HE TESTAME DIETE
SUSAN McSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL NED E DAVIS KELLY HONIG Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
January 28, 2026
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor McSweeney on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 6:33 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor McSweeney invited four White Oak Elementary School transitional kindergarteners (TK) and kindergarteners to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem Halpern, and 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, Assistant to the City Manager Mott, Associate Planner Orr, Administrative Analyst Hamilton, and Community Services Manager Roush.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Pearl moved to approve the Agenda as presented. 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.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Mayor Pro Tem Halpern moved to approve the Minutes of January 14, 2026 City Council Study Session and January 14, 2026 Regular 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:
California Lutheran University "State of the University" presented by CLU President John Nunes, PhD.
Councilmember Honig introduced President John Nunes, PhD., California Lutheran University. President Nunes' presentation outlined the university's current environment, noting both the richness of campus life and the significant challenges facing higher education nationally. Despite these pressures, the institution remains firmly centered on its mission to educate leaders of strong character who are committed to service and justice. To navigate demographic and financial headwinds, the university is implementing mission-focused change-management principles; transparency, urgency, accountability, and student-centered decision-making - and advancing six key workstreams:
enrollment growth, scholarship strategy, philanthropy, program portfolio development, total talent management, and cost-structure optimization. The overarching message emphasizes that while the trends are challenging, the future is not fixed; with decisive action, the university can shift from managing decline to building long-term resilience, securing its mission for the next generation.
City Council thanked Dr. Nunes for his presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Isabella Warth, Jessica VanderBorgt, and Olivia Liff, Girl Scout Troup 166; Tripp and Sam, White Oak Elementary School students.
City Manager de Geus stated the sunscreen dispenser project, and the skate park lights item would be referred to committee for consideration.
COUNCIL RESPONSE: None
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STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus reported that the Civic Center Courtyard paver installation in the back courtyard and landscaping in the front courtyard is expected to finish by Friday, January 30, 2026,
Mr. de Geus highlighted recent community engagement activities including a mock council meeting held by St. Jude's 3rd-grade class; Community Service Grant Program applications will be accepted through January 30; the Leaf Blower Rebate Program, Restaurant Week February 9-15; and Westlake Village Discovers "the Arts" event on February 7, 2026.
City Manager de Geus highlighted agenda topics for the upcoming Council Committee meetings and City Council meetings.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: None
MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. Sheriff's Department Report
Deputy Chad Ray presented the Sheriff Department's report for December 2025 covering crime statistics.
2. Fire Department Report
Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith presented the Fire Department's report for the months of October, November, and December 2025 including the number of fires, medical response calls, and rescue activities conducted.
Library Report
Jessie Schweit, Children's Librarian, Westlake Village Daniel K. Ludwig Library, presented the Library's report for December 2025 covering traffic, circulation, programs, and reference requests.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT - INTRODUCTION OF
ORDINANCE NO. 312-26 AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO
PROHIBIT THE SALE OF ALL KRATOM PRODUCTS WITHIN CITY LIMITS Administrative Analyst Hamilton presented a request for City Council consideration of the introduction of Ordinance No. 312-26 to prohibit the sale of all kratom products within city limits, following a recommendation from the Public Safety Committee. Kratom is an unregulated herbal substance that can have stimulant or opioid-like effects, particularly in products containing the City Council Minutes
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
synthetic compound 7-hydroxymitragynine. Health agencies have raised concerns about addiction, serious side effects, contamination, and recent deaths linked to kratom use.
Mr. Hamilton noted that federal, state, and local authorities have increasingly moved to restrict kratom, with the FDA recommending tighter controls, California considering age-based restriction, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advising retailers to stop sales entirely and several California cities have already enacted bans. The proposed ordinance would amend the city's Health Code to ban the sale, display, and distribution of kratom products.
The measure is expected to have minimal fiscal impact and is intended to protect public health, particularly for the youth.
On December 11, 2025, the Public Safety Committee (Halpern/Honig) discussed the concerns related to Kratom and recommended that staff establish an ordinance prohibiting the sale of all Kratom products in Westlake Village.
Public Comments: Abdullah Mamon, Canoga Park; Laura Hughes, Tarzana.
Supplemental Packet: 32 Email communications posted online.
City Council discussion included proposed state legislation, school district request to ban, protecting youth, and FDA recommendations.
Mayor Pro Tem Halpern moved that the City Council waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 312-26 amending the Municipal Code to prohibit the sale of all Kratom products in Westlake Village, approved a CEQA exemption and schedule the second reading for February 11, 2026. Councilmember Honig seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Honig, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem
Halpern, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: Councilmember Davis
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 4-Yes, 1-No (Councilmember Davis).
ORDINANCE NO. 312-26: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE AMENDING THE WESTLAKE VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 5.1 TO
PROHIBIT KRATOM PRODUCTS AND APPROVING A CEQA EXEMPTION
DETERMINATION
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PUBLIC HEARINGS:
ALLOCATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS; RESOLUTION NO. 2433-26
Planning Director Asp presented a request for City Council consideration of allocating its Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, estimated at $25,075, to the City's Housing Rehabilitation Program.
The program provides grants to eligible low-income homeowners for essential health and safety repairs, such as electrical, plumbing, roofing, accessibility, and heating and cooling improvements.
Ms. Asp stated that the City has historically dedicated its CDBG funding to this program, which continues to have resident interest despite administrative limits on participation. The allocation includes all administrative costs and has no fiscal impact on the City's budget.
Councilmember Honig moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2433-26.
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.
RESOLUTION NO. 2433-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING ALLOCATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS
OAK TREE PERMIT NO. 25-003; RESOLUTION NO. 2434-26
Associate Planner Orr presented a request for approval of Oak Tree Permit No. 25-003 to allow the removal of one protected coast live oak tree and limited encroachment and pruning of three additional protected oak trees at 3520 Ridgeford Drive. The request is associated with the construction of a new, expanded residential swimming pool.
An oak tree permit application was submitted on December 9, 2025, accompanied by a tree report prepared by a certified arborist evaluating four coast live oak trees on the property. The report determined that one tree, while healthy, had been previously pruned in a manner that compromised its structure and would require significant additional pruning to accommodate the proposed pool and slide. Given City Council Minutes
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
its condition, size, and direct conflict with the project, the arborist concluded that removal was reasonable, provided that a replacement tree is planted in a more suitable location. Further, the report found that the remaining three trees can be protected through proper construction practices and limited pruning without long-term harm.
A peer review conducted by the City's consulting arborist confirmed these conclusions and supported removal of the affected tree with on-site mitigation. As a condition of approval, staff requires the planting of a 24-inch box coast live oak tree as replacement.
The Land Use Committee (McSweeney/Halpern) reviewed the proposal on January 7, 2026 and endorsed the recommendation, contingent on replacement planting.
Applicant representative Whitney Del Real on behalf of Robert Gilchrist addressed the City Council.
Supplemental Packet: Email communication posted online.
Councilmember Davis moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2434-26, determining Oak Tree Permit No. 25-003 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing the removal of one protected coast live oak tree and encroachment into the protected zones and pruning of three additional coast live oak trees located at 3520 Ridgeford Drive. 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.
RESOLUTION NO. 2434-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING OAK TREE PERMIT NO. 25-003
AUTHORIZING THE REMOVAL OF ONE COAST LIVE OAK TREE AND THE ENCROACHMENT INTO THE PROTECTED ZONES AND PRUNING Of THREE
ADDITIONAL COAST LIVE OAK TREES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW, EXPANDED POOL LOCATED AT 3520 RIDGEFORD DRIVE
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 25-002; RESOLUTION NO. 2435-26 Associate Planner Orr presented a request for approval of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 25-002 to allow the conversion of an existing commercial space into a private athletic training facility known as The Village ATG, located at 5740 Corsa Avenue. The proposed facility is owner-operated and intended for use by the owners, their families, and approved members rather than the general public.
The property is located within the Mixed-Use Corsa zoning district of the North Business Park Specific Plan, where gyms and personal training tacilities are conditionally permitted. The 3,000-square-foot facility is limited to a maximum occupancy of ten patrons, operates seven days a week from 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and is allocated six on-site parking spaces. Although the business initially operated without the required permit, the applicant cooperated fully with City staff to bring the use into compliance. A prior noise complaint was addressed and has not been ongoing.
The Land Use Committee (McSweeney/Halpern) reviewed the application on January 7, 2026 and recommended that it be forwarded to the City Council for approval.
Applicant representative: Katie Borquez, on behalf of Andrew Whitworth, addressed the City Council.
Councilmember Davis moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2435-26, determining Conditional Use Permit No. 25-002 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing the conversion of an existing commercial space to a private training facility, located at 5740 Corsa Avenue. 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.
RESOLUTION NO. 2435-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 25-002, TO
AUTHORIZE THE CONVERSION OF AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL SPACE INTO A PRIVATE TRAINING FACILITY LOCATED AT 5740 CORSA AVENUE (THE VILLAGE ATG)
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MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
Engineering Department Report
City Engineer Hughes provided the Engineering report highlighting Community Park Improvements, Civic Center Improvements and the Water District Pure Water Project.
Planning Department Report
Planning Director Asp provided the Planning Department Status Report highlighting updating the General Plan Hazards chapter, 2026 California Building and Fire Code update, recycling education and completion of the Westlake Marketplace parking lot restorations.
Cultural Recreation Report
Community Services Manager Roush provided a recap of the City's Holiday Sing- Along event and the City-To-Schools Program at White Oak Elementary School.
She announced upcoming events including the Westlake Village Discovers: The Arts on February 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Civic Center, and upcoming Spring and Summer events dates.
RECESS:
City Council recessed at 8:39 p.m.
City Council reconvened at 8:48 p.m. with all City Councilmembers in attendance.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Pro Tem Halpern moved to approve the Consent Calendar. 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.
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CONSENT CALENDAR (continued):
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS: Warrants effective January 15, 2026 in the amount of $460,226.96
TREASURER'S REPORT: December 31, 2025
GENERAL BUSINESS:
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO 311-26; ORDINANCE TITLE: AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE AMENDING THE
WESTLAKE VILLAGE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH
JUNETEENTH AS A CITY HOLIDAY - City Council waived the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 311-26.
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
OLD BUSINESS:
UPDATE ON THE CITY'S STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS THE LONG-RANGE
FINANCIAL FORECAST
City Manager de Geus, joined by Assistant City Manager Wilson, delivered an update on Westlake Village's ongoing initiatives to refine its long-range financial forecast and strengthen the City's fiscal resilience over the coming decade.
While recent sales tax performance has exceeded earlier projections and improved the near-term outlook, sales tax remains the City's largest General Fund revenue source, making the City particularly sensitive to economic fluctuations. The ten-year forecast shows potential deficits in the later years, due to rising public safety and contracted service costs outpacing revenue growth.
Mr. de Geus said the City is pursuing a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy centered on three key levers. The first is economic development, aimed at strengthening and diversifying the City's tax base through business retention, revitalization of aging commercial areas, selective mixed-use development, and infrastructure investments such as fiber connectivity. The second lever focuses on optimizing current and future revenues. The City has reviewed potential revenue options, including taxes and fees, while recognizing voter approval requirements and concerns about tax fatigue and competitiveness with neighboring jurisdictions. The third lever involves aligning City expenditures with revenues through careful budgeting and long-term capital planning. Mr. de Geus noted that while the City already operates with a lean budget, staff and Council committees will continue scrutiny of operating and capital expenditures.
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
Long-term fiscal stability will require a balanced and deliberate approach that combines economic growth, prudent financial management, and selective revenue strategies.
City Council discussion included planning for the future, fiber connection for residents and enhancing communications to explain funding better and highlighting grant funds.
APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CIVIC
SOLUTIONS, INC. TO PREPARE AN UPDATE TO THE HAZARDS CHAPTER
OF THE GENERAL PLAN, INCLUDING A CITYWIDE EVACUATION
ASSESSMENT
Planning Director Asp presented a request for approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Civic Solutions, Inc. to update the Hazards Chapter of the City's General Plan and conduct a comprehensive, citywide evacuation assessment.
This will ensure the City's Safety Element remains compliant with expanded State requirements and reflects current wildfire, climate, and evacuation planning standards.
Ms. Asp stated that since the City's Safety Element was last updated, State law has increased the level of detail required for hazard analysis, including climate-related risks, updated wildfire mapping, and a more rigorous evaluation of evacuation routes and capacity. Additionally, the City recently adopted a regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which requires consistency with the General Plan's hazards policies. A critical component of the proposed update is a detailed evacuation study that will model evacuation times under various scenarios, identify potential congestion points, and assess the impacts of future development on evacuation capacity.
Civic Solutions, a long-standing planning consultant for the City, has proposed to lead the effort with support from specialized subconsultants. Fehr & Peers would conduct traffic and evacuation modeling, while Atlas Planning Solutions would prepare the Hazards Chapter update to meet State legal requirements. The project scope includes technical analysis, coordination with emergency response agencies, public engagement, policy recommendations, and CEQA compliance.
Planning Director Asp noted that the cost of the agreement is not to exceed $250,000 and will require a budget amendment, as funding was not included in the current fiscal year budget.
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City of Westlake Village January 28, 2026
OLD BUSINESS (continued):
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council authorize the Mayor to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Civic Solutions, Inc. to prepare a citywide evacuation assessment and update to the Hazards Chapter of the General Plan; and, approve a budget amendment in the amount of $250,000 for contract costs. 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.
CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT TERMINATION FOR COMMUNITY PARK
SIGNAGE PROJECT AND TRASH ENCLOSURE PROJECT WITH CINBAD
INDUSTRY AND AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR COMMUNITY PARK SIGNAGE PROJECT TO BRAVO SIGN AND DESIGN INC.
City Engineer Hughes presented a request to terminate a construction contract with Cinbad Industry, Inc. for the Community Park Signage and Trash Enclosure projects due to ongoing delays and difficulty obtaining required submittals. The City will be purchasing the steel Cinbad procured for the project and use as City supplied materials for the rebid for the trash enclosure project.
Ms. Hughes noted that Cinbad subcontracted the signage fabrication to Bravo Sign & Design, Inc., which has been working on the park entry signs. Staff recommended awarding a direct contract to Bravo to complete the Signage Project. The Trash Enclosure Project will be rebid separately using remaining funds and previously fabricated materials.
Councilmember Pearl moved that the City Council approve a compensation close- out agreement with Cinbad Industry, Inc. to terminate the construction contract for the Community Park Signage Project and the Trash Enclosure Project; award a construction contract for the Community Park Signage Project to Bravo Sign & Design, Inc. in the amount of $56,002.19; authorize the City Manager to approve City Council Minutes
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
change orders up to the contingency amount; and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute the contracts on behalf of the City. 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.
NEW BUSINESS: None
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor McSweeney adjourned the meeting at 10:03 p.m.
Susa Me fueney
Susan McSweeney, Mayor
Attest:
Antoinette Mann, City Clerk LAGE
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CALIFORNIA