MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
Simi Valley, California May 1, 2023
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:30 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Judge, and Mayor Thomas
Remote: None
Absent: None
a. PUBLIC STATEMENTS: Having no public statements, the City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:32 p.m.
b. CLOSED SESSION:
(1) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Name of Case: Arnold Ngo, et al. v. City of Simi Valley, et al Case No.: 56-2020-00542166-CU-PO-VTA
(2) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Name of Case: Southland Watch v. Mark Rosenberg, et al
Case No.: 56-2022-005573170-CU-BC-VTA
CALLED TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. (OPEN SESSION)
CLOSED SESSION REPORTS: City Attorney Caceres stated there was no reportable action as a result of the Closed Session meeting held on May 1, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Annika Sumby
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
WWD - Waterworks District No. 8 SA - Successor Agency
DA - Industrial Development Authorit LB - Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees FFA - Simi Valley Public Facilities Financing Authorit
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the CC, WWD, 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
2 May 1, 2023
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge and Mayor/Chair
Thomas
Remote: None
Absent: None
AGENDA PREVIEW City Manager Gabler stated City Counil received a replacement 1A. 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/Trustee Cavanaugh seconded the motion. (CC/WWD) ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
1B. 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
1D. CERTIFICATES/HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS:
(1) Presentation of a proclamation declaring the month of May 2023 as Older Americans Month (CC)
Assistant Community Services Manager Raquel Wirth read the proclamation declaring the month of May 2023 as Older Americans Month and Council On Aging Chair Carol Martin accepted the proclamation.
2) Presentation of a proclamation declaring the month of May 2023 as Motorcyck Awareness Month (CC
Police Chief Shorts read the proclamation declaring the month of May 2023 as Motorcycle Awareness Month and members of A.B.A.T.E., American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education accepted the proclamation.
Minutes
3 May 1, 2023
(3) Presentation of a proclamation declaring May 4, 2023 as Day of Prayer (CC) Management Analyst Heidi DiNardo read the proclamation declaring May 4, 2023 as Day of Prayer and Pastor Clifton Clarke accepted the proclamation. (4) Presentation of a proclamation declaring the month of May 2023 as Mental Health Awareness Month (CC)
Deputy Community Services Director Anna Medina read the proclamation declaring May 2023 Mental Health Awareness Month and Youth Council member Abhishek Jagannathan and Co-Founder of First Responders for Mental Health Initiative and NAMI member Maya Zumaya accepted the proclamation.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. John Lapper, Simi Valley, CA, expressed his appreciation to City Council for the proclamations recognizing Older Americans Month, Motorcycle Awareness Month, Day of Prayer, and Mental Health Awareness Month.
APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
ЗА. APPOINTMENTS:
(1) Selection of one City Council member to serve on the interview and nomination panel for returning Youth Council members (Swan) (CC) ACTION: Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge moved that the Council authorize and the Mayor appoint City Council Member Rhodes to serve on the interview and nominatior anel for returning Youth Council members. Council Member/Director Litster ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3B. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: None
3C. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
Minutes
4 May 1, 2023
PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Maria Arechiga, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about a particular homeless person and drug problem causing unsafe conditions in her neighborhood and on the bike
2. Aubrey Alvarez, Simi Valley, CA, asked for City Council's assistance with a particular homeless person and drug problem that is causing unsafe conditions in her neighborhood and on the bike path.
3. Jessica Anikstein, Samaritan Center, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about Samaritan Center upcoming fund raisers and thanked City Council for their support.
4. John Lapper, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about the need for additional motorcycle officers in Simi Valley. He questioned City Council about the Econolite Systems contract, the Flock Group Inc. camera subscription, and he addressed Council Member Rhodes about serving on Neighborhood Council.
Sharon Cordray, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about a particular homeless person and drug problem causing unsafe conditions in her neighborhood.
6. Joe Piechowski, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to the sanitation rate increase and commented that the City of Simi Valley is charging more than Thousand Oaks.
4A. CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Litster addressed the homeless person issue raised by three speakers and indicated that City Council will continue to speak with the Police Department and the Samaritan Center to see what help can be given. She thanked Mr. Lapper for his comments and involvement, and she addressed Mr. Piechowski regarding the sanitation rate increase.
Council Member Rhodes addressed the three speakers that raised the homeless person issue and stated City Council will see what they can do. He commented appreciation to the Samaritan Center representative, and he addressed Mr.
Piechowski regarding the sanitation rate increase.
Mayor Pro Tem Judge addressed the three speakers that raised the homeless person issue and commented he has received many complaints about the person. He expressed his understanding of both the speakers and the Police Departments' frustration and commented that City Council will try to find a way to work this out.
Minutes
5 May 1, 2023
Mayor Thomas addressed the homeless person issue raised by three speakers and stated he requested a report from the Police Department on a history of the issue and for some suggestions on what can be done. He thanked all the speakers for bringing their concerns and issues.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
5A. A public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant allocations and Draft FY 2023-24 Action Plan (Perros) (CC)
There being no public testimony Mayor Thomas opened and closed the public portion of the hearing at 7:22 p.m.
ACTION: Council Member/Director Rhodes moved to adopt the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee's funding recommendation and make the final determination of projects and programs to be funded in FY 2023-24 and authorize the submission of the FY 2023-24 Action Plan (Exhibit 1) to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
6. CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
6A. CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Council Member Rhodes pulled Consent Item 1 and Council Member Litster pulled Consent Items 5, 9, 11, and 13 for discussion.
Approval of minutes for the City Council meetings of February 13, March 6 and 20, April 3 and 10, 2023 (Blanco) (CC)
ACTION: Approved minutes.
Minutes
6 May 1, 2023
(2) Authorization to accept a $36,000 Creative Youth Development Grant from the California Arts Council for the Young Artists Playground Arts Education Program at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all grant related documents, and approve a Supplemental Budget Request (Swan) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request and Supplemental Request.
(3) Authorization to ratify acceptance of $33,750 in grant funds from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for the purchase of 25 AEDs, cases, and accessories; ratify the City Manager's approval and execution of all grant related documents, ratify documents previously executed to complete the grant application; and approve a Supplemental Budget Request in Fund 287 (Shorts) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(4) oral) ( Monthly Investment Report for the month ended March 31, 2023 ACTION: Approved request.
(5) Approval of second amendment to the contract between the City of Simi Valley and Transtrack Systems, Inc. for the Transit Data Management Software System, CP960471, RFP No. PW 20-13, FAIN: CA-2020-193-00 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved contract amendment and Supplemental Budget Request (6) Award of contract between the City of Simi Valley and JC Jones Chemicals, Inc., for the purchase of Sodium Hypochlorite and Sodium Bisulfite at the City of Simi Valley's Water Quality Control Plant (WQCP) Specification No. SV 23- 09 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to JCI Jones Chemicals, Inc.
(7) Second amendments) to contracts for the purchase of one (1) 2022 International Chipper Truck, one (1) 2022 International Truck Chassis for the Landscape Division, one (1) 2022 International Dump Truck, and one (1) International Truck Chassis for the Waterworks Division utilizing the Sourcewell Cooperative Agreement (Fuchiwak) (CC/WWD)
ACTION: Approved second amendment for Sourcewell Cooperative Agreement.
Minutes
7 May 1, 2023
(8) Award of contract to Falcon Fuels, Inc. to purchase unleaded and diesel fuel for City vehicles through the County of Ventura Cooperative Purchasing Agreement and to ratify all fuel purchases from Falcon Fuels, Inc. (Shorts) (CC) ACTION: Awarded contract to Falcon Fuels, Inc.
(9) Approval of first amendment to contract between the City of Simi Valley and Econolite Systems, Inc., to procure service and maintenance for traffic signal preventative maintenance, emergency repair, and non-emergency maintenance (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved first contract amendment to Econolite Systems, Inc. (10) Adoption of resolutions initiating the FY 2023-24 assessment process for Landscape District No. 1 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
Resolution No. 2023-19 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972, EVIDENCING THE
COUNCIL'S INTENTION TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS FOR THE 2023-24
FISCAL YEAR ON THOSE LOTS WITHIN SIMI VALLEY LANDSCAPE
DISTRICT NO. 1, DESCRIBING THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS, AND
ORDERING THE ENGINEER TO PREPARE AND FILE A REPORT
Resolution No. 2023-20 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY, APPROVING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR SIMI VALLEY LANDSCAPE DISTRICT NO. 1
Resolution No. 2023-21 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY, DECLARING ITS INTENTION, PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972, TO LEVY AND COLLECT
ASSESSMENTS ON THOSE LOTS OR PARCELS WITHIN SIMI VALLEY LANDSCAPE DISTRICT NO. 1, DESCRIBING THE IMPROVEMENTS AND
THEIR LOCATION, AND FIXING A TIME AND PLACE FOR AND GIVING
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE
QUESTION OF THE LEVY OF PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
ACTION: Adopted Resolution Nos. 2023-19, 2023-20 and 2023-21. (11) Adoption of a resolution implementing a Schedule of Sanitation Service Rates and Fees, as authorized and approved by Ordinance No. 1300 and authorizing the County of Ventura to collect residential sanitation services rates on the tax roll for FY 2023-24 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
Minutes
8 May 1, 2023
Resolution No 2023-22 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY IMPLEMENTING A SCHEDULE OF SANITATION
RATES AND FEES AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF VENTURA TO
COLLECT RESIDENTIAL SANITATION SERVICE RATES ON THE TAX ROLL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-22.
(12) Adoption of a resolution approving the Project List and Expenditure Plan for the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) Funds (Senate Bill 1) for FY 2023-24, Cycle Z (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
Resolution No. 2023-23 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AMENDING THE FY 2023-24 BUDGET TO
INCORPORATE A LIST OF PROJECTS FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1 (SB 1) FOR FY 2023-24, Cycle 7: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-23.
(13) Adoption of a resolution declaring a Stage I Water Supply Condition calling for voluntary conservation and rescinding Resolution No. WWD-291 (Fuchiwaki) (WWD)
Resolution No. WWD-293 - A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8 DECLARING A
STAGE I WATER SUPPLY CONDITION CALLING FOR VOLUNTARY
CONSERVATION AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION WWD-291
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. WWD-293.
(14) Adoption of a resolution establishing a Water Service Standby Charge for FY 2023-24 (Fuchiwaki) (WWD)
Resolution No. WWD-294 - A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8 ESTABLISHING A WATER SERVICE STANDBY CHARGE FOR FY 2023-24
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. WWD-294
ACTION: Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 2 through 4, 6 through 8, 10, 12, and 14. Council Member/Director Cavanaugh seconded the motion.
Minutes
9 May 1, 2023
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1, 5, 9, and 13. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved to approve Consent Calendar Item 11. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: Council Members/Directors Litter
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
8A. Adoption of a resolution modifying a job classification included in the Confidential Designated employee group and adoption of a resolution revising the terms and conditions of employment for Confidential-Designated employees (Argabrite) (CC) Resolution No. 2023-18 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY VALLEY AMENDING RESOLUTION 2021-50 TO DELETE THE
CONFIDENTIAL-DESIGNATED CLASSIFICATION OF DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
AND RELATED SALARY RANGE, AND ADD THE CONFIDENTIAL-DESIGNATED
CLASSIFICATION OF ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER AND RELATED SALARY RANGE
Minutes
10 May 1, 2023
Resolution No. 2023-24 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SIMI VALLEY ESTABLISHING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
FOR CONFIDENTIAL-DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES, AND REPEALING
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-51 AND PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS TO THE EXTENT
THAT THEY ARE IN CONFLICT HEREWITH
ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved to adopt Resolution No. 2023- 18 deleting the Confidential designated classification of Deputy City Manager and related salary range, adding the classification of Assistant City Manager and related salary range to the Confidential designated group, and moved to adopt a Resolution approving revisions to the terms and conditions of employment for Confidential- designated employees. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge seconded the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NEW BUSINESS:
9A. Authorization to waive the bidding process, approve sole source justification, and award of contract for the Police Department to purchase Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) and camera subscription from Flock Group, Inc, dba Flock Safety, in an amount not to exceed $238,050 (Shorts) (CC)
ACTION: Council Member/Director Rhodes moved that the City Council approve of and recognize this as a sole source purchase, and award the attached four (4) year contract to Flock Group, Inc for the Simi Valley Police Department to purchase the Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) and camera subscription in an amount not to exceed $238,050. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Minutes
11 May 1, 2023
10. REPORTS:
10A. City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Rhodes reported he was out of the country much of this time but was able to participate in the Arts Commission meeting by sending his notes. He reported he visited the SEWA Food Share Program, attended the National Crime Victim's Rights Week event held at Simi Valley City Hall, the ribbon cutting of Bree's Cakes located at the Simi Town Center Mall, and he attended and presented a certificate to ETI 118 (Equestrian Trails Incorporated) opening day event.
Council Member Litter reported she attended the Council On Aging meeting, the State of the City address, the Interfaith meeting where coordinating food bank information was discussed, and she attended and presented a certificate to the Junior Olympics held at Simi Valley High School. She reported she chaired the Arts Commission meeting, attended the Youth Employment Services (YES) Job and Career Fair, noted she was out of the country for a week, and she commented about Asian Pacific American Heritage month.
Council Member Cavanaugh reported she attended the State of the City address, participated in a four day Rotary Leadership Camp for high school students, and she commented about dog adoptions at the animal shelter.
Mayor Pro Tem Judge noted he is a member of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Scholarship Committee and stated there was only one applicant from Ventura County. He reported he attended the State of the City address.
Mayor Pro Tem Judge commented about receiving many calls from the public and advised Simi Valley citizens not to hesitate to call about any issues they see. He reported he attended a meeting with Habitat for Humanity about a new project.
Mayor Thomas reported he presented the State of the City, spoke to Leadership Simi Valley on their Business Economic Day, attended the Junior Olympics at Simi Valley High School, and he attended the Boys and Girls Club Night at the Derby event held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. He also attended the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee meeting, he participated as a panelist on a Fentanyl Awareness Community event held at New Beginnings Church, met with the president of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, and he attended an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at the Elks Lodge.
Minutes
12 May 1, 2023
10B. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items:
Council Member Litster requested an item to review the Community Development Block Grant allocations for public service programs. Council Member Rhodes seconded the motion.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor/Chair Thomas adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m. in the memory of Valentine Galang Jr., former Police Chief
Livingstone's Father in Law, to the meeting of May 15 at 6:30 p.m.
There being no objections, the motion carried through
acclamation.
Fred D. Thomas, Mayor of the City of Simi
Valley, California, Chair of the Ventura
County Waterworks District No. 8,
DuDs
ucy Blanco, City Clerk/District Secretary