CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(IN-PERSON AND VIDEO CONFERENCE)
6165 Spring Valley Road
Monday, July 14, 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, July 14, 2025, at the hour of 5:31 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Joe Loggia called the meeting to order and presided thereover.
2. ROLL CALL
Council Mayor Pro Tem Joe Loggia
Council Member Eniko Gold
- Council Member Laura McCorkindale
Council Member Stuart E. Siegel
Staff City Manager Shawn Bayliss
Assistant City Manager Gloria Molleda
City Attorney Lauren Langer
City Engineer Dirk Lovett
Administrative Analyst Aaron Williams
Public Safety Manager Mike Grant
Emergency Services Coordinator Nick Saldivar
Absent Mayor Larry Weber
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia, at this time, announced that there would be a change in order to the meeting, 8C would be addressed after Item 6.
3. PRESENTATIONS
A. Welcome New Principal, Round Meadow Elementary, Stephanie Moncada Mayor Pro Tem Loggia welcomed new principal Stephanie Moncada, highlighting her strong educational background and commitment to fostering a supportive school environment. Superintendent Dan Stepenosky attended and expressed enthusiasm for her appointment. Stephanie Moncada shared her honor in taking the role and her goal of helping students thrive. Council Members McCorkindale, Gold, and Siegel also extended their welcomes.
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B. Los Angeles County Fire Department Report - June
No one was in attendance to give the June report.
C. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Report- June Acting Captain Carr was welcomed.
Deputy Rick Baldi reported that in June 2025, there was one grand theft, one domestic violence incident, and one trespassing call. Year-to-date, Part One crime decreased by 60%. The grand theft involved suspected missing purses during a move and remains under investigation. Deputies arrested suspects for trespassing. A crime involving a YouTube video will be reviewed by a detective and the DA for possible charges related to trespassing and open flames in a fire-prone area.
Acting Captain Carr reported a July 3 burglary in Hidden Hills that drew community attention. Deputies responded quickly, pursuing suspects into Malibu, where the area was contained. Detectives reviewed homeowner footage but found no evidence of the suspects, partly due to delays while the homeowner was away. The suspects used a retractable ladder and wore masks and gloves, and there was also a related burglary attempt at the victims' previous residence. No new surveillance has surfaced, but detectives remain in contact with the victims. Carr reminded residents to call 911 immediately if a burglary is suspected. He noted that Hidden Hills continues to do well compared to nearby cities, with only one burglary reported. For comparison, there were seven in Agoura Hills, 27 in Calabasas, 22 in Malibu, six in Topanga, and two in Westlake Village.
When asked how suspects enter the community, Carr explained that they usually come through less populated areas and operate in a coordinated manner.
Council Member McCorkindale asked if the victims' previous burglary attempt at the victim's previous residence occurred the same night, and Acting Captain Carr confirmed. She questioned whether social media posts made them a target; Carr said it's possible and advised posting travel updates after returning. When asked about their presence in the front yard, Carr noted they were briefly there, with no evidence the suspects were present simultaneously. McCorkindale also clarified that the referenced Hidden Ridge burglary happened over a year ago, which Carr confirmed, adding there were no new developments.
D. Public Safety Manager and Emergency Services Coordinator Report Mike Grant reported June 2025 compliance rates: motors at 114%, patrol at 100%, and special deputy at 112%.
There were 71 traffic citations, up from 68 in May, with a notable rise in stop sign violations. He advised making a full stop and counting to three behind the limit line to avoid citations, as most collisions occur near home.
The recent CERT meeting had strong attendance, including a tour of Lost Hill Station, and focused on communications. Those interested in CERT participation should contact Mr. Grant.
Council Member McCorkindale requested details about the burglary, specifically regarding drone use during the pursuit, relevant regulations, and video editing inaccuracies. Mike Grant explained that the incident was City Council Minutes
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reported via an international third party, prompting immediate 911 and Covered 6 response. Drone surveillance is limited to four to six hours nightly with 20% camera coverage, focusing on alerts for unauthorized presence; Covered 6 units respond accordingly but do not manage perimeters. Ms. McCorkindale also advised residents on burglary prevention, such as not sharing personal belongings online, activating alarms, and posting vacation updates after returning. The HOA has increased camera installations, and drones are operated only by authorized personnel, covering only perimeter areas without internal cameras.
Mr. Grant reviewed a YouTube video showing a trespasser who entered the community by hiding in a DoorDash driver's car after being turned away at the gate. The individual used the pool, slept overnight in the bushes on HOA property, and cooked a meal with an open flame near kindling. The video ended before revealing how he left, and the case was reported to Deputy Baldi for investigation.
ITEM 8C TO BE ADDRESSED AT THIS TIME (BEFORE ITEM 4) ON THE AGENDA
8. PUBLIC HEARING
C. Request for Variance No. V-387 for Front and Side Yard Setback Encroachment (5808 Hilltop Road)
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia noted that he would be abstaining from the item due to living within 500 feet of the address, and he left the room at 6:11 p.m. Council Member McCorkindale then presided over this portion of the meeting.
Council Member McCorkindale noted that she had ex parte communication on the variance. She reached out to the HOA president with no response, spoke briefly to the architectural consultants, and one of the neighbors sent a video of the street. Letters were also received, which were available in the packets.
City Engineer Dirk Lovett provided the following report:
The City of Hidden Hills received a variance request for a new single-family home at 5808 Hilltop Road to encroach 23 feet, 7 inches into the front yard setback, with a trash enclosure encroaching 21 feet.
Existing retaining walls from 1 to 7 feet high would remain. The Hidden Hills Community Association approved the project, and notices were sent to nearby property owners. No public comments were initially received, though some were submitted later. The applicant requested a variance citing the property's narrowness and steep slopes as exceptional conditions limiting the buildable area. While staff acknowledged the steep topography, they found it common among surrounding properties and not an extraordinary circumstance unique to the site. The applicant's claim that the variance was necessary to preserve substantial property rights similar to other Hilltop Road homes was deemed unclear, as comparable homes differed significantly in design and site conditions. Staff agreed that the variance would not be detrimental to public welfare, as nearby homes had similar setbacks, but found that the applicant did not adequately demonstrate consistency with the General Plan or Title 5 of the Hidden Hills Municipal Code.
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It was the staff's recommendation to continue the hearing until more information from the applicant was received, but given the number of people in attendance, staff asked the Council what they preferred to do.
Council Member McCorkindale suggested letting those in attendance speak, record their comments, and then continue the item.
Council Member McCorkindale opened the public hearing.
The applicant, Jimmy Clausen, stated that they had a family of three children and they did not want to build significantly. They had to go larger than they desired. They wanted four bedrooms upstairs, which resulted in the struggle of expanding. He understood the community's concerns and stated that they wanted to do everything possible to ensure that they did not disrupt the community. They had to follow the HOA requirements, which resulted in the changes and the size of the house they were trying to approve.
Council Member Siegel asked whether a neighborhood hearing had been held. Mr. Clausen explained that a variance for the retaining wall was circulated to neighbors and voted on by the Board, with discussion focused on the prevailing 50-foot setback. Mr. Siegel noted that residents seemed surprised by the issue. Council Member McCorkindale clarified that the Board never voted on the variance, as they were told it wasn't required. Designer Daniel added that the HOA's Architectural Robert Mahterian confirmed no variance was needed and that, due to the land's slope, the garage would otherwise sit near the middle of the lot.
Residents Patrick Finn and his wife Farnaz thanked the Council for their efforts but expressed opposition to the variance. They noted that Hilltop Road is a narrow cul-de-sac with a steep incline and is characterized by single-story ranch homes, with no new construction. They urged denial of the variance, stating that approval would set a precedent for other properties and result in reduced setbacks, creating a more imposing streetscape inconsistent with the neighborhood's character.
Resident Esther Cooney thanked the Council for the new animal protection ordinance and opposed the variance, stating the 12,000-square-foot home and 4,000-square-foot second story represented a self-imposed hardship. She said the project would undermine Hilltop Road's character and the open, equestrian nature of Hidden Hills, setting an unfavorable precedent.
Resident Debbie Loggia thanked the Council for Ordinance 369 and stated she did not oppose development but believed the developer's claimed hardships were self-imposed for an oversized home. She said the HOA misapplied setback rules, allowing a design that would dominate the street and trail. Loggia described Hilltop as a narrow, unique area with deep rear yards leading to horse valleys and urged the Council to visit the site.
She also submitted Ordinance 262, Article H, highlighting its requirement for compatibility with surrounding residences.
Michael and Esther Imberman, neighbors of the property that would be newly constructed, commented that they were in communication with the homeowner about the variance for the cement walls, which he immediately consented to. He stated that no one ever mentioned the variance in the size of the property. He discussed that the house would be imposing on the entire street and would lead to an unwanted precedent.
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He stated that the owners needed to work with the neighbors in terms of how it would impose upon them and how the views would change.
Brent Gokbudak, the neighbor immediately to the left, commended the Council on the passage of the recent ordinances regarding constructing major projects. He echoed the concerns presented by the other residents and noted that the concerns had been expressed in detail in letters. He looked at the staff report, which pointed out that there was a lot of missing information and detail that was still needed for the Council and the public. He reiterated that it was not ready for Council approval and requested that the variances be denied.
Gary discussed the rules that needed to be abided by, and houses should fit into the lot sizes. He reiterated that it was a community with rules, and those needed to be abided by.
Wendy Bellissimo discussed that it was a beautiful neighborhood and was not being preserved in the way that it should be. She asked the Council not to approve the variances.
Debbie Sutz discussed that they wanted to be inviting to their community and acknowledged that it was a very narrow street. There were many properties in which a 10,000 square foot space would be appropriate. There were lots of oriented buildings in which bigger, two-story properties could be built. She stated that the property was beautiful and if it had bigger setbacks, then it may not be so noticeable. She stated in her opinion, that the property should not have been purchased since the changes would make it out of place.
Joe Bellissimo discussed when he was previously on the HOA Board and how variances were processed during that time. He further discussed he always thought about what was needed by the families, but when he was searching for a home, they ensured that the property matched what was needed. He emphasized the importance of conforming to the community's original intent and cautioned against repeatedly changing the rules or approving variances that fundamentally alter the community.
Megan Sweeney expressed her gratitude for being able to come together and kindly discuss everything. She discussed that laws had been changing, resulting in the tall, box-like houses. Having lived in Hidden Hills for decades, they appreciated coming together, having events, and the land. She discussed the land and the importance of having space. She urged everyone to remember the sacredness of the land when making Scott thanked the Council for some of its recent activities that required construction sites to clean up around the permitters, and the streets in particular. He noted that Hoback Glen Road was previously littered with nails and screws, and the new ordinance prevented that.
A resident thanked the Council for the construction ordinance and discussed how great it was for their breathing, health, and safety.
Daniel stated that they were not trying to hide anything from the homeowners. The second story was 70 feet from the center of the line, and the neighbors' lots were 50 feet from the line. He stated that he followed all City Council Minutes
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the heights, and the house would still be farther back than the neighbors. He discussed that they were just trying to build a house for the family and were misled by the rules.
Jimmy Clausen thanked everyone for their comments and stated that they were trying to follow every rule while maximizing the lot that was there for their family. They had not tried to do anything and did not realize they were required to submit variances until recently. He noted that it was a difficult lot, and they were trying to make it work.
Wendy Bellissimo asked everyone to consider that the new height for the second story was 32 feet, and the other stories were 26 feet. The height resulted in issues of privacy, and no one was able to solidify how it was changed to 32 feet, aside from a builder changing it. The change was part of the reason that people felt that homes were towering over streets. She stated that they all deserved respect of having privacy in their homes.
Council Member McCorkindale closed the public hearing.
Council Member McCorkindale stated that she was a big proponent of scale and balance, and she would deny the application based on not meeting the findings. However, due to the staff's recommendation for the continuance and more information needed, she asked the applicant to sit down with their neighbors and provide renderings of the building. She stated that the public had a right to see the renderings so that they could get a sense of how the street would change. There was enormous weight if one home was allowed to be changed. She strongly recommended rethinking the plan.
Council Member Gold asked for clarification on the "prevailing setback." City Engineer Lovett explained that while the City code doesn't define it, the HOA uses the term to require deeper setbacks. Gold noted the City's standard setback is 50 feet with no "prevailing" definition and questioned where the setback began. Lovett said the applicant measured from the street's centerline, while the city measures from the right-of-way. Gold also questioned if the applicant provided enough proof, and Lovett said more information could be submitted.
Council Member Siegel stated that he believed the matter should continue, but it should have been dealt with at the architectural HOA level. He agreed that there were problems and acknowledged the issues but recommended finding a solution.
Upon MOTION by Council Member Siegel, seconded by Council Member Gold, and unanimously carried or a roll call vote, the Council approved the continuation for the hearing of Ordinance No. 398 until August 11 2025.
Mayor Loggia rejoined the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
4. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member McCorkindale reported that the City of Hidden Hills was actively engaged with AT&T regarding the loss of landlines since Father's Day in the city. She recommended that anyone interested look City Council Minutes
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at the letter from the Council to the Governor and other legislators regarding the issue. They would continue to fight AB 470, but backup was appreciated.
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia recognized all the work that the staff did on Ordinance 396, as well as Council Member McCorkindale, who led the efforts for the ordinance. Council Member Siegel seconded the comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia requested that Council Member Siegel join him in the Investment Ad Hoc Committee.
It was unanimously agreed upon, and Council Member Siegel joined the Investment Ad Hoc Committee.
5. STAFF COMMENTS
There were no staff comments.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Stephanie Molen, the new area manager for Southern County Edison, introduced herself and stated that she was available to support the Council in matters dealing with Edison. She looked forward to working with the Council.
Barbara Lipken thanked the Council for trying to solve the AT&T issue. She stated that their cellphones no longer worked with cellular service. She asked if the lines were actually cut, why would some individuals have landlines while others did not. She believed that they were being misled and asked for more urgent action to be taken.
Council Member Siegel asked if AT&T had been invited to a meeting. Council Member McCorkindale said the City had already spent significant time engaging with AT&T, which had lobbied in other states to end its copper landline obligations. She noted the company was aware of local issues and that the Council was in contact with its California president, but questioned the value of another meeting, suggesting residents explore alternatives like Starlink. Mayor Pro Tem Loggia recommended preparing a comprehensive report on the City's efforts and sharing it with the community. Staff confirmed they would create and distribute the report and continue reaching out to AT&T for a possible meeting.
Resident Gabe Nussbaum stated that he briefly read the letter to AT&T, which hit on important issues. He discussed that they were promised that service would be restored on multiple occasions, and he believed that it was not high on AT&T's priority list. The splice box at the end of his road was completely spliced and barricaded off. There was no incentive to restore the service, even though it was a necessary service. The municipal code had chapter six, which revolved around franchises. He asked if AT&T had a franchise agreement with the city and who administered the agreement. Staff confirmed that they will add a report on city franchise agreements.
ema 7. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of the Register of Demands for July 14, 2025 B. Receive and File the Disbursement List for May 2025
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C. Receive and File the Financial/Treasurer's Report for May 2025 D. Receive and File the Investment Statement for May 2025 E. Receive and File the City Engineering and Community Development Report F. Receive and Review the Hidden Hills Community Association Board of Directors Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2025
G. Receive and File the Las Virgenes Malibu Council of Governments Summary dated June 17, 2025
H. Appointment of Director and Alternate to the Board of Directors of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (PIA)
Receive and File the Letter Addressing Ongoing AT&T Landline Service Disruptions and 7 Failure to Meet Repair Standards - July 1, 2025
J. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 397 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
K. Amending and Clarifying Personnel and Salary Rules and the Hidden Hills Municipal Code Related to Various Personnel Matters
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY'S CLASSIFICATION PLAN AND SALARY SCHEDULE FOR EMPLOYEES AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 1043
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS AMENDING AND READOPTING THE PERSONNEL RULES AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 1042
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 1-8-1 OF CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 1 TO THE HIDDEN HILLS MUNICIPAL
CODE AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEQA
L. Approval of Catch Basin Repairs
M. Approval of Agreement with Flock Safety for Purchase and Installation of License Plate Recognition (LPR) Cameras
Upon MOTION by Council Member Gold, seconded by Council Member McCorkindale, and carried unanimously on roll call vote, City Council approved items A-M on the Consent Calendar.
8. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Continuation of Public Hearing on the Status of Staff Vacancies in the City of Hidden Hills as Required by Government Code Section 3502.3
Staff reported that they were holding a public hearing in compliance with Government Code Section 3502.3, which required that all agencies reported on workforce agencies, recruitments, and retention efforts, before adopting a budget. This item was originally scheduled for June but was continued to the July 14, 2025, meeting due to technical agenda issues. Workforce status as of December 31, 2024, showed that the City of Hidden Hills had no vacant positions in 2024, and bargaining groups represented no staff, so enhanced reporting City Council Minutes
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requirements did not apply. The city conducted professional recruitment for the City Manager position, and no recruitment challenges significantly affected the ability to hire. To strengthen operations, the city added two new positions: Assistant City Manager and Administrative Assistant. Competitive benefits continued to be offered to support staff retention. The staff recommendation was that the City Council open the public hearing, take public comment, if there is any, close the hearing, and receive and file the report.
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia opened the public hearing at 7:41 PM.
There was no one in attendance wishing to speak. The public hearing closed at 7:42 PM.
Upon MOTION by Council Member Siegel, seconded by Council Member Gold, and carried unanimously on roll call vote, City Council approved to receive and file the Public Hearing report on the status of Staff Vacancies in the City of Hidden Hills as Required by Government Code Section 3502.3.
B. Approval of Ordinance No. 398 of the City of Hidden Hills to Designate Fire Hazard Severity - Zones and Amend Section 4-3-5 of the Hidden Hills Municipal Code, and Finding the Action Exempt from CEQA
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS DESIGNATING
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES WITHIN THE CITY BASED ON MAPS PROVIDED BY THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION, AMENDING SECTION 43-5 OF THE HIDDEN HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND FINDING SUCH ACTIONS ARE
EXEMPT FROM CEOA
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia emphasized that they were given no opportunity to provide input.
City Engineer Lovett reported that the fire hazard severity maps were supposed to be prepared every five years to show low, moderate, high, and severe fire areas to help fire departments implement their requirements for fire safety and for the safety department to determine when fire-resistant construction was required. The map was last updated in 2007, and the city received the update on March 4, 2025. The update was posted on the website and sent out for public review and comments. The city was not allowed to modify the map, except for increasing the fire hazard zones to be more restrictive. Per state law, it was required to adopt an ordinance within 120 days of receipt of the new map. The map was supposed to take effect in December 2025, but the exact date was to be determined. There was no mechanism for the City to appeal the map. Approximately two-thirds of the city was in the severe risk fire area. Staff recommended that the Council find that the adoption of the proposed Ordinance No. 398 is statutorily exempt from review under the CEOA pursuant to the State CEQA guidelines and to waive the full reading and introduce by title only the Ordinance No. 398 entitled: "an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hidden Hills designating fire hazard severity zones within the City based on maps provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, amending Section 4-3-5 of the Hidden Hills Municipal Code, and finding such actions are exempt from CEOA.
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Mayor Pro Tem Loggia opened the public hearing. As there was no one in attendance wishing to speak, the public hearing closed
Upon MOTION by Council Member Siegel, seconded by Council Member McCorkindale, and carried unanimously on roll call vote, City Council approved the waiving and introduction by title only of Ordinance No. 398.
8C. MOVED TO BEFORE ITEM 4.
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Award of City Street and Parking Lot Micro-Surface Contract.
City Engineer Lovett presented the following report:
It was the responsibility of the city to maintain the streets outside of the Association gates, and it - was recommended that they be resurfaced with a slurry seal or a micro-surface, which was a different type of slurry seal that cured faster. The parking lots at City Hall and the school would also be done.
Staff advertised publicly, and three bids were received. The lowest bid was $293,806 for Toro Enterprises, Inc. The bid was interviewed and evaluated, and they were qualified to perform the work, confirmed their bid, and intended to perform the work in the summer. The original budget was $200,000, but the bids came in higher than anticipated.
Staff recommended that the City Council authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Toro Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $293,806 to micro-surface Round Meadow, Long Valley, and Spring Valley Road, outside the City gates, and the City Hall and the City-owned Round Meadow School parking lots, and authorize staff a 10% contingency (total not to exceed $323,186.60) for any unforeseen costs, and approve a budget amendment as discussed in the Fiscal Impact.
Council Member Siegel commented that it was paid for out of the Proposition C Tax, and Measure M saved $44,460.
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia asked if it was $93,000 from the General Fund. Staff clarified that the funds were $124,000 from Proposition C, $49,346 from Gas Tax, $76,000 from Measure M, and $44,460 from the General Fund. The paragraphs outlining the contingency did not include the Gas Tax, which was $44,460. All contingencies would come from the gas tax and the Measure M contingency, with no contingencies coming from the Gas Tax. Part of the confusion was due to the bifurcation of the project expenses.
Council Member McCorkindale asked if they would be blending with the association's color. City Engineer Lovett reported that they would not be, and it all went down black. If they did not do black, it took longer.
Council Member McCorkindale discussed that the Association had chosen light gray, and it did not make sense to have them be so different.
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Council Member Gold asked what the time difference was for the closure time. City Engineer Lovett reported that it would be a difference between two and eight hours.
Council Member McCorkindale stated that she believed they should match the light gray.
City Engineer Lovett stated that they would have to get the bid redone.
Council Member Siegel recommended looking at the time period in which everyone had agreed to open and close the gates, which was only a four-hour period.
Council Member McCorkindale stated that they could also ask the Association to change to black.
City Engineer Lovett noted that they would have to go back to bid if they wanted to go back to the slurry seal.
They would have to put it off until next Spring because a hot day would be needed. He will check with the Association to see if they are willing to go black; otherwise, they will rebid for the light gray color of the roads and lots.
Mayor Pro Tem Loggia asked for further clarification on the proposed funding. He stated that when he totaled the funding amounts, it did not add up to $323, 186.60. City Manager Baylis clarified that there was bifurcation in the funding.
The item will be returned to a future meeting.
B. City Manager's Status Report on Current Projects
This item was tabled until the next Council meeting.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned Joe Loggia, Mayor Pro Tem