SEE WESTLAR TET
NED E DAVIS KELLY HONIG SUSAN MeSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
February 28, 2024
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Davis on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
On behalf of the entire City Council, Mayor Davis offered support to the Iskander Family, related to the verdict for the Grossman trial.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, McSweeney, Mayor Pro Tem Honig, and Mayor Davis
ABSENT: None
Also Present: City Manager de Geus, City Attorney Boga, Assistant City Manager Wilson, City Clerk Mann, Planning Director Asp, Senior Planner Sinkula, Senior Administrative Analyst Mott, and Community Services Coordinator Roush.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Pearl moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Councilmember McSweeney seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, McSweeney, Mayor Pro Tem Honig, and Mayor Davis
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Davis declared the motion passed 5-0.
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City of Westlake Village February 28, 2024 2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilmember Halpern moved to approve the Minutes of the January 24, 2024 Study Session, January 24, 2024 Regular Meeting and February 7, 2024 City Council Regular Meeting as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Honig seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, McSweeney, Mayor Pro Tem Honig, and Mayor Davis
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Davis declared the motion passed 5-0.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village - Recognition for Investments made in Westlake Village
Mayor Davis welcomed from the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village Robert Cima, Regional Vice President & General Manager and Jacqueline Schlensker, Director of Public Relations. Mr. Cima and Ms. Schlensker presented on the recent expansion of the hotel outdoor space, a 36-month long project, inclusive of The Cove Pool Kitchen and Bar, where 20 million dollars were invested into the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village.
City Council thanked and commended the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village for their partnership and significant investment in our community. 2023 Recycle All-Star Award presented by WM and the City of Westlake Village Mayor Davis announced that the first Annual Recycling All-Stars award will be presented to recipients for their efforts towards sustainability and diverting waste away from the landfill. From Waste Management, Brian Neiens, Public Sector Manager and Stephanie Jamison, Recycling Education Representative, presented awards to the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village and Warner Pacific.
City Council congratulated both companies.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
T. Smithman, Chad Bustewill and Michael Whitman
COUNCIL RESPONSE: None
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City of Westlake Village February 28, 2024 3
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus reported the Civic Center community rooms are operating as an 11- day Vote Center and noted the Los Angeles County Ballot Drop Box is open 24/7 where voters can drop off their ballots. The Westlake Village Community Foundation is accepting scholarship applications from high school seniors who reside in the City of Westlake Village.
Scholarships of up $3,500 available and applicants should visit www.WLV.org/Scholarship to learn more and apply.
City Manager de Geus provided an update on the sidewalk construction and said that the project is anticipated to be completed this Spring. Community Park repairs include replenishing of soccer fields' artificial turf, grooming and artificial turf repairs on baseball fields, and supplemental fresh sand to volleyball courts.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: None
MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. Sheriff's Department Report
Deputy Brian Knott presented the Sheriff Department's report for the month of January 2024 including crime statistics. Additionally, Deputy Angel Blanco provided an update on the traffic citations he wrote in 2023. City Councilmembers thanked Deputy Blanco for his dedication and service in making Westlake Village a safer community and presented him with an Outstanding Service Certificate.
2. Fire Department Report
Battalion Chief Michael McCormick presented the Fire Department report for the month of January 2024 including the number of fires, medical response calls, and rescue activities conducted.
Library Report
ulie Frieze, Manager of the Westlake Village Daniel K. Ludwig Library, presente le Library's report for the month of January 2024 covering traffic, circulatiol programs, and reference requests.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 94-006 MODIFICATION NO. 2; RESOLUTION NO. 2333-24
Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing. Senior Planner Sinkula presented a request to authorize a modification to the conditions of approval to allow outdoor food service and dining at the Costco located at 5700 Lindero Canyon Road.
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City of Westlake Village February 28, 2024 4
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
The applicant proposed relocation of the existing 914 square foot indoor food service and dining area that contains 24 tables to a new 1,408 square foot outdoor food service and dining area with 26 tables that would be sited on the north side of the store. Condition of Approval No. 37 for Planned Development Permit (PDP) 94-006 states, in relevant part, that "Outdoor..sale of food..is prohibited." The applicant requested a modification to this condition of approval to remove the language prohibiting the outdoor sale of food and allow for the relocation of the indoor food service and dining area to the exterior of the store.
On December 5, 2023, the Land Use Committee (Davis/Honig) reviewed the request and expressed support for the relocation of the existing indoor food service and dining area to a new outdoor food service and dining area. The Committee requested that the existing planters remain to function as a barrier to protect patrons from vehicles in the parking lot. Additionally, the Committee requested that the applicant develop a plan to avoid long lines spilling into the parking lot and create a barrier between the parking lot and the proposed outdoor dining area. The applicant was asked to revise the proposed project plans accordingly. The Committee recommended that the modification request move forward to a Public Hearing once revised plans were submitted that incorporated the requested changes.
The applicant submitted revised plans on December 19, 2023, that retain the existing planters and propose the installation of bollards at the openings between the existing columns that surround the proposed new outdoor dining area. The revised plans also contain options for line queuing to avoid lines spilling into the parking lot that include queuing the line inside the covered arcade immediately west of the proposed new food service and dining area and using barriers for additional queuing as necessary.
Applicant, Nathan Menard, on behalf of Costco, addressed City Council.
Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing.
City Council discussion included adding an additional barrier between vehicles and the new outdoor dining area and construction of a new wall to screen in the new cart storage area.
City Council requested two additional conditions:
• The permittee shall construct a new wall, consistent with the design of the existing wall along the new food service area, to screen the new cart storage area to the satisfaction of the Planning Director.
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City of Westlake Village February 28, 2024 5
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
• The permittee shall install planters along the front of the new outdoor dining area consistent with the existing planters to the satisfaction of the Planning Director.
The applicant agreed to the additional conditions.
Councilmember Halpern moved, that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2333- 24, with additional conditions to screen in the new cart storage area and to install planters along the front of the new outdoor dining area, determining Modification No. 2 to Planned Development Permit No. 94-006 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing a modification to the conditions of approval to allow outdoor food service and dining at the Costco located at 5700 Lindero Canyon Road. Councilmember McSweeney seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, McSweeney, Mayor Pro Tem Honig, and Mayor Davis
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Davis declared the motion passed 5-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 2333-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION NO. 2 TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 94-006, AUTHORIZING A CHANGE TO THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO ALLOW OUTDOOR FOOD SERVICE AND DINING AT THE COSTCO LOCATED AT 5700
LINDERO CANYON ROAD
ALLOCATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS; RESOLUTION NO. 2334-24
Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Asp requested that City Council identify the Housing Rehabilitation Program as the program to be funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025, estimated at $26,005. 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.
Additionally, she noted a recommendation to increase the grant limit range up to $15,000 to expand the reach of the program, rendering larger projects such as an upgrade to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit or roof replacement more feasible.
Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing.
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City of Westlake Village February 28, 2024 6
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
Councilmember Pearl moved to Adopt Resolution No. 2334-24. Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, McSweeney, Mayor Pro Tem Honig, and Mayor Davis
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RESOLUTION NO. 2334-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING ALLOCATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 FOR
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Engineering Department Report
No verbal report provided.
Planning Department Report
Planning Director Asp provided the Planning Department Status Report highlighting the items for upcoming Land Use and Administrative Committee Meetings.
Cultural Recreation Report
Community Services Coordinator Roush reported the "Science" themed Westlake Village Discovers event was held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 and thanked all the participants. Ms. Roush mentioned that a classroom visit was conducted for the City to Schools program and concluded by highlighting upcoming Spring and Summer Events.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village February 28, 2024
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Supplemental Packet Posted online, changes to Cultural Recreation Advisory Board Guidelines
Mayor Pro Tem Honig moved, with amendment to Consent Agenda No. 1, to approve the Consent Calendar. Councilmember McSweeney seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, McSweeney, Mayor Pro Tem Honig, and Mayor Davis.
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Davis declared the motion passed 5-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS: Warrants effective February 15, 2024 in the amount of $ 631,587.78
GENERAL BUSINESS:
CULTURAL RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS AND
GUIDELINE UPDATES - City Council appointed Isabella Ordonez and Christian Ipsen as Student Members and Amy Brink, Elisa Hirsch and Rachel Murray to the Cultural Recreation Advisory Board with the term ending December 31, 2025 and approved the revised Cultural Recreation Advisory Board Guidelines. City Manager noted that the guidelines were further amended to maintain the Chair and Vice Chair be selected among the board members.
TICKET/PASS DISTRIBUTION POLICY ADOPTION; RESOLUTION NO. 2335-24 - City Council adopted Resolution No. 2335-24.
RESOLUTION NO. 2335-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WESTLAKE VILLAGE ADOPTING A TICKET / PASS DISTRIBUTION POLICY IN
COMPLIANCE WITH FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION REGULATION 18944.1
3. CANYON OAKS PARK SHADE STRUCTURE PROJECT
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT
AWARD, _ INSTALLATION AGREEMENT AWARD, AND CEQA
EXEMPTION DETERMINATION - City Council made a CEQA Notice of Exemption determination for the Shade Structure at Canyon Oaks Park Project; approved a Purchase Agreement with RecWest Outdoor Products, Inc. in the amount of $43,037.46; approved an Installation Agreement with Evergreen Environment, Inc. in the amount of $29,980.00 and authorized the Mayor to sign and execute the agreements on behalf of the City.
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City of Westlake Village February 28, 2024 8
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
JOINT USE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE AND
THE LAS VIRGENES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TO
THE WHITE OAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FIELD AND CAMPUS DURING NON-
SCHOOL HOURS
City Manager de Geus presented a Joint Use Agreement between the City and the Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) for public access to the White Oak Elementary School Field during non-school hours.
Mr. de Geus stated White Oak Elementary School and the community have enjoyed an open experience whereby the park and school campus blend together. However, safety concerns on the lack of a school fence have been a growing concern for LVUSD. LVUSD informed the City in 2023 that they will be installing a perimeter fence around the White Oak Elementary School campus. A Working Group was formed including representatives from the School District, the City, First Neighborhood Property Owners Association (POA), White Oak Elementary School staff, school parents, and the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station and met on two occasions to discuss the design, fence location, and whether the field would be enclosed or accessible.
LVUSD agreed to a six-foot high fence design, locating the fence back from the LVUSD property line to maintain First Neighborhood green belts and green belt alignment, multiple gates for public access during non-school hours and a Joint Use Agreement (JUA) between the City and LVUSD.
Council discussion included the original open design with the greenbelts, safety for the students and thanking LVUSD for allowing public access during non-school hours.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council approve the Joint Use Agreement between the City and the Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) for public access to the White Oak Elementary School Field during non-school hours.
Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, McSweeney, Mayor Pro Tem Honig, and Mayor Davis.
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Davis declared the motion passed 5-0.
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City of Westlake Village February 28, 2024 9
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Davis announced the next City Council meeting will be held on March 13, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Ned E Davis, Mayor
Attest:
Antoinete bren COMESTL
Antoinette Mann, City Clerk
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DEC
CALIFORNIA