SET EST ARE UTE
NED E DAVIS KELLY HONIG SUSAN McSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
June 12, 2024
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Davis on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 6:32 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Davis made a statement regarding the Iskander family in remembrance of the loss of Mark and Jacob Iskander three and a half years ago and wished the family ongoing strength and support from the Westlake Village community.
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 Clerk Kramer.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember McSweeney moved to approve the Agenda 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.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
City Manager de Geus amended the Minutes of May 22, 2024 to correct item: New Business No.1 - CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUDIO VISUAL AND TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES; APPROVAL FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. The motion passed 4-Yes, 1-No (Councilmember Halpern), O-Absent.
Councilmember Halpern moved to approve the amended Minutes of May 22, 2024 City Council Regular Meeting 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.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
COUNCIL RESPONSE: None
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus highlighted the first Summer Concert Series' T.G.I.F. Jazz Bands concert and Bruno & the Hooligans Saturdays in the Park concert, expressing appreciation to Community Services Coordinator Roush for her organizational efforts and to Mayor Davis and Councilmember Halpern for introducing the band and energizing the crowd. On June 21st, 7:00 p.m., at City Hall, Jumpin Joz 50's swing band will perform, and on July 13th 1, 7:00 p.m., at Berniece Bennett Park, Ragdolls, an Aerosmith Tribute band will take the stage. Food trucks open for service at 6:00 p.m. and residents were encouraged to join the fun.
Mr. de Geus announced White Oak Summer Camps offered through Conejo Recreation and Park District will be held from June through August. Registration is open and there are spots still available for June camps. Visit WLV.org/Recreation to view the list of classes and sign-up.
City Manager de Geus provided an update on the White Oak Elementary School fence construction stating the Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) is tentatively scheduled to begin fence construction on June 17, 2024. The fence will be six feet tall and set back from the school district property line to retain the walkways/greenbelts on both sides of the school and allow for walking paths to and from Berniece Bennett Park.
The color and aesthetics of the fence will match the First Neighborhood pool fence and residents will be able to access the fields from multiple gates on the perimeter fence City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village June 12, 2024 3
STAFF COMMENTS (continued):
during non-school hours. He noted that no dogs or other pets will be allowed on school property during the public access hours.
City Manager de Geus reported that Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin hosted an Emergency Preparedness Fair on June 8, 2024. Topics included Home Hardening for Fires, Surviving California Emergencies, and Earthquake Preparedness.
Mr. de Geus reported that Mayor Davis participated at the 2024 Mayors' Roundtable sponsored by the Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of Realtors. Discussion topics included wildfire awareness, strategies for water infrastructure improvements, and State housing laws and plans for increased building.
City Manager de Geus announced the Westlake Village Community Foundation's 2024 High School Senior Scholarships were presented to five Agoura High School seniors on May 29, 2024. This year's recipients were Isabella Ordonez (Pat Croner Scholarship Awardee), Brianne Agresti, Kirpa Khurana, Sam Haukaas, and Tim Erberich.
In conclusion, Mr. de Geus highlighted agenda topics for the upcoming June and July Council Committee meetings and June 26, 2024 City Council Regular Session.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilmember Pearl announced that Las Virgenes Unified School District graduations will be held on June 13, 2024 and congratulated all graduates.
Councilmember Halpern recognized Deputy Angel Blanco for his public safety efforts citing excessive speed drivers and cautioned residents to drive responsibly.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT FUNDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT - 2024 COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS
Assistant to the City Manager Mott expressed appreciation to the committee - Gladys Lopez, Chad Martinson, Mark Luther, Marty Blumenthal, and Christine Wong for their hours of work and commitment and provided an overview of the Community Service Grant Funds Program for 2023-24. Providing background, he stated that the application period was November 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 and was advertised on the City's website, newsletter, video newsletter, social media, and direct emails sent to past applicants. Mr. Mott reviewed the eligibility standards and presented a summary of the 29 applications received with a total request for $198,694. The City Council allocated $100,000 for direct support with $60,000 designated to non-profit community organizations and $40,000 to local schools.
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
The Committee met on April 30, 2024 to acquire the applications for review and receive an overview of this year's program. On May 21, 2024, the Committee reaffirmed their views, and reached an official recommendation to the City Council for each applicant. The Committee focused on funding applicants who had a successful program that benefited Westlake Village residents and a partnership history with the City. The Committee also emphasized the importance of programs that provided social services for residents experiencing food insecurity or in need of healthcare.
The Committee recommended the following for the 2023-24 Community Service Grant Fund awards:
Schools Requested Recommended
Agoura High School Music Boosters Club Program
Grant $7,000 $0
Las Virgenes Unified School District Libraries $7,350 $0 Lindero Canyon Middle School $23,000 $17,500
White Oak Elementary School $22,500 $22,500
TOTAL FOR SCHOOLS $40,000
Community Organization Requested Recommendation
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley $10,000 $7,500 California Wildlife Center $600 $O
Calvary Community Church $10,004 $0
Cancer Support Community Valley/entura/Santa
Barbara $10,000 $7,500
Conejo Chinese Cultural Association $3,000 $0
Conejo Free Clinic $5,000 $4,500
Conejo Hospice, Inc. $10,000 $9,700
Conejo Valley Historical Society $7,000 $0
Conejo Valley Senior Concerns - Meals on Wheels $15,000 $13,800 Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra $2,500 $0
Harbor House $4,500 $2,500
Healthcare for Homeless Animals $1,500 $0
Kingsmen Shakespeare Company $2,000 $0
Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association $1,800 $1,500 Los Angeles Symphonic Winds $2,500 $0
Los Robles Children's Choir $2,600 $0
Loving Home Hospice for Children $1,500 $1,500
Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank $3,500 $3,500
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
Community Organization Requested | Recommendation
Many Mansions $2,500 $1,900
The Naslund and Naslund Foundation $11,040 $0
New West Symphony $2,500 $0
Santa Monica Mountains Fund $3,000 $O
Southeast Ventura County YMCA $10,000 $4,400
Westlake Village Rotary Foundation $15,000 $1,700
Westlake Village Symphony $1,800 $0
TOTAL FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS $60,000
GRAND TOTAL FOR GRANTS $100,000
Mr. Mott reported the Committee also discussed potential changes to the traditional funding distribution suggesting further breakdown of the grant fund amount for Community Groups to include two categories: social services and education/cultural programs. During discussion and recommendation development, the Committee noted the difficulty in allocating funding towards education/cultural programs over social services that provide to those in need. If Council is supportive of expanding the program, staff will provide a recommendation on the funding amount and breakdowns for the two categories.
The City Council expressed gratitude for the thoughtful and challenging decisions taken by the Committee. City Council discussion included the Committee's recommendations to expand categories, potential grant funds increase, support for the arts, consider City arts sponsorship of special events, and the Committee's focus on the benefits of granting purposeful amounts to organizations.
In response to City Council inquiries, City Attorney Boga stated that the City Council has latitude approving the use of City funds on activities that benefit the community. City Manager de Geus recommended that the City Council consider sending this item to the Cultural Recreation Subcommittee for further discussion.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council approve awarding the 2024 Community Services Grant Funds as recommended by the Community Services Grant Advisory Committee. Councilmember 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.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 14-007; RESOLUTION NO. 2353-24 Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing. Senior Planner Sinkula presented a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) request to approve the continued operation of a gym, spa, and wellness facility located at 30770 Russell Ranch Road, Suite H within The Shoppes commercial center.
Providing background, Ms. Sinkula stated that on April 23, 2014, the City Council approved Resolution No. 1720-14 for CUP No. 14-007 to authorize the operation of Total Woman Gym and Spa. On May 8, 2019, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2038-19 (Modification No. 1) to authorize the continued operation of the gym, and then on December 10, 2019, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2080-19 (Modification No. 2) to authorize the provision of spa and massage services as part of the operation of the subject facility.
The applicant is now requesting a third modification of the CUP No. 14-007 to authorize the continued operation of the gym, spa, and wellness facility under new ownership as Celé Wellness and proposing to continue the operation of a private women's gym, spa, and wellness center. As proposed, the facility will continue to offer private and small group training, fitness classes, wellness amenities such as nutritional counseling and a meditation room, and spa services. The applicant is proposing to operate the facility Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Fridays from 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and plans to include five to seven employees with a maximum number of fifty patrons on the site at any given time.
On April 22, 2024, the Land Use Committee (Davis/Pearl) reviewed the time extension request and recommended that the request be moved forward to the full City Council for hearing.
Applicants Dan Selleck, Selleck Development Group, and Emily Trowbridge, Cele Wellness co-founder addressed the City Council. Ms. Trowbridge provided a slide presentation of Cele Wellness and shared their vision and services offered.
Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Haipern moved that move that City Council adopt Resolution No. 2353-24, determine Conditional Use Permit No. 14-007 is exempt from CEQA and approving Conditional Use Permit No. 14-007, Modification No. 3 for the continued operation of a gym, spa, and wellness facility located at 30770 Russell Ranch Road, Suite H within The Shoppes commercial center. Mayor Pro Tem Honig seconded the motion.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
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. 2353-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION NO. 3 OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 14-007 RELATIVE TO THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF A GYM, SPA, & WELLNESS FACILITY LOCATED AT 30770 RUSSELL RANCH ROAD, SUITE H CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Pearl commented that on Consent Calendar No. 2, the Sidewalk Improvement budget was $1,225,000 and the cost was under budget at $1, 157,205.
Mayor Pro Tem Honig moved 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 June 1, 2024 in the amount of $540,122.46.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (COST SHARING
AGREEMENT) FOR MONITORING OF SANTA MONICA BAY BEACHES
BACTERIA TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOADS - City Council approved the proposed Memorandum of Agreement for the administration and cost sharing for implementing the Santa Monica Bay Beaches Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load required monitoring; and authorized the Mayor to sign and execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
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CONSENT CALENDAR (continued):
2. ACCEPTANCE OF FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT; FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION - City Council accepted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Sidewalk Improvement Project and authorized the City Clerk to execute and record a "Notice of Completion" for the proiect on behalf of the City.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. ADOPTION OF PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25; RESOLUTION NO. 2354-24
City Manager de Geus introduced the item and emphasized that the budget process is extensive with staff input, committee meetings, and study sessions. The City Council Goals Session is incorporated into the City's work plan and included in the proposed budget. Mr. de Geus provided an overview encapsulating the purpose of the budget and presented a balanced budget with an anticipated $1.3 million surplus. He stated that the budget provides funds to advance City Council objectives and to support the City's Public Safety priority. It also provides funding to maintain city infrastructure, staffing, innovative projects, and investment and maintenance in landscaping and streetscaping that create the unique physical charm of the city. Mr. de Geus noted the proposed budget maintains a conservative, practical, yet progressive spending plan that is comprehensive and represents what we are aware of today. He also noted that during the fiscal year, we will need to alter the budget as opportunities and unexpected challenges emerge. The proposed budget is balanced, flexible, and adaptive, allowing the city to respond to uncertain circumstances.
City Manager de Geus stated that the city was likely to receive up to $600,000 from the Office of Congresswoman Julia Brownley through the Homeland Security Appropriations Grant Program for Community Projects. This funding will help reduce the cost of the Civic Center Emergency Operations Center Resiliency Project providing a battery storage system that is crucial to the operation during a major disaster. He stated that if the City receives this funding, the City will be able to reduce or eliminate this general fund expense.
Assistant City Manager Wilson presented the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 budget at $26 million, with 61% or $15.8 million allocated to the General Fund and 39% or $10.2 million in Restricted Fund, noting that the largest budget expenditure remains to be allocated to Public Safety at 16% and the Capital Improvement Plan at 30%.
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
Citywide revenues are projected at $20.6 million with the largest three revenue sources remaining as Sales Tax, Property Tax and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) totaling 64% of all revenues. Restricted revenue will comprise 17% of anticipated revenues.
A Citywide budget by category, compared with the last fiscal year was provided.
The proposed budget is $1.69 million more than FY 2023-24 due to operational and capital program expenditures.
General Fund revenues are projected at $17.18 million and continue to be driven by the Sales Tax, Property Tax, and TOT, which combine for 77% of all General Fund revenues.
Ms. Wilson presented a historical trend for the three major revenue sources which are all projected at the highest level in the upcoming fiscal year. Another positive aspect is that the three largest revenue sources this year combine for 77% of all revenues as opposed to 80% last year, indicating a move towards a more diversified revenue source. The annual increase in the General Fund is 8.4% or $1.33 million, increasing from $15.8 million to $17.18 million in the next year.
Assistant City Manager Wilson stated that General Fund expenditures are estimated at $15.8 million, up $1.3 million when compared to this year's budget.
This increase is a combination of new funding allocations for the implementation of Council and City Manager priorities. She provided a summary of the budget line items that contribute to the $1.3 million in additions to the General Fund budget.
Ms. Wilson said the proposed General Fund will have a surplus of approximately $1.37 million, a similar position to this current fiscal year, which also had a projected surplus of approximately $1.3 million.
Ms. Wilson reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) approved by Council on April 10, 2024, comprised of 23 projects at $7.7 million. The projects represent five categories (Recurring CIP Projects, Park Improvements, Sidewalk Improvements, Streetscape Improvements, and Other Projects) and provided an overview of the funding plan noting that staff commits to continue their efforts on leveraging additional outside funding sources to lessen the burden on the Unrestricted CIP Fund.
The budget is in accordance with Council Goals, the Strategic Plan, Financial Reserve Policy and CIP Fund Policy. The General Fund reserve will be adjusted to a reserve level of 51.8% of the estimated General Fund expenditures by the end of the upcoming fiscal year.
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
Ms. Wilson explained that the City is required by State law to establish an Appropriations Limit each fiscal year. Only those revenues received from proceeds of taxes are subject to this limit. The City's FY 2024-25 appropriations limit is estimated to be $31.6 million while the appropriations subject to the limit total $15 million. As such, the proposed budget complies with State law.
The City Council expressed appreciation to staff for the excellent presentation and time and effort spent on this year's budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Honig moved that City Council adopt Resolution No. 2354-24, which adopts and appropriates funds for the operating and capital budgets for Fiscal Year 2024-25, closes appropriations for Fiscal Year 2023-24, delegates contract execution authority to the City Manager and establishes appropriations limits as required by the California Constitution. 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. 2354-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE ADOPTING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGETS FOR FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2024CLOSING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024, DELEGATING
CONTRACT EXECUTION AUTHORITY, AND ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS
LIMIT AS REQUIRED BY THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION
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ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Davis announced the next City Council meeting will be held on June 26, 2024 at The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Ned E Davis, Mayor
Attest:
Carol Kare OR WESTLAKE
VILLAG
Carol Kramer, Deputy City Clerk m
*
RATED
CALIFORNIA