MINUTES
MALIBU CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 12, 2026
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M.
MEETING CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Riggins called the meeting to order at 5:30 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; Rob DuBoux, Interim City Manager; Christopher Smith, Assistant City Manager; Richard Rojas, Deputy City Manager; Frances Arricale, Deputy City Manager; Kelsey Pettijohn, City Clerk; Kristin Riesgo, Community Services Director; Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director; Susan Duerias, Public Safety Director; Parker Davis, Media. Technician; Greg Kajszo, Assistant to the City Manager Christina Murioz, Deputy City Clerk; Chris Orosz, Recreation Manager; and Nadia Fahoum, Associate Engineer.
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 December 23, 2025.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION Councilmember Uhring moved, and Councilmember Stewart seconded a motion to approve the agenda, continuing Item No. 1.B.6. to a date uncertain. The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM 1 CONSENT CALENDAR
1 Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment. As there were no public speakers present for the Consent Calendar, the Mayor returned the matter to the table for discussion.
Item Nos. 1.B.4., 1.B.5., and 1.B.10. were pulled by the Council.
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Minutes of January 12, 2026
MOTION Councilmember Uhring moved, and Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, pulling Item Nos. 1.B.4., 1.B.5., 1.B.10. 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 77431-77649 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. 781 in the amount of the warrant appearing opposite their names, for the purposes stated on the respective demands in a total amount of $4,018,338.14. City of Malibu payroll check number 5542-5545 and ACH deposits were issued in the amount of $973,934.48.
3. Approval of Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes for the June 23, 2025 Regular Meeting.
7. Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc.
Recommended Action: Authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Inc. (Transtech) to provide On-Call Civil Engineering Services.
8. Acceptance of Emergency Guardrail Repair Project
Recommended Action: 1) Accept Public Works agreement with Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. for emergency guardrail repairs in order to immediately preserve public safety; and 2) Authorize the Public Works Director to submit for recordation a Notice of Completion.
9. Bailment Agreement with the County of Los Angeles
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a bailment agreement with the County of Los Angeles to allow the Sheriff's Department to use a new City vehicle for the Volunteers on Patrol program.
11. Facility Fee Waiver Policy
Recommended Action: Adopt City Council Policy #53 Facility Fee Waiver.
12. Resolution Extending the Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency Regarding the Franklin Fire
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 26-03, extending the declaration of the existence of a local emergency in response to the Franklin Fire.
13. Resolution Extending the Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency Regarding the Palisades Fire
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Minutes of January 12, 2026
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 26-04, extending the declaration of the existence of a local emergency in response to the Palisades Fire.
The following items were pulled from the consent calendar for individual consideration:
6. Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
Recommended Action: Authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for additional engineering design services and support during construction of the Pacific Coast Highway Quick Build Roundabout project in the amount $198,550, for a new total not to exceed in the amount $477,926.
This item was continued to a date uncertain upon approval of the agenda.
4. Resolution Extending the Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency Regarding Conditions on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 26-02 extending the declaration of the existence of a local emergency related to the increase of 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:
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
MOTION
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Conrad seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 26-02 extending the declaration of the existence of a local emergency related to the increase of 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. The motion carried unanimously.
5. Rejection of Bids for the Encinal Canyon Road 60-Inch Storm Drain Repairs Project
Recommended Action: 1) Reject all bids received for the Encinal Canyon Road 60-Inch Storm Drain Repairs Project (Project), Specification No. 2113; and 2) direct staff to revise scope of work required to repair the storm drain on Emilia! Canyon Road and rebid the Project.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff Councilmember Stewart moved, and Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to: 1) reject all bids received for the Encinal Canyon Road 60-Inch Storm Drain Repairs Project (Project), Specification No. 2113; and 2) direct Malibu City Council
Minutes of January 12, 2026
staff to revise scope of work required to repair the storm drain on Encinal Canyon Road and rebid the Project. The motion carried unanimously.
10. Termination of the Declaration of a Local Emergency Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 26-01 terminating the declaration of local emergency as a result of the risk of fires associated with individuals engaged in unpermitted camping.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff MOTION Councilmember Stewart moved, and Councilmember Uhring second a motion to take no action on the termination of the Declaration of a Local Emergency as a result of the risk of fires associated with individuals engaged in unpermitted camping and acknowledge the state of emergency would lapse unless renewed pursuant to Government Code Section 8630.
The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM 2 CEREMONIAL/PRESENTATIONS
None.
ITEM 3 COMMISSION / COMMITTEE / CITY MANAGER UPDATES
Interim City Manager DuBoux thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve and assist with the City Manager transition. He discussed significant rainfall over the holidays and commended the Public Works Maintenance crews for their work on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day to keep roads open. He provided an update regarding the permanent Skatepark project timeline. He announced upcoming rebuild workshops, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) signal synchronization ribbon cutting, and that the PCH signal synchronization project had won the Public Works' Project of the Year award. He announced the closure of City Hall for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
In response to Mayor Riggins, Community Development Director Bundy clarified that the upcoming Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workshop would be virtual.
Community Development Director Bundy presented an update on fire rebuild statistics and projects under construction.
The Council directed questions to Community Development Director Bundy.
Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein requested consensus to bring back an item for the City to investigate how many rebuild home permits had been issued by the City of Los Angeles, including through a Public Records Act request if necessary.
Malibu City Council
Minutes of January 12, 2026
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to bring back an item at the January 26, 2025 meeting with information regarding City of Los Angeles rebuilding permit statistics and to consider providing further direction to staff.
The Council directed further questions to Community Development Director Bundy.
Sergeant Chris Soderlund, Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, presented the December 2025 crime statistics. He discussed 2026 safety goals including PCH safety, and rebuilding safety with ongoing construction projects. He encouraged individuals with security cameras to register with the Real Time Crime Center.
The Council directed questions to Sergeant Soderlund.
In response to the Council, Public Safety Director Duefias stated staff was preparing a comprehensive report on parking enforcement.
MOTION Councilmember Conrad moved, and Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein seconded a motion to hear Item No. 8.A. after Item No. 4.B. The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM 4.A. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Anne K. discussed radio range in the City of Malibu and La Habra's emergency radio systems. She recommended prioritizing radio communication.
Michel Shane discussed the PCH state of emergency. He proposed a new enforcement policy that would cause individuals speeding on PCH lose their license. He recommended expansion of the State's Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets (FAST) Program to include PCH in Malibu.
Marissa Coughlan stated that two Planning Verifications sha had applied for had been approved and discussed the importance of expediting rebuilds to maintain funding and the tax base for the City and school district. She discussed FEMA floodplain impacts on beachfront properties and misinformation regarding fire rebuilds.
Brian Merrick discussed his experience applying for his beachfront fire rebuild permits.
Kevin Keegan discussed concerns that the City's strategic plan did not include public health goals or significant technology investment and did not sufficiently address emerging technologies.
Darren Graves discussed the approved Planning Verification application for his family's property, and significant cost of advanced onsite wastewater treatment system (AOWTS) and the associated shoreline protection devices. He Malibu City Council
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recommended an electronic plan review process and discussed miscommunications in the current process.
Scott Dittrich discussed Salwa Walba's communications with Los Angeles County Tax Assessor Prang regarding property taxes for fire damaged properties.
Meril May discussed safety issues near the Corral Canyon construction site, including maintenance of safety infrastructure such as channelizers, accidents on PCH, and increased concerns related to the Zuma Underpass closure.
Nick Corey discussed open Code Enforcement case on Councilmember Uhring's property.
Gary Harkness discussed Malibu Township Council's (MTC) opposition to PCH safety improvements. He discussed MTC formation and purpose in its early history. He expressed concern that the MTC no longer represented the community.
Cici Lee discussed removal of Norfolk Pine Trees on Cross Creek Road.
Jo Drummond discussed the year since the Palisades Fire. She discussed the limited number of rebuild permits that had been issued and challenges to the rebuilding process.
Norm Haynie discussed long-term impacts of rains and delayed slides after the hills are saturated. He discussed the difference between planning and building permits in the development process.
ITEM 4.B. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS / COUNCIL COMMENTS
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Councilmember Stewart stated that the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) used radios similar to those demonstrated by Anne K.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Community Development Director Bundy, Interim City Manager DuBoux, and Assistant City Manager SMith discussed the current plan review process and the City's plans for an electronic land management system.
Councilmember Conrad requested consensus to support Los Angeles County Tax Assessor Prang's efforts regarding reduced property taxes for fire-damaged properties.
Councilmember Stewart discussed property taxes after the Woolsey Fire and the way the current assessment is applied to damaged or destroyed properties.
Councilmember Conrad requested updates on major projects like the project near Corral Canyon where work had been stopped.
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Interim City Manager DuBoux stated he could provide an update to the Council.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Interim City Manager DuBoux explained the purpose of temporary construction channelizers and alternative products for long-term solutions.
Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein discussed how he had advocated for the City to take further actions under the PCH emergency declaration.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Interim City Attorney Rusin stated Caltrans had jurisdiction over PCH and explained the limited powers of emergency declaration and the risk of taking action without coordination with Caltrans.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Interim City Manager DuBoux requested anyone who sees a dangerous situation report the issue to the City Manager or Public Works so it can be documented in the City's weekly meeting with Caltrans.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Community Development Director Bundy stated that septic systems and seawalls were currently the responsibility of the property owner rebuilding from the fire. She stated that Caltrans was assessing seawalls adjoining PCH and would shore certain walls, but had not agreed to pay for private property improvements.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Community Development Director Bundy stated Community Development staff monitored California Coastal Commission (CCC) agendas and met regularly with CCC staff.
Councilmember Conrad thanked the Community Services Department for the extra hour for the senior center knitting programming.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Community Services Director Riesgo stated staff had patched damaged carpet after water damage in the multi-purpose room, but the full carpet would be replaced in future with minimal impact to programming.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Interim City Manager DuBoux stated Caltrans had placed protective devices in the PCH median in the fire damaged area to prevent erosion.
In response to Mayor Riggins, Interim City Manager DuBoux stated the City had conveyed to the County that plastic sandbags were not allowed in the City.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Interim City Manager DuBoux stated the timeline for the permanent Skatepark construction had not been finalized.
In response to Councilmember Conrad, Community Services Director Riesgo Malibu City Council
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stated staff could work with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) to address the fire-damaged trees near Bluffs Park.
Councilmember Stewart thanked Candace Bond for her service as Interim City Manager. He stated he attended the Palisades Fire remembrance event and discussed the impact fires have had on the City.
In response to Councilmember Stewart, Interim City Manager DuBoux provided an update on the speed camera procurement and installation timeline.
Councilmember Stewart discussed radio systems being used across Southern California and the importance of having strong towers to support the system.
Councilmember Uhring thanked Public Works crews for keeping roads open through the recent rain events. He discussed options for soils testing for fire damaged properties. He discussed the Palisaded Fire Remembrance event. He stated the City had been in contact with him regarding the Code Enforcement case.
In response to Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein, Interim City Manager DuBoux discussed issues with permitting for the Zuma Beach underpass cleanup.
Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein discussed Anne K.'s comments regarding La Habra and differences between fire danger and La Habra and Malibu.
Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein discussed whether rebuild permitting rights travel with the land, and explained that planning entitlements continue with the land while building code provisions may differ in landslide zones.
In response to Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein, Community Development Director Bundy discussed conditions for properties in an active landslide zone to rebuild.
She explained that one condition was that building permits could be issued to the owner, the owner's heirs, or authorized agents, and stated that staff was reviewing the implications of this provision for the sale of these properties.
Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein requested consensus to bring back an item to discuss this issue and consider a legislative solution.
Mayor Riggins indicated support for the proposed item.
In response to Councilmember Stewart and Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein, Community Development Director Bundy explained which properties fell under this active landslide classification and when properties in an active landslide area could be rebuilt with up to an additional 10%.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council directed staff to bring back an item to discuss the Building Code restrictions on who can rebuild a damaged or destroyed structure in Malibu City Council
Minutes of January 12, 2026
an active landslide zone.
In response to Mayor Riggins, Interim City Manager DuBoux stated staff would bring back an item on the PCH sewer project soon.
Mayor Riggins requested California Highway Patrol (CHP) provide a law enforcement update to a future City Council meeting.
In response to Mayor Riggins, Interim City Manager DuBoux stated staff could bring back a more detailed update on Big Rock dewatering system.
In response to Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein and Councilmember Conrad, Community Development Director Bundy explained that the landslide was mapped by the State.
In response to Mayor Riggins, Community Development Director Bundy stated the City's geotechnical consultant could provide more information on the active landslide classification and mapping.
Councilmember Conrad requested consensus to bring back an item to determine which Councilmembers can attend the Zone Captain meetings.
Councilmember Uhring stated he would not attend future Zone Captain meetings to avoid a Brown Act issues.
In response to Councilmember Stewart, Interim City Attorney Rusin explained that because the Zone Captain meetings were City-organized meetings, a quorum of the Council could not attend without noticing the meeting as a special City Council meeting.
Councilmember Conrad requested consensus to schedule an item related to the Mobilehome Park Rent regulations.
Interim City Manager DuBoux stated staff would bring back an item on February 9, 2026.
RECESS At 8:08 p.m., Mayor Riggins recessed the meeting. The meeting resumed at 8:25 p.m. with all Councilmembers present.
ITEM 8 COUNCIL ITEMS
A. Proposal for a Council Policy to Facilitate the Expeditious, Efficient and Economical Rebuild of all Structures in the City Destroyed or Materially Damaged by Wildfire, Earthquake, Flood, Landslide, Mudslide or Similar Disaster in Substantially the Same Location as the Destroyed or Damaged Structure and in a Like-for-Like Manner that Does Not Exceed 110% of the Area, Height or Bulk of the Structure Destroyed or Materially Damaged (a "Like-for-Like Disaster Malibu City Council
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Rebuild"). (Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein and Councilmember Conrad) (Continued from December 8, 2025)
Recommended Action: At the request of Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein and Councilmember Conrad, discuss and provide direction on the attached resolution.
Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein presented the report.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speakers: Kevin Keegan, Daniel Smith (Lea Johnson and Luis Tena deferred time to Daniel Smith), Darren Graves, Arno Koch (Matthew Kocher deferred time to Arno Koch), Scott Dittrich, Janet Fulk, Abe Roy, Brian Merrick, Marissa Coughlan, Jo Drummond, Tina Segel
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 schedule a workshop with the newly appointed City Manager Joe Irvin to discuss the proposed Council Policy to Facilitate the Expeditious, Efficient and Economical Rebuild of all Structures in the City Destroyed or Materially Damaged by Wildfire, Earthquake, Flood, Landslide, Mudslide or Similar Disaster.
The Council discussed the item.
ITEM 5 ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Adoption of Ordinance No. 531 - California Building Standards Code Recommended Action: 1) Conduct the Public Hearing; and 2) Conduct the second reading, unless waived, and adopt Ordinance No. 531, adopting by reference Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Building Code, 2025 Edition; Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition; Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition; Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition; Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition; Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 edition; the California Energy Code, 2025 Edition; Title 33 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition; the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition; making amendments to said codes; repealing Ordinance No. 503, and finding the action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
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Community Development Director Bundy presented the staff report.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speakers: Jo Drummond
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 Uhring moved, and Mayor Riggins seconded a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 531, adopting by reference Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Building Code, 2025 Edition; Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition; Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition; Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition; Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition; Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 edition; the California Energy Code, 2025 Edition; Title 33 of the Los Angeles County Code, incorporating the California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition; the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition; making amendments to said codes; repealing Ordinance No. 503, and finding the action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
The Council discussed the item and directed questions to staff.
The motion carried unanimously.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Conrad seconded a motion to hear Item No. 6.A. after 10:30 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM 6 OLD BUSINESS
A. Request to Re-Establish a Temporary Volunteer Fire Rebuild Ambassador Continued from December 8, 2025)
Recommended Action: Discuss and provide direction regarding the request to reestablish a Temporary Volunteer Fire Rebuild Ambassador.
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.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Stewart seconded a motion to determine that the City Council would not re-establish the Temporary Volunteer Malibu City Council
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Rebuild Ambassador. The motion carried unanimously.
MOTION Mayor Pro Tern Silverstein moved, and Councilmember Uhring seconded a motion to hear Item No. 6.B. after 10:30 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.
B. Receive and File Update on Malibu's Community Lands (Continued from December 8, 2025)
Receive and file an update on Malibu's Community Lands, and provide direction to staff as appropriate.
Deputy City Manager Rojas recommended continuing this item to the next available meeting.
Mayor Riggins opened the floor to public comment.
Speaker: Mariano Shulman
As there were no other speakers present, Mayor Riggins returned the matter to the table for discussion.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the Council continued the item to the next available meeting.
ITEM 7 NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Riggins adjourned the meeting at 10:54 p.m. in memory of Darlene Dubray.
Approved and adopted by the City Council of the
City of Malibu on August 24, 2026.
BRUCE SILVE STEIN, Mayor