CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS
П
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(IN-PERSON AND VIDEO CONFERENCE)
6165 Spring Valley Road
Monday, February 12, 2024
5:30 p.m.
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Hidden Hills was duly held via teleconference and in person on Monday, February 12, 2024 at the hour of 5:30 p.m. Mayor Eniko Gold called the meeting to order and presided thereover.
ROLL CALL
Council: Mayor Eniko Gold
Mayor Pro Tem Larry G. Weber
Council Member Joe Loggia
Council Member Laura McCorkindale
Council Member Steve Freedland (Absent)
Staff: Interim City Manager Marcella Marlowe
Interim City Attorney Michael Jenkins
City Engineer Dirk Lovett
Administrative Analyst Aaron Williams
City Clerk Deana L. Gonzalez
PRESENTATIONS
Legislative Update Presentation by Dane Hutchings, Managing Director of Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG)
Mayor Gold introduced Dane Hutchings, Managing Director and Practice Head of the Renne Public Policy Group, who oversees the firm's legislative advocacy and grant writing practice areas.
Council Member McCorkindale asked Mr. Hutchings about the necessity of having a lobbyist for cities like Hidden Hills and the potential threats to local control by the state legislature.
Mr. Hutchings explained the importance of Hidden Hills having a voice in Sacramento due to recent shifts in legislation regarding housing elements and the increase in accessory dwelling units. Mr. Hutchings further explained that developers are constructing larger units that could impact neighborhoods, like the City of Hidden Hills. He stated that several local officials have collaborated to create compliant Housing Elements City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
February 12, 2024
for agencies in California. He noted that it seems that there is a shift in sentiment towards unique communities, like Hidden Hills. He feels it's important to stay engaged and understand new bills that may affect HOA protections. He explained that advocacy firms can help engage with lawmakers and share unique stories by building a case, seeking amendments, and exhausting all efforts that shows Hidden Hills residents that everything possible was done to, address the issue.
Council Member Loggia thanked Mr. Hutchings for advocating for local government and expressed concern about Sacramento's impact on neighborhoods.
Mr. Hutchings discussed the changing relationship between Councils, Communities, and the State legislature, highlighting a trend towards extreme views, emphasizing collaboration and compromise in policymaking, they navigated challenges in a one-party political landscape by stressing common ground and open dialogue for effective governance. Mr. Hutchings underscored the importance of empowering communities through inclusive policies. He acknowledged the changing dynamics in advocating for local communities and stressed the importance of improving relationships with lawmakers for increased control over communities.
He feels that advocating proactively for interests, forming partnerships, and engaging in grassroots advocacy can shape policy effectively, and that regional collaboration and strategic approaches strengthen advocacy efforts in local decision-making processes.
Council Member McCorkindale raised concerns about AT&T potentially disconnecting landline support in rural areas, prompting backlash and raising issues related to emergency services and public comment opportunities.
Mr. Hutchings stated that a 4-page memo has been prepared for the City, detailing the history and technical aspects of the potential disconnection of all landline support. He urges local governments to inform residents about potential implications, and the regulatory body's decision is expected by September 2024, allowing more time for engagement. Furthermore, he feels the focus is on providing a roadmap and information for stakeholders to navigate the issue effectively and ensuring that local governments and residents are well- prepared for any outcomes.
2. Introduction of Interim City Manager Marcella Marlowe and Interim City Attorney Michael Jenkins Mayor Gold introduced two new members of the City Government: Marcella Marlowe as the Interim City Manager and Michael Jenkins as the Interim City Attorney. Mayor Gold highlighted Dr. Marlowe for her extensive experience in local government, with previous positions in several cities. She praised Mr. Jenkins for his vast experience as a municipal lawyer in various cities. Both Dr. Marlowe and Mr. Jenkins expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to serve in their new roles, and expressed their commitment to helping the community achieve its goals. Mr. Jenkins also introduced his colleague, Ryan Guiboa, who will be assisting him in his duties. Mayor Gold emphasized the ambition of the City's projects and their dedication to contributing to the growth and development of the community.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
February 12, 2024
CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Approval of City Council Minutes for the December 11, 2023 Regular Meeting
4. Approval of Demand List
5. Approval of the Disbursement List for November and December 2023
6. Receive and File the Financial/Treasurer's Reports for November and December 2023
7. Receive and File the Investment Statements for November and December 2023
8. Receive and File the City Engineering and Community Development Report for January 2024
9. Receive and File the Las Virgenes Malibu Council of Governments (LVMCOG) Report for January 16, 2024
10. Adoption of Resolution No. 1022, Appointing Michael Jenkins as Interim City Attorney and Approving an Agreement with Best Best and Krieger
Upon MOTION of Councilmember Loggia, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Weber, and carried unanimously on roll call vote, it was resolved to approve items 3 - 10 of the consent calendar as submitted
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION Interim City Manager Marlowe announced that Item No. 11 (Approval of a Contract with In-N-Out Burger and a $1,000 Deposit for the Hidden Hills Fiesta) was being pulled for further review by staff and will come back to the next meeting for approval.
AUDIENCE
Resident Rob Robertson expressed gratitude to the Mayor and Council, reflecting on the sudden departure of Steve Freedland and the City's history. He praised individuals like Steve Freedland, Gabe Nussbaum, and former City Manager Kerry Kallman for their leadership during crises like the recent nearby wildfire. Mr.
Robertson emphasized the importance of being prepared for disasters like wildfires and commended those who worked tirelessly to protect the community. He called for the city to acknowledge and thank these individuals for their efforts in the form of a plaque, and urged a collective expression of gratitude towards those who safeguard the City in challenging times.
Resident Bret Katz requested updates on the fiber project, beautification project for Round Meadow, and undergrounding projects that have not been discussed for several months.
Resident Barbara Lipkin asked the City Council for updates on library services and how book charges will be handled.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
February 12, 2024
Council Member McCorkindale addressed the issue of zoom bombing and stated that it is not within the City's purview to address it in the future. However, she does support continuing zoom comments for residents due to increased public participation. She also suggested that Hidden Hills get involved in a new citizens' initiative to amend Proposition 47, which has contributed to an increase in crime in California.
Council Member McCorkindale addressed rumors about the disbandment of the Public Safety Commission, stating she didn't have the authority to disband it and clarifying that it stopped functioning due to Brown Act compliance issues.
Mayor Gold and Council Member McCorkindale stated that the City Council is trying to figure out how to deal with public comments via Zoom, including inappropriate or irrelevant remarks. Interim City Attorney Jenkins noted the challenge of applying old laws to new issues like Zoom bombing, where individuals disrupt meetings with profane or off-topic comments. Mayor Gold stated that the Council is striving to balance free speech rights and decorum, considering filtering problematic comments and removing off-topic or illegal advocacy.
She further stated that the Council is also working proactively to ensure a safe and productive environment for public participation while learning from other cities' experiences.
Council Member McCorkindale stated that the seminar she attended, highlighted that 99% of callers in a certain situation were not from California, prompting a discussion on potential legislation to address the issue.
Mayor Gold expressed belief in existing police power authority to regulate without the need for new laws but emphasized the need to ensure any rules adopted would stand up to legal challenges. Mayor Gold suggested that staff prioritize residents in the call-in list, though ensuring fairness to all participants. Ultimately, Mayor Gold said the aim is to maintain fairness while addressing the issue of non-local callers. The Council concluded this topic, with an acknowledgment that technological limitations might require manual intervention for this purpose, with the possibility of a staff member assisting in sorting the call-in list effectively.
Mayor Gold announced that the dates of the 2024 Fiesta are September 14 and 15, and preparations have already begun. She also announced that City Hall and Building and Safety will be closed on Monday, February 19, in honor of Presidents' Day.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Interim City Manager Marlowe introduced staff to give a brief update on some of the items that they have been working on.
City Engineer Lovett reported the following updates on City projects: 1) the construction for the Long Valley Parking Lot began on November 1, 2023 but rain delays have pushed the completion date to May 2024. He also reported that the resident lane is temporarily closed for storm drain pipe installation; 2) plans for the Utility Undergrounding Project on Little Hollow Road are complete, but issues with obtaining easements may require a redesign; 3) Fiber to the Homes design is finished, with backbone conduit installed in Ashley Ridge area. Mr.
Lovett added that bids for Citywide backbone construction are being evaluated by the City Council; and 4) the Housing Element Consultant is arranging a meeting with HCD before submitting the revised document.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
February 12, 2024
City Clerk Gonzalez reported that preparations for the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary and November 5, 2024 General Election, are underway, include requesting a VBM Dropbox for both elections and a Mobile Vote Center equipped with voting machines, personnel, power, and network. She announced that the Mobile Vote Center will be available for one day in the upper parking lot on March 1st. Ms. Gonzalez confirmed that for the November election, a VBM Dropbox and a Flex Center will be set up in the chambers for voters to have multiple opportunities to vote.
CLOSED SESSION
1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Government Code Section 54957
Title: Interim City Manager
There was a consensus from the City Council to cancel the Closed Session for this evening.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned Eniko Gold, Mayor
June handly