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
Small Business Week Proclamation
- A proclamation designating May 3–9, 2026, as Small Business Week was presented and accepted.
- The presentation highlighted the economic role of small businesses within Simi Valley.
Older Americans Month Proclamation
- A proclamation designating May 2026 as Older Americans Month was presented and accepted.
- The presentation noted the city's commitment to supporting seniors and the national theme "Champion Your Health."
Water Safety Month Proclamation
- A proclamation designating May 2026 as Water Safety Month was presented and accepted.
- The presentation cited drowning statistics and emphasized the importance of swim lessons and supervision.
Day of Prayer Proclamation
- A proclamation designating May 7, 2026, as a Day of Prayer was presented and accepted.
- The presentation noted the history of the observance and its purpose to encourage unity within the faith community.
Peace Officers Memorial Day Proclamation
- A proclamation designating May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day was presented and accepted.
- The Council approved a request to illuminate the Civic Center sign in blue lights from May 11 to May 15.
Youth Council Interview Panel Appointment
- Staff presented a report regarding the selection of a City Council member for the Youth Council interview panel.
- Council Member Ayala was nominated and unanimously appointed to serve on the panel.
New Electric Bus Presentation
- Staff presented the city's first electric zero-emission transit bus, a 2026 New Flyer Excelsior model.
- The presentation outlined specifications including a 270-mile range and discussed the transition to a 100% zero-emission fleet.
Annual Position Vacancy Report
- Human Resources reported a 10.4% vacancy rate as of December 31, 2025, with 62 vacant positions.
- Staff noted that 68% of voluntary departures were attributed to higher salaries elsewhere.
- The Council unanimously voted to receive and file the report.
Police Department Drone System
- The Police Department requested approval to purchase an additional Mavic T4 drone for $15,000.
- The new drone would serve as a second all-weather unit to maintain operational capacity during maintenance.
- The Council unanimously approved the acceptance of a $15,000 grant from the Simi Valley Police Foundation.
Towing Services Contract
- Staff presented updated insurance requirements increasing commercial general liability coverage to $2 million.
- The City Attorney advised that altering the rotational dispatch model would require a new Request for Proposals.
- The Council approved the consent item regarding the towing services contract.
Arts and Culture Master Plan
- Staff requested authorization to issue an RFP for a consultant to develop a five-to-ten-year strategic framework.
- The authorized agreement amount for the consultant services is not to exceed $150,000.
- The Council unanimously authorized staff to prepare the RFP and the City Manager to execute the agreement.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call confirming all council members were present. The City Attorney reported no items from closed session. The City Clerk noted a supplemental item regarding the Annual Position Vacancy Report (Agenda Item 5A). A motion was made and seconded to read all resolutions and ordinances in title only and waive further reading; the motion passed unanimously. No conflicts of interest were declared.
Agenda Item 1D1: Proclamation for Small Business Week
- A proclamation designating May 3–9, 2026, as Small Business Week was presented and accepted by the President and CEO of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. The presentation highlighted the economic role of small businesses in Simi Valley.
Agenda Item 1D2: Proclamation for Older Americans Month
- A proclamation designating May 2026 as Older Americans Month was presented and accepted by the Chair of the Council on Aging. The presentation noted the city's commitment to supporting seniors and highlighted the national theme, "Champion Your Health."
Agenda Item 1D3: Proclamation for Water Safety Month
- A proclamation designating May 2026 as Water Safety Month was presented and accepted by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park Board Chair and the Recreation Coordinator for Aquatics. The presentation cited drowning statistics and emphasized the importance of swim lessons and supervision. Partners including Simi Adventist Health and the Ventura County Fire Department were acknowledged.
Agenda Item 1D4: Proclamation for Day of Prayer
- A proclamation designating May 7, 2026, as a Day of Prayer was presented and accepted by a local pastor. The presentation noted the history of the observance and its purpose to encourage unity within the faith community.
Agenda Item 1D5: Proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day
- A proclamation designating May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day was presented and accepted on behalf of the Police Department. The presentation honored officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Following the presentation, a motion was made and seconded to request the City Manager illuminate the Civic Center sign in blue lights from May 11 to May 15. The request was approved.
Agenda Item 2: Public Statements on Appointments, Special Presentations, and Informational Reports
- No speakers were scheduled for this agenda item.
Agenda Item 3A1: Selection of City Council Member for Youth Council Interview Panel
- Staff presented a report regarding the selection of a City Council member to serve on the interview and nomination panel for returning Youth Council members. The Mayor Pro Tem nominated Council Member Ayala, who accepted. A motion was made and seconded to appoint Council Member Ayala to the panel. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 3C1: Presentation Regarding New Electric Buses
- Staff presented the city's first electric zero-emission transit bus, a 2026 New Flyer Excelsior model. The presentation outlined specifications, including a 270-mile range and 32-seat capacity, and discussed the transition to a 100% zero-emission fleet. Staff confirmed that retired buses are auctioned with proceeds reinvested into new vehicle purchases. The meeting recessed to allow attendees to view the bus.
Agenda Item 4: Public Statements
- The Council heard public statements on various topics. Speakers addressed tiny homes, railroad safety following a fatal accident at the Sequoia Avenue crossing, short-term rentals (STRs), community events, assistive mobility, and e-bike safety. Regarding STRs, speakers expressed diverse views on regulation, economic benefits, safety hazards, and the process used to approve a survey on the issue.
Public Comments
- Residents provided additional comments on short-term rentals, veterans' banners, towing services, the FLOC license plate reader system, and e-bike safety. The Mayor addressed the recent train collision and announced an e-bike safety education event. Council members provided clarifications regarding retired bus values, street fair vendor restrictions, campaign donations, and a memorial service.
City Council Comments
- Police Department representatives provided an update on e-bike safety, reporting statistics on citations and collisions and detailing plans for an educational town hall. Council Member Lister indicated an intention to pull the towing RFP item from the consent calendar for separate discussion.
Public Hearing: Annual Position Vacancy Report (Item 5A)
- Human Resources staff presented the annual position vacancy report required by Assembly Bill 2561. As of December 31, 2025, there were 62 vacant positions out of 532 full-time positions, representing a 10.4% vacancy rate. Staff noted that 68% of voluntary departures were attributed to higher salaries elsewhere. SEIU Local 721 presented on behalf of their members, noting a stable vacancy rate within their unit and discussing a recent market compensation study. Council members inquired about exit interview data and the status of open positions. A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Consent Calendar (Item 7)
- Council Member Judge requested that Item 3 (Police Department Drone System) and Item 5 (Towing RFP) be pulled from the consent calendar for separate discussion. Council Member Judge noted a recusal from Item 3. A motion was made to approve the remaining consent items (Items 1, 2, 4, and 6). The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Discussion: Police Department Drone System (Item 3)
- The Police Department presented on its Unmanned Aircraft Systems team and requested approval to purchase an additional Mavic T4 drone using funds not to exceed $15,000 from the Simi Valley Police Foundation. The new drone would serve as a second all-weather unit to maintain operational capacity during maintenance cycles. Council Member Lister inquired about pilot requirements, and staff confirmed current staffing was sufficient.
Grant Acceptance
- A motion was made to approve the acceptance of a $15,000 grant from the Foundation for the drone purchase. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Towing Services Contract (Item 5)
- Staff presented details regarding updated insurance requirements for the towing services contract, including an increase in commercial general liability coverage from $1 million to $2 million. Staff explained that the contract utilizes a rotational dispatch model rather than a geographic dividing line to ensure operational flexibility. A public speaker representing a towing company expressed concerns regarding the rotational model and insurance coverage levels. The City Attorney advised that altering the dispatch model would constitute a material change requiring a new Request for Proposals. Staff indicated the city would monitor the contract's performance. A motion was made to approve the consent item regarding the towing services contract. The motion was seconded and passed.
Arts and Culture Master Plan (Item 9A)
- Staff presented a request to authorize an RFP for a consultant to develop an Arts and Culture Master Plan. The plan aims to establish a strategic framework for arts and culture investment over the next five to ten years. The authorized agreement amount is not to exceed $150,000. Council members discussed the importance of the plan and selection criteria. A motion was made to authorize staff to prepare and issue the RFP and to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement not to exceed $150,000. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Council Member Reports (Item 10A)
- Council members provided reports on their recent activities, including attendance at legislative meetings, community events, the street fair, and various committee meetings.
Item 10B: Public Comments and Future Agenda Items
- A council member provided a report on activities attended between April 21 and May 2, including a public safety forum and a County Board of Supervisors meeting regarding a potential transfer of library building ownership. No items or ideas for future agenda items were offered.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned in memory of Reece Beck. No formal motion to adjourn was recorded.