City Council — May 5, 2026

Proclamations

• The Council declared specific dates for Small Business Week, Older Americans Month, and Water Safety Month in 2026.
• Additional proclamations recognized a Day of Prayer and Peace Officers Memorial Day.
• These declarations acknowledged community contributions and safety initiatives.

Youth Council Selection

• Staff presented a recommendation regarding the selection of an interview panel for the Youth Council.
• Council discussed the roles and responsibilities of the Youth Council before voting.
• A motion to approve the selection process passed unanimously.

Electric Bus Fleet Update

• Staff provided an update on funding allocations and infrastructure requirements for the electric bus fleet.
• The presentation covered future rollout plans and addressed maintenance logistics questions.
• Council received the staff presentation on the status of the electric bus program.

Annual Position Vacancy Report

• Staff presented data indicating 62 vacant positions representing a 10.4% vacancy rate as of December 2025.
• The Union addressed vacancy concerns in the Public Works Department and compensation study implementation.
• Council received and filed the Annual Position Vacancy Report following a public hearing.

Police Drone Grant

• The Police Department requested a $15,000 grant for an additional unmanned aircraft system.
• Councilmember Judge recused themselves from voting due to membership in the Police Foundation.
• The Council approved the acceptance of the grant unanimously with the recusal noted.

Towing Contract Renewal

• Discussion focused on changing the dispatch model from territorial lines to a rotational system.
• Staff recommended evaluating the rotational model after one quarter rather than issuing a new RFP.
• Council voted unanimously to approve the contract renewal despite liability coverage concerns.

Arts and Culture Master Plan

• Staff proposed issuing an RFP for a consultant to develop a strategic framework for arts investment.
• The plan includes community engagement and assessment of existing cultural assets over five to ten years.
• Council authorized staff to proceed with the RFP and agreement execution unanimously.

Meeting Summary

Call to Order and Administrative Matters

• The City Council meeting was called to order. Following roll call, a motion was made and seconded to read ordinances and resolutions by title only. The motion passed unanimously.

Proclamations

• Several proclamations were presented to the Council:
• Small Business Week: Declared May 3–9, 2026, recognizing the role of small businesses in the local economy.
• Older Americans Month: Declared May 2026, acknowledging the contributions of older adults.
• Water Safety Month: Declared May 2026, emphasizing water safety education and drowning prevention.
• Day of Prayer: Declared May 30, 2026, recognizing interfaith cooperation.
• Peace Officers Memorial Day: Declared May 15, 2026, honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement.

Youth Council Selection

• Staff presented a recommendation regarding the selection of an interview panel for the Youth Council. Following discussion on the roles and responsibilities of the Youth Council, a motion was made and seconded to approve the selection. The motion passed unanimously.

Electric Buses Presentation

• City Staff provided an update on the status of the electric bus fleet. The presentation covered funding allocations, infrastructure requirements, and future rollout plans. Staff addressed questions regarding maintenance and operational logistics.

Public Comment

• Members of the public addressed the Council on various topics, including zoning regulations for tiny homes, compliance with short-term rental laws, safety measures at railroad crossings, e-bike enforcement, towing contract terms, and labor wage rates. Staff provided responses and clarifications regarding technical and procedural matters raised during the session.

Council Response to Public Comments

• Council members acknowledged the concerns raised by the public. Staff was directed to follow up on specific technical inquiries related to rail safety and e-bike enforcement.

Annual Position Vacancy Report (Item 5A)

• A public hearing was held regarding the Annual Position Vacancy Report. Staff presented data indicating 62 vacant positions as of December 31, 2025, representing a 10.4% vacancy rate. The report noted that 90 vacancies were created and 86 were filled during 2025, with an annual staffing turnover rate of 6.77%. Recruitment and retention efforts, including salary adjustments and updated job descriptions, were discussed.
• The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721 presented comments on behalf of their bargaining unit, addressing vacancy rates in the Public Works Department and concerns regarding the implementation of a market compensation study. Staff clarified that recruitment approvals require City Manager sign-off to ensure positions remain necessary.
• A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the Annual Position Vacancy Report. The motion passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar (Item 7)

• The Consent Calendar included various administrative resolutions. Items were reviewed, and some were pulled for discussion.
• Standard Items: Items 1, 2, 4, and 6 were approved by motion. The motion passed unanimously.
• Police Department Drone Grant (Item 3): The Police Department requested a $15,000 grant from the Police Foundation for an additional unmanned aircraft system (drone) to ensure operational capacity and all-weather capabilities. Councilmember Judge recused themselves from voting due to membership in the Police Foundation. A motion was made and seconded to approve the acceptance of the grant. The motion passed unanimously with Councilmember Judge recusing.
• Towing Contract (Item 5): Discussion focused on the renewal of the towing contract. The primary point of contention was a change from territorial "dividing lines" for towing service areas to a rotational dispatch model. Public commenters expressed concerns regarding response times and potential insurance requirements, specifically the increase in commercial general liability coverage from $1 million to $2 million. City Staff and the City Attorney noted that changing the dispatch model at this stage would require a new Request for Proposal (RFP). Staff recommended an evaluation of the rotational model after one quarter to ensure fairness and effectiveness. A motion was made and seconded to approve the contract. The motion passed unanimously.

Arts and Culture Master Plan (Item 9A)

• Staff presented a proposal to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a consultant to develop an Arts and Culture Master Plan. The plan would serve as a strategic framework for arts investment over the next 5 to 10 years, including community engagement and an assessment of existing cultural assets. The proposed budget is up to $150,000, with the RFP scheduled for release by May 2026 and final plan adoption anticipated in Fall 2027. A motion was made and seconded to authorize staff to proceed with the RFP and agreement execution. The motion passed unanimously.

Council Member Reports (Item 10A)

• Councilmembers Ayala, Rhodes, Judge, Lister, and Mayor Cavanaugh provided updates on their recent activities. Topics included attendance at local business ribbon cuttings, Chamber of Commerce events, the Street Fair, the Boys & Girls Club Gala, and meetings with the County Board of Supervisors regarding the potential transfer of the library building. Reports also covered participation in legislative advocacy, safety forums, and educational foundation events.

Adjournment

• The meeting concluded with a moment of silence and adjournment in memory of Reece Beck, a 13-year-old Simi Valley resident.