SE OF NESTINE VICTIM
KELLY HONIG SUSAN MCSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL NED E DAVIS Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 24, 2025
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Honig on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 6:32 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Honig led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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, City Engineer Hughes, Assistant to the City Manager Mott, Associate Planner Orr, and Community Services Coordinator Roush.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney moved to approve the Agenda as presented.
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.
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City of Westlake Village September 24, 2025 2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilmember Halpern moved to approve the Minutes of September 10, 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:
1. WM PRESENTATION ON "RESIDENT CART CONTAMINATION PREVENTION AND PROPER WASTE SORTING"
Waste Management Public Sector Manager Brian Neiens and Recycling Education Representative Stephanie Jamison made a presentation on residential cart contamination, warning notices, and future contamination fines.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mitch Zerg, David Whiteman, and Elizabeth Galati
COUNCIL RESPONSE: NONE
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus reported that the Public Safety Fair was held at the Community Park on September 17, 2025 and was well attended. He highlighted upcoming events including National Walk to School Day on October 1, Lost Hills Sheriffs Station's Coffee with a Cop on October 1, City Celebration on October 11, and the City's Shred Event on October 25, 2025.
Mr. de Geus announced that sign-ups for the October Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training at the Agoura Hills Community Room is open for registration and invited residents to register for the free in-person training.
City Manager de Geus highlighted agenda topics for the upcoming Council Committee meetings and City Council meetings, announcing that the October 8, 2025 City Council meeting would be cancelled.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: None
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City of Westlake Village September 24, 2025 3
MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. Sheriff's Department Report
Deputy Brian Knott presented the Sheriffs Department report for the months of July and August 2025 including crime statistics. He invited residents to the Coffee with a Cop event on October 1, 2025, 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Starbucks on Lindero Canyon Road. He reported that he, along, with Mike Woodard, Public Safety Officer, spoke at the annual Costco staff training on topics including Active Shooter and Shop Lifting. Deputy Knott noted that e-bike citations and towing are a continued focus; and he, along with Drew Smith, Los Angeles County Fire Department, participated at a speaking engagement at the Pasadena Animal Control Center.
Deputy Knott and Assistant to the City Manager Mott responded to Mayor Honig regarding e-motorcycles.
Fire Department Report
No verbal report.
Supplemental Packet July and August 2025 reports provided.
Library Report
Jessie Schweit, Children's Librarian, Westlake Village Daniel K. Ludwig Library, presented the library's report for the months of July and August 2025 covering traffic, circulation, programs, and reference requests.
Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce
Josh Gray, Director of Government Affairs and Tourism reported that the 2025 Leadership Conejo program began with 32 participants. He highlighted recent and Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Information for events is located at www.conejochamber.org.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT - RESTAURANT WEEK Assistant to the City Manager Mott outlined the proposed Restaurant Week plan.
On June 26, 2025, the Economic Development Committee (Halpern/Davis) reviewed staff's proposal for a Restaurant Week program in Westlake Village, aligning with the City Council's 2025 goal to promote local businesses and stimulate economic activity, particularly in the restaurant sector.
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City of Westlake Village September 24, 2025 4
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Mott stated that the proposed Restaurant Week program aims to increase patronage at local eateries, showcase the diversity and quality of dining options in Westlake Village, and encourage community and regional engagement with the city's restaurant scene.
The fiscal year 2025-26 budget includes a $30,000 allocation to support the program's development, marketing, and implementation. Staff researched successful Restaurant Week models from cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Palm Springs, and San Luis Obispo to inform the local approach.
The Committee recommended a traditional Restaurant Week format that promotes all local restaurants, regardless of their level of participation, encourages the creation of specialty menu items or limited-time discounts, and maximizes outreach to both local residents and regional visitors. The Committee emphasized the importance of broad and inclusive marketing to ensure the program benefits the entire restaurant community.
Staff are targeting January 2026 for the event launch, recognizing it as a typically slow month for restaurants. Outreach has begun to engage approximately 55 local eateries. Mr. Mott noted that the City has contracted Mindy Miller of MKS Productions : for planning and coordination. Staff are working on a robust communications strategy.
City Council feedback included supporting local businesses, restaurants offering discounts, specialty foods, promotion through social media, encouraging residents and neighbors to find or try a new place to eat, and the January 2026 launch date.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 15-002, MODIFICATION NO. 3;
RESOLUTION NO. 2415-25
Mayor Honig opened the Public Hearing. Associate Planner Orr presented a request for approval of Modification No. 3 to Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 15- 002, authorizing a 10 year extension for the continued sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption at Q Sushi located at 30770 Russell Ranch Road, Suite A.
Mr. Orr reported that the initial CUP (2015) was approved for beer and wine sales.
Modification No. 1 (2015) expanded to allow for the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits under a general Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) license. Modification No. 2 (2020) extended the permit term. The current request is for a five-year extension of the CUP, with no changes to operations. The restaurant occupies 2,809 square City of Westlake Village September 24.20225 5
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
feet of indoor space, 500 square feet of outdoor patio, enclosed for controlled alcohol consumption. Mr. Orr noted that no complaints or issues have been reported.
On September 3, 2025, the Land Use Committee (Halpern/McSweeney) reviewed the request for a time extension and recommended that the permit move to the City Council for a Public Hearing.
Binh Hoang on behalf of Q Sushi, addressed the City Council.
Mayor Honig closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Halpern moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2415- 25, determining Modification No. 3 of Conditional Use Permit No. 15-002 is exempt trom CEQA and authorizing the continued sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption for Q Sushi, located at 30770 Russell Ranch Road, Suite A.
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. 2415-25: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING A TIME EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 15-002, RELATIVE TO THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGES FOR ON-SITE CONSUMPTION FOR Q-SUSHI RESTAURANT, LOCATED AT 30770 RUSSELL RANCH ROAD, SUITE A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 20-001, MODIFICATION NO. 1;
RESOLUTION NO. 2416-25
Mayor Honig opened the Public Hearing. Associate Planner Orr presented a request for approval of Modification No. 1 to Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 20- 001, authorizing a five-year extension for the continued production, distribution, and sale of craft beer for off-site consumption by Malibu Brewing Company, located at 31336 Via Colinas, Suite 101.
Mr. Orr reported that the original CUP was approved in 2020 for a beer production facility without a taproom. The beer is packaged in cans and kegs for distribution and consumer purchase. The site includes 7,000 square feet of space, 15-barrel City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village September 24, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
brewhouse, 8 fermenters, a lab, cold storage, and office space. There are five full- time employees and the operations run weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mr.
Orr noted that no complaints or issues have been reported.
On September 3, 2025, the Land Use Committee (Halpern/McSweeney) reviewed the request for a time extension and recommended that the permit move to the City Council for a Public Hearing.
Ryan Ahrens, on behalf of Malibu Brewing Company, addressed the City Council.
Mayor Honig closed the Public Hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2xempt om cri an audition to production a per or for e
consumption for Malibu Brewing Company, located at 31336 Via Colinas, Suite 101. 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. 2416-25: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING A MODIFICATION TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 20-001 RELATIVE TO THE PRODUCTION AND SALE OF BEER FOR OFF-SITE CONSUMPTION FOR MALIBU BREWING COMPANY, LOCATED AT 31336 VIA COLINAS, SUITE 101
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 22-003, RESOLUTION NO. 2417-25 Mayor Honig opened the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Davis declared a conflict of interest as the property is adjacent to his home. Councilmember Davis was recused at 7:40 p.m.
Associate Planner Orr presented a request to modify an existing Planned )evelopment Permit (PDP) No. 22-003 for a single-family residence at 3186 -oxfield Drive. The modification includes a 114 square foot addition, comprehensive façade remodel, and 176 square feet of front and rear yard improvements.
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City of Westlake Village September 24, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Mr. Orr reported that the original PDP in 2022 was approved for a 1,670 square foot addition, garage expansion, new porch, interior remodel, and extensive exterior upgrades. In 2024 construction began without County permit and deviated from approved plans. A stop work order was issued and required resubmission to the City. Revised plans were submitted in 2025 including a first-floor laundry room and second-story closets (114 square feet), rear yard (160 square feet), covered patio and concrete areas, front yard with a new entry walkway and two-story tiled column entry, a new roof, windows, stucco, paint, and garage doors.
On June 17, 2025, the Land Use Committee (McSweeney/Halpern) reviewed the plans. Concerns were raised about the white stucco and black roof, long entryway and lack of foliage, and tiled entry columns. The applicant was advised to make revisions. On July 2, 2025, the applicant presented neighborhood examples but made no design changes. The Committee remained unconvinced. On September 3, 2025, the applicant returned with changes including a grey roof instead of black, new paint color, wood siding on first story, and enhanced landscaping. The Committee acknowledged the improvements but suggested further refinement of the column materials. The Land Use Committee forwarded the item to the City Council without a recommendation, allowing full Council deliberation.
Associate Planner Orr stated that the Trails Homeowners Association (HOA) supports the revised proposal.
Supplemental Packet: Updated Trails HOA information
Following the printing of this report, the Trails HOA brought to staffs attention a discrepancy of approximately 30 square feet between the square footage on the submittal to the HOA and the staff report. The Trails HOA has requested that the applicant return to the HOA for final review and indicated that they continue to support the overall design of the project and want to clarify the square footage.
Dina Elkinawy and Chris Parker on behalf of Hani and Razan Shamout, addressed the City Council, which included a presentation.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS:
TJ Tramonto and Ned Davis in support of the PDP
Mayor Honig closed the Public Hearing.
City Council discussion included the Land Use review, the homeowner following the approved plans, plan approval to expedite homeowners' return to their home, not requiring HOA approval since the square foot discrepancy is an internal closet, and that neighbors on both sides of the project are supportive of the design.
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City of Westlake Village September 24, 2025 8
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2417-25, determining a modification to Planned Development Permit No. 22-003 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing a 114 square-foot addition to the first and second floors of an existing single-family residence, along with a comprehensive façade remodel including a new roof, windows, entryway, and exterior materials, and approximately 176 square feet of front and rear yard improvements at 31868 Foxfield Drive. Councilmember Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Pearl, Halpern, Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney and Mayor Honig
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSAL: Councilmember Davis
Mayor Honig declared the motion passed 4-Yes; 0-No; 1-Recusal (Councilmember Davis)
RESOLUTION NO. 2417-25: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING A MODIFICATION TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 22-003 AUTHORIZING A 114-SQUARE-FOOT
ADDITION TO THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS OF AN EXISTING SINGLE -FAMILY RESIDENCE ALONG WITH A COMPREHENSIVE FAÇADE REMODEL INCLUDING A
NEW ROOF, WINDOWS, ENTRYWAY, AND EXTERIOR MATERIALS, AND APPROXIMATELY 176 SQUARE FEET OF FRONT AND REAR YARD
IMPROVEMENTS AT 31868 FOXFIELD DRIVE
Councilmember Davis returned to the dais at 8:08 p.m.
MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. Engineering Department Report
City Engineer Hughes highlighted items from the Engineering Status Report including an update on the Community Park Improvements entry monument sign installation in the coming weeks, Lakeview Canyon Road Complete Street design alternative concepts review by the Environmental Committee on October 15, staff's preparation of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for design services for the Lindero Canyon Road (Baronsgate Drive to Lakeview Canyon Road) sidewalk extension, and that the next North Santa Monica Bay Watershed Area Steering Committee meeting will be held on October 9, 2025.
Ms. Hughes responded to Councilmember Halpern regarding the City of Thousand Oaks' median work on Thousand Oaks Boulevard between Westlake High School and the Promenade for their citywide urban forest master plan.
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MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Planning Department Report
Associate Planner Orr reviewed the Planning Department Status Report which was accepted and filed.
Cultural Recreation Report
Community Services Coordinator Roush highlighted various items from the Cultural Recreation Department's Status Report including Conejo Recreation and Park District's indoor and outdoor summer camps and the City's August summer concerts. Ms. Roush invited everyone to join the fun at the upcoming City Celebration event on October 11, 2025, 3:00-8:00 p.m. at the Civic Center.
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 September 15, 2025 in the amount of $878, 196.55
GENERAL BUSINESS:
ACCEPTANCE OF ANNUAL STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2024-25; FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION
City Council accepted the Annual Street Improvement Project for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and authorized the City Clerk to execute and record a "Notice of Completion" for the project on behalf of the City.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF COMMUNITY PARK PARKING LOT SEAL COAT
PROJECT; FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION
City Council accepted the Community Park Parking Lot Seal Coat Project for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and authorized the City Clerk to execute and record a "Notice of Completion" for the project on behalf of the City.
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City of Westlake Village September 24, 2025 10
OLD BUSINESS:
1. UPDATE ON THE 2035 STRATEGIC PLAN PROCESS
City Manager de Geus provided a progress update on the development of the 2035 Strategic Plan, activities of the Ad Hoc Citizens Committee, community engagement efforts, and survey development and planning.
Mr. de Geus stated that the City previously developed strategic plans for 2015 and 2025, with input from residents, businesses, and stakeholders. True North Research was contracted again in 2024 to assist with the 2035 plan, including survey design and analysis.
City Manager de Geus said the committee formation comprises a ten-member committee approved in April 2025. Members represent a diverse cross-section of the community. Mayor Honig and Councilmember Pearl serve on the Ad Hoc Committee.
Mr. de Geus reviewed the key themes from the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis:
Strengths: Public Safety, Fiscal Stability, Quality of Life Weaknesses: Transportation and Mobility, Economic/Commercial Gaps, Emergency Services Needs
Opportunities: Economic Development, Housing and Land Use, Community Engagement
Threats: Government Overreach, Housing Affordability,
Environmental Risks
City Manager de Geus stated that key dates and activities will include a survey distribution in October-November 2025, results presentation in January 2026, vision-mission-goals development in February-March 2026, and plan adoption in July 2026.
Mr. de Geus noted that community engagement outreach will include Homeowners Associations, businesses, schools, and public agencies. Events such as the City Celebration on October 11, 2025 will gather resident input.
City Council discussion included the survey.
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OLD BUSINESS:
Councilmember Pearl moved that City Council note and file the update report.
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
2. AWARD OF CONTRACT - CIVIC CENTER COURTYARD IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT
City Engineer Hughes presented a request for approval to award a construction contract for the Civic Center Courtyard Improvements Project, which includes landscaping upgrades and a Veterans Honor art installation. The project is part of a broader effort to revitalize the Civic Center's outdoor space.
The project began in 2022 as two separate initiatives: one to remove nonfunctional fountains and another to install a Veterans Honor art piece. These were combined into a comprehensive courtyard improvement plan. Kiesel Landscape Architecture was hired to design the project, including the Veterans Honor Tree sculpture. Initial bids in May 2025 were rejected due to lack of qualified contractors and high costs.
The project was restructured and re-advertised in July 2025 with revised licensing requirements and scope. Seven bids were received on September 3, 2025. Ms.
Hughes said that JAS Landscape LLC submitted the lowest qualified bid:
$313,857.55. JAS is based in Oxnard and deemed fully qualified.
On September 17, 2025, the Environmental Committee (Pearl/Davis) reviewed the bid results and supported awarding the contract to JAS Landscape LLC. The Committee emphasized the importance of maintaining the comprehensive nature of the Civic Center improvements,
City Engineer Hughes reviewed the fiscal impact and stated that the total allocated budget is $691,575, the total projected cost is $714,733.55, and that a budget amendment of $23, 157.55 is required to complete the project.
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OLD BUSINESS:
Councilmember Davis moved that the City Council approve a budget increase of $23,157.55 to the Civic Center Courtyard Improvements Project, award a construction contract for the project to JAS Landscape LLC in the amount of $313,857.55; authorize the City Manager to approve change orders up to the contingency amount of $45,000; and authorize the Mayor to execute the construction contract on behalf of the City. 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.
NEW BUSINESS:
ADOPTION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, CEQA EXEMPTION
DETERMINATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE BIDS FOR THE ANNUAL STREET RESURFACING PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
City Engineer Hughes presented a request for approval to adopt plans and specifications and authorize advertising bids for the City's Annual Street Resurfacing Program for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
The Annual Street Resurfacing program is a recurring Capital Improvement Proiect included in the City's adopted budget. Street selection is based on pavement condition data from Cyvl.ai Al inspection and City Engineer visual inspections, construction history, and coordination with other projects. In tiscal year (FY) 2024-25, the city updated its Pavement Management System using Al and 360° camera inspections, which resulted in a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) for Westlake Village of 76, indicating good overall condition.
City Engineer Hughes discussed three types of street treatment including Slurry Seal, Cape Seal, and Overlay. Ms. Hughes reviewed the FY 2025-26 project scope listing the target area neighborhoods, and discussed the budget and estimated costs.
On September 17, 2025 the Environmental Committee (Pearl/Davis) reviewed and recommended the plans and specifications be presented to the full City Council.
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NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney moved that the City Council adopt the plans and specifications for the Annual Street Resurfacing Program Fiscal Year 2025-26 and authorize staff to advertise bids for the construction of the Annual Street Resurfacing Program Fiscal Year 2025-26. 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.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Honig announced the next City Council meeting will be held on October 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m.
Shuly taig
Kelly Hohig, Mayor
Attest:
Antorete On brann
Antoinette Mann, City Clerk
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CITY OF WES VILLAGE
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