MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
Simi Valley, California June 5, 2023
a.
b.
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:33 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Thomas
Remote: None
Absent: None
PUBLIC STATEMENTS: Having no public statements, the City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:34 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION:
(1) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1 ):
Name of Case: City of Simi Valley, et al. v. California Regional Water Quality Control Board
Case No.: 56-2021-00549601-CU-WM-VTA
(2) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956:9(d)(1) (Workers' Compensation):
Name of Case:
Case No.:
Christopher Johnson v. City of Simi Valley
(605461) ADJ16172074
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 June 5, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Al Brown
Note: If this is a joint meeting of the City Council and Boards of Directors, the applicable entity is id.entified at the end of each agenda item.
CC - City Council
WNO - Waterworks District No. 8
IDA - Industrial Development Authority
PFFA - Simi Valley Public Facilities Financing Authority PFA- Public Financing Authority
SA - Successor Agency
LB - Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees
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
1. 1A.
2 June 5, 2023
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge and Mayor/Chair Thomas
Remote: None
Absent: None
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, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
None
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 Qeyond the midnight deadline to conclude the agenda (Section 2-1.106 SVMC) .. 1C. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT: None
1 D. CERTIFICATES/HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS: None
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS:
(1) Appointment of Simi Valley Arts Commissioners (Swan) (CC) ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved to approve, and the Mayor/Chair appoint, Becky Savell and Burton Weinstein, the two applicants nominated to the Simi Valley Arts Commission for two-year terms.· Council Member/Director Litster seconded the motion. ·
Minutes
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
3 June 5, 2023
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None ·
None
None
(2) Ratification of the appointment of a representative to the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council (Swan) (CC)
ACTION: Council Member/Director Litster. moved to ratify the appointment of Al Brown as one of the City's representatives to the Ventura Cou,:1ty Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council with a term commencing on July 1, 2023, and concluding on June 30, 2025. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
None
None
(3) Appointment of Americans with Disabilities . Act (ADA) Paratransit Advisory Committee members (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge moved to approve, and the Mayor/Chair appoint, Karen Bobango and Cynthia Roberts, the two applicants nominated .to the ADA Paratransit Advisory Committee. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster,. Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
None
None
(4) Adoption of a resolution ratifying the iurisdictional ioint appointment of the resident commissioner to the Area Housing· Authority of the County of Ventura Board of Commissioners (Perras) (CC)
Minutes
4 June 5, 2023
Resolution No. 2023-27- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SIMI VALLEY RATIFYING THE JURISDICTIONAL JOINT APPOINTMENT OF A
RESIDENT COMMISSIONER TO THE AREA HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE
COUNTY OF VENTURA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION: Council Member/Director Litster moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2023- 27 ratifying the jurisdictional joint appointment of Ms. Angela Bradley for the two-year term concluding May 31, 2025, as the Resident Commissioner to the AHA Board. Council Member/Director Cavanaugh seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
None
None
38. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: None
3C. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Ely Sorkin, Tarzana, CA, CEO of Around AV Transit Media (advertisin~f contractor for Antelope Valley Transit Authority), spoke about the benefits of establishing a bus advertising system in the City of Simi Valley. ·
2. John Lapper, Simi Valley, CA, commented about the budget process and suggested a public committee be involved in the process. He spoke about SB 1 gas tax revenues for major road repairs, suggested that public transit routes and times be reevaluated, and he inquired about additional motorcycle ~raffle patrol officers.
3. Guadalupe Jasso, representative of Buen Vecino, Simi Valley, CA, spoke ~bout the lack of affordable housing options and asked City Council to make the issue a top priority.
4. Crystal Sloan, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about her experience and challenges with the cost of housing and asked City Council to make affordable housing a top priority.
Minutes
4A.
5 June 5, 2023
5. Melanie Vollbrecht, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, announced the upcoming Chamber breakfast event at the Best Western Posada Royal.
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Rhodes addressed Mr. Sorkin and commented that his presentation on bus advertising was interesting. He thanked Guadalupe Jasso and Crystal Sloan for their comments on the need for affordable housing, and acknowledged it is a complex problem that City Council is working to address.
Council Member Litster commented she appreciated the comments made by Guadalupe Jasso and Crystal Sloan regarding affordable housing. She acknowledged that there is a need for more· affordable housing and stated that City Council will continue to address the issue. Council Member Litster noted that housing is built by the private market and City Council may provide incentives to induce developers to provide more affordable housing.
Mayor Pro Tern Judge thanked everyone for their comments, and he spoke on the affordable housing issue raised by Guadalupe Jasso and Crystal Sloan. He commented on a City of Simi Valley program to assist first time buyers, noted that housing is a complicated issue across the State, and stated that the City and the State offer incentives to developers to build affordable housing. He· suggested. that the speakers communicate with their State Senators and Assembly Members as well.
Council Member Cavanaugh addressed the affordable housing issue raised by Guadalupe Jasso and Crystal Sloan. She spoke about affordable housing rates and commented they· are close to market rate rents. Council Member Cavanaugh noted that the City may reach out to developers tq request additional units be designated affordable housing, and she spoke about Many Mansions, Habit~t for Humanity, and Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation as resources that have assisted with affordable housing. She addressed Mr. Lapper and. let him know she had read -his email and responded to his concerns regarding a street repair location and additional motorcycle traffic patrol officers.
M·ayor Thomas indicated he would like to speak with Mr. Sorkin· regarding the bus advertising at an appropriate time. He spoke.about affordable housing and a program the City of Simi Valley has to assist first time buyers.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
Minutes
6. 6A.
7. 6 June 5, 2023
CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Council Member/Director Litster pulled Consent Items 6 and 8 for.discussion. ( 1) Receipt of the Simi Valley Council On Aging Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget (Swan) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(2) Approval of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating Budget and Operating Plan (Swan) {CC)
ACTION: Received and filed.
(3) Authorization to accept and appropriate the California Board of State and Community Corrections {BSCC) Officer Wellness and Mental Health grant, and approval of a supplemental budget reg~est in Fund 287 (Shorts) {CC) ACTION: Approved request.
(4) Approval of a COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant contract between the City of Simi Valley and the Southeast Ventura County YMCA (Swan) (CC) ACTION: Approved contract with Southeast Ventura County YMCA. (5) Approval of third contract amendment between the Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 and Sedaru, Inc., for professional services to purchase, install and maintain utility management software, RFP PW 18-05 (Fuchiwaki) (WWD) ACTION: Approved third amendment with Sedaru, Inc.
(6) Award of contract for the construction of FY 2023-24 Maier Streets Rehabilitation Program: Alamo Street {Sequoia Avenue to Lemon Drive), CP 60000018, Specification No. SV 23-05 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded con~ract to All American Asphalt.
Minutes
7 June 5, 2023
(7) Approval of second amendment contracts with Geodynamics, Inc. and Geotechnical Associates, Inc. for professional geotechnical engineering services (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved second amendments with GeoDynamics, Inc. and Geotechnical Associates, Inc.
(8) Approval of the City of Simi Valley Zero Emissions Bus {ZEB) Rollout Plan and adoption of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit the ZEB Rollout Plan to the California Air Resources Board (Fuchiwaki) (CC) Resolution No. 2023-28 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY APPROVING THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY ZERO
EMISSION BUS (ZEB) ROLLOUT PLAN AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE ZEB ROLLOUT PLAN TO THE CALIFORNIA AIR
RESOURCES BOARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INNOVATIVE CLEAN TRANSIT REGULATIONS .
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-28.
(9) Adoption of a resolution establishing the City's Fiscal Year 2023-24 Appropriations Limit (Johnson) (CC) ·
Resolution No. 2023-29 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY .COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY ESTABLISHING AN APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-29.
(10) Adoption of a resolution authorizing the Levy of a special tax for Fiscal Year 2023-24 for Community Facilities District No. 2004-1 of the City of Simi Valley {Town Center Project) (Johnson) (CC)
Resolution No. 2023-30 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY, ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE LEGISLATIVE BODY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2004-1 OF THE CITY OF
SIMI VALLEY (TOWN CENTER PROJECT), AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF A SPECIAL TAX FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-30.
Minutes
8. 8A.
8 June 5, 2023
(11) Adoption of a resolution approving a publicly available pay schedule effective 5- 8-23 in accordance with State Law (Gutierres) (CC}
Resolution No. 2023-31 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY APPROVING AN UPDATED CITYWIDE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE ON MAY 8, 2023 IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, SECTION 570.5 ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-31.
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 5, 7, and 9 through 11. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None ·
None
None
ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 6 and 8. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: None .
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Second reading of Ordinance No. 1349 to amend portions of Title 9 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code to update standards for accessory dwelling units in response to recent state law changes, and a determination that the amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Perras) (CC} ·
Ordinance No. 1349 -AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY.OF SIMI VALLEY FOR CITY-INITIATED MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT (Z-S-2023- 0003), TO AMEND PORTIONS OF TITLE 9 OF THE SIMI VALLEY MUNICIPAL
CODE TO UPDATE STANDARDS FOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS IN
RESPONSE TO RECENT STATE LAW CHANGES, AND DETERMINING THAT THE
AMENDMENTS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
Minutes
9. 9A.
9 June 5, 2023
ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1349.
M_ayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge seconded the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
None
None
NEW BUSINESS:
Review and approval of FY 2023-24 Budget, approval of, Five-Year Capital Improvement Program for FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28. approval of FY 2023-24 Transit Budget and Program of Projects. and adoption of resolutions (Johnson) (CC) Resolution No. 2023-32 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SIMI VALLEY AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF APPLICATIONS WITH THE
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION, AN OPERATING ADMINISTRATION OF
THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, FOR 'FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZED BY 49 u.s.c.-CHAPTER 53 AND FOR ANY TITLE 23 UNITED STATES CODE AND ANY OTHER FEDERAL
STATUTES ADMINISTERED BY THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION Resolution No. 2023-33 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-13 TO RETITLE THE
MANAGEMENT-DESIGNATED CLASSIFICATION OF DEPUTY ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES DIRECTOR (SUPPORT SERV(CES) TO DEPUTY ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES DIRECTOR (BUDGET & PURCHASING) ,
Resolution No. 2023-34. VWJD-295. SA-19. PL-33 - A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY, BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8, SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO
THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE SIMI VALLEY LIBRARY APPROVING THE FY 2023-24 ANNUAL BUDGET AND THE FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVl;MENT PROGRAM FOR FY 2023-24 TO FY 2027-28
Minutes
10. 10A.
10 June 5, 2023
ACTION: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh moved to approve the Simi Valley Transit FY 2023-24 Program of Projects to be forwarded to the Ventura County Transportation Commission; and to adopt Resolution No. 2023-32 authorizing the City Manager to execute and submit the filing of grant applications with the FTA; and to adopt Resolution NO. 2023-33 to retitle the Management-designated classification of Deputy Administrative Services Director (Support Services) to Deputy Administrative Services Director (Budget & Purchasing); to adopt Resolution No. 2023-34/WWD- 295/SA-12/PL-33 approving the FY 2023-24 Annual Budget and the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program for FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28 incorporating the previously adopted budgets for the Cultural Arts Center and Council on Aging. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
REPORTS:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
None
None
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Rhodes reported he attended a Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Connect SoCal workshop, an .overview training of the Emergency Operations Center, the Simi Valley PTA PTSA Council Honorary Service A~ards dinner, and he attended the Simi Valley Education Foundation Teacher of the Month event. He "reported he participated in conducting Youth Council interviews, and he commented he was away for a week to attend the Rotary International Convention held in Melbourne, Australia. Council Member Rhodes reported he attended the SCAG Regional Council and Policy Committee meeting, the Community Housing and Economic Development Committee meeting, the Clean Power Alliance meeting, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class graduation, and he participated in the Moorpark Rotary Golf Tournament held to benefit the J3oys and Girls Clubs of Simi Valley and Moorpark.
Council Member Litster reported she attended the Youth Council meeting, the PTA PTSA Council Honorary Service Awards dinner, she met with developers that purchased a property near Brandeis University, and she attended the Simi Valley Education Foundation Teacher of the Month Award. She reported she attended the first Youth Teen Wellness Night, the Dedication to Pat Havens at Strathearn Park, the Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG) Administration Committee meeting, the Minutes
11 June 5, 2023
grand reopening of the Walmart Neighborhood Market, and she attended another Simi Valley Education Foundation Teacher of the Month Award. Council Member Litster apologized that she was not able to attend the Trendy Me! grand opening, she spoke about the City of Simi Valley Economic Update report, and she attended the SCAG Regional Council and Policy Committee meeting.
Council Member Cavanaugh reported she· attended the Ventura County Animal Services meeting (VCAS), the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) meeting, the Simi Valley Police Department Citizens Academy graduation, and the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala. She reported she attended the Simi Sunrise Happy Face Music Festival, the Westlake Rotary Club Wild Oak Music Festival, and noted that Mayor Pro Tern Judge was honored as a Veteran and she congratulated all Simi Valley graduates.
Mayor Pro Tem Judge reported he attended the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) meeting, the Simi Valley Leadership Class of 2023 Chumash Park & Trailhead Ribbon Cutting, the Dedication to Pat Havens at Strathearn Park, and the Memorial Day Service at Simi Valley Pioneer Cemetery. He reported he attended three SCAG meetings; the Executive Action Committee meeting, the Regional Council and Policy Committee meeting, and the Transportation Committee meeting. He reported he attended the Ventura County Transportation Committee (VCTC) meeting, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce 2023 Leadership Graduation, and he congratulated all Simi Valley graduates. · ·
Mayor Thomas reported he attended an overview training of the Simi Valley. Police Department Emergency Operations Center, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee meeting, and he represented the City at the 75th Independence Day celebration of the State of Israel. He reported he spoke at the Simi Valley Police Department Citizens Academy Spring Closing Session, attended the Simi Valley Leadership Class of 2023 Chuma.sh Park & Trailhead Ribbon Cutting, and he met with Chief Shorts and the City Manager regarding a. Simi Valley ·Police Department Motor Officer Program. Mayor Thomas reported he attended a budget meeting, a Southern California Edison Public Safety Power Shut Off (PSPS) presentation, a Memorial Day Service at the Simi Valley Cemetery, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce 2023 Leadership Graduation, and the Westlake Rotary Club Wild Oaks Music Festival.
1 OB. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items: None
Minutes
12 June 5, 2023
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor/Chair/President Thomas adjourned the meeting at 8:38 p.m. in the memory of former Council Member and Mayor Bill Davis, to the meeting of June 12, 2023 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