New mayor, city council take oath in Agoura

Denis Weber Agoura Hills Mayor Pro Tem Denis Weber took the oath of office as the city’s new mayor at Monday night’s city council reorganization meeting. The event included a farewell ceremony honoring outgoing Mayor Ed Corridori and Councilmember Jeff Reinhardt, who retired. Activities were at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center.

William Koehler and Harry Schwarz, both longtime planning commissioners for the city, were sworn in as the newest members of the city council.

Weber launched his third term as mayor with a promise to forge a productive partnership with the business community. He called for an “aggressive outreach” to local business owners to better understand their unique needs. Rather than hold “mixers,” he told the full house of friends, family and local and regional government officials that the city will launch partnerships with businesses through “quiet dialogue.” The goal, he said, was for businesses “to not only survive, but to thrive.”

Weber also gave a pledge to meet with members of local neighborhood associations to determine their needs and goals. And he said he wants to strengthen the relationship between the city and the Las Virgenes Unified School District.

“We realize our children are our legacy,” Weber said, adding that the city could help “shape their mind, bodies and souls.”

Weber noted that during his term as mayor the new Kanan Interchange will finally be completed. Although the construction will be stressful to residents, Weber said it “will be worth it when it’s done.”

Corridori and Reinhardt were recognized for their dedication to the city. Mayor Pro Tem Dan Kuperberg said Corridori had been the “voice of calm” and the “unifying force” on the council.

“I can’t imagine the city council without Ed,” said Kuperberg.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky compared Corridori to Abraham Lincoln for his understated demeanor and reasoned judgments. “He’s a man of incredible integrity,” said Yaroslavsky.

Corridori, the outgoing mayor, applauded the city’s achievements during 2005, including the inaugural Reyes Adobe Days and the securing of $4 million in federal funds to help pay for the Kanan project.

Corridori noted the completion of a draft environmental report for Agoura Village, which he said would be similar to a “European Village.” A new fire station is being built in the city, Corridori said, and a disaster response team has been “rejuvenated.”

Other highlights of the year included the installation of new monument signs in all city parks, the implementation of an Agoura Hills TV channel and an upgraded city website and newsletter.

The city also brought forward a new sign and lighting ordinance to help business owners, Corridori said.

Financially, Agoura Hills has balanced its budget and has “healthy reserves,” he said.

Reinhardt was honored for his many years of service to the city as both a planning commissioner and a city council member. Yaroslavsky said Reinhardt was a leader in transportation issues and that his eight years on the council created a “legacy” for the city.

In his farewell speech, Reinhardt said that “no one stands up here alone,” and that his accomplishments were built on the “shoulders of many.”

The reduction of pole signs in the city coupled with utilities being placed underground and the commitment to open space will be appreciated by residents for many years to come, he said.

“I can’t help but think our future is in excellent hands,” Reinhardt said. The future was so bright, he said, that he had to wear “shades.”

Koehler, who has served on the planning commission for 12 years, said that he looks forward to working with the business community and hopes to find creative ways to partner with the school district. Koehler, who’s a member of the Agoura Village task force, is enthusiastic about bringing the Agoura Village plan to fruition. He said that the plan will result in a new town center.

Koehler pledged to embrace the same principles that the community was founded upon, including a commitment to open space and maintaining Agoura Hills’ “small town ambience.”

Schwarz talked about his pride as an American citizen. He recounted his experience as a child, standing next to his parents when they became United States citizens. Because his parents were Holocaust survivors, Schwarz he never takes the freedoms of America for granted.