SET WESTLAKE VICTE
NED E DAVIS KELLY HONIG SUSAN MSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
May 8, 2024
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Davis on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
Mayor Davis announced that 4'h grade students from White Oak Elementary School were joining the City Council meeting and shadowing Councilmembers and the City Manager this evening.
For the record, while the minutes reflect the Westlake Village City Councilmember's name, the voice on the video may be a student.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Davis and Student Mayor Ava Schneider (White Oak Elementary School Student) led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, McSweeney, Mayor Pro Tem Honig, and Mayor Davis
ABSENT: None
ROLL CALL FOR WHITE OAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Deacon Corbett, Trevor Wolfson, Charlotte Baze, Mayor Pro Tem Braden Kaufman, Mayor Ava Schneider, and City Manager Ethan Salewske
Also Present: City Manager de Geus, City Attorney Boga, Assistant City Manager Wilson, City Clerk Mann, Planning Director Asp, City Engineer Hughes, Public Works Manager Iverson, Assistant to the City Manager Mott, Senior Planner Sinkula, Community Services Coordinator Roush, Deputy City Clerk Kramer, and Administrative City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village May 8, 2024 2
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember McSweeney moved to approve the Agenda as presented.
Councilmember Pearl 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 MINUTES:
Councilmember Halpern moved to approve the Minutes of April 24, 2024 City Council Regular Meeting 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.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
City to Schools Program - White Oak Elementary School 4th Grade Students - Student Councilmembers and City Manager
Mayor Davis discussed the education outreach program, City to Schools, and explained how White Oak 4th graders learn about civics and local government.
Councilmembers thanked the students for their participation and assisting City Council.
Recognition and Appreciation - California Highway Patrol - Captain Denis Ford, Officer Clayton Phillips and Public Information Officer Casey Ramstead
Mayor Davis welcomed Lieutenant Matthew Zane, Officer Clayton Phillips and Public Information Officer Casey Ramstead and acknowledged Officer Phillips' recent assistance given to Councilmember McSweeney on Highway 101. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Davis thanked the California Highway Patrol for their dedication and service in making Westlake Village a safer community.
Councilmembers presented the officers with Certificates of Recognition and Appreciation and City swag bags.
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City of Westlake Village May 8, 2024 3
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS (continued):
3. Presentation of the City of Westlake Village 2024 Citizen and Youth of the Year Awards
• Tish Matthews - 2024 Citizen of the Year
• Isabella Ordonez - 2024 Youth of the Year
Mayor Davis announced the 2024 Citizen of the Year is Tish Matthews. Ms.
Matthews has volunteered for many years, and repeatedly participated in every possible committee, regularly provides thoughtful feedback and suggestions for helping maintain and improve the quality of life in Westlake Village, and overall has demonstrated exemplary citizenship.
Mayor Davis presented a plaque to Tish Matthews and announced that Ms.
Matthews selected the Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank as the non-profit to receive a $500 donation on her behalf from the City. Councilmembers congratulated Ms. Matthews.
Mayor Davis announced the 2024 Youth of the Year is Isabella Ordonez. Isabella Ordonez recently graduated from Agoura High School and demonstrated outstanding leadership as an Agoura Animal Care Center volunteer, organized and worked at events on the City's Cultural Recreation Advisory Board and volunteered at the Dole Great Race of Agoura and Agoura High School's Green Life Club.
Mayor Davis presented a plaque and a $500 scholarship check to Isabella Ordonez. Councilmembers congratulated Isabella.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
COUNCIL RESPONSE: None
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus reported the City's Shred Day event on April 27'h was a success with 132 cars dropping off 5,200 pounds of paper waste that was shredded. On May 4th volunteers, COSCA Rangers and City Staff gathered for the Wishbone Trail cleanup clearing trail vegetation and removing trash from the area.
Mr. de Geus stated that Mayor Davis and City staff attended the Southern California Association of Governments 2024 Regional Conference and General Assembly last week bringing together local and regional leaders to learn from each other on the future of mobility, housing and communities, the environment, and the economy.
City Manager de Geus provided a sidewalk project update and said fencing and stonework has been installed on the sidewalk section at the north end of Lindero Canyon Road and mulch is being spread in the area as landscaping efforts continue.
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City of Westlake Village May 8, 2024 4
STAFF COMMENTS (continued)
Mr. de Geus announced the City's Summer Entertainment Series begins on May 31st at 7:00 pm with the Lindero Middle School and Agoura High School Jazz Bands concert at City Hall followed by a June 8th, 7:00 pm concert at Berniece Bennett Park featuring Bruno & the Hooligans, a Bruno Mars tribute.
City Manager de Geus concluded with announcements of the upcoming Public Safety Homeowners Association (HOA) Boards Town Hall crime trends meeting, May 15, 2024, 6 p.m. at City Hall and May Council Committee meetings and City Council meetings.
Student City Manager and Student Councilmembers shared what they liked most about Westlake Village and shared with whom they came to the City Council meeting tonight.
In conclusion, Mayor Davis discussed sustainability in Westlake Village and the City Council's vote to outlaw gasoline powered blowers. Courtesy of Mayor Davis, an electric blower was presented to Student Mayor Ava Schneider for the White Oak Elementary School landscaper's use in place of the gas-powered blower.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: None
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: None
RECESS:
Mayor Davis and Mayor Ava Schneider announced a short recess and invited everyone to the courtyard for cupcakes and lemonade and thanked the White Oak Elementary Students for their participation.
City Council recessed at 7:17 p.m.
City Council reconvened the Regular Meeting, at 7:38 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 84-001, MODIFICATION NO. 2; RESOLUTION NO. 2343-24
Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing. Senior Planner Sinkula presented a request to authorize an expansion of operational hours for an existing car wash and gas station located at 30909 Thousand Oaks Boulevard. Ms. Sinkula reported the applicant is requesting an expansion of the hours of operation from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sundays. The applicant requests this modification to provide more convenient access for patrons after traditional workday hours.
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City of Westlake Village May 8, 2024 5
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued)
On January 31, 2024 the Land Use Committee (Davis/Pearl) reviewed the request and expressed support for the expanded hours of operation if the signage illumination and exterior lighting of the facility was turned off at sundown. Concerns regarding the need for additional screening and painting the new and existing white vacuums an earthen tone color were discussed. On March 22, 2024, the applicant provided two alternatives for new paint for the vacuums and a landscaping plan for the planting of five new Sweet Bay evergreen shrubs. The Committee recommended that the request move forward to a Public Hearing.
Applicant representatives, Chuck Cohen and Francisco Behr addressed the City Council. Mr. Behr requested the hours of exterior lighting remain until 9:00 p.m. year-round.
Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing
City Council discussion included hours of lighting, adjacent landscaping, effective screening, and hours of operation.
Motion was amended to change Condition No. 3 to allow exterior lighting to remain on until 9:00 p.m. year-round.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2343-24, determining Conditional Use Permit No. 84-001, Modification No. 2 is exempt from CEQA and approving Modification No. 2 of CUP No. 84-001 to authorize an expansion of the hours of operation for an existing car wash and gas station located at 30909 Thousand Oaks Boulevard and that exterior lighting be allowed to stay on until 9:00 pm year- round. Mayor Pro Tem Honig seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Pearl, McSweeney, Mayor Pro Tem Honig, and Mayor Davis
NO: Councilmember Halpern
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Davis declared the motion passed 4-Yes; 1-No (Councilmember Halpern) RESOLUTION NO. 2343-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION NO. 2 OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 84-001 TO AUTHORIZE AN EXPANSION OF THE HOURS OF OPERATION FOR AN EXISTING CAR WASH AND GAS STATION LOCATED AT 30909
THOUSAND OAKS BOULEVARD
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City of Westlake Village May 8, 2024 6
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued)
2. OAK TREE PERMIT NO. 24-001; CONSIDERATION OF CEQA
DETERMINATION AND RESOLUTION NO. 2344-24
Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing. Senior Planner Sinkula presented a request to authorize the removal of four protected oak trees and the pruning of one protected oak tree located at 147 Sherwood Drive.
Ms. Sinkula reported that on January 23, 2024, the City received an oak tree permit application to remove one protected coast live oak tree from a residential property located in the Oak Forest Estates neighborhood. Staff requested the City's arborist peer review the applicants' tree report to confirm whether it is necessary to remove the tree. During the site visit performed on February 9, 2024, the applicants' arborist and the City's arborist both noted that four protected oak trees on the site are growing in conflict with the residence and one protected oak tree on the site requires maintenance pruning. Accordingly, the applicants' arborist revised the scope of the oak tree permit application to request the removal of four protected oak trees and the pruning of one protected oak tree.
Senior Planner Sinkula reviewed the condition of each of the trees.
On April 22, 2024, the Land Use Committee (Davis/Pearl) reviewed the oak tree permit request and expressed support for the recommended removals and pruning. The Committee did not recommend mitigation of replacement trees, since the trees that are requested to be removed are in fair to poor health and there is not adequate space on the site to accommodate replacement trees that would thrive.
Public Speaker: Wes Campbell
Email Comment: One email (Posted online in Supplemental Packet) and provided to the City Council.
Applicant, Larry Stoops, addressed the City Council.
Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing
City Council discussion included the unfortunate circumstances and necessity of the tree removal to protect life.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village May 8, 2024
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued)
Councilmember Halpern moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2344- 24, determining Oak Tree Permit No. 24-001 is exempt from CEQA and approving Oak Tree Permit No. 24-001 to authorize the removal of four protected oak trees and the pruning of one protected oak tree located at 147 Sherwood Drive.
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.
AUTHORIZING THE REMOVAL OF FOUR PROTECTED OAK TREES AND THE PRUNING OF ONE PROTECTED OAK TREE LOCATED AT 147 SHERWOOD DRIVE
3. FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 ASSESSMENTS FOR LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS: RESOLUTION NOS. 2345-24, 2346-24 AND 2347- 24 Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing. 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.
Ms. Hughes reviewed the assessment amounts for each District, stating no changes are being proposed to the current assessment amounts in any of the districts. However, several cost factors continue to provide growing pressure on the City's ability to maintain the level of subsidy without consideration of raising assessments in the future. A few of the key cost factors include rising water and electricity rates, and costs associated with the City's transition to 'zero emissions' landscape equipment.
Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing
City Council discussion included the need to re-evaluate the assessments as expenses continue to increase.
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City of Westlake Village May 8, 2024 8
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued)
Mayor Pro Tem Honig moved that the City Council adopt Resolution Nos. 2345- 24, 2346-24, and 2347-24 to levy the assessments for Fiscal Year 2024-25 within 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 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.
RESOLUTION NO. 2345-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE CONFIRMING A DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT FOR THE 2024-25
FISCAL YEAR, AND ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE RESOLUTION NO. 2346-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE CONFIRMING A DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT FOR THE 2024-25
FISCAL YEAR, AND ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH WESTLAKE VILLAGE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE RESOLUTION NO. 2347-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE CONFIRMING A DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT FOR THE 2024-25 FISCAL YEAR, AND ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH WESTLAKE SPECTRUM LOCAL LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 15 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE STREETS
AND HIGHWAYS CODE
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Halpern moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Mayor Pro Tem Honig seconded the motion.
Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, McSweeney, Mayor Pro Tem Honig, and Mayor Davis
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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City of Westlake Village May 8, 2024 9
CONSENT CALENDAR (continued)
Mayor Davis declared the motion passed 5-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS: Warrants effective May 1, 2024 in the amount of $1,686,213.28
GENERAL BUSINESS:
ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 (SENATE BILL 1) PROJECT LIST; RESOLUTION NO. 2348-24 - City Council adopted Resolution No. 2348-24, identifying the FY 2024-25 Annual Street Improvement Project to utilize the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funds.
RESOLUTIONS NO. 2348-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE IDENTIFYING THE FY 2024-25 ANNUAL STREET
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO UTILIZE ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION
ACCOUNT FUNDS
OLD BUSINESS:
1. APPROVAL OF THE SECURITY SYSTEM CAMERA PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND CAMERA SYSTEM USE POLICY; RESOLUTION NO. 2349-24
Assistant City Manager Wilson reported that as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023- 24 budget, the Council approved $45,000 for the installation of security cameras on the exterior of the Civic Center. Staff considered several options, and the Mega-Pix cameras were selected via a proposal from Aid Alert, the company that is already providing security system service at the Civic Center. The proposal was presented to the Public Safety Committee on February 15, 2024 and an update was provided to the City Council on March 13, 2024. At that time, staff indicated that a policy governing the use of the system would be brought back to City Council together with approval of the purchase agreement.
Ms. Wilson stated that staff has worked with the City Attorney to draft the purchase agreement and develop a policy for City Council approval. The main premise of the policy was to meet the safety and security needs of the public, while respecting and preserving reasonable expectations of individual privacy. The policy does not imply that the system will be monitored in real time, but it lays out the City's standards for recording, viewing, retaining, sharing or destroying recorded images.
She discussed the main tenets of the policy including definitions, general provisions for signage, prohibited uses and conduct, access restrictions and training requirements, storage and retention of recorded images, provisions for release or sharing images, and destruction and system maintenance. She also City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village May 8, 2024 10
OLD BUSINESS (continued)
discussed the input received from the Administrative Committee which included access by elected officials to be governed by this policy and noted that staff verified with the City Attorney that a resolution to approve this policy will suffice. The project was anticipated to remain within budget.
City Council discussion included public release and sharing of recorded images, City Manager and City Attorney to review all requests or subpoenas, maintenance and troubleshooting, permissions, Sheriff emergency access, and 24/7 monitoring.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2349-24 adopting the Security Camera System Use Policy; and approve the purchase and installation agreement with Aid Alert to install security cameras at the Civic Center and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract on behalf of the City. 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.
RESOLUTION NO. 2349-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE ADOPTING A SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM USE POLICY NEW BUSINESS:
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO STREET SWEEPING CONTRACT WITH
CLEANSTREET
City Engineer Hughes requested the Council approve Amendment No. 1 to the Citywide Street Sweeping Contract with CleanStreet LLC (CleanStreet) to extend the term for two years, increase the fee schedule, and increase the annual contract amount to $184,000 plus dump fees and additional charges.
Ms. Hughes reported that CleanStreet has been providing street sweeping services to the City since 2004, has provided a high level of service, and has been responsive to special requests in meeting the City's needs. She reviewed the labor cost increase associated with the increase to prevailing wage rates and noted an adjustment is needed to allow for full compliance with prevailing wage rates. Ms.
Hughes summarized the cost negotiation for the required increase and stated that the current budget will absorb the additional cost for the months of May and June City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village May 8, 2024 11
NEW BUSINESS (continued)
2024 and starting July 1, 2024 the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 operating budget includes adequate funding for the additional increase of $105,532 for the annual street sweeping costs.
City Council discussion included drivers' salaries, level of service, and compliance auditing.
Mayor Pro Tem Honig moved that the City Council approve Amendment No. 1 to the citywide Street Sweeping contract with CleanStreet and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract amendment on behalf of the City. 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.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Davis announced the next City Council meeting will be held on May 22, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
hest
Ned E Davis, Mayor
Attest:
Case Kiane CONEST
LLAGE
Carol Kramer, Deputy City Clerk
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