CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(IN-PERSON AND VIDEO CONFERENCE)
6165 Spring Valley Road
Monday, June 9, 2025
5:30 p.m.
MINUTES
1. 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, June 9, 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 Stuart E. Siegel
Staff City Manager Shawn Bayliss
Deputy City Manager Gloria Molleda
Assistant City Attorney Joanne Marks
Accountant Theresa Hernandez
City Engineer Dirk Lovett
Administrative Analyst Aaron Williams
Public Safety Manager Mike Grant
3. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Gold reported that she attended the 66th Annual Contract Cities Municipal Seminar held in Indian Wells from May 15 to 18. Contract Cities Association advocates and supports other cities that contract with other government agencies, entities, and private companies for municipal services. She highlighted two interesting seminars, one of which was given by Sheriff Luna and mainly focused on the closure of Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles, and the other was given by the new District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, which focused on Proposition 36. She stated it was an incredibly valuable seminar to attend, and she was grateful to be able to represent the City.
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Mayor Pro Tem Loggia thanked Council Member Siegel for returning after decades of service to the City and donating his time, effort, and money. He encouraged everyone to extend their gratitude to him for his volunteering.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
June 9, 2025
Council Member McCorkindale stated the entire Council was excited to have Council Member Siegel back.
She reported that she and Council Member Gold attended an emergency briefing given by Sheriff Luna and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and she thanked the department for putting the briefing together with an hour or two notice.
Mayor Weber reported that he and Council Member Gold attended a fundraiser put on by the Las Virgenes School District called Casino Night, and Aaron Williams was instrumental in putting it together as one of the board members for the foundation. He reported the City of Hidden Hills supported the event, and it was a success.
Council Member Gold reported the only school in the City, Round Meadow Elementary, was receiving a new principal, Stephanie Moncada, and they looked forward to meeting her. She stated she hoped that Ms.
Moncada will be able to attend the next meeting on July 14.
Mayor Weber recapped his meeting with Sheriff Luna and attendance at Mayor Bass's press conference. He addressed misinformation and shared that ICE agents are serving legitimate warrants. The Sheriff emphasized peaceful protest, warning community members to avoid those targeted by ICE to prevent questioning. There - were no riots in Paramount or Downtown LA, and protests remained mostly peaceful, though some agitators confronted law enforcement. He urged protesters to act respectfully and distance themselves from agitators.
4. STAFF COMMENTS
City Manager Shawn Bayliss reported that a four-hour cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training class was out together and was already full. They were continuing to take students who were interested in a second class. The classes hold 25 people. He noted that it shows what people are interested in and care about.
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. Oath of Office to Appointed City Council Member Stuart E. Siegel Stuart E. Siegel was sworn in as an appointed City Council Member.
B. Los Angeles County Fire Department Report - April
Chief Drew Smith noted no major changes: zero fires, nine medical calls, eight service calls, nine good intent calls, and seven snake calls in April and May. Engine companies are preparing to educate the public for summer, with daily risk assessments and recent rainfall helping reduce fire risk. Mayor Pro Tem Loggia thanked Chief Smith for supporting staff training and providing practical experience for the CERT team.
Mayor Weber explained that now that the city is Firewise certified, residents may qualify for insurance discounts. Further discounts are available for households meeting specific Firewise criteria, with home ignition zone assessments being crucial. Council Member McCorkindale requested an announcement about the City Council Minutes
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Regular Meeting
June 9, 2025
certification and asked about the Fire Department's perspective on Hidden Hills banning spark-producing work during red flag days. Chief Drew Smith supported the policy, noting it helps prevent accidents.
C. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Report - April Deputy Rick Baldi reported for April 2025, there were zero Part One crimes reported and two calls for trespassing. Compared to last year, there was no change in Part One crimes, and there was a 33% decrease in trespassing calls.
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia stated that the motors had been noticeably active, and they appreciated it.
Council Member McCorkindale asked how staffing was going. Deputy Rick Baldi stated that when there were events in the County, the mobile field force was put out. On the day shift, it was not deployed. On the PM shift, the mobile field force was deployed which takes 50% of their in-service deputies and sends them to where they are needed.
D. Public Safety Manager and Emergency Services Coordinator Report -
Public Safety Manager Mike Grant shared that Sheriff's compliance rates were 105% for motors, 100% for patrol, and 78% for the SOA Deputy. Citation data was pending but would be updated soon. At the May 27 CERT meeting, members completed onboarding, received new radios, trained with Narcan, and practiced search, rescue, and medical triage, with the assistance of the Fire Department. CPR/AED classes are set for June 18, with another possible class later in summer. A community blood drive is planned for August, and a new ID-maker will help identify CERT members. Cross-training for babysitters is under consideration for summer. Residents traveling in Los Angeles should monitor traffic and protest updates due to potential freeway shutdowns by paid agitators, and plan alternate routes as necessary.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearing on the Status of Staff Vacancies in the City of Hidden Hills as Required by Government Code Section 3502.3
Staff were asked to continue the item until the next Council meeting in July. Mayor Weber agreed.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of City Council Minutes for April 14, 2025
Approval of the Register of Demands for June 9, 2025
C. Receive and File the Disbursement List for April 2025 D. Receive and File the Financial/Treasurer's Report for April 2025 - E. Receive and File the Investment Statement for April 2025 F. Approval of Vendor Agreements for the 2025 Hidden Hills Fiesta - A Rental Connection, Christiansen Amusements/Southland Shows, In-N-Out Burger and Payment of Deposits Receive and File the City Engineering and Community Development Report City Council Minutes
- Regular Meeting
June 9, 2025
H. Receive and Review the Hidden Hills Community Association Board of Directors Meeting Minutes for April 15, 2025
I. Receive and File the Las Virgenes Malibu Council of Governments Summary dated May 20, 2025
J. Approval of Resolution No. 1041 to Approve a Project List for 2025-26 to Receive an Estimated $45,311 in SB1, Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Act of 2017 Funding
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 FUNDED BY SB-1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT 2017
Adoption of Ordinance No. 396 Regarding Construction and Demolition of Site Control Measures and Administrative Penalties for Violations - Second Reading AN ORDINANCE TO
AMEND THE HIDDEN HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING ACTIVITIES RELATING TO
CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION PROJECTS, AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT
FROM CEOA
L. Approval of a Technology Reimbursement Policy A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS ESTABLISHING A TECHNOLOGY REIMBURSEMENT
POLICY FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
M. Approval to Repair City Hall Exterior Handrails
N. Amending and Clarifying Personnel and Salary Rules and Hidden Hills Municipal Code Related to Various Personnel Matters A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF HIDDEN HILLS AMENDING AND READOPTING THE PERSONNEL RULES AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 1021 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS AMENDING SUBSECTION C OF SECTION 1-8-1 OF THE HIDDEN HILLS
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE ABSENCE OF THE CITY MANAGER AND FINDING
THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEOA A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF HIDDEN HILLS APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY'S CLASSIFICATION PLAN AND SALARY SCHEDULE FOR EMPLOYEES AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 1039 Upon MOTION by Council Member McCorkindale, seconded by Council Member Loggia, and carried unanimously on roll call vote, the City Council approved items A-N on the Consent Calendar. Council Member Siegel abstained from the approval of item A.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
A complaint was filed regarding a tree that has been down for months on Long Valley Road. The tree is in the City of Los Angeles right-of-way. The City of Los Angeles removed the tree and had been asked to remove the stump. Staff reported that they would follow up.
- NEW BUSINESS
A. High Split/Network Evolution Technology - Charter (Spectrum) City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
June 9, 2025
On October 15, 2024, Charter presented two internet infrastructure options to the City: Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and High Split/Network Evolution. The Council received a comparison of benefits and timelines for each. A choice was required, and Spectrum representatives Howard Pointer and Whitney O'Neal were available to answer questions.
Howard Pointer attended the October 15, 2024 Hidden Hills City Council meeting to discuss two options for improving internet service. He explained that waiting for Network Evolution would lower costs and reduce community disruption, with a target start in 2026. Current mid-tier speeds suffice for most users' needs, such as streaming and gaming, while higher upload speeds are available for business customers at a premium. Slow speeds typically result from device placement, wiring, or firmware issues, and service calls are free to resolve problems. Spectrum has installed 72-hour backup power supplies to maintain service during outages, though home power loss remains the customer's responsibility. The company ensures network redundancy for uninterrupted service during major disasters.
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia asked about Fiber-to-the-Home and Network Evolution, cost implementation, and speed reliability. He asked about the cost to the city of putting in Fiber-to-the-Home. Howard Pointer reported that the cost was $2.8 million. Mr. Loggia asked what the implementation date for fiber would be. Howard Pointer stated that he would need to get back to him with the exact date.
Council Member McCorkindale recalled that Fiber-to-the-Home could start within 90 days, pending verification by Howard Pointer. She raised concerns about delays and resident dissatisfaction. Howard Pointer emphasized their commitment to resolving issues and contrasted the disruptive nature of Fiber-to-the- Home-requiring street work-with the simpler Network Evolution, which only changed equipment with minimal overnight disruption. He suggested the Council consider timelines for both options.
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia asked whether April 26 was the start date or the launch date. Howard Pointer clarified it is a tentative start date for work, which could change. The project involves extensive work across Hidden Hills and other cities, all to be completed before the service launches in 2027. Work in Hidden Hills will take only weeks, but coordination with other cities extends the timeline. From the consumer perspective, service is expected to begin in 2027.
Council Member Gold asked about the difference between Fiber-to-the-Home and Network Evolution speed- wise. Howard Pointer stated that there would be no difference in speed for the residents. The first launch of Network Evolution would initially provide the same speeds as Fiber-to-the-Home. The one difference was that the roadmap was to get from 1 GB symmetrical to 10 GB symmetrical for Network Evolution, which would increase the speeds in the future.
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia asked if Fiber-to-the-Home depended on actions by nearby cities; Howard Pointer said it did not. He clarified that a decision on Fiber-to-the-Home was not required at this meeting, as Network Evolution is proceeding nationwide. If Fiber-to-the-Home is implemented, Network Evolution would not occur in the area. The Hybrid Fiber Coax system uses coaxial cables rather than Fiber-to-the-Home.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
June 9, 2025
Council Member McCorkindale stated it was the first time she had heard that they could not be turned on until other cities were turned on. Howard Pointer explained how the hub worked, which fed multiple cities and required everything to be turned on at the same time. Council Member McCorkindale stated she believed they were no longer linked to Malibu's hub in terms of their infrastructure. Howard Pointer stated there was an old Charter hub in Malibu that was decommissioned. There were 34 hubs within the north management area, which now fed the City of Hidden Hills. Council Member McCorkindale asked where the Network Evolution had started. Howard Pointer stated it had not been put in place in Southern California. Council Member McCorkindale discussed not wanting to make a decision at the current meeting due to the timeline and the changes in details. Howard Pointer stated that the only date push was from 2025 to April 2026, but he understood the frustration.
Council Member Siegel agreed there was no reason to decide at the current meeting due to the constantly evolving speed of technology.
Mayor Weber agreed not to decide at the current meeting and let Network Evolution take its course for the time being.
- Howard Pointer encouraged everyone to reach out with any issues within the City of Hidden Hills so that he could help. He recommended power cycling equipment every 90 days (by turning off the power for 30 seconds and turning it back on) in order to automatically pull in more updates; however, the company's equipment that they own and are in homes typically get automatic updates.
Resident Bret Katz questioned Mr. Pointer about fiber infrastructure in the city, differences from DOCSIS 3, switch replacements, and modem upgrades. He expressed concerns about poor gaming latency and unreliable service, noting that other cities already have fiber. Howard Pointer clarified that fiber infrastructure is in place, but upgrading involves replacing all underground hardware, not just circuits, to enable faster uploads and downloads. Some areas still require digging for installation, though existing rights-of-way will be used. A 14-day telemetry tool can help detect issues. Latency with fiber should be similar to current levels, and most residents use DOCSIS 3.1, sufficient for 1 GB symmetrical speeds; future upgrades to 2 GB and 10 GB will need modem swaps, but wiring replacement isn't necessary.
B. Recommendation to Approve the Issuance of Letters of Support for SB 394 and AB 478, and Letter of Opposition for SB 79, AB 470, and AB 1337
Administrative Analyst Williams presented the following report:
Staff recommended supporting SB 394 and AB 478 and opposing three other bills in the California State Legislature. SB 394 would allow water agencies to increase fines and seek civil damages for unauthorized fire hydrant use, improving public safety and emergency response. AB 478 requires local emergency plans to -
include pet evacuation procedures during mandatory evacuations, without limiting animal types, giving local governments flexibility.
City Council Minutes
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Regular Meeting
June 9, 2025
Staff advised opposing SB 79, which would let transit agencies develop land they own without local zoning oversight. The bill requires cities to approve high-density projects near transit stops, bypasses community input and environmental review, undermines local planning like RHNA, and removes control over development near Hidden Hills. It could allow seven-story apartments, affecting traffic and waste, and has already passed the Senate.
AT&T asked the California Public Utilities Commission to end mandatory landline services, but Hidden Hills opposed it and the proposal was rejected. Assembly Bill 470 sought to let phone providers stop basic landline service without commission oversight. This raised safety concerns in fire-prone areas like Hidden Hills, where landlines are crucial during emergencies. The bill was shelved in committee.
AB 1377 expands the Information Practices Act of 1977 by ending local government exemptions, requiring compliance with state-level privacy rules. While promoting data stewardship, the bill imposes broad mandates without providing needed resources or support, creating legal risks for staff and potentially disrupting municipal operations, especially in public safety departments.
Staff recommended issuing letters of approval for SB 394 and AB 478 and issuing letters of opposition for SB - 79, AB 470, and AB 1377.
David Quintana, the City's Sacramento lobbyist, provided updates on recent legislative changes. Senator Monique Limón was elected Pro Tem and represents many communities affected by the Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) bill, which benefits from her leadership. Wiener's AB 79 passed the Senate with minimal support; Limón abstained due to community pressure.
Council Member McCorkindale mentioned Senator Monique Limón's general support for the community and asked David Quintana for updates. Mr. Quintana noted that legislators must pass a budget by June 15 covering only operational costs, with the Governor having until June 30 to sign or revise it. Trailer bills will address further details through September 18, with about 1,500 bills still in progress before adjournment on September
15. The Governor may request additional funds for Los Angeles recovery efforts. Council Member McCorkindale said AT&T would likely continue pushing its Carrier of Last Resort bill yearly, investing heavily in lobbying. The council regularly updates the public on lobbying activities and recently proposed asking SpaceX for mandatory municipal notifications before sonic booms. Their approach includes addressing issues benefitting both Hidden Hills and broader communities.
Council Member Gold stated she was grateful for AB 478 so that there were more services offered to the residents and their pets. She commented that this was a kind and meaningful legislation that speaks to the hearts of their constituents.
Council Member Siegel asked why a city would want AB 470 to be passed. David Quintana stated no cities -
were in favor of it to his knowledge, and AT&T largely drove it. The bill was held in rules and was technically dead, but it could still return until September 18.
David Quintana stated that the League of Cities had not been as consistent as they had wanted on bill AB 470.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
June 9, 2025
Upon MOTION by Council Member McCorkindale, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Loggia, and unanimously carried on a roll call vote, the Council approved sending the letters of support for SB 394 and AB 478 and letters of opposition for SB 79, AB 470, and AB 1377.
C. Adoption of Resolution No. 1044, Adopting a General Fund Reserve Policy and Transferring Funds Unappropriated as of June 30, 2025, to the Reserve Categories Set Forth in the General Fund Reserve Policy, Approving an Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2025-26, Adopting the City's Budget, and Establishing the Appropriations Limit for the Fiscal Year Commencing July 1, 2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS TRANSFERRING FUNDS UNAPPROPRIATED AS OF JUNE 30, 2025 TO THE RESERVE
CATEGORIES SET FORTH IN THE GENERAL FUND RESERVE POLICY, APPROVING AN INVESTMENT POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26, ADOPTING THE CITY'S BUDGET AND
ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025
Staff reported the following:
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Resolution No. 1044 encompassed four items: the City's investment policy for FY 2025-26, adopting a general fund reserve policy, transferring unappropriated funds as of June 30, 2025, to the reserve categories set forth in the General Fund Reserve Policy, and adopting the City's budget and establishing the appropriations limit for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025.
A portion was missing from the budget. A resolution approved the classification and changes to the salary schedule, which added the position of Administrative Assistant, but the salary associated with the new position was omitted from the budget. The approved salary range for the new position is $18 to $28 per hour, and the staff recommended a salary of $41,600 per year.
Mayor Weber asked if the $41,600 was an add-on to the staff salary. City Manager Bayliss confirmed that it was.
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia discussed the operating revenues and expenditures and referenced page 16, which showed more detail. The proposed budget for operating revenue is $4,790,957, and the proposed operating expenditures were $4,503,000, plus the aforementioned salaries and benefits that would be added. The operating expenses were approximately $200,000 less than the revenue, and it was a particularly expensive year due to transition costs for cross-training some staff. Beyond that, the operating expenses were still less than the operating revenues. The transfers in and out were capital expenditures, and some were planned for City Hall improvements, matches from the general fund that were approximately $300,000, and significant - upgrades to CERT equipment. A lot of thought and energy was put into what they believed they would need.
Council Members Gold and McCorkindale thanked the Committee for all of their work.
City Council Minutes
Regular Meeting
June 9, 2025
Council Member Gold highlighted that they allocated $800,000 for the Round Meadow entry beautification project because it was anticipated to occur within the next fiscal year.
Mayor Weber asked if the check on the wall for the undergrounding was included in the budget since the funds had not yet materialized. Staff reported that it was added to the budget on page 25.
Each of the projects, the funding sources, where it was allocated into the budget, and what type of funding was being used, were included in the budget. There were projects scheduled throughout the future years, but they were not typically included in the presentation.
Council Member Siegel questioned the Schwab market revenue. Mayor Pro Tem Loggia explained it reflected changes in bond market value, not interest income, which appear elsewhere. Interest income from Schwab was budgeted at $316,000 on page 17, but shifting rates affected bond values. Siegel asked about labeling market-value changes as "revenue." Accountant Theresa Hernandez noted this naming was kept for consistency, though Mr. Loggia suggested it could be changed since unrealized gains have no other category.
Siegel also mentioned a current-year budget amount.
Upon MOTION, with the amendment notice by Mayor Pro Tem Loggia, by Council Member McCorkindale, seconded by Council Member Gold, and unanimously carried on a roll call vote, the Council approved the adoption of Resolution No. 1044 with the addition of $62,461 for salary and benefits.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.
Larry G. Weber, Mayor