SET VESTAR DETEN
NED E DAVIS KELLY HONIG SUSAN MSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 25, 2024
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Davis on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 6:31 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
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, City Engineer Hughes, Assistant to the City Manager Mott, Community Services Coordinator Roush, and Accountant Leeds.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Halpern 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 September 25, 2024 2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilmember Pearl moved to approve the Minutes of September 11, 2024 City Council Study Session and Regular Session Meeting. 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: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Lesli Kraut and David Kestenbaum.
COUNCIL RESPONSE:
Mayor Davis inquired on the status of Code Enforcement Ordinance update and encouraged residents to comply with the current regulations related to gas powered leaf blowers.
City Manager de Geus stated the Code Enforcement topic will be on the November Administrative Committee Meeting agenda.
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus reported that September is National Preparedness Month with the goal of educating and being prepared for any emergency or disaster. Residents can visit WLV.org/Prepare for information.
Mr. de Geus reported that Annual Tree trimming is being conducted. Mayor Pro Tem Honig attended the Boy Scout Troop 485's Eagle Scout Ceremony to recognize seven new Eagle Scouts. The Public Safety Advisory Board met and received a Fire Safety and Public Safety Report.
Mr. de Geus highlighted upcoming City Council Committee Meeting and City Council Meeting agenda topics.
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City of Westlake Village September 25, 2024 3
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Mayor Pro Tem Honig reported attending the YMCA 60th Anniversary Gala where Larry Persons received the 2024 person of the year award.
Mayor Davis thanked Larry Persons for his vision for the Community Park, where the YMCA is located.
Councilmember McSweeney thanked our Los Angeles County Fire and Los Angeles County Sheriff personnel for attending the Public Safety Advisory Board Meeting, for sharing lessons learned, and for making Westlake Village a better community for our MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. Sheriff's Department Report
Deputy Brian Knott presented the Sheriff Department's report for the months of July and August 2024 including crime statistics. He reported that extra patrols have been conducted at various city businesses which has assisted with reducing crime.
Fire Department Report
Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith presented the Fire Department report for the months of July and August 2024 including the number of fires, medical response calls, and rescue activities conducted.
Library Report
Julie Frieze, Manager of the Westlake Village Daniel K. Ludwig Library, presented the Library's report for the month of July and August 2024 covering traffic, circulation, programs, and reference requests.
Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report
Danielle Borja, President, and CEO for the Conejo Chamber of Commerce ghlighted recent and upcoming events and thanked the City for their sponsorsh or the 2024-25 Leadership Coneio prograr
nomination forms are located at www.conejochamber.org.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: NONE
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City of Westlake Village September 25, 2024 4
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 09-006; RESOLUTION NO. 2365-24 Supplemental Packet - Two packets posted online.
Packet 1 - modified the motion to read, for "on-site" consumption of alcohol Packet 2 - modified the Westlake Yacht Club address
Email Communication - Supplemental Packet No. 1
Toni Cacciatore
Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing.
Assistant to the City Manager Mott presented a request for approval of Modification No. 1 of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 09-006 authorizing the continued sale of alcohol for onsite consumption at the Westlake Yacht Club located at 32119 Lindero Canyon Road.
Providing background, Mr. Mott reported CUP No. 09-006 that authorizes ongoing Yacht Club activities and the continued sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption at Westlake Yacht Club was approved by the City Council on September 9, 2009. The CUP was set to expire September 9, 2024, but the applicant applied to renew the CUP and request a time extension of the permit term. Alcoholic beverages have been customarily served at Yacht Club events and other private functions since the Club initiated the use of the buildings. Staff are not aware of any issues related to the sale of alcohol at this site and recommended approval of the requested time extension of the CUP and a ten-year permit term with an expiration date of September 25, 2034.
On July 17, 2024, the Land Use Committee (Davis/Pearl) reviewed the CUP time extension request and recommended that the request move forward to a Public Hearing.
It was noted that the Supplemental packets posted online corrected the motion to reflect "on-site sale of alcohol" and adjusted the address in Resolution No. 2365-24.
Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing.
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City of Westlake Village September 25, 2024 5
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2365-24, determining Modification No. 1 of Conditional Use Permit No. 09-006 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing the sale of alcohol for offsite consumption in conjunction with the operation of an existing Yacht Club located at 32119 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. 2365-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION NO. 1 OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 09-006 TO AUTHORIZE THE ONGOING CLUB ACTIVITIES AND
CONTINUED SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR ON-SITE CONSUMPTION AT THE WESTLAKE YACHT CLUB LOCATED AT 32119 LINDERO CANYON ROAD MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. Engineering Department Report
City Engineer Hughes provided the Engineering report highlighting the Pickle Ball Court construction with a tentative ribbon cutting on October 25, 2024. Street resurfacing is almost completed, the traffic loops on Lindero Canyon Road and Foxfield Drive are in the process of being reconnected. The Watershed meeting will be held on October 10, 2024.
2. Planning Department Report
Written report; no verbal report.
3. Cultural Recreation Report
Community Services Coordinator Roush provided a recap for the summer events and announced upcoming events including City Celebration on October 19, 2024, Bi-Annual Shred Event on October 26, 2024, and the Holiday Sing-Along on December 8, 2024.
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City of Westlake Village September 25, 2024 6
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Halpern 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 September 15, 2024 in the amount of $960,859.78.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
BIENNIAL REVIEW AND UPDATE OF THE CITY'S CONFLICT OF
INTEREST CODE; RESOLUTION NO. 2366-24 - City Council adopted Resolution No. 2366-24, adopting an updated Conflict of Interest Code for the City and repealing Resolution No. 2273-22.
RESOLUTION NO. 2366-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE ADOPTING AN UPDATED CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2273-22
2. ACCEPTANCE OF BUS SHELTER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, PHASE II; FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION - City Council accepted the Bus Shelter Improvement Project and authorized the City Clerk to execute and record a "Notice of Completion" on behalf of the City.
APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROGRESS PAYMENTS
TO J&H ENGINEERING GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC.; RESOLUTION NO. 2367-24 - City Council adopted Resolution No. 2367-24.
RESOLUTION NO. 2367-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE AUTHORIZING PROGRESS PAYMENTS TO J & H ENGINEERING GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC.
OLD BUSINESS: None
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village September 25, 2024
NEW BUSINESS:
AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATION FOR PROPOSITION 68 PER
CAPITA GRANT FUNDS FOR REPLACEMENT PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AND RESTROOM RENOVATION AT BERNIECE BENNETT PARK;
RESOLUTION NO. 2368-24
Assistant City Manager Wilson presented a request to apply for Proposition 68 Per event on August 10, 2024. Residents identified these two projects as priorities which are eligible for grant funds use.
The City has a total of $183,072 allocated under the two programs, the main Per Capita program ($177,952) and the Urban Counties Per Capita program ($5,120). As Berniece Bennett Park is not serving a severely disadvantaged community, the City will be subject to a 20% match of $45,768 for these grant funds.
A preliminary estimated budget is $228,840; final project costs will be determined through a formal bid process. Staff will work through the Cultural Recreation Committee on design and selecting a final concept and will come back to Council for an update and approval of the bid documents. The City's contribution will be approved with a budget amendment request at the award of contract.
The State Department of Parks and Recreation requires the grantee's governing body to certify by resolution the approval of the project application prior to submission and has a deadline to encumber the contract by June 30, 2025. To meet that deadline the City must have a signed contract no later than February 28, 2025.
Councilmember Halpern moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2368-24, authorizing submittal of an application for Proposition 68 Per Capita grant funds for replacement playground equipment and restroom renovation at Berniece Bennett Park. Mayor Pro Tem Honig seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, MoSweeney, Mayor Pro Tem Honig, and Mayor Davis
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Davis declared the motion passed 5-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 2368-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING APPLICATION(S) FOR PER CAPITA GRANT FUNDS
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City of Westlake Village September 25, 2024 8
2. ADJUSTMENT OF MEDICAL PREMIUM RATES AND EMPLOYER
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR ACTIVE AND RETIRED EMPLOYEES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2025; RESOLUTION 2369-24
Assistant City Manager Wilson and Accountant Leeds presented a request for approval of the adjustment to medical premium rates and employer contributions for active and retired City employees effective January 1, 2025.
Active Employees
Resolution No. 1564-11 (March 2011), amended the insurance coverage for active employees by establishing a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2014- 15, the City Council approved a policy requiring an annual review of the monthly employer insurance contribution amount for full-time active employees allowing for the benefit to be adjusted annually. Resolution 2095-20 (March 2020) set the active employee contribution at $1,805 monthly and amended the City's policy to provide for future annual adjustments based on 100% of the annual premium increase associated with the PERS Choice Family Plan on January 1 of each year. The Council has since re-adopted this same annual adjustment policy for the monthly employer insurance contribution amount for full-time active employees. The definition of full-time active employees includes employees regularly scheduled to work at least 40 hours per week and all Councilmembers. 2025 PERS premiums for active employees increased for the PERS Platinum Family Plan by $343.88 per month. Pursuant to Resolution 2095-20, the monthly employer contribution for active employees will be adjusted by $343.88. The estimated increase in cost was included in the FY 2024-25 budget.
Staff presented a request for active employees to match the full cost of the PERS Platinum Family Plan, which would be an additional $41 per plan per month. The currently monthly employer contribution is tied to the increase in the medical insurance cost each year. However, the approved contribution is the maximum allowance provided for medical, dental, and vision benefits combined. An active employee who elects PERS Platinum Family coverage would therefore be required to pay for dental and vision benefits through a payroll deduction if they opted to enroll in those benefits.
The Administrative Committee recommended that the City extend the employer monthly contribution for active employees to include full PERS Platinum Family premium plus dental and vision insurance and bring that information to the full City Council for consideration of increasing the benefit. Increasing the monthly contribution to include the cost of dental and vision, will be an additional $256 per month for family coverage, bringing the total monthly contribution to $3,541.63. The total overall fiscal impact would be $20,574 for FY 2024-25 if the employer monthly contribution is adjusted to include the full cost of the PERS Platinum family medical plan and family coverage for dental and vision benefits.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village September 25, 2024
NEW BUSINESS (continued):
Retirees
Resolution No. 1564-11 (March 2011), provided a monthly supplemental medical retiree benefit, inclusive of the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) minimum, for current and future eligible retirees. Reimbursement is based on the existing average mid-point between the single-party rate and the two- party rate associated with the PERS Choice plan that was in effect as of January 2011 for the pre-Medicare and post-Medicare rates, up to a maximum of $750/month and $600/month respectively, including the PEMHA minimum.
Adjustments to the retiree benefit is based on several factors:
• the overall fiscal health of the City,
• changes to the CalPERS Choice premiums or equivalent coverage for single- party and two-party plans,
• inflationary factors, and
• general health costs.
Resolution No. 1564-11, established an eligibility requirement of five (5) years of service with the City and a review period every two years beginning in March 2013 to determine if any adjustment of this benefit is necessary. The last increase in the benefit was in 2022 pursuant to City Council Resolution No. 2274-22. This resolution increased the reimbursement by 10% for Pre-Medicare and 5% for Medicare ($100 for pre-Medicare and $30 for Medicare).
Nine retirees currently receive this benefit, two are pre-Medicare rate and seven receive the Medicare rate. Following Resolution No. 1564-11, staff recommended a $100 increase in the pre-Medicare reimbursement. Medicare supplemental rates increased by 30% so staff presented two options to the Administrative Committee on adjustments to offset this large premium adjustment.
The Administrative Committee recommended that the pre-Medicare benefit be increased by the midpoint of $100 and the Medicare benefit be increased by the midpoint plus $100 due to the 30% increase in premiums from 2024, thus making the Medicare benefit increase by $200/month. The Administrative Committee further recommended that this option be brought before the full City Council for approval.
The increase in cost to the City will be $9,600 for FY 2024-25.
City Council discussion included offering excellent benefits to attract and maintain employees and offering retirement benefits to thank loyal employees.
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City of Westlake Village September 25, 2024 10
NEW BUSINESS (continued):
City Council provided direction to move the active employees to use the PERS Platinum Family Plan as the full pay option and to include family dental and vision coverage in the amount covered by the City. City Council direction also included pre-Medicare benefits for retirees to increase by $100 and Medicare benefits to increase by $200.
Councilmember Halpern moved that City Council adopt Resolution No. 2369-24, Amending Resolution No. 1564-11 to Increase the Insurance Coverage Benefit for Full-Time Active and Retired Employees. 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. 2369-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 1564-11 TO INCREASE THE
INSURANCE COVERAGE BENEFIT FOR FULL-TIME ACTIVE AND RETIRED
EMPLOYEES
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Davis announced the next City Council meeting will be held on October 9, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Ned E Davis, Mayor
Attest:
Antonetiantrar
Antoinette Mann, City Clerk
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