HE ONES LAKE VIETN
NED E DAVIS KELLY HONIG SUSAN MSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
October 23, 2024
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Davis on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 6:33 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, Planning Director Asp, City Engineer Hughes, Assistant to the City Manager Mott, Community Services Coordinator Roush, and Administrative Intern Rodriguez.
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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APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilmember Pearl moved to approve the Minutes of October 9, 2024 City Council Regular Meeting. 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:
2024 City of Westlake Village Business of the Quarter Presentation - 2nd Quarter - Tikka Grill
Mayor Davis made a presentation to Tikka Grill as the second quarter recipient of the City of Westlake Village Business Recognition Award. Owner, Amir Mohammed, expressed his appreciation for the honor and acknowledgement. Councilmembers conveyed their congratulations and presented a recognition plaque.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Paige Nielsen, Richard "Tex" Williams, Lenore Greenman, Susan Reiter Simowitz, Kim Richardson, Stephen Johnson, Pam Johnson, Terry Ajir, and Buddy Singer.
COUNCIL RESPONSE: None
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus presented highlights of the City's annual City Celebration event held on October 19, 2024 stating that during the event a fire broke out near Ladyface Mountain in Agoura Hills. Los Angeles County Fire Department responded, fire burned 12 acres and was quickly stopped. Visit WLV.org/Prepare to learn more about family and home wildfire preparedness.
Mr. de Geus provided an update on the City's beautification efforts including a Foxfield Park concrete sign repair and replenished decomposed granite on the pathways. He reminded residents that the City's Bi-annual Shred Event will be held this Saturday, October 26, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and with Halloween coming up, he reviewed Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters and drivers, reminding everyone to Stay Alert, Don't Get Hurt! Mr. de Geus highlighted agenda topics for the upcoming Council Committee meetings and City Council meetings.
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COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Mayor Pro Tem Honig reported that at the October Las Virgenes Malibu Council of Governments Board Meeting, they voted to support Los Angeles County Measure "G" for restructuring the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Councilmember Pearl reported that he and Councilmember Halpern attended the Museum of Tolerance Mobil Display at Agoura High School.
Mayor Davis reminded joggers and walkers, when out in the dark, to wear reflective clothing and to run or walk against traffic to ensure drivers can see you.
MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Sheriff's Department Report
Deputy Brian Knott presented the Sheriff Department's report for the month of September 2024 including crime statistics. He reminded residents to lock their vehicles and not to leave packages visible in their car. Deputy Knott thanked Captain Drew Smith for setting up the command post for the fire on October 19, 2024 and for providing timely updates to ensure attendees at City Celebration remained safe.
Fire Department Report
No verbal report; printed report only
Library Report
Jessie Schweitz, Westlake Village Daniel K. Ludwig Library Children's Librarian, presented the Library's report for the month of September 2024 covering traffic, circulation, programs, and reference requests.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: NONE
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 13-002, MODIFICATION NO. 3; RESOLUTION NO. 2373-24
Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing.
Planning Director Asp presented a request for approval of Modification No. 3 of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 13-002 authorizing the continuation of live entertainment at the Stonehaus located at 32039 Agoura Road. Providing background, Ms. Asp stated that on June 11, 2014, the City Council approved a CUP to allow for live entertainment at the Stonehaus, and modified the permit City Council Minutes
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
December 14, 2016, to address complaints regarding the live entertainment.
Modifications to conditions of approval including limiting live entertainment hours, security requirements, valet parking and signage to educate patrons of the nearb, neighborhoods were added and have since eliminated any noise complaints i recent years. On May 22, 2019, the City Council approved a CUP for a time extension to continue live entertainment.
The location of the entertainment is between Agoura Road and the Stonehaus building. Any amplification is directed toward the Stonehaus building rather than toward nearby residences.
Staff recommended approval of the requested time extension of the CUP with no changes to the existing operational conditions for a five-year permit term expiring October 23, 2029.
On September 18, 2024, the Land Use Committee (Davis/Pearl) reviewed the CUP time extension request and recommended it move forward to a Public Hearing.
City Council wished to speak with the applicant; the applicant was not present.
Public Comments:
Pilar F. Neary and J. Michael Neary.
Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing.
City Council discussion included music, parking concerns, continuing the public hearing when the applicant is present, inviting the applicant to join a Land Use Meeting along with the Neary's to discuss the music from Club Louie.
Councilmember Halpern moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2373-24, determining Modification No. 3 of Conditional Use Permit No. 13-002 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing the continuation of live entertainment at the Stonehaus, located at 32039 Agoura 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.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
RESOLUTION NO. 2373-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION NO. 3 OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 13-002, TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUATION OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE STONEHAUS, LOCATED AT 32039 AGOURA ROAD
2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 19-004, MODIFICATION NO. 1; RESOLUTION NO. 2374-24
Supplemental Packet: Posted Online/Email Comments
Janice Wilson and Tim Brausam
Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing.
Planning Director Asp presented a request for approval of Modification No. 1 of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 19-004 authorizing the continuation of a pet grooming facility located at 4637 Lakeview Canyon Road. Providing background, Ms. Asp stated that on June 12, 2019, the City Council approved a CUP allowing the relocation of an existing pet grooming facility to a new tenant space at 4637 Lakeview Canyon Road. Fur Ever Grooming previously operated at 4691 Lakeview Canyon Road in the same shopping center. It was initially approved under CUP No. 11-001 in May of 2011 and received a time extension in 2016.
Ms. Asp noted that the only complaints received by the City related to noise was from a resident behind the shopping center. The infrequent complaints were resolved promptly by the business closing its back door.
Given the long-standing presence of the business and the minimal negative impacts associated with its operation, staff recommended approval of the CUP time extension, maintaining the existing operational conditions and granting a ten-year permit term expiring on October 23, 2034.
On September 18, 2024, the Land Use Committee (Davis/Pearl) reviewed the CUP time extension request and recommended moving it forward to a Public Hearing.
Applicant Angela Marra addressed the City Council.
Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2374-24, determining Modification No. 1 of Conditional Use Permit No. 19-004 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing the continuation of a pet grooming facility, located at 4637 Lakeview 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. 2374-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION 1 OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 19-004, TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF A PET GROOMING FACILITY LOCATED AT 4637 LAKEVIEW CANYON ROAD
SIGN MODIFICATION PERMIT NO. 97-002, MODIFICATION NO. 2; RESOLUTION NO. 2375-24
Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing.
Planning Director Asp presented a request for approval of Modification No. 2 of Sign Modification Permit (SMP) NO.
Marketplace Shopping Center at 5750 Lindero Canyon Road.
Ms. Asp stated that on July 7, 2024, Starbucks applied for a sign modification permit for the installation of wall signage at an existing commercial building. Starbucks is proposing two (2) wall signs and two (2) window signs and stated the proposed signs comply with the requirements of the design standards in the approved sign program.
The only deviation requested was to modify the color of the wall signs, black versus red.
Planning Director Asp explained that the proposed signage contrasts with the shopping center's typical red colored in-line tenant copy but is similar to previously approved signage installed on other individual pad buildings located within the Marketplace. She added that allowing a color deviation aligns well with the unique characteristics of the freestanding buildings that border the shopping center and City Council Minutes
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provide for a more attractive and cohesive look along Lindero Canyon Road. Staff recommended approval of the color deviation as it is appropriate for this location.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
On September 18, 2024, the Land Use Committee (Davis/Pearl) reviewed the SMP request and recommended that it move forward to the City Council for a Public Hearing.
Applicant Susan Poledo addressed City Council.
Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Honig moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2375-24, determining Modification No. 2 of Sign Modification Permit No. 97-002 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing a deviation from the approved sign colors identified in the existing sign program for Starbucks Coffee, located at the Marketplace Shopping Center at 5750 Lindero Canyon Road. 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. 2375-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION NO 2. OF SIGN MODIFICATION PERMIT NUMBER NO. 97-002, TO AUTHORIZE A DEVIATION FOR COLOR FROM THE
EXISTING MARKETPLACE SHOPPING CENTER SIGN PROGRAM FOR STARBUCKS LOCATED AT 5750 LINDERO CANYON ROAD
THE RIDGE (CEDAR VALLEY SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT) - SIGN
PROGRAM (SIGN MODIFICATION PERMIT NO. 24-004); RESOLUTION NO. 2376-24; AND AUTHORIZE PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION; RESOLUTION NO. 2377-24
Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing.
Planning Director Asp presented a request for approval of Sign Modification Permit No. 24-004 to authorize a new sign program for the Cedar Valley Senior Housing project, known as The Ridge, located at 31200 Cedar Valley Road and a request for approval to authorize installation of the proposed public art at The Ridge.
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Providing background, Ms. Asp stated that the Cedar Valley Senior Housing project, now known as The Ridge, was approved on March 24, 2021 by Planned Development Permit (PDP) No. 21-001 allowing the development of a 128-unit PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
senior residential care facility. She noted that approval of a sign program and the public art component are the final discretionary actions required.
Sign Program
Planning Director Asp explained that the Sign Ordinance requires the approval of a sign program for all new commercial, industrial, and public/institutional complexes.
When approving a sign program, the City Council may allow signage that deviates from Municipal Code standards. She reviewed the proposed signs, their locations, sizes, and compared them with the Municipal Code standards.
On July 17, 2024, the Land Use Committee (Davis/Pearl) reviewed the Sign Modification Permit request and recommended that it move forward to the City Council for a Public Hearing.
Public Art
Planning Director Asp stated that the Art in Public Places Ordinance requires that a commercial, industrial, office, or other nonresidential development costing $100,000 or more (excluding land value) must have a public art installation or pay an in-lieu art fee. If public art will be installed, then the artwork value must be at least 1% of the project's valuation. As used in the ordinance, the term "artwork value" means the cost of design, acquisition, construction, and installation. Per the Development Agreement for The Ridge project, the applicant agreed to install public art rather than pay an in-lieu art fee. The project is valued at $27,849,591 meaning the artwork value must be at least $287,495.91.
Located adjacent to the sidewalk along Cedar Valley Road, the applicant proposed the "Colors in Geometry" piece which portrays the colors of the season assembled in a balanced geometry. The sculpture is eight foot by eight-foot atop a raised concrete footing that displays floating/suspended "gem" colored custom crafted resin parallelograms.
On September 26, 2024, the Environmental Committee (Honig/Halpern) reviewed the design of the proposed public art, expressed support for the overall design concept and placement of the art piece on the site, and recommended that the proposal move to the City Council for consideration.
Applicant Jonas Bronk addressed the City Council.
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Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2376-24, determining Sign Modification Permit No. 24-004 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and authorize a new sign program for the Cedar Valley Senior Housing project, known as The Ridge, located at 31200 Cedar Valley Road.
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.
Mayor Pro Tem Honig moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2377-24, determining the proposed public art is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and authorizing installation of the proposed public art at the Cedar Valley Senior Housing project, known as The Ridge, located at 31200 Cedar Valley Road.
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. 2376-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING SIGN MODIFICATION PERMIT NUMBER NO. 24- 004, TO AUTHORIZE A NEW SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE RIDGE (CEDAR VALLEY SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT), LOCATED AT 31200 CEDAR VALLEY DRIVE RESOLUTION NO. 2377-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING PUBLIC ART FOR THE RIDGE (CEDAR VALLEY SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT), LOCATED AT 31200 CEDAR VALLEY DRIVE City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village October 23, 2024 10
MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Engineering Department Report
City Engineer Hughes provided the Engineering report highlighting the Pickleball Court construction and announced the Ribbon Cutting will be held on November 15, 2024. Fiscal Year 2023-24 Street Work has been completed and for the American Disability Act Transition Plan, onsite surveys have been commenced.
Planning Department Report
Planning Director Asp provided the Planning Department Status Report highlighting the Shred Event on Saturday, October 26, 2024, the Code Enforcement framework discussed on October 14, 2024 which is going back to the Administrative Committee in November, and the Assistant Planner recruitment that closes on November 12, 2024.
Cultural Recreation Report
Community Services Coordinator Roush provided a recap of the City Celebration event and announced upcoming events including the Holiday Sing-Along on December 8, 2024.
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 October 15, 2024 in the amount of $413,189.61
TREASURERS QUARTERLY REPORT: City Council received and filed the Treasurer's Report ending September 30, 2024; Stifel Report dated September 30, 2024
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CONSENT CALENDAR (continued):
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. APPROVAL OF BLANKET AUTHORITY TO FILE APPLICATIONS WITH
THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE
DISTRICT FOR MEASURE A GRANT FUNDING; RESOLUTION NO. 2378- 24 - City Council adopted Resolution No. 2378-24.
RESOLUTION NO. 2378-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING BLANKET AUTHORITY TO FILE
APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR MEASURE A FUNDING
FOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
ACCEPTANCE OF ANNUAL STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2023-24; FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION - City Council accepted the Annual Street Improvement Project for Fiscal Year 2023-24 and authorized the City Clerk to execute and record a "Notice of Completion" for the project on behalf of the City.
3. ADOPTION OF THE WESTLAKE VILLAGE STREET MEDIAN
LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATION PLAN - City Council adopted the Westlake Village Street Median Landscape Transformation Plan.
OLD BUSINESS:
2025 COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT PROGRAM UPDATE
Assistant to the City Manager Mott and Administrative Intern Rodriguez presented a request to approve a budget amendment to allocate an additional $25,000 in General Fund monies for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Service Grant Program (CSGP).
Providing background, Mr. Mott stated that since 1995, City Council has annually allocated General Fund monies for direct support of local community non-profit organizations and schools totaling $100,000 with $60,000 for non-profit community organizations and $40,000 to local schools.
At the 2024 Community Services Grant Funds Advisory Committee's (Committee) recommendation meeting, members inquired about raising the annual funding for the program and receiving further guidance on a funding split for cultural programming and social services groups. The Committee noted that inflation and the rising need for social services has led to more requests from community City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village October 23, 2024 12
OLD BUSINESS (continued):
partners. Staff presented this to the City Council on June 12, 2024 and began to analyze the program to provide additional information to the City Council.
Mr. Rodriguez provided a Community Service Grant Program overview and year-by- year analysis of requested and awarded grant funds to cultural programming and social services organizations and discussed eligibility standards.
Mr. Mott presented four options for City Council consideration discussing each option and noted staff's recommendation to add firm language to the program policy regarding setting aside $40,000 for school applicants and adding City Council direction for funding related to community groups, thus creating a permanent funding structure for all applicants.
City Council recommended adding $25,000 in additional grant funding with $25,000 going toward Cultural Programming, $60,000 for Social Services, and $40,000 to school applicants.
Mayor Pro Tem Honig moved that the City Council approve a budget amendment to allocate an additional $25,000 in General Fund monies for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Service Grant Program and approved revised program guidance.
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.
NEW BUSINESS:
REVIEW OF FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 YEAR END AND FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
FIRST QUARTER BUDGETS
Assistant City Manager Wilson reviewed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 adopted budget stating that staff has reconciled all revenue and expenditures as of June 30, inveen Eaming and signer Transient Occupancy Tax returs. Expenditures e amended ($13,439,122) were higher than actual expenditures ($12,425,264), resulting in expenditures coming in under budget by $1 million.
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NEW BUSINESS (continued):
A review of the first quarter of FY 2024-25 indicates continuing strong performance in Sales Tax, Property Tax, and Transient Occupancy Tax. The City is anticipated to meet this year's revenue projections and expenditures are projected to remain within budget.
Assistant City Manager Wilson advised that a mid-year review will be presented to the City Council in February/March 2025. In addition, prior to the City Manager's preparation of the FY 2025-26 draft City budget in early Spring, budget workshops will be held to establish priorities and goals for the City's operating and capital budgets.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council receive and file this report.
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.
RECESS:
City Council went into recess at 9:15 p.m.
City Council reconvened, with Councilmember Pearl absent, at 9:23 p.m. in Halloween costumes and provided a Public Safety Announcement encouraging all residents to be safe while having fun on Halloween.
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ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Davis announced the next City Council meeting will be held on November 13, 2024 at 6:30 p.m
The meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
Nosel
Ned E Davis, Mayor
Attest:
Antoinellesman
Antoinette Mann, City Clerk
WESTLAKE
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•RORATED
CALIFORNIA