CRGTNESTONE DIRE
BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL NED E DAVIS KELLY HONIG SUSAN MOSWEENEY Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the City Council
April 27, 2022
CALL TO ORDER:
This Regular Meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Halpern on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 6:38 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Halpern led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers McSweeney, Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Pearl, and Mayor Halpern.
ABSENT: Councilmember Honig.
Also Present:
Can Man er de dar Assistant i Attorce Ding or a co,
Planning Director Forbes, Deputy City Clerk Kramer, Senior Planner Sinkula, City Engineer Hughes and, Administrative Analyst Mott.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Davis moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Councilmember McSweeney seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers McSweeney, Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Pearl, and Mayor Halpern.
NO: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Honig.
ABSTAIN: None.
Mayor Halpern declared the motion passed 4-Yes, 0-No, 1-Absent (Councilmember Honig).
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village April 27, 2022 2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilmember McSweeney moved to approve the Minutes of the April 13, 2022 Regular Session Meeting as presented. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers McSweeney, Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Pearl, and Mayor Halpern.
NO: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Honig.
ABSTAIN: None.
Mayor Halpern declared the motion passed 4-Yes, 0-No, 1-Absent (Councilmember Honig).
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
Quarterly Business Recognition Program: 1st Quarter 2022 - Boccaccio's Restaurant: Mayor Halpern and Danielle Borja, Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, made presentations to Boccaccio's Restaurant as the 2022 first quarter recipient of the City of Westlake Village/Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Recognition. Owner, Hamid Sadraie, expressed his appreciation for the honor and recognition. Councilmembers congratulated Mr.
Sadraie.
2. Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) California Drought Update and District Actions: Dave Pederson - General Manager, Jay Lewitt - Board President, Len Polan - Board Vice President, and Riki Clark, Public Affairs, provided information on the sources of California's water, the statewide drought situation including timelines, snowpack levels, record temperatures, reservoir levels, and the impacts on urban, agricultural and environmental uses. Ms. Clark discussed seasonal precipitation and temperature outlooks, the monthly water demands versus supplies, and the need to conserve. She provided an overview of regional and local actions taken and presented a timeline of Water Shortage Alert Stages:
a. June 15, 2021 - District declared a Stage 1 Water Shortage Alert. b. July 20, 2021 - District declared a Stage 2 Water Shortage Warning and called for 15% voluntary reduction in water use.
c. August 17, 2021 - Metropolitan Water District (MWD) issued Water Supply d. November 2, 2021 - District Board adopted additional measures including local drought emergency and Stage 3 Water Shortage.
e. April 5, 2022 - Board reduced outdoor water budgets to 50%.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village April 27. 2022 3
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS (continued):
Ms. Clark explained what this means for the community and what residents should do, noting that for home water use, 30% is used indoors and 70% is used outdoors. a. Reduce outdoor water use by 50% (of outdoor budget). b. Eliminate water waste.
c. Take advantage of available conservation rebates and incentives.
Ms. Clark reviewed steps to adjust irrigation controllers, explained the adjustment to water budgets, and the mandatory measures in effect. She stated that enforcement ranged from a warning letter to penalty charges, and possibly the installation of a flow restriction device plus subsequent penalties.
During a state or locally declared, drought emergency, Ms. Clark stated a Homeowner's Association (HOA) cannot issue a fine or assessment on a homeowner for reducing or eliminating the watering of vegetation or lawns, nor can it enforce architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies that prohibit, or have the effect of prohibiting, compliance with most local water-efficient landscape ordinances.
Ms. Clark invited the public to attend a virtual Town Hall meeting on May 11, 2022 where community members can provide input to the Board before the final decision is made at the May 17, 2022 Board meeting.
Ms. Clark concluded that everyone can help and noted that anonymous reporting by concerned community members (photo or email) can be sent to [email protected] or calling 818-251-2200.
Councilmember Pearl expressed appreciation for the presentation and offered the City's help to get the word out about the drought to the City's residents.
Responding to City Council questions, Dave Pederson and Riki Clark stated that a. 22% snowpack is measured water from the snowpack, b. Flow restrictor reduces the water pressure to limit outdoor watering, c. Interruptions or decreases in reclaimed water during the drought is not expected, d. MWD gives water allotment based on population and for the size of our area, our population is not very large, e. Smart meters will not be used to monitor water usage, f. Enforcement will be practical, looking for significant issues, g. Worst drought was 1978-79 and this drought surpasses it and, h. We do not have a ground water basin to support storm water capture.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
COUNCIL RESPONSE: None.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village April 27, 2022 4
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus introduced new employee, Administrative Analyst Caleb Mott who will assist with communications, emergency preparedness, legislative program, contract management, and special projects supporting the City's businesses. Mr. Mott expressed his appreciation and shared some of his background information.
City Manager de Geus reported that council members and staff joined community members, local, state, and federal legislative representatives at the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing groundbreaking in Agoura Hills on April 22, 2022. Mr.de Geus noted this Will be the largest wildlife crossing of its kind in the world and will connect vital open space land with the Santa Monica Mountains across the 101 Highway allowing mountain lions, bobcats, and other animals to thrive and to have additional access to habitat.
Mr. de Geus also reported that the City launched its new and improved website last week.
Deputy City Manager Eskandar provided an overview of the website at www.wlv.org, and gave a demonstration of its content, capabilities, and functionalities.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: None.
MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. Sheriff's Department Report
Deputy Brian Knott presented the Sheriff Department's crime report for March 2022. He noted the overall Percentage Change in crime was 44.7% down from last year.
2. Fire Department Report
Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith and Community Services Liaison Megan Currier presented the Fire Department's report for March 2022. He stated the Fire Department continues with outreach efforts and joint efforts with the Sheriff Department to meet the community's needs. Community Services Liaison Megan Currier reported on ongoing projects including resumption of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training classes, distribution of radios to alert people during wildfires, and creation of evacuation zones.
3. Chamber of Commerce Report
President and Chief Executive Officer Danielle Borja highlighted activities and events of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce: Recognition Gala on May 20, 2022, accepting nominations for the Forty Under Forty awards program, launching of their Small Business Initiative featuring eight different small businesses in the community, launching of the Mixed Bowl event at the Gardens at Los Robles Greens, and announcement that the Chamber is receiving the President's Circle Award in Sacramento on June 2, 2022 for the 14th year in a row.
Visit www.conejochambers.org for more information on these topics or events.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village April 27, 2022 5
MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS (continued):
4. Library Report
Manager of the Westlake Village Daniel K. Ludwig Library, Julie Frieze, presented the Library's report for March 2022 covering traffic, circulation, programs, anc reference requests. Mrs. Frieze noted that the Los Angeles County library system has the second largest collection in the U.S. and that patrons are starting to return to the library after the pandemic.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. PUBLIC HEARING FOR OAK TREE PERMIT NO. 22-001; RESOLUTION NO. 2253-22
City Manager de Geus introduced the item and Senior Planner Sinkula presented the request to adopt a Resolution approving Oak Tree Permit 22-001 regarding unauthorized pruning of three protected coast live oak trees located at 31856 Foxfield Drive.
Senior Planner Sinkula reported that the Planning Department received and investigated a complaint that the pruning of three protected coast live oak trees was occurring without an oak tree permit. Staff contacted property owner, Anthony Tramonto who agreed to a site visit and preparation of an oak tree report by Dudek, the City's oak tree consultants.
Dudek's report stated that the three coast live oak trees experienced improper pruning cuts throughout the crown of the trees, branches that were improperly cut with excessive removal of interior branches that leave only a small collection of growth on the branch end, and trunks of all three trees have damage from climbing spikes used by the pruning company to climb the trees.
In alignment with Dudek's report, staff recommended conditions of approval requiring the applicant to monitor the three oak trees for a minimum period of three years, including an annual submission of a monitoring report, no pruning of trees for a year, and corrective pruning under the supervision of a qualified arborist. Ms.
Sinkula noted that monitoring and corrective pruning would likely result in fully restoring the health of the trees in three years, and no further monitoring would be required.
On April 6, 2022, the Land Use Committee (Pearl/Honig) reviewed the after-the- fact oak tree permit request, indicated their support for the monitoring and corrective pruning, and recommended the request move forward to a public hearing.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village April 27, 2022 6
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
Applicant Tony Tramanto expressed appreciation to the City Council and staff.
Councilmember Pearl thanked Mr. Tramanto for his cooperation in working with staff to right the situation after the fact. Councilmember Davis suggested outreach and education to residents via the Homeowner's Association for the proper procedure to follow when trimming oak trees.
Councilmember McSweeney moved that Resolution No. 2253-22, 'A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Westlake Village approving Oak Tree Permit No. 22- 001 regarding unauthorized pruning of three protected coast live oak trees located at 31856 Foxfield Drive' be adopted. Councilmember Pearl seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers McSweeney, Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Pearl, and Mayor Halpern
NO: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Honig
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Halpern declared the motion passed 4-Yes, 0-No, 1-Absent (Councilmember Honig).
FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 ASSESSMENTS FOR LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS: RESOLUTION NOS. 2254-22, 2255-22, AND 2256- City Manager de Geus introduced the item for consideration of resolutions regarding the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23 assessments for the Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 1, Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 1, and Westlake Spectrum Local Landscape Assessment District No. 15.
Providing background, City Engineer Hughes reported the City Council must annually review and levy assessments against all assessable parcels within the three districts for installation, operation and maintenance of certain street landscaping and street lighting improvements. She noted that the level of funding is sufficient so that the proposed FY 2022-23 assessments will remain unchanged from FY 2021-22.
Councilmember Davis moved that Resolution Nos. 2254-22, 2255-22, and 2256- 22 be adopted to levy the assessment for Fiscal Year 2022-23 with the Lighting Maintenance District No. 1, Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 and Westlake Spectrum Landscape District No. 15; and that the City Clerk and City Engineer be directed to file a certified copy of the Resolutions, annual assessments and diagrams with the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller. Councilmember Pearl seconded the motion.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village April 27, 2022
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
YES: Councilmembers McSweeney, Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Pearl, and Mayor Halpern
NO: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Honig
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Halpern declared the motion passed 4-Yes, O-No, 1-Absent (Councilmember Honig).
MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. Engineering Department Report
City Engineer Hughes provided the Engineering Status Report of Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 Capital Improvement Projects:
a. Traffic Signal Pole Painting project is complete.
b. Pedestrian hybrid beacon at Triunfo Canyon Road - Saddle Mountain Drive project is complete.
c. Advanced Street Name Sign replacement is on track and scheduled to arrive mid-May.
d. Landscape irrigation controller upgrade project is underway and SiteOne is commencing installations.
e. Sidewalk Projects - preliminary design concepts will be presented to Environmental Committee in May 2022.
f. Annual Street Resurfacing - work anticipated to commence mid-May and completed by end of June 2022.
2. Planning Department Report
Planning Director Forbes provided the Planning Department's Status Report which included an update on the Small Business Grant Program with nine businesses randomly selected to participate, update on ordinances regarding Subdivision Code and Oak Tree and Heritage Tree Preservation Standards, and stated the City has scheduled the first community meeting regarding the zero-emissions landscape maintenance ordinance for Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmember Davis suggested outreach to Homeowner Association managers to let them know about the upcoming community meeting.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village April 27, 2022 8
MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS (continued):
3. Cultural Recreation Report
Deputy City Manager Eskandar provided the Cultural Recreation Department's Status Report noting that the first summer concert will be Jazz Night on May 27, 2022 featuring jazz bands from Lindero Canyon Middle School and Agoura High School. He mentioned that ABBA, Journey, and Beatles tribute bands are coming this summer, and July 4th parade and fireworks events are being planned.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember McSweeney moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers McSweeney, Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Pearl, and Mayor Halpern.
NO: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Honig.
ABSTAIN: None.
Mayor Halpern declared the motion passed 4-Yes, O-No, 1-Absent (Councilmember Honig).
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS: Warrants effective May 1, 2022 the amount of $1,011,567.93
GENERAL BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF VOTE CENTER FACILITY USE AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - Approve the Vote Center Facility Use Agreement with the County of Los Angeles and that the City Manager be authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the City.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village April 27, 2022 9
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Halpern adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
tro dale
Brad Halpern, Mayor
Attest:
Antoinette mann, City Clerk