Council of Governments outlines goals

The Las Virgenes/Malibu Council of Governments (COG) was formed by local cities to address issues of mutual concern and find solutions through joint studies and cost-effective, multijurisdictional programs.

After participating in the Ventura COG for many years, the city of Agoura Hills joined the Malibu/Las Virgenes group about nine years ago to develop a variety of programs.

Terry Dipple, COG executive director, recently updated the Agoura Hills City Council on future projects as well as those that have been implemented over the last five years. Dipple's report included the following:

+Project Impact Grant: Dipple said the COG received a $100,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Mangement Agency for emergency preparedness projects and equipment.

+Highway 101 Emergency Traffic Management Plan: The group obtained funding from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to study on the effects of traffic accidents on the 101 Freeway and adjacent neighborhoods.

+Hazard Mitigation Plan: The COG received a $121,000 grant to prepare a multi-city plan.

+U.S. Highway 101 Corridor Study: The group led the way on a $3 million freeway improvement study, but according to Dipple, the study was cut short due to the state budget crisis and opposition by some local homeowners.

+Malibu Creek Watershed Area Management Plan: The COG cities, except for Hidden Hills which participates in the Los Angeles River watershed, contributed funds to prepare the plan along with Los Angeles County.

+"Z" Traffic Study: The COG obtained a $100,000 funding commitment from SCAG to help study the impact of motorists using the canyon roads that link the Pacific Coast Highway to the 101 Freeway.

The COG also wants to establish a policy role in energy issues, Dipple said.

The mayors in each of the member cities rotate on the COG's board of directors.

"It's an interesting board we sit on," Weber said. "It's difficult to get five cities to think the same way."