Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Ayala, 4-Rhodes, 2-Judge, 3-Litster, Cavanaugh
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Council on Aging Executive Board Appointments
- Staff presented six nominees recommended by the Council on Aging to fill board vacancies.
- The Council voted to appoint the candidates to one partial term and five two-year terms.
- The motion to approve the appointments passed unanimously.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs
- Staff reported on recent outages affecting 32,000 customers and outlined the city's advocacy role.
- Council members discussed enhancing outreach to vulnerable populations and exploring battery backup partnerships.
- The Council adopted a motion to conduct seminars, assist with applications, and continue lobbying efforts.
- The motion to adopt these recommendations passed unanimously.
Honorary Resolutions and Certificates of Appreciation
- Bill Oliver received the 2025 Wayne Templeton Volunteer of the Year Award for his service.
- Certificates of Appreciation were presented to outgoing members of the Council on Aging and Special Events committees.
- No formal motions or votes were recorded for these presentation items.
Youth Council Report
- A representative provided an update on recent workshops, wellness events, and upcoming initiatives.
- Council members engaged in a discussion regarding the report's content.
- No formal motion or vote was recorded for this informational item.
Other Matters
- Staff indicated the Waste Management contract discussion may return to the Council via a committee.
- The Short-Term Rental ordinance review is expected to appear on the Planning Commission agenda in March.
- Council members acknowledged the need to address the Engineers Association contract and public comment timing.
Full summary
Public Comment and Community Reports
- Residents and representatives addressed various topics during public comment periods. Regarding homeless encampments, speakers expressed appreciation for a recent cleanup near Villa del Arroyo while emphasizing the need for consistent enforcement and monitoring. Other speakers noted that encampments persist due to a lack of safety nets and services. Concerns were raised regarding increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, with speakers citing specific incidents and requesting proactive steps to ensure resident safety and protect peaceful protest. One speaker questioned the City Council's plan to enforce California law SB 627. On the topic of Short-Term Rentals (STRs), residents urged the City Council to ban STRs citywide, citing safety, privacy, and housing availability concerns, and requested an explanation for delays in the Planning Commission's review. A speaker also requested a detailed accounting of funds from a 2010 Waste Management contract regarding landfill expansion. The Simi Valley Engineers Association representative addressed ongoing contract negotiations, highlighting staff turnover and requesting support for a compensation agreement. The For the Need Foundation representative thanked the Council for funding their "Rocket Day" event. Additionally, a speaker suggested improvements to commercial building design and requested adjustments to public comment time limits based on agenda load.
Council Member Reports
- Council members provided individual reports on recent activities, including attendance at ribbon-cutting ceremonies for Cranial Technologies, California Fish Grill, and the YMCA expansion; participation in the MLK Day of Service; attendance at the Mayor and Council Members Academy in Sacramento; and involvement in fundraising events for education and the police department. One member discussed Clean Power Alliance rate adjustments, noting lower costs compared to Southern California Edison. Another member shared a personal story regarding kidney donation.
Honorary Resolutions and Certificates of Appreciation
- The City Council presented an honorary resolution to Bill Oliver as the recipient of the 2025 Wayne Templeton Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing his nine years of service with Meals on Wheels and leadership on the Council on Aging. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to outgoing members of the Council on Aging Executive Board (Bill Oliver, Al Brown, and Jean Cecil) and outgoing members of the Special Events Support Review Committee. No formal motions or votes were recorded for these presentation items.
Council on Aging (COA) Executive Board Appointments
- Staff reported on the recruitment process to fill six vacancies on the COA Executive Board. Following an election by the COA, six nominees were recommended for appointment: Debra Lane, Nancy Garcia, David Lewis, Mark Luker, Jamuna Ramnath, and Candice Skor. The recommendation included one partial term and five two-year terms. A motion was made and seconded to appoint the candidates. The motion passed unanimously.
Youth Council Report
- A representative from the Simi Valley Youth Council provided an informational update on recent activities, including a financial literacy workshop, a teen wellness study night, and participation in the Metrolink Holiday Express. The report highlighted current initiatives regarding underage gambling awareness and upcoming events, including the Youth Impact Forum. Council members engaged in discussion regarding the report. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
- Staff presented a report on Public Safety Power Shutoffs, detailing recent impacts on approximately 32,000 customers and outlining the city's role in advocacy, outreach, and education. The presentation noted that the city does not control utility operations but works with Southern California Edison (SCE) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Staff explained that backup power incentives are administered by utilities and the CPUC, and discussed costs for generators and standby systems. The report highlighted peer city practices, including centralized resources and targeted outreach. Council members discussed the need for enhanced outreach to vulnerable populations, suggesting targeted email campaigns for SCE early warning systems and exploring partnerships with the Clean Power Alliance for battery backup programs. The City Manager and Council members discussed ongoing lobbying efforts in Sacramento to advocate for greater utility accountability. A motion was made and seconded to adopt recommendations, which included conducting special seminars, providing assistance with application completion, investigating Clean Power Alliance backup battery resources, and continuing lobbying efforts. The motion passed unanimously.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed unanimously.
Procedural Motions
- A motion was made and seconded to read all resolutions and ordinances presented in title only and to waive further reading. The motion passed.
Other Matters
- In response to public comment regarding the Waste Management contract, staff indicated that discussions regarding the expansion agreement have been initiated and the matter may be brought back to the City Council, potentially through a committee. Regarding the STR ordinance, staff indicated that legal review and staff work would likely place the item on the Planning Commission agenda in March rather than February. Council members acknowledged concerns regarding the STR ordinance timeline and the need to resolve the Engineers Association contract situation. One Council member concurred with the suggestion to consider agenda load when setting public comment time limits, noting the Mayor has discretion to adjust times.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned in memory of Stephanie Tolson.