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Calabasas confirms communications appointment, hears consultant report and introduces ordinance repealing redundant green-building standards
Summary
At its Oct. 6 regular meeting the council confirmed Robert Markowitz to the Communications & Technology Commission, received a six-month progress report from communications consultant Tripepi Smith, adopted proclamations condemning antisemitism and recognizing Anti-Bullying Awareness Month, and introduced an ordinance to repeal the city's older green development standards as redundant with state CalGreen codes.
The Calabasas City Council confirmed the appointment of Robert Markowitz to the Communications & Technology Commission and immediately administered his oath of office during its Oct. 6 regular meeting. The council voted 5-0 to confirm Markowitz and he said he brings about 40 years of technology experience and an interest in expanding fiber-optic service in the city.
Staff then received a six-month progress report from the communications consultant Tripepi Smith (presented by Barbara Buran). The consultant summarized branding and digital-access improvements begun earlier in 2025, reporting growth across social platforms to "over 41,000" followers, newsletter open rates near 59%, and steady website traffic of roughly 20,000 users per month; the consultant said the team had handled 427 website update requests since April and trained city staff to reduce future support requests.
Council members praised creative community engagement efforts and asked for demographic and platform analytics. One council member noted the mayor’s newsletter is performing above industry norms, while another cautioned the charts presented should use consistent axis scales to avoid misrepresentation; staff accepted that feedback.
The council then read and adopted a proclamation condemning antisemitism in all forms and a subsequent proclamation declaring October Anti-Bullying Awareness Month. Multiple council members cited regional incidents and urged continued outreach and school partnerships.
On land-use policy, staff presented background for an ordinance to repeal the city’s 2004 green development standards, saying state CalGreen codes have since grown more stringent and the local program is now redundant. The council introduced Ordinance 2025-415 (repeal of Title 17, Chapter 17.34) and moved it forward by unanimous vote; the matter will proceed through the public-hearing and adoption process.
Other routine business included a brief sheriff’s crime report for August and approval of the consent calendar. The council adjourned to closed session and scheduled its next meeting for Oct. 22, 2025.
What’s next: the appointment is effective immediately; the green-development repeal ordinance will return for public hearing and subsequent council action under the normal ordinance adoption timeline.
