MINUTES
MALIBU CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 25, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M.
MEETING CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Riggins called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
The following persons were recorded in attendance by the Recording Secretary:
PRESENT: Mayor Marianne Riggins; Mayor Pro Tern Bruce Silverstein; and Councilmembers Haylynn Conrad, Doug Stewart and Steve Uhring.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speakers: Anne K.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
At 4:04 p.m., the Council recessed to Closed Session to discuss the following items listed on the Closed Session agenda:
Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
1. Case Name: City's Petition to Form Malibu USD from Territory in the Santa Monica-Malibu USD
Personnel Matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957:
1. Public Employee Appointment
Title: City Manager
Conference with Labor Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6:
1. City representative: Interim City Attorney Trevor Rusin Unrepresented employee: City Manager
REGULAR SESSION CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Riggins called the meeting to order at 5:55 p.m.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of August 25, 2025
ROLL CALL
The following persons were recorded in attendance by the Recording Secretary:
PRESENT: Mayor Marianne Riggins; Mayor Pro Tern Bruce Silverstein; and Councilmembers Haylynn Conrad, Doug Stewart and Steve Uhring.
ALSO PRESENT: Trevor Rusin, Interim City Attorney; Candace Bond, Interim City Manager; Richard Rojas, Deputy City Manager; Kelsey Pettijohn, City Clerk; Kristin Riesgo, Community Services Director; Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director; Susan Duerlas, Public Safety Director; Rob DuBoux, Public Works Director; Nicholas Sanchez; Management Analyst; Christina Muiloz, Deputy City Clerk; Larbi Azzaz, Associate Planner; and Tyler Eaton, Principal Planner
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Riggins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Interim City Attorney Rusin reported that the meeting convened at 4:00 p.m., after which time the City Council recessed to a Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(1), 54957, 54957.6, with all Councilmembers present. He stated the Council discussed the items on the Closed Session agenda and took no reportable action. The Council unanimously directed him to share the following statement: the City of Malibu has been informed that Ronda Perez has withdrawn her candidacy for the City Manager position. The City thanks Ms. Perez for her original interest in the position and wishes her success in her future endeavors. The City will now consider other applicants for the position and expand its search for a City Manager candidate.
REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA
City Clerk Pettijohn reported that the agenda for the meeting was properly posted on August 15, 2025, with the amended agenda posted on August 22, 2025.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION Councilmember Stewart moved, and Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM I CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment on the Consent Calendar.
Speakers: Darren Graves, Hamish Patterson, Ryan Embree, Meril Maye. and Andy Lyon
Malibu City Council
Minutes of August 25, 2025
As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Riggins closed public comment and returned the matter to the table for discussion.
Item Nos. 1.B.2, 1.B.4, 1.B.5, 1.B.6, 1.B.7., and 1.B.8. were pulled by the Council.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Stewart seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, pulling Item Nos. 1.8.2, 1.B.4, 1.B.5, 1.B.6,
1.B.7., and 1.B.8. 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.
3. Approval of Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes for the April 3, 2025 Special Meeting, April 10,2025 3:00 p.m. Special Meeting, and April 10, 2025 6:00 p.m. Special Meeting.
The following items were pulled from the consent calendar for individual consideration:
2. Approve Warrants
Recommended Action: Allow and approve warrant demand numbers 76360-76406 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. 773 in the amount of the warrant appearing opposite their names, for the purposes stated on the respective demands in a total amount of $5,650,970.12. City of Malibu payroll check number 5517-5518 and ACH deposits were issued in the amount of $500,405.75.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
MOTION Councilmember Stewart moved, and Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein seconded a motion to allow and approve warrant demand numbers 76360-76406 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. 773 in the amount of the warrant appearing opposite their names, for the purposes stated on the respective demands in a total amount of $5,650,970.12. City of Malibu payroll check number 5517-5518 and ACH deposits were issued in the amount of $500,405.75. The motion carried unanimously.
4. First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, INC for Grant Writing Services
Malibu City Council
Minutes of August 25, 2025
Recommended Action: Authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs to extend the contract term through July 31, 2026, and to increase the total notto-exceed amount by $78,000, reflecting the existing rate of $6,500 per month (annual total $78,000), for a revised total of $234,000 over the full term.
Deputy City Manager Rojas presented the staff report.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff and Alex Gibbs (Townsend Public Affairs).
MOTION
MOTION
MOTION
Councilmember Stewart moved, and Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein seconded a motion to authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs to extend the contract term through July 31, 2026, and to increase the total not-toexceed amount by $78,000, reflecting the existing rate of $6,500 per month (annual total $78,000), for a revised total of $234,000 over the full term.
The motion carried unanimously.
5. Update of the City's Evacuation Plan
Recommended Action: Authorize the Mayor to execute a professional services agreement with Constant Associates, Inc. to update the City's Evacuation Plan.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
Councilmember Conrad moved, and Mayor Riggins seconded a motion to authorize the Mayor to execute a professional services agreement with Constant Associates, Inc. to update the City's Evacuation Plan. The motion carried unanimously.
6. Disposal of Surplus Property
Recommended Action: Approve the disposal of Skate Park equipment per City Council Policy #39.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Stewart seconded a motion to approve the disposal of Skate Park equipment per City Council Policy #39. The motion carried 3-2, Councilmember Uhring and Councilmember Conrad opposed.
7. City Council Chamber Screen Projector and Projector Lens Options Recommended Action: 1) Approve the acceptance of a donation consisting of a projector screen and lens for use in the City Council Chamber; and 2) Provide direction on the screen size.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of August 25, 2025
Deputy City Manager Rojas presented the staff report.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff and Scott Tallal (Malibu Film Society).
MOTION
MOTION
Councilmember Stewart moved, and Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein seconded a motion to: 1) approve the acceptance of a donation consisting of a projector screen and lens for use in the City Council Chamber; and 2) select option 2 for the screen: ultra-widescreen, constant image height of 10' for all formats. The motion carried unanimously.
8. Donation from Southern California Edison
Recommended Action: Approve the acceptance of a donation of $10,000 from Southern California Edison (SCE) to support the 2025 Safety and Preparedness Fair.
Public Safety Director Dud-las presented the staff report.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
Councilmember Uhring moved, and Councilmember Stewart seconded a motion to approve the acceptance of a donation of $10,000 from Southern California Edison (SCE) to support the 2025 Safety and Preparedness Fair.
The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM 2 CEREMONIAL/PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation of commendation to Barbara Bruderlin in recognition of her service with the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce
Mayor Riggins presented the commendation to Barbara Bruderlin.
B. Presentation by Fire Rebuild Ambassador Abe Roy
Fire Rebuild Ambassador Abe Roy presented and update on rebuild permit statistics and the barriers and challenges to residents rebuilding.
The Council directed questions to Fire Rebuild Ambassador Roy.
ITEM 3 COMMISSION / COMMITTEE / CITY MANAGER UPDATES
Kevin Shenkman, Mobilehome Park Rent Stabilization Commission (MPRSC), stated the Commissioners are available for a meeting on September 11, 2025, and staff confirmed the next meeting will be scheduled that date. He recommended the MPRSC adopt a regular meeting date at its next meeting.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of August 25, 2025
Interim City Manager Bond discussed public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) and the City's lobbying efforts with the State. She stated the City sent a letter of support to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to designate Malibu High School (MHS) as a resiliency center. She thanked Public Works Director DuBoux for working with Caltrans to delay the removal of the traffic light at Guernsey Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). She announced Community Development Director Bundy had been award the 2025 Ethics and Leadership Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers. She announced the Rebuild Center had received its 100th permit application. She discussed the recent household hazardous waste event. She announced an upcoming beach cleanup day with Heal the Bay. She discussed staff outreach to businesses to explain the temporary use permit ordinance that allowed additional events to support business recovery. She stated the accessory dwelling unit ordinance was scheduled for the October 27, 2025 Regular Meeting. She encouraged the public to participate in the August 27, 2025 Special Meeting on rebuild policies. She provided an update on skate park construction and Clover Heights storm drain improvements. She announced the Public Safety Fair on September 27, 2025. She announced that the City of Los Angeles would be loaning two mobile sirens in the City of Malibu. She announced upcoming youth and senior recreation programs.
Sergeant Chris Soderlund, Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, presented the monthly crime report and discussed significant incidents.
The Council directed questions to Sergeant Soderlund.
ITEM 4.A. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Melissa Ireland discussed challenges to obtain a plan check and geology approval for her Woolsey Fire rebuild and the impact delays have had on her life.
Peter Ireland discussed human impact of the fires and the long rebuilding process.
Anne K. expressed sympathy for everyone affected by the fires. She discussed her run for Governor of California.
Jo Drummond stated only one rebuild permit had been issued since the Palisades fire and discussed the challenges to rebuilding.
Darren Graves discussed the challenges to rebuilding and the Malibu Rebuild Taskforce's efforts to disseminate accurate information to the public to help them rebuild.
Mohammad Momand deferred time to Jefferson Wagner.
Norm Haynie deferred time to Jefferson Wagner.
Zuma Jay deferred time to Jefferson Wagner.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of August 25, 2025
Alexandra Ladesich deferred time to Jefferson Wagner.
Jefferson Wagner and Ahmad Momand discussed how their Al system could be used to provide more accurate fire fuel level data and fire models. He requested an MOU with the City to access more up to date images and data that can be used by the system.
Kraig Hill discussed how he is still recovering from the Palisades Fire. He requested an update on Southern California Edisons underground effort and delays related to the easement documents.
Hamish Patterson discussed the surplus of the temporary skate park equipment and problems with the process.
Andy Lyon discussed people experiencing homelessness at Surfrider Beach. He discussed issues with the Malibu Lagoon restoration project. He discussed problems with the skate park projects.
Ryan Embree discussed the items scheduled for the consent calendar and indicated the items should be scheduled for discussion. He discussed prior direction for Caltrans to attend Public Safety Commission meetings quarterly and recommended returning to that schedule. He suggested building a crosswalk at Guernsey Avenue instead of Moonshadows. He discussed CPUC standards for PSPS. He stated the fire developer fee revenue should be directed to the City. He recommended revisiting the agreement with California Highway Patrol. He recommended directing the Public Works Director to install a reactive radar sign in front of the Civic Center Water Treatment Facility.
ITEM 4.B. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS / COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Uhring congratulated Community Development Director Bundy for her award and Public Works Director DuBoux for his work with Caltrans to keep the Guernsey Avenue traffic signal in place. He discussed Ronda Perez's candidacy for the City Manager position, the City Council's consideration of her candidacy, statements made by Kevin Shenkman regarding Ronda Perez, and the Malibu Times articles regarding Ronda Perez.
Councilmember Stewart congratulated Community Development Director Bundy for her award. He thanked Public Works Director DuBoux for his work with Caltrans to keep the Guernsey Avenue traffic signal in place. He recommended bringing back an item to review the agreement with Covered 6 for security patrols in the fire damaged area. He discussed progress on the Alert FM project. He discussed Ronda Perez's experience and qualifications and expressed disappointment that she withdrew her candidacy.
Councilmember Conrad indicated support for bringing back an item on the Malibu City Council
Minutes of August 25, 2025
agreement with Covered 6. She discussed her work to bring more horses and equestrian activities to the City.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Interim City Manager Bond stated MHS may serve as a resiliency center in the future for PSPS events.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, City Clerk Pettijohn that the August 27, 2025 Special Meeting would be held in the Council Chambers at the dais and there would be an opportunity for members of the public to speak on each policy item.
Councilmember Conrad proposed re-establishing the Homelessness Task Force or another advisory group that would not be subject to the Brown Act.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Interim City Manager Bond stated the Public Safety Department had successfully reduced the number of people experiencing homelessness in the City. Councilmember Stewart stated the responsibilities of the Homelessness Task Force had been assigned to the Public Safety Commission and Public Safety Department. He expressed concern that the City did not have the staff resources to support another commission or task force.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Community Development Director Bundy discussed fire debris removal and soil testing requirements.
Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein congratulated Community Development Director Bundy for her award and Public Works Director DuBoux for his work with Caltrans to keep the Guernsey Avenue traffic signal in place. He discussed the Supreme Court decision on the Grants Pass v. Johnson case. He discussed the purpose of the Homelessness Task Force at the time it was formed. He recommended the City review the No Camping ordinance in light of the Grants Pass v. Johnson case.
Mayor Riggins congratulated Community Development Director Bundy for her award and Public Works Director DuBoux for his work with Caltrans to keep the Guernsey Avenue traffic signal in place. She stated she attended a Public Works conference and attended the City's presentation on the PCH Signal Synchronization Project. She encouraged any residents with concerns about people experiencing homelessness to speak to the Public Safety Commission. She stated she was present at the at the issuance of two certificates of occupancy for Woolsey Fire rebuilds.
She recommended adjourning in memory of Toshihito "Toshi" Ozawa.
RECESS At 9:06 p.m., Mayor Riggins recessed the meeting. The meeting resumed at 9:20 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
ITEM 5 ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Zoning Text Amendment No. 25-002 — An 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 Malibu City Council
Minutes of August 25, 2025
Palisades Fire including modifications to the provisions related to Temporary Use Permits and Sign Permits
Recommended Action: 1) After the City Attorney reads the title of the ordinance, introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 526, approving a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to amend Title 17 (Zoning) of the Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) to modify standards and procedures to stimulate economic recovery for local businesses as a result of impacts from the 2025 Palisades Fire, including modifications to the provisions related to Temporary Use Permits (TUP) and Sign Permits (SP); and 2) Direct staff to schedule second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 526 for the September 8, 2025 Regular City Council meeting.
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 Councilmember Stewart moved, and Councilmember Conrad seconded a motion to: 1) introduce on first reading Ordinance No. 526, approving a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to amend Title 17 (Zoning) of the Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) to modify standards and procedures to stimulate economic recovery for local businesses as a result of impacts from the 2025 Palisades Fire, including modifications to the provisions related to Temporary Use Permits (TUP) and Sign Permits (SP); and 2) direct staff to schedule second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 526 for the September 8, 2025 Regular City Council meeting.
Interim City Attorney Rusin read the title of the ordinance.
The motion carried 4-1, Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein opposed.
ITEM 6 OLD BUSINESS
A. City Council and Commission Meeting Format and Rules of Procedure and Decorum (Continued from August 11, 2025 Regular Meeting) Recommended Action: 1) Discuss and provide direction to staff on the format of City Council meetings, including the regular meeting time and hybrid format; 2) Discuss and provide direction on Commission, Committee, and Board meetings, including staff resources for the recording of meetings.
City Clerk Pettijohn presented the staff report.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speaker: Anne K, Jo Drummond, Kevin Shenkman, Darren Graves, Ryan, Danny, and Salwa Wahba
Malibu City Council
Minutes of August 25, 2025
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.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to bring back the following changes to the regular meeting format and procedures: 1) start the meeting at 4:30 p.m.; 2) notice public comment for items not on the agenda and City Council reports to be heard at or after 6:30 p.m.; and 3) implement webinar registration for remote speaker signups.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to post staff reports for land use matters 30 days in advance of the hearing and set deadlines for all written and presentation materials from the be submitted 10-business days in advance and all written and presentation materials be submitted 3-business days in advance.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to bring back the following changes to the regular meeting format and procedures: 1) allow audiovisual presentation materials from the public only for scheduled items; 2) limit ceremonial/presentation items to three per agenda and each presentation should take no more than ten minutes; 3) eliminate time deferrals for items not on the agenda.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to begin video recording City Commission meetings.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein moved, Councilmember Conrad second to hear 7A after 10:30. Unanimous
ITEM 7 NEW BUSINESS
A. Mobilehome Park Rent Stabilization Commission Meetings Recommended Action: Provide direction to staff and the Mobilehome Park Rent Stabilization Commission on meeting schedule and frequency.
City Clerk Pettijohn presented the staff report.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of August 25, 2025
Speaker: Kevin Shenkman, Bill Sampson, Ryan
As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Riggins returned the matter to the table for discussion.
The Council discussed the item.
MOTION Councilmember Stewart moved, and Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein seconded a motion to direct staff to schedule and the Mobilehome Park Rent Stabilization Commission to hold monthly meetings for the remainder of 2025. The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM 8 COUNCIL ITEMS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Riggins adjourned the meeting at 11:38 p.m. in memory of Toshihito "Toshi" Ozawa and Howard Ferguson.
Approved and adopted by the City Council of the
City of Malibu o April 27, 2026.
BRUCE SILVER TEIN, Mayor