SET NESTIAL DIETE
SUSAN MOSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL NED E DAVIS KELLY HONIG Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
March 11, 2026
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor McSweeney on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 6:34 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor McSweeney invited Boy Scout Troop 485, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
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, Administrative Analyst Hamilton, Community Services Manager Roush, and Community 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: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village March 11, 2026 2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilmember Davis moved to approve the Minutes of February 25, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting. 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.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
Volunteer Appreciation - Recognition of 2025 City Volunteers Mayor McSweeney thanked the Volunteer groups that assisted the City of Westlake Village in 2025. City Councilmembers presented a gift to each of the City Volunteers (2035 Strategic Plan Committee, Community Service Funds Advisory Committee, Cultural Recreation Advisory Board, City Special Event Volunteer Groups, Community Emergency Response Team, Westlake Village Library Book Nook, Public Safety Advisory Board, Westlake Village Community Foundation, Volunteers on Patrol, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Committee, and Veteran's Ad-Hoc Committee) in appreciation and recognition of their many volunteer hours to the City.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
STAFF COMMENTS
City Manager de Geus provided updates on recent community activities including the 2035 Strategic Plan Committee meeting, participation in an International Women's Day luncheon, and a Community Emergency Response Team meeting. Reminders for the Leaf Blower Rebate Program, Toastique's grand opening (April 4, 2026), nominations for Citizen and Youth of the Year (closing March 31, 2026) and Westlake Village Community Foundation Scholarship applications (due by March 31, 2026) were provided.
City Manager de Geus previewed upcoming Council Committee and City Council agenda items.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Mayor Pro Tem Halpern encouraged residents to apply for the Leaf Blower Rebate Program and highlighted how easy it was for him to submit for his new leaf blower for his gardener to use at his house.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village March 11, 2026 3
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT - PURE WATER PROJECT TRAFFIC
CONTROL UPDATE
City Manager de Geus stated that revised traffic control phasing for the Pure Water Project was discussed at the Public Safety Committee (Honig/Pearl) on February 19, 2026. Revisions responded to City Council direction to limit community impacts.
Oliver Slosser, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) Engineering Program Manager presented the updated proposed traffic control plan that eliminated night work, showed construction in multiple phases to shorten the distances and segments that will be closed. He stated that outreach with residents, businesses, and Homeowner Associations has begun and will continue.
Construction on Agoura Road is scheduled to begin in August 2026.
City Council discussion included storage location of the pipes/supplies, continued outreach, and timelines. City Council acknowledged and thanked LVMWD for the updated traffic control measures and how quickly they are updating them in response to Council feedback.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT - SPEED LIMITS
City Traffic Engineer Mericle presented a request to authorize a reevaluation of all speed limits and conducting new Engineering and Traffic Safety Studies (E&TS) due to recent changes in state traffic laws. Although speed limits were last updated in 2015 and extended in 2024, new state regulations now allow cities to consider broader safety factors, including school zones, safety corridors, and areas with pedestrian or bicycle activity.
On February 19, 2026, the Public Safety Committee (Honig/Pearl) reviewed these changes and expressed support for conducting new E&TS evaluations across 31 roadway segments, noting that even small speed-limit reductions could improve enforcement.
Mr. Mericle stated that all homeowners' associations will be notified in advance of field data collection and will coordinate directly with the First Neighborhood Homeowners Association because of potential school-zone implications. The work will use existing budgeted funds, and staff sought City Council direction to move forward.
City Council discussion was supportive of the reevaluation of speed limits with the goal to reduce speed limits in the City and directed the study to include Ridgeford City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village March 11, 2026 4
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
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 March 1, 2026 in the amount of $673,463.56
GENERAL BUSINESS:
GRANT FUNDING APPROPRIATION AND UPDATE ON PLAYGROUND
EQUIPMENT AND PLAY AREA SURFACE INSTALLATION AT
BERNIECE BENNETT PARK; PLAYGROUND CLOSURE DATES - City
Council received and filed the update regarding the Berniece Bennett Park Playground Rehabilitation Project and temporary play area closure; determined that the project remains exempt from CEQA; and appropriated $183,072 in Proposition 68 grant funding for the project.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO R DEPENDABLE CONSTRUCTION INC FOR THE
CITY HALL RESTROOM REHABILITATION PROJECT - PHASE I AND
REJECTION OF BID PROTEST
City Engineer Hughes presented bid results for Phase I of the City Hall Restroom Rehabilitation Project which focuses on modernizing the restrooms and correcting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance issues identified through a recent citywide accessibility assessment. Fourteen bids were received, with R Dependable Const Inc. submitting the lowest bid at $85,900.
Ms. Hughes noted that the second-lowest bidder, Ambit Construction & Design, filed a protest claiming R Dependable Const Inc. lacked required licensing and omitted a contractor license number on a form. Staff and the City Attorney determined the protest lacked merit. R Dependable Const Inc. holds the appropriate general contractor license, and the form omission was deemed a minor, waivable irregularity. Staff requested the City Council reject the bid protest.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village March 11, 2026 5
OLD BUSINESS (continued):
Ms. Hughes stated that the Restroom Phase 1 Project will include replacing all developed interior design elements. The total project cost is $177,900, which falls within the previously approved budget for Civic Center improvements. The project is exempt from CEQA as a replacement of existing facilities.
City Council requested clarification on the bid protest which was explained by City Attorney Boga.
Mayor Pro Tem Halpern moved that City Council reject the bid protest by Ambit Construction & Design, Inc., award a construction contract for the installation of the City Hall Restroom Rehabilitation Project, Phase I, to R Dependable Const Inc in the amount of $85,900.00, 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 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.
CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ELECTRIC FLEET
TRANSITION PROGRAM - AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE ELECTRIC TRUCK
Administrative Analyst Hamilton requested approval to purchase a Ford F-150 using the Clean Power Alliance's (CPA) Electric Fleet Transition Program and The Pathways to Electrification grant. The F-150 Lightning was selected as the preferred option due to cost, capability, and availability, following the lifting of a temporary recall. CPA confirmed the truck qualifies under the grant, and staff verified it meets City needs.
Mr. Hamilton noted that the grant will cover the truck purchase, upgrades to existing charging stations, two new dual-port stations, and potentially additional electric vehicles, with no General Fund impact. Although the truck is estimated at $61,596.46, staff requested authorization to spend up to $70,000 to account for price or inventory changes.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village March 11, 2026 6
OLD BUSINESS (continued):
Councilmember Honig moved that City Council authorize spending up to $70,000 to purchase a new 2025 Ford F150 Lightning Truck as part of the Clean Power Alliance Electric Fleet Transition Program Agreement and approve the Mayor to execute all agreements. 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.
NEW BUSINESS:
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 ASSESSMENTS FOR LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS: RESOLUTION NUMBERS 2440-26 THROUGH 2445-26
City Engineer Hughes presented a request to adopt resolutions approving the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 assessments for three assessment districts: Lighting Maintenance District No. 1, Landscape Maintenance District No. 1, and the Westlake Spectrum Landscape District No. 15. Each year, the City must review and levy assessments on properties within these districts to fund street lighting, landscaping, and related maintenance, as required under the California Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972. The Engineer's Reports for each district outline the budgets, proposed assessments, and projected fund balances for the upcoming year.
Ms. Hughes stated that for FY 2026-27, all assessment rates are proposed to remain unchanged from the prior year, consistent with City Council direction to maintain current rates while the City explores options for addressing long-term funding shortfalls. A Public Hearing on the proposed assessments is scheduled for April 22, 2026.
Lighting District No. 1 has a proposed budget of $548,425, down 8.5% due to reduced traffic-signal maintenance costs. Existing fund balances allow operations without a General Fund contribution this year, though the district is projected to face a deficit in FY 2027-28 if revenues remain flat.
Landscape District No. 1, covering four zones, has a combined $1.26 million budget which is 4.8% higher because of triennial tree trimming in Zone2.
Assessment amounts remain unchanged; however, Zones 2-4 will end the year City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village March 11, 2026
NEW BUSINESS (continued):
with deticits. To keep their balances positive, staff proposed reallocating $168,000 in Ad Valorem revenue from Zone 1. Expenditures continue to exceed assessment revenues, which have not increased since the mid-1990s.
Westlake Spectrum Landscape District No. 15 maintains its assessment at $950 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU), with a slightly reduced $23,000 budget. While current-year revenues and fund balance will cover costs, the district faces a projected deficit in FY 2027-28 unless revenues are increased.
In conclusion, City Engineer Hughes stated that while the City can fund FY 2026- 27 requirements through a combination of assessments, fund balances, and General Fund contribution of $111,850 to Landscape District No. 1, long-term cosi growth continues to outpace revenues.
Councilmember Pearl moved that City Council adopt Resolution Nos. 2440-26 through 2445-26 approving the Engineer's Reports and setting a Public Hearing of public protests of the Districts to be held at the April 22, 2026 City Council meeting and that the City Clerk be directed to give notice of the Public Hearing. 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. 2440-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND
COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27, ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER'S REPORT AND APPROVING SUCH REPORT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
RESOLUTION NO. 2441-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT
WITHIN CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE AND
APPOINTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING PROTESTS
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village March 11, 2026 8
NEW BUSINESS (continued):
RESOLUTION NO. 2442-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND
COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27,
ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER'S REPORT AND APPROVING SUCH REPORT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE STREIS AND HIGHWAYS CODE RESOLUTION NO. 2443-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT
ASSESSMENTS WITHIN WESTLAKE VILLAGE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
AND APPOINTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING PROTESTS
RESOLUTION NO. 2444-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND
COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN WESTLAKE SPECTRUM LOCAL LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 15 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27,
ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER'S REPORT AND APPROVING SUCH REPORT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF
THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
RESOLUTION NO. 2445-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND
COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN WESTLAKE SPECTRUM LOCAL LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 15 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
AND APPOINTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING PROTESTS
2. REVIEW OF ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FEES
City Engineer Hughes provided an overview of the City's Encroachment Permit (EP) fees, which have not been updated since 2013. Ms. Hughes stated that while EP revenue once covered program costs, expenses now far exceed income; in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25, the City spent $89,000 on EP-related work but collected only about $37,000, resulting in a substantial General Fund subsidy.
Staff proposed to update the fees to reflect current consultant billing rates. The issuance fee for residential permits would not increase while business permits would increase to $280. The inspection rate would increase from $95 to $140 per hour, with applicants responsible for all actual inspection time. Traffic control review fees would continue to be charged at actual cost. An annual adjustment commensurate with consultant costs was also proposed.
City Council Minutes
City of Westlake Village March 11, 2026
NEW BUSINESS (continued):
On February 9, 2026, the Administrative Committee (McSweeney/Halpern) supported adopting these updates to move the EP program toward full cost recovery and recommended that this item be presented to the full City Council for consideration.
City Council discussion on the annual adjustment and how City contract prices influence the fees charged, noting the contractor prices are adjusted annually according to approved City agreements. City Council noted the need for notification to businesses and residents regarding fee adjustments each fiscal year.
Mayor McSweeney moved that City Council direct staff to prepare an Encroachment Permit Fee Resolution incorporating the proposed fee adjustments for City Council adoption at a future City Council meeting. 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.
ADJOURNMENT:
Councilmember Pearl requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of longtime resident Marilyn Benton.
Mayor McSweeney adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.
Susan McSweeney, Mayor
Attest:
Antoineteen tran
Antoinette Mann, City Clerk
RATED DEC!
CALIFORNI ....