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CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2025
WEST HOLLYWOOD PARK PUBLIC MEETING ROOM — COUNCIL CHAMBERS 625 N. SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD
6: 00 PM — REGULAR MEETING
THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD HAS ADOPTED BRIEF SUMMARY AND ACTION MEETING MINUTES, WHICH PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF THE ACTIONS TAKEN AND POINTS OF DISCUSSION ONLY. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR INDIVIDUAL
DISCUSSIONS REGARDING ANY ITEM SUMMARIZED IN THESE MINUTES MAY BE OBTAINED BY VIEWING THE ARCHIVED VIDEOS OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AT www. weho. org/ wehotv.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Byers called the meeting to order at 6: 01 p. m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: West Hollywood Elementary School students Imani Jane Gist and Sarah Lima Almeida led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmember Erickson, Councilmember Hang, Councilmember Meister, Vice Mayor Heilman, and Mayor Byers.
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager David Wilson, City Attorney Lauren Langer, Director of Administrative Services Janet Jimenez, City Clerk Melissa Crowder, and Assistant City Clerk Lulu Morales.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
City Council Changes:
Items F. 1. F. 2., and F. 3., moved to the Consent Calendar as Items B. 15., B. 16., and B. 17., respectively.
Motion by Vice Mayor Heilman, seconded by Councilmember Hang, and approved 5/ 0).
LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES: None.
ADJOURNMENT MOTIONS:
Councilmember Meister requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of the victims of the Bondi Junction Mass shooting in Sydney. She also requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of film director and activist, Rob Reiner.
Mayor Byers requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of the victims of the Brown University mass shooting.
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PRESENTATIONS:
The City Council presented a Certificate to West Hollywood Elementary School students Imani Jane Gist and Sarah Lima Almeida for leading tonight's Pledge of Allegiance.
The City Council played a video from Supervisor Horvath' s Office, remarking on David Wilson' s accomplishments and congratulating him on his retirement.
The City Council presented David Wilson with a Proclamation in recognition of his years of service to the City of West Hollywood and expressed deep appreciation to David for providing steady, stabilizing leadership during uncertain and crisis -filled periods. The City Council credited him with guiding the City through major challenges while maintaining strong financial stewardship and sound judgment. They shared personal reflections on his professionalism, calm demeanor, attention to detail, mentorship, and willingness to listen and offer advice, often highlighting how he supported them as new or first -term Councilmembers and helped them navigate difficult conversations.
Councilmembers further praised his wide-ranging public service, dedication to Staff and the community, and the legacy he leaves behind. In closing, they wished him well in retirement and his next chapter.
City Manager David Wilson expressed heartfelt gratitude to current and former Councilmembers, community members, and City staff for their support, kindness, and shared memories throughout his career with the City. He emphasized his deep love for the community, pride in serving alongside a dedicated and hardworking City staff, and confidence that the City will continue to be well served. He concluded by thanking City staff for their exceptional work and expressed assurance that the City is in capable hands under Jackie Rocco' s leadership as he enters retirement.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
CAPTAIN FANNY LAPKIN, on behalf of the LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF' S DEPARTMENT, presented City Manager David Wilson with a Proclamation in appreciation of his outstanding leadership and mentorship as City Manager. She highlighted his strong partnership with the Sheriff's Department, his positive impact on the community, and his commitment to public safety, expressing gratitude on behalf of the men and women of the Department for his lasting contributions to West Hollywood.
AMANDA LAFLEN, representative from SUPERVISOR LINDSEY HORVATH' S OFFICE, and JOSHUA MARIN MORA, representative from ASSEMBLYMEMBER ZBUR' S OFFICE, presented City Manager David Wilson with a Proclamation and thanked him for his steady and calm leadership, recognizing his 25 years of public service and the lasting impact he has had on West Hollywood' s success, and offered gratitude on behalf of Los Angeles County for his many years of service.
KEVIN BURTON, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding Item F. 3., urging the City to amend its recognitions and memorials policy to include traffic -related memorial signs, Docusign Envelope ID: A4C880AC- 7A91- 4947- 8E05- 38B21804B16A City Council Minutes
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noting that such signs both honor victims of fatal crashes and serve as safety reminders to encourage more careful driving.
DARYIOUS ANDERSON, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the lived experience of unhoused individuals, urged the City to approach Item B. S. with compassion, by recognizing unhoused individuals as part of the community and supporting solutions such as property storage programs to protect personal belongings while avoiding criminalization.
WENDY GOLDMAN, on behalf of CYNTHIA/ SUNSET NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, thanked Genevieve Morrill for her 15 years of dedicated leadership of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, praised her values, humor, and support of the Sunset Strip and local businesses through the pandemic and recovery, expressed confidence in continued leadership under incoming West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Len Lanzi, and also acknowledged the contributions of the City's Boards and Commissions while extending holiday wishes and a public safety reminder.
DAVID MASON EICHMAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, thanked outgoing City Manager David Wilson for his service, commended the Council for appointing Jackie Rocco as the next City Manager, expressed solidarity with the Jewish community following the recent mass shooting in Australia, urged the public to actively call out anti-Semitism, and extended holiday wishes.
DAVID ECKERT, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in gratitude to the Mayor, the City Council, and City staff for their compassion, service, and dedication to the community, praised their ability to value differences and lead selflessly, and thanked David Wilson for his legacy. He also shared a hopeful suggestion for the future, proposing expanded holiday lighting in City parks to further bring the community together in celebration.
SCOTT SCHMIDT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF EMERALD VILLAGE, thanked David Wilson and Genevieve Morrill for their service, expressed enthusiasm for working with incoming Chamber leadership, praised current and future City leaders for their public service, highlighted the success of Emerald Village initiatives, outlined recent achievements and upcoming events, including the Cannabis Culture and Change Conference scheduled for February 28, 2026.
RICH MAGANA, WEST HOLLYWOOD, FOUNDER OF QUEER IN CANNABIS, spoke regarding the organization' s mission to preserve LGBTQ history within the cannabis space and announced a partnership on the Cannabis Culture and Change Symposium, including the screening of an unreleased documentary highlighting the intersection of LGBTQ communities, cannabis, and HIV/AIDS, while thanking the City for providing a platform to share this important story.
NICK ROYBAL, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the recent mass shooting at Brown University, shared a passage from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel to express resilience and moral clarity in the face of violence, and urged the City and community to Docusign Envelope ID: A4C880AC- 7A91- 4947- 8E05- 38B21804B16A City Council Minutes
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remain open, compassionate, and deeply committed to extending love and care, especially during challenging times.
GENEVIEVE MORRILL, President and CEO of the WEST HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, thanked outgoing Mayor Chelsea Byers for her exceptional service, welcomed Vice Mayor John Heilman as the incoming Mayor, and expressed deep gratitude to outgoing City Manager David Wilson for his steady, respectful leadership during challenging times for the business community. She also acknowledged the City Council for their support, welcomed incoming City Manager Jackie Rocco, and reflected on her 25 years of service in West Hollywood, emphasizing the lasting relationships formed and the City's profound impact on her life as she marked her final Council meeting.
I:NkvaJi/_11:/_[ r]4z4m04as] :A9 Update
from the Community Safety Department Director
of Community Safety Danny Rivas, West Hollywood Sheriff'sStation Captain Fanny Lapkin, Assistant Division Fire Chief for West Hollywood Drew Smith, Public Safety Manager Anita Shandi, General Manager of Allied Security Services Valerie Chavez, and Code Enforcement Supervisors Yessica Benitez and Elisa Lopez presented anoverview ofthe Community Safety Department'sstructure, priorities, and performance measures for the current budget cycle, highlighting coordinated work across Code Enforcement, Public Safety, Fire & Sheriff services, and the Security Ambassador Program toprotect life, property, and quality oflife in West Hollywood. The presentation noted that most performance metrics and priorities are being met, including response times, major event safety, emergency preparedness training, crime reporting, and declining Part I crime trends compared torecent years. Key updates included continued focus on vacant properties and short- term rentals, progress onthe multifamily proactive inspection pilot program, ongoing updates topark rules to codify them in the municipal code, and improvements topermitting and case management systems. Staff reported steady trends incalls for service, emphasized robust community engagement and training efforts, and outlined progress and remaining work on unarmed alternative programs and public safety technology, including the drone -as -first -responder initiative. The presentation concluded by noting strong collaboration with the Sheriff' sand Fire Departments, targeted safety planning for vulnerable communities, and overall confidence that community safety efforts are effective and on track. The City Council did not take formal action but provided the following comments: Continue implementing and prioritizing the Jewish Community Safety Plan, including proactive patrols, outreach tofaith institutions and schools, and annual updates tocontacts and holiday calendars. Maintain
heightened coordination with nightlife, bar, and restaurant operators, particularly during the holiday season and New Year's, including continued foot patrols, communication with business owners, and encouragement of surveillance and reporting.
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Continue traffic enforcement and safety efforts, with attention to addressing driver inattention and reporting back on citation trends, including distracted driving.
Ensure enhanced holiday patrol visibility, including the use of the holiday patrol vehicle on major business corridors and consideration of residential areas during periods of increased burglary risk.
Explore options for improving public safety communications, including whether a City -based civilian communications role could supplement the Sheriff' s communications, given current staffing moratoriums.
Provide future updates to the City Council on the status of public safety technology initiatives, including the drone -as -first -responder program and security camera efforts, as information becomes available.
DAVID ECKERT, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding safety concerns and suggested improving safety by adding lighting and reflective signage to Security Ambassador kiosks for better nighttime visibility, as well as considering relocating kiosks near synagogues as a proactive safety measure.
FISCAL IMPACT ON CONSENT CALENDAR:
City Clerk Melissa Crowder stated that the fiscal impact on tonight' s Consent Calendar, with the addition of Items F. 1., F. 2., and F. 3., was $ 17, 329, 755 in expenditures, $ 0 in revenue, and ($ 0) in waived fees.
City Attorney Lauren Langer read the terms of the employment agreement for Item F. 1. for the incoming City Manager, Jackie Rocco, into the record.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
B. 1., 2., 3., 4., 5., 6., 7., 8., 9., 10., 11., 12., 13., 14., 15., 16., 17. Motion by Vice Mayor Heilman, seconded by Councilmember Meister, and approved ( 510), noting Councilmember Meister' s " no" vote on Item B. 7.
B. 1. POSTING OF AGENDA:
SUBJECT: The agenda for the meeting of Monday, December 15, 2025, was posted at City Hall, Plummer Park, and the Aquatics & Recreation Center (ARC) on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
SUBJECT: The City Council is requested to approve the minutes of the prior Council meeting.
ACTION: Approved the minutes of December 1, 2025. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
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B. 3. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER NO. 982 [ O. JONES, K.
BARENG, Y. MARTINEZ]:
SUBJECT. The City Council shall receive the Demand Register for period ending December 5, 2025 pursuant to Sections 37201 to 37210 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Approved Demand Register No. 982 and Adopt Resolution No. 25- 079: " A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST HOLLYWOOD ALLOWING AND APPROVING THE PAYMENT
OF DEMANDS ON DEMAND REGISTER NO. 982". Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 4. CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, Y. ZHOSAN]:
SUBJECT. The City Council is receiving notification that the City's third - party administrator Carl Warren & Co. has denied one ( 1) Claim for Damages from Brooke Washington.
ACTION: Received and filed. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 5. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 25- 27 ( 2ND READING) " AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
AMENDING TITLE 19, ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE WEST
HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDING REGULATIONS FOR
HOUSING TYPOLOGIES FOR UNHOUSED PERSONS AND PERSONS
WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW AND
FINDING SUCH ACTION DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A PROJECT
SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
CEQA) AND IS OTHERWISE EXEMPT UNDER STATE CEQA
GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15378( B)( 5) AND 15061( B)( 3)" [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 25-27, amending Title 19, Zoning Ordinance of the West Hollywood Municipal Code amending regulations for housing typologies for unhoused persons and persons with special needs in accordance with State Law and finding such action does not qualify as a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is otherwise exempt under State CEQA guidelines Sections 15378(b)( 5) and 15061( b)( 3).
ACTION: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 25-27: " AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD AMENDING TITLE 19, ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDING REGULATIONS
FOR HOUSING TYPOLOGIES FOR UNHOUSED PERSONS AND
PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE
LAW AND FINDING SUCH ACTION DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A
PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
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CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15378( B)( 5) AND 15061( B)( 3)." Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 6. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 25- 28 ( 2ND READING) " AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO
TITLE 19 OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE THE CONVERSION OF EXISTING
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS TO RESIDENTIAL USES THROUGH
A MINISTERIAL APPROVAL PROCESS, EXCLUDING HOTELS AND
MOTELS FROM MINISTERIAL ELIGIBILITY, AND FINDING THE
ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEQA" [ J. JIMENEZ, M. CROWDER, L.
MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 25-28, adopting an amendment to Title 19 of the West Hollywood Municipal Code to encourage and facilitate the conversion of existing commercial developments to residential uses through a ministerial approval process, excluding hotels and motels from ministerial eligibility, and finding the action exempt from CEQA.
ACTION: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 25-28: " AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ADOPTING AN
AMENDMENT TO TITLE 19 OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE THE CONVERSION OF
EXISTING COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS TO RESIDENTIAL USES
THROUGH A MINISTERIAL APPROVAL PROCESS, EXCLUDING
HOTELS AND MOTELS FROM MINISTERIAL ELIGIBILITY, AND
FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM CEQA." Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 7. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 25- 29 ( 2ND READING) " AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD ADDING
CHAPTER 11. 50 AUTONOMOUS AND SEMI -AUTONOMOUS
PERSONAL DELIVERY DEVICES TO THE WEST HOLLYWOOD
MUNICIPAL CODE AND FINDING THAT SUCH ACTION DOES NOT
QUALIFY AS A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES
SECTION 15378 AND IS OTHERWISE EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER
STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061( B)( 3)" [ J. JIMENEZ, M.
CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 25- 29, adding Chapter 11. 50 autonomous and semiautonomous personal delivery devices to the West Hollywood Municipal Code and finding that such action does not qualify as a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA guidelines Section 15378 and is otherwise exempt from CEQA under State CEQA guidelines Section 15061 ( b)( 3).
ACTION: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 25-29: " AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
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HOLLYWOOD ADDING CHAPTER 11. 50 AUTONOMOUS AND SEMIAUTONOMOUS PERSONAL DELIVERY DEVICES TO THE WEST
HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE AND FINDING THAT SUCH ACTION
DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES
SECTION 15378 AND IS OTHERWISE EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER
STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061( B)( 3). Approved as part of the Consent Calendar, noting Councilmember Meister' s " no" vote.
B. B. TREASURER' S REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2025 [ O. JONES, K.
BARENG, S. PELOSO, S. STEPHENS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive the Treasurer's Reports for the month ended October 2025 pursuant to Section 53646 of the Government Code of the State of California.
ACTION: Received and filed the October 2025 Treasurer' s Report.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 9. WEST HOLLYWOOD TOURISM IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 2026
ANNUAL REPORT [ L. BIERY, P. KESPRADIT, L. D' AMBROSIA]:
SUBJECT: In accordance with the Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994, California Streets and Highways Code Section 36650, the West Hollywood Marketing Corporation ( d.b. a. West Hollywood Travel & Tourism Board) has submitted the West Hollywood Tourism Improvement District 2026 Annual Report for approval by the City Council.
ACTION: Reviewed and approved the West Hollywood Tourism Improvement District 2025 Annual Report. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 10. 2026 CALENDAR OF SPECIAL LIGHTING REQUESTS FOR CITY HALL AND SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD LANTERNS [ A. LOVANO,
J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a calendar of special lighting requests for City Hall and Santa Monica Boulevard lanterns for calendar year 2026.
ACTION: Approved the proposed 2026 calendar of special lighting requests for City Hall and Santa Monica Boulevard lanterns. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
BA 1. 2025 RAINBOW KEY, MELISSA ETHERIDGE, AND AUDRE LORDE AWARDEES SELECTION [ D. WILSON, A. LOVANO, J. DEL TORO, M.
MARQUEZ]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving the LGBTQ+ Commission' s recommended recipients for the 2025 Rainbow Key Awards, Melissa Etheridge Award, and Audre Lorde Community Activist Award.
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ACTIONS: 1) Approved the LGBTQ+ Commission' s recommended recipients for the 2025 Rainbow Key Awards: Cake and Art, Fan Girl Cafe, Abdullah Hall, Tristan Schukraft, and Trudging Buddies; 2) Approved the LGBTQ+ Commission' s recommended recipient for the 2025 Melissa Etheridge Award: Angela Brinskele; and 3) Approved the LGBTQ+ Commission' s recommended recipient for the 2025 Audre Lorde Community Activist Award: Jaymes Black. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 12. AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH NEW AGREEMENTS FOR ON -CALL
PLAN CHECK AND SUPPLEMENTAL BUILDING AND SAFETY
SERVICES [ N. MARICICH, J. ALKIRE, B. GALAN, C. ZABALA]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approval of an authorized pool of qualified consultants who will be issued Agreements for Professional Services to provide plan check and supplemental Building and Safety services on an as -needed basis based on a recently conducted Request for Qualifications ( RFQ) submission and review process.
ACTIONS: 1) Authorized Staff to maintain an active pool of qualified consultants to provide plan check, inspection, and supplemental Building and Safety services for a period of three ( 3) years beginning January 1, 2026 with a combined not -to -exceed spending amount of $ 5, 250, 000 over the contract period; 2) Approved Agreements for Service with the following consultants to provide as -needed plan check, inspection, and supplemental services: a) TRB Plus Associates, b) True North Compliance Services, c) 4 Leaf Inc, d) JAS Pacific, e) Degenkolb Engineers. F) WSP USA Buildings Inc.; and 3) Authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute the Agreements. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 13. AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH
KANA SUBSURFACE ENGINEERING FOR DIG ALERT SERVICES
FOR CITY -OWNED UTILITY SYSTEMS [ H. COLLINS, J. GILMOUR, R.
GARLAND]:
SUBJECT. The City Council will consider approval of Amendment No. 1 to Agreement for Services with Kana Subsurface Engineering for dig alert services for City -owned utility systems, to increase the not -to -exceed amount of the Agreement and extend the Agreement.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Services with Kana Subsurface Engineering to increase the amount of the Agreement by $ 51, 645, for a total not -to -exceed amount of $451, 645, and extend the Agreement to June 30, 2027; and 2) Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Agreement.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 14. AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR JANITORIAL AND
BUILDING MAINTENANCE SERVICES WITH DMS FACILITY
SERVICES, INC. [ H. COLLINS, P. TICUN, E. HAMANT]:
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SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Maintenance Services with DMS Facility Services, Inc. to increase the not -to -exceed amount of the Agreement to provide janitorial and building maintenance services.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Maintenance Services with DMS Facility Services, Inc. to provide janitorial and building maintenance services for an increased amount of 11, 502, 598. 18 and a new total not -to -exceed amount of $ 21, 207, 164. 12; and 2) Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the amendment to the Agreements. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 15. ( F.1.) APPOINTMENT OF CITY MANAGER, ADOPTION OF
RESOLUTION APPROVING EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, AND
AMENDMENT TO SALARY SCHEDULE [ L. LANGER, J. JIMENEZ, R.
NAPPER]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution appointing Assistant City Manager Jacqueline Rocco as the new City Manager, effective January 8, 2026, approving an employment agreement with Ms. Rocco and amending the salary schedule.
ACTIONS: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 25- 080: " A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
APPOINTING JACQUELINE ROCCO AS CITY MANAGER AND
APPROVING A CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT"; and 2)
Approved the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Citywide Salary Schedule reflecting all City positions and associated salaries to meet the California Public Employees' Retirement System requirements of Government Code § 20636( b)( 1) and California Code of Regulations § 570. 5. Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 16. ( F.2.) CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT WITH SELECT ELECTRIC, INC.
TO CONSTRUCT CIP 2504, BATTERY BACK- UP SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS PHASE II PROJECT AND AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH TRANSTECH ENGINEERS,
INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION
SERVICES AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 25- 081: " A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD APPROVING THE DESIGN AND PLANS FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF CIP 2504, BATTERY BACK- UP SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 2 PROJECT, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 830. 6" [ H. COLLINS, J. GILMOUR, R. GARLAND]:
SUBJECT. The City Council will consider approving a Construction Agreement with Select Electric, Inc. to construct CIP 2504, Battery Backup System Improvements Phase 11 Project and Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Services with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for construction management and inspection services to increase the not -to -exceed Docusign Envelope ID: A4C880AC- 7A91- 4947- 8E05- 38B21804B16A City Council Minutes
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amount of the Agreement. The City Council will also consider adopting of a Resolution approving the project' s design and plans.
ACTIONS: 1) Approved a Construction Agreement with Select Electric, Inc. in the amount of $ 785, 725. 00 for the construction of CIP 2504, Battery Back- up System Improvements Phase II Project, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute documents incident to the Agreement; 2) Authorized the City Engineer to approve change orders to the Construction Agreement in an amount not to exceed 25% 196, 431. 25) of the Agreement amount; 3) Approved Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Services with Transtech Engineers, Inc. to increase the amount of the Agreement by $ 1, 000, 000 for a total not -to -exceed amount of $ 1, 500, 000; 4) Authorized the Director of Finance & Technology Services to allocate $ 122, 000 from unallocated reserves in the City Lighting Fund to account number 211- 4- 08- 84- 704011 for construction of CIP 2504, Battery Back- up System Improvements Phase II Project and related costs; and 5) Adopted Resolution No. 25- 081: " A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD APPROVING THE DESIGN AND PLANS FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF CIP 2504, BATTERY BACK- UP SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 2 PROJECT, PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 830. 6." Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
B. 17. ( F.3.) CONSIDER REVISIONS TO THE CITY' S POLICY FOR RECOGNITIONS AND MEMORIALS [ D. WILSON, J. ROCCO, A.
LOVANO, J. DEL TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will discuss revising the City's Policy for Recognitions and Memorials to better define the procedures for the issuance of recognition items, such as Proclamations, Certificates, and Keys to the City.
ACTION: Approved revisions to the City Policy for Recognitions and Memorials to further define the procedures for the issuance of recognition items, such as Proclamations, Certificates, and Keys to the City.
Approved as part of the Consent Calendar.
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
C. 1. URGENCY ORDINANCE AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING BY REFERENCE TITLES 26, 27, 28, 29 30, 31, AND 33 OF
THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUNICIPAL CODE INCORPORATING
THE CALIFORNIA STATE BUILDING STANDARDS CODE [ N.
MARICICH, J. ALKIRE, B. GALAN]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving an Ordinance amending Chapters 13. 04 ( Building Code), 13. 08 ( Electrical Code), 13. 12 Plumbing Code), and 13. 16 ( Mechanical Code), 13. 20 ( Residential Code), 13. 24 ( Green Building Standards Code), Chapter 13. 26 ( Existing Building Code), Chapter 13. 44 ( Historical Building Code) of Title 13 Docusign Envelope ID: A4C880AC- 7A91- 4947- 8E05- 38B21804B16A City Council Minutes
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Buildings and Construction), of the West Hollywood Municipal Code to adopt by reference specified titles of the County of Los Angeles Municipal Code incorporating the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Code and other uniform codes. The proposed Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (" CEQA') pursuant to Section 15061( b)( 3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, which provides that a project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
Mayor Byers opened the public hearing.
There were no disclosures made by the City Councilmembers.
City Clerk Melissa Crowder stated that the public hearing was noticed as required by law.
Community Development Director Nick Maricich and Assistant Community Development Director Jennifer Alkire introduced Building and Safety Manager Ben Galan, who provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated December 15, 2025.
No members of the public came forward to speak.
Mayor Byers closed the public hearing.
ACTIONS: 1) Adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 25- 25U: " AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD 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; TITLE 33 OF THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING
BUILDING CODE, EDITION 2025; ADD THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION; MAKING LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO SAID CODES; AMENDING CHAPTERS 13. 04, 13. 08, 13. 12, 13. 16,
13. 20, 13. 24, 13. 26 AND 13. 44 OF TITLE 13 OF THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE; FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT; AND
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DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF", 2) Introduced on first reading, Ordinance No. 25- 26, adopting by reference the building standards adopted by Urgency Ordinance No. 25- 25U; and 3) Set a public hearing for February 2, 2026, regarding Ordinance No. 25- 26. Motion by Councilmember Meister, seconded by Mayor Byers, and approved 5/ 0).
C. 2. URGENCY ORDINANCE AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE
TO UPDATE REGULATIONS FOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS IN COMPLIANCE WITH
STATE LAW [ N. MARICICH, F. CONTRERAS, M. MONTENEGRO, A.
STAUBER]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting an Urgency Ordinance and will introduce on first reading an Ordinance amending the City's local regulations governing accessory dwelling units (' ADUs') and junior accessory dwelling units ("JADUs') to comply with recent changes to state law. Except as otherwise noted, these new laws take effect on January 1, 2026. The proposed ordinances are statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (" CEQA') under Public Resources Code Section § 21080. 17.
Mayor Byers opened the public hearing.
There were no disclosures made by the City Councilmembers.
City Clerk Melissa Crowder stated that the public hearing was noticed as required by law.
Community Development Director Nick Maricich and Long Range Planning Manager Francisco Contreras introduced Assistant Planner Adria Stauber, who provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated December 15, 2025.
No members of the public came forward to speak.
Mayor Byers closed the public hearing.
ACTIONS: 1) Found that the adoption of the proposed Urgency Ordinance was statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (" CEQA") under Public Resources Code Section § 21080. 17-1 2) Waived full reading and adopted by title only Urgency Ordinance No. 25- 30U: " AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING
SECTION 19. 36. 310 OF CHAPTER 19. 36 OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO
COMPLY WITH RECENT CHANGES IN STATE LAW AND FINDING THE Docusign Envelope ID: A4C880AC- 7A91- 4947- 8E05- 38B21804B16A City Council Minutes
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ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC
RESOURCES CODE § 21080. 17"; and 3) Introduced on first reading Ordinance No. 25- 31: " AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING SECTION 19. 36. 310 OF CHAPTER 19. 36, SECTION 19. 42. 020 and SECTION 19. 42. 040 OF CHAPTER 19. 42, AND ADDING CHAPTER 19. 43 ( ADU PERMIT) TO TITLE 19 OF THE CITY
OF WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND, JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY
EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
21080. 17." Motion by Vice Mayor Heilman, seconded by
Councilmember Meister, and approved ( 5/ 0).
II] IIIIII Eel 6"1w_r 11y/ 4 0=0
E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
E. 1. ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS OF MAJOR SPECIAL EVENTS IN THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD [ L. BIERY, P. KESPRADIT, L.
D' AMBROSIA]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will receive the Economic Impact Analysis of Major Special Events report, prepared by CVL Economics.
Director of Economic Development Laura Biery introduced Business Development Manager Paolo Kespradi who provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated December 15, 2025.
The City Council thanked staff and consultants for the economic impact report on major City events and discussed opportunities to strengthen future planning and outcomes. Councilmembers emphasized leveraging major events like Halloween and WeHo Pride to increase hotel stays, improve coordination with businesses, particularly around deliveries and access during street closures, and explore expanded use of street space, vacant lots, and longer event hours to better support local businesses and revenue generation. The Council supported Citywide sponsorships as a key strategy to attract outside funding and discussed refining which events should be included in future analyses, questioning the inclusion of AIDS Walk and suggesting comparisons with other similarly sized events.
Discussion also focused on insights gained since the 2014 study, including higher visitor spending, increased employment impacts, improved data collection, and factors such as inflation, event timing, transportation costs, and sample size differences. Additional themes included activating Sunset Strip, Art Walk, and Design Week more strategically, improving hotel and tourism promotion, encouraging transit use over rideshare and driving, and using the data as a roadmap to strengthen partnerships, branding, and the City' s overall events program.
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ACTION: Received an update on the Economic Impact Analysis of Major Events report. Approved by unanimous consent.
F. NEW BUSINESS:
F. 1. APPOINTMENT OF CITY MANAGER, ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
APPROVING EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, AND AMENDMENT TO
SALARY SCHEDULE [ L. LANGER, J. JIMENEZ, R. NAPPER]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution appointing Assistant City Manager Jacqueline Rocco as the new City Manager, effective January 8, 2026, approving an employment agreement with Ms. Rocco and amending the salary schedule.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
F. 2. CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT WITH SELECT ELECTRIC, INC. TO CONSTRUCT CIP 2504, BATTERY BACK- UP SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS PHASE II PROJECT AND AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
THE AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH TRANSTECH ENGINEERS,
INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION
SERVICES AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 25- 081: " A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
HOLLYWOOD APPROVING THE DESIGN AND PLANS FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF CIP 2504, BATTERY BACK- UP SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 2 PROJECT, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 830. 6" [ H. COLLINS, J. GILMOUR, R. GARLAND]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider approving a Construction Agreement with Select Electric, Inc. to construct CIP 2504, Battery Backup System Improvements Phase 11 Project and Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Services with Transtech Engineers, Inc. for construction management and inspection services to increase the not -to -exceed amount of the Agreement. The City Council will also consider adopting of a Resolution approving the project's design and plans.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
F. 3. CONSIDER REVISIONS TO THE CITY' S POLICY FOR RECOGNITIONS AND MEMORIALS [ D. WILSON, J. ROCCO, A. LOVANO, J. DEL
TORO]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will discuss revising the City's Policy for Recognitions and Memorials to better define the procedures for the issuance of recognition items, such as Proclamations, Certificates, and Keys to the City.
ACTION: This Item was moved to the Consent Calendar.
FA. ELECTION OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR [ J. JIMENEZ, M.
CROWDER, L. MORALES]:
SUBJECT: The City Council will consider electing the new Mayor and Vice Mayor.
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City Clerk Crowder opened nominations for Mayor. Mayor Byers nominated Vice Mayor Heilman as Mayor for a term of one year.
Councilmember Meister seconded the nomination. City Clerk Crowder conducted a voice vote, and the motion was approved unanimously.
City Clerk Crowder opened nominations for Vice Mayor. Mayor Byers nominated Councilmember Hang to serve as Vice Mayor for a term of one year. City Clerk Crowder conducted a voice vote, and the motion was approved unanimously.
City Clerk Crowder congratulated Councilmember Hang and Vice Mayor Heilman and announced that the City Council Reorganization and Installation is scheduled for January 12, 2026.
The Council thanked Mayor Byers for her leadership as Mayor this past year, and Mayor Byers spoke in gratitude for everyone' s support.
ACTIONS: Mayor Byers nominated Councilmember John Heilman as the next Mayor. Motion by Mayor Byers, seconded by Councilmember Meister, and approved ( 5/ 0). Mayor Byers nominated Councilmember Danny Hang as the next Vice Mayor. Motion by Councilmember Byers, seconded by Councilmember Meister, and approved ( 5/ 0). Incoming Mayor Heilman and Incoming Vice Mayor Hang will be installed on January 12, 2026.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
JOSHUA BAUM, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke in gratitude to outgoing Mayor Byers, highlighting her long- standing commitment to local issues, her leadership, and personal support during a difficult time, and shared deep appreciation for her service and friendship and congratulated incoming Mayor John Heilman, describing him as a civic icon whose foundational role in West Hollywood, particularly for the LGBTQ community, makes his return to the Mayoral position especially fitting.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTS:
Councilmember Hang reported his attendance at the World AIDS Day celebration, the Victory Fund Conference in Washington DC, where Vice Mayor Heilman was inducted into the Victory Fund Institute LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame, the Winter Wonderland market, and the 251h annual Andrew Paul Starke Warrior Awards.
Councilmember Erickson reported his attendance at various City events and community gatherings. He thanked David Wilson for his service to the City, congratulated Jackie Rocco as the incoming City Manager, and congratulated incoming Mayor Heilman and Vice Mayor Hang on their election.
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Councilmember Meister reported her attendance at the graduation of the fall 2025 Civic Leadership Academy participants, restated her " no" vote on Agenda Item B. 7. for the record, congratulated Vice Mayor Heilman on his recognition at the Victory Fund Conference, and congratulated incoming Mayor Heilman and Vice Mayor Hang on their election. She concluded her comments with well wishes to David Wilson and Genevieve Morrill on their retirements and wished everyone a happy holiday season and a Happy New Year.
Vice Mayor Heilman wished everyone a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, and a happy holiday Season. He thanked his colleagues for electing him as the incoming Mayor and thanked outgoing Mayor Byers for her leadership this past year. He reported his attendance at World AIDS Day, the Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards, the City Employee Holiday Party, the Victory Fund Conference, and the City's ice skating rink.
Mayor Byers reported her attendance at the Clean Power Alliance Energy Committee meeting, the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency ( LACAHSA) Renter Protections and Homelessness Prevention Committee meeting, the Human Capital meeting at LACAHSA, and the Victory Fund Conference. She noted that she accepted an award on behalf of the City from the American Public Works Association for the Holloway Project alongside Public Works Director Helen Collins. Mayor Byers reflected on the many transitions occurring at the end of the year, noting the approach of the New Year and significant leadership changes within the City, including the departure of City Manager David Wilson and incoming City Manager Jackie Rocco. She also acknowledged leadership transitions at the Chamber of Commerce, thanking Genevieve Morrill for her years of service and welcoming Len Lanzi. She concluded her comments by extending heartfelt thanks to City staff for their continued service during the holidays, wishing everyone a restful and joyful end of the year, and conveying holiday greetings.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 8: 16 p. m. in memory of the mass shooting victims of the Bondi Junction Mass shooting in Australia and Brown University and Rob Reiner to its Special City Council Reorganization & Installation meeting, which will be on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 6: 00 p. m. at West Hollywood Park Public Meeting Room - Council Chambers.
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PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of West Hollywood at a regular meeting held this 12th day of January 2026, by the following vote:
AYES
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN
ATTEST:
Councilmember: Byers, Erickson, Meister, Vice Mayor
Hang, and Mayor Heilman.
Councilmember: None.
Councilmember: None.
Councilmember: None.
Signed by:
Al B872EFE8344CC...
JOHN HEILMAN, MAYOR
EDocuSigned
by:
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MELISSA CROWDER, CITY CLERK