KELLY HONIG SUSAN McSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL NED E DAVIS Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
July 9, 2025
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 6:31 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney led the Pledge of Allegiance
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, and Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney ABSENT: Councilmember Davis and Mayor Honig
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, and Community Services Coordinator Roush.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Pearl moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, and Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney NO: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Davis and Mayor Honig
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney declared the motion passed 3-Yes, 0-No, 2-Absent (Councilmember Davis and Mayor Honig)
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City of Westlake Village July 9, 2025 2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilmember Pearl moved to approve the Minutes of June 25, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting. Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, and Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney NO: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Davis and Mayor Honig
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney declared the motion passed 3-Yes, 0-No, 2-Absent (Councilmember Davis and Mayor Honig)
Councilmember Davis arrived at 6:33 pm
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
4th of JULY 2025 CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION FOR SPONSORS AND
VOLUNTEERS
Mayor Pro Tem MoSweeney and City Councilmembers thanked the volunteers, performers, and sponsors for the 10th Annual 2025 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular event and presented Certificates of Appreciation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Holly Russ, Stacey Galer, and Kelly Smith
COUNCIL RESPONSE:
City Council thanked the speakers for standing up for liberty and stated the City would look into due process for the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements raids.
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus acknowledged that staff and City Attorney Boga will be looking into the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements raids to see what the City can do to ensure the safety and welfare of residents and families impacted.
City Manager de Geus provided snake safety tips stating multiple rattlesnake sightings have been reported at the Community Park. Call Los Angeles County Animal Control at 661.940.4191 if you see a rattlesnake.
Mr. de Geus reported that Southern California Edison completed the replacement of our streetlights throughout the City. A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) meeting was held on June 26, 2025 where a "stop the bleed" training was conducted.
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City of Westlake Village July 9, 2025 3
STAFF COMMENTS (continued):
Mr. de Geus announced that Waste Management (WM) is holding contamination workshops in the City's Large Community Room, July 10, 2025 at 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Residents will learn about contamination monitoring and how to keep our community clean and sustainable. He announced the Movie in the Park, Toy Story, will be held on July 19, 2025, at Berniece Bennett Park with activities at 5:30 pm and the movie at 6:30 pm.
City Engineer Hughes announced the Lindero Canyon Road on-ramp and off-ramp closure from July 15 - 17, 2025 from 8:30 pm - 5:00 am to allow for street paving. She thanked residents in advance for following the detour signs.
City Manager de Geus highlighted agenda topics for the upcoming Council Committee meetings and City Council meetings.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilmember Halpern acknowledged that 2025 was the 10th year of the City's Fireworks Spectacular and noted how the event has grown from the first year. He thanked staff and volunteers for making this event wonderful for our residents.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 19-007, MODIFICATION NO. 1; RESOLUTION NO. 2408-25
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Asp presented Conditional Use Permit No. 19-007, Modification No. 1, to authorize a time extension for the continued operation of an instructional fitness studio, Rock N Pole, located at 31360 Via Colinas, Suite 102.
Providing background, Ms. Asp reported that on September 11, 2019, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application was approved to authorize the operation of an instructional fitness studio located at 31360 Via Colinas, Suite 102. On March 21, 2025, the applicant submitted a CUP application for a time extension of the fitness studio. The studio is located in the northern part of the City, near the intersection of Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Via Colinas, within the Business Park Zone (West) of the North Business Park Specific plan.
Rock N Pole is a pole dance and fitness studio, offering group and private lessons.
The business is open seven days a week. Staff are not aware of any issues or complaints pertaining to the business and recommended approval of the CUP time extension request with a permit term of 5 years.
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City of Westlake Village July 9, 2025 4
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
Councilmember Halpern was briefed on this item and recommended the request move to the City Council for a public hearing.
Applicant Jill Maclean addressed City Council.
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Davis moved to adopt Resolution No. 2408-25, determining Modification No. 1 of Conditional Use Permit No. 19-007 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing a time extension for the continued operation of an instructional fitness studio, Rock N Pole, located at 31360 Via Colinas, Suite 102.
Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, and Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: Mayor Honig
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney declared the motion passed 4-Yes, 0-No, 1-Absent (Mayor Honig).
RESOLUTION NO. 2408-25: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING MODIFICATION NO. 1 OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 19-007 TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF AN INSTRUCTIONAL FITNESS STUDIO (CLEO'S ROCK N POLE) LOCATED AT 31360 VIA COLINAS, SUITE 102
2. ADOPTION OF URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 308U-25 AND INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 309-25 PERTAINING TO AN AMENDMENT TO THE WESTLAKE VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE ARTICLE 3 - PUBLIC SAFETY ADDING CHAPTER 3.10 REGULATING ELECTRIC MOBILITY DEVICES Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney opened the Public Hearing. Assistant to the City Manager Mott presented the proposed Electric Mobility Devices Ordinances which will establish a framework for the use of electric vehicles at City facilities. Electric vehicles include electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and other related devices consistent with State law; however, electric wheelchairs or other power-driven mobility devices that are in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act are exempt. The ordinances prohibit the operation of electric mobility devices in City facilities including sidewalks, drainage facilities, parks, athletic fields, and trails.
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City of Westlake Village July 9, 2025 5
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
They also forbid operating these devices in an unsafe manner in any public area and allow law enforcement to inspect devices during lawful encounters to verify compliance.
Vehicle Code § 21107.8, allows the city to pass an ordinance that would apply to privately owned lots, including speeding, reckless driving, and racing to private parking lots that are open to the public, provided appropriate signage is posted.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) will be able to cite electric vehicular users in parks and private parking lots that have the required signage.
Citations for first violations would be $100 and could reach a maximum of $500 after the third violation within one year. The fourth violation within a year could include a misdemeanor along with the $500 fee. LASD has been supportive of the draft ordinance as it provides another method for the department to promote public safety in Westlake Village.
An urgency ordinance was proposed due to the increase in ridership with schools out for summer, additional pedestrian and park activity with the better weather, and the City's summer events in our public parks and the Civic Center.
Staff presented options to reduce conflicts related to electric vehicles in public spaces to the Public Safety Committee (Honig/Halpern) on February 20, 2025, and again on June 19, 2025. The Public Safety Committee was supportive of bringing the proposed urgency ordinance to the City Council for approval.
Councilmembers discussed the importance of safety for our residents. Questions were asked about Homeowner Associations (HOA's) that are gated and being included in the new Ordinance. City Attorney Boga stated that the Vehicle Code only applies to parking lots and not HOA property. HOA's would need to consult their own attorneys on how to adopt their own regulations.
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Davis moved to adopt Urgency Ordinance 308U-25 and waive the full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 309-25, to amend Article 3 Public Safety to Westlake Village Municipal Code adding Chapter 3.10 "Electric Mobility Devices" and schedule the second reading for Ordinance 309-25 for July 23, 2025.
Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, and Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: Mayor Honig
ABSTAIN: None
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City of Westlake Village July 9, 2025 6
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney declared the motion passed 4-Yes, O-No, 1-Absent (Mayor Honig)
ORDINANCE NO. 308U-25: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE AMENDING THE WESTLAKE VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE ARTICLE 3 - PUBLIC SAFETY ADDING CHAPTER 3.10 "ELECTRIC MOBILITY DEVICES" TO ESTABLISH
ELECTRIC MOBILITY DEVICE REGULATIONS, APPROVING A CEQA EXEMPTION
DETERMINATION, AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF
ORDINANCE NO. 309-25: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE AMENDING THE WESTLAKE VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 3 - PUBLIC SAFETY ADDING CHAPTER 3.10 "ELECTRIC MOBILITY DEVICES" TO ESTABLISH
ELECTRIC MOBILITY DEVICE REGULATIONS, APPROVING A CEQA EXEMPTION
DETERMINATION
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Halpern moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, and Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: Mayor Honig
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney declared the motion passed 4-Yes, 0-No, 1-Absent (Mayor Honig).
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS: Warrants effective July 1, 2025 in the amount of $603,199.04
OLD BUSINESS:
APPROVE KIESEL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE CONTRACT AMENDMENT NO. 3 AND RE-ADVERTISEMENT OF CIVIC CENTER COURTYARD
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
City Engineer Hughes provided an update to City Council on the Civic Center Courtyard Improvements Project (Courtyard Improvements Project), requested approva of Amendment a . 3 to the Kiesel Landscape Architecture (kiese) contract to increase the contract amount and extend the term.
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
Providing background, Ms. Hughes highlighted the plans and specifications of the restructured project and stated that the City received four bids for the Courtyard Improvements Project. The two low bids received were from contractors who did not document adequate experience in the type of work related to the project. The cost for the two other bids significantly exceeded the engineers' cost estimate.
Therefore, all bids were rejected. Staff sought approval to update the specifications and rebid the project.
The City received four bids for the Courtyard Fountain Demolition Project, all exceeding the engineer's cost estimate. Therefore, all bids were rejected. Staff updated this bid and re-advertised the project.
City Engineer Hughes stated that a third amendment to the Kiesel contract is required to account for all costs associated with the final Veterans Honor Tree concept. The amendment will augment the design budget for Kiesel's artwork and courtyard construction documents to allow Kiesel to provide designer's support during construction. The contract expiration date will be extended to June 30, 2026, ensuring Kiesel remains engaged through the duration of the project.
The Courtyard Improvements Project requires a budget amendment to add $91,575 to complete the project as designed, without building the storage shed.
Councilmember Pearl expressed concern with the overall cost and how the project would be completed. He asked for consideration of not holding the ribbon cutting on Memorial Day but selecting another patriotic occasion.
Councilmember Davis moved to approve a budget increase of $91,575 to the Civic Center Courtyard Improvements Project; authorize staff to re-advertise the Courtyard Improvements Project as restructured, approve Amendment No. 3 to the Protessional Services Agreement with Kiesel Landscape Architecture, Inc. and authorize the Mayor to execute the amendment on behalf of the City.
Councilmember Pearl seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, and Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: Mayor Honig
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney declared the motion passed 4-Yes, O-No, 1-Absent (Mayor Honig).
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City of Westlake Village July 9, 2025 8
NEW BUSINESS:
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 310-25 - ADOPTING THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAPS AND APPROVING A
CEQA EXEMPTION DETERMINATION
Assistant to the City Manager Mott reported that the State of California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), under direction from the State Fire Marshal, released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHS) maps tor Westlake Village.
Government Code Section 51179(a) mandates that cities adopt the updated FHSZ maps within 120 days of receiving the maps from the State Fire Marshal. Westlake Village received the updated maps on March 24, 2025. The City's website hosted a webpage to promote the maps and provided the opportunity for residents to offer feedback regarding the revised maps. No comments were received by the City.
The updated maps designate fire hazards into three levels: Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Severity. Much of the city is in the Very High Fire Severity Zone.
Homes in the High and Very High Fire Severity Zones will be required to comply with Zone Zero requirements which is the area between zero to five feet from your home and the requirements include removing vegetation, combustible fencing or gates, and the use of hardscape like gravel or concrete instead of combustible bark or mulch. Notable changes are in the commercial area of Via Colinas, La Baya Drive, and Corsa Ave as well as on the East side of Agoura Road near the Civic Center where more parcels now fall into the Very High Fire Severity Zone.
Additionally, many more residential and commercial parcels are included with the High and Moderate zones.
Mr. Mott displayed the 2011 maps and visually showed the differences in the 2025 maps.
Councilmember Pearl moved to waive the full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 310-25 adopting the Westlake Village Fire Hazard Severity Zones, approving a CEQA Exemption Determination, and scheduling the ordinance second reading for July 23, 2025. Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, and Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: Mayor Honig
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney declared the motion passed 4-Yes, O-No, 1-Absent (Mayor Honig).
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City of Westlake Village July 9, 2025 9
ORDINANCE NO. 310-25: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE
DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES AND APPROVING A CEQA
EXEMPTION DETERMINATION
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney announced the next City Council meeting will be held on July 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Susan
Attest:
Antoinetan onant
Antoinette M. Mann, City Clerk
WESTLAKE
* *
RATED DEC:
CALIFORNIA