MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
SIMI VALLEY PUBLIC FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY
SIMI VALLEY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Simi Valley, California December 15, 2025
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:45 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro Tern Judge, and Mayor Cavanaugh
Remote: None
Absent: None
a. PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Justin Link, Principal Engineer and SVEA President, addressed the Council about the lack of a contract after two years of bargaining. He stated that the goal is to retain and attract engineering talent, but the City continues losing engineers and struggles to fill vacancies, impacting projects. Government employment relies on competitive salaries and benefits, which are currently inadequate compared to nearby agencies. He highlighted an engineer who secured $4.2M in grants and provides critical services, warning that the City risks losing such talent. Link urged the Council to approve SVEA's final proposal to benchmark compensation with comparable agencies and strengthen retention and recruitment.
The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:47 p.m. b. CLOSED SESSION:
(1) Conference with Labor Negotiator - Labor Negotiations: (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.S(a):
Number of Matters: Two (2)
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, 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 December 15, 2025
City's Designated Representative: Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay Employee Organization: Unrepresented Confidential-designated Employees: Administrative Services Director, Assistant City Manager, City Manager, Deputy City Attorney, Deputy Human Resources Director, Senior Human Resources Analyst 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 December 15, 2025, at 5:45 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Brook Grayson, Director of Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District
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: 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 Rhodes seconded the motion. (CC/WWD/PFFA/LB) ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair 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. 1 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: None
Minutes 3 December 15, 2025
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Joseph Dobrynski Jr., Camarillo, CA, commented about issues he would like addressed in Agenda Items 3C (1) and 3C (2).
2. Perla M Teran (no address given) made statements in Spanish through an interpreter, who translated her comments on her concerns with immigration enforcement practices.
3. Karla Costilla, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about concerns with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
4. Andre McConnell (no address given) spoke about concerns with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
5. Jamie Sanchez, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about concerns with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
6. Hannah Conner, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about concerns with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
7. Jay (no last name or address given) spoke about actions taken by numerous cities to support their immigrant communities.
8. Sarah Wilczewski (no address given) spoke about actions taken by numerous cities to support their immigrant communities.
9. Ashley (no last name provided), Simi Valley, CA, spoke about actions taken by numerous cities to support their immigrant communities.
10. Juan Miguel, Simi Valley, CA, requested that the Council pass an ordinance not to allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to wear masks and have them identify themselves.
11. Marleny Aidana (no address given), Buen Vecino, spoke about concerns with Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices.
12. Rebecca Albarran (no address given) made statements in Spanish about concerns with Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices.
Minutes 4 December 15, 2025
13. Theresa (no last name or address given) spoke in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices.
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS:
(1) Appointment of Mayor Pro TemNice-Chair/President Pro Tern (Blanco) (CC/WWD/PFFA/LB)
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes moved to appoint Council Member/Trustee Litster as Mayor Pro Tern/Nice-Chair/President Pro Tern. Mayor Pro Tern/Nice-Chair/President Pro Tern Judge 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
38. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3C. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
(1) Presentation by Interface Children & Family Services regarding Immigration and Community Resources (CC)
The Director of Interface Children and Family Services provided the City Council with a presentation on Immigration and Community Resources.
(2) Presentation by the Simi Valley Police Department on public safety, current practices, and commitment to serving the community (CC) Chief of Police Steve Shorts provided the City Council with a presentation on public safety, current practices in the City of Simi Valley, and the City's commitment to serving the community.
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. John M. Smith (no address given) spoke about the need for consistent cleanup of homeless encampments in the Arroyo Simi.
Minutes 5 December 15, 2025
2. Linda Bosley, Moorpark, CA, thanked the City Council for their assistance with the homeless encampments in the Arroyo Simi, and she expressed concern about fire safety.
3. Wendy Mayea, Simi Valley, CA, Heartfulness Institute, announced that their upcoming event, Inner Peace to Outer Peace, will be held on December 21 at the Simi Valley Library.
4. Lori Woodley Langendorf, Simi Valley, CA, stated she authored the book SEL Muscle Mastery, and she spoke about her nonprofit called All It Takes.
5. Anthony Eason, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals and suggested that the City Council involve the Neighborhood Councils.
6. Alynne Eason, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
7. James McGillis, Simi Valley, CA, Stopstrs.com, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
8. Michael Shaw (no address given) commented that racism needs to be addressed in our schools, needs to be addressed.
9. William Cort, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about the cost of the wastewater treatment system and provided the City Council with information regarding his proposal.
10. Janet Murphy (no address given) spoke about concerns with Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.
11. Joseph Dobrynski Jr., Camarillo, CA, spoke about concerns with Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.
12. Josh Marquez, Moorpark, CA, spoke about safety concerns due to homeless encampments.
13.Steve Thompson, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
Minutes 6 December 15, 2025
14. Michellyn Shonka, Simi Valley, CA, Simi Institute for Careers and Education, spoke about the English as a Second Language courses available in person and online.
15. Ashley (no last name provided), Simi Valley, CA, spoke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
16. Joel (no last name or address given) commented about a substance called (kratom) sold at vape shops that is causing a public health crisis.
17. Chris Chestnut (no address given) spoke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
18. Douglas Lipsky (no add~ess given) commented about keeping our freeway clean and safe.
19. Sarah Wilczewski (no address given) spoke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
20. Nathan Evenson, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
21 Robert Fox, Simi Valley, CA, commented about the conduct of the City Council.
22. Ken Hurst, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
23.Aleyah Ewing (no address given) spoke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
24 Richard Perini (no address given) spoke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and he spoke about homeless encampments throughout the County.
25. Andrew Brody, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals in Simi Valley.
The following submitted a speaker card but were not present when called:
1. Guy Claus, Simi Valley, CA
2. John Yapper (no address given)
The following submitted a speaker card but did not wish to speak:
1. Xochitl Bahena, Simi Valley, CA
2. Linnec Chandler (no address given)
3. Maria Teresa Almanza (no address given)
4. Verica Weikal, Simi Valley, CA
4A. CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Ayala asked the City Manager for the status of the homeless encampments at the Arroyo Simi. He commented that he visited the site with Police Minutes
5. 6.
7. 7 December 15, 2025
Officers and reported that the people living there are aware of the situation. He addressed the presentation on immigration and invited the public to reach out to him for further discussion. He addressed Mike Shaw about the newly created Film Commission.
City Manager Argabrite reported that the cleanup at the Arroyo Simi is scheduled for the week of January 5 - 9, 2026, and that signs have been posted with information on resources and housing assistance. She addressed the issue raised regarding Kratom and stated that she had asked the Chief of Police to investigate it and that the information would be forwarded to the Council. City Manager Argabrite commented about the wastewater treatment system and indicated she will explore it with the Director of Public Works.
Mayor Pro Tern Litster addressed Lori Woodley Langendorf and said she had read and appreciated her book. She thanked Wendy Mayea for the invitation to attend Inner Peace to Outer Peace, addressed Michael Shaw about accomplishments, and addressed William Cort, stating she would follow up with Waste Management. She expressed her appreciation to the speakers who have come numerous times to discuss short-term rentals, addressed the issue of Kratom being sold in vape shops, and thanked the speakers for all their comments on immigration.
Mayor Cavanaugh commented that she reached out to Jake Finch, Public Information Officer at Sinaloa Middle School, regarding a safety concern a parent spoke about at the last meeting. She addressed Michael Shaw about accomplishments, stated she would be happy to meet with Ken Hurst again, and discussed the presentations by Interface Children and Family Services and the Simi Valley Police Department.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
(1) Approval of minutes for the City Council meeting of July 21, 2025 (Blanco) (CC) ACTION: Approved minutes.
(2) Approval of list of appointments made by the City Council to all regular and ongoing citizen boards, commissions, and committees (Maddy Act) (Blanco) (CC)
ACTION: Approved list of appointments.
Minutes 8 December 15, 2025
(3) Approval of the Monthly Investment Report for the month ended November 30. 2025 (Johnson) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(4) Receipt of the Community Facilities District No. 2004-1 (Town Center Project) Annual Accountability Report) (Johnson) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(5) Adopt a resolution reaffirming the findings made in Resolution No. 2016-10 pursuant to Government Code sections 4217.10 through 4217.18, approve a first amendment to the energy services contract with OPTERRA Energy Services, LLC, and approve a supplement budget request (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-40.
Resolution No. 2025-40: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY REAFFIRMING THE FINDINGS MADE IN
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-10 PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTIONS 4217.10 THROUGH 4217.18, AND APPROVING A FIRST
AMENDMENT TO THE ENERGY SERVICES CONTRACT WITH OPTERRA
ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster moved to approve all Consent Calendar Items. Council Member/Director Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8. CONTINUED BUSINESS:
8A. Adopt a joint resolution approving the Memorandum of Agreement with the Service Employees International Union, Local 721, and approve a supplemental budget request (Garibay) (CC)
Resolution No. 2025-39 / WWD-302: A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8 AMENDING THE
Minutes
9. 9A.
9 December 15, 2025
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AND THE SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION, LOCAL 721, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-16 AND PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS TO THE
EXTENT THAT THEY ARE IN CONFLICT HEREWITH
ACTION: Council Member/Director Rhodes moved to adopt Joint Resolution No. 2025-39 and Resolution No. WWD-302 to approve the Memorandum of Agreement with General Unit employees represented by the Service Employees International Union, Local 721; and approve the appropriation of $1,078,247 from the General Fund fund balance for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Council Member Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
NEW BUSINESS:
Consideration of a draft ordinance to regulate short-term rentals and collect Transient Occupancy Tax, and request for direction (Perras) (CC)
ACTION: Council Member/Director Rhodes moved that the City Council, through City Manager Argabrite, direct staff to incorporate proposed amendments into the draft ordinance, present it to the Neighborhood Councils and Planning Commission for feedback, and return to the City Council with that information and additional direction.
Council Member/Director/Trustee Ayala seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
98. Adopt a resolution amending the compensation and other terms and conditions of the City Manager's Employment Agreement (Gutierres) (CC)
Resolution No. 2025-41: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SIMI VALLEY AMENDING THE COMPENSATION AND OTHER TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE POSITION OF CITY MANAGER Minutes
9C.
10. 10A.
10 December 15, 2025
ACTION: Council Member/Director Rhodes moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-41 to amend the compensation and other terms and conditions of the City Manager's Employment Agreement. Council Member/Director/Trustee Ayala seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
Consideration of proposed revisions to the terms and conditions of the Resolution for Confidential-designated employees (Garibay) (CC)
ACTION: Council Member Judge moved to consider the proposed revisions to the terms and conditions to the Confidential-designated employees' Resolution, and place this matter on the January 12, 2026, City Council meeting agenda for final determination on the proposed Resolution. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
REPORTS:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Ayala reported that he attended the City Employee Holiday Lunch, the Regional Defense Partnership meeting (RDP-21 ), the Teacher of the Month Award presentation, and the Hispanic Heritage Alliance meeting. He reported he attended the Community Breakfast - YMCA, the 13th annual International Friendship Center Christmas Celebration, reviewed the Energy Action Plan with Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, and participated in the City of Thousand Oaks Reorganization meeting. Council Member Ayala reported that he toured the Calleguas Municipal Water District, met with the Simi Valley Engineering Association, and had a meeting with the City Manager.
Minutes 11 December 15, 2025
Council Member Rhodes reported that he attended the City Employee Holiday Lunch, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Executive Administrative Committee (EAC) meeting, the SCAG Joint Policy Committee meeting, the SCAG Regional Council meeting, and the Clean Power Alliance Board meeting. He reported that he attended a Webinar on SB 707, met with Steelwave (the owners of Simi Valley Mall), participated in the City of Thousand Oaks Reorganization meeting, and attended the Equestrian Center ribbon-cutting. Council Member Rhodes reported that he attended the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce breakfast and a presentation at the Samaritan Center from the Homelessness Ad hoc Committee.
Council Member Judge reported he attended the SCAG EAC meeting, the SCAG Joint Policy Committee meeting, the Boys and Girls Club breakfast at the Grand Vista Hotel, and he toured the Valencia 5 Points Development in Santa Clarita. He reported he met with Steelwave (the Simi Valley Mall owners), attended the Council On Aging meeting, the Association of Water Agencies (AWA) 31 st Annual Corporate Holiday party, and he met with the Simi Valley Engineering Association. Council Member Judge reported he attended the Adventist Health Remodel of the Urology Clinic -Reception, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce breakfast, and the Simi Valley Police Foundation Touch A Truck event.
· Mayor Pro Tern Litster reported she attended the City Employee Holiday Lunch, the SCAG Joint Policy Committee meeting (ZOOM), the Teacher of the Month Award presentation, the Boys and Girls Club breakfast at the Grand Vista Hotel, and the Simi Community Christmas. She reported that she attended the Strathearn Historical Park Christmas event, met with S~eelwave (the Simi Valley Mall owners), participated in the AWA 31st Annual Corporate Holiday party, and had a tour of the Calleguas Municipal Water District. Mayor Pro Tern Litster reported that she attended the Equestrian Center Ribbon Cutting and volunteered at the Little House on the Prairie Cast Reunion at Strathearn Historical Park.
Mayor Cavanaugh reported that she attended the City Employee Holiday Lunch, visited the Misfit Pilates studio, attended the Boys and Girls Club breakfast, had a meeting with Steelwave (the Simi Valley Mall owners), and volunteered at the Little House on the Prairie Cast Reunion at Strathearn Historical Park. She reported attending the Simi Valley Police Foundation Touch A Truck event and commented that she will attend the Community Menorah Lighting at the Simi Town Center Mall. 108. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items: None
Minutes 12 December 15, 2025
ADJOURNMENT : Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh adjourned the meeting at 10:16 p.m. in thoughts and prayers for the Bondi Beach and Brown University shooting victims and their families and in memory of Phyllis Rae Benton to the meeting of January 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections, the motion carried through acclamation.
Dee Dee Cavanaugh, Mayofthe City of
Simi Valley , California, Chair of the
Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8