New Westlake Village mayor cautious about year ahead

Acorn file photo Bob Slavin Bob Slavin was sworn in as mayor of Westlake Village during the City Council's annual reorganization last week.

The council named Slavin to replace Philippa Klessig, who completed her one-year term. Slavin's term will also be be one year.

City Council member Mark Rutherford was elected mayor pro tem.

Following annual tradition, Klessig, Slavin and Rutherford each spoke, reflecting on the past and highlighting future challenges, including the nationwide and statewide financial crisis and its effect on Westlake Village. Although fiscally sound, the city will have to be "very vigilant this year," Klessig said.

"Too much is happening beyond our control," said the outgoing mayor. "Diversifying our income base and healthy reserves should see us through the ups and downs of our times."

Cuts may be made, Slavin said, but not in the area of fire, police or paramedic services, which remain priorities.

"The good news is our city is in great financial shape, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be doing some belttightening," Slavin said.

The list of accomplishments for 2009 might be less, but that doesn't mean the city will be doing less, Rutherford said. Westlake Village will undertake two of the largest projects in its history: a community park and the widening of the Lindero Canyon Road bridge over the 101 freeway.

"These projects will take a lot of time and energy," said Rutherford, who is in his third term on the council. "They are three times the size of building city hall."

Klessig, who is in her second four-year term on the council, was commended by fellow members, city staff, and community groups for her leadership.

In an overview of 2008 accomplishments, she discussed the city's new automatic irrigation system, the newly landscaped medians, upgrades to parks such as West Canyon Oaks, the resurfacing of streets using a recycled tire/asphalt mix, and the establishment of an electronic waste curbside pickup program.

"Personally I'll always remember this year as a year of going more green and digging in, both literally and figuratively," Klessig said.

This is Slavin's second time serving as mayor. It is also Slavin's second term on the council, having been elected in 2001 and 2005.

"Here on the city council we need to listen to everybody's point of view, but you know something? You can't please everyone all the time. We have to make decisions," Slavin said.