MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
SIMI VALLEY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
SIMI VALLEY PUBLIC FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO
THE SIMI VALLEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SIMI VALLEY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Simi Valley, California January 12, 2026
a.
b.
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:30 p.m. (CLOSED SESSION)
ROLL CALL: Present: Council .Members Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Litster, 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 Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation: (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1 ):
Number of Matters: One (1)
Name of Case: McGarry v. Mercedes-Benz Group, et al.
Case No.: 2025CUPP040088
(2) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation: (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
Number of Matters: One (1)
Tierra Rejada Landfill
(3) Conference with Real Property Negotiator: (CC)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8:
Number of Matters: One (1)
Property APN: 612-0-240-045;612-0-240-065;612-0-240-155;612-0-240-175 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 tci 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
1. 1A.
2 January 12, 2026
Agency Negotiator: Luis Garibay, Assistant City Manager SV TC PROPERTY LLC Negotiating Parties:
Under Negotiation: Instruction to the negotiator .regarding price and terms
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 January 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Michael Shaw
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern
Litster, and Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
Remote: None
Absent: None
AGENDA REVIEW: City Manager Argabrite stated Item 3A (1) had a supplemental report.
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/IDA/LB)
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
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: None
Minutes 3 January 12, 2026
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS:
38. 3C.
( 1) Appointment of representation of City Council/Board Members on boards. commissions. and committees: and consideration of recommended changes (Argabrite) (CC/WWD/IDA/LB/PFFA)
ACTION: Council Member/Trustee Judge moved that the Council appoint Council Member Ayala to the Affordable Housing Committee and as an Alternate on the Council on Aging. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster seconded the motion to include the requested correction on the dates of her appointment to the Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8, Simi Valley Industrial Development Authority, Library Board of Trustees, and Public Facilities Financing Authority from Dec. 2026 to Dec. 2025.
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
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
(1) Economic Development Update (Garibay) (CC)
Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay and Assistant to the City Manager Angel Sierra presented an informational report on the City's economic development.
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Michael Shaw (no address given) asked the City Council for another forum to allow the public to get to know the City Council. He also mentioned the STRs.
Minutes 4 January 12, 2026
2. James McGillis, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals and informed the community to_ attend and participate in the Neighborhood Council meetings.
3. Linda Bosley, Moorpark, CA, spoke on behalf of a coalition of Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park near the homeless encampment on West Los Angeles Avenue.
She thanked the City for taking the necessary steps to clean up the encampment.
4. Karla Costilla (no address given) spoke about community safety and concerns with ICE actions. She read the names in memory of those who lost their lives to ICE activity.
5. Aleyah Ewing (no address given) continued to read names in memory of those who lost their lives to ICE activity. She reminded the City Council of the community's past request to form an immigration-focused committee. She also informed the community about a webinar on January 24 that teaches how to run for office.
6. Jennifer Frank (no address given) spoke regarding the Simi Valley Library Foundation. She invited the community to attend the Library Foundation's Love and Laughs Comedy Night, February 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.
7. Nikki Lian (no address given) spoke on behalf of Body Brain Train. She thanked the Mayor, City Council, and City staff for their support.
8. Ken Hurst, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about his concerns regarding ICE activity and the recent death of Renee Good. He asked if the City Council would consider a moment of silence and adjourning the meeting for those killed by ICE.
9. William Cort, Simi Valley, CA, spoke regarding sludge handling and a proposal to reduce costs for the City by up to 50%.
10. Cindy Slack (no address given) spoke on behalf of the Simi Valley Library Foundation. She thanked the City Council for their continued support and invited them to its Love and Laugh Comedy Night.
11. Glen Becerra, Simi Valley, CA, provided an update on the progress at the Simi Valley Town Center.
12. Justin Link, Public Works Traffic Engineer and President of the Simi Valley Engineers Association, addressed the City Council about the lack of a contract after 763 days. He stated that what the SVEA has proposed is not monumental and will go a great distance toward retaining engineers.
Minutes 5 January 12, 2026
13. Eddie Yamamoto, Principal Engineer for Building & Safety, and Vice President of the SVEA, 19-year employee and 30-year City resident, addressed the City Council, stating that the City's Engineers are at the lowest compensation of surrounding jurisdictions and that Simi Valley has been the training ground for neighboring jurisdictions to recruit talent from the City.
14. Rob Herr, Assistant Engineer, long-time city employee and resident, addressed the City Council, stating that they have experienced a significant loss of skilled personnel to other organizations, due to more lucrative compensation packages.
He asked the City Council for their help.
15. Anthony Gallo, Senior Engineer in the Traffic Division and 44-year City resident.
He noted that new engineers use the City of Simi Valley as a stepping stone to gain work experience and then transition to an agency that offers better compensation.
16. Ryan Valencia (no address given) thanked Anne Sorensen for her prompt response in handling a case he presented to her regarding a medically vulnerable senior. He spoke on behalf of the Simi Valley Veterans Foundation Board and thanked the City Council for considering its first Special Events grant. He stated that the grant will help them host their first WWII-style fundraiser to honor the Veterans in Simi Valley.
17. Gina Truncale (no address given) informed the City Council of the upcoming peace vigil, by the Simi Valley International City of Peace Committee in celebration of Martin Luther King Day on January 19 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church.
She thanked the City Council on behalf of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Foundation for their continued support of the Hispanic Heritage Festival and the Special Events grant.
18. Donna Smith (no address given) spoke on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley. She thanked the City Council for their continued support and for consideration of the Special Events grant. She announced that their large fundraising event, "Round-Up," is coming up on April 18.
19.Aliza Nichols, (no address given), President of the Non-Profit, It Needs To End, and the creator of the You Safety Program, focused on eBike and road safety. She addressed her concerns regarding the process, transparency, and traffic safety.
She stated that she was informed that Council Member Joe Ayala lodged a complaint against her ebike safety class
20.Jamie Sanchez (no address given) asked the City Council ·why the speakers cannot speak after a presentation as opposed to before? She addressed concerns regarding ICE activity. She informed that January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention, Mental Health Awareness, and Poverty Awareness Month.
Minutes
4A.
6 January 12, 2026
21. Juan Miguel (no address given) spoke about the incident in which police officers responded outside his home, and his concern as to why they do not have the resources to respond regarding an ICE kidnapping. He stated that he asked a Council Member to set up a meeting with the Chief of Police, but it hasn't happened.
The following submitted a speaker card but did not wish to speak:
1. Grant Goddard (no address given)
2. Lauren Lien (no address given)
3. Lauren Gallardo (no address given)
4. Ronald Charette (no address given)
5. Todd Cook (no address given)
6. Claudio Morello, 3086 Peoria, Simi Valley
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Ayala addressed Ms. Nichols' comment, stating that he was not involved in the filed complaint and recommended she speak with the Chief of Police.
He stated that the City is working on an eBike ordinance and would like to partner with her on the educational aspect. He thanked the speakers who acknowledged the 37 names. He addressed the engineering group and expressed appreciation for everything they do.
Council Member Rhodes addressed the engineers, stating their work is appreciated and they will continue with the process. He informed Mr. Shaw that they cannot address his concerns because they are not on the agenda. He encouraged him to get to know the Council/candidates by attending all the functions to obtain the information he seeks. He expressed his appreciation to Ms. Bosley for thanking the Council for its work on homelessness. He thanked all those who expressed gratitude to the Special Events committee.
Council Member Litster thanked Justin, Eddie, Rob, and Anthony for their work in keeping the City running and stated that the City Council is anxious to resolve the discussion. She expressed gratitude to everyone who spoke regarding the grant money. She thanked the speakers who shared the names of the individuals. She addressed Mr. Cort and encouraged him to speak with Mr. Fuchiwaki. She thanked Ms. Nichols for her work on eBike safety and thanked all who participated.
Mayor Cavanaugh thanked the community for coming out to speak. She expressed her respect for the engineers and wants to resolve the discussion soon. She ended by quoting Ms. Sanchez, saying, "Everyone has the right to speak."
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
Minutes 7 January 12, 2026
6. CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
7. CONSENT CALENDAR:
(1) Receive and file Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2024-25 (Johnson) (CC/WWD/PFFA/SA/LB)
ACTION: Approved request.
(2) Approve the purchase of one replacement vehicle for the Sanitation Division utilizing the Sourcewell Cooperative Agreement No. 011723-JDC (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(3) Accept $1,381,926 from the State of California for reimbursement of Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Costs at the Public Services Center; and approve a Supplemental Budget Request for associated payments to EguoLogic (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved Supplemental Budget Request.
(4) Award of three contracts for the purchase of six {6) replacement vehicles, Specification No. SV 26-07 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contracts to Motor City Buick GMC, David Wilson's Villa Ford and Sierra Auto Cars.
(5) Adoption of amended resolution to modify the 2026 City Council meeting schedule (Blanco) (CC)
Resolution No. 2026-01: AMENDED RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY ESTABLISHING THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR OF 2026 AND
REPLACING RESOLUTION NO. 2025-36
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2026-01.
(6) Adopt a joint resolution amending the terms and conditions of employment for Management-designated employees (Garibay) (CC/WWD)
Resolution No. 2026-02/WWD-303.: 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 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR
MANAGEMENT-DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES
Minutes 8 January 12, 2026
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2026-02/WWD-303.
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 6. Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes 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
8. CONTINUED BUSINESS:
8A. Adopt a resolution approving proposed revisions to the terms and conditions of employment for Confidential-designated employees and approve a supplemental budget request (Garibay) (CC)
Resolution No. 2026-03: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SIMI VALLEY ESTABLISHING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR
CONFIDENTIAL-DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES, AND REPEALING PREVIOUS
RESOLUTIONS TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY ARE IN CONFLICT HEREWITH ACTION: Council Member/Director Rhodes moved to adopt Resolution No. 2026-03 to approve the revisions to the terms and conditions of employment for Confidential designated employees and approve the appropriation of $39,649 from the General Fund fund balance for Fiscal Year 2025-26. In accordance with Government Code Section 54953(c)(3), a summary of these benefits for the various positions identified below is reported as follows: For the positions of City Manager, City Attorney, Assistant City Manager, Administrative Services Director, Deputy Human Resources Director, Senior Assistant City Attorney, and Senior Human Resources Analyst, revisions to pay ranges and compensation (unless specified under individual contracts) are as follows: Effective November 17, 2025, the ·simi Flex benefit will increase for the City Manager, City Attorney, Assistant City Manager and Administrative Services Director to $2,600 per month; the Simi Flex benefit will increase for the Deputy Human Resources Director, Senior Assistant City Attorney, and Senior Human Resources Analyst to $2,406 per month. Effective January 12, 2026, a 3% salary increase, including adjustments to pay ranges, will be implemented.
Effective in the January 30, 2026, paycheck, a one-time lump-sum payment of $1,000 will be included, provided incumbents are employed with the City/District for the entire period from January 12, 2026, through January 25, 2026. Effective June 29, 2026, a 3% salary increase, including adjustments to pay ranges, will be implemented.
Following the 3% adjustment to the pay ranges, the bottom 5% will be eliminated. All other prior benefit levels remain the same." Council Member Judge seconded the motion.
Minutes
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
9 January 12, 2026
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9A. Approval of the 2026 City Support of Special Events grant recipients and authorization for the City Manager to execute grant contracts (Argabrite) (CC) Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster disclosed her role as a board member of the Simi Valley Veterans Foundation. Council Member Ayala disclosed his membership in the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise. Both recused themselves from consideration of Agenda Item 9A at 7:53 p.m. due to conflicts of interest and returned to the dais at 7:58 p.m.
ACTION: Council Member Judge moved to approve and adopt the recommendation of the Special Event Support Review Committee to award 2026 City Support of Special Events grants as outlined and authorize the City Manager to execute grant contracts with the recipients. Council Member Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSED:
10. REPORTS:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Rhodes, Judge, Mayor, and Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster and Council Member/Director/Trustee Ayala
1 0A. City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Ayala reported attending the Youth Council Meeting and the Community Menorah Lighting at the Simi Valley Town Center. He also participated in the Regional Defense Partnership Board of Directors Meeting, the Metrolink Holiday Train event, the Shepherd of the Valley Christmas Gift Giveaway, and the Ronald Reagan Library Menorah Lighting event. He attended the Party City ribbon-cutting at Staples, the celebration of the Rancho Simi Parks and Recreation Mobile Recreational Van, the Regional Defense Partnership (RDP) Membership meeting, and the ribbon cutting for Piccola Tiny Homes.
Minutes 10 January 12, 2026
Council Member Rhodes reported attending the Building Industry Association Southern California Regional Housing Conference in Irvine. He mentioned he was out of the state for vacation. He attended the Calleguas Municipal Water District Tour with Council Member Judge. He met with a development group and the Chamber of Commerce to discuss a potential hotel project in the city. He also attended May Culbertson's Celebration of Life.
Council Member Judge reported attending the Calleguas Municipal Water District Tour along with Council Member Rhodes and the Ventura County Transportation Committee. He attended meetings with representatives from COLAS and the Farm Bureau, the Council on Aging, and the Chamber of Commerce to discuss a hotel project alongside Council Member Rhodes.
Council Member Litster attended the Community Menorah Lighting at the Simi Valley Town Center, participated as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, attended the fundraiser for the Meals on Wheels program, attended the Rancho Simi Park and Recreation celebration for their new Mobile Recreation van, and was out of the state celebrating the holidays. She attended a meeting with Mayor Cavanaugh and City Manager Argabrite, the Ventura County of Governments (VCOG) Council Board Meeting, the ribbon-cutting event for Piccola Tiny Homes, the Chamber of Commerce breakfast, May Culbertson's celebration of life, and the Council on Aging meeting.
Mayor Cavanaugh reported attending the Community Menorah Lighting at the Simi Valley Town Center, meeting with City Manager Argabrite, attending the Metrolink Holiday Train event, the Ronald Reagan Menorah Lighting, and the Economic Development Collaborative Development Executive Board meeting. She also reported attending the Simi Rancho Parks and Recreation Mobile Recreation Van celebration, the Neighborhood Council meeting, and a ZOOM meeting with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC).
1 OB. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items: None
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh adjourned the meeting at 8: 15 p.m. in memory of individuals who have lost their lives across the country in relation to immigration enforcement-related activities, Bets Lastort, Craig Beisel, and Joann Rundell, to the meeting of January 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections, the motion carried through acclamation.
Minutes 11 January 12, 2026
M.~.~zCityof
Simi Valley, California, Chair of the
Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8,
and President of the Simi Valley Library
Board of Trustees
, City Clerk/Dis Secretary/
Authority/Agency Secretary/Board Secretary