KELLY HONIG SUSAN MSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL NED E DAVIS Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
May 14, 2025
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Honig on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 6:31 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Honig and Student Mayor Camila Lowe led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney, Mayor Honig
ABSENT: None
ROLL CALL FOR WHITE OAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Cobalt Hytowitz, Elle Boryk, Chelsea Beatty, Mayor Pee Tam Thea Galati, Mayor Camila Lowe, and City Manager Ryan ABSENT: None
Also Present: City Manager de Geus, City Attorney Boga, Assistant City Manager Coordinator Roush, Public Services Inspector Mercado, Deputy City Clerk Kramer, and Administrative Assistant Olkes.
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City of Westlake Village May 14, 2025 2
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Davis moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and Mayor Honig
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Honig declared the motion passed 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilmember Davis moved to approve the Minutes of April 23, 2025 Closed Session and City Council Regular Meeting. Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and Mayor Honig
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Honig declared the motion passed 5-0.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
1. City to Schools Program - White Oak Elementary School 4th Grade Students - Student Councilmembers and City Manager
Mayor Honig discussed the education outreach program, City to Schools, and explained how White Oak 4t graders learn about civics and local government.
Councilmembers thanked the students for their participation and assisting City Council.
2. 2024 Recycling All-Star Award presented by WM and the City of Westlake Village to White Oak Elementary School
Mayor Honig announced that the second Annual Recycling All-Stars award recognizes the recipients efforts towards sustainability and diverting waste away from the landfill. Brian Neiens, Public Sector Manager and Stephanie Jamison, Recycling Education Representative, Waste Management (WM), congratulated White Oak Elementary School's commitment to sustainability and presented the children with WM day packs.
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City of Westlake Village May 14, 2025 3
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
The City Council congratulated White Oak Elementary School and presented a Certificate.
3. Public Works Week Proclamation
Mayor Honig announced National Public Works Week, May 18-24, 2025, noting the substantial contributions Public Works professionals make to protecting our health, safety, and facilities essential for our citizens.
White Oak Student Councilmembers asked questions of the public works staff about their jobs.
City Council presented a proclamation to City Engineer Hughes, Traffic Engineer Wessel, Public Works Manager Iverson, and Public Services Inspector Mercado and expressed their appreciation for their work and focus on the well-being of the City.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Deputy Brian Knott, Los Angeles County Lost Hills Sheriff's Station introduced Lieutenant Dustin Carr, Acting Captain for the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station.
Deputy Knott also introduced Chaplain Phil Reeves and Darcy, the station's new Facility Dog trained to perform specific tasks that assist individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and provide emotional support and comfort to its personnel including sworn deputies and civilian employees.
STAFF COMMENTS:
Mr. de Geus reported that Mayor Honig, Councilmember Pearl, and staff joined other public safety partners at the Lost Hills Sheriffs Station Open House on April 26, 2025 Mayor Honig and staff attended the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Civic Leaders Breakfast on May 2, 2025. Mayor Honig, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and staff met with Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin on May 2, 2205. Councilmember Davis and staff attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Conference in Palm Desert from April 30 to May 2, 2025.
City Manager de Geus reported that Waste Management rates will be adjusted for the first time per Franchise Agreement that was approved in 2023. The residential service rate will increase by 3.48% and 4.44% for commercial customers.
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City of Westlake Village May 14, 2025 4
STAFF COMMENTS (continued):
City Engineer Hughes provided an update on the 2025 Annual Street Improvement Project: In April, street dig-outs were performed on Westlake Trails neighborhood streets and rootball repairs were conducted across the City. In May, grinding and paving will follow in the Trails neighborhood.
City Manager de Geus highlighted agenda topics for the upcoming Council Committee meetings and City Council meetings.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Student Councilmembers stated what they liked best about living in Westlake Village including the parks, gardens, and restaurants.
Mayor Honig called Commander Jennifer Seetoo to the podium, thanked her for her leadership as Captain of the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station, and congratulated her on her promotion to Commander. Councilmember Halpern commented on some important things she initiated for the security of Westlake Village including Flock Cameras and drones.
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney expressed her feelings of pride in this year's 4th graders for their poise and for being well-spoken.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: None
RECESS:
Mayor Honig and Student Mayor Camila Lowe 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 7:30 p.m.
RECONVENED:
City Council reconvened the Regular Meeting, at 7:57 p.m. with all City Councilmembers in attendance.
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City of Westlake Village May 14,2025 5
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 10-004 - MODIFICATION NO. 3 (RESOLUTION NO. 2402-25); LAS VIRGENES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT LEASE TERMINATION; MONTESSORI OF THE VILLAGE, INC. LEASE
APPROVAL
Mayor Honig opened the Public Hearing. City Manager de Geus presented a request for approval of Modification No. 3 of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 10- 004, for a time extension authorizing the continued operation of a preschool and childcare facility located at 30798 Russell Ranch Road. This report also recommended the City Council approve a Lease Termination and Sale of Portables Agreement with the Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) and approve a new lease with Montessori of the Village, Inc. (Montessori) to continue operation of the pre-school and childcare facility.
Providing background, Mr. de Geus reported that on September 22, 2010, the City Council approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 10-004 to allow Montessori to operate a preschool and childcare facility at Russell Ranch Park until September 22, 2015. On January 13, 2016, the City Council approved a five-year extension for CUP No. 10-004 to align the CUP's expiration with the expiration of Montessori's sublease with LVUSD. The City Council approved a second five-year extension for the CUP on July 8, 2020.
The facility was previously operated by Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) as the Buttercup pre-school. When the Buttercup pre-school ceased to operate in 2010, LVUSD and the City agreed to allow the facility to be subleased by Montessori.
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primary points of the negotiated agreement. Concurrently, the City is prepared to enter into a new lease directly with Montessori, with the lease term beginning July 1, 2025. Since Montessori began operating at this location, there have been no known adverse impacts or complaints. As such, staff recommended approval of the extension request, with a new expiration date of June 30, 2030, to coincide with the new lease terms.
Applicant Bishan Seneviratne addressed the City Council and responded to questions.
Mayor Honig closed the Public Hearing.
City Council discussion included the historical background of the school site and the current partnership benefits from having the Montessori school at that location.
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City of Westlake Village May 14, 2025 6
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council: adopt Resolution No. 2402- 25, determining Modification No. 3 of Conditional Use Permit No. 10-004 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing the continued operation of a pre-school and childcare facility located at 30798 Russell Ranch Road; ) approve the Lease Termination and Sale of Portables Agreement with the Las Virgenes Unified School District; and approve the Lease with Montessori of the Village. Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and Mayor Honig
NO: Councilmember Davis
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Honig declared the motion passed 4-Yes; 1-No (Councilmember Davis).
RESOLUTION NO. 2402-25: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION NO. 3 OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 10-004 FOR A TIME EXTENSION
AUTHORIZING THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF A PRE-SCHOOL AND CHILDCARE FACILITY LOCATED AT 30798 RUSSELL RANCH ROAD
2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 14-016, MODIFICATION NO. 2; RESOLUTION NO. 2403-25
Mayor Honig opened the Public Hearing. Associate Planner Orr presented a request for approval of Modification No. 2 of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 14- 016 to authorize a time extension for the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption at an existing restaurant located at 30734 Russell Ranch Road, Suite D.
Providing background, Mr. Orr stated that on October 8, 2014, a CUP application was approved to authorize the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption for a Pick Up Stix restaurant located in building "E" of The Shoppes at Westlake Village at 30734 Russell Ranch Road, Suite D. On December 10, 2019, the City Council approved Modification No. 1 to allow the continued sale of beer and wine for on- site consumption at the restaurant. Board & Brew took over the restaurant space in 2023. The applicant submitted a CUP application for a time extension to continue to sell beer and wine on March 17, 2025.
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City of Westlake Village May 14, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
The outdoor patio is enclosed by fencing, and all beer and wine consumed on-site is required to be consumed within either the indoor or outdoor dining areas. Staff is not aware of any issues or complaints pertaining to the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption at Board & Brew, and recommended approval of the CUP time extension request with a permit term of 5 years.
On April 22, 2025, the Land Use Committee (McSweeney/Halpern) reviewed the time extension request, expressed no objection to the permit term extension, and recommended that the permit move to the City Council for a public hearing.
Owner/Applicant John Hubbard, on behalf of Board & Brew, addressed the City Council.
Mayor Honig closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Halpern moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2403- 25, determining Modification No. 2 of Conditional Use Permit No. 14-016 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing a time extension for the continued sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption at an existing restaurant located at 30734 Russell Ranch Roal, Suite D. Councilmember Pearl seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and Mayor Honig
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Honig declared the motion passed 5-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 2403-25: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCILIOF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION NO. 2 OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 14-016, TO AUTHORIZE A TIME EXTENSION
FOR THE CONTINUED SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ON-SITE
CONSUMPTION FOR BOARD & BREW RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 30734
RUSSELL RANCH ROAD, SUITE D
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City of Westlake Village May 14, 2025 8
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Halpern moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and Mayor Honig
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Honig declared the motion passed 5-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS: Warrants effective May 1, 2025 in the amount of $1,592,402.26
TREASURER'S REPORT: Ending March 31, 2025
GENERAL BUSINESS:
AMENDMENT NO. 1 OF LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICE
CONTRACTS TO AMERICAN HERITAGE LANDSCAPE AND
BRIGHTVIEW LANDSCAPE SERVICES - City Council approved
Amendment No. 1 to the Citywide landscape maintenance services contract to American Heritage, in the amount of $1,448,024.40 for the purpose of city-wide landscape maintenance services and Amendment No. 1 to the Community landscape maintenance and janitorial services contract with Brightview, in the amount of $621,648.00 for landscape maintenance and ¡anitorial services at the Community Park and authorized the Mayor to execute the contracts on behalf of the City.
2. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO 307-25. ORDINANCE TITLE: AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE AMENDING THE
WESTLAKE VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 9.2 SECTION
9.2.020, CHAPTER 9.5 SECTION 9.5.030 AND REGULATIONS TABLE, CHAPTER 9.6 SECTION 9.6.030, SECTION 9.6.040 AND REGULATIONS TABLE, AND ADDING CHAPTER 9.46 TO ADD RESIDENTIAL CARE
FACILITY REGULATIONS AND APPROVING A CEQA EXEMPTION
DETERMINATION - City Council waived the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 307-25.
ORDINANCE NO. 307-25: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE
VILLAGE AMENDING THE WESTLAKE VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTER 9.2 SECTION 9.2.020, CHAPTER 9.5 SECTION 9.5.030 AND REGULATIONS TABLE, CHAPTER 9.6 SECTION 9.6.030, SECTION
9.6.040 AND REGULATIONS TABLE, AND ADDING CHAPTER 9.46 TO City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village May 14, 2025
ADD RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY REGULATIONS AND APPROVING
A CEQA EXEMPTION DETERMINATION
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
PROPOSED TRAFFIC STRIPING AND SIGNING ON VIA ROCAS
City Traffic Engineer Wessel presented a request to approve additional traffic striping and signing on Via Rocas. Providing background, Mr. Wessel reported that Oaks Christian School representatives observed that motorists exiting their northerly driveway (Gate A) on Via Rocas can have difficulty seeing approaching southbound traffic due to parked vehicles, and requested that parking be prohibited along the west side of Via Rocas from Cedarvalley Drive to Gate A.
Traffic Engineer Wessel discussed alternative solutions including marked bike lanes and separate striped shoulders for pedestrians which would steer motorist traffic close to the two-way left turn lane, farther from traffic entering the street at driveways and intersections. Motorists exiting Gate A would then be able to move farther to gain greater sight distance before initiating their turn.
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney moved that the City Council approve implementation of bike lane and edge-line striping and signing along Via Rocas.
Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and Mayor Honig
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Honig declared the motion passed 5-0.
ADOPTION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, CEQA EXEMPTION
DETERMINATION, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE BIDS FOR
COMMUNITY PARK PARKING LOT SEAL COAT PROJECT
City Engineer Hughes presented a request to approve the adoption of the plans, specifications, and authorization to advertise bids for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Community Park Parking Lot Seal Coat Project.
NEW BUSINESS (continued):
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City of Westlake Village May 14, 2025 10
Providing background, Ms. Hughes stated that the Community Park Parking Lot Seal Coat project is required for maintenance of the parking lot and skate park access road at the Community Park. The pavement has been in place for 10 years and it is time to add a maintenance sealcoat. The project will include resurfacing the entire parking lot area, driving aisles, and replacement of striping, markings and wheel stops.
Ms. Hughes reviewed the $225,000 engineers estimate and project schedule. She noted that approving bid documents now would allow for the opportunity to obtain and analyze the bids early to bring the item back for consideration of award of contract in July, such that the work can be programmed in August.
City Council discussion included incorporating entrance striping for site distance issues and the parking lot seal's impact on the Trash Enclosure Project.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council determine that the Community Park Seal Coat Project is exempt from CEQA, adopt the plans and specifications for the Community Park Seal Coat Project and authorize staff to advertise bids for the Community Park Seal Coat Project. Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and Mayor Honig
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Honig declared the motion passed 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Honig announced the next City Council meeting will be held on May 28, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Dul mif
Kelly Horlig, Mayor
Attest:
OENESTLAKE
Carol Kramer 1E.
Carol Kramer, Deputy City Clerk * 8:*
RATED DEC:
CALIFORNIA