MINUTES
MALIBU CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M.
MEETING CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Riggins called the meeting to order at 5:33 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.
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; Susan Dueftas, Public Safety Director; Rob DuBoux, Public Works Director; Cynthia Alba, Senior Management Analyst; Parker Davis, Media Technician; Nicholas Sanchez, Management Analyst; Christina Muiloz, Deputy City Clerk; Luis Flores, Senior Management Analyst; Brandie Ayala, Senior Management Analyst; and Tatian Holden, Assistant Public Works Director
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Riggins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA
City Clerk Pettijohn reported that the agenda for the meeting was properly posted on August 29, 2025, with the amended agenda posted on September 5, 2025.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION Councilmember Uhring moved, and Councilmember Stewart seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM 1 CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment on the Consent Calendar.
Speakers: Al Solis, John Ma772, Ryan.
Item Nos. 1.B.4., 1.B.6., 1.B.9., 1.B.10., and 1.B.11 were pulled by the Council.
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MOTION Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, pulling Item Nos. 1.B.4., 1.B.6., 1.B.9., 1.B.10., and 1.B.11. The motion carried unanimously.
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
A. Previously Discussed Items
1. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 526
Recommended Action: Conduct second reading, unless waived, and adopt 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).
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 76407-76550 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. 774 in the amount of the warrant appearing opposite their names, for the purposes stated on the respective demands in a total amount of $2,831,721.69. City of Malibu payroll check number 5519-5520 and ACH deposits were issued in the amount of $510,324.02.
3. Approval of Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes for the April 14, 2025 Regular Meeting.
5. Disposal of Surplus Property — Audio Equipment
Recommended Action: Declare the items on equipment listed on Attachment 1 as surplus to the city's needs and permit City Staff to dispose of the surplus equipment pursuant to the requirements of Policy 39 and Municipal Code Chapter 2.56 Purchasing System.
7. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application
Recommended Action: 1) Authorize the City Manager to submit a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) application to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services to implement a Home Hardening and Defensible Space Rebate Program; and 2) Authorize the City Manager to sign a letter of commitment for the 25% match required by the HMGP.
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8. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program — Big Rock Drive Drainage Swale Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to sign the letter of commitment for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) — Big Rock Drive Drainage Swale sub-application to California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES).
12. Investment Report for the Month Ending July 31, 2025 Recommended Action: Receive the Investment Report for the month ending July 31, 2025.
The following items were pulled from the consent calendar for individual consideration:
4. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement with Environmental Science Associates for the Coastal Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Action: Authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 to agreement with Environmental Science Associates to: 1) extend the term of the agreement 6 months so that it will now expire on March 1, 2026; and 2) increase the hourly rate for compensation for services. The cost of all services shall not exceed the project total of $242,114 The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
MOTION Councilmember Stewart moved to authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 to the agreement with Environmental Science Associates to: 1) extend the term of the agreement 6 months so that it will now expire on March 1, 2026; and 2) increase the hourly rate for compensation for services. The cost of all services shall not exceed the project total of $242,114.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff Councilmember Uhring seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
6. Informational Report — City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, Governor's Model Ordinance on Encampments, and Malibu Municipal Code Chapter 8.36 Recommended Action: Receive and file report regarding the impact of the decision in City of Grant's Pass v. Johnson and Executive Order N-1-24, issued by Governor Gavin Newsom, regarding illegal camping and encampment regulations.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
CONSENSUS By consensus, the Council directed staff to bring back an item to form an Ad Hoc Committee review and make suggested changes to the City's Malibu City Council
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camping ordinance and appoint Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein and Mayor Riggins to the Ad Hoc Committee.
Mayor Riggins received and filed the report without objection.
9. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program — Traffic Signal Backup Power Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to sign the letter of commitment for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) — Traffic Signal Backup Power sub-application to California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES).
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
MOTION
MOTION
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Stewart seconded a motion to authorize the City Manager to sign the letter of commitment for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) — Traffic Signal Backup Power sub-application to California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES). The motion carried unanimously.
10. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program — Undergrounding
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to sign the letter of commitment for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) — Undergrounding sub-application to California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES).
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Stewart seconded a motion to authorize the City Manager to sign the letter of commitment for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) — Undergrounding subapplication to California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), subject to the City Attorney's review of the funding commitment requirements. The motion carried unanimously.
11. Award Encinal Canyon Road 60-Inch Storm Drain Repairs Project Recommended Action: 1) Reject Performance Paving construction bid deeming it non-responsive; 2) Authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with James W. Fowler Co. in the amount of $792,001 for the construction of Encinal Canyon Road 60-Inch Storm Drain Repairs Project, Specification No. 2113; and 3) Authorize the Public Works Director to approve any potential change orders up to 15%.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
Councilmember Stewart moved, and Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to reject all bids received for the Encinal Canyon Road 60-Inch Storm Drain Repairs Project and direct staff to re-bid the project.
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The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM 2 CEREMONIAL/PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation of 2025 Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Award Mayor Riggins introduced Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Judy Villablanca.
Chair Villablanca presented the award to Susan Guildimann.
Susan Guildimann thanked the Council and paid tribute to her father for modeling commitment to community.
Chair Villablanca presented the award to Andy Lyon.
Andy Lyon thanked the Council for the recognition and discussed his early involvement in the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project. He discussed the dismantling of the temporary skatepark.
Commissioner Jake Lingo presented the award to Nick Shurgot.
Nick Shurgot thanked the Council for the recognition.
ITEM 3 COMMISSION / COMMITTEE / CITY MANAGER UPDATES
Barry Haldeman, Malibu Arts Commission, discussed the next City Gallery art exhibit of movie posters designed by Malibu resident Jim "Tar" Evans. He announced the opening reception on September 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. He discussed a program to post signage outside City Hall advertising the gallery.
Interim City Manager Bond commended the Public Safety Department for organizing the Public Safety Fair. She encouraged the public to visit the Wave of Flags display at Pepperdine University honoring the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. She announced staff was working with Los Angeles County on a Wildfire Mitigation Pilot Program to prevent fires in the Santa Monica Mountains. She announced the Pura Vida Miami restaurant opening in the Civic Center. She discussed the Rebuild Policies Work Session on August 27, 2025. She announced Small Business Administration (SBA) workshops in September and stated the SBA was also offering online disaster mitigation assistance sessions through September 12, 2025. She announced Everbridge disaster notification testing in September, a blood drive on September 15, 2025 at City Hall, and a September 11, 2025 Protect Your Home workshop at City Hall with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. She stated staff was exploring using Malibu City Council
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AlertFM for emergency alerts. She provided an update on storm drain repair projects, and encouraged the public to request information on Firewise communities. She stated that Community Services after-school programming started September 8, 2025 and announced upcoming senior and youth programs.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Deputy City Manager Rojas provided information on the Office of Traffic Safety Grant and stated staff was gathering more information for Council.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Public Safety Director Duefias stated the mobile emergency sirens needed to be officially transferred from the City of Los Angeles, which was anticipated to be completed in November 2025.
Sergeant Chris Soderlund, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, presented the monthly crime report and beach team statistics for Summer 2025. He provided an update on Labor Day activities and the School Resource Officer. He discussed significant incidents from the last month.
The Council directed questions to staff and Sergeant Soderlund.
Ranger Tim Pera, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, presented the monthly ranger report. He discussed ranger activities during the Labor Day weekend.
The Council directed questions to Ranger Pera.
RECESS At 7:30 p.m., Mayor Riggins recessed the meeting. The meeting resumed at 7:44 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
ITEM 4.A. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Al Broussard discussed the loss of his house in the Palisades fire and challenges in the rebuild permitting process.
Anne K. requested clarification on whether the City was a sanctuary city. She encouraged people to sign up for the Community Emergency Response Team class.
Andy Lyon discussed dismantling of the temporary skatepark. He stated the temporary skatepark was intended to operate until the permanent skatepark was open. He expressed frustration that the temporary skatepark equipment was not donated to another entity.
Paul Grisanti announced next Smart Coast California Summit and discussed the sessions and speakers.
He Patricia Keeney Maischoss, Pier to Pier, discussed a public-private partnership ferry service planned from Malibu to Santa Monica and Marina del Rey, and plans Malibu City Council
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to expand to Long Beach and San Pedro for the 2028 Olympics. She requested that the City authorize the use of the triangle parcel for Blue Highway ferry parking and write a letter of support for the project this week.
Michele Shane, Pier to Pier, discussed plans for the Blue Highway water ferry service and how it could improve gridlock and facilitate evacuations during disasters.
Kevin Keegan, Pier to Pier, discussed plans for the Blue Highway to begin partial service by October 2025 and full service in May 2026. He requested the Council schedule an item to discuss the water ferry service, the use of the triangle lot as a parking lot, and approve a formal letter of support for the project.
Abe Roy, Fire Rebuild Ambassador, stated he had a productive meeting with staff and identified some permit streamlining measures. He encouraged residents to meet with staff and apply for rebuild permits.
Peter Strickler discussed the SeaWell water project to install offshore buoys that can purify salt water. He stated the organization was meeting with potential partners in the Malibu area.
Anthony McDemas, Palibu Chamber of Commerce, announced a rebuild expo on September 28.
Mayor Riggins confirmed City staff would attend the rebuild expo.
Bill Sampson, Malibu Township Council, discussed plans for the new 40-meter pool at Malibu High School (MHS), and expressed that the swim community wanted a 50-meter pool.
Scott Dittrich indicated support for the 50-meter pool at MHS. He discussed the State's non-renewal of the Reel Inn lease. He discussed the State's plans for a visitor center and expressed concern about the additional development and suburbanization of the area. He discussed a productive Rebuild Task Force meeting with staff.
Norm Haynie discussed traffic backup on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) during fire evacuations. He stated his office building in Eastern Malibu was open to anyone who needed safe harbor in a disaster.
Cesar Nunez discussed the code enforcement violation at Councilmember Uhring's property and discussed the lack of enforcement.
Hamish Patterson discussed the dismantling and disposal of the temporary skate park. He expressed frustration that the equipment was not broken down and reused.
Thom Spencer discussed issues attracting City Manager candidates and the City's Malibu City Council
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reputation and culture problems.
Ryan discussed public comment rules limiting speakers to three minutes on the consent calendar. He expressed concern about city spending and fiscal outlook.
He commended the Public Safety Expo, but criticized the inclusion of a rockclimbing wall. He suggested ways to generate more revenue.
Jo Drummond discussed rebuild statistics for the County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles compared to Malibu. She discussed implementation of the fee waiver program, difficulties in the plan check process, and that her project was delayed by a soils report. She discussed Community Development Director Bundy's plans to reduce and explain corrections. She thanked Councilmember Conrad and Planning Commissioner John Mazza for attending the Big Rock Burning event.
ITEM 4.B. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS / COUNCIL COMMENTS
In response to Mayor Riggins, Mr. Sampson stated he was waiting on a response from the City Attorney regarding the City's request to remove deed restrictions for league play at Trancas Canyon Park.
Councilmember Uhring discussed a free soil testing program. He discussed reports of small local fires and stated he would look into the source of the reports. He discussed Reel Inn lease. He stated Mr. Lyon and Mr. Patterson contacted him to try and find an alternate location for the temporary skatepark and discussed their efforts to donate it.
Councilmember Conrad stated she spoke with Altadena Councilmember Darlene Greene regarding the potential donation of the temporary skate park. She stated she had spoken with the Reel Inn and other businesses in the Topanga area and suggested those businesses could re-open in Malibu at the Lumber Yard. She suggested directing staff to bring back an item with information on a potential blight or vacancy tax.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein, Interim City Attorney Rusin clarified that the Council could direct staff to bring back an item on a vacancy tax since this item was not on the agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein indicated support for bringing back an item.
Councilmember Uhring suggested considering this issue as part of the strategic planning process.
Interim City Manager Bond stated the draft strategic plan was being updated and she planned to meet with each Councilmember before the plan was brought to the Council for approval.
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Mayor Riggins encouraged commercial property owners with vacancies to reach out to displaced businesses.
Councilmember Conrad discussed the productive Rebuild Task Force meeting this afternoon and requested regular updates on the rebuild process.
Interim City Manager Bond stated staff would make sure the Councilmembers received the Malibu Rebuilds newsletter.
Councilmember Stewart commended staffs work on the Public Safety Fair. He discussed AlertFM and a survey to determine which FM radio stations residents can receive at their homes. He commended Mr. Patterson and Mr. Lyon for their efforts to donate the temporary skatepark equipment but discussed the urgency to complete the permanent skatepark project. He discussed the Reel Inn and stated it was unlikely it could be relocated because of its unique character and statesubsidized rent. He discussed the importance of economic development and stated a vacancy tax needed to be looked at holistically. He discussed financial emergencies in the City of Santa Monica and the City of Los Angeles.
Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein explained the City spent $300,000 to build the temporary skatepark until a permanent skatepark could be developed. He said it was unfortunate the temporary skatepark had to close before the permanent park was completed, but it fulfilled its purpose. He recognized that rebuilding is complicated and difficult. He discussed the Blue Highway ferry service and expressed concern that it would serve tourists more than Malibu residents. He indicated support for allowing additional time for speakers on the consent calendar.
Mayor Riggins stated she attended the California Contract Cities Association Fall Sessions over the weekend and had productive conversations with Supervisor Hahn and Sheriff Luna.
In response to Mayor Riggins, Interim City Attorney Rusin stated allowing parking as a stand-alone use would require a zone text amendment. He explained the city lots purchased with transportation funds would need to have a transportation nexus.
Councilmember Conrad suggested bringing back an item to consider sending a letter of support for the Blue Highway.
City Manager Bond stated the organization needed a letter this week and that item was not on the agenda this evening.
ITEM 5 ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
ITEM 6 OLD BUSINESS
A. Review of Contract with Covered 6 LLC
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Recommended Action: 1) Review the Public Safety Commission's recommendation regarding the contract with Covered 6 LLC to provide private security services; and 2) Provide direction to staff, as needed.
Senior Management Analyst Flores presented the staff report.
The Council directed questions to staff.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speaker: Ryan, Jo Drummond
Terry Davis was not present 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.
The Council reviewed the recommendation and took no action.
ITEM 7 NEW BUSINESS
A. Malibu Library Set Aside Funds for Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recommended Action: Approve the use of Malibu Library Set Aside Funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26.
Management Analyst Alba presented the staff report.
The Council directed questions to staff.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speakers: Scott Tallal, John Mazza, Susie Duff, and Ryan 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 Councilmember Stewart moved, and Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein seconded a motion to approve the use of Malibu Library Set Aside Funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025- 26, with an additional $50,000 for the Poet Laureate Program for a total of $100,000.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
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The motion carried 4-1, Councilmember Uhring opposed.
B. Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Update Recommended Action: Receive a report on the City's status of applying for financial assistance through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program.
Senior Management Analyst Ayala presented the staff report.
Councilmember Conrad left the dais at 10:11 p.m.
Senior Management Analyst Ayala presented the staff report.
Councilmember Conrad returned to the dais at 10:13 p.m.
Senior Management Analyst Ayala presented the staff report.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speakers: Anne K., and Ryan
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.
Mayor Riggins received and filed the report without objection.
ITEM 8 COUNCIL ITEMS
A. Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate Voting Delegate(s) for the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference
Recommended Action: Designate the City's voting delegate and alternate voting delegate(s) for the League of California Cities 2025 Annual Conference scheduled for October 8-10 in Long Beach.
City Clerk Pettijohn presented the staff report.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speaker: Anne K.
Ryan declined the opportunity to speak.
As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Riggins returned the matter to the table for discussion.
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The Council discussed the item.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Stewart seconded a motion to appoint Mayor Riggins as delegate and Councilmember Conrad as alternate delegate for the League of California Cities 2025 Annual Conference. The motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Riggins adjourned the meeting at 10:32 p.m.
Approved and adopted by the City Council of the
City of Malibu on May 26, 2026.
ATT S
BRUCE SILV RSTEIN, Mayor
K LSE E IT OFIN,_Ciky lerk
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