MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
Simi Valley, California April 6, 2026
CALLED TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. (OPEN SESSION)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Larry Borovay
ROLL CALL: Present:
Remote:
Absent:
Council Members/Directorsff rustees Ayala,
Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President
Litster, and Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
Rhodes,
Pro Tern
1. AGENDA REVIEW: City Manager announced that Item 1.0.(2) is being postponed to a future meeting.
1A. ACTION: Council Member/Directorffrustee Ayala moved that all resolutions and ordinances presented tonight be read in title only and all further reading be waived.
Council Member/Directorff rustee Rhodes seconded the motion. (CC/WWD/PFFA/SA/LB)
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directorsff rustees 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).
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.
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1C.
1D.
DECLARATION OF CONFLICT: None
CERTIFICATES/HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS:
(1) Presentation of an Honorary Resolution to the 2026 Community Volunteer of the Year (CC)
Senior Center Office Specialist II, Candace Gray, read and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Gina Truncale-Adams with an Honorary Resolution. (2) Presentation of an Honorary Resolution to the 2026 City Volunteer of the Year (CC)
This presentation was postponed to a future meeting.
(3) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring the month of April 2026 as Fair Housing Month (CC)
Deputy Environmental Services Director, Cynthia McCullough, read a Proclamation declaring the month of April as Fair Housing Month. (4) Presentation of Employee of the Month to Gamaliel Duran (CC) Public Works Director Ron Fuchiwaki read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Gamaliel Duran with Employee of the Month.
(5) A Proclamation declaring April 2026 as Earthquake Preparedness Month in Simi · Valley (CC)
Emergency Services Manager Eileen Connors read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented Tech Reserve David Fisher, and Disaster Service Worker Volunteers Ed Baker and Phil Ankrom with a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Earthquake Preparedness Month.
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Sarah Wilczecski (no address given) expressed concerns with the Flock camera system.
2. Karla C. (no address given) expressed concerns regarding potential use of data collected by Flock and stated the importance of transparency regarding Flock.
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3. 3A.
3 April 6, 2026
APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
APPOINTMENTS:
( 1) Appointment to the Community Proiects Grant Review Committee (Perros) (CC)
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster moved to approve, and have the Mayor appoint the seven nominees to the Community Projects Grant Review Committee with terms commencing upon appointment and concluding when the City Council awards the FY 2026-27 CPG funding. 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
(2) Selection of two City Council Members to conduct Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit Advisory Committee interviews (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes moved to nominate City Council Members Ayala and Litster to interview and nominate prospective members of the ADA Paratransit Advisory Committee. 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
38. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
(1) Informational Report by Youth Employment Services Board Chair Anthony Angelini (CC)
Youth Employment Service (YES) Board Chair Anthony Angelini provided an informational report on behalf of the YES.
Minutes 4 April 6, 2026
3C. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
(1) Presentation on FLOCK Data by Sergeant Patrick Zayicek (CC) Sergeant Patrick Zayicek and Chief of Police Steve Shorts provided the City Council with a presentation on FLOCK data.
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, President of Piccola Tiny Homes, requested that the topic of moveable tiny homes be placed on a future agenda and that an ordinance be developed.
2. Bevin Abbe (no address given) expressed support for short-term rentals (STRs) and moveable tiny homes.
3. Langley Abbe (no address given) expressed support for short-term rentals.
4. Matthew Abbe (no address given) expressed support for short-term rentals.
5. James McGillis, Simi Valley, CA, expressed opposition to short-term rentals, raised concerns regarding the STR survey, and commented on a council member's statement.
6. Vanessa Balam, Simi Valley, CA, expressed support for short-term rentals.
7. Ivana Christman, Rotary Club of Simi Valley, announced the Ventura County Dispatcher of the Year Appreciation Award Ceremony on April 16 and requested Council support.
8. Dena Chovanec (no address given) expressed support for short-term rentals.
9. Steve Thompson (no address given) expressed support for short-term rentals.
10. Sarah Wilczewski (no address given) addressed the Council regarding actions needed to support the immigrant community, including allocation of funding.
11.Anthony Eason, Simi Valley, CA, commented on the council member's actions and statements.
12.Alynne Eason, Simi Valley, CA, commented on a council member's actions and expressed opposition to short-term rentals.
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5 April 6, 2026
13. Karla (no address given) expressed concerns regarding ICE activity in the City and commented on council members' actions.
14. Jamie Sanchez (no address given) addressed the limited time allotted for public comments, Simi Valley Police Department response times, and ICE activity in the community.
15. Elsy Nguyen and Nancy Mason, Simi Valley, CA, provided information regarding the Samaritan Center Second Chance Prom scheduled for May 14 and extended an invitation to the Council and the public.
16. Yessenia Arechiga-Rangel, Simi Valley, CA, speaking on behalf of Rosario Zepeda, expressed support for short-term rentals.
17. Deb Dickerson, Simi Valley, CA, announced her candidacy for Council District No. 4 and shared her perspectives.
18. Tarek Rizkalla, Simi Valley, CA, Board Member of The Oaks in Wood Ranch, requested Council assistance regarding an easement issue involving the company Sci Fi that has remained unresolved.
19. Gary Hartman, Simi Valley, CA, expressed support for short-term rentals and references and provided a copy of Airbnb's community disturbance policy.
20. Ashley (no address given) spoke about concerns regarding certain agenda items and questioned Council Members' positions and statements related to those.
21. Frank Tomlinson (no address given), spoke about the Vets and Valor Program. He requested efforts to support veterans and proposed a banner retirement and redistribution program to increase awareness of veteran benefits.
22. Ruth Luevanos (no address given) addressed the Council regarding the FLOCK system and noted the benefits that undocumented individuals provide to Ventura County.
23. Todd Taylor, Simi Valley, CA, expressed support for short-term rentals.
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Mayor Pro Tern Litster reported that staff will prepare a report on moveable tiny homes and acknowledged the youngest speaker regarding short-term rentals. She expressed Minutes 6 April 6, 2026
appreciation for the Rotary Club Dispatcher of the Year event and the Samaritan Center prom organizers, and for comments regarding veterans and the Vets and Valor Program. She also addressed reports of ICE activity near a school.
Council Member Judge spoke regarding the Vets and Valor program and encouraged Council participation. He stated the program will benefit veterans in the community.
Council Member Rhodes thanked the Rotary Club and acknowledged the Samaritan Center for promoting the event. He supported advancing the Vets and Valor banner program and affirmed his commitment to hearing all voices and fulfilling his duties as a Council Member.
Council Member Ayala acknowledged the speakers and heard their concerns. He also indicated that there will be an update soon regarding moveable tiny homes. He thanked the public for their attendance.
Mayor Cavanaugh thanked the public for attending the meeting. She apologized for reducing speaking time and clarified the Council Meeting protocols. She acknowledged moveable tiny homes and recognized prospective candidates in attendance. She expressed support for the Vets and Valor banner program.
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 contract change order with New Flyer of America. Inc. for battery-electric bus contract. establishment of Capital Improvement Program project, and ratification of prior equipment receipt (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: Approved contract change order.
(2) Approval of fifth contract amendment with Transtrack Systems, Inc. for the Transit Data Management Software System (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: Approved contract amendment to Transtrack Systems, Inc. (3) Adopt a resolution approving the January 12. 2026. Publicly Available Pay Schedule (Gutierres) (CC)
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2026-08.
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8. 9.
9A.
10. 10A.
7 April 6, 2026
ACTION: Council Member/Directorrrrustee Rhodes moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directorsff rustees Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Consideration of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Simi Valley Engineers Association (Garibay) (CC/WWD)
Council Member/Directorff rustee Rhodes moved to consider the proposed terms and conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Simi Valley Engineers Association (SVEA) as presented, and allow the public an opportunity to provide input prior to making a final determination on the MOU; and place this matter on April 20, 2026, City Council/Board of Directors meeting agenda for final determination on the proposed MOU. Council Member Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
REPORTS:
Council Members/Directorsff rustees 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 attending the Legislative Advocacy Forum, the Swearing-In ceremonies for new officers, the Easter Sunrise breakfast, the Teacher of the Month ceremony, and the Big Brothers and Big Sisters meeting.
Council Member Rhodes reported attending the following: Conejo Valley Legislative meeting, Sylmar Fire Safety demonstration, the Chamber Legislative Affairs meeting, SCAG Event Committee meeting, Swearing-In ceremonies for new officers, Housing Minutes 8 April 6, 2026
Committee meeting , Airbnb meeting, New President of Adventist Health Meet and Greet, Mt. McCoy Cross Lighting, and the Clean Power Alliance Board meeting.
Council Member Judge reported attending the following: League of California Public Safety Policy Committee meeting, the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) meeting, and Swearing-In ceremonies for new officers.
Mayor Pro Tern Litster reported attending the following: SCE Public Safety Power Shutoff workshop, Swearing-In ceremonies for new officers, Film Committee Ad Hoc meeting , League of Cities of California Environmental Quality Policy Committee meeting, New President of Adventist Health Meet and Greet, the Easter Sunrise breakfast, Swearing-In ceremony for new officer, met with constituents, and with City staff about filming.
Mayor Cavanaugh reported attending the following: a Film Committee Ad Hoc meeting and a meeting with the City Manager and City Attorney.
1 OB. City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items:
Council Member Ayala clarified by asking whether the flag-retirement process is an internal policy or whether it must be brought before the City Council for consideration and approval.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh adjourned the meeting at 8:54 p.m. in memory of Levi Vargas and Lee Johnson to the meeting of April 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections, the motion carried through acclamation.
Dee ee avanaugh, Mayor oft
Simi Valley, California, Chair
Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8,
and President of the Simi Valley Library
Board of Trustees
cy lanco CMC, City Clerk/Distn t Secretary/
Authority/Agency Secretary/Board Secretary