SEOTNESILARE DIET
NED E DAVIS KELLY HONIG SUSAN McSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
December 4, 2024
CALL TO ORDER:
This Special Meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Davis on Wednesday, December 4, 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, and Assistant to the City Manager Mott.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Halpern 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:
Councilmember McSweeney moved to approve the Minutes of November 13, 2024 City ouncil Regular Session Meeting and November 18, 2024 Closed Session Meetin 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 - 4th Quarter - Heart Boutique
Mayor Davis made a presentation to Heart Boutique as the fourth quarter recipient of the City of Westlake Village Business Recognition Award. Business owner and Founder, Adrienne Denniston expressed her appreciation for the honor and acknowledgement. Councilmembers conveyed their congratulations and presented a recognition plaque.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Heather Giamo and Tish Matthews
COUNCIL RESPONSE:
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus reported that tree trimming was conducted at the Civic Center as part of the City's annual program, noting tree trimming in the community is anticipated to begin in early 2025.
Mr. de Geus stated that on November 21, 2024, the Conejo Valley Future Foundation held their board meeting in the Community Room where he and Councilmember Halpern made a presentation on key City projects.
City Manager de Geus reminded residents to protect their homes and families from criminal activity during the holiday season and discussed crime prevention measures.
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STAFF COMMENTS (continued):
Mr. de Geus advised that the Cultural Recreation Advisory Board application period is currently open with eight vacancies and closes on January 10, 2025. He invited interested residents to apply and get involved in the planning of City special events.
City Manager de Geus announced that the 2025 Community Service Grants application period is open through January 31, 2025. Non-profit organizations that serve the residents of the City of Westlake Village are eligible to apply. Interested local schools and community non-profits can find the updated form and submit their application at www.WLV.org/Grants.
Mr. de Geus invited the community to the City's annual Holiday Sing-Along on December 8, 2024, 3:00-6:00 p.m., at the Shoppes at Westlake Village. Residents were encouraged to bring donations to Manna Conejo Food Bank, Casa Pacifica, and Books R' Us for a chance to win prizes donated.
City Manager de Geus encouraged residents to attend the upcoming City Council Reorganization meeting with refreshments following the meeting in the Community Rooms.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilmember Pearl reminded residents to drive safely to avoid accidents.
Mayor Pro Tem Honig reminded residents to slow down on residential streets.
Councilmember Halpern encouraged residents to look at the Future Foundations website (clvff.org).
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT - 2025 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM UPDATE
Assistant to the City Manager Mott presented the 2025 Legislative Platform Update stating the City's Legislative Platform focuses on the following key policy areas:
local control, public safety, fiscal responsibility, contract city authority, environment and sustainability, and technology.
Mr. Mott explained the recommended revisions to the City's current Legislative Platform including Public Safety points related to policing and public safety power shut offs, and speeding; under the Contract City Authority section, a point regarding contract cities abilities to hire critical services contractors without restriction; and a new point under the Environment and Sustainability section City Council Special Meeting Minutes
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
allowing the City to advocate for legislation that addresses wildfires and creates a better home insurance market for residents.
The Administrative Committee (Mayor Davis/Mayor Pro Tem Honig) supported the revised Legislative Platform and recommended it be brought forward to the entire City Council.
Councilmember Pearl moved that City Council adopt the 2025 Legislative Platform.
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.
2. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT - COMMUNITY TROLLEY
PROGRAM REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Assistant to the City Manager Mott provided an update on the Community Trolley following the November 11, 2024 Administrative Committee (Davis/Honig) meeting, and requested the City Council authorize issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for trolley service.
At the Council Goal Setting Study Session on January 24, 2024, the City Council added reviving the Community Trolley program to the goals for 2024, exploring the restoration of the trolley with similar equipment and services.
Staff began efforts to revive the trolley program by reaching out to trolley operators in the greater Los Angeles and Ventura County areas and discovered that many transportation operators no longer offered trolley service or did not meet the desired program goals. Mr. Mott discussed trolley services offered in the cities of Calabasas, Ojai, and Camarillo and research conducted for potential partnership options with each city, but none were feasible. Staff also explored purchasing a new or used trolley and then contracting a transportation service for trolley operation, which was not feasible.
Assistant to the City Manager Mott explained that due to the difficulties in finding trolley service options, staff began to work on an RFP to attract a broader array of vendors who might be able to meet the program needs. Staff will bring the results of the RFP process to Council in March 2025.
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
The Administrative Committee (Davis/Honig) supported bringing the RFP to Council for consideration.
City Council discussion included adding a trolley and looking into a sustainability factor.
Councilmember Halpern moved that the City Council approve the Community Trolley request for proposal and authorize staff to issue. 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.
3. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT - UPDATE ON ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT REVENUE PROGRAM BALLOTING TIMELINE
City Engineer Hughes presented information regarding a revised timeline for the Proposition 218 balloting process for the Landscape Assessment Districts 1 and 15 and Lighting Assessment District 1.
Ms. Hughes reported that the Administrative Committee (Davis/Honig) met on November 12, 2024 and discussed the City Council's feedback from the October 9, 2024 presentation of the Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts including concerns about the timing of the balloting process, the inflationary escalator (or cost of living adjustment/COLA), and the community outreach strategy.
Ms. Hughes reviewed the revised timeline that would postpone the balloting process from Spring 2025 to Fall 2025 and the proposed assessment rate increase from Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 to FY 2026-27. The assessment rates for FY 2025- 26 would remain unchanged, requiring the city to further subsidize the assessment districts to keep them solvent. However, the lengthened timeline would allow for additional preparation and review to address the City Council's concerns, engage the community, and build consensus for a successful ballot initiative.
City Council provided direction for staff to utilize timeline number 2, which will include more educational presentations at City Council meetings.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 95-005, MODIFICATION NO. 3;
RESOLUTION NO. 2381-24
Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing.
Ms. Asp stated that the CUP was approved on February 14, 1996, to authorize a pet grooming facility (starting as Groomingdale's) at 31143 Via Colinas Suite 405, in the Lindero Oaks business park. The first extension was approved in 2006. In 2014 a second extension was approved to relocate the business, now called It's Pawfect, into the larger Suite 501 which occupies approximately 1,640 square feet.
The business operates from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Services are provided on-site, and the business also has a mobile van. Staff are not aware of any complaints or issues arising from the operation of this business and recommend approval of the requested time extension of the CUP granting a ten-year permit term with an expiration date of December 4, 2034.
On November 6, 2024, the Land Use Committee (Davis/Pearl) reviewed the CUP time extension request and recommended forwarding it to the City Council for a public hearing.
Applicant Jonelle Shmoldas addressed the City Council.
Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Honig moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2381-24, determining Modification No. 3 of Conditional Use Permit No. 95-005 is exempt from CEQĂ and authorizing the continuation of a pet grooming facility, located at 31143 Via Colinas, Suite. 501. 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 December 4, 2024
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
RESOLUTION NO. 2381-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION 3 OF CONDITIONAL USE
2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 19-006, MODIFICATION NO. 1; RESOLUTION NO. 2382-24
Mayor Davis opened the Public Hearing.
Planning Director Asp presented a request for approval of Modification No. 1 of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 19-006, for a time extension of an approved Conditional Use Permit to authorize the continued operation of a private indoor sports facility with ancillary uses.
On July 24, 2019, the City Council approved a CUP to authorize a private indoor sports facility (Proactive Sports) with ancillary uses at 31425 Agoura Road. The business operates Monday to Friday 6:00 am - 6:00 pm and Saturday mornings.
The facility is used for private training and recovery in a small group or one-on-one setting. There is also a private physical therapy space, as well as a kitchen for clients. In total, there are 20 staff working at the facility.
The applicant is not requesting any modifications to the CUP. Staff are not aware of any complaints or issues arising from the operation of this business and recommend approval of the requested time extension of the CUP granting a ten- year permit term with an expiration date of December 4, 2034.
On November 6, 2024, the Land Use Committee (Davis/Pearl) reviewed the CUP time extension request and recommended forwarding it to the City Council for a public hearing.
Applicant was not present.
Mayor Davis closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2382-24, determining Modification No. 1 of Conditional Use Permit No. 19-006 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing the continuation of a private indoor sports facility, City Council Special Meeting Minutes
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
located at 31425 Agoura 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. 2382-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION 1 OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 19-006, TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF A PRIVATE INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY (PROACTIVE SPORTS) LOCATED AT 31425 AGOURA ROAD
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 November 15, 2024 in the amount of $399,088.63 and December 1, 2025 in the amount of $603,993,39.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. ARTERIAL SYSTEM FINANCING PROGRAM ANNUAL REVIEW - City Council received the report. . Report was provided for information only and no action was necessary.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
City of Westlake Village December 4, 2024
OLD BUSINESS:
SOLAR AND STORAGE SITE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH COAST ENERGY
FOR THE CIVIC CENTER SOLAR ROOF AND BACKUP BATTERY PROJECT City Engineer Hughes presented a recommendation to execute the Solar and Storage Site Lease Agreement with Coast Energy for the Westlake Village Civic Center as part of the Clean Power Alliance's Power Ready Program.
Ms. Hughes explained that CPA's Power Ready Program provides the purchase, installation, and maintenance of solar and battery systems at no up-front cost to participating agencies. During normal operations, the solar and battery systems generate and store renewable energy which helps prevent blackouts by reducing electricity needed from the overall grid. During grid outages, the participating agencies will get the direct benefit of a clean energy backup system to support critical loads.
In October 2022, the City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CPA to enroll the Civic Center site into the Power Ready Program. As part of the MOU, the City committed to enter into a separate 20-year Lease with CPA's selected developer. Through the Request For Offer (RFO) process, CPA selected Coast Energy as the Power Ready Program developer.
Clean Power Alliance has executed an MOU with eight agencies, including Westlake Village, for installation of the solar array with battery backup. CPA has a goal to have all eight participating agencies execute a Lease with Coast Energy by December 2024, keeping on track for installations to be scheduled through 2025 and for all systems to be operational in early 2026.
City Engineer Hughes provided an overview of the Power Ready Program which grants Coast Energy access to the Civic Center rooftop and battery enclosure area to construct and operate the solar and battery system for 20-years. The lease for Westlake Village states the entire flat portions of the roofs at the Civic Center will be replaced before installation of the solar system on the roof and additional battery capacity will be purchased by the City and installed by Coast Energy as part of the overall installation to improve the City's resilience during power outages.
Coast Energy staff presented details of the Lease as well as specific details related to the proposed project for Westlake Village. The solar arrays are being designed with a 4-foot setback from the roof perimeter and the visual renderings will be provided for review and consideration by the City prior to installation.
The primary benefits to the City for entering this lease with Coast Energy include the new roof for the Civic Center complex, clean and sustainable emergency backup power for use at the Civic Center and contributing to the regional resiliency City Council Special Meeting Minutes
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
of our communities through generation and storage of renewable energy that offsets the electricity needed from the overall grid.
The item was presented to the Environmental Committee (Honig/Halpern) on October 25, 2024 who recommended it be brought to City Council for consideration.
City Council discussion included the location of the batteries, number of hours for the batteries and the current generator status.
Councilmember Halpern moved that the City Council authorize the Mayor to execute the Solar and Storage Site Lease Agreement with Coast Energy for the Westlake Village Civic Center as part of the Clean Power Alliance's Power Ready Program. 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.
NEW BUSINESS:
ADOPTION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, CEQA EXEMPTION
DETERMINATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE BIDS FOR
COMMUNITY PARK SIGNAGE PROJECT AND TRASH ENCLOSURE
PROJECT
City Engineer Hughes presented a recommendation for the adoption of the plans, specifications, and authorization to advertise bids for the fiscal year 2024-2025 Community Park Signage Project and the Trash Enclosure Project.
Ms. Hughes provided background information and stated on February 7, 2024, staff presented an update on the Community Park Signage Project and the Trash Enclosure Project from the January Cultural Recreation Committee meeting. The concepts were well received by the Committee and City Council. Staff met with Southeast Ventura County YMCA President/CEO Ronnie Stone and his team on March 11, 2024, and discussed several coordination items, including the park entry sign monuments and trash enclosure concepts. There was a positive response and feedback on the overall design.
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NEW BUSINESS (continued):
Updated concepts were presented to the City Council on April 10, 2024 for both the Community Park Signage and Park Trash Enclosure Projects. Ms. Hughes shared the designs chosen by the Council and the YMCA team.
City Engineer Hughes noted that staff has completed the bid documents to incorporate both the Community Park Signage and the Trash Enclosure installations in one bid set, each with its own bid schedule. The basis for the award of contract will be the combined bid price, however the Council may choose to award one or the other, or both projects. She discussed the engineers estimate and project budgets with the Entry Monument Sign's projected cost at $207,500 and Trash Enclosure Project projected cost at $172,800.
City Council discussion included ensuring the entry sign was not flat, to prevent individuals from easily climbing on it.
Mayor Pro Tem Honig moved that the City Council determine that the Community Park Signage Project and the Trash Enclosure Project are exempt from CEQA, adopt the plans and specifications for the Community Park Signage Project and the Trash Enclosure Project and authorize staff to advertise bids for the Community Park Signage and Trash Enclosure Projects. 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 December 4, 2024
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Davis announced the next City Council meeting will be held on December 11, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
for Ned E Davis, Mayor
Attest:
Antoiretumman
Antoinette Mann, City Clerk
*
CALIFORNIA