[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6587560,"mediaKeyId","5582710-a9ab7bd5dd71751e6d6af77a7bd1eb26","parentId",5582710,"title","Votes at a glance: Agoura Hills City Council (Aug. 13, 2025)","audioSeconds",8493,"startMs",726000,"endMs",9219000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5582710-a9ab7bd5dd71751e6d6af77a7bd1eb26&start=726&end=9219","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5582710-a9ab7bd5dd71751e6d6af77a7bd1eb26/thumbnail_726000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6587560/Agoura-Hills/Los-Angeles-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Agoura-Hills-City-Council-Aug-13-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587560-87997168a78a6516f41c9433e418f182/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174262&Signature=VIZNCtPXthrZYXp14cwIjf7QsS~xruG4qxW0U-01DBjHDLLXDciJJg6Do-tQkZx013rAdweTr1UKkKQIL5xTO9E9aROIZCzI3HfMSw0Tmkzix-i57dI5Odn-lb0Ov-sLF7qT~st9T8n1C73fhgy1Jd46WQ1T1BAWaulVJiL1JeHWddBXg7IuT2sQu5vFwqoh2vYaNWq9AxDNqZ5HML3mDRjq4PYa-OygSLV2GaYi0R-jXENeoHrQ7SWzZgmN1oHkn~Y-1uGM1BvvhTCV0O8wxpAfDdng29aBNZjU0kJx2v1chyAnF7pAxspelM6R6thEM5A3hnWS11MQfK7DsXjoDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Agoura Hills","date","2025-08-14T16:55:13Z","article","Here are the key votes taken by the Agoura Hills City Council on Aug. 13, 2025. All roll calls were recorded in the meeting minutes.

1) Consent calendar item 4 — Clean Power Alliance (CPA) agreement (consent approval)
• Action: Approve contract with Clean Power Alliance for the Energized Communities Program (consent calendar).
• Discussion: Council reviewed whether Council member Deborah Klein Lopez should participate because she serves as the city‑appointed CPA board member; the city attorney advised no conflict because she serves in that role as the city’s appointee and receives no salary. Klein Lopez disclosed the appointment; no member reported a disqualifying financial interest.
• Motion/second: Council member Deborah Klein Lopez moved; Mayor Pro Tem Jeremy Wolf seconded.
• Vote: 5‑0 (Anderson, Anstead, Klein Lopez, Wolf, Mayor Sylvester — all aye).

2) Item 10 — Solid waste hauler contract (direction to negotiate)
• Action: Direct staff to pursue negotiations to extend a franchise agreement with incumbent Waste Management (Option 1) and return with negotiated terms, while preserving the option to pursue an RFP if negotiations fail.
• Motion/second: Council member Chris Anstead moved; Council member Anderson seconded.
• Vote: 5‑0.

3) Item 11 — Economic development/downtown concept plan and code changes
• Action: Approve staff recommendations to proceed with a $50,000 concept plan for a potential downtown/activity center and pursue zoning/code amendments and administrative procedures to help businesses (broader use categories, flexible parking for experiential uses, administrative alcohol approvals with notice and appeal path).
• Motion/second: Mayor Pro Tem Jeremy Wolf moved; Council member Deborah Klein Lopez seconded.
• Vote: 5‑0.

4) Item 12 — Liberty Canyon Linkage funding
• Action: Approve a $25,000 contribution from the City’s Open Space Fund to support the MRCA’s pre‑application to the Wildlife Conservation Board to acquire approximately 56.2 acres adjacent to Wallace Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.
• Motion/second: Mayor Pro Tem Jeremy Wolf moved; Council member Deborah Klein Lopez seconded.
• Vote: 5‑0.

5) Item 13 — Letter re: Zone 0 regulations (Board of Forestry)
• Action: Approve and send a council letter urging the California Board of Forestry to adopt a science‑based, locally‑sensitive approach to proposed Zone 0 defensible‑space rules, preserve home‑hardening emphasis, and include clear appeal and notice processes.
• Motion/second: Council member Chris Anstead moved; Council member Deborah Klein Lopez seconded.
• Vote: 5‑0.

Notes: Other routine votes included adoption of the meeting agenda and consent calendar (consent calendar approved 5‑0 minus item 4 which was pulled and then approved separately as noted above).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Agoura Hills City Council Meeting - August 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of key actions and roll‑call outcomes from the Aug. 13 Agoura Hills City Council meeting.","taxTitle","Agoura Hills, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",57347,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587564,"Agoura Hills urges balanced, science‑based approach to proposed statewide 'Zone 0' wildfire rules",1679,7540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5582710-a9ab7bd5dd71751e6d6af77a7bd1eb26&start=7540&end=9219","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5582710-a9ab7bd5dd71751e6d6af77a7bd1eb26/thumbnail_7540000.jpg","/articles/6587564/Agoura-Hills/Los-Angeles-County/California/Agoura-Hills-urges-balanced-sciencebased-approach-to-proposed-statewide-Zone-0-wildfire-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587564-4ad85aa4225efbaa35e7fe047f7ebcd3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174262&Signature=o5lfhqto0JHfy0uSss3hEk93fpfuInk051CcmPKYx1qc9rJr3FEgbIzGbouvuGwVNUc3qN78IFpk09~egIM9rh9UNZfEu-vrPb6Yiq2YkaXsy2LMQd5s7UEMn4f9tK~BYroq8ntweFgCTEAmkZm5sdmYy7Tx8Qcuj3GQHY96v7Inegq~G993xBNdclFiYVcjemleKak4aJWoVO4BKJ5rzntQExr~Yfuy7Wt1VAiZqOR6shS8YnA4F5RRuE8wLhHXVmY1AmF9NnaS~zL18xayVKoYs-~oIsJHiJM0LvP1tu8EKVGBjhfRnmmZFZZLZq1oY7LGw3y-sTOvZWi2bmYM8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Agoura Hills City Council unanimously approved a letter to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection asking the board to adopt a balanced, science‑based approach to proposed “Zone 0” regulations that would affect vegetation directly adjacent to structures in high fire hazard zones.

Mayor Penny Sylvester, who requested the item, said the proposed regulations built off AB 3074 and could require removal of vegetation within five feet of structures statewide. Sylvester said she supports home hardening measures but raised concerns about a rigid, statewide mandate that could force removal of trees and other vegetation that provide biodiversity, shade and other environmental benefits.

“The legislation called for an ember‑resistant zone, not a non‑combustible zone,” Mayor Sylvester said, summarizing the original intent of AB 3074; she urged the Board of Forestry to ensure clarity, regional variation and homeowner protections before rules are finalized.

Public comment and expert input cited by the council included work by researchers at the University of California; council members referenced studies and expressed the need for peer review and regional nuance. Jay Crutcher, speaking during public comment, urged the council to consider low‑humidity, high‑wind conditions and cited research stating that Zone 0 can materially reduce structure ignition risk from flame contact and radiant heat if implemented with defensible‑space maintenance.

Council member Deborah Klein Lopez and other members urged the board to avoid a rushed, sacrosanct, one‑size‑fits‑all rule. Klein Lopez noted practical enforcement questions — how hydrants, homeowners’ costs and appeals would be handled — and urged science‑based, implementable solutions.

Council members stressed two consistent aims: they want aggressive home hardening and defensible‑space practices that reduce ignition risk and at the same time want to preserve biodiversity and avoid unintended consequences from blanket vegetation removal. The council’s letter asks the board to allow local discretion, consider environmental tradeoffs, require clear appeal and notice processes, and rely on peer‑reviewed science rather than limited or insurance‑industry literature.

Council member Chris Anstead moved to approve the letter; Council member Deborah Klein Lopez seconded. The motion carried 5‑0.

What happens next: staff will transmit the council’s letter and the council asked staff to continue to monitor Board of Forestry hearings and public workshops so the council can provide further comment as rule language is developed.","The council unanimously approved a letter to the California Board of Forestry urging a measured, science‑based approach to any Zone 0 regulation that would mandate vegetation removal adjacent to structures; the mayor emphasized support for home hardening while warning against one‑size‑fits‑all vegetative removal.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587568,"Agoura Hills pledges $25,000 toward MRCA bid to protect 56-acre Liberty Canyon parcel",4668,5337000,10005000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5582710-a9ab7bd5dd71751e6d6af77a7bd1eb26&start=5337&end=10005","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5582710-a9ab7bd5dd71751e6d6af77a7bd1eb26/thumbnail_5337000.jpg","/articles/6587568/Agoura-Hills/Los-Angeles-County/California/Agoura-Hills-pledges-25000-toward-MRCA-bid-to-protect-56-acre-Liberty-Canyon-parcel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587568-ad117b436c156560b5a99333933c94bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174262&Signature=fjC7SubndCILXQ9joLGFf5ODa1XB3OxVi4QlXFyWw1cfMpB5Ladb2TrSeLGQdZiO-tg6nDFwRBqEUjRoMoEE1d1fE-jUQ9dJMZJV-5Qmk14ZP6l2H-O5c3XjRAQ9xuuJEkgPqyaYe1jt~GyaTC-C5Un85z1z8BGBRc-pJecDziVhusElArslXccdgmlQeCyFFPi2a5kJwARSjLmd1frsCQT8op9ZGhScStOfpO1NjznciQrBWnQQHoG8fkFrdTs840~DMdoQC~Zm0V7Jk85LuZk6T5Sg3BILqQo3wyh1X1XShQIUzyEzAG7beQreW-7uYAl22c~7JMKm42D~GtI6aw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Agoura Hills City Council voted 5‑0 to commit $25,000 from the city’s Open Space Fund as part of a coalition supporting the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority’s (MRCA) bid to acquire roughly 56.2 acres east of Cornell and south of Agoura Road, land the MRCA says is critical to wildlife linkage and viewshed protection.

Assistant City Manager Ramiro Adeva explained that the MRCA approached the city seeking financial support for a pre‑application to the state’s Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB). The MRCA proposed that, if acquired, the parcel would be added to MRCA’s managed conservation lands and serve as a buffer adjacent to the Wallace Annenberg Wildlife Crossing and MRCA‑owned properties such as Triangle Ranch and Cornerstone Ranch.

Staff said the parcel is currently listed for sale and that sellers previously had an asking price appraised near $21 million but had negotiated a reduced asking price of approximately $13 million. The MRCA’s pre‑application requests $8 million from the Wildlife Conservation Board; other pledged or proposed contributions cited in the packet include $3 million from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (Prop 40‑type funds), $2 million from private philanthropy and $100,000 from MRCA itself.

The city’s proposed $25,000 is a commitment to strengthen the funding coalition and would be recorded in the pre‑application. City staff clarified that the city is not expected to buy or maintain the property; the intent is to support acquisition by MRCA, which would assume long‑term stewardship if the purchase proceeds. Staff also noted the city has approximately $116,000 in its Open Space Fund available in the current fiscal year.

Supporters on the council said the parcel is biologically significant and that this is a rare opportunity to expand protected wildlife linkage inside the city. Council member Jeremy Wolf highlighted the parcel’s biodiversity (including sensitive plant occurrences) and viewshed protection as reasons to participate in a funding coalition. Bill Tucker, a local property stakeholder, and Danielle Borgia of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of the city’s participation.

Council member Chris Anstead moved the staff recommendation to contribute $25,000 and to authorize the city manager to proceed with pre‑application steps; Council member Deborah Klein Lopez seconded. The motion passed 5‑0.

Next steps: staff will notify the Wildlife Conservation Board of the city’s commitment, continue coordination with MRCA and report back to council as the grant application progresses.

Clarifying detail: the packet cites an original seller appraisal near $21 million with a negotiated sale price of about $13 million; the MRCA’s pre‑application to the WCB requests $8 million in WCB funds while listing other pledged contributions.","The council approved a $25,000 commitment from the city’s Open Space Fund to support a Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) pre‑application to the Wildlife Conservation Board to acquire approximately 56.2 acres adjacent to the Wallace Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587573,"Agoura Hills council approves downtown concept planning work and code changes to speed business approvals",5104,3761000,8865000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5582710-a9ab7bd5dd71751e6d6af77a7bd1eb26&start=3761&end=8865","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5582710-a9ab7bd5dd71751e6d6af77a7bd1eb26/thumbnail_3761000.jpg","/articles/6587573/Agoura-Hills/Los-Angeles-County/California/Agoura-Hills-council-approves-downtown-concept-planning-work-and-code-changes-to-speed-business-approvals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587573-fa4959dd214c8bf5023129da50089dc3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174262&Signature=k6RZb-3gA0lFk3RyWiE8gUROHG7U2KVFsvUxTu22TcWEzHGrkDJDdw2EBYhT11zbuv9HZfUugSnoyRkJaaqdJWjCgT54-hg18ir0nzcumFejZSAmU~DKhhiga0UZhhy5Ol4tyMEbnh-yz7y6cHkqx2OyE5ugMLWauZ2IppcAf4GjlChLmftZ0MZ78k~QBRiv20pP7Cll7pf-1So9Ct2bHI1MbNGK20H6cAbP2GeXTSzwYiFO~d0J3tYKr8APukSq88pZVAEdu3a7hcu9EGltte2EipJuT8zE3v58Xf0ZArKqHiZQOIbUzoIQxMtygWeqDTmz1hWEAKikAZHqir9IrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Agoura Hills City Council voted 5‑0 to advance a two‑track economic development effort: hire a consultant to produce a high‑level concept plan for a potential activity center (budgeted at $50,000 in the current fiscal year) and pursue zoning code changes designed to streamline and speed approvals for businesses.

Assistant City Manager Ramiro Adeva presented the update and said staff and the economic development subcommittee have spent months meeting with shopping‑center owners, commercial real estate brokers, the Chamber of Commerce and local business owners. Amy Brink, Director of Community Services, and Communications Manager Mary Haddad summarized outreach: two business‑and‑breakfast sessions (50–70 attendees each), a new business newsletter, a “business highlight” campaign on social media, and a community economic survey that recorded about 86 responses.

The survey found 51% of respondents shop or dine in Agoura Hills weekly but 86% reported leaving the city to shop or dine; Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Calabasas were listed most frequently as destinations. Respondents said they would most like to see specialty grocery stores (57%), more restaurants and high‑end dining (50%), more alcohol‑serving establishments (41%) and wellness/fitness businesses (30%).

Community Development Director Denise Thomas recommended three zoning/code changes to reduce barriers for new and existing businesses: (1) broaden the city’s use table and grant the director clearer discretion to approve similar uses so applicants aren’t automatically required to pursue time‑consuming zoning amendments; (2) make parking calculations more flexible for new tenants — including allowing administrative reductions and recognizing experiential uses (tasting rooms, small performance venues) with lower parking demand; and (3) allow administrative approvals for common restaurant alcohol licenses with neighborhood notice and an escalation path to the Planning Commission if needed.

Adeva described the $50,000 concept plan as a first, high‑level deliverable to test site feasibility and stakeholder interest. The draft schedule in the packet anticipated a six‑month contract with public workshops and subcommittee updates; staff said the work would inform FY2026–27 budgeting if the council decides to pursue subsequent steps. Adeva and Director Thomas stressed that a consultant is needed to produce market‑and‑site analysis and to help structure potential public–private partnership scenarios.

Council discussion touched on scope and priorities. Council member Anstead asked that staff consider all major commercial centers, not only the parcel across from City Hall, when recommending sites; Adeva warned a full city‑wide study would likely exceed $50,000 and suggested the initial concept plan be targeted but followed with a larger study if the council desired. Council member Anderson and others asked staff to return with concrete timelines and service‑level expectations for any code changes. Council member Klein Lopez asked that staff model rate and cost implications for businesses where relevant and acknowledged the city’s limited resources for broad consultant work.

Mayor Pro Tem Jeremy Wolf moved to approve the staff recommendations to proceed with the concept plan work and to pursue the code amendments and administrative procedures described; Council member Deborah Klein Lopez seconded. The motion passed 5‑0.

What to expect: staff will issue a scope for a concept‑plan consultant, start stakeholder outreach and return with draft code amendment language and recommended administrative procedures (including recommended notice and appeal procedures) for the council to consider.","Council approved directing staff to proceed with a $50,000 concept plan for a potential activity center near City Hall and to pursue zoning/code changes intended to simplify use determinations, parking flexibility, and administrative approvals for restaurants and alcohol licenses.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587578,"Agoura Hills council directs staff to negotiate extension with Waste Management for residential hauling",1557,2233000,3790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5582710-a9ab7bd5dd71751e6d6af77a7bd1eb26&start=2233&end=3790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5582710-a9ab7bd5dd71751e6d6af77a7bd1eb26/thumbnail_2233000.jpg","/articles/6587578/Agoura-Hills/Los-Angeles-County/California/Agoura-Hills-council-directs-staff-to-negotiate-extension-with-Waste-Management-for-residential-hauling","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587578-0b08ae36f8e69b25355238f5334640ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174262&Signature=hRUCeo6AfF5Xa3PKLh8uMGQlbsm~rkVxl5US9wTjut04ExAtU6aImo7mGMNJxdll9WfbpoEEic77uGSDr-ZWtCAz~HNhDx2bttDL6Tm8F2-1J5UdJDIs244BUQjsJ7qzLNEQ50q98jjYyUCGzZS22KYkYdA6Ne1JdWoQJ6irArj5ecmQhr6xJNKyqEMkkHstFahJOyveGUAtVgvj-XX91jZlbTGkz9dNXm4yRf3kcLPr-ynToAPpY1BVmZvHBhMLtJ33z2A3mWzI5xJFlEhV6599QpWw~xdvYJJAPs3ukruWWojVgoTNnuWj6NhS4VM23aWNdflIe7wTnSEI5GP71w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Agoura Hills City Council voted unanimously to begin negotiating a contract extension with Waste Management (WM) for residential and multifamily solid waste services, while keeping an open option to issue a competitive request for proposals (RFP) if negotiations fail.

Assistant City Manager Ramiro Adeva told the council the city’s exclusive franchise agreement with WM, in place since January 2017, expires June 30, 2027, and staff recommends starting negotiations now because extending the existing provider is likely to be a faster process than issuing an RFP. “Option 1 is to negotiate and extend with the current residential waste hauler,” Adeva said, describing that route as roughly a six‑month process compared with about 12 months for an RFP and transition.

The recommendation reflected three practical priorities: continuity of service, meeting California diversion mandates, and allowing staff time to avoid service disruption during any transition. Adeva emphasized that any negotiated terms would take effect after the current contract’s expiration; staff is not proposing mid‑term changes to the existing agreement.

Waste Management representatives told the council they want to remain the city’s provider. Justin Hansinger, representing WM, said the company performs about 816,000 lifts in Agoura Hills annually and maintains a 99.9% service accuracy rate there. Steve Lee, WM’s district manager, added that he and his operations team keep direct contact with city staff and are prepared to respond when service problems occur.

Council members said they favored starting with negotiations but stressed that the city must protect residents’ pocketbooks. Council member Anderson noted that Agoura Hills currently pays higher residential rates than some neighboring cities and pressed staff to return with rate‑model scenarios and service benchmarks when negotiations advance. “If there is going to be any kind of steep jump, I would like to discuss a pathway to that,” Council member Deborah Klein Lopez said, asking staff and WM for modeled rate projections and scenarios when terms are negotiated.

Mayor Pro Tem Jeremy Wolf and other council members also cited WM’s local presence, investments (including clean‑fleet projects discussed by WM), and a long service history as reasons to try negotiations first. Council member Chris Anstead moved to pursue Option 1 (negotiate and extend with WM); Council member Anderson seconded. The motion passed 5‑0.

What happens next: staff will begin formal negotiations with WM under direction from the council. If negotiations do not produce acceptable terms, the city retains time to launch an RFP and manage a transition before the June 30, 2027 contract expiration.

Clarifying details noted during the meeting included several rate comparisons provided by staff: Agoura Hills current residential 64‑gallon rate cited in the packet was $29.35 versus Thousand Oaks at $27.21 for the same container size; 96‑gallon rates cited were $36.63 for Agoura Hills and $30.80 for Thousand Oaks. Adeva and the council emphasized those comparisons are part of the information staff will use to inform any renegotiation.

The council’s decision preserves continuity of service for residents while requiring staff to pursue cost and service details in forthcoming negotiations.","The council voted 5-0 to pursue negotiations with current residential hauler Waste Management for a new franchise agreement ahead of the contract expiration in June 2027, with the option to issue a competitive RFP if talks fail.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Agoura Hills City Council (Aug. 13, 2025)

Agoura Hills urges balanced, science‑based approach to proposed statewide 'Zone 0' wildfire rules

Agoura Hills pledges $25,000 toward MRCA bid to protect 56-acre Liberty Canyon parcel

Agoura Hills council approves downtown concept planning work and code changes to speed business approvals

Agoura Hills council directs staff to negotiate extension with Waste Management for residential hauling