CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS
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SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(IN-PERSON AND VIDEO CONFERENCE)
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
NOTE: The Hidden Hills City Council and City staff will be participating in this meeting in- person in the Council Chambers, at the teleconference locations noted above and via remote video conferencing (Zoom). Members of the public also have the opportunity to participate in- person in the Council Chambers (attendees will be required to follow the current State and County public health guidelines) or electronically via Zoom. Refer to "Public Participation" accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") please contact Deana Gonzalez at 818-888-9281 or [email protected], If you are hearing impaired and would like to watch the meeting on ZOOM, once in the meeting room select the button "live transcript" and then select "show subtitles". Members of the public will have the opportunity to address the City Council on agenda and non-agenda items in person, via Zoom or by email as indicated below.
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Hidden Hills was duly held via teleconference on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at the hour of 4:00 p.m. Mayor Steve Freedland called the meeting to order and presided thereover.
ROLL CALL
Council: Mayor Steve Freedland
Mayor Pro Tem Eniko Gold
Council Member Joe Loggia
Council Member Laura McCorkindale
Council Member Larry G. Weber
Staff: City Manager Kerry Kallman
City Attorney Roxanne Diaz
City Engineer Dirk Lovett
City Clerk Deana L. Gonzalez
Administrative Analyst Chantelle Limón
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Special City Council Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2023
Due to technical difficulties, the City Council meeting was delayed. At 4:20 p.m., the meeting resumed with the City Attorney stating that under AB 361, the City needs to provide an opportunity for persons to attend either via a call in option or an internet service based option. She verified the call-in option is working and the link has been corrected on the homepage of the website and sent
AUDIENCE
There were no comments.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Freedland presented the following report:
this is the annual goal session to bring forth possible new projects, and has always been open to the public; every year, some of the City's past goals have been completed, which makes room for new projects; a Council member or Council members can bring forth the goal for discussion, and if the consensus of the Council, is that the idea has merit, then each goal will be brought back to the Council as an agenda item at a future regular meeting, where in the public will have another chance to comment, as well as the Council; after all of comments are heard, the Council may or may not decide to move forward with the goal; because it's a special meeting, the Council will take specific public comments on each item, once the Council Members have discussed the item.
4.A 2023 City Council Goals Session for Discussion and Direction to City Staff and Review of the Status Report and Direction, if any, on the City Council's Current Goals.
The primary purpose of a City Council's Goals Session is to identify proposed goals that will be included in the City's 2023 work plan and budget. Carry-over goals from the previous fiscal years will remain in the City's workplan until completed. In no particular order of priority, thirteen (13) new goals are listed below.
The 2023 goals for review include the following:
Provide Prioritization of City Council Goals to Staff
Special City Council Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2023
Each year the City Council undertakes a Goals Setting session that identifies and accepts new goals to be added to the City's work plan. While some goals can be accomplished in the upcoming fiscal year, others require multiple years to complete.
It has been suggested that the City Council provide clear direction to staff on the priority of completion of both carry-over goals and newly adopted goals at the conclusion of the annual Goals Setting meeting.
Goal was adopted by a 5-0 consensus.
2. Update the General Plan
The City's General Plan serves as a blueprint for the long-range physical planning of the City. The Plan contains community goals and policies designed to shape the long-term development of the City as well as protect its environmental, social, cultural, and economic resources. The City's current plan is made up of 6 elements, namely: Land Use; Infrastructure; Natural Resources; Safety; Noise; and Housing.
The plan has been updated over the years, the most recent being the Housing Element in 2014 and 2021. In addition, the City is currently working with the City's planning consultant on the development of a scope of work
A comprehensive update of the General Plan was last updated in 1995.
It has been suggested that the City Council undertake a full General Plan update as part of the 2023 Goals.
Councilmember Loggia stated that this was his goal, and after attending the League of California Cities new council member conference land use portion, he felt it was important to add this as a goal and see it completed.
Goal was adopted by a 5-0 consensus.
3. Create a Strategic Plan for the City
Strategic Plans are used by cities to provide the City with a guiding document that sets priorities over a given period of time. A strategic plan enables the City to efficiently move the community forward. It helps guide decision making while balancing available resources and utilizes best practices to deliver services and support for the City. A strategic plan will also help create a broader vision for the City and help inform budget priorities.
Special City Council Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2023
It has been suggested that the City Council initiate the development of a strategic plan. If accepted, staff will further research best practices and potential consultants who would assist the City with the completion of its goals. Associated costs would be included in the draft FY 2023/24 City budget.
Councilmember Loggia explained that this was his goal and the strategic plan provides a roadmap of where the City is headed in a general sense and what the long-term goals are, and then allows the City to put specific priorities underneath them.
Goal was adopted by a 5-0 consensus.
4. Develop and Implement a Plan for the Library Funds
In 2013, the City left the Los Angeles County Library and captured its share of annual property tax funds dedicated for library services. At that time, the City entered into a MOU with the City of Calabasas and the Las Virgenes Unified School District to provide library services for residents of Hidden Hills. The current MOU is set to expire in June of 2023.
A report on this item was discussed by the City Council at its meeting on February 13, 2023.
City Manager Kallman stated that this goal was discussed at its Monday night meeting, and it was voted on and approved on Monday night.
Goal was adopted by a 5-0 consensus.
5. Create an Ongoing "Living with Wildlife" Program
Proximity to open space is one of the most attractive aspects of living in Hidden Hills anc hets ig on se for coal. on occasion the interaction between wildlife and residents and theit It has been suggested that either the Las Virgenes Malibu Council of Governments and/or the City develop a "Living with Wildlife" program that provides education information as well as best strategies for residents to co-exist with our natural wildlife environment.
City Manager Kallman mentioned that Ms. Limón would be attending a coyote summit provided by a wildlife group.
Special City Council Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2023
Hidden Hills resident Nathalie Blossom addressed the Council stating that she agrees with this goal and that she was happy to witness a bobcat in her front yard the other day.
Hidden Hills resident Mathy Wasserman pointed out that something to include with the program would be rattlesnake aversion training for dogs and their owners to hopefully cause fewer snake bites.
Goal was adopted by a 5-0 consensus.
Identify New Revenue Sources for the City
The City's two main revenue sources are provided by Property Tax and Building and Safety fees. This represents approximately 68% of City revenue.
It has been suggested the City investigate and identify potential new revenue sources.
Councilmember Loggia stated that this was his goal and what he learned at the new councilmember conference is that there are groups that can help cities identify potential revenue sources, not meaning new taxes but other inventive sources.
Goal was adopted by a 5-0 consensus.
Create/Update Job Descriptions, Responsibilities and Reporting Relationships for Each Staff Member and Outside Contractors
It has been suggested that the City review and update job descriptions as necessary and create any missing job descriptions. In addition, a clear description of individual staff responsibilities and clear lines of authority should be created to provide clarity and avoid confusion.
Goal was adopted by a 5-0 consensus.
Provide Mandatory Unconscious Gender Bias Training for Staff, City Manager and Council
Societies often expect people to act according to gender stereotypes in the workplace, in government and in other settings. Deviation from these stereotypes is usually met 11 with resistance and judgement.
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Unconscious gender bias are personal preferences which are based in gender stereotypes, and "manifest as unintentional and automatic mental associations based on gender, stemming from traditions, norms, values, culture and/or experience" thus gender bias interfere with the ability to be objective and impartial in any decision-making process.
It has been suggested that staff identify a short mandatory training session for staff/contract staff/councilmembers, so an open discussion about this issue can take place amongst all. The primary objective of the goal is expected to gain better understanding of genders other than our own, to reduce individual biases in the workplace and amongst council members and to develop the ability to recognize immediately when gender bias occurs.
Mayor Pro Tem Gold stated that this is her goal and she felt that this would be an amazing opportunity for all of us to grow and to reflect and learn about each other more. She thinks it would benefit all the Council and staff and she thinks it's important for everyone to take it. Gender bias applies to both men and women. It's about the we can see notions that we have about each other that limit our ability to decide in an impartial way.
Goal was adopted by a 5-0 consensus.
Host a Hidden Hills First Responder's Day - a Yearly Event Honoring First Responders: Meet and Greet, Ice Cream, ete.
Hidden Hills has a long history of good relations with our local First Responders. In the past couple of years, the City has hosted or been associated with several events that honored our community's first responders. Examples of this have included the "Coffee with a Cop", "Cone with a Cop," Malibu/Lost Hills Foundation Fundraiser, and post Woolsey Fire First Responder celebration.
It has been suggested that the City plan and host an annual event that recognizes and honors our First Responders - who put their lives on the line for us every day.
Mayor Pro Tem Gold was inspired President Biden declaring October 28th as First Responder's Day but as it is close to Fiesta, she thought any other month would work. She thought it was worth exploring more.
Goal was adopted by a 5-0 consensus.
Special City Council Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2023
10. City to Continue to Irrigate Landscaping and Other Areas with Recycled Water This past spring and in response to mandates related to critical water restrictions, the City was able to work with its Landscape crew along with the HOA to transition all outdoor use i City water from potable to recycled. This was done despite the City not having eas ccess to recycled water which is available in our neighboring communities. Anticipate pcoming drought relief is likely temporary, and efficient water use remains a top priority or our Water District. Wasteful water use now will impact water availability over the nex 2-4 years. Earlier this year, the City Council authorized a budget adjustment of approximately $32,000 for additional labor costs associated with hand watering with recycled water. With the cooler temperatures and rain, staff has re-evaluated those additional costs and now believes they will result in $12,000 to $15,000 annually.
It has been suggested that the City continue to use recycled water wherever possible and encourage the HOA to do the same.
Goal was adopted by a 5-0 consensus.
11. Identify and Recommend Certain «Reach" Codes That Would be Added to the City's Building and Safety Standards
In 2022, the City Council adopted a goal to "Undertake an evaluation of the City's Building standards and Building rules."
This updated goal provides clarification after consultation with a sustainability consultant in late 2022: The City will regularly evaluate possible reach codes to bring to council. A reach code is a local building code that "reaches" beyond the state minimum requirements for use in building design and construction, creating opportunities for local governments to lead the way on clean air, climate solutions, and the renewable energy economy. Since January 2020, the number of reach codes that have gone into effect across California have almost doubled from the collective 6 years prior. More and more, jurisdictions of varying sizes are finding reach codes to be an effective and readily available mechanism to help support clean energy goals and contribute positively to the environment.
Councilmember McCorkindale stated that this was her goal and that it is a little bit of a clarification from last year's goal that was adopted. After meeting with the consultant, it was learned that a lot of cities are doing this, and it'll just be something that that staff will keep an eye out for annually, and see what we can do to leave a little better contribution to the world.
Goal was adopted by a 5-0 consensus.
Special City Council Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2023
12. Create a Document that Provides Detail on City Council Standards, Norms, Policies and Procedures, Council Code of Conduct. Establish an Ad-hoc Committee to Create a Draft to be Reviewed by Council
City Council documents that provide for standards and norms, policies, code of conduct, etc. are commonplace throughout the State. In fact, our neighboring cities all have some form of this document currently in place.
certain this dues, prurrente place andr item the do conend ad nen dried aM document come up.
It has been suggested that the City Council create an Ad-hoc Committee to work with staff to provide a draft of City Council Standards and Norms for review and consideration by the City Council. Council Members McCorkindale and Loggia volunteered to be on an Ad-hoc Committee.
Goal was adopted by a 5-0 consensus.
13. Create and Host an Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony & Community Gathering to Celebrate Peace, Good Will and the Holiday Season in the Upper City Parking Lot
The concept behind this event is to host a holiday themed event in December that brings the community together. In addition to a tree lighting ceremony, other events could include letters to Santa, holiday themed photos, toy drive, hot cocoa or cider, etc.
If adopted, staff will identify potential costs and concepts to be included in the draft FY 2023/24 City budget.
Councilmember McCorkindale stated that this is her goal. She said that she tends to hear from residents that they don't feel very connected to the city, and, as you see, we have very few people who ever shop for our meetings. She thought it would be nice if the City did something in the Upper City Hall parking lot gathering at holiday time. Even though the goal mentions holiday tree, that could mean a topiary of a globe or a giant pepper tree or a lot of different things that would be a non-denominational representation of hope and love and goodwill.
Councilmember Weber stated that he is opposed to this goal because any time something remotely religion oriented is proposed around the holiday season it seems to have that connotation that it brings dissention and some people think its very inclusive and others think its divisive.
Special City Council Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2023
Councilmember Loggia commented that the holiday season means something different to everyone, and if celebrating the season of giving and gratitude with something we could all share equally, proudly and together, regardless of religion, race or gender and we can recognize and respect one another, it may benefit the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Gold thinks it is a wonderful idea and the intention of such an event is to bring everyone together and make it a happy experience for everyone, and she knows that whatever staff comes back with, it will be wonderful, so she is support of this goal.
Mayor Freedland agreed with Councilmember Weber. He has no issue with the party or an event that brings the community together. He thinks that doing something that is potentially divisive is the antithesis of bringing the community closer together. He does not feel the City should be involved in such an event and can see it becoming problematic.
City Manager Kallman read an email from resident Mike Resnick:
"Normally, I try not to chime in and let things take their course. Go along to get along. Not here. I may not be a religious Jew (though I am FAR more religious than before I knew Alex). I grew up - here in Los Angeles - in a neighborhood with few Jews. Even at the age of 5-6, my sister and I knew that we were "different," and that it was a bad thing (I think the swastika on the garage door sealed the deal). Before we hit Junior High School, we were taunted and bullied pretty severely - incredibly, even by adults; we learned how to "pass." It is an awful feeling. Even now that my old neighborhood has been "discovered" by professionals, my stomach did backflips when I found that a "kid" we know (now in his late twenties), found a swastika drawn in one of the textbooks he was issued (which would have been in 2000-teens).
I love our neighbors' Christmas parties. Our neighbors love (we think) our Sukkot celebration. If a neighbor had a tree lighting ceremony on (what's left of) their lawn, I would go. But these are not City sponsored/funded events. That this would even be brought up is appalling. I hope this is not a goal, and that and that it made it onto the list.
We have many, many far more important issues which are truly strategic for the Council to consider, for example, how about identifying implementing strategies, to preserve the equestrian nature of our community? Another might be going beyond using recycled water for the city's landscape, which is great to developing, implementing strategies, to help homeowners landscape sustainably, or perhaps identifying potential strategies for dealing with the inevitable sale of the Bolding property, so we will not have to be reactive as a taxpayer. I'd be thrilled to see city money spent on appropriate land use consultants. These are reach goals. These are just a few examples where the application of the city, both Special City Council Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2023
council members and staff time, expertise, and resources could lay the foundation to reserve the city's well-being for decades. Thank you for consideration. Thanks. Mike Resnick. "
City Manager Kallman read an email from resident David Zebrack:
"Hi Kerry, I have heard that the City of Hidden Hills is contemplating having a tree lighting celebration during the holiday season. As a person whose family embraces several different faiths and observances, I support this and find the notion of an event which brings family and friends together joyously at any opportunity, especially the winter holidays, is a wonderful expression of what Hidden Hills is all about. I certainly do not find it objectionable, and hope that we can set an example as a community of what is common about us all, regardless of faith- that is love, family, and compassion for all humans. Thank you to our councilmembers for yet another thoughtful expression of what Hidden Hills represents to our fellow neighbors and the community at-large. Kind Regards, David ZeBrack, 5838 Clear Valley Road, Hidden Hills, Ca 91302 Mayor Freedland opened the floor for public comment
Resident Mathy Wasserman completely opposes this goal as it would be extremely offensive for the City to host such an event. She loves the holidays and sharing the holidays with people but doesn't want her City spending their time, money, planning, and activity being based on that. The Association hosts the winter social that is attended by residents around the holiday time.
Resident Bret Katz also completely opposes this goal and thinks that the City should not be involved in religions activities and thinks the City should work on an event sponsoring first responders which is a wonderful idea.
Goal was adopted by a 3-2 consensus.
ADJOURNMENT
deny gly.
eana L. Gonzalez, CMC, City Clerk