Appointment of Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members to Neighborhood Council District Three — Simi Valley City Council, September 28, 2026

City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
September 28, 2026
To: City Council
From: Department of Environmental Services
Stratis Perros, Environmental Services Director
Subject: Appointment of Neighborhood Council Executive Board Members to Neighborhood Council District Three
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, the five nominees to the Neighborhood Council District Three Executive Board, with partial terms commencing October 1, 2026, and concluding June 30, 2028.

Background
The City’s Neighborhood Councils, established in 1970 to promote citizen awareness and participation in local government, serve as advisory boards to the City Council and the Planning Commission. The Simi Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) calls for the City Council to appoint a minimum of seven and a maximum of 13 members to each Neighborhood Council Executive Board. Neighborhood Council District Three currently has eight Executive Board members and five vacant positions. To ensure the Board can continue to conduct business and maintain quorum requirements, staff recommend appointing the five nominees to fill the existing vacancies.

Discussion
A recruitment to fill the five vacancies opened on July 22, 2026, and closed on August 14, 2026. Applicants were invited to attend an orientation on August 27, 2026. Following the eligibility review, seven applicants participated in the interview process.

On August 10, 2026, the City Council appointed Mayor Cavanaugh and Council Member Ayala to serve on the Interview Subcommittee. On September 8, 2026, the Subcommittee interviewed seven applicants and nominated five for appointment. The SVMC states that Executive Board members serve 24-month staggered terms with regular appointments occurring every eight months. Due to the staggered term structure of Neighborhood Council appointments, the new members will serve partial terms aligned with the current cycle, beginning October 1, 2026, and concluding June 30, 2028.

The nominees recommended for appointment are listed in Table 1. Their applications are provided for reference (Attachment A). Appointment of these nominees will fill the existing vacancies and bring Neighborhood Council District Three to a total of thirteen appointed members, ensuring the Council can continue to meet quorum requirements and conduct business effectively.

Agenda Item No.
3A(1)
Table 1
Neighborhood Council #3
Nathaly Buitrago
Stephanie Ferguson
Michelle McMurtry
Fredrick Peterson
Terry Runzler
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact.

City Council Priority
This item supports the City’s Thriving Community Pillars of Excellence.

Suggested Motion
I move to approve, and the Mayor appoint, the five nominees to the Neighborhood Council District Three Executive Board, with terms commencing on October 1, 2026, and concluding June 30, 2028.

Summary
The City’s Neighborhood Councils, established in 1970 to promote citizen awareness and participation in local government, serve as advisory boards to the City Council and the Planning Commission. The Simi Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) calls for the City Council to appoint a minimum of seven and a maximum of 13 members to each Neighborhood Council Executive Board. Neighborhood Council District Three currently has eight Executive Board members and five vacant positions. To ensure the Board can continue to conduct business and maintain quorum requirements, staff recommend appointing the five nominees to fill the existing vacancies. It is recommended that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, the five nominees to the Neighborhood Council District Three Executive Board, with partial terms commencing October 1, 2026, and concluding June 30, 2028.

Prepared by: Kelly Duffy, Community Services Coordinator Attachments
Attachment A - Applications
2 * Name
Nathaly Buitrago
* Address
Simi Valley Ca 93065
*
* Primary Phone
The City of Simi Valley has four pre-defined Neighborhood Council Districts. Identify your Neighborhood Council District. * Which Neighborhood Council do you reside in?
NC #3
Los Angeles County Dept. of Health Services
Medical Case worker
Discharge hospital patients
* How did you hear of the Neighborhood Councils?
Email from City
Book Club, activities at the local recreation center
* Please check the areas you are interested in:

Community Planning
Community Programs
Government in General
Social Services
*
**SKIPPED**
* Attending orientation is required. Please choose one of the following options and confirm your commitment to attending the entire duration. 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026 - VIRTUAL MEETING *
n/a
* Have you previously served as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member? No
*
n/a
*
I am interested in serving so that I can be more involved in my community and contribute to the growth and improvement of the neighborhood. Although I am fairly new to the area I have come to appreciate the friendly community, good schools and the overall sense of safety. I also see opportunities for the city to strengthen the neighborhood, including supporting local businesses and improving streets and other public spaces. I believe I can bring a fresh perspective, listen to the community, to help identify practical solutions.

Email
Place of Employment
Job Title
Usual Job Duties
Please list other community activities in which you are involved:

Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that applicants attend at least one Neighborhood Council meeting prior to appointment.

How many Neighborhood Council meetings have you attended? If you attended an orientation in the last three years add the month and year below. If not applicable, then enter n/a.

If yes, indicate dates served. If not applicable, then enter n/a.

Why are you interested in serving as an Executive Board member? Attachment A 3
*
Neighborhood Councils are important because they provide a voice for the residents in making important decisions about their community. It is a place to share concerns, ideas, and priorities giving them a glimpse of how the city operates. It encourages residents to become engaged, while building relationships with neighbors, and work together to find solutions to improve the community.
*
If appointed, I believe my responsibilities would include being an active and reliable member of the executive board, attending meetings, listening to residents, and representing the interest and concerns of the community. I would make an effort to communicate information clearly between residents and the city, collaborate respectfully with other board members, and follow through on issues voiced by the community. I also believe it is important to remain open to different perspectives and practical solutions, rather than simply identifying problems. My goal would be to help create a neighborhood where residents can feel heard, informed and encouraged to participate. *
Are you willing and able to attend monthly Neighborhood Council meetings and perform other duties such as greeting the public at Neighborhood Council meetings and distributing key information on Neighborhood Council activities? Yes
*
As a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member, can you reserve your opinions on agenda items and refrain from discussing them at community events, addressing itemized business during the official meeting? Yes
Although I am new I want to become more involved rather then observe. I have professional experience as a social worker where I help people by listening to different needs and perspectives, advocate for them. I can navigate community resources and collaborate with various entities. I also envision Simi Valley supporting small/local businesses and continuing to preserve the safety of the city. I am prepared to attend meetings, listen with an open mind, and participate consistently.

Please initial below each statement to confirm your acknowledgement and agreement.

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
I understand by applying for this position my attendance, preparation, and active participation in meetings are essential to fulfilling the City's business. If I am unable to attend scheduled meetings regularly, my seat may be deemed vacated. *
NB

PARTICIPATION IN NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL MEETINGS
I agree that the Neighborhood Council meetings are not meant to serve as a political platform, and if I have any potential conflicts of interest, I will inform the Community Services Coordinator so they can be addressed appropriately. *
NB
By entering my name below, I acknowledge that I am submitting my application to serve as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member for the partial term that will commence on October 1, 2026, and conclude June 30, 2028. *
Nathaly Buitrago
Thank you for your interest in serving as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Community Services Coordinator at [email protected] or call (805) 583-6756.

Why do you think the Neighborhood Councils are important? What do you see as your responsibilities if appointed as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member? Please add any additional information you would like considered:

Initials
Initials
Signature
4 * Name
Stephanie Ferguson
* Address
SIMI VALLEY CA 93065
*
* Primary Phone
The City of Simi Valley has four pre-defined Neighborhood Council Districts. Identify your Neighborhood Council District. * Which Neighborhood Council do you reside in?
NC #3
UCLA
Associate Director Summer Precollege Focus Series
Managing all aspects for the Dept of Economics precollege program from marketing, applications, programming, staffing, etc. * How did you hear of the Neighborhood Councils?
Current/Past Executive Board Member
Friend/Neighbor
Not currently involved in other community activities but would like to be. I grew up in Simi Valley and moved away for college. Moved back in 2024 when I bought a house with my husband.
* Please check the areas you are interested in:

Community Planning
Community Programs
Emergency Preparedness/Public Safety
Environmental Issues
Government in General
Social Services
*
**SKIPPED**
* Attending orientation is required. Please choose one of the following options and confirm your commitment to attending the entire duration. 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026 - VIRTUAL MEETING *
n/a
* Have you previously served as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member? No
*
n/a
*
I want to become more involved in what is happening in Simi Valley and have an opportunity to contribute to the community I live in. One of my friends previously served on the District 4 Executive Board and spoke very positively about his experience and the opportunity it gave him to learn more about local issues and connect with residents. I Email
Place of Employment
Job Title
Usual Job Duties
Please list other community activities in which you are involved:

Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that applicants attend at least one Neighborhood Council meeting prior to appointment.

How many Neighborhood Council meetings have you attended? If you attended an orientation in the last three years add the month and year below. If not applicable, then enter n/a.

If yes, indicate dates served. If not applicable, then enter n/a.

Why are you interested in serving as an Executive Board member? 5 think serving on the Board would be a great way for me to better understand the needs and concerns of my neighbors, become more engaged in decisions affecting our area, and use my own experience with organization, communication, and working with different groups of people to contribute in a meaningful way. *
I think Neighborhood Councils are important because they give residents a more direct way to be involved in what is happening in their own community. People who live in a neighborhood experience its issues every day and can provide valuable perspectives on things like traffic, public safety, development, parks, infrastructure, and quality of life.

The Councils also create an opportunity for residents to learn about what is happening in the city, voice concerns, share ideas, and communicate with local leadership. I think having that connection between residents and the City helps create a stronger community and ensures that decisions are informed by the people who are directly affected by them.
*
If appointed, I would see my responsibility as representing the interests of the residents in my district while also considering what is best for the Simi Valley community as a whole. I would make an effort to listen to residents, stay informed about issues affecting the neighborhood, attend and actively participate in meetings, and approach discussions with an open mind. I would also want to help make residents more aware of the Neighborhood Council and how they can get involved. Most importantly, I would take the position seriously, be prepared and reliable, and work collaboratively with other Board members, residents, and City representatives even when there are different opinions.
*
Are you willing and able to attend monthly Neighborhood Council meetings and perform other duties such as greeting the public at Neighborhood Council meetings and distributing key information on Neighborhood Council activities? Yes
*
As a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member, can you reserve your opinions on agenda items and refrain from discussing them at community events, addressing itemized business during the official meeting? Yes
I grew up in Simi Valley and have a longstanding connection to the community. I attended Madera Elementary, Sinaloa Middle School, and Royal High School, and ultimately chose Simi Valley as the place to make my home as an adult. Because of that, I have a personal investment in this community and its future. Community service has also been an important part of my life. From 2012–2014, I served with AmeriCorps, including AmeriCorps NCCC and the Texas Conservation Corps, where I held several leadership positions. I led teams on community service, conservation, and disaster-response projects and gained valuable experience working with people from different backgrounds toward a common goal. Professionally, I have more than eight years of experience in higher education administration, where I coordinate programs and events, communicate with diverse groups, manage competing priorities, and solve problems. I would be excited to bring my professional experience, service background, and lifelong connection to Simi Valley to the Neighborhood Council and give back to the community that has been such a significant part of my life.

Please initial below each statement to confirm your acknowledgement and agreement.

PARTICIPATION IN NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL MEETINGS
I agree that the Neighborhood Council meetings are not meant to serve as a political platform, and if I have any potential conflicts of interest, I will inform the Community Services Coordinator so they can be addressed appropriately. *
SAF
By entering my name below, I acknowledge that I am submitting my application to serve as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member for the partial term that will commence on October 1, 2026, and conclude June 30, 2028. *
Stephanie Ferguson
Thank you for your interest in serving as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Community Services Coordinator at [email protected] or call (805) 583-6756.

Initials
Initials
Signature
6 * Name
Michelle McMurtry
* Address
Simi Valley California 93065
*
* Primary Phone
The City of Simi Valley has four pre-defined Neighborhood Council Districts. Identify your Neighborhood Council District. * Which Neighborhood Council do you reside in?
NC #3
City of Moorpark
Records Supervisor
Administrative work. Preserving Moorpark's history. Adhering to retention schedule. Public Records Request responses. * How did you hear of the Neighborhood Councils?
City's Website
Early childhood volunteer at church, special needs advocate * Please check the areas you are interested in:

Community Planning
Community Programs
Government in General
Social Services
*
**SKIPPED**
* Attending orientation is required. Please choose one of the following options and confirm your commitment to attending the entire duration. 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026 - VIRTUAL MEETING *
n/a
* Have you previously served as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member? No
*
n/a
*
I am interested in serving because I value being an engaged member of my community and would like to help strengthen the connection between Simi Valley residents and City government. Working in local government has given me an appreciation for how important communication, transparency, and community involvement are to a successful city. I would enjoy bringing that perspective to the Neighborhood Council while also listening to the concerns, ideas, and priorities of residents in my community. I see this as an opportunity to give back to the city I call home and help make sure residents feel informed, heard, and connected to their local government. *
Email
Place of Employment
Job Title
Usual Job Duties
Please list other community activities in which you are involved:

Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that applicants attend at least one Neighborhood Council meeting prior to appointment.

How many Neighborhood Council meetings have you attended? If you attended an orientation in the last three years add the month and year below. If not applicable, then enter n/a.

If yes, indicate dates served. If not applicable, then enter n/a.

Why are you interested in serving as an Executive Board member? Why do you think the Neighborhood Councils are important? 7 Neighborhood Councils provide an important connection between residents and City government. They give community members an opportunity to stay informed about issues affecting their neighborhoods, share concerns and ideas, and participate in their community in a meaningful way. I believe local government works best when residents feel comfortable communicating with the people who represent them and understand how decisions are made. Neighborhood Councils also help create a stronger sense of community by bringing neighbors together around shared interests and concerns. They provide a valuable forum for communication in both directions—helping residents have a voice while also helping the City better understand the communities it serves. *
I would see my primary responsibility as being an engaged, dependable, and approachable representative of my community. I would make an effort to stay informed about City issues and Neighborhood Council activities, attend meetings and events, listen to residents, and communicate information clearly and accurately. I would also strive to represent the interests and concerns of the neighborhood as a whole, rather than focusing only on my own perspectives or priorities. My experience working in local government has taught me the importance of collaboration, professionalism, respectful communication, and following through on commitments. I would bring those qualities to the Executive Board and work to build a positive relationship between residents and the City. *
Are you willing and able to attend monthly Neighborhood Council meetings and perform other duties such as greeting the public at Neighborhood Council meetings and distributing key information on Neighborhood Council activities? Yes
*
As a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member, can you reserve your opinions on agenda items and refrain from discussing them at community events, addressing itemized business during the official meeting? Yes
I have a genuine interest in local government and in making my community a better place to live. Through my professional experience, I have developed an appreciation for the important role that communication and public participation play in building trust between a city and its residents. I would bring that experience, along with a willingness to listen, learn, and contribute, to the Neighborhood Council. I am particularly interested in helping residents better understand how to engage with their City and ensuring that community concerns and ideas are communicated effectively. I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve Simi Valley in this capacity.

Please initial below each statement to confirm your acknowledgement and agreement.

PARTICIPATION IN NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL MEETINGS
I agree that the Neighborhood Council meetings are not meant to serve as a political platform, and if I have any potential conflicts of interest, I will inform the Community Services Coordinator so they can be addressed appropriately. *
MM
By entering my name below, I acknowledge that I am submitting my application to serve as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member for the partial term that will commence on October 1, 2026, and conclude June 30, 2028. *
MM
Thank you for your interest in serving as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Community Services Coordinator at [email protected] or call (805) 583-6756.

What do you see as your responsibilities if appointed as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member? Please add any additional information you would like considered:

Initials
Initials
Signature
8 * Name
Fredrick Peterson
* Address
Simi Valley CA 93065
*
* Primary Phone
The City of Simi Valley has four pre-defined Neighborhood Council Districts. Identify your Neighborhood Council District. * Which Neighborhood Council do you reside in?
NC #3
Retired L.A. City Fire Department
Engineer
**SKIPPED**
* How did you hear of the Neighborhood Councils?
Served Previously
Nothing currently except a Bible study currently. Our group has provided meals at the Samaritan Center. Royal Avenue Baptist Church 10 years AWANA 2 years Middle School Youth group 12 years Vacation Bible school Shepherd Church 10 years Pastoral Care 11 years Vacation Bible School (Registration & 1 year medical) 9 years Saturday night children’s security
* Please check the areas you are interested in:

Community Planning
Community Programs
Emergency Preparedness/Public Safety
Environmental Issues
Government in General
Social Services
*
30 * Attending orientation is required. Please choose one of the following options and confirm your commitment to attending the entire duration.

I have attended an orientation in the past three years, or I have served as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member in the past two years. *
n/a
* Have you previously served as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member? Yes
*
July 2020 - June 2022 and March 2023 - February 2025
*
I want to help make Simi Valley a good place to live.

Email
Place of Employment
Job Title
Usual Job Duties
Please list other community activities in which you are involved:

Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that applicants attend at least one Neighborhood Council meeting prior to appointment.

How many Neighborhood Council meetings have you attended? If you attended an orientation in the last three years add the month and year below. If not applicable, then enter n/a.

If yes, indicate dates served. If not applicable, then enter n/a.

Why are you interested in serving as an Executive Board member? 9 *
They give input to the city council on different concerns. Help give the people in the community an idea of the reasons for the decisions that are made by the city council. *
Listen to reports on city concerns. Ask questions and give input on city projects and concerns. *
Are you willing and able to attend monthly Neighborhood Council meetings and perform other duties such as greeting the public at Neighborhood Council meetings and distributing key information on Neighborhood Council activities? Yes
*
As a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member, can you reserve your opinions on agenda items and refrain from discussing them at community events, addressing itemized business during the official meeting? Yes
**SKIPPED**
Please initial below each statement to confirm your acknowledgement and agreement.

PARTICIPATION IN NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL MEETINGS
I agree that the Neighborhood Council meetings are not meant to serve as a political platform, and if I have any potential conflicts of interest, I will inform the Community Services Coordinator so they can be addressed appropriately. *
FSP
By entering my name below, I acknowledge that I am submitting my application to serve as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member for the partial term that will commence on October 1, 2026, and conclude June 30, 2028. *
Fredrick S . Peterson
Thank you for your interest in serving as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Community Services Coordinator at [email protected] or call (805) 583-6756.

Initials
Initials
Signature
10 * Name
Terry Runzler
* Address
Simi Valley CA 93065
*
* Primary Phone
The City of Simi Valley has four pre-defined Neighborhood Council Districts. Identify your Neighborhood Council District. * Which Neighborhood Council do you reside in?
NC #3
Retired
**SKIPPED**
**SKIPPED**
* How did you hear of the Neighborhood Councils?
City's Website
Newspaper
Most recently, Ventura County elections worker for June primary. * Please check the areas you are interested in:

Community Planning
Community Programs
Government in General
*
**SKIPPED**
* Attending orientation is required. Please choose one of the following options and confirm your commitment to attending the entire duration. 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026 - VIRTUAL MEETING *
n/a
* Have you previously served as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member? No
*
n/a
*
I've been a Simi Valley resident since 1992 and retired in 2021. I commuted to my job in Torrance for 26 years. With more free time I've taken an interest in community activities and seeing how things can be done and improved in Simi Valley I've attended many city council meetings that have helped me understand the workings of local government
*
They have a voice that can be beneficial to the City Council that can help keep the Council in tune on issues important to city residents.

Email
Place of Employment
Job Title
Usual Job Duties
Please list other community activities in which you are involved:

Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that applicants attend at least one Neighborhood Council meeting prior to appointment.

How many Neighborhood Council meetings have you attended? If you attended an orientation in the last three years add the month and year below. If not applicable, then enter n/a.

If yes, indicate dates served. If not applicable, then enter n/a.

Why are you interested in serving as an Executive Board member? Why do you think the Neighborhood Councils are important? 11 *
I see my role and the role of a board member as a communicator between residents and the City Council, passing along valuable information. *
Are you willing and able to attend monthly Neighborhood Council meetings and perform other duties such as greeting the public at Neighborhood Council meetings and distributing key information on Neighborhood Council activities? Yes
*
As a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member, can you reserve your opinions on agenda items and refrain from discussing them at community events, addressing itemized business during the official meeting? Yes
I look forward to giving my time and efforts to improving the quality of life for Simi Valley residents. I feel my ability to listen and communicate effectively will be of value as a member of Neighborhood Council #3.

Please initial below each statement to confirm your acknowledgement and agreement.

PARTICIPATION IN NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL MEETINGS
I agree that the Neighborhood Council meetings are not meant to serve as a political platform, and if I have any potential conflicts of interest, I will inform the Community Services Coordinator so they can be addressed appropriately. *
TR
By entering my name below, I acknowledge that I am submitting my application to serve as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member for the partial term that will commence on October 1, 2026, and conclude June 30, 2028. *
TR
Thank you for your interest in serving as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Community Services Coordinator at [email protected] or call (805) 583-6756.

What do you see as your responsibilities if appointed as a Neighborhood Council Executive Board member? Please add any additional information you would like considered:

Initials
Initials
Signature
12

Simi Valley City CouncilSeptember 28, 2026

Simi Valley City Council
September 28, 2026