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
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, 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.
AGENDA ITEM NO.
Consent (1)
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
Simi Valley, California July 22, 2024
CALLED TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. (OPEN SESSION)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Samantha Argabrite
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members/Directors Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice -Chair Rhodes and Mayor/Chair
Thomas
Remote: None
Absent: None
1. AGENDA REVIEW: None
1A. ACTION: Mayor Pro Tem/Vice -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: Council Members /Directors Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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 : Council Member Cavanaugh stated she would be recusing herself from Agenda Items 8A and 8B.
Minutes July 22, 2024
1D. CERTIFICATES/HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS: None
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND 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. Bill Schemm (no address given) spoke about his concern with the daily traffic he observes, noting that many drivers ignore posted stop signs . He recommends installing speed bumps to improve safety.
2. Dr. Roseann Mikos , Moorpark, CA, spoke in support of litigation efforts for a complete cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Lab.
3. James McGillis, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of litigation efforts for a complete cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Lab.
4. Anthony Thompson, Simi Valley, CA, Under the Lights Flag Football, announced the organization has 400 backpacks filled with school supplies to give out on August 1 at Simi Valley High School.
5. Elaine Freeman, Simi Valley, CA, Board Member, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, thanked City Council for the COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant.
6. Jeni Knack, Simi Valley, CA, Parents Against SSFL, spoke in support of litigation efforts for a complete cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Lab.
7. John Lapper, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about July 4th fireworks violations, asked for an update on the number of motorcycle traffic patrol officers, and spoke in support of litigation efforts for a complete cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Lab.
8. Lauren Hammersly, Simi Valley, CA, Parents Against SSFL, spoke in support of litigation efforts for a complete cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Lab.
9. Michael Shaw, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about oil he observed accumulating in the Chivo Canyon area of Simi Valley and asked City Council how to address the issue.
Minutes July 22, 2024
10. Elena B. Johnson, Simi Valley, CA, commented that the City Council, City Manager, and City Attorney, are appreciated and supported by the Community.
4A. CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Litster thanked Bill Schemm for his concerns about traffic not observing posted Stop signs, and she encouraged him to let City Council and the Police Department know the specific intersections. She thanked all the speakers that spoke in support of the complete cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Lab, stated that there is a problem that needs to be cleaned up and she indicated the issue was going to be an agenda item in Closed Session at the next City Council meeting. Council Member Litster thanked Anthony Thompson for the 400 backpacks filled with school supplies that will be given away and for his work in the Community. She thank ed Michael Shaw for speaking about the oil slick he observed in the Chivo Canyon area, and she thanked Elena Johnson for her kind remarks.
Council Member Cavanaugh commented that City Council is looking into the Santa Susana Field Lab Cleanup and that the City Attorney, Al Ford, has been asked to look into it as well. She commented to Dr. Roseann Mikos that she would be happy to talk to her, she thanked Bill Schemm for coming to the m eeting and stated he addressed the issue perfectly, and she asked Police Chief Shorts for an update on the number of motorcycle traffic patrol officers. Council Member Cavanaugh thanked Elena Johnson for attending the meeting, she stated City Council will look into the oil slick on Chivo Canyon, and she thanked all the speakers for taking the time to come to the meeting and speaking.
Council Member Judge thanked everyone who spoke and stated that his heart goes out to every parent who has lost a child. He commented he has supported every lawsuit regarding the Santa Susana Field Lab Cleanup during his 14 years on City Council. He agreed with Bill Schemm with regards to traffic concerns and he encouraged everyone to let City Council know if this is a problem in their area. Council Member Judge advised the public to call the Police Department for parking violations on their street and parking enforcement will issue citations.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhodes addressed Bill Schemm and spoke about directing resources to address the traffic issue, and he thanked Anthony Thompson for what he is doing with flag football and the school backpacks the organization is donating. He thanked Elaine Freeman for attending the meeting and representing the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District. He commented that City Council will look into the oil slick issue raised by Michael Shaw, and he thanked Elena Johnson for her positive comments about the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Rhodes informed Jeni Knack that he receives her emails regarding the Santa Susana Field Lab Cleanup, and is following the progress of her efforts. He explained that due to lawsuits the City Council is not Minutes July 22, 2024
always able to speak on the issue and he asked the City Manager and City Attorney if they would make a statement. City Manager Samantha Argabrite stated that the City has been in contact with our outside C ouncel who is handling the case and will be evaluating options in the next few weeks and going forward. Mayor Pro Tem Rhodes reported that there will be a Closed Session on this at the next City Council meeting.
Mayor Thomas spoke about the July 4
th fireworks violations and reported that th ere
were 17 citations written, one arrest made, and two 31 gallon tr ash cans full of fireworks confiscated from the public. He commented that the City is waiting to receive motorcycles that were ordered for traffic patrol and that they have been delayed due to production line issues. Mayor Thomas comment ed about the oil slick issue stating that the City Council needs to determine who is responsible and they will stay on the issue until something gets done. He stated he is in support of a complete cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Lab Cleanup and commented that the meeting he attended on the topic at Strathern Park was very professional and he learned a lot.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
6. CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
7. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Council Member Litster pulled Consent Items 3 and 4 for discussion.
(1) Approval of Monthly Investment Report for month ended June 30, 2024 (Johnson) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(2) Ratification of actions taken by the City/District Manager on certain items during the City Council/Board of Directors Extended Break (Fuchiwaki) (CC/WWD)
ACTION: Approved request.
(3) Approval of a COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant contract between the City of Simi Valley and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District (RSRPD) and authorization for the City Manager to execute the contract (Argabrite) (CC)
ACTION: Approved contract with Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District.
(4) Approval of a COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant contract between the City of Simi Valley and the Free Clinic of Simi Valley and authorization for the City Manager to execute the contract (Argabrite) (CC)
ACTION: Approved contract with Free Clinic of Simi Valley.
Minutes July 22, 2024
(5) Award of contract for construction of FY 2024- 25 Major Streets Rehabilitation Program: Los Angeles Avenue (Ralston Street to Yosemite Avenue), CP60000018, Specification No. SV 24-02 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to All American Asphalt, Inc.
(6) Award of contract to the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce for the administration of the Simi Valley Tourism Marketing District (Argabrite) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce.
(7) Award of contract to GSE Construction Company, Inc., for Digester Mixer and Secondary Clarifier Removal and Installations Project, CP70200055 & CP70200056, Specification No. SV 24-28 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to GSE Construction Company, Inc.
(8) Adoption of a resolution accepting public improvements for Tract No. 5886, located at 1748 Heywood Street (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
Resolution No. 2024- 33 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY ACCEPTING THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT NO. 5886, LOCATED AT 1748 HEYWOOD STREET
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-33.
(9) Adoption of a resolution authorizing acceptance of $225,924 from the FY 2024- 25 State of California Department of Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Grant Programs; authorize the City Manager or designee to sign all grant -related documents; and approve a Supplemental Budget Request of $225,924 in fund 287 (Shorts) (CC)
Resolution No. 2024- 34 - 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 HIGHWAY PATROL (CHP) CANNABIS TAX GRANT PROGRAM
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-34.
ACTION: Council Member/Director Litster moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1, 2, and 5 through 9. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Rhodes seconded the motion.
Minutes July 22, 2024
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members /Directors Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ACTION: Council Member/Director Litster moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 3 and 4. Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members /Directors Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8. CONTINUED BUSINESS:
8A. Second reading of Ordinance No. 1357 approving a change of zone classification (Z- S-2022-0005) to change the zone of a 0.19- acre property from Commercial Office- Arroyo Simi Greenway Specific Plan (CO)(SP) to Residential Very High Density (RVH) at 1575 Erringer Road; and a determination that the amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Perros) (CC)
Ordinance No. 1357 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY APPROVING A CHANGE OF ZONE CLASSIFICATION (Z -S-2022- 0005) TO CHANGE THE ZONE OF A 0.19-ACRE PROPERTY FROM COMMERCIAL
OFFICE-ARROYO SIMI GREENWAY SPECIFIC PLAN (CO)(SP) TO RESIDENTIAL VERY HIGH DENSITY (RVH) AT 1575 ERRINGER ROAD; AND A DETERMINATION
THAT THE AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
ACTION: Council Member/Director Litster moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1357 .
Council Member/Director Judge seconded the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Litster, Judge, Mayor Pro Tem/V ice- Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
RECUSED: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh
Minutes July 22, 2024
8B. Second reading of Ordinance No. 1358 approving an amendment to the Arroyo Simi Greenway Specific Plan (SP-S-2023-0002) to remove the project site from the Specific Plan boundary at 1575 Erringer Road and related revisions; and a determination that the amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Perros (CC)
Ordinance No. 1358 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SIMI VALLEY APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARROYO SIMI GREENWAY SPECIFIC PLAN (SP-S-2023-0002) TO REMOVE THE PROJECT SITE FROM THE SPECIFIC PLAN BOUNDARY AT 1575 ERRINGER ROAD AND RELATED REVISIONS; AND A DETERMINATION THAT THE AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
ACTION: Council Member/Director Judge moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1358 .
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair Rhodes seconded the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Litster, Judge, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice- Chair Rhodes, and Mayor/Chair Thomas
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
RECUSED: Council Member/Director Cavanaugh
9. NEW BUSINESS: None
10. REPORTS:
10A. City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Litster reported she had a meeting with Kathryn Stiles of Simi Valley Adventist Health, met with Michael Kort of Supervisor Janice Parvin’s Office, and had her last meeting with City Manager Brian Gabler. She attended the Simi Valley Police Department Swearing In Ceremony, the Simi Valley Star -Spangled Rock & Country Jam Fireworks Spectacular, the Simi Valley Senior Center Stars and Stripes Ice Cream Social, and met with Ventura County Supervisor Jani ce Parvin. Council Member Litster reported she met with Cindy Slack, President of the Simi Valley Public Library Foundation, attended the Grand Reopening of American Veterinary Hospital located on Tapo St ., met with new City Manager Samantha Argabrite, attended the Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG) meeting, and attended the Grand Opening of Better Mattress located on Los Angeles Ave. She reported that she attended Congresswoman Brownley’s Check Presentation for the 911 Live grant, the Moorpark College Foundation Biotech Lab Ribbon Cutting, the Channel Islands Counties Division Dinner in Atascadero, and met with a representative from the Simi Valle y Engineers Association. She attended the YMCA Safety Around Water Program, and the musical Annie at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.
Minutes July 22, 2024
Council Member Cavanaugh reported she attended the Simi Valley Star -Spangled Rock & Country Jam Fireworks Spectacular, and she commented that she had Jury Duty and spoke about her experience.
Council Member Judge commented that he was out of the State in Austin, Texas for a period of time, he attended the Simi Valley Star -Spangled Rock & Country Jam Fireworks Spectacular, and the Grand Reopening of American Veterinary Hospital located on Tapo St.
Mayor Pro Tem Rhodes reported he attended the Chamber Legislative Affairs ZOOM call, the City Employees Summer Luncheon, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Executive Administrative Committee Retreat, and Theresa’s Country Feed & Pet Celebration of 40 years in business. He reported he was called to Jury Duty but was not selected, he attended the Simi Valley Police Department Swearing In Ceremony, the Simi Valley Star-Spangled Rock & Country Jam Fireworks Spectacular, and he thanked C ity Council for the proclamation to his father recognizing his service in World War II on the occasion of his 99 th birthday. Mayor
Pro Tem Rhodes reported he attended the League of California Cities Legislative Summer Update, had a tour of the Waste Management landfill, attended the Grand Reopening of American Veterinary Hospital located on Tapo St., the Clean Power Alliance Board meeting, and he attended the Grand Opening of Better Mattress located on Los Angeles Ave. He reported attending the Associatio n of Water Agencies (AWA) ZOOM call, the Congresswoman Brownley Check Presentation for the 911 Live grant, the Moorpark College Foundation Biotech Lab Ribbon Cutting, he toured the Vina Robles Amphitheater, attended the Channel Islands Counties Division Dinner in Atascadero, and an Animal Rescue Poker Fundraiser.
Mayor Thomas reported he attended the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Tourism meeting, the Simi Valley Police Department Swearing In Ceremony, the Simi Valley Star-Spangled Rock & Country Jam Fireworks Spectacular, and the Grand Reopening of American Veterinary Hospital located on Tapo St reet. He reported attending a C Level visit with Dean Safe Company, the Santa Susana Field Lab meeting at Strathearn Park, Congresswoman Brownley ’s Check Presentation for the 911 Live grant, the Chamber of Commerce Econom ic Development Committee, and the ADA Paratransit Advisory Committee meeting.
10B. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items: None
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor/Chair Thomas adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m. in memory of Geoff Cady and Corey Comperatore, t o the meeting of August 5, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections, the motion carried through acclamation.
Minutes July 22, 2024
_________________________________
Fred D. Thomas, Mayor of the City of Simi
Valley, California, Chair of the Ventura
County Waterworks District No. 8
________________________________
Lucy Blanco CMC, City Clerk/District Secretary
Note: If this is a joint meeting of the City Council and Boards of Directors, the applicable entity is identified at the end of eac h agenda item.
CC – City Council PFA – Public Financing Authority
WWD – 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, 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 OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Simi Valley, California August 5, 2024
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:00 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Litster, Cavanaugh, Judge, Mayor Pro Tem Rhodes, and Mayor Thomas
Remote: None
Absent: None
a. PUBLIC STATEMENTS: Mayor Thomas asked if there were public statements for Closed Session or any other items not on the agenda. Having no public statements, the City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:01 p.m.
b. CLOSED SESSION:
(1) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
Number of Matters: Three (3)
1. Santa Susana Field Laboratory
2. McGarry Claim
3. Solorzano Claim
(2) 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
Name of Case: Francesca Adams v. City of Simi Valley
Case No.: VCSC 56-2022-00573389
(3) Public Employee Performance Evaluation (CC)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1):
Title: City Attorney
Minutes August 5, 2024
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Thomas adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m., t o the meeting of August 19, 2024 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,
________________________________
Lucy Blanco CMC, City Clerk