August 13, 2025 – Study Session Minutes Page 1
AUGUST 13, 2025 – CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Freedman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: M/Freedman, MPT/Cajulis, C/Law, C/Tragarz, C/Wu ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Also present: City Manager Weiner; Acting City Attorney Mann; Community Development Director Vasquez, Public Works Director Barcelo, Finance Director Merkel; Finance Manager Meza; Community Relations Officer Tep; Senior Management Analyst Munoz; City Clerk De Dios, and Administrative Services Specialist Cortez.
DISCUSSION ITEM:
1. Citywide Trail Fencing Evaluation
Staff will provide a comprehensive overview of the City’s trail fencing system, including a history of product performance issues, limitations with the originally used wood materials, and current availability challenges. The presentation will include:
• An analysis of existing fending conditions throughout the City’s trail network • Potential alternative materials and associated life cycle considerations • Budgetary impacts for each option
• Evaluation of fencing installation patterns Citywide with recommendations to reduce ongoing maintenance costs
Estimated Time: 1 Hour
PWD/Barcelo provided a staff report with information regarding citywide trail fencing replacement.
Discussion took place amongst the City Council and staff relating to the fencing alternatives proposed by staff, encouraging more public outreach, and the costs associated to the different types of fencing.
PWD/Barcelo stated staff is looking to choose a sustainable and cost-effective fencing solution along with its funding source and the timeline for implementation.
CM/Weiner stated staff is looking for direction on whether to proceed with this project and prepare a budget.
M/Freedman opened oral communications for the public to speak on the issue.
Lindy Rzonca expressed concerns about the safety of the current fencing and was not happy with the information provided and wants to see more options and feedback for transparency.
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William Harrison expressed concerns about the vandalizing that may occur to the fencing; he complimented the vinyl materials being proposed and stated fiscal responsibility is needed for this project.
Melissa Silva appreciates the options and is interested to see more input and information on this issue; she rides her horse on the equestrian trails and suggested considering having fencing on both sides where there is an opening on a private property.
Lily Rzonca spoke on the public input process presented this evening and stated she would like to see clarification on the different segments and more transparency on the data and outreach efforts.
Shelly Rzonca said the city is known for its trail and aesthetics. She would like to see more cost estimates associated with the fencing along the trails and would like the city to consider the times for these meetings to have more public turnout.
Mathhew Rzonca suggested the City consider looking at the different materials available before making a final decision.
Vijay Vakil expressed opposition to the plastic type of fence and prefers wood; he would like to see more participation in the survey and felt the last survey did not have many participants.
M/Freedman announced that the City Council has two very important study sessions that need direction, and each one was given one hour for discussion.
CM/Weiner said there is a lot to discuss on the trail subject and that staff will work to formulate a plan relating to the trail materials, costs, and budget. Staff will take this item to the Parks & Recreation Commission at a future meeting.
PWD/Barcelo said staff will work with the Parks & Recreation Commission to discuss additional materials, color of the fencing, and installation plan and timeline. She will provide more information on the segment and costs.
2. Dog Park Site Evaluation and Cost Discussion
Staff will present a preliminary evaluation of potential dog park locations, including:
• Country Hollow Park
• Snow Creek Park
• Walnut Ranch Park (North 40 area)
The discussion will include site considerations, preliminary cost estimates, and an opportunity for City Council to provide input on a preferred location. Staff will also seek direction on whether to pursue potential funding opportunities for future design and construction.
Estimated Time: 1 Hour.
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SMA/Munoz presented a staff report on the dog park discussion on the feasibility and location of a dog park. She mentioned that at the last City Council discussion, there were three sites considered: Walnut Ranch Park (North 40 area), Country Hollow Park, and Snow Creek Park. She provided information on the estimated construction costs for each of the parks proposed.
PWD/Barcelo added that a landscape architect prepared the schematic designs and mentioned that although the costs are high, staff feels there are opportunities to bring the costs down.
M/Freedman said she has been an advocate of having a dog park and feels it is a major step and important for the city.
MPT/Cajulis expressed his support for having a dog park at Walnut Ranch Park. He was not supportive of Snow Creek Park and feels that Walnut Ranch park would be his choice.
He asked if there were any other options.
PWD/Barcelo explained that the difficulty has been finding a location and that is why staff conducted community surveys. She mentioned that after reviewing everything, these three parks are the ones that are being considered though if the City Council wish to look at more alternatives, they may do so.
C/Wu supports the dog park but expressed concerns on the impact the it would have on the residents. He would support the Snow Creek Park location.
C/Law supports the County Hollow Park location.
C/Tragarz said she has received concerns from residents opposing having a dog park due to health issues and maintenance. She would consider Walnut Ranch Park but is concerned about the school nearby.
M/Freedman opened public comment.
Libby Rzonca stated she is in favor of having a dog park and she would support the location at Snow Creek Park.
Shelly Rzonca spoke in favor of dog park at Snow Creek but would not like to use wood chips.
William Harrison is not in favor of dog park and feels it is a liability.
Matt Rzonca supports having a dog park in the city and suggested Snow Creek Park.
Lily Rzonca supports having the dog park at Snow Creek Park.
CC/De Dios provided an email in opposition of the dog park from Kevin McArdle.
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Resident expressed support for having a dog park at Snow Creek Park.
M/Freedman said the dog park had been discussed while she served on the Parks and Recreation Commission and now on the City Council. She would like to move forward with a dog park.
CM/Weiner announced there was another email submitted in favor of the dog park.
C/Law asked if staff is looking into placing something for sound proofing at the dog park.
PWD/Barcelo explained that staff may look at landscaping near homes as we get closer to an approval of the project. She shared that Los Angeles County has funds available for this type of project. She is looking for the support of a dog park before staff look more into the use of grants.
C/Tragarz expressed concerns about not having enough parking at Walnut Ranch Park.
PWD/Barcelo asked what the City Council would like staff to bring back.
M/Freedman would like to have staff bring back a proposal for the Snow Creek Park.
C/Wu said he was in favor of Snow Creek Park.
C/Law is in favor the Walnut Ranch Park but sees how Snow Creek is a better location for a dog park.
MPT/Cajulis and C/Tragarz would like to see Walnut Ranch Park North 40 location for a dog park.
C/Law wants to see a maintenance cost analysis.
M/Freedman agreed with C/Tragarz to leave the same options discussed this evening and bring the item back for discussion at a City Council meeting.
CM/Weiner said all three options may be brought to a discussion item.
After discussion amongst the City Council, the Country Hollow Park was eliminated since it does not have a restroom.
It was the consensus of the City Council that Snow Creek Park and Walnut Ranch Park would be brought back at a future Council meeting.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
There was no one wishing to speak.
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ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED on the 10th day of September 2025.
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Linda Freedman, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Teresa De Dios, City Clerk
PREPARED BY:
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Jackie Cortez, Admin Services Specialist