Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Ayala, 2-Judge, 4-Rhodes, 3-Litster, Cavanaugh
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Youth Council Updates
- The Council reported on recent initiatives including a talent show raising $8,000 and a human trafficking workshop.
- Upcoming events include a Teen Wellness Night and a Field Day focused on drinking and driving awareness.
- Applications for the 2026-2027 term are due by April 22 for 24 available seats.
- The Council confirmed that all applicants will be interviewed to provide practice regardless of selection.
Proclamations
- The Council declared April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day to recognize the city's Tree City USA status.
- Library Week was designated for the week of April 19 through April 25, 2026.
- Earth Day was proclaimed for April 20, 2026.
- Public Safety Telecommunicators Week was declared for the week of April 12 through April 18, 2026.
Selection Committee Appointments
- Subcommittees were designated to interview and nominate candidates for Neighborhood Councils 1 through 4.
- Two Council members were assigned to interview candidates for three vacancies on the Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board.
- One Council member was designated to serve on the selection committee for the Arts Commission.
- Council members were appointed to interview and nominate prospective Executive Board members for Neighborhood Councils.
Community Health Needs Assessment
- The 2025 assessment identified older adult health, women's health, and behavioral health as top countywide priorities.
- Presenters highlighted cross-cutting issues including access to care, health navigation, and health equity.
- The Substance Use Navigator Program was discussed alongside funding challenges from state and federal cuts.
- Council members inquired about specific funding sources and the long-term stability of these programs.
Citywide Compensation Study
- A consultant reported that city compensation averages 9% below the market median, affecting recruitment and retention.
- The Council directed staff to implement salary adjustments to align ranges with the market median.
- Employee salaries will be adjusted using the 50% difference method with specific effective dates for various groups.
- The Citywide Compensation Study Consultant Report was approved unanimously.
CDBG Action Plan
- A public hearing was held regarding the draft fiscal year 2026-27 action plan with an estimated entitlement of $651,387.
- Funding was allocated to a micro-enterprise project and the annual minor streets project.
- The Council adopted the CDBG Advisory Committee funding recommendations and final project determinations.
- Authorization was granted to submit the action plan to HUD and execute necessary grant agreements.
Annual Audit Report
- The auditor issued an unmodified opinion on financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.
- The report noted no material weaknesses in internal controls and confirmed the city's low-risk auditee status.
- Financial highlights included a positive net position increase of approximately $40 million.
- New accounting standards (GASB 101-105) were discussed regarding their impact on future reporting.
Code of Ethics and Conduct
- Staff proposed reaffirming the existing Code of Ethics with no substantial changes required.
- A minor clarification was recommended to Section 17 to establish a biannual review schedule.
- The Council voted unanimously to reaffirm the Code including the modification for Section 17.
Engineers Association MOU
- Resolutions were presented to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Simi Valley Engineers Association.
- The agreement covers 20 active employees and three vacant positions for a term ending June 30, 2029.
- Terms include a one-time payment and salary adjustments over three years with an estimated total cost of $1.1 million.
- The Council adopted the resolutions approving the agreement unanimously.
Council Member Reports
- Members reported on attendance at various community events, including the Youth Council Talent Show and the Roundup Country Music Festival.
- A proposed walkable trail from Mayfair Park to Simi Town Center was discussed for potential funding and feasibility.
- Observations were shared regarding construction at Simi Valley High School and the need for city lighting updates.
- One member discussed a League of Cities forum on tax relief for military pensions and disabled veterans.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Public Comment and Community Updates
- Multiple speakers addressed the Council on various topics. Regarding Short-Term Rentals (STRs), comments ranged from support for the current environment and owner-occupied units to criticism of a recent city survey as biased. Speakers requested public access to full survey data and FLOC audit logs, with one requesting consideration of both regulatory and ban ordinances when the item returns to the agenda. Other public comments addressed the destruction of a Heritage Oak tree, street lighting safety improvements, freeway landscaping, the bicycle master plan, racism in schools, and the challenges faced by military children. Speakers also thanked staff for annual reports, acknowledged veteran recognition efforts, and proposed adding a third school resource officer.
Youth Council
- The Youth Council provided updates on recent initiatives, including participation in equity conferences, a talent show raising approximately $8,000, and a workshop on human trafficking. Upcoming events included a Teen Wellness Night, a fundraiser, and a Field Day event focused on drinking and driving awareness. Staff confirmed that 24 seats are available for the 2026-2027 term, with applications due by April 22. The Council noted that the Youth Council interviews all applicants to provide practice, regardless of selection.
Proclamations
- The Council accepted four proclamations:
- Arbor Day: Declaring April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day, recognizing the City of Simi Valley as a Tree City USA for the 26th consecutive year.
- Library Week: Declaring the week of April 19 through April 25, 2026, as Library Week.
- Earth Day: Declaring April 20, 2026, as Earth Day.
- Public Safety Telecommunicators Week: Declaring the week of April 12 through April 18, 2026, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Appointments and Selection Committees
- Neighborhood Councils: A motion was made and seconded to designate two subcommittees to interview and nominate candidates for Neighborhood Councils 1 and 2, and Neighborhood Councils 3 and 4. The motion passed.
- Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board: A motion was made and seconded to designate two City Council members to conduct interviews and nominate candidates for three board vacancies. The motion passed unanimously.
- Simi Valley Arts Commission: A motion was made and seconded to designate one City Council member to serve on a selection committee to interview and nominate prospective Arts Commissioners. The motion passed unanimously.
- Neighborhood Council Executive Board: A motion was made and seconded to designate City Council members to interview and nominate prospective Executive Board members. The motion passed unanimously.
Community Health Needs Assessment
- Representatives from the Ventura County Community Health Improvement Collaborative (V-CHIC) and Adventist Health Simi Valley presented the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment. The assessment identified three countywide priorities for the next three years: older adult health, women's health, and behavioral health. Cross-cutting issues included access to care, health navigation, and health equity. The presentation highlighted the Substance Use Navigator Program and discussed funding challenges due to state and federal cuts. Council members inquired about funding sources and program stability.
Citywide Compensation Study
- A consultant presented findings from a citywide compensation survey, indicating that city compensation averages 9% below the market median, impacting recruitment and retention. Three implementation options were presented: positioning at the median, 2.5% below median, or 5% below median.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to direct staff to implement salary adjustments to align salary ranges with the market median and adjust employee salaries using the 50% difference method. The motion specified effective dates for unrepresented and confidential management, and a date following a meet-and-confer process for the Police Managers Association and Police Officers Association.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
- Report Approval: A separate motion was made and seconded to approve the Citywide Compensation Study Consultant Report. The motion passed unanimously.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan
- A public hearing was held regarding CDBG allocations and the draft fiscal year 2026-27 action plan. Staff presented the plan, noting an estimated entitlement of $651,387, with funding allocated to a micro-enterprise project and the annual minor streets project. Public comment was received regarding the STR ordinance and FLOC audit logs.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the CDBG Advisory Committee funding recommendations, make final determinations on projects and programs for fiscal year 2026-27, authorize the submission of the action plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute grant agreements.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Annual Audit Report
- An auditor from Vasquez & Company LLP presented the annual audit report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The auditor issued an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements, reporting no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal controls. The city maintained its status as a low-risk auditee. Financial highlights included a positive net position increase of approximately $40 million. The auditor also discussed new accounting standards (GASB 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105) and their impact on future reporting. Council members asked questions regarding the use of AI in audits and the definition of subsequent events.
Code of Ethics and Conduct
- Staff presented a proposal to reaffirm the City's Code of Ethics and Conduct for elected officials and appointed board members. The report noted that the code requires no substantial changes but recommended a minor clarification to Section 17 to state that the code will be reviewed on a biannual basis rather than specifying "November of even-numbered years."
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to reaffirm the Code of Ethics, including the modification for Section 17.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Simi Valley Engineers Association
- Staff presented Joint Resolution Number 2026-09 and Resolution Number WWD-304 to approve an MOU with the Simi Valley Engineers Association. The agreement covers 20 active employees and three vacant positions for a term of approximately 38 months, ending June 30, 2029. The agreement includes a one-time payment, salary range adjustments, and market median adjustments over three years, with an estimated total cost of $1.1 million.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolutions.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Consent Calendar
- The Consent Calendar was presented. A motion was made and seconded to approve the items. The motion passed unanimously.
Procedural Motions
- A motion was made and seconded to read all resolutions and ordinances presented that evening in title only and to waive further reading. The motion passed.
Council Member Reports
- Council members provided reports on recent activities, including attendance at SCAG meetings, the Retail Academy, the Dispatcher of the Year Awards, the 4th of July planning meeting, the Youth Council Talent Show, and various community events. Reports also covered observations of construction at Simi Valley High School, attendance at the Roundup Country Music Festival, and participation in a car show. One member discussed attending a League of Cities Veterans legislation forum regarding tax relief for military pensions and property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Another member reported on judging the Regional Chamber of Commerce Civics Bee and attending a Rotary Youth Leadership camp. Council members also discussed a proposed walkable trail from Mayfair Park to Simi Town Center, which staff agreed to research for potential funding and feasibility, and the need for updates on city lighting.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned in memory of Detective Randy Hoppert of the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.