Calabasas, City of

The special city council study session was convened to review and discuss the long-term financial sustainability of current services and explore revenue enhancement measures for the general fund, providing direction to staff. The discussion focused on financial forecasting, utilizing a 10-year historical analysis to project expenses outpacing revenues, resulting in a structural deficit. Staff detailed that previous cost-saving initiatives, including utilizing ARPA funds for park and community center renovations, reallocating $1.6 million in general fund costs, reducing personnel costs by approximately $700,000, and finding $300,000 in discretionary savings, were insufficient to close the projected deficit. It was emphasized that the issue is primarily a revenue concern, as potential cost reductions of $1.25 million would still leave a deficit. The methodology behind the financial projections, including the use of historical averages to create an escalator for forecasting future costs, was explained in detail.

The meeting served as a presentation and discussion for the revamped Seasons of Service program for teens. The discussion detailed the program's mission to provide meaningful impact opportunities and skill-building through hands-on involvement. Key components of the updated program structure are 'Serve' (focusing on community service, teamwork, and leadership through partnerships like tree planting and duffel bag packing), 'Connect' (focusing on social networking, including city council meeting attendance and meeting with city staff), and 'Grow' (focusing on skill development through workshops such as mental health awareness, office etiquette, resume building, and budgeting). Goals included increasing retention and participation growth to 8 to 10 active teens per season. Budget allocation details were presented, focusing on volunteer t-shirts, excursions, snacks, and class materials, with an annual budget of $7,500. Future plans included specific summer events like concerts and a 4th of July Fun Run, and fall events like the Pumpkin Festival. Commissioners provided positive feedback on the professionalism and civic engagement aspects, while raising questions regarding mandatory participation requirements and communication strategies with teens versus parents.

The special meeting convened following a closed session where the City Council considered two items: a public employee performance evaluation for the City Manager and a conference with the real property negotiator regarding the property at 27040 Malibu Hills Road. The main agenda item involved a public hearing for the consideration and adoption of Resolution 2022-1778, which adopts a revised 2021-22 Housing Element update to the Calabasas 2030 General Plan to secure certification from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Staff presented revisions addressing four specific comments received from HCD concerning affirmatively furthering fair housing (by adding specific milestones and metrics), the feasibility of adding 72 units at the Avalon Apartments property (Site Number 8), analysis of permitting processes as regulatory constraints (by exempting certain future housing sites from community forum requirements), and demonstrating outreach to all economic segments during the public participation process. The Council was asked to adopt the revised housing element to gain HCD certification.

The meeting's agenda included discussions regarding an upcoming joint meeting on February 2nd with Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and security teams, focusing on crime statistics, particularly residential burglaries, other crime trends, the use of FLOCK cameras (automatic license plate readers), and speeding/reckless driving issues. It was noted that the February 2nd meeting would be more focused than a previously envisioned workshop. Commission members were invited to attend the February 2nd event as citizens, due to Brown Act considerations. Additionally, a presentation on Zone Haven, an evacuation software utilized in Los Angeles County, was planned for the following week. Commissioner input was sought regarding the effectiveness of current traffic enforcement, including the use of a mobile speed radar device, and the role of VOPS (Volunteer Officer Patrol Service) in traffic control and restricted parking areas.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda. Commissioners reported on external activities, including a presentation on Artificial Intelligence (referred to as Humanology) by Scott Slotssky to the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District board. The consent calendar, including minutes from February 20th and Resolution 2025-806, was approved. New business consisted of an educational session detailing the structure of the Community Development Department (including Administration, Planning, Building and Safety, and Code Enforcement divisions) and the specific mandated duties of the Planning Commission, such as reviewing the General Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, specific plans, and zoning ordinance amendments. The presentation differentiated between ministerial and discretionary land use entitlements and introduced the concept of Objective Design Standards mandated by the state for certain housing projects.