MINUTES
MALIBU CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
MAY 21, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
2:00 P.M.
MEETING CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Riggins called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
The following persons were recorded in attendance by the Recording Secretary:
PRESENT: Mayor Marianne Riggins; Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Silverstein; and Councilmembers Haylynn Conrad, Doug Stewart (arrived at 2:35 p.m.), and Steve Uhring.
ALSO PRESENT: Trevor Rusin, Interim City Attorney; Candace Bond, Interim City Manager; Joseph Toney, Assistant City Manager; Interim Deputy City Manager Richard Rojas; Kelsey Pettijohn, City Clerk; Yolanda Bundy, Environmental Sustainability Director; Maureen Tamuri, Interim Planning Director; Susan Dueñas, Public Safety Director; Rob DuBoux, Public Works Director; Parker Davis, Media Technician; Tyler Eaton, Principal Planner; and Christina Muñoz, Deputy City Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mike Moore led the Pledge of Allegiance.
REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA
City Clerk Pettijohn reported that the agenda for the meeting was properly posted on May 16, 2025.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION Councilmember Uhring moved to approve the agenda.
The motion died on the floor due to lack of a second.
The Council discussed the order of the agenda.
MOTION Councilmember Conrad moved, and Mayor Riggins seconded a motion to approve the agenda and to hear Item No. S.C. after Item No. 7.B. The motion carried 4-0, Councilmember Stewart absent.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Conrad seconded a motion to hear Item No. 7.B. before the Consent Calendar. The motion carried 4-0, Councilmember Stewart absent.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of May 21, 2025
ITEM 7 NEW BUSINESS
B. Amendment to the Malibu Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning) Modifying Standards and Procedures to Stimulate Economic Recovery for Local Businesses as a result of Impacts from the 2025 Palisades Fire, Specifically Related to Temporary Use Permits and Sign Permits
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 25-23 initiating a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to consider changes to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) to stimulate economic recoverv for local businesses as a result of impacts from the 2025 Palisades Fire, specifically related to Temporary Use Permits and Sign Permits; 2) Bypass the Zoning Ordinance Revisions and Code Enforcement Subcommittee (ZORACES); and 3) Direct the Planning Commission to schedule a public hearing regarding the same.
Principal Planner Eaton presented the staff report.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment. As there were no speakers present, Mayor Riggins returned the matter to the table for discussion.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to: 1) adopt Resolution No. 25-23 initiating a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to consider changes to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) to stimulate economic recovery for local businesses as a result of impacts from the 2025 Palisades Fire, specifically related to Temporary Use Permits and Sign Permits; 2) bypass the Zoning Ordinance Revisions and Code Enforcement Subcommittee (ZORACES); and 3) direct the Planning Commission to schedule a public hearing regarding the same. The motion carried 4-0, Councilmember Stewart absent.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to hear the Consent Calendar next. The motion carried 4-0, Councilmember Stewart absent.
ITEM 1 CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment on the Consent Calendar.
Anne K. provided public comment on Item No. 1.B.2.
Dean Wenner provided public comment on Item No. 1.B.5.
Jo Drummond provided public comment on Item No. 1.B.5.
D. Graves provided public comment on Item No. 1.B.5.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of May 21, 2025
At 2:35 p.m., Councilmember Stewart arrived at the meeting.
Danny Smith provided public comment on Item No. 1.B.5.
As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Riggins returned the matter to the table for discussion.
Item Nos. 1.B.5. and 1.B.8. were pulled by the Council.
MOTION Councilmember Uhring moved, and Mayor Riggins seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, pulling Item Nos. 1.B.5. and 1.B.8. The motion carried unanimously.
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
A. Previously Discussed Items
None.
B. New Items
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 75419-75542 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. 767 in the amount of the warrant appearing opposite their names, for the purposes stated on the respective demands in a total amount of $1,493,948.61. City of Malibu payroll check number 5505 and ACH deposits were issued in the amount of $673,838.90.
3. Approval of Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes for the February 24, 2025 Regular Meeting.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1253 Home Rebuild Fairness and Property Tax Relief Act - SUPPORT
Recommended Action: Authorize the Mayor to send a letter of support for Assembly Bill 1253 (Schultz), which would address property tax assessment issues for homeowners rebuilding after the devastating 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Resolution Extending the Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency Regarding the Franklin Fire
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25-18, extending the declaration of the existence of a local emergency in response to the Franklin Fire.
Resolution Extending the Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency Regarding Conditions on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25-19 extending the declaration of the existence of a local emergency related to the increase of Malibu City Council
Minutes of May 21, 2025
reckless and illegal driving on pacific coast highway and directing staff to coordinate efforts with other governmental agencies to increase attention and create programs to reduce the risk and danger associated with Pacific Coast Highway in the City.
Assembly Bill (AB) 470 Telephone corporations: carriers of last resort. - OPPOSE
Recommended Action: Authorize the Mayor to send a letter of opposition to Assembly Bill 470 (McKinnor) which would allow telecommunications providers to unilaterally abandon their Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) obligations without regulatory oversight.
10. Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with 4LEAF. Inc.
Recommended Action: Authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with 4LEAF, Inc., to increase the compensation to exceed $25,000 as set forth in the Amendment.
The following items were pulled from the consent calendar for individual consideration:
Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Woodard and Curran Recommended Action: 1) Authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. • to the Protessional Services Agreement with Woodard and Curran to increase their scope of work to provide a preliminary design report for a new wastewater collection system along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant and to extend the term of the agreement for a period of three years; and 2) Appropriate $271,478 from the General Fund-Unassigned for the preliminary design report.
Public Works Director DuBoux presented the staff report.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
MOTION Councilmember Stewart moved, and Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to: 1) authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 5 to the Professional Services Agreement with Woodard and Curran to increase their scope of work to provide a preliminary design report for a new wastewater collection system along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant and to extend the term of the agreement for a period of three years; and 2) appropriate $271,478 from the General Fund-Unassigned for the preliminary design report. The motion carried unanimously.
8. Assembly Bill (AB) 768 Mobilehome parks: rent protections: local rent control. - OPPOSE
Recommended Action: Authorize the Mayor to send a letter of opposition to Assembly Bill 768 (Farias) which would tighten rent control regulations for mobile home parks.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of May 21, 2025
MOTION Councilmember Stewart moved, and Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein seconded a motion to bring back a policy statement opposing rent control such as proposed in AB 768.
The Council discussed the motion and directed questions to staff.
The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM 5 ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
Appeals of Planning Commission Resolution No. 24-021 regarding Coastal Development Permit No. 23-019 and Site Plan Review No. 23-024 - An application to construct a new single-family residence, second unit and associated development (30053 Harvester Road, Owner, Steven Kent; Appellants, Dawn N. Ericson, Paul E Philipson, and Andrea Slosberg-Philipson)(Continued from May 8, 2025) Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25-17 (Exhibit A) determining the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), denying Appeal No. 24-004 (Exhibit B) and Appeal No. 24-005 (Exhibit C), and approving Coastal Development Permit (CDP) No. 23-019 to construct a new 4,270 square foot, two-story, single-family residence with a 970 square foot basement plus a 750 square foot attached three-car garage, 900 square foot detached second unit, 500 square foot detached garage, 432 square foot detached yoga studio, swimming pool, grading, landscaping, hardscape, and onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS); including Site Plan Review (SPR) No. 23-024 to construct the residence in excess of 18 feet in height, up to 24 feet for a flat roof, located in the Rural Residential, Two-Acre (RR-2) zoning district at 30053 Harvester Road (Kent).
There were no additional disclosures since prior hearing Principal Planner Eaton provided an update on the appeals.
The Council discussed the matter and directed questions to staff.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved to continue the item to the May 27, 2025 Regular City Council meeting
The Council discussed the motion.
Councilmember Stewart seconded to the motion.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT
Mayor Riggins moved to amend the motion to have the hearing as the first item on the agenda. The amendment was accepted by the maker and the seconder of the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of May 21, 2025
ITEM 2 CEREMONIAL/PRESENTATIONS
None.
ITEM 3 COMMISSION / COMMITTEE / CITY MANAGER UPDATES
Assistant City Manager Toney discussed recent phishing attempts and reminded the community not to disclose personal or financial information to unverified ources. He announced the skatepark is under construction and a live video-fee rebcam has been installed. He stated fire rebuild and recovery was the City highest priority and that the business microgrant program was open. He announced fire rebuild statistics were posted on the City's rebuild webpage. He discussed the upcoming City Manager transition. He discussed his departure from the City, the rises the community had faced in recent years, and the City's role in the strong Malibu communiti
Sergeant Chris Soderlund, Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, announced Captain Jennifer Seetoo had been promoted to the position of Commander. He announced Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) would be reopening soon at the direction of CalOES. He announced that the beach team would be on patrol for Memorial Day weekend. He presented crime statistics for April 2025 and significant incidents in the last month.
ITEM 4.A. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Paul Philipson deferred time to Anne K., however he was not present at the time of the hearing.
Anne K discussed the technical difficulties experienced at the May 12, 2025 Regular Meeting and requested Item No. 7.C. from that meeting be reconsidered She discussed her presentation displayed at the meeting.
Scott Dittrich discussed fire danger in the City, fire insurance, and home ignition zone inspections by the City. He suggested mandating home ignition zone inspections.
Jo Drummond indicated support for Mr. Dittrich's comments. She stated her rebuild permit had been approved by the Planning Department within two weeks.
She discussed the importance of streamlining rebuilding and the required studies.
Ryan Embree stated the economic advisory committee had been rolled into the business roundtable. He stated sales tax was likely down 30-40% due to recent fires and discussed the impact on the City's budget.
ITEM 4.B. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS / COUNCIL COMMENTS
In response to Councilmember Uhring, Environmental Sustainability Director Malibu City Council
Minutes of May 21, 2025
Bundy stated the Los Angeles County Health Department was taking the lead on coordinating soil testing for Palisades and Eaton fire areas and a report would be finalized next month.
Councilmember Uhring discussed a potential agreement between OpenAl and the Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments. He discussed a proposal for Camp David Gonzalez to be used as a training center. He discussed comments by the Assistant City Attorney at the last Planning Commission meeting.
Councilmember Stewart apologized for arriving late to the meeting. He commented on new leadership at the Lost Hills Sheriff Station and congratulated Jennifer Seetoo on her new position as Commander. He commended outgoing Assistant City Manager Toney on his contributions to Malibu.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to bring back an item with an analysis of the Governor's model ordinance on homeless encampments.
Councilmember Stewart discussed budget impacts from the recent fires and potential state funding. He discussed plans for reopening PCH.
Councilmember Conrad discussed the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority's (MRCA) plans to reopen trails outside the Palisades Fire burn area.
She discussed challenges reopening the Zuma Beach underpass. She thanked Assistant City Manager Toney for his service. She welcomed Interim City Manager Bond.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Assistant City Manager Toney stated staff was coordinating with the County on plans for the Archistar program.
Councilmember Conrad requested an update from staff on plans for fire season.
Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein welcomed Interim City Manager (ICM) Bond. He requested consensus to bring back an item to ratify the ICM agreement.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to bring back an item ratifying the ICM agreement.
Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein discussed local businesses. He discussed legal advice provided by the Assistant City Attorney at the last Planning Commission meeting.
Mayor Riggins discussed home ignition zone assessments. She stated she attended the California Contract Cities General Assembly with Interim City Manager Bond and discussed the sessions she attended. She stated she toured the new Malibu High School building with Councilmember Conrad. She suggested adjourning in memory of retired Lost Hills Sheriff Station Commander William McSweeney.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of May 21, 2025
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Assistant City Manager Toney stated staff typically provided an update annually on brush clearance.
In response to Mayor Riggins, Assistant City Manager Toney stated staff was awaiting a report from Los Angeles County Fire on goats and other forms of brush clearance.
Environmental Services Department Bundy stated the Fire Marshall would be meeting with the Interim City Manager on solutions to the fire flow issues for fire rebuilds.
Public Safety Director Dueñas confirmed an item would be returning regarding using goats for brush clearance. She discussed grant applications.
Interim City Manager Bond thanked the Council, Assistant City Manager Toney, and the community members. She discussed her history and experience as a Malibu resident. She expressed that she was called to service.
Mayor Riggins thanked Assistant City Manager Toney for his service.
Councilmember Stewart welcomed Interim City Manager Bond.
ITEM 5 ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Amendment to Minimum Wage Ordinance - Forgoing the 2025 CPI-W Adjustment and Introduction of Corresponding Ordinance
Recommended Action: 1) After the City Attorney reads the title, introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 525, amending Section 5.36.040 of the Malibu Municipal Code to forgo the CPI-W-based minimum wage increase scheduled for July 1, 2025, and clarify that the 2026 increase shall reflect only the CPI-W for calendar year 2025, with no retroactive or cumulative increase applied; and 2) Direct staff to schedule second reading of the ordinance for the May 27, 2025 Regular City Council meeting.
Interim City Attorney Rusin presented the staff report.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment. As there were no speakers present, Mayor Riggins returned the matter to the table for discussion.
MOTION Councilmember Stewart moved, Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to 1) introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 525, amending Section 5.36.040 of the Malibu Municipal Code to forgo the CPI-W-based minimum wage increase scheduled for July 1, 2025, and clarify that the 2026 increase shall reflect only the CPI-W for calendar year 2025, with no retroactive or cumulative increase applied; and 2) direct staff to schedule second reading of the ordinance for the May 27, 2025 Regular City Council meeting.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of May 21, 2025
Interim City Attorney Rusin read the title of the ordinance.
The Council discussed the motion.
The motion carried 4-1, Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein opposed B. Appeals of Planning Commission Resolution No. 24-13 for Coastal Development Permit No. 22-040 - An application to restore a wetland buffer that was disturbed due to unpermitted weed abatement (23855 Civic Center Way) Recommended Action: Continue the item to the May 27, 2025 City Council meeting.
This item was continued upon approval of the agenda.
ITEM 6 OLD BUSINESS
A. Fire Recovery Work Session Agendas
Recommended Action: Provide direction to staff on which topics should be scheduled for upcoming Fire Recovery Work Sessions.
Assistant City Manager Toney presented the staff report.
The Council directed questions to staff.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speakers: Scott Dittrich, Jo Drummond, D. Graves
As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Riggins returned the matter to the table for discussion.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved, and Mayor Riggins seconded a motion to continue this item to the May 27, 2025 City Council Meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
RECESS At 4:38 p.m., Mayor Riggins recessed the meeting. The meeting resumed at 4:51 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
B. Private Security Options
Recommended Action: 1) Review an option for contracting with a private security firm to provide safety patrols in the neighborhoods affected by the Franklin and Palisades Fires, and 2) Provide direction to staff.
Public Safety Director Dueñas presented the staff report.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of May 21, 2025
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speaker: Anne K., Scott Wagenseller, Andrew Higashi, Scott Dittrich, Ryan Embree, Jo Drummond, Kevin Shenkman, and D. Graves
As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Riggins returned the matter to the table for discussion.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff and Sergeant Soderlund
MOTION Councilmember Stewart moved to 1) direct the Interim City Manager execute an agreement with Gates Security, if they can meet the insurance minimum recommended by California Joint Power Insurance Authority, for armed security for a 30-day period, and 2) direct the Public Safety Commission to review the private security program and make a recommendation on a longer-term solution.
The motion carried unanimously.
Councilmember Uhring seconded the motion.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff and Mr. Wagenseller.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved to direct the Interim City Manager to select either Covered 6 or Gates Security as the vendor for armed security.
The maker and the seconder accepted the friendly amendment.
The motion carried unanimously.
C. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Second Quarter Financial Report and Mid-Year Budget Amendments
Recommended Action: 1) Receive and file Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Second Quarter Financial Report; 2) Adopt Resolution No. 25-21 amending the annual budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25; and 3) Adopt Resolution No. 25-22 amending the Authorized Positions for FY 2024-25.
Assistant City Manager Toney presented the staff report.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speaker: Anne K.
As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Riggins returned the matter to the table for discussion.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of May 21, 2025
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
MOTION Councilmember Uhring moved to: 1) receive and file Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Second Quarter Financial Report; 2) adopt Resolution No. 25-21 amending the annual budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25; and 3) adopt Resolution No. 25-22 amending the Authorized Positions for FY 2024-25.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
Councilmember Conrad seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
D. Fire Rebuild Ambassador
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 25-24, establishing the temporary olunteer position of Rebuild Ambassador and setting forth the terms, restrictions nd responsibilities of the Rebuild Ambassador volunteer positior Assistant City Manager Toney presented the staff report.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speakers: Scott Dittrich and Jo Drummond
Dean Wenner and Wade Major were not available at the time of the hearing.
As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Riggins returned the matter to the table for discussion.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved to adopt Resolution No. 25-24, establishing the temporary volunteer position of Rebuild Ambassador and setting forth the terms, restrictions, and responsibilities of the Rebuild Ambassador volunteer position.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT
Councilmember Stewart moved to add Woolsey Fire to the scope of the Rebuild Ambassador.
The amendment was accepted by the maker.
Councilmember Stewart seconded motion.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff and Abe Roy.
The motion carried unanimously.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of May 21, 2025
ITEM 7 NEW BUSINESS
A. Mid-Year Commission Activity Reports
Recommended Action: 1) Receive and file mid-year activity reports from the Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission, Malibu Arts Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Safety Commission, and Public Works Commission; and 2) Amend Commission assignments for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, if appropriate.
Assistant City Manager Toney presented the staff report.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speaker: Ryan Embree
As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Riggins returned the matter to the table for discussion.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to receive and file mid-year activity reports from the Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission, Malibu Arts Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Safety Commission, and Public Works Commission.
The Council discussed the item.
The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM 8 COUNCIL ITEMS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Riggins adjourned the meeting at 6:59 p.m. in memory of Bill MoSweeney.
Approved and adopted by the City Council of the
City of Malibu on November 10, 2025.
MarianieReggins
ATTEST: