MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Simi Valley, California September 9, 2024
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:30 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes, and Mayor Thomas
Remote: None
Absent: None
a. PUBLIC STATEMENTS: With no public statements, the City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:31 p.m.
b. CLOSED SESSION:
(1)
(2)
(3)
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1 ):
Name of Case: Bruce Boyer v. City of Simi Valley
Case No.: 2:19-cv-00560-R-JPR
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
' Name of Case: Southland Watch v. City of Simi Valley, et al.
Case No.: VCSC 56-2022-00573170
Public Employee Performance Evaluation (CC)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1 ):
Title: City Attorney
CALLED TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. (OPEN SESSION)
CLOSED SESSION REPORTS: City Attorney Ford stated that no reportable action resulted from the Closed Session meeting held on September 9, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
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
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, \fW\/0, 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 September 9, 2024
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Barbara Laspina
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes, and Mayor Thomas
Remote: None
Absent: None
1. AGENDA REVIEW: City Manager Argabrite noted that Consent Item 5 was pulled to a future meeting.
1A. ACTION: Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes moved that all resolutions and ordinances presented tonight be read in title only and all further reading be waived. Council Member Litster seconded the motion. (CC)
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes, and Mayor Thomas .
None
None
None
1 B. 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:
1C.
1D.
MOTION: Move that the City Council meeting tonight may extend beyond the midnight deadline to conclude the Agenda (Section 2-1.106 SVMC).
DECLARATION OF CONFLICT: None
CERTIFICATES/HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS:
( 1) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring the month of September 2024 as Preparedness Month (CC)
Emergency Services Manager Eileen Connors read, and Mayor Thomas presented a proclamation declaring the month of September 2024 as Preparedness Month to the following Volunteer Disaster Service Workers: Phil Ankrom, Ed Baker, Daryl Clark, Jorge Curiel, ltzel Franco, Kirk Heinemann, Melissa Heinemann, and Brooke Zailo. (2) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring the month of September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Month (CC)
Minutes 3 September 9, 2024
Community Services Coordinator Ryan Fowler read, and Mayor Thomas presented, the proclamation declaring the month of September as Suicide Prevention Month to the Director of Planning and Sustainability of Ventura County Transportation Commission, Amanda Fagan, and Youth Council Members: Ethan Bhat, Prithika Bijith, Chloe Drury, Abishek Humbe, Advaith Nair, Hannah Khalil, Nandhiha Krishnamoorthi, Rithmika Nvaeen, Kalyssa Ro, Saydee Ro and Aman Sreejith. (3) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring September 21, 2024, as Day of Peace (CC)
Senior Management Analyst Heidi DiNardo read the proclamation declaring September 21, 2024, as a D_ay of Peace.
(4) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring the month of September as Service Club Month (CC)
Senior Management Analyst Heidi Di Nardo read the proclamation declaring the month of September as Service Club Month.
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, AND INFORMATIONAL REPORiS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL.PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS:
(1) Designation of two City Council Members as the City's voting delegates and alternate at the League of California Cities Annual Conference Business Meeting (Blanco) (CC)
ACTION: Council Member Cavanaugh moved that the Council authorize and the Mayor designate Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes as the City of Simi Valley's voting delegate and designate Council Member Judge as the alternate voting delegate to the 2024 League of California Cities Annual Conference Business Meeting, and authorize the City Clerk to submit the information through the California Cities new online submission form as requested in the attached 2024 Annual Conference Voting Delegate Information Packet. Council Member Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes, and Mayor Thomas
None
None
None
Minutes
3B.
3C.
4 September 9, 2024
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
(1) Arroyo Simi Bridge Suicide Prevention T~sk Force Update (CC) Amanda Fagan, Director of Planning and Sustainability for the Ventura County Transportation Committee, presented the City Council with an update on the Arroyo Simi Suicide Prevention Task Force.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
(1) Informational presentation by Youth Council member Chloe Drury (CC) Youth Council Member Chloe Drury provided an informational report on behalf of the Youth Council.
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS.
APPOINTMENTS, AND INFORMATIONAL R~PORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Ashley Paige (no address given) wished Mayor Thomas a happy birthday and presented him with birthday balloons and treats.
2. Greg Schwabe of Schwabe Boots, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about a fire on Easy Street that resulted in his building being red-tagged. He is asking for the City Council's assistance in the process to remove the red tag status.
3. Karen Meyer, Thousand Oaks, CA, United Sovereign Americans, submitted a resolution regarding a legally valid 2024 election and requested that the resolution be added to the next Agenda.
4. Sheila Johnson, United Sovereign Americans, Simi Valley, CA, read aloud a section of the resolution submitted by the United Sovereign Americans.
5. Jenny Hansen (no address given), United Sovereign Americans, read aloud a section of the resolution submitted by the United Sovereign Americans.
6. Brandee Sisting (no address given), United Sovereign Americans, read aloud a section of the resolution submitted by the United Sovereign Americans.
7. Ron Meyer (no address given), United Sovereign Americans, spoke in support of the resolution and urged the Council to place the resolution on the next Agenda.
8. Michael Shaw, from Simi Valley, CA, spoke about the positive experience he had as a speaker at a school Brown Bag Lunch event. He inquired about the condition of the City of Simi Valley sidewalks and asked candidates on the ballot to respect their opponents.
Minutes 5 September 9, 2024
The following submitted a speaker card but did not speak:
4A.
5. 6.
1. William F. Klepper, Simi Valley, CA, and the Simi Valley Police Foundation wished Mayor Thomas a happy birthday.
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Litster asked City Manager Samantha Argabrite if there was an update for Mr. Schwabe. The City Manager stated that she had spoken with Environmental Services, and staff will contact Mr. Schwabe tomorrow. Council Member Litster thanked the speakers from the United Sovereign Americans for their informative presentation regarding a resolution and asked the City Attorney to comment on the issue. Council Member Litster advised Mr. Shaw that there is a link on the City of Simi Valley website for immediate reporting of a sidewalk in need of repair or a trip and fall incident.
Council Member Cavanaugh thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and sharing their observations. She thanked the speakers from the United Sovereign Americans for the opportunity to review their resolution. She thanked Mr. Shaw for his comments, addressed Greg Schwabe's concern regarding the red tag on his building, and thanked the service club members who were present.
Council Member Judge thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. He commented on the resolution presented py the United Sovereign Americans and stated that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. He also addressed Greg Schwabe's concern regarding the red tag on his building.
Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes thanked the speakers from United Sovereign Americans for the resolution and agreed with Mr. Shaw's comments about the Brown Bag Lunch Program. He spoke about the importance of respect between candidates and commented that a candidate must get a business owner's approval to place a sign at their business.
Mayor Thomas expressed support for election integrity and commented that he would read the resolution submitted by United Sovereign Americans. He addressed Mr.
Shaw's concern about sidewalk repairs and commented that a candidate must get a business owner's approval to place a sign at their business.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS, AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None Minutes
7. 6 September 9, 2024
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Council Member Litster pulled Consent Items 1 and 2 for discussion. (1) Approval of the Draft Fiscal Year .<FY) 2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for submission to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (Perros) (CC) ACTION: Approved request.
(2) Award of contract for the construction of the installation of left-turn phasing at three intersections project (HSIP Cycle 11). CP600000039. Specification No.
SV 24-04 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to PTM General Engineering Services, Inc. (3) Award of contract to ACCO Engineered Systems. Inc. for acquisition and replacement of the Heating. Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System at the Transit Maintenance Facility. utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Construction Contract No. CA-R?-HVAC-101723-AES, CP5000001, FAIN: CA-2023-095-00 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc. ( 4) Award contract to Superior Alarm Systems for the Maintenance and Servicing of the City's Access Control and Video Monitoring Systems; and Alarm Monitoring Services, Specification No. SV 24-30 (Johnson) (CC) ACTION: Awarded a contract to Superior Alarm Systems.
(5) Adopt a resolution to waive the bid process pursuant to the Public Contract Code, and award the contract to Atlas Copco Compressors LLC for compressor maintenance and repairs at the City's Water Quality Control Plant and authorize the City Manager to approve any subsequent contract amendments (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
Resolution No. 2024-36 - A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A STANDARD PUBLIC WORKS AGREEMENT
WITH ATLAS COPCO COMPRESSORS LLC WITHOUT THE NEED FOR
COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR COMPRESSOR MAINTENANCE IN THE
AMOUNT OF $79,785
ACTION: The item was pulled for a future meeting.
Minutes 7 September 9, 2024
(6) Adoption of a resolution approving the transfer of ownership and the Amended and Restated Affordable Housing Agreement (AHA-2024-0004} between the City of Simi Valley and Harmony Terrace Apartments (Perras) (CC) Resolution No. 2024-37 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP
AND APPROVING THE AMENDED AND RESTATED AFFORDABLE
HOUSING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AND
HARMONY SIMI VALLEY AR, LP. (AHA-2024-0004)
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-37.
ACTION: Council Member Litster moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 3, 4, and
6. Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes, and Mayor Thomas
None
None
None
ACTION: Council Member Litster moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 and 2.
Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes, and Mayor Thomas
None
None
None
8. CONTINUED BUSINESS:
8A. Second reading of Ordinance No. 1359 approving a change of zone classification (Z S-2021-0007) to change the zone of a 0.64-acre property from Residential Medium (RM} to Commercial Planned Development (CPD} at 4343 Township Avenue: and a zone text amendment (Z-S-2024-0001) to amend portions of Title 9 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code to modify setback standards and landscape buffers: and a determination that the amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Perras) (CC)
Minutes
9. 10.
10A.
8 September 9, 2024
Ordinance No. 1359 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY APPROVING A CHANGE OF ZONE CLASSIFICATION (Z-S-2021- 0007) TO CHANGE THE ZONE OF A 0.64-ACRE PROPERTY FROM RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM (RM) TO COMMERCIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (CPD) AT 4343 TOWNSHIP AVENUE; AND A ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT (Z-S-2024-0001) TO AMEND PORTIONS OF TITLE 9 OF THE SIMI VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE TO MODIFY SETBACK STANDARDS AND · LANDSCAPE BUFFERS; AND A
DETERMINATION THAT THE AMENDMENTS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
ACTION: Council Member Judge moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1359. Council Member Cavanaugh seconded the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes, and Mayor Thomas
None
None
None
NEW BUSINESS: None
REPORTS:
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Litster reported she attended the Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG) Broadband Subcommittee meeting, met with the City Manager, and attended the Farewell Reception for Jennifer Swenson, CEO of Adventist Health Simi Valley.
She also attended the New Beginnings Church Community Cafe - Beginnings Brew grand opening, spoke at the 3rd Annual 13 Souls Memorial Run, and attended the Sky Martial Arts Simi Valley 10th anniversary event. Additionally, Council Member Litster reported attending the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs meeting, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) Local Officeholders Luncheon, a SCAG tour of Port Hueneme, and the Family Justice Center Strategic Planning meeting at California Lutheran University. She also attended the Grand Opening of the 2nd Annual Simi Film Festival at Studio Movie Grill, the Royal vs. Simi High School football game, the St. Rose of Lima Church Blue Mass Celebration, and performed with the Simi Orchestra for the Simi Film Festival.
Council Member Cavanaugh reported that she attended and spoke at the Farewell Reception for Jennifer Swenson, CEO of Adventist Health Simi Valley, attended the Simi Valley Police Foundation Golf Tournament, the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Executive Board meeting, and commented about the Port Minutes 9 September 9, 2024
Hueneme annual Banana Festival, which will be held on September 28. She also attended the Ventura County Animal Shelter 0JCAS) Clear the Shelters event and the St. Rose of Lima Church Blue Mass Celebration.
Council Member Judge reported attending the Farewell Reception for Jennifer Swenson, CEO of Adventist Health Simi Valley; the 3rd Annual 13 Souls Memorial Run; the Simi Valley Police Foundation Golf Tournament; and the Elks Club Labor Day party. He also attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Council Transportation Committee and Executive Action Committee meetings, and the Ventura County Transportation Committee (VCTC) meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhodes reported that he attended a meeting on the Lost Canyons Project, participated in interviews for the Assistant City Manager and Deputy City Manager positions,· attended a SCAG Community Economic and Human Development (CEHD) Committee briefing via ZOOM, and ~ttended the Farewell Reception for Jennifer Swenson, CEO of Adventist Health Simi Valley. He also attended the New Beginnings Church Community Cafe - Beginnings Brew grand opening. He stated that he was unable to attend the 13 Souls Memorial Run due to a scheduling conflict; however, he did attend the Ventura Sheriff K9 Foundation Golf Classic, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce's Legislative Affairs call, and the Simi Valley Police Foundation Golf Tournament. Additionally, he attended the SCAG tour of Port Hueneme, a Rotary Club fundraiser, a second CEHD briefing via ZOOM, and several additional SCAG meetings. He reported that he was a speaker for the Royal High School Brown Bag Lunch, stopped by the Simi Valley Cops N' Cruisers Car Show, and met with the City Attorney and the City Manager regarding a resolution that will be presented at the League of California Cities.
Mayor Thomas reported that he participated in interviews for the Assistant City Manager and Deputy City Manager positions, had a call with the City Manager and a production company that wilr produce a public television special on Simi Valley hosted by Dennis Quaid, and attended and spoke at the 3rd Annual 13 Souls Memorial Run.
He also attended the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Tourism Alliance meeting, met with an entertainment company that is planning on building a large entertainment center in Simi Valley, had a C-Level meeting with River Plate Inc., and attended the Association of California Water Agencies meeting. Mayor Thomas stated he attended the St. Rose of Lima Church Blue Mass Celebration and the Simi Valley Cops N' Cruisers Car Show.
1 OB. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items:
Council Member Judge thanked Mayor Thomas and City Manager Argabrite for bringing the proclamation regarding Service Club Month.
Minutes 10 September 9, 2024
Council Member Cavanaugh requested information regarding left turn lights at Tapo Street and Alamo Street. Public Works Director Fuchiwaki stated that the developer and the City are working on this project.
Council Member Litster requested a future agenda item regarding street finishing and additional parking on Township Avenue. Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes seconded.
ADJOURNMENT : Mayor Thomas adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. in memory of Robert "Bob" Spellman , Ron Jackowitcz, and San Diego Police Officer Austin Machitar, to the meeting on September 23, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections , the motion carried through acclamation.
~?\ (). c:A. C-t" Fred D. Thomas , Mayor of the Ci
Valley , California,