MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
Simi Valley, California February 24, 2025
CALLED TO ORDER: 1 :00 p.m. (OPEN SESSION)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Evelyn Garfield
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
Remote: None
Absent: None
1. PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
1A.
1. Sheila Johnson (no address given) expressed her concern that she did not know the applicants and asked that the City Council do its due diligence in looking at the applicants' backgrounds.
2. Jennifer Swenson (no address given) spoke in support of Anthony Thompson for appointment to City Council.
3. Brian McGrath, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of Anthony Thompson for appointment to City Council.
CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
1. Council Member Litster thanked the speakers and those in attendance at the City Council meeting.
2. APPOINTMENTS:
(1) Conduct of District 1 applicant interviews by the Simi Valley City Council, appointment of a candidate to fill a City Council vacancy, and possible other actions regarding the selection process. including the possible adoption of a resolution calling for a Special Election (Argabrite) (CC) 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 - Wateiworks District No. 8
!DA- 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 2 February 24, 2025
ACTION: Council Member Rhodes moved that the City Council not interview the candidate with insufficient signatures. Mayor Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
ACTION: Mayor Cavanaugh moved that the City Council interview candidates in random order. Mayor Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
ACTION: Council Member Litster moved that the candidates each get a one-minute introduction, that each Council Member ask two questions, and that the candidates will have three minutes to answer each question. Mayor Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
The following are the questions selected by each City Council member:
Council Member Rhodes:
Question 1. Explain how you would use SB 9, ADUs, and other means to meet our RHNA obligations in housing?
Question 2. Budgets for the City are made up of balancing our inflows and our outflows like any organization. What is your experience in producing, managing, and balancing a budget? What are the major inflows and outflows of the City, and what should we do to increase revenue or decrease expenses?
Council Member Litster:
Question 1. There is a discussion about building an outdoor amphitheater on the Minutes 3 February 24, 2025
empty four acres of the Civic Center site. What are your thoughts about such an endeavor?
Question 2. Simi Valley is currently divided into four major departments: Police, Environmental Services, Public Works, and Administration. Which area would you like to explore first and why?
Mayor Pro Tern Judge:
Question 1. Explain your thoughts on the difference between a Charter City and a General Law City, and what are the pros and cons?
Question 2. Recently, we privatized our City Attorney's Office, which saved the City some money. What are your feelings on privatizing other City functions? Mayor Cavanaugh:
Question 1. What is the most important issue you feel is facing Simi Valley, and what would your solution be?
Question 2. Where do you see Simi Valley in five years? ACTION: Council Member Rhodes moved that during the selection of a candidate each Council Member submit one name, if a name is submitted two or more times it will go to a discussion prior to a motion, if not successful each Council Member will submit a second name, if a name is submitted two or more times it will go to a discussion prior to a motion. Council Member Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
The following qualified candidate names were randomly drawn and interviewed in the order below:
Candidate 1:
Candidate 2:
Candidate 3:
Candidate 4:
Candidate 5:
Candidate 6:
Candidate 7:
Candidate 8:
Candidate 9:
Linus Kojelis
Joseph Ayala
Gayle Luker
Donald Brodt
Dorina Timbol
Anthony Thompson
Jill Abele
Sophie Klepper
Bonnie Sterling
Minutes
3. 4 February 24, 2025
At the conclusion of interviews, each Council Member submitted a candidate's name for appointment.
Council Member Rhodes - Donald Brodt
Council Member Litster - Joseph Ayala
Mayor Pro Tern Judge - Anthony Thompson
Mayor Cavanaugh - Joseph Ayala
ACTION: Council Member Litster moved to appoint Joseph Ayala as Council Member District 1. Mayor Cavanaugh seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Litster and Mayor Cavanaugh
Council Members Rhodes and Mayor Pro Tern Judge
None
None
At the conclusion of the first vote, each Council Member submitted a second candidate's name for appointment.
Council Member Rhodes - Donald Brodt, Joseph Ayala
Council Member Litster - Joseph Ayala, Donald Brodt
Mayor Pro Tern Judge -Anthony Thompson, Donald Brodt
Mayor Cavanaugh -Joseph Ayala, Jill Abele
ACTION: Mayor Pro Tern Judge moved to appoint Donald Brodt as Council Member District 1. Council Member Rhodes seconded the motion.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Rhodes and Mayor Pro Tern Judge
Council Members Litster and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
ACTION: Council Member Litster moved to appoint Joseph Ayala as Council Member District 1. Mayor Cavanaugh seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Rhodes, Litster, and Mayor Cavanaugh
Mayor Pro Tern Judge
None
None
RECESS: Mayor Cavanaugh recessed the City Council at 4:43 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: 5:25 p.m. (OPEN SESSION)
Minutes 5 February 24, 2025
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
Remote: None
Absent: None
4. AGENDA REVIEW: City Manager Argabrite noted that Closed Session Item 3 Conference with Labor Negotiator for Unrepresented Employees should include the job title of Police Chief. She stated that due to the early start time after interviews, Item 4D Certificates/Honorary Resolutions/Proclamations, and Item 6A(2) Appointment of Neighborhood Council Executive Board members will be pushed to later on the agenda when participants are in attendance, and that Item 68(1) may also be pushed to later on the agenda.
4A. ACTION: Council Member Ayala moved that all resolutions and ordinances presented tonight be read in title only and all further reading be waived. Council Member Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
48. 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). 4C. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT: None
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
6A. APPOINTMENTS:
(1) Selection of two City Council Members to conduct Community Proiects Grant Review Committee interviews (Perras) (CC)
ACTION: Mayor Cavanaugh moved that the Council authorize and the Mayor appoint City Council Members Ayala and Litster to conduct Community Projects Grant Review Committee interviews. Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes seconded the motion.
Minutes
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
6 February 24, 2025
Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
6C. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
7. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS. INCLUDING CLOSED SESSION. OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS. APPOINTMENTS. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
7A.
8. 9.
10. The following speakers submitted a speaker card but were not present when called.
1. Robert Clarizio
2. James Greenfield
3. John Lapper
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS. APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Council Member Rhodes pulled Consent Item 1, and Council Member Litster pulled Consent Items 2 and 3 for discussion. '
(1) Approval of the Monthly Investment Report for the month ended January 31. 2025 (Johnson) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(2) Receive and file update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Community Projects Grant Performance Reports for the second quarter activities (Perras) (CC) ACTION: Received and filed.
(3) Receive and file the Mobile Home Rent Mediation Board Annual Status Report for Calendar Year 2024 (Perras) (CC)
ACTION: Received and filed.
Minutes 7 February 24, 2025
ACTION: Council Member Rhodes moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 3. Council Member Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
Council Member Ayala
11. CONTINUED BUSINESS:
11A. Second reading of Ordinance No. 1362 amending Title 6 Chapter 3 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code relating to the regulation of solid waste storage, collection, disposal, transfer, and resource recovery (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
12. 12A.
Ordinance No. 1362 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AMENDING TITLE 6 CHAPTER 3 OF THE SIMI VALLEY MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF SOLID WASTE STORAGE,
COLLECTION, DISPOSAL, TRANSFER, AND RESOURCE RECOVERY
ACTION: Council Member Rhodes moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1362. Mayor Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
Council Member Ayala
NEW BUSINESS:
Reciprocal Access Agreement on City-owned property located on Los Angeles Avenue, approximately 800 feet west of Quimsa Drive (APN 500-0-291-215 and 500- 0-370-145) (Garibay) (CC)
ACTION: Council Member Litster moved to approve a Reciprocal Access Easement Agreement between the City of Simi Valley, SMR Property Owner LLC, and the Butler Trust and authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Agreement and all related documents to facilitate the easement's establishment. Mayor Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion.
Minutes
128.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
8 February 24, 2025
Council Members Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
Council Member Ayala
Approval of proposed Sanitation Service Rates, authorization to proceed with the Proposition 218 process. and recommendation to set a public hearing to consider adoption of new Sanitation Service rates (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: Council Member Rhodes moved to approve the proposed Sanitation Service Rates, authorize staff to initiate a Proposition 218 process by mailing a notice of proposed Sanitation Service Rates and instructions on protesting the proposal, and set a public hearing for May 5, to consider adopting new Sanitation Service Rates.
Mayor Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
Mayor Cavanaugh made a brief statement reminding everyone why today's agenda items are being heard out of order.
6. 6B.
40. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
(1) Ventura County Film Commission Presentation (CC}
President and CEO of Economic Development Collaborative Bruce Stenslie and Film Commission Liaison Bill Bartels provided the City Council with a presentation.
CERTIFICATES/HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS:
(1) Presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to outgoing Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members (CC}
Community Services Coordinator Kelly Duffy read and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following outgoing Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members: Todd Taylor, Alan Mann, Carol Thomaier, Sam Cohen, Gerald Placeres, Satish Shah, Peter Stong, Steven Baker, Rachel Bystrom, Jon Gatewood, Fredrick Peterson, Tracy Bodis, Don Diamon, Holly Harpham, and Amber Powell.
Minutes 9 February 24, 2025
6A. APPOINTMENTS:
13. 13A.
(1) Appointment of Neighborhood Council Executive Board members to the four Neighborhood Councils (Perras) (CC)
ACTION: Mayor Pro Tern Judge moved that the Council authorize and the Mayor appoint, Carl Lindner, Stefanie Rucker, Emmy Sundeen, George Bowman, Gloria Bowman, Al Brown, Robert Guenther, Lillian Jacobs, Michael Shaw, Gayle Sutton, Ellen Bebo, Richard Bebo, Ashley Callinan, Serena Kahm, Heidi Best, Deanna Block, Peter Calderon, Leroy Leyba, Marta Maitles, and Miranda Myers to serve on the Executive Board of the four Neighborhood Councils for a two year term expiring on February 2~, 2027. Council Member Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
REPORTS:
Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Rhodes reported that he served as a PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) monitor at the Simi Valley Methodist Church, attended a Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) meeting (ZOOM), the Simi Valley Arts Commission meeting, and the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) meeting. He stated that he attended the 28th Annual Police & Community Partnership Recognition Awards, met with Waste Management to discuss the procedure for handling fire debris, attended the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award Dinner, and participated in Read Across America at the Simi Valley Library.
Council Member Litster reported she attended the Wood Ranch Animal Hospital Grand Opening, the YMCA Community Kick Off, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Presidents' Day Celebration. She stated she attended the Association of Water (AWA) ZOOM meeting, participated in Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG) interviews for a new Executive Director, met with a Simi Valley citizen, and attended the Simi Valley Arts Commission meeting. Council Member Litster reported she attended the AWA Waterwise breakfast, the Heywood Gardens Celebration, the 28th Annual Police & Community Partnership Recognition Awards, and the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award Dinner. She attended the Holistic IV Hydration Grand Opening, participated in Read Across America at the Simi Valley Library, and attended the Simi Music Video Fest held at Studio Movie Grill.
Minutes 10 February 24, 2025
Mayor Pro Tern Judge reported he attended the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, the SCAG (ZOOM) Transportation Committee meeting, the 28th Annual Police & Community Partnership Recognition Awards, met with Waste Management about the procedure for fire debris, and attended the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award Dinner. He stated he attended a Zoom call with the Fire Emergency Management Teams and the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the debris from the fires, and he participated in Read Across America at the Simi Valley Public Library.
Mayor Cavanaugh reported she attended the Ventura County Animal Services Committee meeting and shared she is the new Chairperson, she attended the 28th Annual Police & Community Partnership Recognition Awards, the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award Dinner, participated in Read Across America at the Simi Valley Public Library, and attended the Simi Valley Girls Softball Opening Day. 138. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items: None
b. CLOSED SESSION:
(1) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Number of Matters: One (1)
Name of Case: Southland Watch v. City of Simi Valley, et al.
Case No.: VCSC 56-2022-00573170
(2) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigations (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
Number of Matters: One (1)
• Shukair - Claim
(3) Conference with Labor Negotiator (CC)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 .6 (CC)
• City's Designated Representative: Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay Employee Organization: Service Employees International
Union (SEIU), Local 721
• . City's Designated Representative: Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay Employee Organization: Simi Valley Police Managers Association Minutes 11 February 24, 2025
• City's Designated Representative: Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay Employee Organization: Simi Valley Police Officers Association • City's Designated Representative: Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay Employee Organization: Simi Valley Engineers Association • City's Designated Representative: Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay Employee Organization: Unrepresented Employees (Accounting Projects Analyst, Accounting Specialist, Accounting Supervisor, Administrative Assistant, Administrative Officer, Administrative Services Director, Assistant City Attorney, Assistant City Manager, Assistant Community Services Manager, Assistant Planner, Assistant Public Works Director, Assistant to the City Manager, Assistant Waterworks Services Manager, Associate Planner, Budget & Administrative Officer, Budget Officer, City Attorney, City Clerk, city Manager, Code Compliance Manager, Communications Systems Coordinator, Community Services Director, Community Services Manager, Crime Analysis and Prevention Manager, Crime Analyst, Cultural Arts Center Technical Coordinator, Customer Services Manager, Customer Services Supervisor, Deputy Administrative Services Director (Budget & Purchasing), Deputy Administrative Services Director (Fiscal Services), Deputy Administrative Services Director (Information Services), Deputy City Attorney, Deputy City Clerk, Deputy City Manager, Deputy Community Services Director, Deputy Director/Police Administration & Communication, Deputy Environmental Services Director, Deputy Environmental Services Director (Building Official), Deputy Environmental Services Director (City Planner), Deputy Human Resources Director, Deputy Public Works Director (Administration), Deputy Public Works Director (Environmental Compliance), Deputy Public Works Director (Maintenance Services), Deputy Public Works Director (Sanitation Services), Deputy Public Works Director (Transit), Deputy Public Works Director (Waterworks Services), Digital & Print Media Coordinator, Emergency Services Coordinator, Emergency Services Manager, Enterprise Systems Analyst, Environmental Compliance Program Analyst, Environmental Compliance Program Coordinator, Environmental Services Director, Executive Assistant, Fiscal Services Supervisor, Geographic Information System (GIS) Coordinator, Home Rehabilitation Coordinator, Human Resources Analyst, Information Services Analyst I, Information Services Analyst 11, Investigative Assistant, Laboratory Chemist, Landscape Architect, Legal Administrative Assistant, Maintenance Superintendent, Maintenance Supervisor, Management Analyst, Management Assistant, Payroll Coordinator, Permit Services Supervisor, Plant Maintenance Supervisor, Plant Support Systems Manager, Police Communications & Records Manager, Police Maintenance Supervisor, Police Records Manager, Police Records Supervisor, Police Services Supervisor, Principal Information Services Analyst, Principal Planner/Zoning Administrator, Public Works Director, Risk Manager, Senior Accountant, Senior Minutes 12 February 24, 2025
Administrative Officer, Senior Assistant City Attorney, Senior Code Compliance Officer, Senior Crime Analyst , Senior Human Resources Analyst , Senior Information Services Analyst, Senior Management Analyst, Senior Planner, Staff Accountant, Supervising Building Inspector, Supervising Public Works Inspector , Transit Finance Manager , Transit Operations Manager, Transit Supervisor, Wastewater Collection System Supervisor, Water Distribution Supervisor, Water Field Services Supervisor , Water Operations Supervisor, Workers ' Compensation Adjuster I, Workers' Compensation Adjuster II, Workers' Compensation Manager, Workers' Compensation Supervisor)
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Cavanaugh adjourned the meeting at 6:07 p.m. to the meeting of March 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. There being no
objections , the motion carried through acclamation .
ee Dee Cavanaugh, Ma
Simi Valley, California