CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS
-
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(VIDEO/TELECONERENCE)
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
6:30 p.m.
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Hidden Hills was duly held via teleconference on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at the hour of 6:30 p.m. Mayor Larry G. Weber called the meeting to order and presided thereover.
ROLL CALL
Council: Mayor Larry G. Weber
Mayor Pro Tem Joe Loggia
- Council Member Eniko Gold
Council Member Laura McCorkindale
Council Member Adam Wasserman
Staff: Interim City Manager Gloria Molleda
Interim City Attorney Michael Jenkins
Interim Assistant City Attorney Lauren Langer
PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident Bret Katz asked for clarification regarding Resolution 1038 and the ratification of the proclamation of local emergency. He wanted to confirm that the ratification does not reinstate the approval of non-essential repairs. He noted that while the document's language might suggest otherwise, it was clarified that non- essential repairs are not being put back into effect.
Resident Jeff Kessler raised two concerns during the meeting: 1) Lack of communication: He expressed frustration that there was little to no communication about the fire from day to day during the disaster. He compared it to the more frequent updates during a previous fire five years ago, noting that he and others received little information, especially in the critical first hour, and 2) Undergrounding electrical wires: He emphasized the importance of undergrounding electrical wires as a measure to prevent fires and maintain power during disasters. He suggested that the community should prioritize safety, including completing the underground wiring, to help prevent future fires and ensure a more reliable power supply during emergencies.
He asked the Council for their thoughts on revisiting the decision regarding undergrounding wires, given the increasing frequency of such events.
City Council Minutes
Special Meeting
January 15, 2025
Resident Liza Bagamian shared her concerns about the emergency phone calls during the fire event, stating that the calls were few and often provided no message. She noted that communication from the City was not as effective as other cities, and most homeowners, including herself, relied more on apps for updates. She suggested working together with residents to improve communication and possibly consulting with other cities to find better practices.
OLD BUSINESS
Approval of Resolution No. 1038 Ratifying and Extending of January 8, 2025, Proclamation of Local Emergency
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS, CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING LOCAL EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION DATED JANUARY 8, 2025 AND CONTINUING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL
EMERGENCY
Interim City Attorney Jenkins presented the following report:
The City of Hidden Hills declared a local emergency on January 8, 2025, due to the Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, and was exacerbated by strong Santa Ana winds. The fire, along with the nearby Kenneth Fire, led to evacuations and extreme peril to life and property. Emergency restrictions were imposed, including bans on outdoor fires, non-essential construction, and certain equipment use. These restrictions were lifted on January 10, 2025, after Red Flag warnings expired, though a countywide health order later restricted the use of blowers due to air quality concerns. Given ongoing fire threats, the City Manager extended the emergency proclamation, requiring City Council approval within seven days. If ratified, emergency powers will remain in effect until the City Council determines the local emergency is no longer necessary, with reviews required every 60 days.
Upon MOTION of Council Member McCorkindale, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Loggia and unanimously carried on a roll call vote, it was resolved to approve Resolution No. 1038 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS, CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING LOCAL EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION DATED JANUARY 8, 2025 AND CONTINUING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.
Weber
Larry G. Weber, Mayor
tra Langly