CELEST LAKE DICTI
SUSAN MCSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL NED E DAVIS KELLY HONIG Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
January 14, 2026
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor McSweeney on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6:35 p.m.., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
"Presentation of Colors
Following the pledge, Eagle Scout Bobby Mills described the Eagle Scout process and answered questions from City Council.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem Halpern, Mayor McSweeney
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 Mericle, Deputy City Traffic Engineer Biega, Assistant to the City Manager Mott, Community Services Manager Roush and Administrative Analyst Hamilton.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Pearl moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem Halpern, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Halpern
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Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 4-Yes, 0-No, 1-Abstain (Councilmember Halpern)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Special Membing Councined ter Horig Ste Mind tens or Deember 3, 2025 City Counci YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, and Mayor McSweeney NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Mayor Pro Tem Halpern
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 4-Yes, 0-No, 1-Abstain (Councilmember Halpern)
Councilmember Davis moved to approve the Minutes of December 10, 2025 City Council Annual Reorganization Meeting. Councilmember Honig seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem Halpern, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus provided a progress report on the Civic Center Courtyard Construction Project, Community Park Repairs, and Weather Station.
Mr. de Geus reported that on December 12, 2025 the City hosted the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Conejo class, shared the City's history and discussed state and local government. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin addressed state business and regional issues. On January 5-7, 2026, Councilmember Honig and staff attended the Contract Cities Association Legislative Tour to engage with legislators on key matters affecting contract cities.
City Manager de Geus also announced upcoming events and programs including Restaurant Week, February 9-15, 2026, and the Leaf Blower Rebate Program where residents can receive up to $200 for electric leaf blowers, batteries, and chargers.
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STAFF COMMENTS (continued):
City Manager de Geus highlighted agenda topics for the upcoming City Council meetings.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Councilmember Pearl reported having lunch with Mike Wasifi from Baja Fresh, to thank him for resolving the noise issue along with meeting Baja Fresh Corporate Managers.
Along with Councilmember Davis, they attended Mr. Busbee's AP History Class to discuss local government.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT - COMMUNITY PARK ENTRANCE
AND RUSSELL RANCH ROAD (COSTCO/MARKET PLACE INTERSECTION) City Traffic Engineer Mericle reported that on June 19 and September 18, 2025 the Public Safety Committee (Honig/Halpern) reviewed two key traffic safety concerns: the entrance to the Community Park and the intersection at Russell Ranch Road near Costco and Westlake Marketplace.
At Russell Ranch Road, a long-standing collision pattern persists between vehicles crossing between the two driveways. Previous measures, such as signage and striping, have had limited success due to poor driver compliance. While a traffic signal was considered, it was deemed impractical because of its proximity to another signalized intersection. Recent efforts included trimming landscaping to improve sight lines and proposing a restriping plan, which the Committee did not support. Mr. Mericle stated that staff will continue exploring physical improvements, such as partial medians or a roundabout, and will engage Costco and Marketplace in further discussions.
At the Community Park, limited sight distance between incoming vehicles and those in the parking lot has raised safety issues. The Committee recommended re-grading the landscaped slope to improve visibility, with an estimated cost of $7,700, which will be covered by the park maintenance budget.
City Council discussion included striping and a roundabout at the intersection.
Item referred back to Committee.
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
Mayor Pro Tem Halpern moved that City Council approve grading the slope - entrance at the Community Park with American Heritage performing the work.
Councilmember Pearl seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem
Halpern, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
2. CULTURAL RECREATION COMMITTEE REPORT - CONEJO RECREATION
AND PARK DISTRICT SENIOR CLASS FEE REVIEW AND NEW CITY EVENT
SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM PROPOSAL
Community Services Manager Roush provided an update from the Cultural/Recreation Committee (McSweeney/Pearl) meeting held on September 30, 2025, which focused on senior recreation class fees administered by the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) and the development of a formal sponsorship program for City events.
Senior Recreation Class Fees:
The City's senior recreation program, established in 2004, for residents age 55 and older at $5/class. Resident fees increased from $5 to $10 per class in 2018 due to rising instructor and operating costs. To address increasing City subsidies, staff presented multiple fee adjustment options to the Committee. The Committee recommended increasing the resident fee from $10 to $15 for classes costing more than $80 per session, to help offset costs while maintaining program accessibility.
Sponsorship Program for City Events:
The Committee also reviewed a proposal to establish a formal sponsorship program to support City events. Each event would have four sponsor levels (Spotlight Partner, Premier Partner, Supporting Partner or Community Partner).
The Committee recommended launching the program to help offset rising 2026 event costs and support expanded programming.
Council discussion on creating a formal sponsorship program and increasing the fee to help offset senior recreation classes.
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council approve a $5 fee increase from $10 to $15 for senior recreation classes that exceed $80 per class per session and approve the expanded City Events Sponsorship Program starting in 2026. Mayor YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem
Halpern, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. STATUS UPDATE ON VACANCIES IN COMPLIANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2561 (2024) - LOCAL PUBLIC EMPLOYEES; VACANT POSITIONS
Mayor McSweeney opened the Public Hearing.
Assistant City Manager Wilson reported that in compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 2561, public agencies are required to annually report on staffing vacancies, recruitment, retention efforts and any policy or procedural barriers to hiring..
For Fiscal Year 2025-26, the City authorized 15.5 total positions (14 full-time and three part-time positions). Of the full-time positions, 13 are filled with recruitment for the remaining Community Services Specialist position nearing completion. Of vacant die to pis recent adition during the budget proes. Start win contine recruitment efforts for this position. The City has also implemented a paid Internship Program, including the onboarding of a Planning Intern in November 2025.
Staff has not identified any policies or procedures that present hiring obstacles.
The City continues to support recruitment and retention through updated personnel rules, revised job descriptions, salary and benefit enhancements, alternative work schedules, workplace and technology improvements, and a focus on employee wellness. Additional benefit enhancements recommended by the Administrative Committee, including a Retiree Health Savings Plan and updates to the 457 Plan, are scheduled for City Council consideration on January 14, 2026.
Mayor McSweeney closed the Public Hearing.
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PUBLIC HEARING (continued):
Mayor Pro Tem Halpern moved that the City Council receive and file this report.
Councilmember Davis seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem
Halpern, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Davis moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Mayor Pro Tem Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem Halpern, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS: Warrants effective December 1, 2025 in the amount of $ 375,227.84; December 15, 2025 in the amount of $1, 102148.10; and January 1, 2026 in the amount of $823,239.50
GENERAL BUSINESS:
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES ANNUAL REVIEW - FISCAL YEAR
2024-25 - City Council received and filed this report.
AMENDING THE CITY'S PERSONNEL RULES TO REVISE THE CITY'S JURY DUTY POLICY; RESOLUTION NO. 2429-26 - City Council adopted Resolution No. 2429-26, Amending Section 5.09 of the City's Personnel Policy to reinstate the Personnel Rules language that allows compensation for jury duty for up to five days per fiscal year.
RESOLUTION NO. 2429-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WESTLAKE AMENDING THE CITY'S PERSONNEL RULES TO
PROVIDE JURY DUTY COMPENSATION FOR UP TO FIVE DAYS PER FISCAL YEAR
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CONSENT CALENDAR (continued):
ACCEPTANCE OF THE WESTLAKE VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL
CHAMBERS AUDIO-VISUAL AND CONTROL SYSTEM UPGRADE
PROJECT; FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION -City Council accepted the Council Chambers Audio-Visual and Control System Project and authorized the City Clerk to execute and record a "Notice of Completion" for the project on behalf of the City.
OLD BUSINESS:
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO WESTERN STATE BUILDERS, INC. FOR
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AND PLAY AREA SURFACE INSTALLATION
COMPONENTS OF THE BERNIECE BENNETT PARK REHABILITATION
PROJECT
City Engineer Hughes presented the results of the public bidding process for the playground equipment and play area surface installation components of the Berniece Bennett Park Rehabilitation Project and requested City Council approval to award a construction contract to Western State Builders, Inc. (WSB).
Ms. Hughes stated that Berniece Bennett Park is the City's oldest park and heavily used for community programs and events. Community outreach was conducted throughout 2025, including presentations to advisory bodies, neighborhood meetings, and public events. The City Council approved project plans, specifications, and advertisement of bids in October 2025, and authorized the purchase of playground equipment in December 2025 to avoid a scheduled price increase.
Bids for construction were opened on December 5, 2025, with eleven bids received. WSB submitted the lowest responsible bid at $256,571, which is 6.9 percent above the engineer's estimate but remains within the total project budget.
WSB was deemed fully qualified with positive references and verified licenses/insurance to perform the work.
The project is exempt from CEQA as a replacement of existing facilities with no potential for significant environmental impacts.
Funding for the project totals $683,072, consisting of City Capital Improvement Program funds and approved Proposition 68 grant funding. Ms. Hughes noted that while the higher-than-estimated bid reduces the funds available for the future restroom renovation, the total project budget remains sufficient at this time.
City Council discussion included the life expectancy of playground equipment.
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
Councilmember Davis moved that the City Council award a construction contract or the installation of playground equipment and play area surface for the Berniece Bennett Park Rehabilitation Project to Western State Builders in the amount o $256.571.00, determine that the project is exempt from CEQA, authorize the City Manager to approve change orders up to the 10% contingency amount; and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute the construction contract on behalf of the City. Councilmember Honig seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem
Halpern, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS:
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 311-26 AND APPROVAL OF
PERSONNEL POLICY AMENDMENT TO ESTABLISH JUNETEENTH AS A CITY HOLIDAY; RESOLUTION NO. 2430-26
City Manager de Geus presented a request for City Council consideration of the Administrative Committee's recommendation to amend the Municipal Code and the City's Personnel Policy to establish Juneteenth (June 19) as an official City holiday.
On November 10, 2025, the Administrative Committee (Honig/McSweeney) discussed establishing Juneteenth as a City holiday and recommended that the item be brought forward to the City Council for consideration. Governor Newsom also formally recognized Juneteenth as a day of observance in May 2025.
Mr. de Geus noted that establishing Juneteenth as a City holiday would not require a budget adjustment. The estimated value of the holiday is approximately $7,500, which is already accommodated within the adopted Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Halpern moved that City Council waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 311-26 amending the Westlake Village Municipal Code, approve a CEQA exemption, schedule the second reading for January 28, 2026 and adopt City Council Minutes
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NEW BUSINESS (continued):
Resolution No. 2429-26 amending the City's Personnel Policy to establish Juneteenth as a City Holiday. Councilmember Pearl seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem
Halpern, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
ORDINANCE NO. 311-26: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE
AMENDING THE WESTLAKE VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH
JUNETEENTH AS A CITY HOLIDAY
RESOLUTION NO. 2430-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE AMENDING THE CITY'S PERSONNEL RULES TO ESTABLISH
JUNETEENTH AS A CITY HOLIDAY
APPROVAL OF MISSIONSQUARE CONTRACT AMENDMENT AND 457(B) PLAN AMENDMENT; RESOLUTION NO. 2431-26
Assistant City Manager Wilson presented a request for City Council approval to amend the City of Westlake Village's contract with MissionSquare and to the City's 457(b) deferred compensation plan to strengthen retirement benefits for employees and retirees. The centerpiece of the proposal is a substantial reduction in plan administration fees and an expansion of investment options, both of which are intended to improve long-term investment performance for participants without increasing costs to the City.
MissionSquare has administered the City's 457(b) plan since the City's incorporation, allowing employees to set aside pre-tax income for retirement, with taxes deferred until withdrawal. The City currently contributes a $50 match per paycheck. Over time, the plan's asset balance declined, because retired employees moved their funds to other lower-cost investment options. This reduction in total assets limited the City's ability to access lower fee tiers, and participants were paying administrative fees of approximately 0.80 percent of assets, plus additional investment-related costs. Staff spent several years negotiating with MissionSquare to revise this fee structure, emphasizing the long- term impact of fees on retirement savings.
MissionSquare agreed in August 2025 to lower administrative fees from 0.80 percent to 0.25 percent of assets. For participants, this translates into significant annual savings and reduces the compounding effect of fees over time. The City Council Minutes
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NEW BUSINESS (continued):
reduction is particularly beneficial for retired participants, who are no longer contributing new funds and are more sensitive to fee erosion.
In addition to lowering fees, the amendments expand the plan's investment lineup as participants are limited to MissionSquare-managed funds. The revised plan adds sixteen new funds, including low-cost index funds from well-known providers (Vanguard, Fidelity, and American Funds). These additions increase diversification, lower expense ratios, and provide participants with more flexibility to align their investments with their individual risk tolerance and retirement goals.
A Vantage Broker Program, offering access to a broader universe of mutual funds through Charles Schwab, is included in the amended agreement and deferred for future consideration due to minimum balance requirements.
Assistant City Manager Wilson noted that the amendments include a defined five- year term to the MissionSquare contract, replacing automatic annual renewals.
This will create better opportunities for regular review, improved accountability, and future negotiation of benefits as the plan evolves. The proposed changes were reviewed by the City Attorney, the City's investment advisor, and financial consultants, all of whom concurred that the amendments provide meaningful advantages to plan participants. There is no fiscal impact to the City because participants pay all administrative fees directly.
The Administrative Committee (Honig/McSweeney) reviewed the proposal and recommended that it be forwarded to the full City Council for approval.
Councilmember Davis moved that City Council amend the 457(b) Plan Administrative Services Agreement with MissionSquare and adopt Resolution No. 431-26, authorizing the City Manager to amend the 457(B) Plan to expan nvestment fund options for Plan participants. Mavor Pro Tem Halbern seconde the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem
Halpern, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 2431-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND THE CITY'S 457(B) PLAN TO EXPAND INVESTMENT FUND OPTIONS FOR PLAN
PARTICIPANTS
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NEW BUSINESS (continued):
APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S CONTRACT WITH
MISSIONSQUARE TO ESTABLISH A RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN,
MONTHLY CONTRIBUTIONS TO PLAN, AMENDMENT TO PERSONNEL
RULES, DECLARATION OF INTEGRAL PART TRUST TO HOLD PLAN
ASSETS, AND MISSIONSQUARE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR PLAN MANAGEMENT; RESOLUTION No. 2432-26
Assistant City Manager Wilson presented a request for City Council approval to establish a Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan for regular full-time employees and City Councilmembers. This plan aims to help participants prepare for rising retiree medical costs, which have increased significantly in recent years. The RHS Plan will allow employees to accumulate tax-free funds for future health expenses such as premiums, prescriptions, and long-term care.
Ms. Wilson stated that under the proposal, the City would contribute $150 per month for each eligible participant, at an estimated annual cost of $34,200 for 19 participants. Additionally, employees will be required to contribute up to 240 hours of accrued sick or annual leave at separation or retirement, replacing the current sick leave cash-out policy. Participation in the plan will be mandatory for eligible employees.
The plan will be managed by MissionSquare Retirement, with investments directed by participants into available options, including target-date funds. Funds can only be accessed upon retirement, separation, or disability, and accounts may transfer to surviving spouses or dependents upon a participant's death.
The fiscal impact is limited to the employer contributions, as participants pay all administrative fees. The initial cost for the remainder of the current fiscal year will be absorbed within the existing budget.
The Administrative Committee (Honig/McSweeney) reviewed the proposal and recommended that it be forwarded to the full City Council for approval.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2432-26 establishing a Retirement Health Savings Plan for regular, full-time employees and City councilmembers; approving a Declaration of Integral Part Trust to hold assets of the plan, authorizing a $150/month City contribution to such plan for eligible employees, amending the Personnel Rules regarding disbursement of accrued sick leave upon retirement or separation for regular, full-time employees, and City Council Minutes
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NEW BUSINESS (continued):
authorizing the City Manager to sign an Administrative Services Agreement with Mia: Councile and thorid seconds neenay or appropriate to implement the YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem
Halpern, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 2432-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING A RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN (PLAN), APPROVING A DECLARATION OF INTEGRAL PART TRUST TO HOLD THE
ASSETS OF THE PLAN, AUTHORIZING A MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION TO THE PLAN
ON BEHALF OF PLAN PARTICIPANTS, AMENDING THE PERSONNEL RULES
REGARDING DISBURSEMENT OF ACCRUED SICK LEAVE UPON RETIREMENT OR
SEPARATION FOR REGULAR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES, AND AUTHORIZING
EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS AND FORMS FOR PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 2026 CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
City Manager de Geus presented Mayor McSweeney's recommended 2026 City Council Committee Assignments for confirmation. These assignments ensure continuity and efficiency in handling city matters. Standing committees will continue with consistent dates and times for 2026.
Councilmembers assigned to the League of California Cities and the Southern California Association of Governments will serve as voting delegates and alternates for the City. The City Clerk will notify these organizations when required.
In compliance with FPPC regulations, Form 806 listing any paid appointed positions has been posted on the City's website.
City Manager de Geus noted the Mayor's role as an Alternate Member, allowing substitution for committee members who cannot attend meetings. This measure aims to maintain progress on time-sensitive issues while ensuring consistency in decision-making.
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NEW BUSINESS (continued):
Councilmember Honig moved that the City Council approve the 2026 City Council 'ommittee Assignments submitted by Mayor McSweeney. Mayor Pro Tem Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem
Halpern, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor McSweeney adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Susa mandmeng
Susan McSweeney, Mayor
Attest:
Untoinette mann
Antoinette Mann, City Clerk
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