Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Adam, Newman, 5-Gutierrez, Engler, Taylor
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Student Visionaries Recognition
- The Council recognized three high school students for their "Team Rollover Cancer" campaign.
- The students presented on their efforts to raise $68,000 for Blood Cancer United.
- The group received the Patient Support Award for their fundraising and advocacy work.
Film Permit Ordinance and Related Fees
- Staff proposed replacing the 1997 ordinance with a flexible administrative policy framework.
- The new model eliminates fixed fees in favor of an à la carte cost-recovery system.
- Permit processing will transition to the Cultural and Community Services Department.
- The Council adopted the ordinance to repeal and replace the existing filming regulations.
Solar Panel Canopy Replacement at Los Robles Greens
- Staff selected Pavletich Electric for a $364,209 design-build contract to repair a damaged array.
- The project is estimated to be completed in under eight months with a 28-month payback period.
- The Council adopted a resolution awarding the contract and finding the project CEQA exempt.
2026 Active Transportation Plan
- Staff presented a draft plan updating the 2019 ATP to reflect changing travel patterns.
- The plan prioritizes 36 bike corridor improvements and 34 proposed sidewalks.
- Data showed a 24% decrease in bicycle and pedestrian collisions between 2020 and 2024.
- The Council adopted the resolution approving the plan and its CEQA exemption.
Department Report
- A public speaker requested an environmental review regarding the Athens franchise agreement.
- The Council adopted the department report and approved staff recommendations one through three.
Closed Session
- The Council discussed four pending litigation matters involving Greenberg, Greene, and GI Industries.
- The City Clerk reported no action items resulting from the closed session.
Full summary
Call to Order, Roll Call, and Pledge of Allegiance
- The City Council meeting was called to order with all members present. Following the roll call, the Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Closed Session
- The Council entered a closed session to discuss four pending litigation matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.98: Greenberg v. City of Thousand Oaks, Greene v. City of Thousand Oaks, and two matters involving GI Industries v. City of Thousand Oaks. Upon reconvening, the City Clerk reported no action items from the session.
Special Presentation: Student Visionaries of the Year
- The Council recognized three high school students—Kate Vaughn, Madison Link, and Cadence Lee—for their participation in the Student Visionaries of the Year program hosted by Blood Cancer United. The students presented on their campaign, "Team Rollover Cancer," which raised $68,000 in seven weeks and won the Patient Support Award. The presentation detailed their efforts in fundraising, advocacy, and patient support.
Public Comments
- Five individuals provided public comments. Three speakers addressed the display of the national motto "In God We Trust" in city chambers, offering arguments regarding constitutional interpretation, national unity, and the separation of church and state. One speaker inquired whether the City provides legal counsel to homeowners regarding disputes with Homeowners Associations (HOAs). The City Attorney responded that HOAs are private entities and the City cannot provide legal advice on private contract disputes, though community resources may be available. A final speaker responded to the religious display comments, emphasizing inclusivity and citing Supreme Court case law.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve the consent calendar. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 10A: Film Permit Ordinance and Related Fees
- The Council opened a public hearing to consider amending the film permit ordinance and related fees. Staff presented a report noting that the existing 1997 ordinance was too rigid and that a $5,000 expedite fee deterred filming. Staff proposed replacing the ordinance with a framework allowing the City Manager to adopt administrative policies, eliminating the per-day administrative fee and the expedite fee in favor of an "à la carte" cost-recovery model. The proposal also included transitioning permit processing to the Cultural and Community Services Department and tailoring notification requirements based on filming impact.
- During discussion, Councilmembers inquired about staff guidance for the new policy, marketing efforts, filming hours, and accommodations for small productions. Staff clarified that the policy would allow for tailored requirements and that fees are intended for cost recovery. Public speakers from the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce and TO Arts supported the changes, citing the deterrent effect of current fees and suggesting a tiered fee structure and specific categories for digital content creators. Staff acknowledged these suggestions, noting the administrative policy allows for adjustments based on feedback.
- Councilmember Adams moved to approve Agenda Item 10A, adopting the ordinance amending the Municipal Code regarding commercial filming and repealing and replacing Title 4, Chapter 8. Councilmember Engler seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 10B: Solar Panel Canopy Replacement at Los Robles Greens Golf Course
- The Council opened a public hearing to consider replacing a damaged solar panel canopy at the Los Robles Greens Golf Course. Staff reported that one of three solar arrays was damaged in 2023 and that the original contractor could not meet budget or schedule requirements. Staff selected Pavletich Electric and Communications Incorporated for a design-build contract totaling $364,209, including contingency. The project is estimated to be completed in less than eight months with a payback period of under 28 months. Staff recommended adopting a resolution under Government Code Section 4217, awarding the contract, authorizing expenditures, and finding the project categorically exempt from CEQA.
- The City Clerk confirmed the project is a repair with no addition to solar capacity. With no further public comment or questions, the public hearing was closed. Councilmember Engler moved to adopt the staff recommendations. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 10C: 2026 Active Transportation Plan (ATP)
- The Council opened a public hearing to consider the 2026 Active Transportation Plan. Staff and consultants presented a draft plan updating the 2019 ATP to reflect changing travel patterns and maintain grant eligibility. The presentation highlighted a 24% decrease in bicycle and pedestrian collisions between 2020 and 2024 compared to the previous study period. The plan includes 36 bike corridor improvements, 15 intersection improvements, 34 proposed sidewalks, and various programs, prioritized using the 2025 Active Transportation Program Small Infrastructure Scoring Rubric.
- During discussion, Councilmembers inquired about the correlation between collision reductions and usage, project prioritization, integration with downtown development, and specific safety concerns at the Hillcrest Drive and Lynn Road intersection. Staff clarified that Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) reductions are tracked citywide and that the Hillcrest Drive intersection is currently in design. A public speaker commended the staff's work and urged the Council to allocate city budget resources to advance active transportation beyond grant funding.
- Councilmember Gutierrez moved to adopt the resolution adopting the 2026 Active Transportation Plan and requested a finding that the plan is exempt from CEQA. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 12A: Department Report
- Staff indicated there was no presentation for this item. The public hearing was opened, and one speaker appeared via Zoom to request an environmental review process regarding the Athens franchise agreement, citing differences in waste collection and disposal methods compared to pre-2021 practices.
- Following public comment, Councilmember Adams moved to adopt the department report and staff recommendations one through three. The motion was seconded and passed.
Announcements and Adjournment
- The City Manager announced the agenda for the next regular meeting on April 14, which includes a Crossing Guard Appreciation Week celebration, a presentation by Las Vergenas, a public hearing on a property collaboration with CRPD, a report on the People Self-Help Housing for Sale project, and reports from recent council travels. The meeting was adjourned.