the 110 th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Mayor Kraut announced the upcoming Pumpkin Patch story time, invited the community to join a series of scheduled hikes , and encouraged residents to take advantage of the City’s e-waste event held the first Saturday of each month.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following provided public comment:
Mark Levinson spoke on behalf of C hamber of C ommerce announcing the upcoming events; including a networking breakfast at Lovies sponsored by Fair Winds; a Government and Community Affairs meeting; Annual Law Day; 26 th Annual Wine Event; and thanked Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian for helping review historical photos in preparation of the Chamber’s upcoming 70th anniversary.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
5. Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the April 9, 2025 regular meeting minutes.
6. Quarterly Investment Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ending March 31, 2025.
7. Engagement Letter with Independent Auditors Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott LLP (RAMS) for the Annual Audit of the Financial Statement Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager or the Chief Financial Officer to Docusign Envelope ID: B0556D03-BED0-4E8F-8547-E703BB58D23D City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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sign the Engagement Letter with the City’s independent auditors, Rogers, Anderson Malody & Scott LLP (RAMS) to perform the annual audit of the City’s financial statements for the period ending June 30, 2025.
8. Professional Services Agreement with Robert Half International, Inc. for Temporary Staffing Services
Recommendation: Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Robert Half International, Inc. for temporary staffing services, increasing the not-to-exceed amount to $400,000 and extending the term of the agreement to four years.
9. Salary Schedules for Full-Time Permanent and Hourly Employees Recommendation: (1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025 -1954 approving a salary schedule for full -time permanent employees and rescinding Resolution No. 2025-1942; and (2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-1955 approving position titles and an hourly wage range schedule for hourly employees and rescinding Resolution No. 2025-1943.
10. Landscape and Lighting District (LLAD) and Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) Assessments or FY 2025-26
Recommendation: ( 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025 -1956, initiating proceedings for the levy and collection of assessments within Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) No. 22 and Landscape and Lighting Act District (LLAD) Nos. 22, 24, 27, and 32 for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026; (2) Ad opt Resolution No. 2025 -1957, approving a Preliminary Engineer’s Report with respect to the levy and collection of assessments in connection with LLAD Nos. 22, 24, 27, and 32 for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026; and (3) Adopt Resolution No. 2025 -1958 declaring City Council’s intent to levy and collect assessments within Landscape Maintenance District No. 22 and Landscape Lighting Act District Nos. 22, 24, 27 and 32 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and setting a time and place for a Public Hearing.
11. Opposition to Assembly Bi ll (AB) 470 (McKinnor) – Carrier of Last Resort Obligations
Recommendation: Formally oppose Assembly Bill (AB) 470 and authorize the Mayor to sign and transmit a letter of opposition to the appropriate legislative and regulatory entities.
MOTION
Councilmember Shapiro moved and Councilmember Weintraub seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE
Docusign Envelope ID: B0556D03-BED0-4E8F-8547-E703BB58D23D City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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12. Business Registration Program
Community Development Director Klein provided the report, recommending the Public Hearing be continued to a date uncertain. He indicated that a recent Town Hall meeting provided additional information for consideration and recommended the item return after further review.
Council unanimously supported the continuation of the item to a date uncertain.
13. Designation of Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Community Development Director Klein provided the report with support from Director of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Dyer and Building Official Cohen. Background was provided on the State Fire Marshall’s issuance of Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps and the City’s obligation to adopt the maps.
Klein indicated that while the zones were last designated in 2007, the new maps had no substantial changes and the City still remains in the Very High Fire Severity Zone.
In response to Council questions, Community Development Director Klein confirmed that any annexation efforts are already confirmed in LA County zones and any change in boundary lines would be updated through a LAFCO process.
Councilmember Weintraub encouraged the community to become fire-wise, helping to keep residents and neighborhoods safe. Councilmember Albrecht reported that the process to become fire-wise was not difficult, noted that certification could help reduce rates with insurance companies, and emphasized the safety value of home-hardening. He thanked Chief Dyer for his efforts to support and educate the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian clarified federal land designations and Mayor Kraut reminded residents who abut national parks of the requirement to maintain clearance.
Mayor Kraut opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, Mayor Kraut closed the public hearing.
The title of the proposed ordinance was read into the record.
Docusign Envelope ID: B0556D03-BED0-4E8F-8547-E703BB58D23D City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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MOTION
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to (1) Introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 2025 -413 to designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones; and (2) Direct staff to schedule second reading and adoption for the May 7, 2025 City Council meeting.
CONTINUED BUSINESS - NONE
NEW BUSINESS - NONE
ORAL REPORTS
Councilmember Weintraub requested an update on the installation of signs which were approved at the April 9, 2025 meeting. Assistant City Manager Scott Trujillo indicated that the signs would arrive on site by the end of the week and installation would begin immediately.
Councilmember Shapiro announced his attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) General Assembly meeting.
Councilmember Albrecht reported on a meeting with Clean Power Alliance (CPA), announcing rates will be decided in May; noted upcoming meetings for the Budget Standing Committe e, LA28, and the Chamber’s Government and Community Affairs meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian announced his attendance at an upcoming League of California Cities (LOCC) meeting in Sacramento ; noted efforts to review historical documents to support the Chamber’s 70 th anniversary celebration; and indicated the next president for the California Contract Cities will be installed in May.
Additionally, Mayor Pro Tem detailed three bills at the State legislative level and asked for a future agenda item to report on SB79, SB649, and AB647.
Mayor Kraut detailed a meeting for the LA28 with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other regional mayors to collaboratively discuss the Olympics and World Cup; reported on the Mayor’s Youth Council meeting on April 7 and announced the Budget Committee is open to the public and encouraged residents to get involved.
City Manager Meik reported on the Las Virgines Water District asking for a Letter of Support for funding, and provided a reminder that the next City Council meeting will be held on May 7, 2025 as a Special Meeting.
Docusign Envelope ID: B0556D03-BED0-4E8F-8547-E703BB58D23D City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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ADJOURN
Mayor Kraut adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Calabasas on May 7, 2025.
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PETER KRAUT, Mayor
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KRISTY BUXKEMPER, Interim City Clerk
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