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MINUTES
MALIBU CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M.
MEETING CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Stewart called the meeting to order at 4:45 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Th6 following persons were recorded in attendance by the Recording Secretary:
PRESENT: Mayor Doug Stewart; Mayor Pro Tem Marianne Riggins; and Councilmembers Haylynn Conrad, Bruce Silverstein and Steve Uhring.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Stewart opened the floor to public comment.
Speakers: None.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
At 4:46 p.rn., the Council recessed to Closed Session to discuss the following items listed on the Closed Session agenda:
Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9
Number of potential cases: (2)
Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) and/or (3) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9
Number of Potential Cases: (1)
Personnel Matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957:
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title: City Manager
Conference with Labor Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6:
City representative: Interim City Attorney Trevor Rusin Unrepresented employee: City Manager Steve McClary
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Malibu City Council
Minutes of February 24, 2025
REGULAR SESSION CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Stewart called the meeting to order at 5:46 pm.
ROLL CALL
The following persons were recorded in attendance by the Recording Secretary:
PRESENT: Mayor Doug Stewart; Mayor Pro Tem Marianne Riggins; and Councilmembers Haylynn Conrad, Bruce Silverstein and Steve Uhring.
ALSO PRESENT: Trevor Rusin, Interim City Attorney; Joseph Toney, Acting City Manager; Alexis Brown, Deputy City Manager; Kelsey Pettijohn, City Clerk; Yolanda Bundy, Environmental Sustainability Director; Maureen Tamuri, Interim Flaming Director; Susan Duefias, Public Safety Director; Parker Davis, Media Technician; Jason Lawrence, Deputy City Clerk; Brandie Ayala, Senior Management Analyst; and Travis Hart, Deputy Public Works Director (—«W
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Paul Grisanti led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Interim City Attorney Rusin reported that the meeting convened at 4:45 p.m., after which time the City Council recessed to a Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(4), 54956.9(d)(2)(3), 54957, and 54957.6, and, with all Councilmembers present. He stated the Council discussed the items on the Closed Session agenda and took no reportable action.
REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA
City Clerk Pettijohn reported that the agenda for the meeting was properly posted on February 14, 2025, with the amended agenda posted on February 20, 2025.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Riggins moved, and Councilmember Silverstein seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM 1 CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Stewart opened the floor to public comment on the Consent Calendar.
Dean Wenner provided public comment on Item Nos. l.B.10. and 1.B.12.
Andrew Sheldon provided public comment on Item No. 1.B. 12.
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Minutes of February 24, 2025
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As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Stewart returned the matter to the table for discussion.
MOTION
Item Nos. 1.B.5., 1.B.7., 1.B.10., 1.B.12. were pulled by the Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Riggins moved, and Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, pulling Item Nos. l.B.5., 1.B.7., 1.B.10., 1.B.12.
The motion carried unanimously.
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
A. Previously Discussed Items
None.
B. New Items
1. Waive Further Reading
Recommended Action: After the City Attorney has read the title, waive full reading of ordinances considered on this agenda for introduction on first reading and/or second reading and adoption.
2. Approve Warrants
Recommended Action: Allow and approve warrant demand numbers 74772—74842 on the register from the General Fund and direct the City Manager to pay out the funds to each of the claimants listed in Warrant Register No. 762 in the amount of the warrant appearing opposite their names, for the purposes stated on the respective demands in a total amount of $1,797,024.28. City of Malibu payroll check number 5498 and ACH deposits were issued in the amount of $947,032.88.
3. Approval of Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes for the November 25, 2024 Regular Meeting.
4. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit Management Letter for Fiscal Year 2023-24
Recommended Action: Receive and file the Annual Comprehensive ' Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
6. Professional Services Agreements for On-Call Construction Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the Mayor to execute Professional Services Agreements with Filippin Engineering and Z&K Consultants to provide On-Call Construction Management Services.
8. Investment Report for‘the Month Ending January 3 1, 2025 RecommendedAction: Receive the Investment Report for the month ending January 31, 2025.
9. Confirmation of the Director of Emergency Services Order Relating to the Palisades Fire Recovery
Recommended Actionf'Confirm the Order of the Director of Emergency Services dated February 13, 2025 directing law enforcement to set up and police resident—only access checkpoints at specified roads in response to the Palisades Fire recovery.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of February 24, 2025
11. Emergencv Public Works Agreement
Recommended Action: 1) Receive a report on the approval of emergency Public Works agreement with Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. for emergency repairs in order to immediately preserve public safety; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to amend the approved agreements if necessary to receive reimbursement from FEMA or any other governmental agency.
The following items were pulled from the consent calendar for individual consideration:
MOTION
MOTION
MOTION
5. Amendment to Agreement with California Highway Patrol Recommended Action: Authorize the Mayor to execute an amendment to an agreement with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for traffic enforcement services. Mayor Stewart l Councilmember Uhring 2 The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
Mayor Stewart moved, and Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to authorize the Mayor to execute an amendment to an agreement with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for traffic enforcement services. The motion carried unanimously.
General Plan Safety Element Update
Recommended Action: Authorize the Mayor to execute a professional services agreement with Atlas Planning Solutions to update the Safety Element of the General Plan.
Councilmember Silverstein moved, and Mayor Stewart seconded a motion to authorize the Mayor to execute a professional services agreement with Atlas Flaming Solutions to update the Safety Element of the General Plan.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
The motion carried unanimously.
10. Professional Services Agreements for Rebuild Consulting Services Recommended Action: l) Authorize the Mayor to execute individual Professional Services Agreements for Fire Recovery and Rebuild contract planning services from: A) 4Leaf, Inc., B) California Coastal Works, LLC, C) Interwest Group, Inc., and D) Michael Baker International, Inc.; and 2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to amend any of the approved agreements if necessary to receive reimbursement from FEMA or any other governmental agency.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Riggins moved, and Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to: 1) authorize the Mayor to execute individual Professional MOTION
ITEM 2
ITEM 3
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Services Agreements for Fire Recovery and Rebuild contract planning services from: A) 4Leaf, Inc., B) California Coastal Works, LLC, C) Interwest Group, Inc, and D) Michael Baker International, Inc.; and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to amend any of the approved agreements if necessary to receive reimbursement from FEMA or any other governmental agency. The motion carried unanimously.
12. Letter to Governor Newsom Requesting Support for Addressing Environmental Impacts Post-Fire Recommended Action: l) Authorize the Mayor to execute a letter requesting a State Executive Order to assist with dangerous conditions post- fire; and 2) Direct staff to submit the letter to Governor Newsom’s office.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Riggins moved, and Councilmember Conrad seconded a motion to: l) authorize the Mayor to execute a letter requesting a State Executive Order to assist with dangerous conditions post—fire; 2) directed staff to revise the letter in a form approved by the City Manager and City Attorney to add language requesting aid for other area that may impact the watershed and specifically requesting aid from the Army Corp ofEngineers; and 2) direct staff to submit the letter to Governor Newsom’s office. The motion carried unanimously.
CEREMONIAL/PRESENTATIONS
Presentation of Commendation to Hans Laetz and Diane Laetz in Recognition of KBUU’s 10th Anniversary Mayor Stewart presented the commendation to Hans Laetz and Diane Laetz.
Hans Laetz thanked the Council and discussed the history of KBUU.
COMMISSION / COMMITTEE / CITY MANAGER UPDATES
Acting City Manager Toney reported that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed the first property cleanup of Phase 2 in Malibu. He encouraged residents to submit the Right of Entry (ROE) forms for debris removal. He reported that the National Guard is currently assisting the city by monitoring entry points into residential neighborhoods along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and staff is working with partner agencies on extending their deployment. He announced the Rebuild Center would open on March 10, 2025 and resources for rebuilding and recovery at maliburebuilds.org. He announced upcoming meetings including a Debris Removal Townhall on February 26, 2025, a special City Council meeting on February 27, 2025, a small business recovery webinar on February 28, 2025, a special City Council meeting on March 4, 2025 to introduce the Fire Rebuild ordinance, a Building Professional Townhall on March l2, 2025, and an Southern C:
Malibu City Council
Minutes of February 24, 2025
ITEM 4.A.
California Edison (SCE) utility undergrounding meeting on March 12, 2025.
Detective Shien, Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, provided an update on a DUI fatality case. He announced that the individual involved in a fatal crash on July 4th last year after leaving Nobu, had surrendered to authorities on an arrest warrant and been released on bond. He stated the court date was set for March 17, 2025.
Sergeant Chris Soderlund, Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, presented the monthly crime statistics and stated there 24 Part 1 crimes in January, down from the previous year, likely due to the fire. He reported six cases of sea lines washing up on Malibu beaches due to an ongoing algae bloom and urged residents to call the California Wildlife Center if they encounter sick sea lions. He stated Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) remains open only to residents of burn zones and essential personnel, with passes being issued at City Hall. He discussed the placement of the checkpoint on PCH and explained that its current location was necessary for Visibility and safety near fire-damaged homes.
The Council directed questions to staff regarding Phase 2 debris removal.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jeff Heller discussed recent public meetings and thanked the Council for their service. He offered his assistance with rebuilding as a former elected official and a contractor.
Benjamin Donner, American Red Cross, discussed assistance from the American Red Cross and encouraged everyone impacted by the fire to register for support.
He stated February 26, 2025 was the deadline to apply for immediate assistance.
Barbara Bruderlin, Palibu Chamber of Commerce, discussed financial devastation of the fire to local businesses. She requested a commercial eviction moratorium, and discussed rent increases for some local businesses. She announced the Chamber was accepting donations to support businesses. She discussed resources to support businesses and individuals in Chamber newsletter.
Kevin Keegan discussed preparations for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the importance of innovation to rebuild the City after the fire. He thanked nonprofits for supporting the community.
Gene Arnold discussed his history with the City and tragedies over the last few years. He requested a one-year commercial eviction moratorium.
Norm Haynie discussed water flow in wildfires and limits of the water district tank capacities. He discussed private tanks and using pools for water supply in emergencies. He discussed challenges getting tanks permitted by water and fire.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of February 24, 2025
Dean Wenner discussed ROES and the volume of incomplete ROEs that could delay debris removal. He expressed concerns regarding the draft rebuild ordinance.
Interim City Attorney Rusin clarified the cements at the Planning Commission meeting.
Mr. Wenner discussed concerns regarding discretionary decisions for rebuilds and indicated support for self-certification. He discussed the emergency provisions of the Brown Act.
Paul Grisanti discussed the accelerated debris removal for Palisades Fire. He discussed water system improvements that were approved and have not been completed. He asked if septic system upgrades would be mandatory for rebuilds.
DNA Moore discussed losing her home in the Woolsey Fire and challenges rebuilding from the fire. She discussed a Los Angeles Times article that reported 63% of Woolsey damaged properties that have not rebuilt.
Mike Moore discussed promises to streamline processes for rebuilding after the Woolsey Fire and the many obstacles that still exist.
Raymond Portela declined the opportunity to speak.
Martin Mervel discussed potential alternative construction methods to expedite rebuilding, including using tetrapods to stabilize segments of the shoreline.
Scott Dittrich discussed the February 27 Special meeting and encouraged everyone to bring new ideas to rebuilding. He discussed the importance of home hardening and designing homes to survive fires. He questioned who ROEs should be submitted to.
Steven Hakim thanked the Councilmembers for their service to the community. He discussed challenges for local businesses and requested more assistance for businesses. He discussed a proposal to repurpose vacant office space for residential units.
Luis Tena discussed cost, quality, and time factors in the rebuilding processes. He discussed ways to improve the rebuild process to shorten the rebuild timeline.
Andrew Weyman deferred time to Terry Davis.
Terry Davis, Big Rock Mesa Property Owner Association, discussed a petition and proposal for Program Director for Fire Rebuilds. She proposed Abe Roy for the Program Director position.
Daniel Ralston deferred time to Jefferson Wagner.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of February 24, 2025
Jefferson Wagner discussed Woolsey rebuild stats, resources the City needs to rebuild, and ways to improve the permitting process. He indicated support for a Rebuild Czar.
Lester Tobias discussed the importance of getting the Local Coastal Program Amendment (LCPA) for f1re rebuilds submitted to the California Coastal Commission (CCC) as soon as possible. He made suggestions on how to process correspondence to expedite the finalization of the ordinance.
Megan Lorick discussed her issues getting emergency notifications during the Palisades Fire. She expressed concern regarding the timeline for rebuilding and indicated support for Terry Davis” comments. She discussed the need for a f1re prevention plan, MRCA brush clearance, and the need to improve Fire Department response to future fires.
Christopher Sorensen indicated support for Lester Tobias’s comments. He suggested roof sprinklers and other fire resiliency requirements be implemented. He discussed streamlining the permitting and rebuilding process through systemic processes. He suggested installing a sewer system for properties on PCH.
Arno Koch discussed the rebuild timeline and the impacts of any delays. He discussed like-for-like rebuild requirements and stated foundation slabs and assessor sketches should be sufficient to document what was previously built. He discussed permitting pools as a fire safety measure.
Marcie Post, Jack Lettinger, Zach Zimmerman, Janet Fulk deferred time to Abe Roy.
Abe Roy discussed rebuilding and challenges in Woolsey rebuild process. He discussed a proposal for a rebuild organization structure, rebuilding workshops, how to streamline fire rebuild application processing, advanced building techniques, and utilizing local volunteers to collectively rebuild.
Jimmy Petulla discussed the impact disasters have on local businesses.
Ryan Embree stated the City needed a commitment from FEMA and state offlcials to reimburse the City’s costs for recovery and rebuild. He suggested improving water systems to increase flow in Big Rock as part of rebuilding. He discussed undergrounding all the utilities in the City. He recommended the Council meet every week. He suggested returning the grant for the Go Slow Malibu campaign due to delays from fire impacts. He discussed emergency siren towers.
Jo Drummond discussed PCH access and delays and confusion about debris removal. She suggested maintaining fire breaks created by the fire and using goats for brush clearance.
Jaime discussed his experience rebuilding from Woolsey Fire. He discussed the RECESS
ITEM 4.B.
CONSENSUS
Malibu City Council
Minutas of February 24, 2025
importance of applying exemptions for the Palisades Fire to Woolsey Fire properties. He discussed temporary housing requirements during rebuilding. He discussed the importance of improving brush clearance practices.
Jed August requested an emergency order from the Governor to allow fire debris to be taken to a designated debris site in Calabasas. He discussed hazards from debris removal process and health hazards from exposed septic systems. He encouraged the public to request a reduction to their property tax bill.
At 8:05 p.m., Mayor Stewart recessed the meeting. The meeting resumed at 8:26 pm. with all Councilmembers present.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS / COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Conrad discussed the importance of supporting local businesses and meetups she is hosting at local businesses. She indicated support for considering a commercial eviction moratorium. She announced she would be donating her City Council salary to small businesses. She discussed the challenges to supporting small businesses.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Interim City Attorney Rusin clarified the requirements for an emergency City Council meeting under the Brown Act.
Councilmember Conrad requested more information on Water District No. 29.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Acting City Manager Toney discussed plans for a Special meeting on February 27, 2025 to discuss topics requested by the Council on February 10, 2025.
Councilmember Conrad discussed emergency warning sirens. She discussed a meet up at Aviator Nation and the value of meeting directly with the residents.
Councilmember Silverstein restated he understood the rebuild items would be heard tonight, but they had been scheduled for the February 27, 2025.
In response to Councilmember Silverstein, Acting City Manager Toney listed items for Thursday agenda.
Councilmember Silverstein requested consensus to discuss the format for the March 4, 2025 meeting on February 27, 2025.
The Council discussed scheduling an item to provide direction on the formation for the March 4, 2025 special meeting.
By consensus, the Council directed staff to bring back an item at the February 27, 2025 Special meeting to consider the format of the March 4, 2025 Special meeting.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of February 24, 2025
Councilmember Silverstein discussed the most recent Flaming Commission meeting and the Assistant City Attorney’s advice to the Flaming Commissioners limiting their comments during the meeting. He discussed the role of the City Attorney to provide legal advice. He requested consensus to bring back an item on February 27 to consider scheduling workshops before considering the fire rebuild Local Coastal Plan Amendment and Malibu Municipal Code Amendments.
The Council discussed scheduling an item to consider scheduling workshops the fire rebuild Local Coastal Plan Amendment and Malibu Municipal Code Amendments.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to bring back an item at the February 27, 2025 Special meeting to consider scheduling workshops for the fire rebuild Local Coastal Plan Amendment and Malibu Municipal Code Amendments.
Councilmember Silverstein discussed the nonprofit Samaritan's Purse assisting residents with sifting debris. He requested consensus to bring back an item on the budget for programs to address homelessness and suggested using that budget to assist individuals experiencing homelessness due to the Palisades Fire.
The Council discussed the timeline for the budget and when to discuss the homelessness budget.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to bring an item to the Administration and Finance Subcommittee to discuss the budget for programs to address homelessness.
Councilmember Silverstein discussed the city’s complex permit process and the importance of streamlining rebuild permitting for like-for-like rebuilds as much as possible. He discussed how the Governor’s Executive Orders could expedite rebuilding for the Palisades Fire. He suggested an ombudsman help review challenging applications. He stated the ROE forms needed to be filed with the County.
Councilmember Uhring encouraged the public to participate in upcoming meetings related to rebuilding. He discussed the Planning Commission meeting and the large number of speakers. He discussed the importance of considering safety with rebuilding.
In response to Councilmember Uhring, Acting City Manager Toney stated the J recruitment for the Community Development Director would be open soon.
In response to Councilmember Silverstein, Interim City Attorney Rusin stated he ITEM 5
ITEM 6
ITEM 7
Malibu City Council
Minutes of February 24, 2025
could look into the legal recruitment requirements.
Councilmember Uhring stated the Army Corps of Engineers had a customer service trailer on Civic Center Way. He discussed truck traffic on Malibu Canyon from debris removal.
Mayor Pro Tem Riggins encouraged everyone to contact the Red Cross if they needed support. She discussed support local businesses by shopping and eating local. She stated the ROE application would be live on Wednesday. She discussed the maliburebuildsorg website and the rebuilding permit options currently available. She encouraged property owners to start working with their design professionals and meeting with staff. She encouraged the public to attend the public meetings and town halls.
Mayor Stewart discussed tax reductions for fire damaged properties. He encouraged property owners to file the ROE forms by the March 3 1, 2025 deadline. He encouraged property owners to make an informed decision when deciding to keep their foundation during debris removal. He discussed challenges with self— certification permits. He stated Phase l Debris Removal was almost complete. He discussed challenges finding sites for debris removal. He announced dial—a—ride had been approved to use PCH to take seniors to doctor appointments in Santa Monica. He discussed efforts to get the bus line running again. He discussed the traffic from debris removal. He discussed Red Cross resources for emergency housing for those displaced by the fire. He discussed the importance of making improvements to systems and not just approving funding. He discussed the Planning and Building Safety requirements for a permit and how the Governor’s Executive Orders and the LCPA for fire rebuilds would exempt rebuild permits from most Planning requirements. He discussed Woolsey Fire rebuild statistics.
ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Malibu Little League Fee Waiver
Recommended Action: Consider whether to approve the request from Malibu Little League to waive the field use and snack shack equipment rental fees for the 2025 baseball and softball season.
Community Services Director Riesgo presented the staff report.
Mayor Stewart opened the floor to public comment.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of February 24, 2025
Speaker: John Alfono
As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Stewart returned the matter to the table for discussion.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Riggins moved, and Councilmember Conrad seconded a motion to approve the request from Malibu Little League to waive the field use and snack shack equipment rental fees for the 2025 baseball and softball season. The motion carried unanimously.
B. Naming Rights for Public Facilities
Recommended Action: Review and provide feedback on the proposed City Council Policy #52 Naming Rights for Public Facilities.
Community Services Director Riesgo presented the staff report.
Mayor Stewart opened the floor to public comment. As there were no speakers present, Mayor Stewart returned the matter to the table for discussion.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
CONENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to finalize the policy and bring it back for adoption.
C. City Council Post-Disaster Additional Meetings and Communication Recommended Action: Discuss and provide direction on scheduling additional City Council meetings, community meetings, and/or other meetings and implementing a framework for outreach, community engagement and updates related to the recent flres.
Acting City Manager Toney presented the staff report.
Mayor Stewart opened the floor to public comment.
Speakers: Andrew Sheldon, Bryan Fogel, and Jo Drummond
As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Stewart returned the matter to the table for discussion.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
Councilmember Conrad left the dais at 10:26 pm.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of F6bruary 24, 2025
The Council discussed the item.
Councilmember Conrad returned to the dais at 10:28 pm. The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to bring back an item to: 1) set a schedule of special meetings on alternating weeks of regular City Council meetings; and 2) consider reorganizing the regular City Council meeting format.
MOTION Councilmember Silverstein moved, and Mayor Pro Tern Riggins seconded a motion to hear Item No. 8A. after 10:30. The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM 8 COUNCIL ITEMS
A. Council Appointments to the Malibu Arts Commission and Public Works Commission
Recommended Action: 1) Mayor Pro Tem Riggins to make an appointment to the Malibu Arts Commission; and 2) Councilmember Uhring to make an appointment to the Public Works Commission.
Mayor Stewart opened the floor to public comment. As there were no speakers J present, Mayor Stewart returned the matter to the table for discussion.
Councilmember Uhring appointed Scott Dittrich to the Public Works Commission.
Mayor Pro Tem Riggins appointed Dennis Smith to the Malibu Arts Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Stewart adjourned the meeting at 10:38 p.m.
Approved and adopted by the City Council of the
City of Malibu on May 21, 2025.
Wm.
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MARIANNE RIGGINsfMayor
TUOHN',‘WQCity clerk