City Council — February 24, 2026

Community Projects Grant Committee Appointments

• Staff requested two Council members to interview nominees for the Community Projects Grant Review Committee.
• Two specific Council members were nominated to serve on the interview committee.
• The motion to appoint the committee passed unanimously.

Youth Council Presentation

• A Youth Council member presented an informational report on recent and upcoming initiatives.
• Initiatives included civic tours, fundraising events, and a webinar on youth gambling.
• No formal action or vote was taken on this informational item.

Bicycle and E-Bike Sidewalk Ordinance

• Staff introduced an ordinance amending municipal code regarding bicycles and e-bikes on sidewalks.
• Discussion covered safety requirements and alignment with the California Vehicle Code.
• The First Reading of Ordinance No. 1367 was approved unanimously with corrections.

Meeting Summary

Opening Procedures

• The meeting was called to order. There were no reports from closed session. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a roll call confirming the presence of the Mayor and Council members. A motion was made to read all resolutions and ordinances in title only and waive further reading. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 3A1: Selection of City Council Members for Community Projects Grant Review Committee Interviews

• Staff presented the need to appoint two City Council members to conduct interviews and nominate a prospective community-at-large member for the Community Projects Grant Review Committee. Staff noted nine applications were received for the position. Council members expressed willingness to serve. A motion was made to nominate two specific Council members to fill the role. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 3B1: Youth Council Informational Presentation

• A Youth Council member presented an informational report on recent and upcoming Youth Council initiatives, including civic tours, fundraising events, a webinar on youth gambling, and the Youth Impact Forum. Council members provided remarks acknowledging the Youth Council's activities and engagement. No action or vote was taken on this item.

Item 4: Public Statements

• The public heard from nine speakers regarding various community topics.
• Housing: A speaker discussed movable tiny homes as a housing solution, requesting the Council consider an ordinance distinguishing them from RVs.
• Short-Term Rentals (STRs): Multiple speakers advocated for an ordinance to ban short-term rentals, citing concerns regarding neighborhood character, safety, and housing supply. Speakers referenced data from other jurisdictions regarding the efficacy of bans versus regulation.
• Filming: A speaker requested a meeting regarding film location opportunities in the city.
• Privacy/Technology: A speaker raised concerns regarding Flock cameras, requesting location maps, user ID restoration on data logs, and reasons for data access.
• Compensation: A speaker presented data regarding competitive compensation for city engineers.
• E-Bikes: A speaker discussed e-bike safety, requesting regulation on sidewalk usage and education programs.
• Aviation: A speaker raised concerns regarding flight overflights, noise, and lead pollution from training aircraft.

Item 4A: Council Member Comments Regarding Public Statements

• Council members provided comments in response to the public statements. The City Manager indicated that STR regulations would go to the Planning Commission in March with Council consideration expected in April or May. The Tiny Homes memo was noted as being in progress. Council members discussed enforcement and education strategies regarding e-bikes and noted ongoing communications regarding privacy concerns with Flock cameras and aviation issues. No formal motions or votes occurred during this segment.

Item 7: Consent Calendar

• A motion was made to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 9A: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 1367 (Bicycles on Sidewalks and Side Paths)

• Staff presented the introduction and first reading of the ordinance amending Simi Valley Municipal Code Section 4-3.22 regarding bicycles, e-bikes, and similar conveyances on sidewalks and side paths. The presentation covered e-bike classifications, safety requirements, and enforcement options including impoundment under Assembly Bill 875.
• Discussion: Council members discussed helmet certification standards, the availability of training courses, and specific prohibitions regarding electric bicycles on sidewalks versus non-motorized bicycles. The City Attorney noted necessary corrections to the text to align definitions with the California Vehicle Code.
• Action: A motion was made to introduce and approve the First Reading of Ordinance No. 1367, incorporating the discussed corrections. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 10A: City Council Member Reports

• Each Council member and the Mayor provided reports regarding events attended during the previous month, including police awards luncheons, chamber breakfasts, community foundations, and school events. No motions or votes were taken on this item.

Item 10B: Items for Future Agenda

• There were no items submitted for the future agenda.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned with a moment of remembrance for deceased community members.