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 May 4, 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 -Anticipated Litigation: (CC) Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
Facts and Circumstances: Not disclosed pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1)
CALLED TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. (OPEN SESSION)
CLOSED SESSION REPORTS: City Attorney Stephanie Gutierrez stated there was no reportable action as a result of the Closed Session meeting held on May 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Sergeant Richard Morton
ROLL CALL: Present:
Remote:
Absent:
Council Members/Directorsrrrustees Ayala,
Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President
Litster, and Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
Rhodes,
Pro Tern
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
\NVVD - 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, VVVVD, 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 May 4, 2026
1. AGENDA REVIEW: City Manager Argabrite noted a supplemental report for Public Hearing Item 5A.
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/PFFC/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
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.
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 a Proclamation declaring May 3 - 9 as Small Business Week (CC)
Assistant to the City Manager Angel Sierra read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented a Proclamation declaring May 3 - 9 as Small Business Week. Kathi Van Etten, President/CEO of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, accepted the proclamation.
(2) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring the month of May 2026 as Older Americans Month (CC)
Acting Management Assistant Candace Gray read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented a Proclamation declaring May 2026 as Older Americans Month.
Janice Del Santo, Council on Aging Chair, accepted the proclamation.
Minutes 3 May 4, 2026
(3) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring May 2026 as Water Safety Month (CC) Management Analyst Kristin Miller read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented a Proclamation declaring May 2026 as Water Safety Month. Rancho Simi Recreation and Park Board Chair Brian Dennert and Recreation Coordinator for Aquatics, Erin Pierik, accepted the proclamation.
(4) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring May 7. 2026, as the Day of Prayer (CC) Management Analyst Kristin Miller read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented a Proclamation declaring May 7, 2026, as the Day of Prayer. Pastor Clifton Clark, New Beginnings Church, accepted the proclamation.
(5) Presentation of a Proclamation declaring May 15, 2026. as Peace Officers Memorial Day (CC)
Police Chief Shorts read, and Mayor Cavanaugh presented a Proclamation declaring May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Sergeant Richard Morton accepted the proclamation.
Council Member Judge requested that the City Council join him in having the City Manager illuminate the Civic Center sign in blue lights from May 11, 2026, to May 15, 2026. Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh seconded the motion.
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON APPOINTMENTS. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
3. APPOINTMENTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS:
(1) Selection of one City Council Member to serve on the interview and nomination panel for returning Youth Council members (Garibay) (CC) ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster moved that the City Council select Council Member Ayala to serve on the interview and nomination panel for prospective returning Youth Council members to fill up to nine positions on the Youth Council. Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh 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
38. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
Minutes 4 May 4, 2026
3C. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
(1) Presentation regarding New Electric Buses (Fuchiwaki) (CC) Deputy Public Works Director of Transit, Ben Gonsalez, presented the City Council with information on New Electric Buses.
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh called a ten-minute recess so the Council could view the electric bus on display outside. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster also invited interested members of the public to view the bus.
The City Council recessed at 6:56 p.m. and reconvened at 7:05 p.m.
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 Homes, spoke about movable tiny homes.
2. David Masso, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about safety issues regarding railroad crossings.
3. Robert Lykins, no address given, spoke in support of short-term rentals.
4. Matthew Abbe, no address given, spoke in support of short-term rentals.
5. James McGillis, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals.
6. Dena Chovanec, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals.
7. Ivana Christmann, no address given, spoke about the various organizations and fundraisers within the city.
8. Saana Joshi and Angela Twazon, students in Simi Unified, raised awareness about hazards related to assisted mobility.
9. Kathy Wagenback, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about safety issues regarding E-bikes.
10.Alynne Eason, no address given, spoke in opposition to short-term rentals.
11.Anthony Eason, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about concerns about agenda items and expressed his concerns regarding the short-term rental survey.
12. Robert Sett, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals.
Minutes
4A.
5 May 4, 2026
13. Frank Tomlinson, no address given, from Vets and Valor, spoke about the banner program.
14. Todd Taylor, Simi Valley, CA, spoke in support of short-term rentals.
15. Roy Conn, no address given, spoke regarding an RFP for towing services within the City.
16. Ken Hurst, Simi Valley, CA, spoke about concerns with ICE activity and Flock cameras.
CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER/SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMENTS REGARDING PUBLIC STATEMENTS:
Mayor Cavanaugh expressed condolen·ces to the community regarding the recent tragedy that occurred in the City. She reported that the City has contacted Metrolink regarding the matter and is working with the agency to address safety concerns. She further stated that the City has been in contact with the local schools and will be hosting an E-bike safety education event.
Council Member Ayala clarified a statement regarding city buses and commented on the short-term rental (STR) survey. Council Member Ayala inquired with the City Manager about the timelines for the memorandum on the moveable tiny homes and the banner program. He acknowledged the young speakers in attendance and encouraged them to reach out to him for assistance. He also acknowledged the speakers who addressed the recent tragedy and invited the public to the Day of Prayer event at City Hall.
City Manager Argabrite stated that memorandums for moveable tiny homes and the banner program are currently under review.
Mayor Pro Tern Litster acknowledged Piccola tiny homes participating in the Street Fair and the highlighted the various organizations within the community and the opportunities they offer. She also recognized the young speakers for their desire to improve others' lives. She acknowledged the recent tragedy affecting the community.
Mayor Pro Tern Litster spoke about the short-term rental hearing and acknowledged a concern from a speaker regarding a consent calendar item. She thanked the potential candidates for their participation and acknowledged comments made about blank spaces regarding Flock cameras' data.
Council Member Rhodes spoke about campaign donations transparency and the short-term rentals survey.
Minutes 6 May 4, 2026
Council Member Judge thanked everyone who came to speak. He announced that a memorial will be held in the community. He stated he will be speaking to Metrolink regarding safety issues.
Mayor Cavanaugh introduced Police Commander Darin Muehler and Sergeant Joshua McAlister to discuss the E-bike Safety Education event. She stated the City is taking safety measures regarding e-bikes. Mayor Cavanaugh also acknowledged the veterans program and a consent agenda item to be discussed later in the meeting.
Officer McAllister spoke about the E-bike Safety Education event.
Officer Mueller spoke about the E-bike Safety Edu~ation event.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
5A. A public hearing to receive and file the Annual Position Vacancy Report (Gutierres)
6. 7.
(CC)
Mayor Cavanaugh opened the public portion of the hearing at 8: 16 p.m.
The following submitted a speaker card and spoke:
1. Carl Acosta and Doug Robertson from SEIU 721 provided input regarding their views and expressed support for the compensation study report.
Mayor Cavanaugh closed the public portion of the hearing at 8:23 p.m.
ACTION: Council Member/Director Rhodes moved to receive and file the City's Annual Position Vacancies Report. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster 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
CONTINUED PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ALL ITEMS OTHER THAN PUBLIC HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATIONAL REPORTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Council Member Judge mentioned that the police department asked him to pull Consent Calendar Item 3 for a short presentation on drones, and he recused himself Minutes 7 May 4, 2026
from consideration of Consent Calendar Item 3, as he is a member of the Police Foundation. He pulled Consent Calendar Item 5 for discussion as requested during public comments. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster pulled Consent Calendar Item 5 for discussion.
(1) Approval of minutes for the Special Meeting of June 10, 2025, Regular City Council meetings of November 3, 2025, January 12, and February 9, 2026 (Blanco) (CC/WWD/PFFA/SA/LB)
ACTION: Approved minutes.
(2) Accept funding from the Regional Early Action Planning Grant and authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to the lnteragency Agreement with the Ventura County Transportation Commission and all related contract amendments and budget adjustments (Fuchiwaki) (CC) ACTION: Approved request.
(3) Authorization to accept a donation from the Simi Valley Police Foundation for the purchase of a drone, approval of a supplemental budget request for Fund 100, and authorization for the City Manager to execute associated documents (Shorts) (CC)
ACTION: Approved request.
(4) Award a contract for the construction of FY 2025-26 Annual Major Streets Rehabilitation Program Tapo Canyon Road (Township Avenue to Avenida Simi), CP60000018, Specification No. SV 25-20 (Fuchiwaki) {CC) ACTION: Awarded contract to Toro Enterprises, Inc.
(5) Award of contracts for vehicle towing and secure storage services (RFP No.
CM 26-01 (Sumagaysay) {CC)
ACTION: Awarded contract to Roy's Towing and Swink's Towing. (6) Adoption of a resolution initiating the Fiscal Year 2026-27 assessment process for Landscape District No. 1 (Fuchiwaki) (CC)
Resolution No. 2026-11 -A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY
COUNCIL'S INTENT TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 IN SIMI VALLEY LANDSCAPE DISTRICT.NO. 1 PURSUANT TO STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE § 22624 AND SETTING
A TIME AND PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 2026-11.
Minutes 8 May 4, 2026
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 2 and 4 through 6. Council Member Judge seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directorsrrrustees Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
Council Member Judge recused himself at 8:23 p.m. and returned at 8:28 p.m. for Consent Calendar Item 3.
ACTION: Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster moved to approve Consent Calendar Item 3 approving the $15,000 grant. Council Member/Directorrrrustee Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSED:
Council Members/Directorsrrrustees Ayala, Rhodes, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
Council Member Judge
ACTION: Council Member Judge moved to approve Consent Calendar Item 5. Council Member/Directorrrrustee Rhodes seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Council Members/Directorsrrrustees Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster, and
Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh
None
None
None
8. CONTINUED BUSINESS: None
Minutes 9 May 4, 2026
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9A. Authorize staff to prepare and issue a Request for Proposal to solicit qualified consultants to assist in the creation of an Arts and Culture Master Plan and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement. in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the selected consultant in an amount not-to-exceed $150,000 (Garibay) (CC)
10. 10A.
ACTION: Council Member/Director/Trustee Rhodes moved to Authorize staff to prepare and issue an RFP to solicit qualified consultants to assist in the creation of an Arts and Culture Master Plan, and authorize the City Manager or her designee to execute an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the selected consultant in an amount not-to-exceed $150,000. Mayor Pro TemNice Chair/President Pro Tern Litster 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 the following: PC's Bar and Grill Grand Re Opening, ADA Paratransit Advisory Committee meeting, 4th of July Planning Committee meeting, Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) 29th Annual Awards ceremony, Leadership Simi Valley Renovation, and Southern California Edison's Critical Infrastructure Workshop.
Council Member Rhodes reported attending the following: City's lobbying consultant meeting, Cal Cities event in Sacramento, Short-Term Rental (STR) Survey meeting, Conejo Valley Chamber Legislative Round Table, Conejo Valley Mayor's Round Table Breakfast, Simi Valley Street Fair, Boys and Girls Club Auction and Dinner Gala.
Council Member Judge reported attending the following: Premier America Ribbon Cutting ceremony, PC's Bar and Grill Grand Re-Opening, VCFD 29th Annual Awards ceremony, 2026 Lew Roth Awards, Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) meeting, Simi Valley Street Fair, Boys and Girls Club Auction and Dinner Gala.
Mayor Pro Tern Litster reported attending the following: Premier America Ribbon Cutting ceremony, Chamber Legislative meeting, PC's Bar and Grill Grand Re opening, the 15th Annual Johnna's Tea Party, 2026 Lew Roth Awards, Board of Minutes
10B.
10 May 4, 2026
Supervisors meeting , City Manager meeting, Teacher of the Month ceremony, Tri Agency meeting, Simi Valley Street Fair, and attended a Polyphonix Choir fundraiser.
Mayor Cavanaugh reported attending the following: Premier America Ribbon-Cutting ceremony, Public Safety Forum, Annual Paul Harris night, Annual Spring Crawl, 2026 Lew Roth Awards , City Manager meeting , Board of Supervisors meeting , Tri-Agency meeting, Casa Pacifica dinner , and Simi Valley Street Fair.
City Council/Board Member/Special District Member Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items: None
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor/Chair/President Cavanaugh adjourned the meeting at 9:24 p.m. in memory of Reis Beck, a 13-year-old victim of a train accident, to the meeting of May 4, 2026 , at 6:30 p.m. There being no objections, the motion carried through acclamation.
D e Dee Cavanaugh, Mayor of th
Simi Valley , California, Chair
Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8,
and President of the Simi Valley Library
Board of Trustees
cy co CMC, City Clerk/Dr net Secretary/
Authority/Agency Secretary/Board Secretary