MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
SIMI VALLEY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Simi Valley, California April 21, 2025
a.
b.
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:30 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
Remote: None
Absent: None
PUBLIC STATEMENTS: Having no public statements, the City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:32 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION:
(1) Conference with Labor Negotiator: (CC)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a):
City's Designated Representative: Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay Employee Organization: Service Employees International Union (SEIU), City's Designated Representative: Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay Employee Organization: Simi Valley Police Managers Association 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, 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
WWD - 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 2 April 21, 2025
Budget & Administrative Officer, Budget Officer, Chief of Police, 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 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 Plann~r, 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
Minutes 3
(2) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9{d}{1}:
Number of Matters: One (1)
Name of Case: Kiely v. City of Simi Valley, et al
Case No.: 2024CUOEO26666
(3) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation: (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9{d}{2}:
Number of Matters: Two (2)
April 21, 2025
Facts and circumstances exist that might result in litigation against the local agency but which the local agency believes are not yet known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs (Government Code section 54956.9 (e)(1)) Hanchett Claim
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 April 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Phil
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members/Directorsff rustees Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern
Judge, and Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
Remote: None
Absent: None
1. AGENDA REVIEW: City Manager Argabrite stated Consent 6 has a supplemental report.
1A. ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Ayala moved that all resolutions and ordinances presented tonight be read in title only and all further reading be waived.
Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes seconded the motion. (CC/WWD/LB) ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
Minutes 4 April 21, 2025
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
1D. CERTIFICATES/HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS:
(1) Presentation of Proclamation declaring April 22, 2025, as Earth Day (CC) Public Works Director Ron Fuchiwaki read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Deputy Public Works Director Wonda Moyer with a proclamation declaring April 22, 2025, as Earth Day.
(2) Presentation of a Proclamation commemorating May 1. 2025, as a Day of Prayer (CC)
Senior Management Analyst Heidi DiNardo read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Pastor Brian Fox of NewHeart Church, with a proclamation declaring May 1, 2025 as Day of Prayer.
(3) Presentation of Certificates of Completion to the Spring CERT Graduating Class (CC)
Emergency Services Coordinator Shannon Johnson and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Certificates of Completion to the following Spring CERT Graduating class, Tristan Humes, Kara Jones, September Jones-Pasko, Esme Landman, Lurii Ledin, David Mullen, Michael Napal, Kate O'Brien, Archana Rajak, Naresh Rajak, Michael Shaw, David Vasquez, and Carol Witt.
(4) Presentation of Proclamation declaring the month of April 2025 as Earthquake Preparedness Month (CC)
Emergency Services Coordinator Shannon Johnson read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Disaster Services Worker Volunteers, Melissa Heinemann, and Kirk Heinemann with a proclamation declaring April 2025 as Earthquake Preparedness Month.
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
Minutes 5 April 21, 2025
3A. APPOINTMENTS:
(1) Selection of two City Council members to conduct Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board interviews (Garibay) (CC)
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Ayala moved that the Council authorize and the Mayor appoint City Council Members Litster and Rhodes interview applicants and nominate three prospective Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board members for terms beginning July 1, 2025, with one term ending on June 30, 2026, and two terms ending on June 30, 2028. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
38. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
(1) Presentation by Erik Sternad, Executive Director of Interface Children and Family Services to give an update on the programs and activities of the organization and what is being provided to the Cities in Ventura County (CC) Executive Director of Interface Children and Family Services Erik Sternad provided City Council with a presentation on the programs and activities of the organization. 3C. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
(1) Informational presentation by Youth Council member Lakshmi Julakanti (CC) Youth Council Member Lakshmi Julakanti provided an informational report on behalf of the Youth Council. ·
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Suresh Bammi, Simi Valley, CA, commented about the condition of the roads, and increased sewage rates.
2. Melissa Baldridge, Camarillo, CA, spoke about Cougar Conservancy, an organization that promotes coexistence between humans and cougars.
Minutes 6 April 21, 2025
3. Greg Litster, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in recognition of his and Council Member Litster's 37th Wedding Anniversary.
4A. CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS: None
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
5A. A public hearing to adopt a resolution authorizing the City of Simi Valley to ioin the California Statewide Communities Development Authority and participate in the Statewide Community Infrastructure Program (Garibay) (CC) Resolution No. 2025-09 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SIMI VALLEY AUTHORIZING THE AGENCY TO JOIN THE STATEWIDE COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE CALIFORNIA
STATEWIDE COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT
APPLICATIONS FROM PROPERTY OWNERS, CONDUCT SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT PROCEEDINGS AND LEVY ASSESSMENTS AND SPECIAL TAXES
AND TO FORM ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICTS WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY;
EMBODYING A JOINT COMMUNITY FACILITIES AGREEMENT SETTING FORTH
THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT FINANCINGS; APPROVING FORM OF ACQUISITION AGREEMENT FOR USE WHEN APPLICABLE; AND AUTHORIZING RELATED ACTIONS
There being no in person public testimony Mayor Cavanaugh opened and closed the public portion of the hearing at 7:47 p.m.
The following sent in a Public Comment via email prior to the City Council Meeting
1. Theresa Jordan, Simi Valley, CA, opposed.
ACTION:
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes moved that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2025-09, authorizing the City of Simi Valley to join the California Statewide Communities Development Authority and participate in the Statewide Community Infrastructure Program. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion.
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
Minutes 7 April 21, 2025
58. A public hearing to consider the Annual Position Vacancy Report in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 (Gutierres) (CC)
6. 7.
There being no in person public testimony Mayor Cavanaugh opened and closed the public portion of the hearing at 8: 11 p.m.
ACTION:
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Member/Directorrrrustee Litster moved to receive and file the City's Annual Position Vacancies Report. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion.
Council Members/Directorsrrrustees Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS. APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
(1) Approval of the Monthly Investment Report for the month ended March 31, 2025 (Johnson) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(2) Adoption of an updated and revised Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(3) Approval of the use of Kinetic Breaching Tools as required by Assembly Bill 481; authorization to accept a donation from the Simi Valley Police Foundation: for the City Manager to sign request document for an amount not to exceed $30.000 for the purchase of two Kinetic Breaching Tools; authorization to waive the competitive bid process; and approval of a Supplemental Budget Request for Fund 100 (Shorts) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(4) Award of contract for professional services for a Pavement Management Program Update. RFP No. PW 24-14 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to Fugro USA Land, Inc.
Minutes 8 April 21, 2025
(5) Award contract to Toro Enterprises. Inc .• for the construction of the FY 2023-24 Annual Maier Streets Rehabilitation Program: Erringer Road (Alamo Street to Cochran Street), CP60000018. Specification No. SV 24-17 (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: Awarded contract to Toro Enterprises, Inc.
(6) Approve contract with Tanke Streetlighting. Inc. for street light maintenance services (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved contract with Tank Streetlighting, Inc. (7) Award contract for the construction of the Curb. Gutter. and Sidewalk Replacement Proiect. CP6000030. Specification No. SV 25-11 (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: Awarded contract to FS Contractors, Inc.
ACTION: Council Member/Directorrrrustee Rhodes moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 7. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directorsrrrustees Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
8. CONTINUED BUSINESS: None
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9A. Approval and adoption of the 2025 Legislative Platform (Sumagaysay) (CC/WWD/LB) ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge move to approve and adopt the attached 2025 Legislative Platform as amended, moving Sober Living under the Housing Section included under the housing section and add neighborhood wording to community safety. Council Member/Directorrrrustee Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directorsfrrustees Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
Minutes
10. 10A.
108.
9 April 21, 2025
REPORTS:
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Ayala reported attending a tour of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District (RSRPD), a tour of the Administrative Services Department, attended the Girl Scouts Brownilympics, and volunteered at the Vista Elementary School Scholastic Book Fair. He attended a tour of the Samaritan Center, the Youth Council meeting, the Youth Employment Services (YES) Advisory Board meeting, and the ADA Paratransit Advisory Committee meeting. Council Member Ayala also attended the Youth Council Multi Cultural Fair at Santa Susana High School and was a speaker at the Simi Valley Police Department Citizens Academy.
Council Member Rhodes reported attending the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Scholarship Committee meeting, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee meeting (ZOOM), and the Simi Valley Royal High School Air Force Junior ROTC Pass in Review. He attended the Rotary Cleanup Day in Simi Valley, the Ride On Spring Splendor fundraiser in Santa Rosa Valley, and a Rotary volunteer event that provided personal items to the fire cleanup reservists operating out of an encampment in Malibu. Council Member Rhodes attended the SCAG Housing meeting (ZOOM), the Simi Valley Arts Commission meeting, and the Rotary Club Paul Harris Awards event.
Council Member Litster commented about taking a City bus ride and noted the bus stops do not have bus times posted. She reported she attended Neighborhood Council #2 meeting, the Regal Residence Grand Opening, and the Interface 211 Children and Family Services 20th anniversary celebration. She attended the City of Moorpark State of the Union, toured the Ventura County Jail with the Simi Valley Police Academy, attended the Royal High School Air Force Junior ROTC Pass in Review, and the Simi Valley Arts Commission meeting. Council Member Litster attended the Rotary Club Paul Harris Awards event, the 2025 Water Symposium, the Simi Valley Education Foundation Teacher of the Month Award presentation, and the Simi Valley Police Department Citizens Academy.
Mayor Pro Tern Judge reported he attended the Ventura County Tax Foundation State of the County, and he spoke about Assembly Bill 1421, a mileage tax on vehicles.
Mayor Cavanaugh commented she was unable to attend many events due to a family health emergency, however, attended the Sheriffs State of the Law breakfast event in Camarillo.
City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items: None
Minutes 10 April 21 , 2025
ADJOURNMENT : Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh adjourned the meeting at 8:41 p.m. in memory of Carol Martin and Pope Francis, to the meeting of May 5, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections, the motion carried through acclamation.
I
oard Secretary
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DeeDeeCavanaugh , Mayorofth ity of
Simi Valley, California, Chair of the
Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8,
and President of the Simi Valley Library
Board of Trustees