City Council — March 10, 2026

Certification of Accommodation

• Deputy City Manager presented a certification of accommodation to Fire Captain Malcolm Dix.
• Captain Dix was recognized for off-duty actions rescuing a resident during the Palisades Fire.
• The award honored specific bravery while the captain was serving with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Ordinance 1367 Bicycle Code Amendment

• Staff presented an ordinance amending Municipal Code regarding bicycles on sidewalks and side paths.
• Modifications included updated definitions for Class 3 electric bicycles and enforcement language.
• Council adopted the ordinance to complement the educational goals of the Bicycle Master Plan.

2025 Bicycle Master Plan

• Staff and a consultant presented a resolution to adopt the 2025 Bicycle Master Plan.
• The plan outlines infrastructure priorities and funding eligibility without mandating immediate construction.
• Council discussed grant funding access and adopted the resolution unanimously.

Short-Term Rental Survey Request

• Council considered a motion to request a professional survey on community opinion regarding Short-Term Rentals.
• The survey would inform decision-making prior to the upcoming hearing on the subject.
• Council accepted the motion to add the survey request as an additional agenda item.

Meeting Summary

Call to Order and Procedural Matters

• The meeting was called to order by Mayor Cavanaugh. Following the flag salute and roll call, the agenda was reviewed with no changes requested. Council Member Ayala moved that all resolutions and ordinances be read in title only with further reading waived. Council Member Rhodes seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The City Attorney reported no items from closed session, and no members declared conflicts of interest.

Item 1D1: Presentation of Certification of Accommodation

• Deputy City Manager Heather Semigasi presented a certification of accommodation to Fire Captain Malcolm Dix of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Captain Dix, a Simi Valley resident, was recognized for off-duty actions during the Palisades Fire in January 2025, where he rescued a resident and her dog. Captain Dix accepted the recognition.

Item 4: Public Statements

• Combined public statement time was held for agenda items excluding public hearings. Eight members of the public addressed the council on the following topics:
• Housing and Tiny Homes: A speaker advocated for moveable tiny homes to address the housing gap, requesting a clear ordinance for safety and neighborhood character.
• Filming: A speaker discussed potential filming locations and revenue generation for the city.
• Bicycle Master Plan: Several speakers discussed the Bicycle Master Plan. Some recommended delaying adoption to account for e-mobility changes and traffic impacts on specific streets like Cochran and Los Angeles Avenue. Others supported the plan, emphasizing safety infrastructure and the need for funding opportunities, while noting concerns regarding lane removal and input from non-cyclists.
• Short-Term Rentals (STRs): Multiple speakers advocated for a citywide ban on STRs, citing neighborhood safety, character, and the recommendation of the Planning Commission and neighborhood councils. One speaker advocated for a regulated approach to allow responsible homeowners supplemental income while addressing nuisance properties.
• Following the statements, Mayor Pro Tem Lester and Mayor Cavanaugh commented, thanking the speakers for their input on housing, filming, the bicycle plan, and STRs.

Item 7: Consent Calendar

• Consent Item 1 (Resolution 2026-04 - Highway Safety Improvement): Mayor Pro Tem Lester requested this item be postponed to the next council meeting to allow for further discussion and legal review. Council agreed to postpone the item.
• Consent Items 2 through 6: Council Member Rhodes moved to approve the remaining items on the consent calendar. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 8A: Second Reading of Ordinance 1367

• Staff presented Ordinance 1367, amending Simi Valley Municipal Code section 4-3.22 regarding bicycles on sidewalks and side paths. Changes included updating definitions for Class 3 electric bicycles and adding enforcement language allowing for safety training requirements for device recovery. Council discussed the ordinance as a standalone enforcement measure that complements the Bicycle Master Plan's educational goals. Council Member Judge moved to adopt Ordinance 1367 with modifications. Council Member Rhodes seconded the motion. The ordinance passed unanimously.

Item 9A: 2025 Bicycle Master Plan

• City staff and a consultant presented Resolution 2026-05 to adopt the 2025 Bicycle Master Plan. The presentation outlined the plan as a blueprint for infrastructure and funding eligibility rather than a binding construction mandate. Discussions included the plan’s prioritization process, community outreach efforts, maintenance of the Arroyo Simi Greenway, and the lack of participation from the school district. Council members noted the importance of the plan for accessing grant funding. Council Member Rhodes moved to adopt Resolution 2026-05. Council Member Ayala seconded the motion. The resolution passed unanimously.

Item 10A: Council Member Reports

• Council Members Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Mayor Pro Tem Lester, and Mayor Cavanaugh provided reports on their recent activities, including meetings with community groups, attendance at regional planning conferences (SCAG), participation in youth and veteran events, and attendance at economic forums.

Item 10B: Additional Agenda Items

• Council Member Rhodes moved to add a request for a professional survey regarding community opinion on Short-Term Rentals prior to the upcoming hearing on the subject. Council Member Judge seconded the motion. The motion was accepted.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned in memory of Joe Lopez.