MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
Simi Valley, California February 23, 2026
a.
b.
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:00 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 5:02p.m.
CLOSED SESSION:
(1) 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
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 City's Designated Representative: Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay Employee Organization: Simi Valley Engineers Association City's Designated Representative: Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay Employee Organization: Unrepresented Employees: Accounting Projects Analyst, Accounting Specialist, Accounting Supervisor, Administrative Assistant, Administrative Officer, Administrative Services Director, Assistant City Attorney, Assistant City Clerk, Assistant City Manager, Assistant Community Services Manager, Assistant Planner, Assistant Public Works Director, Assistant to the City Manager, Assistant Waterworks Services Manager, Associate Planner, Budget & Administrative Officer, Budget Officer, 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
VVWD - 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, VVWD, 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 February 23, 2026
Chief of Police, City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager, Code Compliance Manager, Code Compliance Officer, Code Enforcement Supervisor, Communications Manager, Communications Systems Coordinator, Community Services Coordinator, Community Services Director, Community Services Manager, Counter Services Technician I, Counter Services Technician 11, Crime Analysis and Prevention Manager, Crime Analyst, Cultural Arts Center Technical Coordinator, Customer Services Manager, Customer Services Supervisor, Deputy Administrative Services Director (Budget & Purchasing), Deputy Administrative Services Director (Fiscal Services), Deputy Administrative Services Director (Information Services), Deputy City Attorney, Deputy City Clerk, Deputy City Manager, Deputy Community Services Director, Deputy Director/Economic Development, Deputy Director/Housing & Special Projects, Deputy Director/Police Administration & Communication, Deputy Environmental Services Director, Deputy Environmental Services Director (Building Official), Deputy Environmental Services Director (City Planner), Deputy Human Resources Director, Deputy Public Works Director (Administration), Deputy Public Works Director (Environmental Compliance), Deputy Public Works Director (Maintenance Services), Deputy Public Works Director (Sanitation Services), Deputy Public Works Director (Transit), Deputy Public Works Director (Waterworks Services), Digital & Print Media Coordinator, Emergency Services Coordinator, Emergency Services Manager, Enterprise Systems Analyst, Environmental Compliance Program Analyst, Environmental Compliance Program Coordinator, Environmental Services Director, Executive Assistant, Fiscal Services Supervisor, Geographic Information System (GIS) Coordinator, Home Rehabilitation Coordinator, Human Resources Analyst, Information Services Analyst I, Information Services Analyst II, Investigative Assistant, Laboratory Chemist, Laboratory Supervisor, Landscape Architect, Legal Administrative Assistant, Maintenance Superintendent, Maintenance Supervisor, Management Analyst, Management Assistant, Payroll Coordinator, Permit Services Coordinator, Permit Services Supervisor, Plant Maintenance Supervisor, Plant Operations Manager, Plant Operations Supervisor, Plant Support Systems Manager, Plant Support Systems Manager, Police Communications & Records Manager, Police Maintenance Supervisor, Police Records Manager, Police Records Supervisor, Police Services Supervisor, Principal Information Services Analyst, Principal Planner/Zoning Administrator, Public Works Director, Risk Manager, Senior Accountant, Senior Administrative Officer, Senior Assistant City Attorney, Senior Code Compliance Officer, Senior Crime Analyst, Senior Human Resources Analyst, Senior Information Services Analyst, Senior Management Analyst, Senior Planner, Staff Accountant, Supervising Building Inspector, Supervising Public Works Inspector, Transit Finance Manager, Transit Operations Manager, Transit Supervisor, Treasury Officer, Utility Services Specialist, Wastewater Collection System Supervisor, Water Distribution Supervisor, Water Field Services Supervisor, Water Operations Supervisor, Workers' Compensation Adjuster I, Workers' Compensation Adjuster II, Workers' Compensation Manager, Workers' Compensation Supervisor
Minutes
1. 1A.
3 (2) Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (CC) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1 ):
Number of Matters: One (1)
February 23, 2026
Name of Case: Buchanan v. City of Simi Valley (Workers' Compensation) Claim No. 605501
CALLED TO ORDER: 6:32 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 27 at 5: 15 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tern Cavanaugh read a statement on behalf of the City Council of the City of Simi Valley regarding the passing of Mayor Fred D. Thomas.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Jasleen Khangura
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: None
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/Trustee Rhodes seconded the motion. (CC/WWD) 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:
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 4 February 23, 2026
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:
(1) Selection of two City Council Members to conduct Community Projects Grant Review Committee Interviews (Perros) (CC)
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster moved to appoint City Council Member Rhodes and City Council Member Judge to conduct interviews and nominate a prospective Community-At-Large member to the Community Projects Grant Review Committee. Council Members/Director Ayala seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Litster, and Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh
None
None
None
City Manager Samatha Argabrite notified the Council that Cynthia McCullough, was recently promoted to Deputy Environmental Services Director.
38. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
(1) Informational presentation by Youth Council member Nandhiha Krishnamoorthi (CC)
Youth Council Member Nandhiha Krishnamoorthi provided an informational report to the City Council 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. Ben Davis, Simi Valley, CA, President of Piccola Tiny Homes, spoke regarding the housing crisis and discussed moveable tiny homes as potential flexible housing solutions. He encouraged the City Council to consider a moveable tiny homes ordinance.
Minutes
4A.
5 February 23. 2026
2. Alynne Eason, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals in the City.
3. Anthony Eason, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals in the City.
4. James McGillis, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals in the City. He also noted that the future 2028 Olympics may increase demand for short term rentals in the area.
5. Dale Steinek, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about opportunities to promote filming within the City. She also expressed interest in presenting her services to the City's film committee.
6. Ken Hurst, Sim Valley, CA, spoke about immigration enforcement detainee numbers and the use of Flock Cameras in the City.
7. Rob Herr, Simi Valley, CA, Assistant Engineer in the City of Simi Valley, spoke in support of maintaining competitive compensation and urged City Council to authorize completion of the contract.
8. Aliza Nichols, Simi Valley, CA, thanked the City Council for adopting an E-bike ordinance and expressed concerns about some of the regulations in the ordinance.
9. Jacqueline Torossian, Simi Valley, CA, expressed concerns regarding increased flight training routes and potential lead pollution in the air.
The following submitted a speaker but did not wish to speak:
1. Claudia Morello, SVEA, (Simi Valley, CA)
2. Annie Ha, SVEA, (no address given)
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Rocky Rhodes acknowledged Ben's comments on tiny homes and expressed hope for a reasonable solution. He acknowledged James McGillis for sharing information related to the Olympics and short-term rentals. Council Member Rhodes recognized Dale Steinek, noting that the film industry represents a significant source of revenue for the City. He noted Aliza Nichols' input on potential e-bike regulations.
Minutes
5. 6.
6 February 23, 2026
Mayor Pro Tern Elaine Litster acknowledged Ben's comments and stated that tiny homes should be considered as an allowable ADU option in Simi Valley. She thanked Anthony and Alynne Eason for raising concerns about short-term rentals and noted interest in the information James McGillis shared about the Olympics. She thanked Dale Steinek and recognized her film industry knowledge as beneficial to the City.
Mayor Pro Tern Litster acknowledged Ken Hurst for his comments regarding Flock cameras. She recognized Rob Herr and expressed support for the City's engineers.
She also thanked Aliza Nichols for raising concerns about thee-bike ordinance and Jacqueline for bringing attention to concerns about flight schools.
Council Member Joseph Ayala inquired with the City Manager regarding the timeline for the tiny homes and short-term rental ordinance. Council Member Ayala acknowledged Ben for noting the distinction between RVs and tiny homes. He thanked Anthony, Alynne, and James McGillis for their comments. He provided his contact information to Dale Steinek so she could contact the film committee. In response to Mr. Hurst, the Police Department stated that it had previously provided a presentation on Flock cameras and assured that the information is not shared outside the agency.
He thanked Aliza Nichols for her willingness to be part of the solution regarding e-bike regulations. He also acknowledged Jacqueline's concerns about flight schools, noting that he has attempted to contact the schools.
City Manager Argabrite responded to Council Member Ayala's question. She stated that the Short-Term Rental Ordinance will go to the Planning Commission in March and return to the City Council approximately six weeks later. She stated she is reviewing a memo related to tiny homes that will be forwarded to Council Members.
Council Member Mike Judge thanked members of the public for sharing their comments.
Mayor Cavanaugh responded to Ben, expressing interest in touring the tiny homes.
He thanked Alynne Eason, Anthony Eason, and James McGillis for their comments regarding short-term rentals. She thanked Dale Steinek for attending the meeting. He acknowledged Ken Hurst and his concerns. She also recognized Rob and noted that the City is working on a contract with engineers. She also thanked Aliza Nichols for bringing forward concerns about e-bikes. She acknowledged Jacqueline and noted an increase in airplane activity in the area. She also welcomed the Leadership Class of 2026.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
Minutes 7 February 23, 2026
7. CONSENT CALENDAR:
(1) Approval of the Monthly Investment Report for the month ended January 31, 2026 (Johnson) (CC)
ACTION: Approved report.
(2) Receive and file update on the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Community Projects Grant Performance Reports for the second quarter activities (Perras) (CC) ACTION: Approved request.
(3) Receive and file the Mobile Home Rent Mediation Board Annual Status Report for Calendar Year 2025 (Perras) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(4) Authorization to waive the bidding process pursuant to the Simi Valley Municipal Code, award a contract to OW Investors LLC dba MARS Company for the MARS M3 Software subscription, and ratification of payment (Fuchiwaki) (WWD)
ACTION: Awarded contract to OW Investors LLC dba MARS
Company.
(5) Award a contract to Burns Engineering, Inc. for Professional Architectural and Engineering Design and Construction Management Services for the Battery Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure Project, RFP No. PW 25-02 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to Burns Engineering, Inc.
(6) Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with DCSE, Inc. for Geographic Information System Utility Network migration services (Johnson) (CC) ACTION: Approved agreement with DCSE, Inc.
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 6. Council Member Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directors Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Litster, and Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh
None
None
None
Minutes
8. 9.
9A.
10. 10A.
8 February 23, 2026
CONTINUED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
Introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 1367 amending Simi Valley Municipal Code Section 4-3.22 Bicycles on Sidewalks and Side Paths (Shorts) (CC)
Ordinance No. 1346 -AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AMENDING SECTION 4-3.22 OF CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 4 OF THE SIMI VALLEY MUNICIPAL
CODE, BICYCLES ON SIDEWALKS AND SIDEPATHS
ACTION: Council Member Judge moved that the City Council introduce and approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1367, with corrections made, amending Section 4-
3.22 of Chapter 3, Title 4 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code to modernize regulations governing bicycles, electric bicycles (e-bikes), scooters, and similar conveyances operating on sidewalks and side paths. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
REPORTS:
Council Members/Directors Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Litster, and Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh
None
None
None
City Council/Board Member/Trustees/Special District Member Reports:
Council Member Ayala reported hosting the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Youth Leadership Council meeting, attending the Metrolink Customer Appreciation event, the Simi Valley Police Foundation Recognition Award luncheon, the Teacher of the Month ceremony, the Neighborhood Council #3 Meeting, and the Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast. He met with City Manager Argabrite and attended the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) Committee meeting. He attended the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards, the Youth Gambling Webinar, and the For the Need Foundation event. He attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Porcellino's, the Simi Valley Education Foundation Mardi Gras Fundraiser, the Girl Softball Opening Day, and participated in the Youth Impact Forum. He also noted it will be his one-year anniversary being on the Council on February 24.
Council Member Rhodes reported attending Simi Valley's Police Foundation Recognition Award Luncheon, Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast, and speaking with the CEO of the Clean Power Alliance. He attended the Arts Commission meeting, the Cal Lutheran Housing Crisis Seminar, the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Minutes 9 February 23, 2026
Award event , the Simi Valley Education Foundation Mardi Gras Fundraiser , the Girl Softball Opening Day, and the Youth Impact Forum.
Council Member Judge reported attending the Simi Valley Police Foundation Recognition Award Luncheon, the Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast, the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award event, Ribbon Cutting of Porcellino's , Simi Valley Education Foundation Mardi Gras Fundraiser, Girl Softball Opening Day, and the Youth Summit Impact Forum .
Mayor Pro Tern Litster reported attending the Metrolink Customer Appreciation Day, the Simi Valley Police Foundation Luncheon , and the Simi Valley Teacher of the Month. She attended Simi Valley's Library Foundation Love and Laughs Comedy Night, Simi Valley's Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast , the Veterans Foundation Sweetheart Dinner , the Association of Water Agencies Board Meeting, the Youth Council Meeting , and the Neighborhood Council #4 Meeting. She attended the Simi Valley Arts Commission Meeting , the Boys and Girls Youth of the Year Celebration, the VCOG Administrative Meeting, met with the City Manager , and attended the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards and the Youth Impact Forum.
Mayor Cavanaugh reported attending the Simi Valley Police Foundation Recognition Award Luncheon , Simi Valley 's Library Foundation Love and Laughs Comedy Night, the Youth Council Meeting, Ventura County Animal Services meeting, the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards, and the Ribbon Cutting for Porcellino 's. She attended the Simi Valley Education Foundation Mardi Gras Fundraiser , the Simi Valley Girl Softball Opening Day, the Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony, and the Youth Impact Forum. 1 OB. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items: None
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m. in memory of Steve Frank, Tammy Hoggan, Kevin McGuigan, and Thomas Stven Mackel, to the meeting of March 9, 2026 , at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections , the motion carried through acclamation.
Dee Dee Cavanaugh , May of the City of
Simi Valley , California , Chair of the
Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8,
and President of the Simi Valley Library
Board of Trustees
Lucy Blanco CMC, City C rk/District Secretary/
Authority/Agency Secretary/Board Secretary