MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
Simi Valley, California April 3, 2023
a.
b.
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:30 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro Tern Judge
Remote: None
Absent: Mayor Thomas
PUBLIC STATEMENTS: Having no public statements, the City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:31 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION:
(1) Conference with Labor Negotiator {CC)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 .6(a):
City's Designated Representative: Brian P. Gabler, City Manager Employee Organization: Unrepresented Confidential Employees (2) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (CC) .
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) (initiation of litigation):
One potential case
CALLED TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. (OPEN SESSION)
CLOSED SESSION REPORTS: City Attorney Caceres stated the City Council authorized the City Attorney's Office to join a pending writ of mandate and a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief against the State of California and Robert Bonta, in his official capacity as California Attorney-General, by a vote· of 4 - 0 with one Council Member being absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Chief Shorts
Note: If this is a joint meeting of the City Council and Boards of Directors, the applicable entity is identified at the end of each agenda item. ·
CC - City Council PFA- Public Financing Authority
\NVVD - Waterworks District No. 8 SA - Successor Agency , IDA - Industrial Development Authority LB - Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees PFFA- Simi Valley Public Facilities Financing Authority Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the CC, WNO, IDA, PFFA, PFA, SA, and/or LB after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Clerk's Office at 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA during normal business hours.
Minutes
1. 1A.
2 April 3, 2023
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge
Remote: None
Absent: Mayor/Chair Thomas
AGENDA REVIEW: None
ACTION: Council Member/Director Rhodes moved that all resolutions and ordinances presented tonight be read in title only and all further reading be waived. Council Member/Director Litster seconded the motion. (CC/WWD)
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge
None
Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
18. It is the policy of the City Council that upon reaching 11 :30 p.m., the City Council will not address any new agenda items. Should the City Council continue to address agenda items past 12:00 midnight, the following motion is in order:
MOTION: Move that the City Council meeting tonight may extend beyond the midnight deadline to conclude the agenda (Section 2-1.106 SVMC). 1C. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT: None
1 D. CERTIFICATES/HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS:
(1) Presentation of a proclamation declaring the month of April 2023 as Financial Literacy Month (CC)
Community Services Coordinator Kristin Tignac read the proclamation declaring the month of April 2023 as Financial Literacy Month and Shreeya Julakanti, John Tolson, and Anthony Angelini accepted the proclamation.
(2) Presentation of a proclamation declaring the month of April 2023 as Donate Life Month (CC)
Council Member Rocky Rhodes read the proclamation declaring the month of April 2023 as Donate Life Month and Steve Weed accepted the proclamation.
Minutes
3 April 3, 2023
(3) Presentation of a proclamation declaring the month of April 2023 as Fair Housing Month (CC)
Senior Management Analyst Julia Ramirez read the proclamation declaring the month of April 2023 as Fair Housing Month and Madeline McCormick accepted the proclamation.
(4) Presentation of a proclamation declaring the month of April 2023 as Earthquake Preparedness Month (CC)
Emergency Services Coordinator Rachel Myers read the proclamation declaring the month of April 2023 as Earthquake Preparedness Month and Ed Baker, Phil Ankrom, Daryl Clark, and Jorge Curiel accepted the proclamion.
(5) Presentation of Certificates of Commendation to the Grace Brethren Robotics Team 986A in recognition California Region 4 Vex Robotics Competition High School Regional Championship - Amaze Award (CC)
Management Analyst Heidi DiNardo read and Mayor Pro Tern Judge presented Certificates of Commendation to the Grace Brethren Robotics Team 986A. (6) Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to outgoing Commissioner of the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura Board of Commissioners (CC) Associate Planner Eric Chen read a Certificate of Appreciation for outgoing Commissioner Marques Crutchfield.
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS:
(1) Adoption of a resolution for the appointment of one commissioner to the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura Board . of Commissioners (Perras) (CC}
ACTION: Council Member/Director Litster moved that the Council authorize and the Mayor appoint Joe J. Piechowski to serve on the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura Board of Commissioners for a term commencing immediately and concluding on September 30, 2025. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion.
Minutes
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
4 April 3, 2023
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge
None
Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
(2) Selection of one City Council Member to serve on a selection committee with a continuing Arts Commissioner to interview and nominate prospective Simi Valley Arts Commissioners (Swan) (CC}
Resolution No. 2023-14 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SIMI VALLEY APPOINTING A COMMISSIONER TO THE AREA HOUSING
AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF VENTURA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, TO FILL AN UNSCHEDULED VACANCY WITH THE TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 301 2025
ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved that the Council authorize and the Mayor Pro Tern appoint City Council Member Litster to serve on a selection committee and interview and nominate prospective Simi Valley Arts Commissioners Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion. ·
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge
None
Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
38. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
(1) Presentation by Interface Children & Family Services on their 211 Department and services (CC}
Community Information Officer Kelly Brown gave the City Council a presentation on their 211 Department and services.
(2) Presentation by the Ventura County Transportation Commission on the Draft Transit Integration and Efficiency Study (TIES) (CC} ·
Executive Director Martin Erickson gave a presentation to the City Council on the Draft Transit Integration and Efficiency Study.
Minutes
5 April 3, 2023
3C. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
4A.
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Marshall Miranda, President, S.E.I.U. Local 721, Simi Valley, CA, thanked the City Manager and City Council for approving salary increases for the City of Simi Valley employees. In addition he thanked Assistant City Manager Samantha Argabrite, Senior H.R. Analyst Shannon Nash, Administrative Services Director Carolyn Johnson, and S.E.I.U. Chief Negotiator Aram Agdaian, for their support and hard work.
2. Theresa Lewis, Chairperson, ADA Committee, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about the Ventura County Transportation Commission Transit Integration and Efficiency Study, and expressed her appreciation to the City Council for looking at ways to unify transportation in Ventura County.
3. Rebecca Mccann (no address given) spoke about the need for Simi Valley roads to be repaired, and cited her experienced while being driven to the hospital with broken ribs, and the difficulty of riding her electric scooter on the roads.
4. Tim Wedemeyer, Simi Valley Police Officers Association President, Simi Valley, CA, expressed support of the tentative MOU agreement and he thanked Council, City leadership, the negotiation team, and City staff for their hard work on the negotiation process.
5. Nikki Lian, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Board member, Simi Valley, CA, announced the upcoming Chamber breakfast, and commented about the Chamber Work Force Development Program, and their legislative advocacy efforts to benefit businesses.
6. Lincoln Purcell, President, Police Managers Association, Simi Valley, CA, expressed thanks and appreciation to the City Council, the City Manager, and City leadership, for the proposed upcoming contract and stated it has unanimous support.
7. John Lapper, Simi Valley, CA, commented on the findings of the additional consulting arborist's report on the removal of Eucalyptus trees on Sinaloa and the discrepancies in the reports, and he addressed Council Member Rhodes and Mayor Pro Tern Judge on other issues.
CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Rhodes thanked everyone for coming owt to speak. He acknowledged the speakers from the SEIU, the POA, and the PMA, and expressed that the City Council appreciates them and all ·they do for the City.
Minutes
6 April 3, 2023
Council Member Cavanaugh thanked the speakers from the SEI U, the POA, and the PMA for being at the meeting. She commented it was nice to. hear from Theresa Lewis, Chairperson of the ADA Board, and she thanked the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Board member, Nikki Lian. Council Member Cavanaugh expressed that she appreciated the comments made by Mr. Lapper about the Eucalyptus trees, and she thanked everyone who spoke.
Council Member Litster thanked the speakers from the SEIU, the POA, and the PMA.
She acknowledged the comments made by Rebecca Mccann about pot holes in the roads. She asked the City Manager to advise on how the public should report a road repair issue and the City Manager stated the public can report it on the City website or call the City.
Mayor Pro Tern Judge thanked the speakers from the SEIU1 the POA1 and the PMA and commented they do a great job and keep the City a great place to live.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
5A. A ioint public hearing by the City Council of the City of Simi Valley and Board of Directors of the Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 to consider adoption of a ioint resolution approving adiustments to the City-wide schedule of fees and service charges (Johnson) (CC/WWD)
Resolution No. 2023-15. WWD- 292 - A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY, AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8 APPROVING
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SCHEDULE OF SERVICE CHARGES
There being no public testimony Mayor Pro Tern Judge opened and closed the public portion of the hearing at 8:20 p.m.
ACTION: Council Member/Director Rhodes r:noved to approve proposed adjustments to the City-wide Schedule of Service Charges and adopt R~solution No. 2023- 15M/WD-292 approving service fee adjustments to the Schedule of Service Charges.
Council Member/Director Cavanaugh seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge ·
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Mayor/Chair Thomas
Minutes
6. 6A.
7. 7 April 3, 2023
ABSTAIN: None
CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Council Member/Director Litster pulled Consent Item 2 for discussion. (1) Approval of minutes for the City Council meetings of January 23, and February 27, 2023 (Blanco) (CC)
ACTION: Approved minutes.
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with other Ventura County agencies to implement a regional SB 1383 Food Recovery Plan (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 and 2. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge -
None
Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
8. CONTINUED BUSINESS:
SA. Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Simi Valley Police Officers' Association and adoption of a resolution (Argabrite) (CC) Resolution No. 2023-11 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SIMI VALLEY AMENDING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AND THE SIMI VALLEY POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION 2021-38, AND ALL
PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY ARE IN CONFLICT Minutes
8 April 3, 2023
HEREWITH
ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023- 11 approving revisions to the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Simi Valley Police Officers' Association (SVPOA) employees. Council Member/Director Litster seconded the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge
None
Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
88. Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Simi Valley Police Managers' Association and adoption of a resolution (Argabrite) (CC) Resolution No. 2023-12 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SIMI VALLEY AMENDING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AND THE SIMI ·VALLEY POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION 2021-38, AND ALL
PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY ARE IN CONFLICT HEREWITH .
ACTION: Council Member/Director Litster moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023-12 approving revisions to the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Simi Valley Police Managers' Association (SVPMA) employees. Council Member/Director Cavanaugh seconded the motion: ·
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
AJ3STAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge
None
Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
BC. Adoption of a resolution revising the terms and conditions of emolovment for Management-designated employees (Argabrite) (CC)
Resolution No. 2023-13 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SIMI VALLEY ESTABLISHING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
FOR MANAGEMENT-DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES, AND REPEALING
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-39 AND PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS .TO THE EXTENT Minutes
80. 9.
9A.
9 April 3, 2023
THAT THEY ARE IN CONFLICT HEREWITH
ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023- 13 approving revisions to the terms and conditions of employment for Management designated employees. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge
None
Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
Consideration of consulting arborist's evaluation of eucalyptus trees on Sinaloa Road and request for direction (Argabrite) (CC) ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved to remove the initial thirteen trees and divide the remaining forty-two trees over a five year period removing and replacing the trees annually. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge ·
None
Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
NEW BUSINESS:
Consideration of proposed revisions to the terms and conditions to the Memorandum of Agreement with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 721 (Argabrite) (CC/WWD)
ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved to consider the proposed revisions to the terms and conditions of the Memorandum of Agreement with the Service Employees International Union Local 721 (SEIU Local 721) as presented, and give the public an opportunity to provide input prior to making a final determination on the MOA and place this matter on the agenda for April 10, 2023 for final determination on the proposed MOA. Council Member/Director Litster seconded· the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Mayor/Chair Thomas
Minutes
10 April 3, 2023
ABSTAIN: None
98. Discussion of AB 1538 (Muratsuchi) and request for direction (Argabrite) (C~)
10. 10A.
ACTION: Direct staff to draft a letter in opposition of AB 1538 (Maratsuchi) and provide to the Clean Power Alliance by April 4, 2023, to include in the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee analysis for its Hearing on April 12, 2023 ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
REPORTS:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, and Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge
None
Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Rhodes reported he participated in conducting interviews for the Community Projects Grant Review Committee, listened to part of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Legislative Advocacy Forum (LAF), and he attended the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation fundraiser event and recognized Four Brix Winery. He reported he visited Dignity Moves in Santa Barbara with Samaritan Center officials, presented certificates at the Elks Installation dinner, and he attended two Swearing-in ceremonies for new Simi Valley police officers. · Council Member Litster reported she attended the Youth Council meeting, the Veterans Foundation meeting, the Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG) Administrative Committee meeting, and the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation fundraiser event. She reported she attended a Rotary Club meeting and the Kiwanis Round Up event.
Council Member Cavanaugh reported she participated in conducti"ng interviews for the Community Projects Grant Review Committee, and she attended the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation fundraiser event and recognized Four Brix Winery.
Mayor Pro Tern Judge reported he attended Supervisor Janice Parvin's Town Hall meeting at the Elks Lodge, a Simi Valley Police Department Swearing-in ceremony, and he attended and participated in the Kiwa_nis Round-Up event. 1 OB. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items: None
Minutes
11 April 3, 2023
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Pro Tern Judge adjourned the meeting at 9:34 p.m. in the memory of the victims of the tragedy in Nashville, Tennessee to the meeting of April 10 at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections, the motion carried through acclamation.
Blanco, City Clerk/District Secretary
Fred D. Thomas , Mayor of the City of Simi
Valley, California , Chair of the Ventura
County Waterworks District No. 8