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 January 26, 2026
a.
b.
CALLED TO ORDER: 6:00 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 6:01 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION:
(1) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Number of Matters: Two (1)
Name of Case: Ayala, et al. v. City of Simi Valley, et al.
Case No.: 2025CUPP038055
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 26,2026 at 6:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Barbra Williamson
ROLL CALL: Present: Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Litster, and Mayor Cavanaugh
Remote: None
Absent: None
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
VVVVD - Wateiworks 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, 'WWD, 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 January 26, 2026
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 Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Litster, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
18. 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.
2. 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 an Honorary Resolution to the recipient of the Wayne Templeton Volunteer of the Year Award (CC)
Office Specialist Candace Gray read and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Bill Oliver with an Honorary Resolution.
(2) Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to outgoing members of the Simi Valley Council On Aging Executive Board (CC)
Community Services Manager Kimberly Post read and Mayor Cavanaugh presented outgoing Council On Aging members Bill Oliver, Al Brown and Jean Cecil with Certificates of Appreciation.
(3) Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to outgoing Special Event Support Review Committee members (CC)
Senior Management Analyst Heidi DiNardo read and Mayor Cavanaugh presented outgoing Special Event Support Review Committee members Laura Hurd, George Bowman, Serena Kahm, Bobby Calderon, and Gloria Bowman with Certificates of Appreciation.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
Minutes 3 January 26, 2026
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS:
(1) Appointment of Simi Valley Council On Aging Executive Board Members {Garibay) (CC)
ACTION: Mayor Pro Tern Litster moved to approve, and the Mayor Pro Tern appoint, Deborah Laine, Nancy Garcia, David Lewis, Mark Luker, Jamuna Ramnath and Candace Skar nominated by the COA general membership to the Council On Aging Executive Board with one applicant, Deborah Laine to serve a partial term commencing February 1, 2026, and concluding January 31, 2027, and the remaining five applicants to serve two-year terms concluding January 31, 2028. Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Litster, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
3B. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
(1) Informational presentation by Youth Council member Surya Ravikumar (CC) Youth Council Member Surya Ravikumar provided an informational report on behalf of the Youth Council.
3C. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: None.
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Heather Moss, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals.
2. Anthony Eason, Simi Valley, CA, asked when the proposed short-term rental ordinance will be reviewed by the Planning Commission and requested a review of the City Council Public Statements Protocol regarding time limits.
3. Alynne Eason, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals and asked why the Planning Commission has not reviewed the Short-Term Rental ordinance.
Minutes 4 January 26, 2026
4. James McGillis, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals and raised concerns about the City's earthquake preparedness.
5. Pam Jordan, address not provided, spoke regarding the homeless encampment at Villa Del Arroyo. Expressed gratitude to the Police Department, City Council, and the City of Simi Valley for addressing the encampment.
6. John Smith, Moorpark, CA, expressed appreciation for the recent cleanup of the homeless encampment.
7. Justin Link, Simi Valley Public Works Engineer, spoke regarding compensation contracts for the city's engineers.
8. Eddie Yamamoto, Simi Valley, Vice President of the Simi Valley Engineers Association, spoke regarding the compensation contract for the city's engineers and requested support from the City Council for compensation adjustments to assist with engineer retention.
9. Rob Herr, Simi Valley, CA, Assistant Engineer in the Water Department, spoke about ensuring competitive compensation for the Public Works Department and support to retain and recruit engineers.
10. Karla Costilla, address not provided, spoke about concerns with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.
11.Aleyah Ewing, address not provided, spoke about upcoming elections and the various cou_ncil members running for reelection.
12. Barbara Williamson, address not provided, spoke about industrial building design in Simi Valley and requested a review of funding allocations related to the City's agreement with Waste Management.
13. Ken Hurst, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in recognition of individuals attacked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
14.Allie Mayernik, Simi Valley, CA, Director for the For the Need Foundation, expressed gratitude for the allocated funds for the organization and its programs, including Rocket Day and Reach for the Stars.
15. Jamie Sanchez, address not provided, expressed concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the community and asked what the City is doing to protect residents.
Minutes
4A.
5 January 26, 2026
The following submitted a speaker card but did not wish to speak:
1. Claudia Morello (Simi Valley, CA)
2. Lauren Gallardo (no address given) submitted a speaker c~rd in support of an open and fair negotiation.
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Rhodes addressed concerns about short-term rentals, emphasized the importance of transparency in the ordinance process, and asked the City Manager whether such ordinances typically require a lengthy preparation period. He also acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the community's gratitude regarding the cleanup of the Villa Del Arroyo encampment. Council Member Rhodes thanked City engineers for their service and commented on ongoing labor negotiations.
Mayor Pro Tern Litster commented on public statement time limits and the existing protocol. She recognized the efforts related to the encampment cleanup and expressed appreciation for the City's engineers and their service. She stated her desire to see labor negotiations resolved. Council Member Litster also addressed the Waste Management contract. She further expressed gratitude to Allie Mayornick and the For the Need Foundation.
City Manager Argabrite responded to comments regarding Waste Management and stated that the expansion agreement would be reviewed.
Council Member Judge addressed the engineers and spoke about ongoing labor negotiations and efforts to reach a contract agreement. He thanked For the Need Foundation and noted additional avenues for donations. He also expressed appreciation to all speakers for sharing their comments.
Council Member Ayala expressed appreciation for Laura, City Engineer, and stated his support for reaching a labor agreement to retain her. Council Member Ayala responded to Ken Hurst, asked him to reach out directly, thanked Allie Mayornick, and expressed interest in attending the Rocket Day event to observe the launches. He also discussed the City's ongoing efforts to allocate funding to proactively address encampments. In response to Barbara Williamson, he agreed that new buildings should be designed to complement the community and not resemble institutional structures.
Mayor Cavanaugh thanked all speakers addressing short-term rentals. She commented on the Villa Del Arroyo encampment cleanup, noting that services were provided to individuals at the site. The Mayor expressed gratitude to City engineers and acknowledged ongoing contract negotiations. She thanked Allie Mayornick for her work with the For the Need Foundation, stated that she had sent an email to Ken Hurst to arrange a further discussion, and thanked Jamie Sanchez for attending and engaging in dialogue with the City Council.
Minutes 6 January 26, 2026
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
6. CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
7. CONSENT CALENDAR:
(1) Approval of minutes for the City Council meetings for November 17. December
1. and 15, 2025 (Blanco) (CC/WWD/PFFA/LB)
ACTION: Approved request.
(2) Approval of the Monthly Investment Report for the month ended December 31, 2025 (Johnson) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(3) Approval of the purchase of one vehicle for the Sanitation Division, utilizing the Sourcewell Cooperative Agreement and approval of a supplemental budget request (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(4) Authorize the City Manager to award contract(s) for the cleanup of unauthorized encampments or debris and approve a Supplemental Budget Request (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(5) Approval of the first amendments to contracts for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) consulting services (Perros) (CC)
ACTION: Approved amendments to Aspen Environmental Group, Eco Tierra Consulting, Inc., Psomas, and Rincon Consultants, Inc.
(6) Award a contract to Venco Western Inc. for Simi Valley Landscape District No. 1 Maintenance Services, Contract A Specification No. SV 26-12 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to Venco Western, Inc.
ACTION: Council Member/Directorrrrustee Rhodes moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 6. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Judge seconded the motion.
Minutes
8. 9.
9A.
10. 10A.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
7 January 26, 2026
Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Litster, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Provide direction to support Simi Valley residents impacted by Public Safety Power Shutoffs through outreach and education efforts (Sumagaysay) (CC) ACTION: Council Member/Trustee Litster moved to host special seminars, assist with completion of applications, investigate Clean Power Alliance backup battery resources for residents, and continue to focus on the City's lobbying efforts in this area. Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
REPORTS:
Council Members Ayala 1 Rhodes 1 Judge, Mayor Pro Tern Litster, and Mayor Cavanaugh
None
None
None
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Ayala reported meeting with City Manager Argabrite, attending the California Fish Grill Grand Opening Ceremony, and volunteering at the MLK Day of Service event. He was an MC for the Peace Vigil at St. Francis of Assisi Church; he completed Point-in-Time Count training; participated in the 4th of July 250th Festivities Planning meeting; and attended the Mayors and Council Members Academy in Sacramento. He also reported attending the Simi Valley YMCA's Groundbreaking Event and the Simi Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) Super Bowl for Education fund raiser.
Council Member Rhodes reported attending the Cranial Technologies Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and participating in a training for the Point-in-Time Count. He attended the Clean Power Alliance meeting and the California Fish Grill Grand Opening Ceremony.
He gave a SCAG Regional Council presentation to the Moorpark City Council, attended the SCAG Event Committee meeting, the Assembly District 42 Community Excellence Awards, and the Cal Cities Housing Committee in Sacramento.
Minutes 8 January 26, 2026
Council Member Judge reported attending the Swearing-In-Ceremony for new SVPD officers and met with City Manager Argabrite to help relocate a local business. He attended the Grand Opening Ceremony for California Fish Grill, the Baker to Vegas Fundraising Event, and the SVEF Super Bowl for Education Fundraiser.
Mayor Pro Tern Litster reported meeting Doug Lipsky, City Manager Argabrite , and Public Works Director Ron Fuchiwaki. Attended the Cranial Technologies Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, SVPD Swearing-In-Ceremony, and the Ambassador's Round Table Conversation Meeting. She met with Gayle Sutton from Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of Realtors (CSMAR) and attended the Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG) meeting. She attended the Grand Opening Ceremony for California Fish Grill, the Peace Vigil at St. Francis of Assisi Church, a training for the Point-in-Time Count, the Youth Council meeting, and the Mayor and Council Members Academy in Sacramento. She attended the LAFCO City Selection Committee Meeting via ZOOM, the Environmental Quality Policy Committee meeting, and the SVEF Super Bowl for Education Fundraiser .
Mayor Cavanaugh reported meeting with City Manager Argabrite and the CSMAR Legislative Committee. She attended a meeting with the REMAX group, the EDC Annual Meeting, and participated as a panelist at the Soroptimist Stop Human Trafficking Awareness Month Event. She attended the Assembly District 42 Community Excellence Awards , the City Selection Committee meeting, the CSMAR Awards and Installation Luncheon, and Simi Valley's YMCA Groundbreaking event.
She also attended SVPD's Baker to Vegas Fundraiser Event and the Santa Susana Elementary Site Council Meeting via Zoom.
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 8:50 p.m. in memory of Stephanie Tolson to the meeting of February 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections, the motion carried through acclamation .
Dee Dee Cavanaugh , Mayor of
Simi Valley, California , Chair of the
Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8,
and President of the Simi Valley Library
Board of Trustee
Lucy Blanco CMC, City Clerk/Dist ct Secretary/
Authority/Agency Secretary/Board Secretary