MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 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: 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
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: One
3. Public Employee Performance Evaluation
(Government Code Section 54957(b)(1))
Title: City Attorney
4. 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 7:01 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Kraut 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
Absent: None
Senior: City Manager Kindon Meik; Assistant City Manager Scott Trujillo; Deputy Staff City Manager Michael McConville; City Attorney Pam Lee; Chief Financial Officer Ron Ahlers; Community Development Director Michael Klein; Docusign Envelope ID: 12FCD23A-B479-486D-AF6A-F54A2E149993 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2025
Community Services Director Erica Green; Public Works Director Curtis Castle; and City Clerk Kristy Buxkemper
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Councilmember Albrecht moved and Councilmember Weintraub seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously 5-0.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Pam Lee provided a closed session report, indicating there was no reportable action taken for Item Nos. 1 and 3, which were discussed during the 6:00 p.m. closed session. She announced council would recess back to closed session following the regular meeting to discuss Item No. 2. No discussion took place for Item No. 4. No reportable action was taken on any closed session item.
PRESENTATIONS - NONE
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmembers unanimously and individually complimented the Community Services team for their hard work and successful Pumpkin Festival event.
Councilmember Albrecht reported on the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) and Valley Economic Alliance meetings; noted recognitions for County Assessor Jeff Prang and Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield ; and announced meetings for the AI Flame Detection Ad Hoc Committee promising future report updates.
Councilmember Shapiro commended the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce for their booths at the Pumpkin Festival and the City Manager for welcoming guests.
He noted his attendance at a recent virtual Rotary meeting, and complimented Councilmember Albrecht for his guest speaker appearance.
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian noted the upcoming special Statewide Election on November 4 regarding Proposition 50 and encouraged residents to vote. He wished the community a Happy Halloween.
Mayor Kraut announced an upcoming workshop at Gates Canyon Park on November 1st; the City’s Veteran’s Day celebration honoring Veterans on November 10th; Community meetings to discuss Tennis and Swim Center fees on November 19th and 22nd encouraging residents to attend and provide input ; and the State of the City address on November 18th.
Docusign Envelope ID: 12FCD23A-B479-486D-AF6A-F54A2E149993 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mark Levinson with the Chamber of Commerce commended the Pumpkin Festival; announced an upcoming ribbon cutting and grand opening; and introduced Chamber member and businessman Alex Zimmerman who provided background on his local business.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item No. 9 were pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
5. City Council Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the minutes of the special City Council Study Session of October 6, 2025, and the special open session meeting of October 6, 2025.
6. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025 -415, Repealing Title 17, Chapter 17.34 (Green Development Standards) of the Calabasas Municipal Code Recommendation: Conduct second reading, waiving the reading of the full text, and adopt Ordinance No. 2025 -415 repealing Title 17, Chapter 17.34 (Green Development Standards) of the Calabasas Municipal Code
7. Quarterly Investment Report for Quarter Ending September 30, 2025 Recommendation: Receive and file the quarterly investment report for the quarter ending September 30, 2025.
8. Award of Contract for Classification and Compensation Study Services Recommendation: Award a one -year Professional Services Agreement in an amount not -to-exceed $150,000 to Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. for Classification and Compensation Study Services.
9. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Amendment to Fund a Potential Sales Tax Measure Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025 -1984 amending the fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 General Fund budget to fund a potential sales tax measure on the June 2026 primary election for a not-to-exceed amount of $249,000.
PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
9. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Amendment to Fund a Potential Sales Tax Measure Councilmember Shapiro pulled the item for further discussion.
In response to Council questions, Ron Ahlers reported on the cost difference between Primary and General election and clarified the contractual services , Docusign Envelope ID: 12FCD23A-B479-486D-AF6A-F54A2E149993 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2025
surveys, outreach and education, and legal costs in the budget estimate. Mayor Kraut summarized the chart of expenses from the staff report.
Councilmember Shapiro expressed concerns on the timing of the ballot measure emphasizing the need to ensure sufficient time to educate and inform the public.
He noted that November elections generally had increased voter turnout and his concerns with declaring a Fiscal Emergency.
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian commented on a previous practice for the City to create a ballot information guide for a municipal election with an increased cost to consider. He asked clarifying questions regarding the community survey and noted concerns regarding the geographical distribution in different zip codes outside of City limits. Bozajian expressed additional concerns with waiting until the November election , highlighting the value of the increased revenue if the ballot was successful in June and reminded Council of the potential to lose revenue if the County placed a sales tax measure on the November ballot.
Mayor Pro Tem noted the three pending ballot initiatives filed for circulation which would change the vote percentage requirement increasing the threshold needed to successfully pass a tax.
Councilmember Albrecht highlighted the gravity of the issue which would define the City for years to come and noted the need for additional revenue to cover escalating expenses. He expressed concerns with timing to ensure enough time to educate the community, but noted the gamble of losing the potential sales tax to the County and supported staff’s efforts to inform and educate residents and the importance of the City’s high level of service and quality of life.
City Attorney Pam Lee clarified the need for a unanimous vote of 5-0 in order to declare a Fiscal Emergency.
Councilmember Weintraub noted concerns with the timing due to the upcoming holidays and looked for staff reassurance to ensure sufficient time to complete the surveys and make the June ballot.
Mayor Kraut summarized the discussion and direction provided to staff at the last meeting, noting the need to rely on the experts and professionals hired for outreach who have conducted surveys and provided statistics and messaging.
He emphasized the need to lean on e xperts to provide data to support the viability of a June measure. Kraut reviewed the consequences of a failed measure, noting that even with cuts to City staff, functions and services, it would still require a reduction to the Sheriff’s contract and a def erment of needed facility repairs to balance the budget.
Docusign Envelope ID: 12FCD23A-B479-486D-AF6A-F54A2E149993 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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Kraut clarified that the item before Council was not a decision on declaring a fiscal emergency or the ballot measure, but simply approving the budget to conduct the outreach. He noted his biggest concern was the cap of 1 more cent and the threat of the potential to lose the sales tax to the County , which would force cuts to employment and services.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Matthew Shuby asked questions regarding the budget and need for community surveys. The Mayor responded regarding the necessity of the surveys to help poll the community, and to test and craft language for ballot measure.
City Manager Meik provided information regardi ng sales tax measures across the state highlighting the percentage of passing measures for past primary and general elections. He noted that a June measure would only allow time for one community survey and that elections can vary due to candidates and measures which could change the voting environment. Meik noted the necessity of a unanimous vote if the Council desired to declare a fiscal emergency and thereby proceed with a June initiative to ensure successful community outreach and education opportunities and best use of staff time to avoid timing gaps.
Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian supported moving forward with a June ballot measure noting the previous minimal difference between surveys. He underlined that if other Councilmembers were not in support of a June measure then he wouldn’t want to waste time.
Councilmember Albrecht noted his concerns regarding the County and found the information provided by the success of other city’s measures to be reassuring to move forward with a June ballot measure.
Councilmember Weintraub expressed her support for the item to be on either the Primary or General Election so long as there was sufficient time.
Councilmember Albrecht noted the importance of the message crafted related to declaring a fiscal emergency and the need to be sensitive to residents’ reaction and the time needed to provide education.
Councilmember Shapiro noted unfavorable numbers pertaining to the success rate of June ballot measures and asked clarifying questions regarding the timeline for the city to advocate versus educate for a sales tax measure. City Manager Meik noted the change would be timed with the adoption of a resolution approving the ballot measure.
Docusign Envelope ID: 12FCD23A-B479-486D-AF6A-F54A2E149993 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2025
City Attorney Lee noted she would provide a memo on the rights to advocate as a personal community member and indicated that consideration of a budget amendment was still appropriate for this item.
City Manager Meik responded to Councilmember Shapiro assuring that the Council was not making a formal decision on whether to pursue the Primary or General election for the sales tax measure, but expressing the need to be methodical in the process with community outreach dependent on the timeline and the desire to reduce surprises.
Councilmember Shapiro expressed strong support for a November election, but noted the outcome of the survey results would make the decision easier.
Mayor Kraut highlighted the need for more information from the surveys due to the lack of consensus pertaining to declaring a fiscal emergency. He directed staff to move forward with the survey and requested to move forward with a vote pertaining to the budget amendment.
City Manager Meik noted survey results would likely return to the Council in January, but indicated a special meeting could be held if results were available earlier.
MOTION – ITEM NO. 9
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025- 1984 amending the fiscal year (FY) 2025- 26 General Fund budget to fund a potential sales tax measure on the June 2026 primary election for a not -to-exceed amount of $249,000. The motion carried unanimously.
MOTION – CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to approve items 5-8 on the Consent Calendar. The motion carried unanimously 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Introduction of Ordinance No. 2025-417 Amending Section 20 of Chapter 10.20 of Title 10 Mobile Billboards and Resolution Adopting Amended Fee Schedule
Community Development Director Michael Klein and Code Enforcement Manager Ray Soria presented the report reviewing the current ordinance and laws, proposed amendments, and updated LVPA tiered fine schedule.
Docusign Envelope ID: 12FCD23A-B479-486D-AF6A-F54A2E149993 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
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Councilmembers unanimously thanked staff for bringing the item forward so the City could respond quickly and efficiently to issues.
Councilmember Albrecht noted his support for increased penalties, for which staff clarified it was a daily fine.
Mayor Kraut opened the public hearing at 8:15pm. With no members of the public providing public testimony, the public hearing was closed.
MOTION
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Shapiro seconded a motion to:
1. Conduct first reading, waiving full reading of the text, and introduce Ordinance No. 2025-417 amending Section 20 of Chapter 10.20 of Title 10 of the Calabasas Municipal Code to amend the definition of “Mobile Billboard Advertising Display;” and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-1985 rescinding Resolution No. 2025-1961, along with all penalty schedules attached thereto and adopting an updated and amended schedule of parking penalties section to establish a tiered fine structure.
The motion carried unanimously. The Mayor read the title of the ordinance into the record.
CONTINUED BUSINESS – NONE
NEW BUSINESS
11. Introduction of Ordinance No. 2025-418 Amending Chapters 3.40 and Ordinance No. 2025-419 Amending Chapters 3.42 of the Calabasas Municipal Code Relating to the City’s Purchasing System
Public Works Director Curtis Castle presented the report. In response to Council questions, Castle noted that the Environmental Commission was discussing green procurement considerations.
Mayor Kraut opened the public hearing at 8:19pm. With no member s of the public providing public testimony, the public hearing was closed.
Mayor Kraut asked clarifying questions regarding the City’s process in the event of a no bid contract and the increased percentage relating to the purchasing thresholds. Public Works Director Castle noted amendments would return to the Council and detailed his efforts to compare the proposed threshold amounts with other cities of similar size.
Docusign Envelope ID: 12FCD23A-B479-486D-AF6A-F54A2E149993 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2025
MOTION
Councilmember Weintraub moved and Councilmember Albrecht seconded a motion to:
1. Conduct first reading, waiving full reading of the text, and introduce Ordinance No. 2025-418 amending Chapters 3.40 of the Calabasas Municipal Code revising the regulations for purchasing systems; and
2. Conduct first reading, waiving full reading of the text, and introduce Ordinance No. 2025-419 amending Chapter 3.42 of the Calabasas Municipal Code revising the regulations for awarding public projects.
The motion carried unanimously. The Mayor read the title of each ordinance into the record.
VERBAL REPORTS
Councilmember Weintraub noted attendance at a recent successful COG meeting with Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin regarding frustrations with Edison. City Manager Meik announced a Town Hall meeting on December 4 with Edison.
Mayor Pro Tem Boza jian attended the League of California Cities annual convention.
Councilmember Shapiro congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Bozajian for being honored; noted his attendance at the League conference, and a recent SCAG Legislative Committee meeting discussing the Washington D.C. shutdown and SB 2651 which could potentially impact housing at a local level. He announced an upcoming Valley Economic Alliance board meeting and a meeting with two school district board members to review transportation and traffic.
Councilmember Albrecht attended the League of California Cities conference and noted a well -attended tax initiative meeting. He noted the upcoming Valley Economic Alliance meeting, Finance committee, and LA28 committee meetings.
Councilmember Albrecht requested a future agenda item regarding criteria for billboards to address signage on the freeway. Councilmember Weintraub seconded the request. City Attorney Lee noted she would provide a memo detailing California’s strict requirements.
RECESS
Mayor Kraut recessed the meeting back to closed session at 8:30 p.m. to review Item No. 2.
Docusign Envelope ID: 12FCD23A-B479-486D-AF6A-F54A2E149993 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
Closed session adjourned at 8:56 p.m. with no reportable action.
Approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Calabasas on November 12, 2025.
_________________________________
PETER KRAUT, Mayor
_____________________________________
KRISTY BUXKEMPER, City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: 12FCD23A-B479-486D-AF6A-F54A2E149993