CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(IN-PERSON AND VIDEO CONFERENCE)
6165 Spring Valley Road
Monday, May 12, 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, May 12, 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
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Mayor Pro Tem Joe Loggia
Council Member Eniko Gold
Council Member Laura McCorkindale
Staff City Manager Shawn Bayliss
Deputy City Manager Gloria Molleda
City Attorney Lauren Langer
City Engineer Dirk Lovett
Administrative Analyst Aaron Williams
Public Safety Manager Mike Grant
3. PRESENTATIONS
A. Daniell Vincente, Field Deputy, Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath's Office Daniell Vincente announced that Topanga Canyon Boulevard would reopen soon, but only for residents.
Caltrans expected the road to be accessible by late May, aligning with Pacific Coast Highway's June 1 reopening. Tuna Canyon Road would close when PCH opens and should reopen within three weeks. Access is limited to fire pass holders, students, school buses, and beach buses. -
Supervisor Horvath and LA County achieved record fire recovery, environmental initiatives, and reformed homelessness services. Nearly 4,000 fire-affected communities were cleared through the nation's fastest debris removal program, with Tahitian Home Mobile Community residents included in FEMA's program. Horvath City Council Minutes
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introduced requirements for timely private debris removal, enabling county intervention if needed. The Board approved consolidating homelessness services into a single department to improve accountability and efficiency, set to launch July 1, with staff transitions by 2026 and a nationwide search underway for a director.
B. Recognition to Resident Garin Lieblich for Highest Achievement with ACT Score of 36 Mayor Weber announced that Garin Lieblich scored a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, an achievement reached by only one-quarter of 1 percent all test-takers nationwide of students who take the ACT. He was presented with a plaque that acknowledged his achievement. Council Member Gold stated she was proud of Garlin Lieblich and that it was heartwarming to see his talent and accomplishments.
C. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Report - March Deputy Rick Baldi reported that Captain Seetoo had been promoted to Commander and would oversee as the North Patrol Division Commander and in charge of Hidden Hill's district, West Hollywood, and the Santa Cruz station.
- He reported that for the month of March 2025, there was only one trespassing call for service, which was also a noteworthy incident. The individual was arrested for a DUI, obstructing a police officer, and trespassing on Bonneville Road. That individual spent some time in jail.
Starting Friday, May 16, there will be the Memorial Torch Run throughout the whole country to honor law enforcement and deputies who lost their lives. On Saturday, May 17, the Lost Hills leg would come through at approximately 2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. They would come through the Round Meadow gate and exit through the Burbank gate.
Barbara Osbourne noted the high number of stop sign violations and suggested sharing citation numbers and costs, including those for passing school buses, with the community to raise awareness. She gave a recent example of a driver running a stop sign. Deputy Rick Baldi agreed to collaborate with Administrative Analyst Williams, and Mayor Weber supported the idea, emphasizing increased insurance and court fees linked to citations.
D. Michael Grant, Public Safety and Emergency Services Manager Public Safety Manager Mike Grant reported 68 citations in April, mainly for stop sign violations. Compliance rates were 136% for the motor officer, 91% for patrol deputies, and 122% for special deputies. At a CERT meeting, Kurt Smith led training on medical bags and shared purchasing recommendations. Old radios were collected, with ongoing efforts expected to boost performance with new equipment. Mayor Pro Tem Loggia - became the first Council Member in a decade to join CERT and invited friends to participate. Resident comments highlighted the value of community involvement.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
- May 12, 2025
4. PUBLIC HEARING
Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 393 Amending the Hidden Hills Municipal Code and Adoption of Resolution No. 1040 Creating Administrative Penalties for Violations:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE HIDDEN HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING ACTIVITIES
RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION PROJECTS, AND FINDING THE ACTION
EXEMPT FROM CEOA
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
THE CITY'S FINE SCHEDULE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS TO SPECIFY THE NEW FINE AMOUNT FOR VIOLATIONS OF CHAPTER 13 OF TITLE 3 OF THE HIDDEN HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE.
Staff reported that Ordinance No. 393 was very important for the city. Earlier in 2025, in the interest of safety, the city adopted an ordinance restricting activities on red-flag warning days. The current ordinance extends the safety measures to construction-related activity and adds standards for air quality, noise, vibrations, trash, pest control, and public outreach.
At its meeting of April 14, 2025, the City Council considered a draft ordinance regarding construction and demolition site control measures. At that meeting, the Council provided comments and directed staff to revise the ordinance and return it for the Council's consideration. One specific addition that was requested was the inclusion of penalties for non-compliance. Staff and Council were very aware of the necessary inconveniences resulting from construction, so they aimed to create fair standards, would not impede construction, would maintain peaceful and safe environments for the residents, and included enforceable standards by staff. The first set of standards was related to all construction in the city requires the following:
1. Waste containers, including roll-offs and trash bins, shall be located on the construction site and reasonably screened from public view, and the locations shall be notated on the site plans and approved by the City. Waste containers shall not be placed on the roads or parkways, except as permitted by the Hidden Hills Community Association. Waste containers shall be covered where possible and shall not be overfilled.
2. The site shall be kept clean and free of any trash or other debris not related to construction.
3. Roadways, parkways, and trails shall be cleaned by the builder on a daily basis to remove any nails, screws, trash, soil, mud, and debris originating from the site.
4. The following statement shall be included on all plans and is a requirement of all construction: "The site shall be kept clean of trash and debris not related to construction. Roads, parkways, and trails shall be kept free of dirt, mud, nails, screws, trash, or other construction debris originating from the site. - The builder shall inspect and clean the site and roadway, parkway, and trails at the close of each day on which there was construction activity."
5. The following construction work is prohibited during red flag warning days: grading, demolition, use of any outdoor equipment or outdoor activity that could cause a spark or flame.
City Council Minutes
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6. Pool draft hydrants, for the Fire Department use on the street, are required for all new pools.
7. Portable toilets shall be located on the construction site and reasonably screened from public view.
Locations are to be shown on the site plans and approved by the City. Portable toilets shall be emptied or replaced a minimum of twice per week.
8. Power construction equipment (including combustion engines), fixed or mobile, shall be equipped with noise shielding and muffling devices consistent with manufacturers' standards or the Best Available Control Technology. Ail equipment shall be properly maintained, and the applicant or owner shall require any construction contractor to keep documentation on-site during any earthwork or construction activities demonstrating that the equipment has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
9. Construction noise audible from an adjacent residence or activity that shakes or vibrates residences off-site shall not begin before 8:00 a.m., unless approved by the Building Official.
The next set of standards applies to any projects involving big construction jobs like grading, new homes, remodels of 50% or more, and demolition projects:
1. At least 72 hours prior to commencement of construction, a laminated plywood sign shall be posted - by the builder on the site with minimum dimensions of 4'x4', with black lettering no less than two inches in height on a white background, visible and readable from the public road right of way, stating the following:
a) Notice of pending construction, including a description of the work and the job site address. b) Anticipated date of commencement of construction, and length of construction period c) Two names and phone numbers that can be called 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (owner or owner's representatives). The same names and phone numbers shall be noted on building permits. d) City of Hidden Hills phone number (818) 888-9281
e) Phone number for the South Coast Air Quality Management District complaint line (800) 228-7664.
2. At least 14 days prior to construction, all properties within 500 feet of the project site and no less than two properties away in every direction, or further if deemed necessary by the Building Official due to the unique characteristics of a property, shall be notified of the commencement of construction. The builder shall provide radius maps, mailing labels and stamped envelopes of properties that shall be noticed to the City as part of the application for City verification.
3. The contractor shall hang door tags at all residences notified above, at the commencement of any work that has the potential to cause off-site dust, vibrations, toxic odors, or excessive and prolonged noise. Notices shall include dates, start/stop times, and City and builder email addresses and phone numbers. Additional door hangers shall be required if there are scheduling changes or if such work is discontinued and recommended at a later date.
4. A Dust Control Plan shall be included on plans, submitted for review and approval by the City, and - maintained and implemented on the site at all times. Plans shall comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and State of California standards and shall include:
a) Location and proper maintenance of dust fences.
b) Schedule for watering down site (permanent source of water to be on site).
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c) Plans for use of vegetation and/or chemical stabilizer (non-toxic, environmentally safe stabilizers). d) Where chemical stabilizers are not used, multiple daily applications of water are required on days when there is construction, and immediately prior to weekends and holidays, to minimize visible dust.
e) Regular wheel washing.
Maximum speed limit of 15 mph for all vehicles on the construction site. g) All equipment and vehicles carrying construction debris or material capable of creating dust must be covered by a tarp during transport and safety secured. h) Builders shall begin pre-watering the site at least 72 hours prior to grubbing or grading. i) Builders shall call for City inspection the day prior to grubbing the site or commencing grading or construction to verify the pre-watering.
j) Builders shall take all necessary measures to minimize dust travelling off the project site, even beyond those listed in the dust control plan.
k) The dust control plan shall be maintained and implemented for at least one week after construction is completed
5. If, during construction, there are three significant fugitive dust events, as determined by the Building Official or designee, during the duration of the project, a stop work notice may be issued, and additional dust control protocols shall be added to the Dust Control Plan and implemented to prevent dust from leaving the site. The Dust Control Plan shall be submitted to the City for City approval. The Dust Control Plan is also required for interior remodels, which may require using HEPA filters for ventilation to the area of work. Failure to comply with the Dust Control Plan may result in the City issuing a stop-work order.
6. For homes built prior to 1992, before the issuance of a permit for demolition, the applicant must submit proof of review and approval from SCAQMD that the proposed demolition is compliant with SCAQMD asbestos standards of Rule 1403. If a hazardous material survey and abatement is required, a certificate from a California-licensed hazardous materials contractor shall be submitted to the City certifying that all hazardous materials have been properly abated.
7. The building shall be cleared of all pests and vermin (rats, possums, raccoons, etc.), without the use of poisons or rodenticides, by a licensed pest control company. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, a certificate from the licensed company must be provided to the City stating the pest control company's name, the name of the licensed exterminator, and a statement certifying that the building has been cleared of all pests and vermin.
A separate resolution provides specific penalties and fines for non-compliance. The fine for the first offense would be $250, the fine for the second offense would be $600, and each additional violation within one year would be fined $1,500.
- Staff would recommend that the City Council conduct first reading by title only and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 393 titled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 13 TO TITLE 3 OF THE HIDDEN HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION SITE CONTROL MEASURES AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEOA, " and further City Council Minutes
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adopting Resolution 1040 titled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE CITY'S FINE SCHEDULE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS TO SPECIFY THE NEW FINE AMOUNT FOR VIOLATIONS OF CHAPTER 13 OF TITLE 3 OF THE HIDDEN HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE."
Mayor Weber asked about the fine schedule and if the fines were determined due to a limitation of the city. It was explained that balance was needed. It was reported that the fines could not be excessive under the City's constitution, but they needed to be high enough to be a deterrent.
There were no public comments.
City Engineer Dirk Lovett reported that public notice was given, and no comments were received.
Council Member McCorkindale reported that they had received great feedback on the Ordinance and Resolution, and she thanked everyone who worked on it. She discussed that they were setting a healthier, more accountable tone for the entire city, and she anticipated that the HOA would mirror the rules. She appreciated everyone who reached out, and stated the City was the first in the state to ban spark-producing - activities on red-flag days.
Upon MOTION by Council Member McCorkindale, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Loggia, and unanimously carried on a roll call vote, the Council approved Ordinance No. 396 and Resolution No. 1040 as stated.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of the Register of Demands for May 12, 2025 B. Receive and File the Disbursement List for March 2025 C. Receive and File the Financial/Treasurer's Report for March 2025 D. Receive and File the Investment Statement for March 2025 E. Approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates for Consulting Services for the City of Hidden Hills Housing Element Update F. Receive and File the City Engineering and Community Development Report G. Receive and Review the Hidden Hills Community Association Board of Directors Meeting Minutes for March 18, 2025
Receive and File the Las Virgenes Malibu Council of Governments Summary dated April 15, 2025
1. Receive and File Legislative Opposition Letters
J. Authorization to Advertise for Construction Bids to Micro-Surface Long Valley Road, Spring - Valley Road, Round Meadow Road, Round Meadow School Parking Lot, and City Hall Parking Lot
Approval of Additional Funds Needed for Upgraded City Hall Backup Generator City Council Minutes
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Upon MOTION by Council Member McCorkindale, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Loggia, and carried unanimously on roll call vote, City Council approved items A-K on the Consent Calendar.
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. High Split Technology for Charter Installation
There was no one to present on this item, so it was tabled.
B. Consideration of Filing City Council Vacancy
City Attorney Langer presented the following report:
On May 5, 2025, Council Member Adam Wasserman submitted a written letter to the City Clerk, indicating that he was vacating his City Council seat effective immediately, due to work, personal and family commitments. Consequently, Mr. Wasserman's Council seat has become vacant. The City Council must fill the vacancy left by Mr. Wasserman within 60 days of his vacancy by either: (a) - appointing an eligible resident to serve until the next General Election in November 2026; or (b) calling a special election for November 4, 2025, to fill the unexpired term until November 2028. Historically, the City Council has filled vacancies by way of appointment; leaving the seat vacant is not an option provided by the Government Code.
City Attorney Langer reviewed the two appointment procedure options:
1. If the City Council chooses to fill the vacancy by appointment, members can appoint any eligible resident by majority vote at this or a future meeting within 60 days. Nominations may be made during the meeting, and interested residents can attend or contact a Council Member directly. Alternatively, the Council may establish a formal selection process, such as advertising the vacancy or interviewing candidates. The term of the vacant seat runs from November 2024 to November 2028. However, an appointee will serve only until November 2026, when the seat will be up for a short-term election; it will then be contested again for a full term in November 2028.
2. If Council decides to call a special election, it must be held on the "next regularly established election date" that is at least 114 days after the call for the special election. The next date that falls within this time frame is November 4, 2025. Under this scenario, where the seat is filled through a special election, the seat would remain vacant until the election (approximately 5 months later). The elected candidate would then serve the remainder of the term until - November 2028.
Staff recommends that the City Council decide whether to conduct a special election for November 4, 2025, or to appoint an eligible resident to fill the vacancy. If the Council decides to make an City Council Minutes
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appointment, the Council may appoint an eligible City resident this evening. Alternatively, the Council may direct that applications be solicited from interested residents and be submitted by a date certain. Upon the conclusion of the application and interview process, the Council may make an appointment.
Mayor Weber stated that a very eligible resident was available and agreeable to serving out the year and a half. He nominated Stuart Siegel for the term.
Council Member McCorkindale praised Stuart Siegel's willingness to volunteer, noting his familiarity with city projects and the benefit this brings, especially as onboarding new Council Members can be time-consuming for staff. Council Member Gold supported Siegel's return, while Mayor Pro Tem Loggia acknowledged Siegel's valuable contributions. The council agreed on welcoming Siegel back.
There was no public comment.
Stuart Siegel stated that he appreciated the acknowledgement and honor.
Upon MOTION by Mayor Weber, seconded by Council Member McCorkindale, and carried unanimously on roll call vote, City Council approved Stuart Siegel as a new City Council Member. -
Stuart Siegel's oath of office will be held at the next meeting.
C. Approval of 2025 Fiesta Theme
City Manager Shawn Bayliss presented the following report:
Staff met with the Fiesta Committee to discuss several aspects of the upcoming event, including potential themes. Listed in the packet were five different potential themes suggested. He asked everyone to look at the list and consider it. Standalone themes could be chosen, or themes could be combined.
Council Member McCorkindale noted that last year, there were some residents who were not too thrilled with the theme. She believed that all of the themes were fine and recommended letting staff decide based on research, since all five themes were good.
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia asked what theme for 2024 was that people did not like. Council Member Gold reported that it was "Sports and Arts Unite Us All".
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia asked what the difference in the themes was. It was reported that the difference was -
decorations. The idea was to tie everything to the theme, including games, T-shirts, and the parade floats.
Council Member McCorkindale stated that she liked the Generation Hope theme.
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- May 12, 2025
Mayor Weber stated that out of all of the themes, Woodstock would have the best music, but he did not have a problem letting the Committee pick. He noted that it may be helpful for them to see that the Council allowed them to choose.
City Manager Shawn Bayliss stated that they would send it back to the Committee and let them decide the theme.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Gold reported her attendance at the League of California Cities in April, where seminars covered local control, housing and homelessness, climate resilience, public safety, emergency response, infrastructure, and transportation. She highlighted Proposition 36, which tackles retail theft and drug offenses but lacks state funding, making implementation difficult-especially for treatment-mandated felonies. Equity, consistency, and collaboration between jurisdictions were emphasized. Another seminar reviewed California's economic outlook, raising concerns about tariffs, infrastructure needs, recoveries, fires, and municipal finance.
Council Member Gold also visited the Senate floor as Senator Ben Allen's guest and met with him to discuss AB-470, a bill impacting communication by removing copper phone lines. She stressed the importance of defeating the bill, thanked Council Member McCorkindale and staff for their advocacy, and noted other cities are following their lead. Council Member Gold concluded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with city leaders and staff support.
Mayor Weber asked if there was any information about bringing back incentives to Hollywood. Council Member Gold said that she heard information at a workshop organized by the Governor's office for statewide committees, and there was a committee advising the Governor on issues related to bringing back more business in that realm in California and LA County specifically. She was unsure of any specific efforts.
Council Member McCorkindale thanked Council Member Gold for all of her work and for attending the seminar and workshops.
Council Member McCorkindale discussed that many restaurants in Malibu were making pleas to come to the restaurants due to the lack of business, so she spent some time touring. On a Friday night, the majority of the restaurants were nearly empty due to the road closure and difficulty in getting to Malibu. She asked if something could be done to help the restaurants. She recommended asking all four cities to include - something in their newsletters encouraging people to go to Malibu, and she asked if that could be something that could be presented was brought to the COG (Council of Governments). Council Member Gold stated that she would bring the issue to the COG. Council Member McCorkindale asked staff to put out a note to the Executive Director of the COG, Terry Dipple, to see if he would collaborate and have Hidden Hills go first in City Council Minutes
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their next newsletter to discuss the dire situation. She suggested extending the beach bus on the weekends so people could go to dinner or come up with other ideas. The other Council Members and Mayor Weber agreed to make efforts to help the restaurants.
Council Member McCorkindale proposed using $1,000 of library funds to install little free libraries at the Little Red Bus Stop and City Hall, highlighting their environmental and recycling benefits. She suggested starting with one location and expanding if successful. Council Member Gold supported the idea. Mayor Weber raised concerns about spending library funds within HOA gates, but Gold mentioned other budget options, and City Manager Bayliss agreed alternative funding could be found Council Member McCorkindale thanked Administrative Analyst Williams, for his assistance in finally finding a solution to the long-standing swamp that the City and the HOA had been trying to get cleaned up for over a decade. Administrative Analyst Aaron Williams managed to get the City of LA to outlay nearly $100,000 to rectify the situation that was a public health hazard. She thanked him for all of his work.
9. STAFF COMMENTS
There were no staff comments.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.
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Larry G. Weber, Mayor
*găna L. Gonzalez CMC, City Clar