SO WESTLARE VIET
SUSAN MoSWEENEY BRAD HALPERN RAY PEARL NED E DAVIS KELLY HONIG Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
May 13, 2026
CALL TO ORDER:
This regular meeting of the Westlake Village City Council was called to order by Mayor McSweeney on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., at 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor McSweeney invited children under 12 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 Nilson, Planning Director Asp, City Engineer Hughes, Traffic Engineer Mericle, Assistant to the City Manager Mott, Public Works Manager Iverson, Public Services Inspector Mercado, Administrative Analyst Hamilton, Deputy City Clerk Kramer, and Planning Intern Kargodorian.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Mayor Pro Tem Halpern moved to approve the Agenda as presented. 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.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
ouncilmember Honig moved to approve the Minutes of April 15, 2026 Study Sessic nd Special City Council Meeting. Councilmember Davis seconded the motio 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:
Proclamation - Westlake Agoura Girls Softball (WAGS) League for their Community Support
City Council presented a proclamation honoring Westlake Agoura Girls Softball (WAGS) for its longstanding community contributions. Founded in 1985, WAGS serves youth across the Conejo Valley, promoting teamwork, personal growth and positive impact on the athletes.
Mike Hazan, Director of Public Relations & Marketing and his daughter Claire, along with Jean Fitzpatrick and her daughter Holland, addressed the City Council and accepted the proclamation.
Kindness Award Presentation - Ann Bornhoeft, White Oak Elementary Mayor McSweeney invited Jim DePippo and his family to the podium to speak regarding the Cecilia DePippo Kindness Award. Mr. DePippo expressed his appreciation for the invitation and thanked the City for its continued support of his family.
Councilmember Pearl invited Ann Bornhoeft to the podium. The City Council presented the 2026 Cecilia DePippo Kindness Award to Ms. Bornhoeft of White Oak Elementary in recognition of her kindness, compassion, and positive impact on students and the school community. Ms. Bornhoeft accepted the award and conveyed her gratitude for the City's support.
3. Proclamation - Public Works Week, May 17-23, 2026
City Council recognized National Public Works Week, May 17-23, 2026 and honored the City's Public Works team for their essential role in maintaining infrastructure and services. City Engineer Hughes, Traffic Engineer Mericle, Public Works Manager Iverson, Public Services Inspector Mercado, and Engineering Technical Aide Graczyk accepted the proclamation.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Manager de Geus reported on a May 5th water line break at Lindero Canyon and Agoura Road, now repaired with roadway striping restored. Updates were provided on upcoming Pure Water Project phases (2026-2029) and the ongoing Thousand Oaks Boulevard median transformation project with weekday lane closures.
Mr. de Geus reported on community engagement which included recent and upcoming City events, an e-bike safety presentation, and the Berniece Bennett Park playground project ribbon cutting. He stated the Leaf Blower Rebate Program remains open, with strong participation to date.
City Manager de Geus highlighted upcoming Council Committee and City Council agenda items.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
City Council comments included expressions of appreciation for Public Works staff, recognizing their around-the-clock efforts and the wide range of responsibilities they manage, and welcomed new Traffic Engineer Tom Mericle, noting that he has integrated seamlessly into the team.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT FUNDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT - 2026 COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS
Assistant to the City Manager Mott and Administrative Analyst Hamilton presented the 2026 Community Service Grant Program (CSGP), outlining the application process, funding priorities, and recommended allocations. The application period was November 1, 2025 through January 30, 2026, with outreach conducted through multiple channels including the City's website, newsletters, social media, and direct contact with prior applicants.
Eligibility requirements were reviewed, emphasizing that applicant organizations must be nonprofit entities serving the Westlake Village community and directly delivering social, educational, or cultural services.
Administrative Analyst Hamilton explained the funding structure. A total of $125,000 is available for grants, with recommended allocations of $60,000 for social services, $25,000 for cultural programming, and $40,000 for schools. This includes an additional $25,000 added by the Council in 2024, designated specifically for cultural programming.
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
For 2026, Mr. Hamilton stated that the City received 32 applications totaling $287,350 in requests, significantly exceeding the available funding. Requests were distributed across $172,750 for social services, $38, 100 for cultural programming, and $76,500 for schools.
School Organizations Requested Recommendation
Agoura High School Music Program Boosters $5,000 $3,500 Lindero Canyon Middle School $29,000 $14,000
White Oak Parent Faculty Club $22,500 $22,500
White Oak Parent Faculty Club - Arts Program $20,000 $0 TOTAL FOR SCHOOLS $40,000
Cultural Programing Organization Requested Recommendation Camerata Pacifica $2,500 $0
Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation $5,000 $3,500
Conejo Valley Historical Society $3,100 $0
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles $1,000 $0
Los Robles Children's Choir $3,500 $2,500
Lyceum Oaks Youth Orchestra $3,000 $3,000
New West Symphony $5,000 $5,000
Santa Monica Mountains Fund - Community
Education $5,000 $3,200
Santa Monica Mountains Fund - Micro Forest $5,000 $0
Westlake Village Symphony $5,000 $5,000
TOTAL FOR CULTURAL PROGRAMMING $22,200
Social Services Organization Requested Recommendation
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley $7,500 $0
California Wildlife Center $750 $550
Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa
Barbara $10,000 $10,000
Conejo Free Clinic $7,500 $5,500
Conejo Hospice, Inc. $10,000 $9,500
Conejo Valley Senior Concerns - Meals on
Wheels $15,000 $15,000
Harbor House $10,000 $0
Healthcare for Homeless Animals $2,000 $1,000
Los Angeles National Division Sports League $60,000 $0
Los Robles Hospital Volunteers $10,000
Loving Home Hospice for Children $2,000 $0
Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank $5,000 $5,000
Many Mansions $2,500 $2,500
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
Social Services Organization Requested Recommendation
Southeast Ventura County YMCA - Summer
Camp $10,000 $10,000
Southeast Ventura County YMCA - Y Champions $10,000 $3,750 The Heritage Land and Tree Peterson Foundation $4,000 $O Tula'l Mo Samoa $5,000
Villa Esperanza Services $1,500 $0
TOTAL FOR SOCIAL SERVICES $62,800
Staff outlined next steps, including implementation of a new standardized reporting template for grant recipients, preparation of grant agreements for awardees, and distribution of all funds by June 30, 2026.
PUBLIC SPEAKER:
Julie Harvey, representing Senior Concerns, addressed the City Council and expressed gratitude for the City's continued support.
Tish Matthews, Committee Member, stated that serving on the committee was a highly positive experience, highlighting the strong and diverse group of members.
City Council expressed appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the five resident committee members (Marcus Shapiro, Limor Magen, Tish Matthews, Steve Kerman, and Jeff France), noting the significant time and effort required.
Councilmember Davis moved that the City Council approve award of the 2026 Community Services Grant Funds as recommended by the Community Services Grant Advisory Committee. Mayor Pro Tem Halpern seconded the motion.
YES: Councilmembers Honig, Davis, Pearl, Mayor Pro Tem
Halpern, I, and Mayor McSweeney
NO: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor McSweeney declared the motion passed 5-0.
2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE REPORT - PURE WATER PROJECT
UPDATE
City Manager de Geus introduced an update on the Pure Water Project (PWP), overing the recent water main break, Agoura Road restriping, and the Linder Channel ipeline crossing and invited Las Virgenes Municipal Water Distrio City Council Minutes
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued):
(LVMWD) Engineer & Project Manager Oliver Slosser and General Manager Dave Pedersen to the podium.
Mr. Pedersen thanked the Council and reaffirmed LVMWD's commitment to high standards and minimizing impacts. He noted the Pure Water project will improve water reliability and supply up to 30% of local needs. He reported on a recent water main break on Agoura Road, with repairs completed quickly, and stated LVMWD is evaluating proactive replacement of aging pipelines due to poor conditions.
Recommendations will be returned to City committees.
Councilmembers appreciated the update, highlighting the project's long-term value as a second water source despite costs. They emphasized the importance of communication and outreach.
Mr. Slosser described the Pure Water project as an advanced water recycling system linking key facilities and discussed traffic impacts along Agoura Road. He stated that a revised restriping plan maintains speed limits while improving lane transitions and access and noted that construction access to residences will be maintained.
Councilmembers raised concerns about speed limits, worker parking, bike lanes, and safe access to nearby properties. City Council requested that City Manager de Geus coordinate with Agoura Hills on speed consistency. Mayor McSweeney requested regular outreach to key local businesses. Council stressed the need for enhanced public communication, including proactive messaging, detour awareness, and community engagement efforts.
Vr. Sir sing design, each mies co detain duratrote and impero compared to other alternatives.
Councilmembers discussed the visual impact of the pipe installation and suggested evaluating screening after installation to ensure minimal visibility.
City Council thanked LVMWD for the presentation and update.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE REPORT - LINDERO LINEAR PARK
LIGHTING REHABILITATION PROJECT UPDATE
City Engineer Hughes presented the Lindero Linear Park Lighting Rehabilitation Project, aiming to improve pedestrian safety and lighting consistency betweer -oxfield Drive and Agoura Road by upgrading fixtures, reducing glare, ano lowering color temperature
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Ms. Hughes reported that the initial bids exceeded the $125,000 budget, prompting a revised scope. The rebid resulted in a lowest responsive bid of $141,016 from Optima Energy, Inc. Total project costs are estimated at $177,168, with the funding gap addressed by utilizing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Pedestrian Safety Improvements Program budget line item.
On April 20, 2026, the Environmental Committee (Davis/Honig) supported the revised plan and recommended presentation to City Council for consideration.
City Council discussion focused on the project need, safety impacts, and overnight lighting. Public Works Manager Iverson addressed technical questions and confirmed the contractor's experience. City Manager de Geus noted current lighting is inadequate and recommended bringing a contract forward on a future Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC HEARING:
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 14-011, MODIFICATION NO. 4;
RESOLUTION NO. 2451-26
Planning Intern Kargodorian presented a request to continue on-site alcohol for Osteria La Buca at 30760 Russell Ranch Road (CUP 14-011, Modification No. 4), noting the project is consistent with zoning, compatible with surrounding uses, and adequately served by shared parking. The restaurant is a full-service Italian establishment with indoor and patio dining for up to 153 patrons.
Ms. Kargodorian summarized the permit history and explained the request would limit alcohol service to Suite D only.
The Land Use Committee (Halpern/Pearl) reviewed the item on April 1, 2026, raised no objections, and recommended that the permit proceed to the City Council for a Public Hearing.
Applicants (Restaurant owners) Stephen Sakulsky and John Moezzi addressed the Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Halpern moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2451- 26, determining Conditional Use Permit No. 14-011, Modification No. 4 is exempt from CEQA and authorize the continued sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with a restaurant located at 30760 Russell Ranch Road, Suite D (Osteria La Buca). Councilmember Honig seconded the motion.
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PUBLIC HEARING (continued)
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. 2451-2: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 14-011, MODIFICATION NO. 4 TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUED SALE OF ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGES FOR ON-SITE CONSUMPTION IN CONJUNCTION WITH A RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 30760 RUSSELL RANCH ROAD, SUITE D (OSTERIA LA BUCA)
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Davis moved to approve the Consent Calendar. 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.
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS: Warrants effective May 1, 2026 in the amount of $1,885,701.12 (Warrant Register is on file with the City Clerk) GENERAL BUSINESS:
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS - City Council reappointed to the Public Safety Advisory Board Richard "Tex" Williams, 2028. Colburn, and Mary-Ann Parker all with the term ending March 31,
2. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROGRESS PAYMENTS TO BEAR ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS; RESOLUTION NO. 2452-26 - City Council adopted Resolution No. 2452-26
RESOLUTION NO. 2452-26: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE AUTHORIZING OVERSIZED PROGRESS
PAYMENT TO BEAR ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC
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OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor McSweeney adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Attest:
Carve Kroner
Carol Kramer, Deputy City Clerk