MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
Simi Valley, California October 21, 2024
a.
b.
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:30 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members/Directors Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
Remote: None
Absent: None
PUBLIC STATEMENTS: Having no public statements, the City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:31 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION:
(1) Conference with Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Number of Matters: Three (3)
Name of Case:
Case No.:
Name of Case:
Case No.:
Name of Case:
Case No.:
Bruce Boyer v. City of Simi Valley
2: 19-cv-00560-R-J PR
Southland Watch v. City of Simi Valley, et al.
vcsc 56-2022-00573170
City of Rancho Palos Verdes, et al. v. Rob Banta, et al LASC 22STCP02369; CA Court of Appeal, 2nd Dist. Case No.
8332315
CALLED TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. (OPEN SESSION)
CLOSED SESSION REPORTS: City Attorney Ford stated there was no reportable action as a result of the Closed Session meeting held on October 21, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Dwight Thompson
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, 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 2 October 21, 2024
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members/Directors Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair
Thomas
Remote: None
Absent: None
1. AGENDA REVIEW: None
1A. ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair 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 Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair 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:
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 Certificate of Commendation as recipient of the Red Cross Certificate of Merit for saving a life (CC)
Interim Regional CEO of the American Red Cross, Lori Wilson, and Senior Category Manager, GPO Finance of the American Red Cross, Ruilong Ma, read, and Mayor Thomas presented Erin Huey with a Certificate of Merit and Rebekka Armstrong with a Certificate of Extraordinary Action.
(2) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring the week of October 20 through 26, 2024, as Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week (CC) Environmental Services Director Stratis Perros read and Mayor Thomas presented Code Compliance Manager Jesus Salcido and Code Compliance Officer Mitchell Brewer with a proclamation declaring the week of October 20 through 26, 2024, as Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week.
Minutes 3 October 21, 2024
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS: None
38. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
(1) Economic Development Update (Garibay) (CC)
Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay presented the City Council with an Economic Development update.
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. Stephanie Wilson, Simi Valley Cultural Commission, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of a Simi Valley amphitheater.
2. Anthony Angelini, Director of Tourism for the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Tourism Alliance, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of a Simi Valley amphitheater.
3. Jim King, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of a Simi Valley amphitheater.
4. Dwight Thompson, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about his concerns regarding the sale of the house in his neighborhood that was used in the movie Poltergeist.
5. Daniel Porter, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about a concern he has regarding a name change on a Quit Claim Deed to the Girls & Boys Club of Hollywood.
6. Joseph Metcalfe, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of a Simi Valley amphitheater.
7. Mike Lasher, Simi Valley, CA, requested the City Council's assistance in understanding why the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood has filed Quit Claim Deeds on properties in Simi Valley.
The following submitted a speaker card but did not wish to speak:
1. Lisa Roberts, Simi Valley, CA
Minutes
4A.
5. SA.
4 October 21, 2024
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
City Manager Samantha Argabrite addressed the Quit Claim Deed issue, stating that staff had communicated with the District Attorney's Office regarding the matter. She reported that the County Council had approved the recording of the parcels, found that no crime had been committed, and she read a summary of the issue aloud. She also addressed the concerns raised about the sale of the house that was used in the movie Poltergeist. She stated that the Staff is preparing a report for the City Council and commented that many issues pertaining to short-term vacation rentals are often covered by the City's Code, but the City Council may wish to consider other options.
Council Member Litster requested that the City Attorney comment on the Quit Claim Deed issue. City Attorney Ford explained that this is an issue the City has just learned about this morning, and that both the City Council and the City Manager are not yet in a position to address it. Council Member Litster thanked everyone for their thoughts and comments at the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and speaking.
He addressed the concerns raised about the Quit Claim Deeds, as well as the sale of the house that was used in the movie Poltergeist. Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes thanked the speakers who spoke in support of a Simi Valley Amphitheater.
Mayor Thomas commented on the Quit Claim Deed issue and stated that the City Council will pursue it until they receive an answer. He also addressed the concerns raised about the sale of the house used in the movie Poltergeist.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Consideration of General Plan Amendment Pre-screening review of GPPS- 2024-0002 {SK Madan), a request to change the General Plan Land Use designation from Recreation Commercial to Industrial for a 3.95-acre Commercially Zoned Parcel, located north of Smith Road and east of Kuehner Drive (Perros) (CC}
Mayor Thomas opened the public portion of the hearing at 7:30 p.m.
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Siki Madan, Simi Valley, CA, Applicant, spoke in support of a change to the General Land Plan Use designation.
Mayor Thomas closed the public portion of the hearing at 7:46 p.m.
Minutes
ACTION:
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
5 October 21, 2024
Council Member/Director Judge moved to authorize GPPS-2024- 0002 for further processing as a formal General Plan Amendment.
Council Member/Director Cavanaugh seconded the motion.
Council Members/Directors Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
None
None
58. A Public Hearing to consider a request from Stow Villas, LLC, for a Planned Development Permit Modification (PD-S-2024-0004) to revise previously approved elevations and site improvements, a Tentative Map (TT-2024- 0002) to develop 16 condominium units; discharge and release of the Affordable Housing Agreement (AHA-0-51) to eliminate the previously approved affordable housing incentives, for a property located at 5496 East Los Angeles Avenue: determination that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; and adoption of two resolutions (Perras) (CC) Resolution No. 2024-42 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SIMI VALLEY APPROVING A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
MODIFICATION (PD-S-2024-0004) TO REVISE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED ELEVATIONS AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS; AND A TENTATIVE MAP (TT-2024- 0002) TO DEVELOP 16 CONDOMINIUM UNITS; FOR A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5496 EAST LOS ANGELES AVENUE; INCLUDING A DETERMINATION THAT THE
PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT Resolution No. 2024-43 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SIMI VALLEY APPROVING THE DISCHARGE AND RELEASE OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREEMENT (AHA-O-51) FOR THE STOW VILLAS
CONDOMINIUMS, INCLUDING RESCINDING CITY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR
ELIGIBLE BUYERS
Mayor Thomas opened the public portion of the hearing at 7:59 p.m.
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Siraj Aboulhosn, Applicant Representative, spoke in support of a request from Stow Villas for a Planned Development Permit Modification.
The following submitted a speaker card in support of the proiect but did not wish to speak:
1. Nader Fararji, Applicant
Minutes
6. 6A.
7. 6 October 21, 2024
Mayor Thomas closed the public portion of the hearing at 8:24 p.m.
ACTION: Council Member/Director Judge moved to adopt Resolution No. 2024- 42, approving Planned Development Permit No. PD-S-2024-0004 and Tentative Map TT-2024-0002; and adopt Resolution No. 2024-43 approving the discharge and release of Affordable Housing Agreement No. AHA-0-51 with modification to condition A-18 to remove the stone veneer requirement. Council Member/Director Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
None
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 Litster pulled Consent Item 6 for discussion. (1) Approval of Monthly Investment Report for the month ended September 30. 2024 (Johnson) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(2) Authorization to accept funding from California Department of Transportation (Caltrans} for Low Carbon Transit Operation Program (LCTOP}: authorization for the City Manager to execute the interagency agreement: approval of a Supplemental Budget Request in the Transit Fund (Fund 750. CP75000014), and authorization for the City Manager or designee to approve grant-related documents (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved Supplemental Budget Request.
(3) Approval of a lease agreement with STC One LLC. a Delaware Limited Liability Company. by Global Signal Acquisitions II. A Delaware Limited Liability Company. Its Attorney In Fact. to use the First Street Water Tank Site for a Wireless Telecommunications Facility (Fuchiwaki) (WWD)
ACTION: Awarded contract to STC One LLC.
Minutes 7 October 21, 2024
(4) Authorization to to accept funding from California Department of Transportation for Senate Bill 125 funding via the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program and Zero Emission Transit Capital Program; approve a Supplemental Budget Request in the Transit Fund; and authorization for the City Manager or designee to approve and execute grant agreement and subsequent grant-related documents including amendments to the agreement (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: Approved Supplemental Budget Request and approved agreement with the Ventura County Transportation Commission. (5) Award of professional services contracts for on-call inspection services. RFQ No.
PW 24-0BR (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to Twining, Inc. and Filippin Engineering, Inc. (6) Authorize issuance of a purchase order to Creative Bus Sales, Inc. for the purchase of four {4) electric replacement paratransit vehicles through California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CALACT) /Morongo Basin Authority {MBTA) Cooperative Contract No. 20-01 M1 (ZEB Van). CP7500010, FAIN: CA- 2022-077-00 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded a contract to Creative Bus Sales, Inc.
(7) Adoption of a resolution authorizing acceptance of $35,300 from the FY 2024-25 State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control {ABC) ABC-OTS Grant programs; authorize the City Manager or designee to sign all grant-related documents; and approve a Supplemental Budget Request of $35,300 in Fund 287 (Shorts) (CC)
Resolution No. 2024-44 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY APPROVING ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS AND
THE EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT, AND ANY AMENDMENTS
THERETO, FROM THE FY 2024-25 STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT
OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) ABC-OTS GRANT PROGRAM ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-44.
(8) Adoption of resolution amending the designated positions subject to the Conflict of Interest Code (Blanco) (CC)
Resolution No. 2024-45 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY REGARDING CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODES AND
ADOPTING AND INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE FAIR POLITICAL
PRACTICES COMMISSION'S STANDARD CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2022-62
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-45.
Minutes 8 October 21, 2024
ACTION: Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 8. Council Member/Director Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
None
None
8. CONTINUED BUSINESS:
SA. Second reading of Ordinance No. 1360 approving a change of zone classification (Z S-2022-0003} from Commercial Planned Development (CPD} and Residential Medium density (RM) to Residential High density (RH} for property located at 1845 Oak Road; and adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (Perras) (CC)
Ordinance No. 1360 -AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY APPROVING A CHANGE OF ZONE CLASSIFICATION (Z-S-2022- 0003) FROM COMMERCIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (CPD) AND RESIDENTIAL
MEDIUM DENSITY (RM) TO RESIDENTIAL HIGH DENSITY (RH) FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1845 OAK ROAD; AND ADOPTION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM ACTION: Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1360. Council Member/Director Litster seconded the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
None
None
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9A. Request for direction from the City Council on the proposed amphitheater at the Simi Valley Civic Center (Garibay) (CC)
ACTION: Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes moved to continue the ad hoc Amphitheater Committee. Council Member/Director Litster seconded the motion:
Minutes
10. 10A.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
REPORTS:
9 October 21, 2024
Council Members/Directors Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
None
None
None
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Litster reported she attended the Simi Valley Education Foundation Teacher of the Month Presentation, the Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG) Joint Powers Authority Subcommittee meeting, the VCOG dinner event, and the 20th Annual Youth Summit. She also attended the Forever Found - Freedom Gala and the Council On Aging meeting, and served as a speaker at Simi Valley Royal High School. She attended the Youth Council meeting and the League of California Cities three-day conference in Long Beach. Council Member Litster further stated that she attended the Simi Valley Senior Center Arts and Crafts Fair, the Simi Valley YMCA Halloween Gathering, and Trunk or Treat at Strathearn Historical Park.
Council Member Cavanaugh reported that the County has hired a new Director for Ventura County Animal Services. She attended the Simi Valley Police Department Fall Citizens Academy Graduation, the Township Elementary School Trunk or Treat event, and a Simi Valley Rotary Club event.
Council Member Judge reported that he attended the 20th Annual Youth Summit, the League of California Cities 3-day conference in Long Beach, and Relay for Life 2024, where he presented a Proclamation.
Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes reported that he attended a fundraiser dinner for the Nancy Reagan Breast Cancer Treatment Center Expansion, attended and addressed the Ventura County Leadership Academy, and attended the Clean Power Alliance meeting (remote). He attended the VCOG dinner event, the 20th Annual Youth Summit, and participated in a multi-club Rotary Club event that removed trash in the Tierra Rejada Road area. Additionally, he was a speaker at the Simi Valley Seventh day Adventist Church for their "Government and the Church" series and attended the Forever Found Gala in Westlake. Mayor Pro Tern Rhodes stated that he had lunch with the City of Simi Valley City Attorney, Al Ford, and they attended the Madera Elementary School Madera Civics Excellence Award Ceremony. He met with a Council On Aging representative to discuss the Meals on Wheels Program, attended the League of California Cities 3-day conference in Long Beach, and participated in the Simi Valley Senior Center Pancake Breakfast, where he supplied 15 gallons of coffee that he brewed. He also attended a Hurricane Relief Rotary Club fundraiser.
Minutes 10 October 21 , 2024
Mayor Thomas reported that a Cub Scout group interviewed him, attended a Candidate Forum at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, spoke at the 20th Annual Youth Summit, and attended the Simi Valley Police Department's Fall Citizens Academy Graduation .
1 OB. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items:
Council Member Cavanaugh confirmed the City Council would be looking into short term rental policies. City Manager Argabrite stated that staff would bring the issue to the City Council for direction in November.
Council Member Litster requested that Township Avenue be added to the list of roads being repaired. Council Member Cavanaugh seconded.
Mayor Thomas asked if the left turn signals needed to be upgraded at Tapo Street and Alamo Avenue . City Manager Argabrite stated the information would be provided to the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT : Mayor/Chair Thomas adjourned the meeting at 9:42 p.m. in memory of Jan Smith, to the meeting of November 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections, the motion carried through acclamation.
,..__ " ~a
4-1" .P\o.ct D~ Fred D. Thomas, Mayor of the
Valley , California, Chair of the Ventura
County Waterworks District No. 8