SET NESTORE DOTER
KELLY HONIG SUSAN McSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL NED E DAVIS Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
October 22, 2025
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Honig on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 6:30 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, Planning Director Asp, City Engineer Hughes, Assistant to the City Manager Mott, Administrative Analyst Hamilton, Public Works Manager Iverson and Community Services Manager Roush.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Davis 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.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village October 22, 2025 2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney moved to approve the Minutes of September 24, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting and October 13, 2025 City Council Closed Session 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:
Presentation of the City of Westlake Village 2025 - 3rd Business of the Quarter Award - Lakeview Garden Restaurant
Mayor Honig made a presentation to Lakeview Garden Restaurant as the third PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Carolyn Warth ceded her time to three Girl Scouts
COUNCIL RESPONSE: None
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus reported that the City Celebration event held at the Civic Center on October 11, 2025, was hugely successful, and well attended. Mr. de Geus expressed appreciation to Kaitlyn Roush and staff and noted Ms. Roush was recently promoted to Community Services Manager. He discussed Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters, cautioned drivers to anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and reminded everyone to "Stay Alert, Don't Get Hurt!"
Mr. de Geus announced upcoming events including Shred Day at City Hall, October 25, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. He stated that construction at the Civic Center courtyard commences on October 23, 2025 through January 2026.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village October 22, 2025 3
STAFF COMMENTS (continued):
Mr. de Geus invited residents to the Strategic Plan Open House at the Civic Center Community Rooms on October 29, 2025, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., welcoming citizens to get involved in shaping our community's vision for 2035. He also announced the city is seeking community input and invited residents to the Lakeview Canyon Road Open House at Westminster Church, 32111 Watergate Road on October 30, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
City Manager de Geus highlighted events attended by City Council and city staff including Walk to School Day on October 15', Coffee with a Cop on October 1st 1, League of Cities Conference on October 8-10, Thousand Oaks Public Safety Fair on October 18, Hidden Hills Fiesta Parade & Community Event on October 18, the Chamber's Juice It Up ribbon cutting on October 18, and the Rotary Club of Westlake Village lunch meeting on October 22, 2025.
City Manager de Geus highlighted agenda topics for the upcoming Council Committee meetings and City Council meetings.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: None
MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Sheriff's Department Report
Deputy Brian Knott presented the Sheriff Department's report for September 2025 including crime statistics. He shared that he met with Costco to discuss loss revention, announced that Oaks Christian High School will have fireworks at their nomecoming game, and discussed Halloween preparation for Three Springs.
Fire Department Report
Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith presented the Fire Department's report for seember including the summer of fires medical a
le reminded residents to be alert to avoid acciden
on Halloween.
Library Report
programs, and reference requests.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village October 22, 2025 4
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT - LEAF BLOWER REBATE
PROGRAM
LEIL
Assistant to the City Manager Mott presented a proposed Leaf Blower Rebate Program to encourage residents to switch from gas-powered to electric leaf blowers.
Mr. Mott reported that gas-powered leaf blowers were banned citywide effective January 1, 2023. Enforcement is complaint-based; non-compliance persists, especially among commercial gardeners. Council directed staff to create a rebate program to encourage electric leaf blower usage and allocated $60,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26.
Staff reviewed programs in Atherton, Glendale, San Mateo, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). AQMD rebates require surrendering gas blowers. The Atherton program is inclusive and simple and was used as a framework for the proposal.
Program details included up to $200 per residential address rebate. Requirements would include proof of purchase, photo of equipment, and the resident's photo ID.
Assistant to the City Manager Mott stated that approximately 300 homes can participate.
On October 13, 2025, the Administrative Committee (Honig/McSweeney) supported the proposed program with a $200 rebate concept.
Councilmember Halpern moved that the City Council approve the proposed Leaf Blower Rebate Program with a maximum rebate of $200 and direct staff to create the program policy and procedures for City Council approval. 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.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village October 22, 2025 5
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
2. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT - CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE OF
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ELECTRIC FLEET TRANSITION PROGRAM
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
Administrative Analyst Hamilton presented a request for approval to participate in the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Electric Fleet Transition Program and amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 budget by $250,000 for related expenditures.
Mr. Hamilton reported that the City joined CPA in 2018, which provides lower-cost electricity and supports sustainability programs. CPA's Energized Communities Program offers grants up to $250,000 for electrification projects and the City selected the Electric Fleet Transition pathway, which includes fleet planning, vehicle replacement, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
Administrative Analyst Hamilton reviewed the proposed use of funds including upgrading the existing EV charging stations at the Civic Center and Community Park with four new charging stations at the Civic Center, and purchasing three electric vehicles, a Ford F-150 Lightning and two additional EV's for the City fleet.
Mr. Hamilton noted that the CPA grant will cover up to $250,000 for all project costs and that no General Fund money will be used.
Councilmember Davis moved that the City Council authorize the Mayor to execute the Clean Power Alliance Electric Fleet Transition Program Participation Agreement and approve a budget amendment in the amount of $250,000 in the FY 2025-26 Budget for program expenditures. 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.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village October 22, 2025
MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Engineering Department Report
City Engineer Hughes provided the Engineering report stating that the construction on the Civic Center Courtyard Improvements project will begin soon and users of the community room will be notified of the project schedule.
Councilmember Davis requested that neighboring communities to the Civic Center be notified. Mayor Honig reported that Rosie the Rabbit was removed for a facelift and will be returned when the project is completed.
2. Planning Department Report
Planning Director Asp provided the Planning Department Status Report and reminded residents of the Shred Event on October 25, 2025. Los Angeles County Building and Safety has moved to their new location, and the City's website reflects their new address. Lastly, the Safety Element of the General Plan is under review for an update.
Councilmember Pearl inquired on the status of the Panda Express parking lot project. Staff stated the Center will be returning the parking lot to its original condition and will no longer pursue building a new trash enclosure.
Cultural Recreation Report
Community Services Manager Roush provided the Cultural Recreation report and highlighted the City Celebration event that was held at the Civic Center on October 11, 2025. She reported that the Westlake Village Community Foundation made $4,680 and expressed appreciation to 14 Cannons Brewery who donated the beer and wine. She also noted that White Oak Elementary School Parent Faculty Club made approximately $16,000 in ride ticket sales.
Ms. Roush announced that the City's Holiday Sing-Along event will be held on December 7, 2025, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., in front of Tifa Chocolate & Gelato and Crumbl Cookies at The Shoppes at Westlake Village and invited everyone to the holiday event.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village October 22, 2025
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney moved to approve the Consent Calendar. 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.
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS: Warrants effective October 1, 2025 in the amount of $843,522.21 and October 15, 2025 in the amount of $284,054.82 TREASURER'S REPORT:
GENERAL BUSINESS:
ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND RELEASE OF
PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS FOR CEDARVALLEY
SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT - City Council accepted the public improvements installed for the Cedarvalley Senior Housing Project and authorized the City Clerk to release the payment and performance bonds provided for such improvements.
APPROVAL OF UPDATED 2025 SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
PLAN - City Council approved the 2025 update of the Sewer System Management Plan in accordance with State Water Resources Control Board Order WQ 2022-0103-DWQ.
3. CULTURAL RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS - City Council appointed Lindsay Iwanoff as an Adult Member with a term ending December 31, 2026 and Thomas Torres as Student Member with the term ending June 30, 2027, to the Cultural Recreation Advisory Board.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village October 22, 2025 8
OLD BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FROM FISCAL YEAR 2024- 25 TO FISCAL YEAR 2025-26; RESOLUTION 2418-25
Assistant City Manager Wilson presented a request for approval to carry forward $8,076,157 in appropriations from fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 to FY 2025-26 through Resolution No. 2418-25.
Ms. Wilson stated that Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) often span multiple years due to scope, external factors, and alignment with grant timelines.
Carryover funds ensure completion of ongoing projects and contractual obligations. She reviewed the carryover categories which included General Fund:
$140,000 for the 2035 Strategic Plan consultant, Emergency Operations Plan consultant, and Leaf Blower Rebate program; Fund 28: $3, 136 grant from Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy for outfitting the Volunteers on Patrol vehicle; and Capital Projects: $7.9 million for ongoing multi-year projects.
Assistant City Manager Wilson noted that there is no impact on recurring fund balances or the financial forecast. Some costs are reimbursable through the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy grant, Los Angeles County Metro Measure M & R grants, and the State Proposition 68 funding.
Councilmember Halpern moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2418- 25 Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget for the Purpose of Continuing Appropriations from Fiscal Year 2024-25, in the amount of $8,076,157. 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. 2418-25: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FROM FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village October 22, 2025
OLD BUSINESS (continued):
2. REVIEW OF FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 YEAR END AND FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
FIRST QUARTER BUDGETS
Assistant City Manager Wilson provided an overview of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024- 25 year-end financial performance and the first quarter of FY 2025-26. The adopted FY 2024-25 citywide budget totaled $26.02 million, with the General Fund comprising $15.8 million. At year-end, General Fund revenues exceeded projections by $1.2 million, while expenditures were under budget by $2.4 million.
This positive outcome was driven by strong returns in Transient Occupancy lax (TOT), Property Tax, and investment earnings, supported by high LAIF yields and growth in the City's investment portfolio from $40 million to $43 million. Savings were also realized from unimplemented programs, reduced General Fund law enforcement costs due to grant offsets, and vacant positions. Reported figures are preliminary pending the annual audit, after which recommendations for surplus allocation to reserves will be presented.
Ms. Wilson reported that for FY 2025-26, the adopted citywide budget is $26.5 million, including $16.8 million for the General Fund and $6.9 million for the Capital Improvement Program, which remains the major driver of expenditures. First- quarter General Fund revenues totaled $1.54 million (9% of the annual budget); expenditures reached $2.5 million (15% of the budget). Sales Tax, TOT, and Property Tax revenues continue to perform strongly, and investment earnings remain steady.
Assistant City Manager Wilson also provided an economic outlook, citing UCLA Anderson's forecast of slowing job growth, rising unemployment, and reduced consumer spending, alongside anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts. The City is maintaining a conservative approach to revenue forecasting and fiscal planning. A five-year financial forecast shows near-term stability, but a ten-year projection indicates structural deficits in later years, requiring future strategic planning.
City Council acknowledged the report and emphasized continued monitoring of economic conditions and prudent fiscal management.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council receive and file this 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.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village October 22, 2025 10
NEW BUSINESS:
ADOPTION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, CEQA EXEMPTION
DETERMINATION AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE BIDS FOR THE
BERNIECE BENNETT PARK REHABILITATION PROJECT
City Engineer Hughes presented a request for adoption of plans and specifications and authorization to advertise bids for the Berniece Bennett Park Rehabilitation Project. Berniece Bennett Park, a 4.9-acre site in First Neighborhood and the City's oldest park, is a heavily used community space hosting events such as the "Saturdays in the Park" concert series and summer programs. While recent improvements have been made to the picnic pavilion and sports courts, the park's aging playground equipment and public restrooms require significant upgrades.
Ms. Hughes stated that the rehabilitation project focuses on replacing the playground equipment with inclusive play structures and installing a soft rubberized surface to improve accessibility. The design, provided by RecWest, was positively received by the Cultural Recreation Committee (McSweeney/Pearl) in May and September 2025, and by the Cultural Recreation Advisory Board. Public feedback was gathered through events, and the Committee recommended moving forward with the plans and specifications. She noted that a formal bidding process is required for construction and installation, as quotes received exceeded thresholds for direct award.
City Engineer Hughes said that the approved Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program budget includes $500,000 for the project, supplemented by Proposition 68 grant of $183,072, requiring a 20% local match. Estimated total project cost is $683,072 covering playground equipment, installation, rubberized surfacing, restroom renovation, project management, and contingency.
Mayor Pro Tem McSweeney moved that the City Council adopt the plans and Benie Park Rehabilitation Furion and aviorize start to advertise bids forece construction of the Berniece Bennett Park Rehabilitation Project. 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.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village October 22, 2025 11
City Attorney Boga announced City Council Closed Session meeting topics:
CLOSED SESSION:
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)
Title: City Manager
Conference with Labor Negotiators
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
City Designated Representatives: Mayor Kelly Honig and Mayor Pro Tem Susan McSweeney
Mayor Honig announced a brief recess at 8:32 p.m. to prepare for a Halloween Public Safety Announcement.
RECESS
City Council, all in attendance, reconvened at 8:39 p.m. for a Public Safety Halloween Announcement.
ADJOURNMENT:
City Council adjourned to the Closed Session meeting at 8:43 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 10:46 p.m. with no reportable Closed Session matters. ница, під
ellv Honia. Mavor
Attest:
WESTLAKE
Antoinete mare
Antoinette Mann, City Clerk
CALIFORN