CENEST LAKE DIRTY
KELLY HONIG SUSAN MSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL NED E DAVIS Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
July 23, 2025
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Honig on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Honig led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Honig requested a moment of silence to honor Los Angeles Sheriff Deputies 202 Condences were sent to their amies and one Los Ang is the is Departmen ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Davis, Pearl, Halpern, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and Mayor Honig
ABSENT: None
Also Present: City Manager de Geus, City Attorney Boga, Assistant City Manager Wilson, City Clerk Mann, Planning Director Asp, City Engineer Hughes, City Traffic Engineer Wessel, City Traffic Engineer Mericle, Deputy City Traffic Engineer Biega, Assistant to the City Manager Mott, Public Works Manager Iverson, Associate Planner Orr, Community Services Coordinator Roush, Deputy City Clerk Kramer, and Administrative Assistant Olkes.
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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.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilmember Davis moved to approve the Minutes of July 9, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting. 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.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
Presentation to City Traffic Engineer Mark Wessel on his retirement, serving the City for 33 Years
City Councilmembers and City staff complimented and thanked Mr. Wessel for his many years of service as the City Traffic Engineer. On behalf of the City Council and staff, Mayor Honig presented Mr. Wessel with a proclamation and a "Wessel Way" street sign for his 33 years of service to the City.
Mr. Wessel thanked City Council and staff.
2. Presentation of the City of Westlake Village 2025 - 2nd Business of the Quarter Award - Fusion Academy Westlake Village
Mayor Honig announced that Fusion Academy Westlake Village is the Business of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2025. Laura France, Head of School for Fusion Academy Westlake Village expressed appreciation for the honor and acknowledgement. • Councilmembers conveyed their congratulations and presented a recognition plaque.
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SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS (continued):
Presentation by the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District on the Districts Water and Wastewater Rates.
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District Public Affairs Associate Riki Clark made the presentation.
Mayor Honig announced the City's 2nd Annual Hawaii-themed meeting to acknowledge how Westlake Village became a city through the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company, who commissioned the preparation of the master plan for the City. Mayor Honig thanked the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company for investing in creating our community.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Stephanie Molen
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus reported attending the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce's 40 Under Forty Awards event where the City's Public Services Inspector, Ethan Mercado was recognized.
Mr. de Geus reported that the Movie in the Park event held on July 19, 2025 featuring "Toy Story" was well attended and expressed appreciation to Community Services Coordinator Roush for organizing and coordinating the successful event.
City Manager de Geus provided an overview of the July 21, 2025 Public Safety Advisory Board meeting. Mr. de Geus announced the upcoming Concert in the Park on July 26, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. featuring Rebel Heart - a modern country music tribute. He invited attendees to participate in the complimentary line dancing instructions at 6:30 p.m. from Candy Sherwin. Visit wiv.org/concerts for more information. City Manager de Geus highlighted agenda topics for the upcoming Council Committee meetings and noted there would be no City Council meetings in August 2025 during Council recess.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Mayor Honig congratulated Public Services Inspector Ethan Mercado on receiving the Chamber's 40 Under Forty Award.
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MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Sheriff's Department Report
Deputy Brian Knott thanked retiring City Traffic Engineer Mark Wessel for the years of collaboration. He reported that enforcement on the adopted e-bikes and e- motorcycles ordinance has begun and that four devices have been impounded.
Acting Captain Dustin Carr thanked the City Council for the moment of silence for the fallen deputies. He presented the Sheriffs Department report for June 2025 including crime statistics. Acting Captain Dustin Carr discussed the recent U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and stated that the Los Angeles County deputies are not involved in these activities, though may be present to ensure the safety and protection of residents.
City, Councilmembers inquired about ICE operations, vacancies at Lost Hills Station, and ICE communications.
Fire Department Report
Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith presented the Fire Department's report for June 2025 including the number of fires, medical response calls, and rescue activities conducted. He reminded residents to "know their zone" and register (www.genasys.com) to receive emergency notifications.
3. Library Report
Jessie Schweit, Children's Librarian, Westlake Village Daniel K. Ludwig Library, presented the library's report for the month of June 2025 covering trattic, circulation, programs, and reference requests.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. OAK TREE PERMIT NO. 25-001; RESOLUTION NO. 2409-25
Mayor Honig opened the Public Hearing. Associate Planner Orr presented a request to approve the removal of one protected coast live oak tree and encroach within the protected zone of six protected coast live oak trees in conjunction with a new commercial development, previously approved by Planned Development Permit (PDP) No. 23-002, and located at 5388 North Sterling Center Drive.
Providing background, Mr. Orr stated that when the City Council approved PDP No. 23-002 on October 11, 2023, it was anticipated that no oak trees would be removed or encroached upon for the construction. During the pre-construction planning, it became necessary to relocate several underground utilities, and the final siting of the building revealed that one oak tree could not be preserved, and six others would have minimal encroachment.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
City Engineer Hughes reported on the proposed sewer and abandonment that will be brought back later to City Council for approval.
Mr. Orr reviewed the structural integrity and size of the tree proposed for removal and reported that the City's arborist peer-reviewed the applicants' tree report and also reported one coast live oak tree would need to be removed.
Mr. Orr noted the applicant has proposed planting four new 24-inch box oak trees on site with final planting locations to be determined by the City's Planning Department.
On July 2, 2025, the Land Use Committee (McSweeney/Halpern) reviewed the request, expressed support, and recommended the request move forward to the full City Council for a public hearing.
The applicant was not present for the hearing.
Mayor Honig closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Halpern moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2409- 25, determining Oak Tree Permit No. 25-001 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing the removal of one protected coast live oak tree and the encroachment of six protected coast live oak trees located at 5388 North Sterling Center Drive.
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 2409-25: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING OAK TREE PERMIT NO. 25-001,
AUTHORIZING THE REMOVAL OF ONE COAST LIVE OAK TREE AND THE ENCROACHMENT OF SIX COAST LIVE OAK TREES LOCATED AT 5388 NORTH
STERLING CENTER DRIVE
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 25-001, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 25-001; RESOLUTION NO. 2410-25
Mayor Honig opened the Public Hearing. Associate Planner Orr presented a request for approval of Planned Development Permit (PDP) No. 25-001 and Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 25-001 to authorize a 2,435 square-foot expansion of an existing restaurant, interior and exterior renovations, the addition of a new 1,776 square-foot covered outdoor patio on a 2,814 square-foot cantilevered deck, and the expanded sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with an existing restaurant, known as Boccaccio's, located at 32123 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite 110.
Providing background, Mr. Orr stated that Boccaccio's has been in operation since 1968 with 2,746 square feet of indoor seating, 2,278 square feet of outdoor seating, and 1,526 square feet of kitchen, bar, and storage areas. The applicant is proposing a 2,435 square-foot addition and a 1,776 square-foot covered patio with an expanded dining area under the existing second floor balcony and a new outdoor building with a smoke screen separation barrier. The new outdoor building will include operable multi-fold doors separating the space from the outdoor patio.
The project also comprises interior remodeling including the construction of a new bar area, upgrades to restrooms, and improvements to the kitchen and delivery area.
The new covered patio will include a framed deck structure and retaining walls to support grade changes and provide structure integrity for the cantilevered deck The setback from the boardwalk to the proposed deck will be almost four feet and the deck will be enclosed with a glass railing. The height of the deck will range from four feet eight inches at its lowest point to five feet eight inches at the highest point. Additionally, the restaurant will install a new stairway at the southeast portion of the building to improve site circulation and accessibility.
Associate Planner Orr discussed the proposed contemporary aesthetic design and materials that distinguishes the new addition from the original building, while remaining compatible in scale and color to align with the City's "earthen tone" guidance in the Municipal Code.
Associate Planner Orr stated that since Boccaccio's predates City incorporation and the adoption of the Westlake Village Municipal Code in 1984, the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption became legal non-conforming. With this expansion request, a CUP is required to formalize and expand the use in compliance with current zoning regulations and would only allow for alcohol consumption within the dining areas and outdoor patio. Staff are not aware of any City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village July 23, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
issues or complaints pertaining to the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption at this location and recommended approval of the CUP with a permit term of 10 years.
On July 1, 2025, the Land Use Committee (McSweeney/Halpern) reviewed the PDP and CUP request and recommended forwarding it to the City Council for a public hearing.
Ross Miller, Hamid Sadraie, Andrew Althaus and Matthew Chen addressed the City Council and presented the rendering of the project using a computer simulation.
Mayor Honig closed the Public Hearing.
City Council discussion included roof colors and the outdoor cantilevered deck.
City Council thanked Mr. Sadraie for his investment in the community.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2410-25, determining Planned Development Permit No. 25-001 and Conditional Use Permit No. 25-001 is exempt from CEQA and authorize a 2,435 square-foot expansion of an existing restaurant, interior and exterior renovations, the addition of a new 1,776 square-foot covered outdoor patio on a 2,814 square-foot cantilevered deck, and the expanded sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with an existing restaurant, known as Bocaccio's, located at 32123 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite 110. 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.
RESOLUTION NO 2410-25: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 25- 001 AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 25-001, AUTHORIZING EXPANSION AND
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS, INCLUDING A COVERED OUTDOOR
PATIO AND CANTILEVERED DECK, AS WELL AS THE EXPANDED ON-SITE SALE
AND CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT AN EXISTING RESTAURANT (BOCCACCIO'S) AT 32123 LINDERO CANYON ROAD, SUITE 110
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 24-002; RESOLUTION NO. 2411-25 Mayor Honig opened the Public Hearing. Planning Director Asp presented a request to approve Planned Development Permit (PDP) No. 24-002 authorizing a façade remodel of the existing dormitory building and construction of an outdoor amenity and activity space for student use by Oaks Christian School located at 31255 Cedar Valley Drive.
Providing background, Ms. Asp provided a historical recount of permit applications from April 2018 through September 2024 including conversion of an educational building into student housing, converting the parking lot into a student outdoor amenity and activity space which was approved but never built, and currently, conversion of a portion of the parking lot to an outdoor amenity and activity space for student residents of the adjacent dormitory.
The project proposes a shaded outdoor study area, a covered kitchen with a barbeque and seating, and open-air activities. A portion of the existing parking lot will remain and provide 16 surface parking spaces. The outdoor area will be enclosed by a nine-foot-masonry wall along the front property line, with access gates for emergency vehicles and personnel. To maximize usable space and internal landscaping within the secured campus area, the applicant proposed placing the wall with no front setback.
The dormitory façade remodel includes a new entry canopy, which also encroaches into the front setback. The design incorporates new materials and updated finishes consistent with the City's "earthen tone" color palette. The existing red tile roof will be replaced with a dark brown synthetic tile following the City's Exterior Building Color Guide.
The project is within the zoning district of the North Business Park Specific Plan (NBPSP). The NBPSP defers to the Westlake Village Municipal Code for wall height regulations, which limit front yard walls to 42 inches and six feet and the required 10-foot front yard setback. Planning Director Asp explained that the applicant requested deviations from these standards and the deviation for locating the covered outdoor kitchen and projection of the entry canopy within the required front yard setback. The proposed nine-foot wall is located at the property line and will be softened by landscaping and planter wall, which also provides visual screening and functional seating. Conditions of approval require the installation of a new sidewalk along the entire frontage and around the cul-de-sac. The outdoor kitchen is located behind and screened by the wall, minimizing its visual impact.
The building entry canopy, while located in the setback, provides an architectural focal point that enhances the function and identity of the retrofitted dormitory building.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
The Land Use Committee (McSweeney/Halpern) meeting scheduled for June 17, 2025, was not conducted due to a lack of quorum. As applicants were already waiting at City Hall, Councilmember Halpern was briefed on this item and recommended the request move to the full City Council for a public hearing.
Garett Freemen, Chief Operating Officer and Bill Brown, Director of Operations, Oaks Christian School, addressed City Council.
Mayor Honig closed the Public Hearing.
City Council discussion included ensuring development in this area is consistent with wall heights and landscaping.
Councilmember Davis moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2411-25, determining Planned Development Permit No. 24-002 is exempt from CEQA and authorize a façade remodel of the existing dormitory building; construction of an outdoor amenity and activity space, screened by a 9-foot landscaped wall for Oaks Christian School student use within a portion of the existing parking lot at 31255 Cedar Valley Drive. 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.
RESOLUTION NO 2411-25: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 24-002, AUTHORIZING A FAÇADE REMODEL OF THE EXISTING DORMITORY BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN OUTDOOR AMENITY AND ACTIVITY SPACE AT 31255
CEDARVALLEY DRIVE (OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL)
MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. Engineering Department Report
City Engineer Hughes provided the Engineering report and stated that the Community Park parking lot seal maintenance project is scheduled for the week of August 25, 2025 with the Community Park parking lot, and YMCA closure on August 28 2025. The Lakeview Canyon Road Complete Street project will be presented at both the Environmental and Public Safety Committee meetings City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village July 23, 2025 10
MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS (continued):
before community input begins. Ms. Hughes noted conclusion of the 2024-25 Annual Street Work program in August and design commencement of the 2025- 26 project.
Planning Department Report
Planning Director Asp provided the Planning Department Status Report and reminded residents of the upcoming Los Angeles County Building and Safety Office move in early September which will be noted on the City website. Waste Management conducted education workshops for residents on proper waste sorting to prevent cart contamination. Ms. Asp reported on the Baja Fresh noise matter and the installation of a new mechanical system which has resulted in a significant improvement in noise levels. Staff will continue to monitor.
Councilmember Pearl inquired about the Panda Express trash enclosure. Ms. Asp stated that the plans are still with LA County Building and Safety for approval.
3. Cultural Recreation Report
Community Services Coordinator Roush provided the Cultural Recreation report and highlighted the outdoor summer camps offer through Conejo Recreation and Park District for Westlake Village residents. She highlighted July events (4th of July, Movie in the Park and a concert) and invited residents to attend upcoming concerts. Lastly, Ms. Roush announced the Cultural Recreation Advisory Board youth recruitment for two positions.
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 July 15, 2025 in the amount of $952,020.33
IREASURER'S REPORT: Ending June 30, 2025
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CONSENT CALENDAR (continued):
GENERAL BUSINESS:
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO 309-25. ORDINANCE TITLE: 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 IOBILITY DEVICE REGULATIONS
PPROVING A CEQA EXEMPTION DETERMINATION - City Coun
waived the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 309-25.
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
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO 310-25. ORDINANCE TITLE: AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE DESIGNATING
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES AND APPROVING A CEQA
EXEMPTION DETERMINATION - City Council waived the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 310-25.
ORDINANCE NO 310-25: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE
VILLAGE DESIGNATING FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES AND APPROVING
A CEQA EXEMPTION DETERMINATION
3. PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENT - City Council appointed Clive "C.J." Dawson to the Public Safety Advisory Board with the term ending March 31, 2027.
OLD BUSINESS:
UPDATE ON THE 2035 STRATEGIC PLAN PROCESS
City Manager de Geus provided a progress update on the 2035 Strategic Plan process, detailing committee meetings, community input, and future steps for strategic planning.
Mr. de Geus reviewed the committee's May 22, 2025 meeting where past strategic plans and the 2022 Community Survey were reviewed, and the vision, mission, and values of the City were discussed. On June 23, 2025, the committee focused on refining external and internal values, prioritizing goals, and reviewing accomplishments under the 2025 Strategic Plan. The Committee's top five priorities were Public Safety, Fiscal Stability, Economic Vitality, Balance of Land Uses, and Housing Opportunities.
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
City Manager de Geus stated that upcoming meetings will focus on Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis, survey development, and public outreach.
Councilmember Pearl moved that that the City Council note and file the 2035 Strategic Plan process update report. 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.
2. STATUS UPDATE ON CALENDAR YEAR 2025 CITY COUNCIL GOALS City Manager de Geus provided a comprehensive status update on the City Council's 2025 goals, adopted on January 22, 2025. Key updates included:
• Public Safety: Progress on fire hardening, enhanced sheriff reporting, sidewalk improvements, and public safety education campaigns. • Economic Vitality: Planning for Westlake Village Restaurant Week and promoting local businesses through campaigns like "Beat the Heat with Local Eats."
• Land Use and Beautification: Initiatives such as the Lakeview Complete Street project, neighborhood beautification grants, and ongoing improvements to parks and medians.
• Civic Involvement: Development of the Veterans Honor art installation at the Civic Center.
• Government Accessibility: Updates to the Code Enforcement Program, including administrative citations and rebate programs. • Technology: Advancing fiber connectivity through the "Last Mile Fiber" project.
Mr. de Gues highlighted additional accomplishments to date including fiscal health improvements, public safety enhancements, quality of life upgrades, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement efforts.
City Council received and filed the report.
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NEW BUSINESS: None
ADJOURNMENT:
2025 at 6o30 p.mounced the next City Council meeting will be held on September 10.
The meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m.
Kelly Horig, Mayor
Attest:
Antoinete Imam
Antoinette Mann, City Clerk
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