MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
Simi Valley, California September 8, 2025
a.
b.
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:00 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 5:01p.m.
CLOSED SESSION:
(1)
(2)
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Name of Case: Carranza v. City of Simi Valley, et al.
Case No.: 2024CUPP025334
Name of Case: Vasquez v. City of Simi Valley, et al.
Case No.: 2023CUPP016424
Name of Case: Rothe v. City of Simi Valley (Workers Compensation) Case No.: ADJ16706304; ADJ10793951; ADJ9191309
Name of Case: Martin v. City of Simi Valley (Workers Compensation) Case No.: ADJ16936102
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(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.
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
\/V\/tJD - 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, \/V\/tJD, 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 September 8, 2025
(3) 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: Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 721
CALLED TO ORDER: 6:43 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 September 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Ryan Valencia
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members/Directors Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh ·
Remote: None
Absent: None
1. AGENDA REVIEW: City Manager Argabrite stated Agenda Items 3A (1) and SB had supplemental reports. She further announced that Consent Item 5 would be deferred to a future meeting.
1A. ACTION: Council Member/Director Ayala moved that all resolutions and ordinances presented tonight be read in title only and all further reading be waived. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded. the motion. (CC/WWD)
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge, a·nd Mayor/Chair 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
Minutes 3 September 8, 2025
1 D. CERTIFICATES/HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS:
(1) Presentation of Certificates of Commendation to the Simi Youth Baseball 9U World Series Champions (CC)
Management Analyst Kristin Miller read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Certificates of Commendation to Simi Youth Baseball 9U Division Red All Stars, International World Series Champions.
(2) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring the month of September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Month (CC)
Community Services Coordinator Ryan Fowler read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented the proclamation declaring the month of September as Suicide Prevention Month to the Director of Planning and Sustainability of Ventura County Transportation Commission, Amanda Fagan, and Youth Council Members: Ethan Bhat, Ashlyn Eddula, Vedika Gupta, Sarina Khangura, Surya Ravikumar, Saydee Ro, Aman Sreejith, and Lauryn Weitzman.
(3) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring September 21, 2025, as Day of Peace (CC)
Management Analyst Kristin Miller read the proclamation, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise members with a Proclamation.
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS:
(1) Adoption of a resolution for the appointment of a commissioner to the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura Board of Commissioners (Perras) {CC)
Resolution No. 2025-27 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF JOSEPH J. PIECHOWSKI AS COMMISSIONER TO THE AREA HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY.OF
VENTURA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, TO FILL AN UPCOMING VACANCY WITH THE TERM CONCLUDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2029
ACTION: Council Member/Director Rhodes moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-27 appointing Joseph J. Piechowski to the AHA Board of Commissioners for a term commencing on October 1, 2025, and concluding on September 30, 2029. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge seconded the motion. ,
Minutes
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
4 September 8, 2025
Council Members/Directors Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh
None
None
None
(2) Selection of City Council Members to interview and nominate prospective Neighborhood Council Executive Board members (Perras) (CC) ACTION: Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh moved to appoint two subcommittees, Council Member Ayala and Council Member Rhodes to conduct interviews and nominate prospective Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members for Neighborhood Councils 1 and 4, and Council Members Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge and Council Member Litster to conduct interviews and nominate prospective Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members for Neighborhood Councils 2 and 3. Council Member/Director Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh
None
None
None
3B. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
(1) Arroyo Simi Bridge Suicide Prevention Taskforce Update by Amanda Fagan, Ventura County Transportation Commission (CC)
Amanda Fagan, Planning and Sustainability Director, Ventura County Transportation Commission, presented the City Council with an update on the Arroyo Simi Bridge Suicide Prevention Taskforce.
3C. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
(1) Informational presentation by Youth Council member Aman Sreeiith (CC) Youth Council Member Aman Sreejith provided an informational report on behalf of the Youth Council.
Minutes 5 September 8, 2025
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Erin Franco, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about personal and Community growth in relation to racism.
2. James McGillis, Simi Valley, CA, spoke against short term rentals in Simi Valley.
3. Elizabeth Camacho, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition 'to the proposed residential parking program.
4. Anthony Eason, Simi Valley, CA, spoke against short term rentals in Simi Valley.
5. Alynne Eason, Simi Valley, CA, spoke against short term rentals in Simi Valley.
6. Sandra Hernandez, Moorpark, CA, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Board Member, thanked the City Council for their support and spoke about the success of numerous Chamber events.
7. Darren Bebrowsky (no address given), USA Properties Fund, spoke about changing the senior age to 55 plus on the Affordable Housing Agreement with Simi Vintage Sycamore Senior Apartments.
8. Sarah Wilkszewski (no address given), 805 UndocuFund, commented about her concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement activity.
9. Chris Chestnut, Simi Valley, CA, commented about his concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
10.Joseph Dobeynski Jr., Camarillo, CA, commented about his concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
11. Joseph Alfano, Thousand Oaks, CA, commented about his concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
12. Ryan Drury, Ventura County, CA, VC Defense, commented about his concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
13.Johnny (no last name or address given) commented about his concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
Minutes 6 September 8, 2025
14. Susana Barron (no address given) commented about her concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
15.Ashley Fox, Simi Valley, CA, commented about her concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
16.Jamie Sanchez, Simi Valley, CA, commented about the incident that occurred at the Regal Plaza in Simi Valley on August 1st, and her concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
17. Lovie Brown, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about a Community Market located at Crunch Gym being shut down.
18.Jeff Barcenas, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about a Community Market located at Crunch Gym being shut down.
19.Ariel Murphy, The Community Market, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about how she started The Community Market and the recent shutdown of the market.
20. Kristina Mitchem, The Community Market, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about a Community Market located at Crunch Gym being shut down.
21. Naborina Galindez (no address given) made a statement in Spanish.
22. Karla Costilla, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in Spani$h and English. She commented about her concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
23. Kenneth Hurst, Simi Valley, CA, commented about his concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
24.Jaclyn Snow, Simi Valley, CA, commented about her concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
25.Aleyah Ewing (no address given) commented about her concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
26. Rebecca Albarran (no address given) made a statement in Spanish.
27. Rachel Gubner, Simi Valley, CA, commented about her concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
28. Eva Castro (no address given) commented about her concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
Minutes 7 September 8, 2025
29. Isabella Perez (no address given) commented about her concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
30. Dee (no address given) commented about her concerns with Immigration & Customs Enforcement actions.
31. Christian Bustamante, Simi Valley, CA, commented about her concerns with Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.
The following submitted a speaker card but were not present when called:
1. Joseph Metcalfe (no address given)
The following submitted a speaker card but did not wish to speak:
1. Jodi Martin-Gibbons (no address given)
2. Marlene Bracken (no address given)
3. Robert Fox (no address given)
4. Cristina de la Torre (no address given)
5. lmma Schreiber de la Torre (no address given)
6. Vincent Vidaurry (no address given)
7. Vanessa Costilla (no address given)
8. Xochitl Behena (no address given)
9. Victoria Rios (no address given)
4A. CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Ayala commented on the Community Market's closure and indicated that the Council will investigate the issue. He spoke about New Business at the end of the Agenda and stated he would have comments then.
Council Member Litster thanked the speakers for their comments. She addressed the parking concern that was raised and advised that the issue is on the Agenda and will be discussed. She spoke about the Community Market and asked the City Manager whether she wanted to address the concern at this time. The City Manager, Samantha Argabrite, stated that staff is investigating to determine what happened. Council Member Litster addressed the concerns raised about Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.
Mayor Cavanaugh commented that she will be working with Council Member Ayala, and there will be a discussion at the end of the meeting.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
Minutes
6. 7.
8 September 8, 2025
CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS. APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
The City Manager reminded the Council that Consent Item 5 had been pulled and would be considered at a future meeting.
( 1) Approval of minutes for the City Council meeting of February 24, 2025 ACTION: Approved minutes.
(2) Accept $150,000 in funding from Ventura County Transportation Commission NCTC) for the Regional Early Action Planning Grants (REAP} 2.0 Program; authorization for the City Manager to execute the interagency agreement; approval of a Supplemental Budget Request of $150,000 in the Transit Fund {Fund 750. CP75000006): and authorization for the City Manager or designee to approve grant-related documents (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(3) Receive and file update and possible action regarding the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Community Projects Grant Performance Reports for the fourth and final quarter activities and approval of a Supplemental Budget Request to reappropriate returned unexpended program funds to the FY 2025-26 Community Project Grant funds (Perras) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
( 4) Authorization to amend contract with Ardalan Ardalan Construction Company.
Inc. for bathroom improvements at the Simi Valley Senior Center, Specification No. SV 24-31 (Garibay) (CC)
ACTION: Received and filed
(5) Authorization to waive the bidding process pursuant to the Simi Valley Municipal Code, award a contract to Charles P. Crowley Company for the purchase of Mastrrr Company equipment and replacement parts, and authorize the City Manager to approve any subsequent contract amendments (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: The item was continued to a future meeting.
Minutes
8. BA.
88. 9 September 8. 2025
(6) Adoption of a resolution approving the City of Simi Valley 2025 Federal Highway Administration Title VI Implementation Plan (Fuchiwaki) (CC) Resolution No. 2025-28 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY APPROVING THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY 2025
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION TITLE VI IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-28.
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 4 and Consent Item 6. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh
None
None
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Second reading of Ordinance No. 1365 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: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1365.
Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Ayala, Rhodes, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh
Council Member/Director Litster
None
None
Adoption of a Resolution approving the Amended and Restated Affordable Housing Agreement (AHA-2025-0001) between the City of Simi Valley and Simi Vintage Sycamore 650, LP. for the Vintage at Sycamore Senior Apartments located at 1698 Sycamore Drive (Perras) (CC)
Minutes
BC.
9. 10.
10 September 8, 2025
Resolution No. 2025-26 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SIMI VALLEY APPROVING THE AMENDED AND RESTATED AFFORDABLE
HOUSING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AND SIMI VINTAGE SYCAMORE 650, LP. (AHA-2025-0001)
ACTION: Council Member/Director Rhodes moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-26, approving the Amended and Restated Affordable Housing Agreement (AHA-2025- 0001 ), modifying the senior age restriction from 62 years of age and older to 55 years of age and older, and increasing the term of affordability from 55 years to 60 years.
Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge seconded the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh
Council Members/Directors Ayala and Litster
None
None
Approval of proposed water service rates, authorization to proceed with the Proposition 218 process, and recommendation to set a public hearing to consider adoption of new water service rates (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Council Member/Director Rhodes moved to approve the proposed Water Service Rates, authorize staff to initiate a Proposition 218 process by mailing a notice of proposed Water Service Rates and instructions on protesting the proposal, and set a public hearing for November 17, 2025, to consider adopting new Water Service Rates. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge seconded the motion:
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh
Council Member/Director Ayala
None
None
NEW BUSINESS: None
REPORTS:
Minutes
10A.
11 September 8, 2025
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Ayala reported that he attended the Youth Council meeting, the Youth Employment Services meeting, the Rancho Simi and Recreation Park District (RSRPD) Board of Directors meeting, and the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) meeting, and that he participated in Area Housing Authority (AHA) interviews. He reported that he attended the Film Simi Valley Committee meeting, the Stellar Music Academy Grand Opening, the RDP Bi-laws Review Committee meeting, the Sunray Adult Day Health Center Grand Opening, and Ice Coffee with a Cop.
Council Member Ayala reported he attended another Youth Council meeting, the Simi Film Fest Music Concert, the Carnelian Learning Place Grand Opening, and American Vision Windows 25th Anniversary. He reported that he attended the Grand Opening of The Hive Bar and Lounge, represented the City at the Film Simi Valley Panel, volunteered at the Simi Valley Police Foundation Dog Days of Summer Golf Classic, and volunteered at the For the Troops Golf Tournament in Moorpark.
Council Member Rhodes reported that he attended the Neighborhood Council #4 meeting and commented that, following that, he was out of the Country and was able to attend meetings via Zoom. He reported he attended the Community Economic and Human Development Chair and Vice Chair briefing (ZOOM), met with the Financial Officer for Clean Power Alliance (ZOOM), and attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Executive Administrative Committee (EAC) meeting (ZOOM). Council Member Rhodes reported that he attended the SCAG Community, Economic, and Human Development Committee meeting and SCAG Regional Council meeting (ZOOM), the Clean Power Alliance meeting (ZOOM), and the Simi Valley Police Foundation Dog Days of Summer Golf Classic.
Council Member Litster reported she attended the Youth Council meeting, Rancho Simi and Recreation Park District (RSRPD) Board of Directors meeting, the Leadership Simi Valley Steering Committee meeting, and the LA Business Journal - Valley Women's Leadership Symposium & Awards. She reported she met with the City Manager, attended the Meet and Greet Preview Party for Legends of Soul, the Stellar Music Academy Grand Opening, met with Congresswoman Julia Brownley at the Senior Center, and attended the 13 Souls Memorial Ride. Council Member Litster reported that she attended the Simi Town Center Marketing meeting and the Sunray Adult Day Health Center Grand Opening, met with Enso Verde, attended an Ice Coffee with a Cop, and met with the manager of the Salvation Army Food Bank. She reported she attended the League of California Cities Channel Islands Brown Bag Lunch, the Opening Night of Simi Film Fest, another meeting with Enso Verde, and the SCAG Energy and Environment Committee meeting. Council Member Litster reported she had another meeting with the City Manager, attended the Association of Water (AWA) Board meeting, the Simi Film Fest Film Music Concert, and attended the Council On Aging meeting.
Minutes 12 September 8, 2025
Mayor Pro Tern Judge reported he participated in Area Housing Authority (AHA) interviews, met with Congresswoman Julia Brownley at the Senior Center, attended the Sunray Adult Day Health Center Grand Opening, the SCAG Executive/Administration Committee meeting, and the SCAG Regional Council meeting. He reported he attended the Simi Valley Film Fest Film Music Concert, the Ventura County Transportation (VCTC) Committee meeting, visited the Carnelian Learning Place, attended the American Vision Windows 25th Anniversary , and attended The Hive Bar and Lounge Grand Opening.
Mayor Cavanaugh reported she attended the LA Business Journal - Valley Women's Leadership Symposium & Awards, the Simi Valley Police Department (SVPD) Citizens Academy Fall Session Opening, the Meet and Greet Preview Party for Legends of Soul, and the Simi Film Commission meeting. She reported that she attended the Valley Industry Commerce Association (VICA) luncheon , the Simi Valley Police Department recognition event for the Narcotics Unit, the Economic Development Collaborative meeting, and met with the City Manager . Mayor Cavanaugh reported she attended the Simi Film Fest Film Music Concert , the American Vision Windows 25th Anniversary , and the Simi Valley Police Foundation Dog Days of Summer Golf Classic.
1 OB. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items:
Council Member Ayala requested that an item be placed on a future agenda to provide clarification and educational dialogue regarding the roles and limitations of the City Council, in response to rumors, reports, and information circulating on social media.
The intent is to create a forum to listen to community concerns and explain what the City Council can and cannot do. Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh seconded the motion.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh adjourned the meeting at 10:36 p.m. in memory of the victims of the tragedy in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to the meeting of September 15, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections, the motion carried through acclamation .
Dee Dee Cavanaugh , Mayor the City of
Simi Valley, California , Chair of the
Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8
Lucy Blanco CMC, City Clerk/District Secretary