MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Simi Valley, California May 5, 2025
a.
b.
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:30 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Memb ·s Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mr :>r Cavanaugh
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)
(2)
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9{d){2}:
Number of Matters: One (1)
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)) Conference with Labor Negotiator - Labor Negotiations: (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.S{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 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, 'NWD, 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 May 5, 2025
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, Chief of Police, City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager, Code Compliance Manager, Code Compliance Officer, 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 II, 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 Ma11ager, 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 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 11, Workers' Compensation Manager, Workers' Compensation Supervisor
Minutes
1. 1A.
3 May 5, 2025
CALLED TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. (OPEN SESSION)
CLOSED SESSION REPORTS: Senior City Attorney Stephanie Gutierrez stated there was no reportable action as a result of the Closed Session meeting held on May 5, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Connor Hules
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
Remote: None
Absent: None
AGENDA REVIEW: City Manager Samantha Argabrite stated Public Hearing Item SC has a supplemental report.
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. (CC)
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
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 May 2025 as Older Americans Month (CC)
Office Specialist II Candace Gray read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Simi Valley Council On Aging Executive Board Chair Bill Oliver with a Proclamation declaring the month of May 2025 as Older Americans Month.
(2) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring the month of May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month (CC)
Minutes 4 May 5, 2025
Community Services Coordinator Ryan Fowler, Youth Council Teen Wellness Chair Tanvi ljju and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Prevention Data Management Coordinator for Ventura County Behavioral Health Bradley Friday, Director of Ventura County Behavioral Health Dr. Loretta Denering, and Youth Council Member Prithika Rijjith with a Proclamation declaring the month of May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
(3) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring May 15, 2025 as Peace Officers Memorial Day (CC)
Police Chief Shorts read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Police Sergeant Vincent Allegra with a Proclamation declaring May 15, 2025 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. (4) Presentation of Employee of the Month to Kenneth Gonce (CC) Public Works Director Ron Fuchiwaki read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Kenneth Gonce with Employee of the Month.
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS:
(1) Selection of one City Council member to serve on the interview and nomination panel for returning Youth Council members (Garibay) (CC) ACTION: Council Member Rhodes moved that the Council authorize and the Mayor appoint Mayor Pro Tern Judge to serve on the interview and nomination panel for prospective returning Youth Council members to fill up to nine positions on the Youth Council. Council Member Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
38. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
(1) Presentation by Linda Narciso, Audit Partner with Vasguez & Company LLP, regarding the annual audits completed for Fiscal Year 2023-24 (CC) Minutes 5 May 5, 2025
Audit Partner Linda Narciso presented City Council with a presentation regarding the annual audits completed for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
3C. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
4A.
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Jeni Knack, Parents Against SSFL, Simi Valley, CA, asked City Council to partner with the Los Angeles Fire Community Coalition and in support of funding for an air monitors.
2. Mike Shaw, Simi Valley, CA, commented about the possibility of toxic waste in the Simi Valley landfill from the Los Angeles fires.
3. Johnnie Thompson, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about a problem he is having with rats in his neighborhood and asked for City Council's assistance.
4. Jennifer Frank (no address given), Friends of the Simi Valley Library Board member, spoke about the need for renovations at the Simi Valley Library.
5. Doug Landon, Board of Directors Samaritan Center, Simi Valley, CA, announced the Samaritan Center is having a fund raiser on May 17th•
6. Mel Espinoza, Moorpark, CA, spoke in support of Parents Against Santa Susana Field Lab (SSFL), the Los Angeles Fire Community Coalition, and funding for air monitors.
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Rhodes commented on the concerns raised about the landfill and asked if City Council can request a public presentation on the topic. He asked the City Manager to address the concern about rodents and abatement, he agreed that the library needs a renovation, and he spoke in support of the Samaritan Center and their upcoming fundraiser.
City Manager Samantha Argabrite stated that staff has been in contact with Mr.
Thompson, and that Code Enforcement staff has been out to the site. She stated that the issue is a civil matter at this point.
Council Member Litster commented about the requests for air monitoring and spoke about what she observed on a recent tour of the landfill. She acknowledged Mr.
Thompson's concern about rodents, and she spoke about the need for a library renovation, stating the building is owned by the County and there will be ongoing Minutes
5. 5A.
6 May 5, 2025
conversations. Council Member Litster spoke in support of the Samaritan Center and their upcoming fundraiser.
Mayor Cavanaugh thanked the public for attending the meeting and speaking. She addressed Jeni Knack about air monitoring, she acknowledged Mr. Thompson's concern about rodents, and she commented that City Council is looking at options for a renovation of the library. Council Member Cavanaugh spoke in support of the Samaritan Center and their upcoming fundraiser, and she recognized Mel Espinoza for his comments.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A public hearing on the Draft Regional Consolidated Plan FY 2025-2029 and to authorize its submission to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (Perros) (CC)
There being no public testimony Mayor Cavanaugh opened and closed the public portion of the hearing at 7:41 p.m.
ACTION: Council Member Rhodes moved to review and approve the Priority Needs Summary, authorize the submission of the Draft Regional Consolidated Plan FY 2025- 2029 to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and authorize the City Manager to finalize related documents in association with the plan.
Mayor Pro Term 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
5B. A public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant allocations, the Draft FY 2025-2026 Action Plan, and the Draft Citizen Participation Plan (Perros) (CC)
Mayor Cavanaugh opened the public portion of the hearing at 7:51 p.m.
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Annika Sumby (no address given), Executive Director Samaritan Center, thanked City Council for their support, and she spoke about the need for additional funding.
2. Tracy Heminuk, Simi Valley, CA, Samaritan Center Board member, spoke in support of the Samaritan Center to receive CDBG funds.
Minutes
5C.
7 May 5, 2025
Mayor Cavanaugh closed the public portion of the hearing at 7:57 p.m.
ACTION: Council Member Litster moved to adopt the CDBG Advisory Committee's funding recommendation, as modified, as the final determination of projects and programs to be funded in FY 2025-26; adopt the Citizen Participation Plan; authorize the submission of the FY 2025-26 Action Plan and the Citizen Participation Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; authorize the City Manager, or her designee to adjust the budget and proposed allocations when the City's FY 2025- 26 CDBG allocation amount is announced; and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute grant agreements and related documents in association with the FY 2025-26 CDBG Action Plan, modified to add $3,000 from Capital Projects to Upwards.
Mayor Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Ayala, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
Council Member Rhodes
None
None
A public hearing to approve the 2025 Sanitation Five-Year Rate Study Report, make findings pursuant to Proposition 218, introduction of an ordinance establishing sanitation service rates and fees, and repealing Ordinance No. 1300 (Fuchiwaki) (CC) Ordinance No. 1363 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SIMI VALLEY ESTABLISHING A SCHEDULE OF SANITATION FEES AND CHARGES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 1300
Mayor Cavanaugh opened the public portion of the hearing at 8:37 p.m.
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. David Servaes, Simi Valley, CA, commented about the sanitation service rate increase and raised a concern with multiple houses on a lot compared to a single house on a lot.
2. Suresh Bammi, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to a sanitation service rate increase.
3. Jerome, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to a sanitation service rate increase.
Mayor Cavanaugh closed the public portion of the hearing at 8:48 p.m.
Minutes 8 May 5, 2025
ACTION: Council Member Rhodes moved to approve the 2025 Sanitation Five-Year Rate Study; find that a notice in accordance with Prop 218 was sent to sanitation ratepayers describing the proposed FY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30 rates and fees and the procedure for protesting the rate increase to the City, and further find that a majority of the ratepayers did not protest the proposed rates and charges; introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 1363 establishing a Schedule of Sanitation Rates and Fees and repealing Ordinance No. 1300 as amended, and asked staff to look into residents with Accessory Dwelling Units. Mayor Pro Tern seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
Council Members Litster
None
None
6. CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS. APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
7. CONSENT CALENDAR:
(1) Accept the Ventura County Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (Perros) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(2) Award of professional services contract to Reditius Foundation OBA Equologic. to seek state reimbursement of costs incurred during groundwater cleanup from Underground Storage Tank leak (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to Reditius Foundation dba Equologic. (3) Adoption of a resolution approving the Proiect List and Expenditure Plan for the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funds for FY 2025-26. Cycle 9 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
Resolution No. 2025-10 - ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
PROJECT LIST AND EXPENDITURE PLAN FOR THE ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION ACCOUNT FUNDS FOR FY 2025-26, CYCLE 9 ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-10.
Minutes
8. 9.
10. 10A.
9 May 5, 2025
ACTION: Council Member Rhodes moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 3. 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
CONTINUED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
REPORTS:
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Ayala reported attending the State of Our Schools presentation, the League of California Cities 2025 City Leaders Summit, the Youth Employment Services Career Fair (YES), and had a tour of the Simi Valley YMCA. He stated he met with the new Leadership Team at Adventist Health Simi Valley, and attended the Elected Officials Briefing on NASA Phase 1 Groundwater Corrective Action (ZOOM).
Council Member Rhodes reported attending the League of California Cities 2025 City Leaders Summit, interviewed Arts Commission candidates, attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Conference, and the Clean Power Alliance Board meeting (ZOOM).
Council Member Litster met with Joseph Metcalfe and Katie Garibaldi about a future event, attended the League of California Cities 2025 City Leaders Summit, Johnna's Tea Party hosted by Rotary Club of Simi Sunset, and met with 3 Cub Scouts that needed to speak with an elected official. She stated she attended the Simi Valley Education Foundation Lew Roth Awards, met with the new Leadership Team at Adventist Health Simi Valley, attended the City of Moorpark City Hall Grand Opening, the California Lutheran University Annual Prayer Breakfast, and the National Day of Prayer gathering at City Hall. Council Member Litster also attended the Simi Valley Education Foundation Teacher of the Month presentation, the Simi Valley Street Fair, and toured the Waste Management Landfill.
Mayor Pro Tern Judge reported attending the League of California Cities 2025 City Leaders Summit, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) conference, and the Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for the Blue event.
Minutes 10 May 5, 2025
Mayor Cavanaugh reported attending the Pacific Coast Business Times 50 Top Women in Business event and commented she was honored as an award recipient.
She attended the YES Job and Career Fair and volunteered for four days at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). Mayor Cavanaugh asked the City Manager to comment on the tragic plane crash in Simi Valley.
City Manager Samantha Argabrite spoke about the tragic plane crash in Simi Valley and commended the Simi Valley Police Department and the Ventura County Fire Department for the outstanding job they did in response. 1 OB. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items:
Council Member Litster requested a future item regarding additional tons of waste being brought to the landfill and the impact on infrastructure. City Manager Argabrite stated the City and Waste Management are discussing the issue and City Council will be provided with a report on the matter.
Council Member Ayala requested an item exploring a possible increase to the Transient Occupancy Tax as a revenue generating source. Council Member Litster seconded.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Cavanaugh adjourned the meeting at 9:28 p.m. in memory of Kathy Hinkle, to the meeting of May 19, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
There being no objections, the motion carried through
acclamation.
Dee DeeCavanaugh, Mayor the City of
Simi Valley, California,