- CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(IN-PERSON AND VIDEO CONFERENCE)
6165 Spring Valley Road
Monday, March 10, 2025
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, March 10, 2025, at the hour of 5:30 p.m. Mayor Larry G. Weber called the meeting to order and presided thereover.
2. 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
City Attorney Lauren Langer
City Clerk Deana L. Gonzalez
City Engineer Dirk Lovett
Accountant Theresa Hernandez
Administrative Analyst Aaron Williams
Mayor Weber asked City Attorney Langer to give a report on AB 2449.
City Attorney Lauren Langer explained the procedures under AB 2449, which allows Council Members to teleconference into meetings for "just cause," such as a contagious illness or a medical emergency. To use this provision, the member must request to participate remotely as soon as possible, and the City Council must formally approve the request at the start of the meeting. The law limits how often each Council Member can use this option per year. Because Hidden Hills already allows public participation via phone and Zoom, and streams its meetings online, the City meets Brown Act requirements. If approved, the remote Council Member must keep their camera on for the entire meeting, announce if any adults are present at their location, and remain visible on screen. The meeting must pause if the broadcast is interrupted, and all votes will be conducted by roll call. For this meeting, Council Member Loggia requested to participate remotely due to medical reasons. The Council was asked to make a motion, second it, and vote to approve this request so that Council Member Loggia could participate.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
March 10, 2025
Upon MOTION by Council Member Gold, seconded by Council Member Wasserman, and carried unanimously on a roll call vote, the City Council approved Council Member Loggia's request to participate remotely.
3. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member McCorkindale thanked City staff, specifically Gloria and Aaron, for their excellent work on the recent emergency preparedness newsletter.
Staff provided an update on wildfire preparation efforts and reported that the Homeowners Association (HOA) is seeking to take a more active role in fire prevention and preparedness. Recommendations provided to the HOA include: adding fiber and electricity to perimeter areas for cameras and fire sensors; assisting with resident enrollment in the Fire Brigade; exploring contracts for private fire services on Red Flag days; developing a standing contract for fire watch services (such as with Covered 6, used during the January fires); supporting Firewise and other community programs; and transitioning the Covered 6 supervisor to an iPhone to improve participation in public safety communications. Staff expressed enthusiasm for the HOA's interest in supporting these efforts and shared these recommendations for Council awareness.
Council Member McCorkindale addressed the lack of coordinated emergency briefings during the recent fires, noting that unlike the City of Los Angeles, where Council Members and staff participated in twice-daily briefings with all key agencies, Hidden Hills and other nearby cities received limited real-time information. She shared that local officials were relying on television, apps, and individual outreach to gather updates on critical issues such as fire status, curfews, arrests, and public safety, and that this was consistent across the region's cities. Council Member McCorkindale reported that she had discussed the matter with Supervisor Horvath's office, advocating for a structured countywide briefing system that includes both city managers and elected officials to ensure timely, accurate information during emergencies. The Supervisor's office was receptive to exploring the idea, including potential staffing and budget needs. Council Member McCorkindale emphasized that such briefings would improve efficiency and reduce the burden on public safety personnel responding to ad hoc information requests during critical events.
A Council Member reported that they had spoken with representatives from neighboring cities, who all support pursuing a regional emergency management approach. Staff is also working to connect with an emergency management contact in Councilmember Blumenfield's office to better understand how their model is structured. The goal is to develop a template or framework that can be provided to the
4. STAFF COMMENTS
There were no comments.
5. PRESENTATIONS
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A. Los Angeles County Fire Department Reports - November and December 2024, January and February 2025
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
March 10, 2025
Chief Smith reported zero fires from November through February in Hidden Hills. Activity included approximately 20 medical calls, no hazmat incidents, three hazardous condition calls, two service calls, and 21 good-intent calls, which he noted reflect community vigilance.
He advised that the Fire Department is preparing for increased activity due to upcoming weather and will assess wildfire risk as the City transitions into summer. Chief Smith thanked the City for its proactive vegetation management, noting that fuel reduction through goat grazing improves firefighting effectiveness.
In response to a question, Chief Smith stated the Kenneth Fire burned approximately 1,200 acres. He explained that reduced fuel loads in previously burned areas limited fire intensity and improved tactical response compared to fires in older vegetation.
Chief Smith was commended for his expertise and the City's decision to temporarily halt construction during high fire-risk days in January as a proactive public safety measure.
B. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Report- January A580
Deputy Rick Baldi presented the January crime report, noting one vehicle burglary on Fitzpatrick Road, linked to a former tenant dispute. A briefcase was stolen. Additionally, a new facility dog named Darcy, a three-year- old black lab trained to provide comfort, was introduced. Darcy will assist deputies and community members in need. The handler is a volunteer chaplain. Future discussions will address concerns raised by Council Member Wasserman regarding Round Meadow.
C. Michael Grant, Public Safety and Emergency Services Manager Mr. Grant provided updates to the City Council regarding law enforcement and community safety. Deputy Sheriff compliance for February showed Motors at 87%, Patrol at 69%, and Special Deputy at 109%.
Improvements in pavement markings were noted, aiding traffic enforcement. The CERT team conducted successful radio checks and received fire defense training from the Los Angeles Fire Department. Additionally, drone surveillance has been implemented in vulnerable areas to enhance public safety, with positive results expected. The Homeowners Association's support for this initiative was acknowledged as a significant advancement in community safety efforts.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of City Council Minutes for February 16, 2025 B. Approval of the Register of Demands for March 10, 2025 C. Receive and File the Disbursement List for January 2025 D. Receive and File the Financial/Treasurer's Report for January 2025 E. Receive and File the Investment Statement for January 2025 F. Receive and File the City Engineering and Community Development Report City Council Minutes
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Regular Meeting
March 10, 2025
G. Receive and Review the Hidden Hills Community Association Board of Directors Meeting Minutes for January 21, 2025
H. Receive and File the Las Virgenes Malibu Council of Governments Summary dated February 18, 2025
I. Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Fire Grazers Inc. to Perform Expanded Brush Clearance at the City's Perimeter
J. Approval to Purchase New Back Up Generator at City Hall K. Ordinance No. 393 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING A NEW SECTION 4-3-6 TO TITLE 4, CHAPTER 3 OF THE HIDDEN HILLS MUNICIPAL
CODE RESTRICTING ENUMERATED ACTIVITIES WHEN RED FLAG WARNINGS ARE ISSUED
AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEOA
L. Ordinance No. 395 entitled: AN ORDINANCE NO. 395 AMENDING ARTICLE P, ENTITLED "ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS," OF TITLE 5 (LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT) OF THE
CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO COMPLY WITH RECENT CHANGES IN
STATE LAW, AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEOA UNDER SECTION 21080.17 OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
M. Approval of An Agreement with PMF Consulting Group to Conduct Necessary Work for Firewise USA Community Recognition
N. Renewal of Public Health Services Contract with Los Angeles County Upon MOTION by Council Member Gold, seconded by Council Member Wasserman, and carried unanimously on roll call vote, City Council approved items A-N, along with a 10% contingency for Item 6M, on the Consent Calendar.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Gabriel Penales, Public Information Officer for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced that the disaster loan application deadline has been extended to March 31. The SBA has approved over $1.4 billion in disaster loans to date. Eligible homeowners and renters in Los Angeles County and contiguous counties may apply for low-interest loans for physical and personal property losses, while affected businesses may apply for loans of up to $2 million for physical damage or economic injury. All loans include low interest rates, 30- year terms, and one year of deferred payments and interest. Applications are available at sba.gov/disaster, with in-person assistance offered at recovery centers in the Altadena and UCLA areas.
Concerns were raised regarding unsafe traffic behavior near Round Meadow School, particularly on early- dismissal Wednesdays. Staff acknowledged prior mitigation efforts and stated they would explore additional options, including possible short-term sheriff traffic presence, and report back. No discussion occurred due to the item not being on the agenda.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
March 10, 2025
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Review and Approve the Mid-Year Budget Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Approve Recommended Budget Adjustments
The City Council reviewed the Midyear Budget Report for FY 2024-25. Staff reported that the City remains financially sound, with General Fund revenues meeting expectations and no significant shortfalls. Property tax revenues continue to be the primary funding source, with building and permit fees exceeding projections due to ongoing development activity. Sales tax and other revenues are consistent with budget estimates.
Expenditures are being closely managed, with most departments within budget. Legal and emergency service costs exceeded projections due to unforeseen litigation and public safety needs, and public works and infrastructure costs increased due to higher material and contractor fees. Cost-saving measures have helped offset these increases and maintain strong fund balances.
Upon MOTION by Council Member Loggia, seconded by Council Member Gold and unanimously approved, the Council reviewed and approved the midyear budget report from fiscal year 2024-25 and approve the recommended budget adjustments.
B. Authorization for Services - Mureau Road/Round Meadow Road/Round Meadow Landscape and Hardscape Construction Document and Administration
City Engineer Lovett presented the following report:
Staff presented a request to authorize professional services for construction documentation and administration related to the Round Meadow/Mural Road entrance landscape and hardscape project. The city has worked with Studio MA, Inc. on architectural and landscape design services since 2020. The project's conceptual design was approved in November 2020, with further refinement authorized in May 2021, and funding was included in the FY 2024-25 budget. The consultant reported that prior design changes have been documented and the project is ready to proceed into final design with one additional meeting. No public comments were received.
Upon MOTION by Council Member Gold, seconded by Council Member Wasserman, and unanimously carried, the Council approved to authorize Service Authorization No. 2E with Studio MA, Inc. for construction documentation and administration of the Round Meadow/Mural Road landscaping project and to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
- 12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
March 10, 2025
Akulta
Larry G. Weber, Mayor
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