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
Problem Gambling Awareness Proclamation
- The Council accepted a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
- A Youth Council representative highlighted risks of gambling among youth, including mental health and academic impacts.
- The presentation emphasized the importance of education and prevention strategies for the community.
Youth Council Update
- Members reported on initiatives including a leadership workshop and support for impaired driving awareness programs.
- The group highlighted the success of the "Roots in Rhythm" Multicultural Night and promoted the upcoming Talent Show.
- Applications for the 2026-2027 term were announced alongside plans for an upcoming field day event.
Economic Development Update
- Staff reported on new business openings and permitting progress for several major retailers and restaurants.
- Regional unemployment rates improved, with Simi Valley maintaining lower rates than the county and state averages.
- Filming activity generated an estimated $500,000 in economic impact, and a new business prospect was announced.
Runkle Canyon Project Status
- Grading permits were issued for the first four estate lots, with building permits targeted for April 1.
- Senior housing and recreation center components are on track to commence construction before the end of September.
- A Planning Commission hearing is scheduled for May 13 regarding the remaining 21 estate lots.
Public Statements and Community Concerns
- Speakers presented conflicting views on Short-Term Rentals, citing economic benefits versus neighborhood character concerns.
- Additional comments addressed tiny home regulations, immigration enforcement activities, and homelessness near mobile home parks.
- Council members acknowledged the complexity of the STR issue and emphasized compassion regarding immigration concerns.
Affordable Housing Revenue Bonds
- A public hearing was held to approve tax-exempt revenue bonds for a 240-unit affordable housing project.
- Staff clarified that the City has no financial obligation for repayment, though it will receive issuance fees.
- The Council adopted Resolution 2026-06 to approve the bond issuance despite one member's opposition.
Council Focus Area Goals Progress
- Staff presented a mid-year report on six pillars including public safety, infrastructure, and economic vitality.
- Updates covered priority areas such as AI policy development, water desalination studies, and film tourism.
- The Council unanimously received and filed the progress report after discussing specific project timelines.
Traffic Signal Improvement Project
- Staff recommended a three-phase program to upgrade 121 traffic signals, starting with a $250,000 Phase 0.
- The long-term plan includes $14.1 million in replacements over the next decade to ensure system reliability.
- The Council unanimously approved the report, the Phase 0 project, and the necessary budget amendments.
Commemorative Plaque Request
- A community group requested permission to place a plaque on a preserved oak tree to honor a former Planning Commissioner.
- The group offered to cover all costs associated with the installation of the commemorative marker.
- No formal motion was made, and the item was left without a decision pending further discussion.
National Motto Display
- The City Clerk raised the topic of displaying the national motto in City Hall for Council review.
- Staff was directed to prepare a memo for consideration before the item can be placed on a formal agenda.
- No vote was taken during this meeting as the matter requires further administrative preparation.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney confirmed that no matters were discussed or reported from closed session.
Full summary
Opening Remarks and Administrative Matters
- The City Clerk provided an update on Short-Term Rentals (STRs), noting that a community survey is underway and the item is expected to return to the agenda in May. The City Attorney confirmed no matters from closed session and clarified the agenda contained five items. Following the flag salute and roll call, a motion was made and seconded to read all resolutions and ordinances in title only and waive further reading. The motion passed unanimously. The City Clerk declared a recusal for Item 5A due to a conflict of interest, designating the Mayor Pro Tem to preside over that item.
Item 1D1: Proclamation for Problem Gambling Awareness Month
- The Community Services Coordinator presented a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. A representative from the Simi Valley Youth Council spoke regarding the risks of gambling among youth, including mental health issues and academic difficulties, emphasizing the importance of education and prevention. The Council accepted the proclamation.
Item 3B1: Youth Council Informational Presentation
- Youth Council member Sadie Rowe provided an update on initiatives, including a leadership workshop, support for the "Every 15 Minutes" impaired driving awareness program, and participation in the Ventura County Office of Education Equity Conference. The presentation highlighted the success of the "Roots in Rhythm" Multicultural Night and promoted the upcoming eighth annual Community Talent Show. Applications for the 2026-2027 term and an upcoming field day were announced. Council members asked questions regarding the Youth Council's social media handles.
Item 3C.1: Quarterly Economic Development Update
- City staff reported on business activity, noting recent openings and businesses progressing through permitting, including Simi Valley Brewing Company, Bunker Clubhouse, Pickle & Play, Whole Foods Market, Pozoleria Doña Ana, and Raising Cane's. The IHOP location is being repositioned into a dual-branded concept with Applebee's. Staff reported 260 business tax certificates issued in the first quarter of 2026. Regional unemployment rates improved, with Simi Valley maintaining a lower rate than the county and state. Industrial vacancy was noted at 9.3% and retail vacancy at 8.7%. Staff discussed a new Retail Recruitment Plan and Strategy. Filming activity generated an estimated $500,000 in economic impact. A new business prospect was announced as having selected Simi Valley, though details were withheld pending a formal announcement.
Item 3C.2: Quarterly Runkle Canyon Update
- Legal counsel provided a status update on the Runkle Canyon project. Grading permits for the first four estate lots were issued, with building permits targeted for April 1. The senior housing and recreation center components are on track for construction to commence before the end of September. The Plan Development Permit application for the remaining 21 estate lots is proceeding, with a Planning Commission hearing scheduled for May 13. Updates were provided on the completion of three streets (Buckbrush, Purple Sage, and Talbert), with third-party reviews of pavement and geology expected the following month.
Item 4 and Item 6: Public Statements
- The Council heard public statements on various topics. Regarding Short-Term Rentals (STRs), speakers advocated for both the continuation of STRs, citing economic benefits and responsible management, and a citywide ban, citing concerns over neighborhood character, noise, and density. A representative for Piccola Tiny Homes requested that movable tiny homes as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) be placed on the agenda. A resident requested the display of "In God We Trust" in the council chamber and over City Hall. Additional public comment addressed concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, including alleged raids and detentions near schools. Other topics included homelessness and encampments near Villa De La Roya Mobile Home Park, a proposal for a dedicated Simi Valley Film Commission, school safety and racism, religious expression, and the upcoming Simi Valley Roundup Festival. Council members acknowledged the volume of comments and noted that the STR issue is complex, with the Council reviewing existing ordinances. Regarding immigration and safety concerns, Council members emphasized compassion and humanity. Suggestions regarding the film commission and religious displays were noted for future consideration.
Item 5A: Public Hearing on Revenue Bonds for Affordable Housing
- A public hearing was held to consider Resolution 2026-06, approving the issuance of revenue bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) to finance a 240-unit affordable housing project at 2267 and 2295 Tapo Street. Staff clarified the hearing is for federal tax compliance (TEFRA) and does not constitute project approval. The bonds are tax-exempt, with the developer solely responsible for repayment; the City would have no financial obligation but would receive a portion of issuance fees. One speaker opposed the project, citing concerns over high-density housing and the developer's track record. Council members questioned financial implications and the developer's history. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution 2026-06. The motion passed. One Council member voted no, and the Mayor was recused.
Item 7: Consent Calendar
- The Council considered Resolution No. 2026-07, adopting a policy establishing procedures and criteria for determining indigent status for candidates during elections. No items were pulled from the consent agenda. A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 8A: Mid-Year Progress Update on Council Focus Area Goals
- Staff presented a mid-year progress report on the City's Focus Area Goals for fiscal year 2025-2026, organized under six pillars: public safety, excellent city government, reliable infrastructure, fiscal stability, thriving community, and economic vitality. Updates were provided on nine priority areas: Economic Development (including the Simi Valley Town Center), Film and Tourism, School District Cost Sharing (paused), Transient Occupancy Tax evaluation, Compensation and Succession Planning, Public-Private Partnerships, Artificial Intelligence (AI) assessment and policy development, Code Enforcement, and Water and Desalination. Council members asked questions regarding AI data security, an industrial business park, the demolition of the old sheriff's station, a film location database, and the Kayagas brackish groundwater supply study. A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9a: Traffic Signal Conditions Assessment Report and Capital Improvement Project
- Staff presented a report recommending improvements to the city's 121 traffic signals based on a consultant's assessment. A three-phase improvement program was proposed: Phase 0 for near-term replacement of the oldest controllers ($250,000), and Phases 1 and 2 for short-to-medium and long-term replacements ($14.1 million over 10 years). Staff recommended approving the report, establishing a capital improvement project for Phase 0, approving a supplemental budget request of $250,000, and amending contracts with Econolite Control Products Inc. and Econolite Services Inc. Council members discussed timelines, equipment compatibility, and contractor responsiveness. A motion was made to approve the report, establish the Phase 0 project, approve the budget request, and amend the contracts. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Council Member Reports
- Council members provided reports on their attendance at various meetings and events, including the "Every 15 Minutes" program, Chamber of Commerce awards, Elks First Responder of the Year Awards, SCAG Sacramento Summit, school district meetings, and community events. Condolences were shared regarding the death of Robert Johnson.
Item 10B: New Business (Plaque Location)
- Mayor Pro Tem Litster introduced a request from a community group to place a commemorative plaque on a preserved oak tree at the intersection of Yosemite and Cottonwood Drive to honor former Planning Commissioner Chair Larry Freed. The group offered to cover costs. No motion was made, and no decision was reached.
Discussion Item: Plaque Location
- The City Clerk moved to add a discussion item regarding the possibility of allowing a plaque at a specific location. The motion was seconded by the City Clerk. No formal vote was taken; the item was designated for discussion.
Discussion Item: National Motto Display
- The City Clerk raised the topic of displaying the national motto in City Hall. It was determined that this matter requires Council review. Staff was directed to prepare a memo for the Council's consideration. If approved, the item will be brought forward as a formal agenda item. No vote was taken.
Adjournment and Memorials
- The meeting concluded with memorials in honor of John Sunia and Robert Johnson. The meeting was then adjourned.