MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE SIMI VALLEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SIMI VALLEY PUBLIC FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY
SIMI VALLEY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Simi Valley, California August 18, 2025
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:00 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair/President Pro Tern Judge, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
Remote: None
Absent: None
a. PUBLIC STATEMENTS: Having no public statements, the City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:01 p.m.
b. CLOSED SESSION:
(1)
(2)
Public Employee Performance Evaluation (CC)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1):
Title: City Manager
Conference with Labor Negotiator - Labor Negotiations (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a):
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 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 August 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
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 August 18, 2025
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Ivana Christman
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern
Judge, and Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
Remote: None
Absent: None
1. AGENDA REVIEW: None
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/PFFA/SA/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
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: None
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS: None
Minutes 3 August 18, 2025
38. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
3C.
4. (1) Presentation by Geoff Keyser, SiFi Project Manager, regarding SiFi fiber optics and activation of internet services (CC)
Geoff Keyser, SiFi Project Manager, provided the City Council with a Special Presentation on SiFi fiber-optic and internet services.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Mike Shaw, Simi Valley, CA, thanked Council for the speed limit signs that were installed at the east end of Cochran St., and he recommended a book to Council written by Lori Woodley.
2. Alynne Eason, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals.
3. Anthony Eason, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals.
4. Jim McGillis, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals.
5. Ivana Christmann, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of Consent Item 8, regarding Runkle Canyon Subdivisions.
6. Savannah Downes, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about her concerns regarding the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1.
7. Anshel Ahmad, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about his concerns regarding the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1, and he also commented about Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
8. Reverend Amanda Berg, Shepherd of the Valley, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about her concerns regarding the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1.
9. Chris Chestnut, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about concerns he had with what he experienced at recent Council meetings.
10. Dr. Michael Koslow (no address given) stated he is a Congressional candidate and spoke about proposed immigration legislation.
Minutes 4 August 18, 2025
11.Jamie Sanchez, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about her concerns regarding the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1.
12.Jordan Ferguson, KB Home, stated he is here on behalf of Runkle Canyon to answer any questions.
13.Jaclyn Snow, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about the concerns she has with Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Simi Valley.
14.Mark Luker, Simi Valley, CA, commented that Los Angeles Avenue needs to be repaved.
15. Anthony Thompson, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1.
16. Vertrice Perry (no address given) said a prayer.
17. Karla Costilla, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about a Simi Valley resident who has been missing, her concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions, and the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1.
18. Kenneth Hurst, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about concerns he has with Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions, and the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1.
19. Richard Perini, Simi Valley, CA, asked the City Council to research the County plan for a high-density project in the Knolls, and he commented about the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1.
20.Gianna Carpenter, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about her concerns regarding the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1.
21. Roop Mann, Simi Valley, CA, commented about the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza on August 1.
22.Abhay Jot Ghumman, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about concerns regarding the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1.
23. Avery Estelle (no address giyen) spoke about concerns regarding the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1.
24. Bethel Solomon (no address given) spoke about the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1.
Minutes
4A.
5. 5A.
6. 5 August 18, 2025
25. Kevin Cosney, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about concerns regarding the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1.
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Ayala thanked everyone for attending the meeting. He spoke about transparency regarding the incident at Regal Plaza and stated that hate has no place in our City. He indicated he will call the Simi Valley Unified School District to inquire about programs that support students, and he commented that his door is open to everyone.
Council Member Litster thanked everyone for their comments. She expressed that there is no room in our community for hate crimes, racism, or intolerance. She commented that it was an honor to attend a gathering at Spirit Life Church, and she encouraged everyone to attend the International Day of Peace on September 21.
Council Member Rhodes thanke~ everyone for coming to the meeting and sharing their experiences. He addressed Vertice Perry and said he appreciated the prayer she offered, and he would like to meet with her and her family.
Mayor Pro Tern Judge asked the public to relay any information they may have about the incident at Regal Plaza to the Simi Valley Police Department. He commented that the investigation will be transparent and will be sent to the District Attorney's Office upon completion. He thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.
Mayor Cavanaugh spoke about her visit to Spirit Life Church. She commented that we need to make change happen in our community and work together to make Simi Valley a better, safer place for everyone. She indicated that she would like to schedule meetings with the Moorpark College and Simi Valley High School Black Student Union.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A public hearing to consider a request from Runkle Canyon, LLC for an Amendment to the Runkle Canyon Development Agreement DA-2025-0001 (DA-04-01 AMD#05) to allow a five-year time extension for the Runkle Canyon/Woodlands proiect located at the southern terminuses of Sequoia. Talbert, Watson, and Comet Avenues, and High Point Place and Hazelnut Court: and introduction of an ordinance (Perros) (CC) This item is continued to a date uncertain.
CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
Minutes 6 August18,2025
The City Council recessed to a break at 8:00 p.m. and reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Council Member/Director/Trustee Ayala pulled Consent Calendar Item 4, and Council Member/Director/Trustee Litster pulled Consent Calendar Item 8 for discussion. (1) Approval of minutes for the City Council meetings of March 10 and 31, and April 7, 2025 (Blanco) (CC/WWD/PFFA/SA/LB)
ACTION: Approved minutes.
(2) Approval of Monthly Investment Report for month ended July 31, 2025 ACTION: Approved request.
(3) Approval of City response to the 2024-2025 Ventura County Civil Grand Jury Final Report - Prioritizing Best Practice Street Maintenance (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: Approved request.
(4) Authorization to apply for the Cal OES Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) DR-4856 - City of Simi Valley Emergency Power Readiness Initiative (Shorts) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(5) Award contract to Toro Enterprises, Inc .• for the construction of the FY 2025-26 Annual Maier Streets Rehabilitation Program: Kuehner Drive (118 Freeway to Smith Road). CP60000018, Specification No. SV 25-36 (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: Awarded contract to Toro Enterprises, Inc.
(6) Approve second amendment to Agreement No. 3250095 for Citywide Pavement Delineation Project, CP60000052, Specification No. SV 25-18 (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: Approved the first amendment to Sterndahl Enterprises, Inc. (7) Approval of the first amendment to extend the contract for Rincon Consultant Services through FY 2026-27 and other amendments (Perras) (CC) ACTION: Approved the first amendment to Rincon.
Minutes
8. SA.
7 August 18, 2025
(8) Authorize the City Manager to execute four subdivision improvement agreements for Tract No. 5364, Phases 1-4, located at the south terminus of Sequoia and Talbert Avenues, and Watson and Comet Avenues in Runkle Canyon (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved subdivision improvement agreements.
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 3 and Consent Calendar Items 5 through 7. Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes 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
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 4 and 8. 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
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Introduction of an ordinance adding Article 8 to Chapter 9 of Title 4 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code, establishing a preferential parking program (Fuchiwaki) (CC) Ordinance No. 1365 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 9 OF TITLE 4 OF THE SIMI VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE
ESTABLISHING A PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONES
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes moved to introduce Ordinance No. 1365, adding Article 8 to Chapter 9, Title 4 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code, establishing a preferential parking program, striking Section. 4-9.804, placing an exemption for handicap placards in the exemption section, and establishing a minimal zone as an area between two intersections. Council Member/Director/Trustee Ayala seconded the motion:
Minutes
9. 10.
10A.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
8 August18,2025
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
NEW BUSINESS: None
REPORTS:
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Ayala reported that he attended the Simi Valley Police Department National Night Out, State of the College 2025 (Moorpark), the Hispanic Business Alliance, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Breakfast event, and was an invited speaker at the Entrepreneur Club. He reported that he attended the Neighborhood Council #2 meeting, a meeting on Regional Defence Partnership (RDP) Bylaws and Policy Updates, and the Real Options Women's Clinic Ribbon Cutting, and that he visited the Big Brothers Big Sisters office in Simi Valley.
Council Member Rhodes reported that he attended a meeting with a Clean Power Alliance Marketing representative (ZOOM), attended the Simi Valley Police Department National Night Out, met with the CEO of Clean Power Alliance, and attended the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Breakfast event. He reported attending the Peggy Sadler Awards and commented on a radio broadcast he did on Radio 99.1 The Ranch, during which he spoke about the Clean Power Alliance and programs available to the City of Simi Valley. Council Member Rhodes reported that he attended the Sober Living Task Force (ZOOM), the League of California Cities Leadership Institute, and the Real Options Women's Clinic Ribbon Cutting.
Council Member Litster reported that she attended the Simi Valley Police Department National Night Out, the State of the College 2025 (Moorpark), and the Retirement Celebration for Rabbi Michele Paskow, and that she was out of the State for some of this period.
Mayor Pro Tern Judge reported he attended the Simi Valley Police Department National Night Out, the Retirement Celebration for Rabbi Michele Paskow, the City Council On Aging meeting, the Mobility 21 - 2025 Summit Chairs' Roundtable Session Planning meeting, and the Montaire Community HOA meeting.
Minutes 9 August 18, 2025
Mayor Cavanaugh reported that she attended the Simi Valley Police Department National Night Out and the Visit Simi Tourism meeting, and that she spoke about her visit to Spirit Life Church. She reported she attended the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Executive Board meeting, had a walkthrough of the Simi Valley YMCA, and attended the Peggy Sadler Awards.
1 OB. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items:
Council Member Rhodes requested a presentation from staff on learning about and understanding the restrictions on using our money more effectively as an investment vehicle. Council Member Litster seconded the motion.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned back into closed session at 8:59 p.m .. ~ fbtG~
Lucy Blanco CMC, City Clerk/District Secretary/Authority /Agency Secretary/Board Secretary