KELLY HONIG SUSAN McSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL NED E DAVIS Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
May 28, 2025
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Honig on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6:34 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Honig led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and Mayor Honig
ABSENT: Councilmember Davis
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, Associate Planner Orr, and Community Services Coordinator Roush.
Councilmember Davis arrived at 6:35 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Halpern moved to approve the Agenda as presented. 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.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney moved to approve the Minutes of May 14, 2025 Study Session and City Council Regular Meeting. 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.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
1. Joanne Kress, White Oak Elementary School, K-1 Teacher of the Year Recognition (2025 Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Award) City Council recognized and honored Joanne Kress, Teacher of the Year, Las Virgenes Unified School District by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Honig noted that Ms. Kress has made and continues to make a lasting impact on her students through her nurturing approach and commitment to early education. Councilmembers expressed their congratulations and presented Ms. Kress with a bouquet of flowers.
2. Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District Presentation - Sewer Service Charge Rate Increase, Los Angeles County Public Works
Andrew Ngumba, Assistant Deputy Director, Sewer Maintenance Division, provided an overview of the Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District's proposed service charge rate increase, as part of the community education outreach and Proposition 218 requirements. Mr. Ngumba reviewed the function of the maintenance district, sewer system, services provided, financials, the proposed rate increase, why it is needed, and Proposition 218 outreach timeline. He noted that comments or questions can be directed to [email protected].
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Frank Bonvino and Paige Parsons Roache.
Paige Parsons Roache provided a handout for the record.
COUNCIL RESPONSE: None
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STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus reported that staff, Mayor Honig, and Councilmember Halpern attended the annual Contract Cities Conference to collaborate and discuss common issues and interests with other City Staff in California and other elected officials.
Mr. de Geus stated the Greater Conjo Valley Chamber of Commerce 2025 Recognition Gala was held on May 16, 2025. Joanne Kress, White Oak Elementary School teacher won the Teacher of the Year award for Las Virgenes Unified School District and Proactive Sports was honored as Business of the Year.
On May 22, 2025, City representatives attended the Palisades Fire - First Responders Appreciation event to acknowledge and express appreciation for the tremendous work, courage, and dedication by firefighters and Sheriff's personnel. On May 24, 2025, Pam's Run, a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research was held at the Civic Center. On May 26, 2025 the 34 annual Pierce Brothers Memorial Day Ceremony was held at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park to remember those who died in defense of our nation.
On May 22, 2025, the City held its first Strategic Plan Advisory Committee kick off meeting with engaging discussions, setting a path for the future. Mr. de Geus expressed appreciation to the committee members, to staff for the preparation, and to ad hoc committee members, Mayor Honig and Councilmember Pearl, for their participation.
City Manager de Geus highlighted agenda topics for the upcoming Council Committee meetings and City Council meetings.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Mayor Honig reported that she attended the Common Ground Forum at the Ronald Regan Presidential Library on May 19, 2025. The program was with Utah Governor Spencer Cox and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, as they sat in conversation to discuss bi-partisanship, mutual respect, and the value of healthy conflict.
Inspired by President Reagan's willingness to work "across the aisle" with Democratic Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill and other leaders to achieve lasting and meaningful legislation, the Common Ground series seeks to draw on their example of productive, results-oriented cooperation despite ideological differences.
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MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Sheriff's Department Report
Deputy Brian Knott presented the Sheriff Department's report for April 2025 including crime statistics. He reported that Pam's Run, the Lustgarten Foundation's Walk for Research raising funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer was held on May 24, 2025 at the Civic Center and went smoothly. Deputy Knott expressed appreciation to the City for its support in the Palisades Fire First Responder Appreciation event held on May 22, 2025 at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station to thank the hard work and dedication of the fire fighters and sheriff personnel.
2. Fire Department Report
Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith presented the Fire Department's report for April 2025 including the number of fires, medical response calls, and rescue activities conducted.
3. Library Report
Julie Frieze, Manager, Westlake Village Daniel K. Ludwig Library, presented the Library's report for the month of April 2025 covering traffic, circulation, programs, and reference requests.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT FUNDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT - 2025 COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS
Assistant to the City Manager Mott expressed appreciation to the committee members; Gladys Lopez, Chad Martinson, Tish Matthews, Steve Kerman, and Jeff France, for their hours of work and commitment and provided an overview of the Community Service Grant Funds Program for 2024-25. Providing background, he stated that the application period was November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025 and was advertised on the City's website, mailed newsletter, and direct email communications to local non-profit organizations and schools who had applied in years past.
Mr. Mott reviewed the eligibility standards and presented a summary of the 29 applications received with a total request for $235,415 and stated funding for this year's program was expanded to $125,000 in October of 2024, an increase of $25,000 from prior years. Along with the change in funding, the City Council provided additional guidance to the Community Service Grant Funds Advisory Committee to allocate $60,000 to non-profit social services applicants, $25,000 to non-profit cultural programming groups, and the remaining $40,000 to local schools.
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
The Committee met on April 25, 2025 to receive a program overview, funding requests history, and copies of submitted applications. On May 15, 2025, the Committee met a second time to allocate funding for each application and make a recommendation to City Council.
During the Committee's review of applications, the priorities of the Committee were tunding all applicant types, groups who had a proven track record of successtul programming that benefited Westlake Village residents, and a history of partnership with the City. The Committee also emphasized the value of programs that supported the youth and elderly populations of the city.
The Committee recommended the following for the 2024-25 Community Service Grant Fund awards:
Schools Requested Recommended
Agoura High School Music Boosters Club
Program $5,000 $3,000
Lindero Canyon Middle School $26,000 $14,500
White Oak Elementary School $22,500 $22,500
TOTAL FOR SCHOOLS $40,000
Cultural Programming Requested Recommended
Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation $5,000 $4,000
Conejo Valley Historical Society $4,000 $2,000
Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra $2,500 $2,500
Feiloa I Le Paia O Samoa Inc $20,000 $0
Los Angeles Symphonic Winds $3,500 $2,000
Los Robles Children's Choir $3,000 2500
Naslund and Naslund $10,000 $0
New West Symphony $2,500 $2,500
Santa Monica Mountains Fund $3,000 0
Westlake Village Symphony $4,000 $3,500
TOTAL FOR COMMUNITY $19,000
ORGANIZATIONS
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
Social Services Requested Recommended
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley $10,000 $7,500 California Wildlife Center $750 $750
Calvary Community Church $12,965 $0
Cancer Support Community
Valley/entura/Santa Barbara $10,000 $7,500
Conejo Free Clinic $6,500 $5,000
Conejo Hospice, Inc. $10,000 $9,500
Conejo Valley Senior Concerns - Meals on
Wheels $15,000 $15,000
Harbor House $10,000 $2,000
Healthcare for Homeless Animals $1,200 $1,200
Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association $5,000 $2,000 Los Robles Hospital Volunteers $10,000 $0
Loving Home Hospice for Children $7,000 $0
Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank $3,500 $3,500
Many Mansions $2,500 $2,500
Southeast Ventura County YMCA - Summer
Camp $10,000 $7,550
Southeast Ventura County YMCA - Y
Champions $10,000 $2,000
TOTAL FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS $66,000
GRAND TOTAL FOR GRANTS $125,000
The City Council expressed gratitude for the thoughtful and challenging decisions taken by the Committee.
Councilmember Halpern moved that the City Council approve award of the 2025 Community Services Grant Funds as recommended by the Community Services Grant Advisory Committee. 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.
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City of Westlake Village May 28, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 16-001, MODIFICATION NO. 2; RESOLUTION NO. 2405-25
Mayor Honig opened the Public Hearing. Associate Planner Orr presented a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) request for a time extension for the continued sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption at an existing restaurant, Lava Kitchen, located at 4661 Lakeview Canyon Road. Providing background, Mr. Orr stated that on February 24, 2016, a CUP application was approved to authorize the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption for Etorna Trattoria Restaurant located at 4661 Lakeview Canyon Road. On January 22, 2020, the City Council approved a modification to allow the continued sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption at the restaurant, as well as the addition of on-site consumption and sale of hard alcohol for Decker Kitchen Restaurant. The new occupant of the space, Lava Kitchen, submitted a CUP application for a time extension for the continued sale of beer and wine only for on-site consumption, on April 7, 2025.
The business is a full-service Mediterranean restaurant providing both dine-in and take-out services. The restaurant includes temporary seating at the front of the restaurant, however, no alcohol is served or consumed outside of the indoor dining area. Staff are not aware of any issues or complaints pertaining to the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption at Lava Kitchen and recommended approval of the CUP time extension request with a permit term of 5 years.
On April 22, 2025, the Land Use Committee (Halpern/McSweeney) reviewed the request for a time extension, expressed no objection to the extension of the permit term, and recommended that the permit move to the City Council for a public hearing.
Applicant Pegah Ramak on behalf of Lava Kitchen addressed the City Council.
Mayor Honig closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2405-25, determining Modification No. 2 of Conditional Use Permit No. 16-001 is exempt from CEQĂ and authorizing a time extension for the continued sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption at an existing restaurant, Lava Kitchen, located at 4661 Lakeview Canyon Road. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and Mayor Honig
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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PUBLIC HEARING (continued):
Mayor Honig declared the motion passed 5-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 2405-25: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION NO.2 OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 16-001, TO AUTHORIZE A TIME EXTENSION FOR THE CONTINUED
SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ON-SITE CONSUMPTION FOR LAVA KITCHEN RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 4661 LAKEVIEW CANYON ROAD
MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Engineering Department Report
City Engineer Hughes provided the Engineering report and highlighted the Street Improvement Program. She stated that the street work in the Westlake Trails neighborhood is completed, segments of Lindero Canyon Road slurry seal are underway, and freeway ramp work will follow.
Planning Department Report
Planning Director Asp provided the Planning Department Status Report and announced that Waste Management will be hosting an educational workshop on contamination for residents to learn tips and tricks on how to properly sort their waste and keep their recycling and organic carts free of contamination to avoid potential contamination fees. The workshop will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025 with sessions at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. in the Large Community Room at City Hall.
3. Cultural Recreation Report
Community Services Coordinator Roush provided the Cultural Recreation report and highlighted summer camp programs for children ages 6-12 years old at Berniece Bennett Park and in the Small Community Room at the City Hall Civic Center. Participants can register at CRPD.org/reg.
Ms. Roush announced that the season's first T.G.I.F. Concert in the Courtyard will be held on May 30, 2025 with the Lindero Canyon Middle School and Agoura High School Jazz Bands performing, and the first summer Saturday Concert in the Park will be on June 7, 2025 featuring Queen Legion. Both events will have music starting at 7:00 p.m., food trucks opening at 6:00 p.m., and attendees are welcome to pack their own picnic dinner and join the fun.
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CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Davis 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 15, 2025 in the amount of $424,375.09
GENERAL BUSINESS:
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FUNDING AGREEMENT
(FA9200000000M550310) WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR THE LINDERO
SIDEWALK EXTENSION PROJECT - City Council approved Amendment No. 1 to funding agreement FA 9200000000M550310 with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the Lindero Sidewalk Extension Project; and authorized the City Manager to sign and execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. CIVIC CENTER VETERANS HONOR PROJECT UPDATE
City Manager de Geus introduced the item with a brief overview of the project. He introduced the Veterans Ad Hoc Committee members involved in the project, Michael Edelstein, Stone Halpern, Todd Zink, and Samuel Simmons and expressed appreciation for their service, and also for their participation, thoughtful input, ideas, and feedback for this project.
City Engineer Hughes presented an update to the City Council on the Civic Center Veterans Honor Project to establish consensus on the final design concept to enable final design and fabrication.
Ms. Hughes provided a historical overview of the project from its inception in 2022 including meeting dates, contracts, committee recommendations, design concepts, and City Council direction. She stated that since the April 16, 2025 Veterans Ad Hoc Committee meeting, the Veterans Honor Tree component has City Council Minutes
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
continued to move forward with Kiesel artist Michael Sanchez working collaboratively with the artist/fabricator Ron Jobson.
Michael Sanchez, Kiesel artist, addressed the City Council stating the design team refined the initial design concept to introduce more natural movement, using the branches of natural tree shapes for inspiration to create a more dynamic, treelike form. Mr. Sanchez reviewed stainless steel lettering concepts for the branch inception dates in the sculpture foundation, and color versus bronze medallions for the military branches on the foundation.
Ad hoc committee members Councilmembers Pearl and Halpern commented on the project and expressed appreciation and enjoyment having worked on this committee. They thanked staff and committee members for the care, concern, and thoughtfulness that went into the art to honor all those who served.
Veterans Ad-Hoc Committee members Todd Zink, Stone Halpern, and Michael Edelstein addressed the City Council and expressed their appreciation to the City's thorough dedication to the project. They agreed that the Veterans Honor sculpture, as designed, captures the objectives of the project and is aligned with the committee's thoughtful aspirations.
City Council discussion included medallion colors, Honor Tree sculpture shape, lettering, and City Hall plaque to acknowledge the Veterans Ad Hoc Committee members and Honor Tree artist.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council approve the final design of the Veteran's Honor including the most recent design as well as the bronze medallions for the military branches on the foundation, allowing the Honor Tree to move forward to fabrication. Councilmember Davis 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.
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
UPDATE ON PREPARATION OF STORM DRAIN TRANSFER APPLICATION
TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT FOR THREE DEBRIS BASINS THAT DRAIN TO STORM DRAIN PD1721 IN THE THREE
SPRINGS NEIGHBORHOOD
City Attorney Boga stated for the record that due to the location of the project, Mayor Honig and Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney have a conflict of interest as residents of the Three Springs neighborhood and members of the Homeowners Association (HOA) and must be recused.
Mayor Honig and Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney left the dais at 8:36 p.m.
City Manager de Geus stated that this report provides an update on the progress to prepare a storm drain transfer application to the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) for three debris basins in the Three Springs neighborhood. On March 12, 2025, the City Council approved the allocation of $60,000 from the General Fund in support of the PD1721 Storm Drain Transfer Application to LACFCD. At the April 23, 2025 City Council meeting, Three Springs residents raised concerns regarding their HOA's election process for revision to their Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&R's). In response, the Council requested that the Storm Drain Transfer Application matter return to the City Council for further discussion.
Mr. de Geus noted the transfer application process is complicated, time- consuming, and could take a year to complete, inclusive of potential storm drain deficiencies corrections which could be costly beyond the allocated $60,000.
Additionally, the transfer application of the debris basins is not a given conclusion that the Flood Control District will accept them. He stated that of critical importance is for the City and the Three Springs HOA to be well organized, aligned in the effort, and effectively demonstrating a reliable partnership for the best chance of success in the application process. He said this status update was to address the Three Springs HOA's turmoil, CC&Rs confusion and related election process, and concern that the storm drain transfer application was not set up for success given the current situation. Hence, the City Council's further discussion on this matter.
Ms. Hughes discussed the Los Angeles County requirements that are needed to submit the Storm Drain Transfer Application. She stated that the County will inspect the facilities and prepare a list of deficiencies that will need to be addressed prior to the transfer including vegetation removal and potential easements beyond what the City currently holds. She noted that these costs are not included in the current allocation for initiating the transfer process. Through April 25,2025, $8,600 has been expended in staff time initiating the transfer to LACFCD. The transfer process will take roughly a year or more to complete, including submittal of application, correcting deficiencies, and quitclaiming easement.
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
Supplemental Packet: Email Communication in support of the transfer posted online.
SPEAKERS:
Kim Richardson, Paige Nielsen, Susan R. Simowitz, Pam Johnson, James Silverstein all spoke in support of the transfer application.
Council discussion included reasons for CC&Rs modifications, private improvements on easements, timeline and cost for transfers.
City Council direction was for the Storm Drain Transfer Application process to be paused for the time being, until the HOA's leadership is more unified, and there is clarification regarding changes under consideration to their CC&Rs.
City Engineer Hughes stated that in the interim, the City will continue to function as we have in the past 20 years in partnership with the HOA to maintain maintenance.
Mayor Honig and Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney returned to the dais at 9:23 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS: None
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned in the memory of Bill McSweeney. Councilmembers expressed their condolences to Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and commented on Bill McSweeney's achievements, commitments, and remarkable life. Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney thanked everyone for their support.
Mayor Honig announced the next City Council meeting will be held on June 11, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
Тико під
Attest:
Untoinete Intrans
Antoinette M. Mann, City Clerk 6
ORATED DECI
CALIFORNIA