MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 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: 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: 1
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
Mayor Kraut 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
Executive: City Manager Kindon Meik; Assistant City Manager Scott Trujillo; Deputy Staff City Manager Michael McConville; City Attorney Pam Lee; Chief Financial Officer R on Ahlers; Public Works Director Curtis Castle; Community Services Director Erica Green; Community Development Director Michael Klein; City Librarian Barbara Lockwood; and Interim City Clerk Kristy Buxkemper
Docusign Envelope ID: 5589A32B-B2BF-4518-8EFD-51DEB0F8B9D9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
No reportable action was taken.
PRESENTATIONS
4. California Parks and Recreation Society Board to Present Service Award of Excellence to Community Services Department
Nicole McNeil, Assistant Deputy Director City of San Diego presented the Champion of the Community Award to the Caring Calabasas Club and honored Carol Davis for her dedication to the community.
Ms. Davis thanked the volunteers for their service, the City Council for their support, and Director Erica Green for submitting for the award.
Councilmembers thanked Carol for her contributions and her efforts to keep the community informed and active and congratulated the Caring Calabasas Club for their award.
Ms. McNeil also presented the
Award of Excellence to the Community Services
Department and recognized staff for their creativity and excellence of the City’s premier recreation brochure.
5. Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation
Community Services Director Erica Green accepted the
Parks and Recreation
Month Proclamation expressing the vital role parks, opens spaces, and recreational programs play in enhancing the quality of life in communities. The Proclamation recognizes staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to create inclusive, safe, and vibrant places for people of all ages.
Council thanked Director Green and congratulated the entire Community Services Department on their great team effort. They commended efforts to build brand new parks while maintaining all parks and facilities to the highest standards.
Docusign Envelope ID: 5589A32B-B2BF-4518-8EFD-51DEB0F8B9D9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 11, 2025
6. Sheriff’s Crime Report – April 2025
Deputy De Matteo presented the April 2025 Crime Report speaking on recent burglaries, retail theft, and personal property theft. Deputy encouraged the community to secure property prior to leaving for vacation, and reminded parents that it is illegal for minors to ride electric bikes on the streets.
The Council received and filed the April 2025 Sheriff’s Crime Report.
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian announced the Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming 70 th Anniversary and the City’s 4th of July festivities.
Councilmember Weintraub congratulated all graduates.
Councilmember Shapiro also congratulated graduates and reminded the community to drive with additional care during the sum mer with kids on school break.
Councilmember Albrecht encouraged the community to enjoy all of the City’s planned summer events and suggested residents check the website for great activities for the kids.
Mayor Kraut announced the City’s upcoming movie night, reminded the community to volunteer for the Las Virgenes Creek Cleanup Day on June 21, 2025, and encouraged residents to submit pictures for the City’s photo contest. Additionally, the Mayor shared an update from the League of California Cities regarding new requirements for insurance companies to provide guaranteed coverage, specifically in fire distressed communities, and noted Assembly Bill (AB) 888 providing grants for home hardening and AB1 which ties home hardening to insurance rates.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mark Levinson provided public comment announcing the Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming 70th anniversary and thanked the City for their close relationship with the Chamber. He also noted upcoming events including a breakfast networking event at Lovies, and the honor of presenting scholarships to high school students.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Kraut pulled item Nos. 8 and 12. Councilmember Shapiro pulled item No.
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June 11, 2025
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
7. Meeting Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the May 28, 2025 regular meeting minutes.
8. Professional Services Agreement with Michael Baker International Recommendation: Approve and authorize a Professional Services Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc. for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funded program delivery and administration services, in an amount not -to-exceed $250,000, for a five-year term.
9. Community Facilities District Levies
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 1962, Levying Special Revenue Taxes within the City of Calabasas Community Facilities District No 98-1, Special Tax Refunding Bonds, Series 2018; and adoption of Resolution No. 2025- 1963, Levying Special Taxes within The City of Calabasas Community Facilities District No. 2001-1, Special Tax Refunding Bonds, Series 2017 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-
26. 10. GANN Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 1964 establishing the appropriations limit for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026.
11. Salary Schedule for Permanent Employees
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-1965 approving a salary schedule for permanent employees and rescinding Resolution No. 2025-1954.
12. Updating Citywide Fee Schedule
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 1966, updating the Citywide Fee Schedule.
The following items were pulled for additional discussion:
8. Professional Services Agreement with Michael Baker International
Mayor Kraut asked clarifying questions regarding the two proposals received.
Deputy City Manager McConville provided a comparison of the proposals, noted that a panel interview was conducted, and clarified funding questions.
12. Updating Citywide Fee Schedule
Mayor Kraut asked questions pertaining to recreation fees and the upcoming fee study. City Manager Meik noted the timeline and intent to finalize plans for the Tennis and Swim center then analyze the fee structure.
Docusign Envelope ID: 5589A32B-B2BF-4518-8EFD-51DEB0F8B9D9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 11, 2025
10. GANN Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Councilmember Shapiro asked Chief Financial Officer Ron Ahlers to briefly explain the GANN appropriations limit. Director Ahlers noted the limit is placed on all cities in California and the requirement to comply with the GANN limit.
MOTION
Councilmember Shapiro moved and Councilmember Weintraub seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
13. Request for a Development Plan Review, Site Plan Review, Oak Tree Permit, and Scenic Corridor (Permit File No(s). DPR-2019-001, PL190492, PL1901497, and PL1901494), to Construct a Single-Family Residence with Attached 2-Car Garage on a Vacant Lot (23408 Valdez Rd / APN: 2072-030-012)
Planner Jaclyn Rackerby presented the report noting the project was before the City Council due to zoning requirements.
In response to Council questions, Rackerby clarified what unpermitted structures were previously located on the property and the history of the timeframe for the permit process, explaining the delay was due to septic system design standards and fire code requirements. Planner Tom Bartlett clarified the property is a single large lot.
Mayor Kraut opened the public hearing.
The property owners and designer were on-hand for questions but provided no public comments.
Mayor Kraut closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Councilmember Albrecht moved and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025- 1967, approving the project and all associated applications. The motion carried unanimously approving DPR 2019- 001, PL1901492, PL1901497 and PL1901494 to construct a single- family residence at 23408 Valdez Road.
RECESS
The Council took a 5 minute recess.
Docusign Envelope ID: 5589A32B-B2BF-4518-8EFD-51DEB0F8B9D9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 11, 2025
14. Landscape Maintenance District No. 22 and Landscape Lighting Act Districts Nos. 22, 24, 27, and 32 Assessment Proceedings for FY 2025/26
Public Works Director Curtis Castle presented the report and recommended the Council open the public hearing, take public testimony, and continue the public hearing to June 25, 2025, at which time ballots for Zone 8 will be counted and certified.
In response to Council questions, Director Castle detailed outreach efforts and staff communication with HOAs, clarified ballots and public testimony can still be provided up through the close of the public hearing on June 25, 2025, and explained the process for initiating a Prop 218 process.
Mayor Kraut opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, Mayor Kraut continued the public hearing.
MOTION
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to continue the public hearing to a date certain of June 25, 2025, at which time the ballots will be tabulated and certified. The motion carried unanimously.
CONTINUED BUSINESS – NONE
NEW BUSINESS
15. Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget
City Manager Meik presented the City Council with the Fiscal year 2025- 2026 Budget.
The budget process has included comprehensive analysis of cost allocation, ways to reduce operating expenses, and potential cost-savings to maintain high service levels. The presentation reviewed revenues; contractual services; temporary and full time staffing; recovery funds from emergencies; and increased expenses. City Manager Meik detailed staff’s dedication to helping reduce and renegotiate contract costs and identi fication of additional funds to reduce the deficit.
Consensus was provided to recommend capital improvement projects be considered after the solar retrofit project to potentially incorporate other projects within the project RFP.
Mayor Kraut recommended moving additional funds to the City’s 115 trust to protect funds and invest in pension and post-employment benefits.
Docusign Envelope ID: 5589A32B-B2BF-4518-8EFD-51DEB0F8B9D9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
June 11, 2025
Council discussed public safety in depth, including analysis of the private security hours and ways to ensure a high level of public safety for the community and staff.
City Manager Meik provided Council with a look at the financial forecast and commended them on actions to reduce the deficit. Meik detailed the continued need to invest and allocate funds for future capital expenses and announced intentions to return to Council in late- summer or early fall to discuss new revenue options and ways for revenues to exceed expenses, which could include analysis of TOT, sales tax, business license tax, and property tax.
Council thanked staff and the Budget Committee for their hard work on the budget. They unanimously agreed on the need to explore other revenue opportunities, find additional cost-savings, ensure preservation of the reserve funds, and ensure the City invests in the future and continues to provide a high level of service to the community.
MOTION
Councilmembers unanimously approved the adoption of Resolution No. 2025- 1968 approving the operating and capital improvement budget for the City for Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, providing for the appropriations and expenditures of all sums set forth in said budget and repealing all resolutions in conflict.
16. City Councilmember Salary Ordinance
Deputy City Manager Michael McConville presented the report , introduced the ordinance, and detailed the increase would be effective in January of 2027.
The Mayor read the title of the Ordinance into the record and waived full reading of the text.
MOTION
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion to i ntroduce Ordinance No. 2025- 414, amending Chapter 2.04 of the Calabasas Municipal Code relating to City Councilmember salaries. The motion carried unanimously.
VERBAL REPORTS
Councilmember Shapir o announced the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) retreat was cancelled due to safety concerns in downtown L.A. and upcoming Valley Economic Alliance, League Policy Committee, and SCAG leadership retreat.
Docusign Envelope ID: 5589A32B-B2BF-4518-8EFD-51DEB0F8B9D9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian attended the League of California Cities Los Angeles County Division dinner.
Councilmember Albrecht noted the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) has determined their budget and has parity with SCE rates.
Mayor Kraut attended a Budget Committee meeting on May 29, 2025; and noted that all Councilmembers were present at the Calabasas High School Senior Awards Night.
City Manager Meik noted Southern California Edison will host webinars regarding PSPS events and concerns regarding frequency and duration of events.
ADJOURN
Mayor Kraut adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Calabasas on June 25, 2025.
_________________________________
PETER KRAUT, Mayor
_____________________________________
KRISTY BUXKEMPER, Interim City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: 5589A32B-B2BF-4518-8EFD-51DEB0F8B9D9