SUSAN McSWEENEY
Mayor
BRAD HALPERN
Mayor Pro Tern
RAY PEARL
Councilmember
NEDEDAVIS
Council member
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
April 22, 2026
KELLY HONIG
Councilmember
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor Mcsweeney on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 6:34 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Mcsweeney invited Olivia Corbett, White Oak 4th Grade Student Mayor Delegate to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tern Halpern, and Mayor Mcsweeney
None
ROLL CALL FOR WHITE OAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS:
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Also Present:
Councilmembers Connor Petty, Avery Pepper, Sawyer Basis, Mayor Pro Tern Harper Sandefur, Mayor Olivia Corbett, and City Manager Emilia White
None
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, Community Services Manager Roush, Community
Services Specialist Mattappally, Deputy City Clerk Kramer, and Planning Intern Anya Kargodorian.
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilmember Honig moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Councilmember Pearl seconded the motion.
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tern Halpern, and Mayor Mcsweeney
None
None
None
Mayor Mcsweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Mayor Pro Tern Halpern moved to approve the Minutes of March 25, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion.
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tern Halpern, and Mayor Mcsweeney
None
None
None
Mayor Mcsweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/CEREMONIAL MATTERS:
1. City to Schools Program - White Oak Elementary School 4th Grade Students - Student Councilmembers and City Manager
2. Mayor Mcsweeney discussed the education outreach program, City to Schools, and explained how White Oak 4th graders learn about civics and local government.
Councilmembers thanked the students for their participation and assisting City Council.
Proclamation Presentation - AYSO Region 4 - 50th Anniversary Mayor Mcsweeney recognized A YSO Region 4 in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Councilmember Pearl, together with fellow Councilmembers, shared personal family experiences with A YSO and expressed heartfelt appreciation to the volunteers, coaches, referees, and families for their many hours of dedication and commitment to youth sports, and for the positive impact they continue to have in our community.
AYSO Commissioner Bill Barbato, addressed the City Council and thanked the City for its ongoing support and for the opportunity to celebrate this milestone.
City of Westlake Village
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
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STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus provided updates on the Berniece Bennett Park Playground renovation, noting the project remains on schedule with reopening anticipated in early May. Mr. de Geus reported the commencement of the Thousand Oaks Boulevard median transformation project and reviewed anticipated timelines for upcoming Pure Water Project roadway improvements. Earth Month activities, the Leaf Blower Rebate Program, and "Stay Alert Don't Get Hurt" campaign were highlighted.
City Manager de Geus highlighted agenda topics for the upcoming Council Committee meetings and City Council meetings.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Mayor Pro Tern Halpern promoted the Leaf Blower Rebate Program and noted this meeting with the fourth-grade student council members is his favorite meeting of the year.
Councilmember Davis acknowledged Mayor McSweeney's leadership in championing the Community Park.
Councilmember Pearl recognized the benefits of the Community Park, City to Schools Program, AYSO, and thanked White Oak teachers Ms. Borg and Ms. Riveto.
MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. Sheriff's Department Report
2. Deputy Chad Ray presented the Sheriff's Department report for March 2026, outlining crime statistics for the month. He announced that the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station Open House will take place on May 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and invited residents to attend.
White Oak Student Councilmembers asked questions of Deputy Ray about his job.
Fire Department Report
Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith presented the Fire Department's report for March 2026, highlighting the total number of fire incidents, medical response calls, and rescue operations completed during the month. He announced that Fire Service Day is scheduled for May 9, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Station 89, located at 29575 Canwood Drive in Agoura Hills, and noted that Westlake Village's Station 144 will participate in the event.
White Oak Student Councilmembers asked questions of Assistant Fire Chief Smith about his job.
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MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS (continued):
3. Library Report
Julie Frieze, Manager, Westlake Village Daniel K. Ludwig Library, presented the library's report for the month of March 2026 covering traffic, circulation, programs, and reference requests.
White Oak Student Councilmembers asked questions of Library Manager Frieze about her job.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS: None
RECESS:
Mayor Mcsweeney and Student Mayor Olivia Corbett announced a short recess and invited everyone to the courtyard for cupcakes and lemonade and thanked the White Oak Elementary Students for their participation.
City Council recessed at 7:39 p.m.
RECONVENED:
City Council reconvened the Regular Meeting, at 7:55 p.m. with all City Councilmembers in attendance.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 26-001; RESOLUTION NO. 2447-26 Planning Intern Kargodorian presented a request for approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 26-001 for the off-site sale of beer and wine at a proposed takeout and catering kitchen located at 4619 Lakeview Canyon Road. Ms. Kargodorian described the proposed operation, including onsite preparation of focaccia bread and other food items, limited hours of operation, and use of existing shared parking. She noted the request is consistent with zoning and the General Plan and exempt from CEQA
On April 1, 2026, the Land Use Committee (Pearl/Halpern) reviewed the proposal and recommended that the request move forward to a public hearing.
Applicant Kyle Lopez addressed the City Council.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
Councilmember Honig moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2447-26, determining Conditional Use Permit No. 26-001 is exempt from CEQA and authorizing the sale of beer and wine for off-site consumption at a takeout and catering kitchen located at 4619 Lakeview Canyon Road (La Gita Kitchen and Focacceria). Councilmember Pearl seconded the motion.
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tern
Halpern, and Mayor Mcsweeney
None
None
None
Mayor Mcsweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 2447-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 26-001 TO
AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR OFF-SITE CONSUMPTION IN
CONJUNCTION WITH A TAKEOUT AND CATERING RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 4619 LAKEVIEW CANYON ROAD (LA GITA KITCHEN AND FOCACCERIA)
2. FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 ASSESSMENTS FOR LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS: RESOLUTION NOS. 2448-26, 2449-26 AND 2450- 26 City Engineer Hughes presented a request for consideration to levy Fiscal Year 2026-27 assessments for Lighting Maintenance District No. 1, Landscape Maintenance District No. 1, and Westlake Spectrum Landscape District No. 15.
She reviewed the annual assessment process required under the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 and noted that no changes were proposed to existing assessment rates for any district. Ms. Hughes summarized proposed budgets, General Fund contributions, and projected fund balances, and outlined ongoing cost pressures affecting long-term financial sustainability.
Mayor Pro Tern Halpern moved that City Council adopt Resolution Numbers 2448- 26, 2449-26 and 2450-26 to Levy the Assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-27 within the Lighting Maintenance District No. 1, Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 and Westlake Spectrum Landscape District No. 15, direct the City Clerk and City City of Westlake Village
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PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued):
Engineer to file a certified copy of the Resolutions, Annual Assessments and Diagrams with the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion.
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tern
Halpern, and Mayor Mcsweeney
None
None
None
Mayor Mcsweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 2448-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE CONFIRMING A DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT FOR THE 2026-27 FISCAL YEAR, AND ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENTS IN CONNECTION
WITH CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF
THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
RESOLUTION NO. 2449-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE CONFIRMING A DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT FOR THE 2026-27 FISCAL YEAR, AND ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENTS IN CONNECTION
WITH WESTLAKE VILLAGE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT NO. 1 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF
THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
RESOLUTION NO. 2450-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE CONFIRMING A DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT FOR THE 2026-27 FISCAL YEAR, AND ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH WESTLAKE SPECTRUM LOCAL LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 15 PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PART 2 OF DIVISION 15 OF THE
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1. Engineering Department Report
City Engineer Hughes presented the Engineering Report highlighting Community Park improvements, the Berniece Bennett Park playground equipment project with reopening scheduled for early May, early May roadwork under the Street Improvement Program, and the status of the Civic Center roof replacement project.
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MONTHLY IN-HOUSE DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS (continued):
2. Planning Department Report
Planning Director Asp presented the Planning Department Report, highlighting the April 18, 2026 Shred Event, the Bob Theobald internship program, an Associate Planner recruitment update, adoption of the California Building and Fire Codes, modifications to the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, slope development standards, and an inventory of non-conforming walls.
3. Cultural Recreation Report
Community Services Manager Roush provided an update on recent and upcoming programs. For the City to Schools program, a mock City Council field trip was held on April 15, and the Student City Council members are participating tonight. The Earth Day Festival is planned for April 25 at Westlake Village Community Park and will include partner booths, activities, and community engagement. A trail clean-up at Wishbone Trail was rescheduled for May 2 and will be led by COSCA rangers, with registration required.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Pro Tern Halpern moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Pearl seconded the motion.
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tern
Halpern, and Mayor Mcsweeney
None
None
None
Mayor Mcsweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS: Warrants effective April 15, 2026, in the amount of $672,527.45 (Warrant Register is on file with the City Clerk) OLD BUSINESS:
1. CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ELECTRIC FLEET
TRANSITION PROGRAM - AUTHORIZATION TO INSTALL CHARGING
STATIONS AT CIVIC CENTER AND PURCHASE ELECTRIC VEHICLE
Administrative Analyst Hamilton presented a request for authorization to proceed with improvements under the Clean Power Alliance Electric Fleet Transition Program. He provided an update on the City's participation in the grant program, including prior approval of a Ford F-150 Lightning truck and remaining grant funds.
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OLD BUSINESS (continued):
Due to cost constraints, staff recommended a reduced scope consisting of the purchase of a Ford Mustang Mach-E for City use and the replacement of existing charging stations and installation of additional charging stations at the Civic Center. Mr. Hamilton noted that all costs would be reimbursed through grant funding and that the proposed actions support sustainability and fleet operations.
City Council discussion addressed charging station limitations and responsibility for payment of charging costs.
Councilmember Davis moved that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute agreements within the Council approved budget of $143,404 to replace the existing charging stations and install two additional charging stations at the Civic Center and $45,000 to purchase a new 2026 Ford Mach-E as part of the Clean Power Alliance Electric Fleet Transition Program Agreement. Mayor Pro Tern Halpern seconded the motion.
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tern
Halpern, and Mayor Mcsweeney
None
None
None
Mayor Mcsweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. REVIEW OF THE COMPENSATION STUDY FINDINGS AND APPROVAL OF
RELATED SALARY RANGE ADJUSTMENTS
City Manager de Geus introduced the item and provided background on the City's comprehensive classification and compensation study, which is conducted by an outside consultant every four years. Matt Weatherly, President of Public Sector Personnel Consultants, presented the findings.
Mr. Weatherly summarized the study methodology, which included a review of job classifications, salary ranges, and total compensation compared with comparable cities. He reported that the City's benefits were found to be competitive. The study recommended adjusting salary ranges to achieve a narrower, market-consistent spread and implementing select market adjustments to certain classifications to align salaries with median market levels, effective July 1, 2026.
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NEW BUSINESS (continued):
On April 3, 2026, the Administrative Committee (Mcsweeney/Halpern) reviewed the study and unanimously supported the recommendations. The City Council considered approval of the compensation study recommendations for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget.
City Council discussion included clarification of the proposed minimum, midpoint, and maximum monthly salary ranges and the associated salary differentials. The Council noted that this structure provides the City Manager with the flexibility and tools necessary to attract and retain high-quality staff.
Mayor Pro Tern Halpern moved that the City Council approve the Compensation Study recommendations to be included in the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, including adjusting salary ranges to the 40% spread consistent with market trends.
Councilmember Pearl seconded the motion.
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tern
Halpern, and Mayor Mcsweeney
None
None
None
Mayor Mcsweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
2. APPROVAL OF A THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH VASQUEZ AND
COMPANY LLP FOR AUDITING SERVICES
Assistant City Manager Wilson presented a request for approval of a three-year professional services agreement with Vasquez and Company, LLP to provide independent auditing services beginning with Fiscal Year 2025-26. She reviewed the City's legal requirement for an annual audit, summarized the competitive request for proposals process, and recommended selection of Vasquez and Company based on qualifications, experience, and proposal evaluation. Ms.
Wilson noted that engaging in a new firm ensures compliance with state audit partner rotation requirements and that sufficient funding is included in the City's budget.
Ms. Wilson introduced Vasquez and Company's team including Cristy Canieda, Partner and Government Practice Leader, Roger Martinez, Partner and Audit Practice Leader, and Rhoda Dollaga, Audit Senior Manager. Mr. Martinez addressed the City Council providing a presentation of Vasquez and Company and the services they will be providing to the City. He described their audit approach focused on understanding City operations, evaluating internal controls, and ----- - --------- -----
City of Westlake Village
NEW BUSINESS (continued):
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reviewing information technology systems to support a thorough and effective audit. The firm emphasized its ability to meet required timelines and deliver high-quality audit services aligned with the City's needs.
On April 13, 2026, the Administrative Committee (Mcsweeney/Halpern) received a presentation from the Vasquez team and had the opportunity to ask questions regarding their engagement. The Committee recommended that the agreement be moved to the full City Council for approval.
City Council discussion included the clarification of the scope of the information technology (IT) component, explaining that IT general controls and key financial systems would be reviewed as part of the audit to support internal control assessment and audit reliability.
Councilmember Davis moved that the City Council approve a three-year agreement with Vasquez and Company, LLP incorporating the rates and charges contained in the firm's cost proposal and authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract on behalf of the City. Councilmember Honig seconded the motion.
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tern
Halpern, and Mayor Mcsweeney
None
None
None
Mayor Mcsweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Mcsweeney adjourned the meeting at 9: 18 p.m.
~<ti~ ~ Susan Mcsweeney, Mayor
Attest:
Antoinette Mann, City Clerk