MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VENTURA COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 8
SIMI VALLEY PUBLIC FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE SIMI VALLEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SIMI VALLEY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Simi Valley, California April 20, 2026
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 April 20, 2026, at 4:45 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Doug Landon, Board President, Samaritan Center
ROLL CALL: Present:
Remote:
Absent:
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Ayala,
Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President
Litster, and Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
Rhodes,
Pro Tern
1. AGENDA REVIEW: City Manager Argabrite noted a supplemental report for Item 9A. 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/Trustee Rhodes seconded the motion. (CC/WWD/PFFA/SA/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:
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
I DA - 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 April 20, 2026
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
1 D. CERTIFICATES/HONORARY RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS:
(1) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day (CC) Community Services Coordinator Kelly Duffy read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented a Proclamation declaring April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day. Marcos Barba from CAL Fire accepted the proclamation.
(2) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring the week of April 19 through April 25, 2026, as Library Week (CC)
Deputy Community Services Director Anna Medina read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented a Proclamation declaring the week of April 19 through April 25 as Library Week. Library Director Stephanie Wronka, Branch Manager Dave Rosenberg, and Adult Literacy Coordinator Jimena Jaramillo accepted the proclamation.
(3) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring April 22, 2026, as Earth Day (CC) Public Works Director Ron Fuchiwaki read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented a proclamation declaring April 22, 2026, as Earth Day. Deputy Public Works Director Wanda Moyer accepted the proclamation.
(4) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring the week of April 12 through April 18, 2026, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (CC)
Communications Manager Erin Cooper read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented a proclamation declaring the week of April 12 through April 18, 2026, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Communications Supervisor and Dispatcher Trainee Aley Montesquieu accepted the proclamation.
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
3A. APPOINTMENTS:
Minutes 3 April 20, 2026
(1) Designation of two City Council Members to conduct interviews for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board of Directors (Garibay) (CC)
ACTION: Council Member Judge moved that the City Council designate Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes and Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster to interview and nominate candidates for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster 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
(2) Designation of one City Council Member to serve on a selection committee to interview and nominate prospective Simi Valley Arts Commissioners (Garibay) (CC)
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes moved that the City Council designate Council Member Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster to serve on a selection committee to interview and nominate candidates for the Simi Valley Arts Commission. Mayor Cavanaugh 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
(3) Designation of City Council members to interview and nominate prospective Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members (Perras) (CC)
ACTION: Council Member/Director Ayala moved to designate two subcommittees, Council Member/Director Ayala and Council Member Judge to conduct interviews and nominate prospective Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members for Neighborhood 1 and 2 and Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes and Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster to conduct interviews and nominate prospective Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members for Neighborhood Councils 3 and 4. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster seconded the motion.
Minutes
3B.
3C.
4. 4 April 20, 2026
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Council Members/Directors Ayala, Rhodes, Litster, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair Judge, and Mayor/Chair Cavanaugh
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
(1) Informational presentation by Youth Council member Elizabeth Rakowski (CC)
Youth Council Member Elizabeth Rakowski provided an informational report on behalf of the Youth Council.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
(1) Presentation by Adventist Health (CC)
Lisa Hemenway, Director of Community Integration at Adventist Health Simi Valley and Co-Chair of the Ventura County Community Health Improvement Collaborative Committee, introduced representatives from Adventist Health, including Program Manager Daniel Wherely and Director of Public Health Nursing Seleta Dobrosky.
Mr. Wherely provided the City Council with an informational update highlighting key findings from the recent Ventura County Community Health Needs Assessment. The presentation summarized significant community health trends, priorities, and needs identified throughout Ventura County. (2) Presentation by Linda Narciso, Audit Partner with Vasquez & Company LLP, regarding the Fiscal Year 2024-25 audit results (CC) Audit Partner Linda Narciso presented City Council with a presentation regarding the annual audits completed for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Jill Abele, Simi Valley, CA, requested that the City Council consider adding three School Resource Officers (SROs) and commended the City's Compensation Study.
Minutes
4A.
5 April 20, 2026
2. Sarah Bernson, representing the nonprofit organization All It Takes, invited the City Council to attend an upcoming mental health event.
3. Ben Davis, President of Piccola Homes, spoke regarding movable tiny homes.
4. James McGillis, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to the STR survey and spoke about Arbor Day, Earth Day, and a Heritage Oak Tree in the city.
5. Aman Sreejith, Simi Valley Youth Council, addressed street lighting concerns in the community.
6. Steve Thompson, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals.
7. Alynne Eason, Simi Valley, .CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals and inquired about the ordinances that will be presented and the code of ethics.
8. lvanna Chistmann, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about the Dispatcher of the Year Award event and invited the City Council to upcoming events.
9. Krista Grayson, Navy Veteran, invited the City Council to upcoming events, including Memorial Day and Flag Day ceremonies.
10.Michael Shaw, Santa Susana, CA, commended the Youth Council and spoke about freeway cleanliness, opposition to STRs, the master bicycle plan, and racism in schools.
11. Ken Hurst, Simi Valley, CA, thanked the City Council for the Flock presentation and expressed concerns regarding Flock audit files.
12. Frank Tomlinson, Vets and Valor, spoke about the banner program.
13. Todd Taylor, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals.
14.Jamie Sanchez, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about Military Child Month.
CITY COUNCIUBOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Council Member Ayala thanked everyone who attended and provided public comment on military-related matters. He thanked Sarah Grayson for her efforts in promoting community Veteran events. He also thanked Mr. Tomlinson for speaking about the banner program and directed a question to City Manager Argabrite for further clarification. He commended Mr. Fowler regarding Aman from the youth council. He also asked the City Manager about the STR Public Hearing, specifically what will be presented during the hearing. He concluded by thanking everyone in attendance.
Minutes 6 April 20, 2026
Mayor Pro Tern Litster acknowledged Jill for her work and comments regarding School Resource Officers (SROs) in local schools. She also recognized Sarah for her efforts and contributions regarding the Veteran events in the community. She thanked Ben for educating the City Council on tiny homes. She commended the Youth Council speaker, Aman, for his remarks and thanked him for suggesting that the City include a streetlight request feature on its website. She stated that the City has been having ongoing discussions with the Department of Transportation regarding freeway landscaping.
Council Member Rhodes addressed Jill regarding the SROs. He stated that the SRO position is funded by the City and agreed that a third SRO should be considered. He acknowledged McGillis and thanked him for sharing his opinion. He also addressed Mr. McGillis' concerns related to the STR survey. He thanked Christy for sharing all the events in the community and indicated his intent to attend them. He concluded by thanking Ivana for her remarks regarding the Dispatcher Award Ceremony.
Council Member Judge thanked Frank and Christy for bringing veteran issues to the forefront. He noted that the banner program has had a positive impact on the veteran community. He informed Michael Shaw that Caltrans was responsible for cleaning the freeway. The Council Member thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
Mayor Cavanaugh stated that it is the City Council's priority, and it has been SROs, and that the City will be having a discussion with the school district at the Tri-Agency meeting. She commended Aman for his statements regarding streetlights and thanked Christy for sharing all the events to help support veterans. She stated the City sent a letter to Caltrans regarding the freeways and encouraged Mr. Shaw to speak about the bicycle master plan in the Tri-Agency meeting. She thanked Mr. Tomlinson and Jamie for speaking about Military Child Month and stated that it is important to support our veterans, active military members, and families.
City Manager Argabrite responded to Council Member Ayala regarding the banner program, stating that staff is preparing a memorandum on the matter. She also noted that the banners are available to families upon request. In response to Council Member Ayala's inquiry about the short-term rental hearing, City Manager Argabrite stated two ordinances- one to regulate STRs and one to ban them-will be presented on May 11. Addressing Mayor Pro Tern Litster's concern regarding freeway conditions, City Manager Argabrite reported that the Department of Transportation was observed conducting a clean-up of the freeway earlier that morning.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
5A. A public hearing to consider the Community Development Block Grant allocations and the Draft Fiscal Year 2026-27 Action Plan (Perras) (CC) Minutes 7 April 20, 2026
Mayor Cavanaugh opened the public portion of the hearing at 8:50 p.m.
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Doug Landon (no address given) commended the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan and thanked the City Council for their consideration.
2. Melanie Faure, from Upwards, spoke in support of the CDBG Annual Action Plan and expressed appreciation for the BOOST Program.
Mayor Cavanaugh closed the public portion of the hearing at 8:55 p.m.
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes moved to adopt the CDBG Advisory Committee funding recommendations, make the final determination of projects and programs to be funded in FY 2026-27; authorize the submission of the FY 2026-27 Action Plan to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute grant agreements and related documents in connection with the FY 2026-27 CDBG Grant Action Plan. Council Member 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
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 of September 15, October 6, and 20, 2025 (Blanco) (CC/WWD/PFFA/SA/LB)
ACTION: Approved request.
(2) Approval of the Monthly Investment Report for the month ended March 31, 2026 (Johnson) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(3) Approve the purchase of one replacement vehicle for the Sanitation Division utilizing the Sourcewell Cooperative Agreement No. 110421-EEC (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
ACTION: Approved report
Minutes 8 April 20, 2026
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 3. 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
8. CONTINUED BUSINESS:
BA. Adopt a ioint resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding with the Simi Valley Engineers Association (Garibay) (CC/WWD)
9. 9A.
Resolution No. 2026-09 / WWD-304: 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 ADOPTING THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
AND THE SIMI VALLEY ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster moved to adopt Joint Resolution No. 2026-09 and Resolution No. WWD-304 to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with employees represented by the Simi Valley Engineers Association. 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
NEW BUSINESS:
Citywide Compensation Study Consultant Report (Gutierres) (CC) ACTION: Council Member Judge moved to direct staff to implement salary adjustments to align salary ranges with the market median, and adjust employee salaries using the 50% Difference method, effective the pay period beginning as soon as administratively possible for Unrepresented Management and Confidential Management and as soon as administratively possible following the meet and confer process with Police Mangers' Association (PMA) and Police Officers' Association (POA). Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes seconded the motion.
Minutes
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
9 April 20, 2026
Council Members/Directors/Trustees Rhodes, Judge,
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh, Mayor Pro
Chair/President Pro Tern Litster and
Member/Director/Trustee Ayala
None
None
None
Mayor and
TemNice
Council
98. Approval of Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected Officials and Members of Appointed Boards, Commissions, and Committees {Sumagaysay) (CC)
10. 10A.
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster moved to reaffirm the City of Simi Valley Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected Officials and Members of Appointed Boards, Commissions, and Committees with the included outline modifications for Section 17. Council Member Judge 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 attending: Youth Council meeting, Neighborhood Council meeting, 4th of July planning meeting, Grand Opening of Froyo & Fido, Youth Council Talent Show, Council On Aging meeting, Youth Employment Services Committee meeting, Retail Academy training, Dispatcher of the Year Boots and Broadcasts event, Simi Valley Leadership, Junior Olympics, and 11th Annual Round Up Country Music Festival.
Council Member Rhodes reported attending: SCAG Committee meetings, Regional Council meeting, Moorpark College Art Gallery Ribbon Cutting, Simi Chamber Breakfast, Grand Opening of Froyo & Fido, Simi Valley Arts Commission meeting, Retail Academy training, Dispatcher of the Year Boots and Broadcast event, and an interview with Ventura County Star.
Council Member Judge reported attending: SCAG meetings, Ventura County Transportation Commission {VCTC) meeting, Chamber Breakfast, Council On Aging meeting, Retail Academy training, Dispatcher of the Year Boots and Broadcasts event.
Minutes
108.
10 April 20, 2026
Mayor Pro Tern Litster reported attending : SCAG meeting, Youth Council Talent Show, Simi Valley Arts Commission meeting, Retail Academy training, City Manager meeting, Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG) Administration Committee meeting, Simi Valley Leadership, Junior Olympics, Annual Round-Up Country Music Festival , and League of Cities Veterans Legislation forum .
Mayor Cavanaugh reported attending the Ad Hoc Film Committee meeting , a meeting with County Supervisor Parvin, Regional Chamber of Commerce Civic Bees, and Leadership Camp.
City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items:
Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster recommended adding a section to the City's website where residents could identify areas with inadequate street lighting. The information could help the City evaluate locations for installing additional LED streetlights, where feasible. Mayor Cavanaugh seconded the motion.
Mayor Cavanaugh recommended exploring the feasibility of creating a pedestrian pathway from Mayfair Park to the Simi Town Center and determining if SCAG could be used as a funding resource for the project. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster seconded the motion.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh adjourned the meeting at 9:54 p.m. in memory of Randy Heppert, Tulare County Sheriffs Department , to the meeting of May 4, 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 Trustees
lanco CMC, Ity Cler District Secretary/
Authority/Agency Secretary/Board Secretary