CAST NESTLARE DICTA
RAY PEARL NED E DAVIS KELLY HONIG SUSAN McSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the City Council
JANUARY 25, 2023
CALL TO ORDER:
This Regular Meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Pearl on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 6:35 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
Mayor Pearl requested a moment of silence in honor of those that lost their lives in the tragedies that occurred in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay communities.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Pearl led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Halpern, McSweeney, Honig, and Mayor Pearl ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Davis
Also Present: City Manager de Geus, City Attorney Boga, Administrative Services Director Wilson, Planning Director Forbes, Deputy City Manager Eskandar, City Clerk Mann, City Engineer Hughes, Administrative Analyst Mott, and Community Services Coordinator Roush.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Honig moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Councilmember McSweeney seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Halpern, McSweeney, Honig, and Mayor Pearl NO: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Davis
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pearl declared the motion passed 4-Yes; 1-Absent (Mayor Pro Tem Davis) City Council Minutes
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilmember Halpern moved to approve the Minutes of January 11, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting as presented. Councilmember McSweeney seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Halpern, McSweeney, Honig, and Mayor Pearl NO: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Davis
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pearl declared the motion passed 4-Yes; 1-Absent (Mayor Pro Tem Davis) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Sara Gustafson, Westlake Village, commented on White Oak Elementary's participation in the Great Kindness Challenge, highlighted student events, shared photos of Starbooks Kindness Café "Cups of Kindness" ", and presented City Council with sheets of kindness cups so they care share "kindness" with others.
Douglas Wain, Westlake Village, introduced Youth Alert USA.
COUNCIL RESPONSE: None
STAFF COMMENTS
City Manager de Geus announced the Westlake Village Disaster Response Team met on January 18, 2023. Members brought their handheld radios to allow staff to purchase new batteries and antennas in preparation for the new year.
Los Angeles County Libraries and the County of Los Angeles Public Health will conduct a Vaccine Clinic on January 31, 2023, in the Westlake Village Large Community Room from 10:00 am - Noon. Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Appointments encouraged; walk-ins welcomed.
Mr. de Geus highlighted upcoming City Council Committee meetings and upcoming City Council meeting topics.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilmember Halpern reminded residents that leaving bulky items along City streets without making arrangements with Waste Management for the bulky item pickup is a violation of the City's Municipal Code. Each household is eligible for two free bulky item pickups each year from Waste Management.
City Council Minutes
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MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Sheriff's Department Report
Deputy Brian Knott presented the Sheriff Department's report for the month of December 2022, including crime statistics. Deputy Knott introduced Sergeant Sean Wax to City Council.
Councilmember Mosweeney inquired whether engraving on catalytic converters assisted with deterring theft. Deputy Knott stated the Sheriff does arrange for engraving and event details for this service are posted on the Sheriff's social media accounts.
Fire Department Report
Battalion Chief McCormick presented the Fire Department's report for the month of December 2022 and reported on the number of fires, medical response calls, and rescue activities conducted.
Chamber of Commerce Report
Adam Haverstock, Director of Government Affairs and Tourism, highlighted recent ana upcoming events of the Greater Conejo Chamber of Commerce including the CIvic Leaders Breaktast on February 3, 2023 and Small Business Workshop program. He thanked City Council tor updating the outdoor dining permit process to a Temporary Use Permit process, benefiting the restaurants. Details on all events are located at www.conejochamber.org
4. Library Report
Julie Frieze, Manager of the Westlake Village Daniel K. Ludwig Library, presented the Library's report for the month of December 2022 covering traffic, circulation, programs, and reference requests.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
City Manager de Geus reported that the Administrative Committee (Halpern/Pearl) met on November 10, 2022 to discuss the extent to which the City of Westlake Village may regulate the use of small, unmanned aircraft systems commonly known as drones, in response to a Canyon Oaks resident concerns presented at the September 14, 2022 City Council meeting.
Administrative Analyst Mott provided an overview on concerns over safety and privacy among residents and discussed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines and regulations. The FAA has preempted regulations that ban the use of drones in a locality. Recently adopted FAA regulations will require all drones to register and comply with the FAA's Remote ID rule, providing all drones a unique City Council Minutes
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
registration that identifies and can give location information beginning September 16, 2023.
FAA regulations for drones were discussed. Cities may pass ordinances related to drones that relate to local police powers like land use, privacy, trespassing, and law enforcement. Options for ordinances include restricting take-off/landing areas, voyeurism or surveillance, interference with law enforcement operations, or operating a drone in reckless/careless/negligent manners.
The Administrative Committee supported and recommended regulating drone use, requesting staff to explore the extent to which drone operation may be regulated, and to return to the full City Council with a report and to receive further direction therein.
Public Speakers:
Limor Magen, Westlake Village, requesting drone regulations.
Ofir Magen, Westlake Village, requesting drone regulations.
City Council discussion included being as strict as possible in limiting drones use in City neighborhoods and parks. Enforcement efforts are to be addressed in the ordinance.
Councilmember McSweeney moved that staff begin drafting an ordinance to regulate drone use in the City of Westlake Village for Council consideration.
Councilmember Honig seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Halpern, McSweeney, Honig, and Mayor Pearl
NO: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Davis
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pearl declared the motion passed 4-Yes; 1-Absent (Mayor Pro Tem Davis) City Council Minutes
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PUBLIC HEARINGS:
PUBLIC HEARING FOR ALLOCATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS:
RESOLUTION NO. 2282-23
Mayor Pearl opened the Public Hearing.
Planning Director Forbes presented a resolution to identify the Housing estimated at $26,294. Providing background, Mr. Forbes explained that Federal Funds are received yearly through the Los Angeles County Development Authority with funds utilized for projects or programs that assist persons of low or moderate income or eliminate blight.
Mr. Forbes stated the Housing Rehabilitation Program is recommended for 100% of the CDBG funds, allowing for $5,000 grants to eligible low-income homeowners for repairs that address health and safety concerns, as this has been successful in the past.
Mayor Pearl closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Halpern moved to Adopt Resolution No. 2282-23. Councilmember Honig seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Halpern, McSweeney, Honig, and Mayor Pearl
NO: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Davis
ABSTAIN: None
RESOLUTION 2282-23: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING ALLOCATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023- 2024 FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS
Mayor Pearl declared the motion passed 4-Yes; 1-Absent (Mayor Pro Tem Davis) City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village January 25, 2023
MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Engineering Department Report
City Engineer Hughes reported on the Community Park Improvements, stating the pickleball courts design are being updated with base courts option and will be presented to the Cultural Recreation Committee in February for review. On January 26, 2023 the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board will vote on Measure R funds for the City's sidewalk improvements. The Sidewalk Master Plan, approximately 50% complete, will be presented to the Public Safety Committee meeting for review and input.
Councilmember McSweeney thanked City Engineer Hughes for pursuing Measure R funds for the City's sidewalk improvements.
Planning Department Report
Planning Director Forbes provided an overview of the Pure Water project, stating the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Pure Water project was certified by the Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and noted that the Final EIR included responses to all comments submitted by the City. The JPA was responsive to all the concerns raised by the City and a few mitigation measures were revised based on the City's comments, including adding a public notice requirement for certain construction noise and involving the City in trail closure and reopening plans. The JPA approved moving forward with the Agoura Road site as the preferred location for the Advanced Water Purification Facility.
3. Cultural Recreation Report
Community Services Coordinator Roush provided a summary for Holidays in the Village and thanked those groups that participated in the Sing-Along. She announced that a Volunteer Recognition Event will be held March 8, 2023 to recognize all City Volunteers for 2021 and 2022. A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. and volunteers will receive a gift and recognition at the City Council meeting.
The City is accepting nominations for Citizen and Youth of the Year Awards.
Nominations close February 25, 2023. Residents are encouraged to nominate fellow community members.
The Westlake Village Discovers event will be held on February 11, 2023 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, at the Civic Center. The theme is "The Great Outdoors;" all residents are encouraged to attend.
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CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Halpern moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Councilmember McSweeney seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Halpern, McSweeney, Honig, and Mayor Pearl NO: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Davis
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pearl declared the motion passed 4-Yes; 1-Absent (Mayor Pro Tem Davis) APPROVAL OF WARRANTS: Warrants effective January 15, 2023 in the amount of $509,584.18
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. CULTURAL RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD STUDENT
APPOINTMENT - Appointed Ashley Tanenbaum, as a youth member, to the Cultural Recreation Advisory Board, with her term of office ending December 31, 2024
2. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO 300-23 - Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 300-23.
ORDINANCE 300-23: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE
VILLAGE AMENDING TEMPORARY USE PERMIT REGULATIONS IN THE
WESTLAKE VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE AND APPROVING A CEQA
EXEMPTION DETERMINATION
OLD BUSINESS:
1. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 301-23 TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2022 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, DELETIONS, AND ADDITIONS; AND INCLUDING FINDINGS,
FEES, AND PENALTIES AND APPROVING A CEQA DETERMINATION - Planning Director Forbes reported that on December 14, 2022, City Council adopted the California Fire Code in lieu of the Los Angeles County Fire Code because the County Code had not yet been adopted by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors has since adopted the Los Angeles County Fire Code and the City can now adopt it by reference consistent with the other codes.
With each triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (including the Fire Code), Los Angeles County adopts by reference the updated code along with City Council Minutes
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
local amendments. These amendments are developed with consideration for the County's unique climatic, geologic, and topographic conditions. Since the County enforces and administers the Fire Code, it is prudent for the City to adopt the Los Angeles County Code, including the County's local amendments.
Councilmember Honig moved to waive the full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 301-23 and set a Public Hearing and second reading for February 22, 2023.
Councilmember McSweeney seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Halpern, McSweeney, Honig, and Mayor Pearl
NO: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Davis
ABSTAIN: None
ORDINANCE 301-23: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE TITLE 32 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2022 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE; TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, DELETIONS AND ADDITIONS, INCLUDING FINDINGS, FEES AND PENALTIES; AND AMENDING
THE WESTLAKE VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE
Mayor Pearl declared the motion passed 4-Yes; 1-Absent (Mayor Pro Tem Davis) NEW BUSINESS:
COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULES
City Manager de Geus reported that the Governor will terminate the declaration of emergency related to COVID-19 on February 28, 2023, thus ending the ability for legislative bodies to meet using Assembly Bill (AB) 361.
The Brown Act and AB 2249 Teleconferencing requirements were highlighted pointing out that for a legislative body to use AB 2249, the agenda must provide a call-in option or internet-based service for the public to participate. AB 2249 has special requirements for usage and limits the number of occurrences it may be used yearly by a Councilmember.
With the termination of the state declaration of emergency for COVID-19, City Council, City Council Committees, and Advisory Boards/Committees will need to return to in-person meetings effective March 1, 2023. City Council meetings will City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village January 25, 2023
NEW BUSINESS (continued):
be run in a hybrid format, continuing to offer a zoom option for the public to participate.
For City Council Committees and Advisory Boards/Committees, staff requested input on establishing standing meeting dates/times for the Administrative, Environmental, and Public Safety Committees, similar to the Land Use Committee, as these Committees meet monthly. The remaining Council Committees will meet as needed.
City Council discussion included offering a hybrid model for Council Committees and Advisory Boards to allow the public to participate, looking at meeting room options due to new equipment that will need to be purchased, and for staff to research costs for equipment for hybrid meetings in locations outside of the Council Chambers.
Direction was given for staff to research audio-visual equipment to facilitate a hybrid meeting approach. Staff will also poll the City Council Committee members to establish monthly meeting dates and times.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Pearl announced the next City Council meeting will be held on February 8, 2023.
Meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
Ran Paul
Ray Pearl, Mayor
Attest:
Antoinette Mann, City Clerk