Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Ayala, 4-Rhodes, 2-Judge, 3-Litster, Cavanaugh
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At a glance
CERT Graduation Recognition
- Emergency Services Coordinator presented certificates to the Spring 2026 CERT graduating class.
- The presentation highlighted 32 years of training with over 1,600 total participants.
- Volunteers and instructors were recognized for their contributions to disaster preparedness.
Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation
- A proclamation declaring May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month was presented and accepted.
- Youth Council representatives emphasized the importance of reducing stigma around mental health.
- The Mayor noted an upcoming softball tournament benefiting a crisis stability unit.
Public Works Week Proclamation
- A proclamation recognized the week of May 17–23, 2026, as Public Works Week.
- The department's infrastructure management efforts in engineering, streets, and transit were acknowledged.
- The Mayor noted Director Fuchiwaki's upcoming retirement after 25 years with the city.
Wastewater Collection System Awards
- The Wastewater Collection System Work Group received recognition for winning state and local awards.
- The team was honored for excellence in maintenance, regulatory compliance, and safety.
- Supervisors and technicians accepted the recognition on behalf of the department.
Grant Review Committee Appreciation
- Certificates of appreciation were presented to outgoing members of the Community Projects Grant Review Committee.
- The committee reviewed 26 funding requests totaling over $802,000 against a $150,000 budget.
- Members from neighborhood councils, the Council on Aging, and the Youth Council were recognized.
Youth Council Update
- Youth Council member Gia Bott reported over 90 applicants for 15 spots in the 2026-2027 term.
- Upcoming events include Teen Wellness Night, a school board presentation, and an escape room fundraiser.
- Council members inquired about the application process and specific event details.
Specially Marked Police Vehicle
- Commanders presented a new police vehicle with subdued exterior markings designed to blend in with traffic.
- The vehicle has issued 30 citations and two warnings since entering service, primarily for speeding.
- Staff explained legal requirements and the program's alignment with California Highway Patrol initiatives.
Enzo Verde Residential Care Facility Resolution
- The Council adopted Resolution 2026-12 to approve tax-exempt revenue bonds for the Enzo Verde facility.
- The resolution addresses project delays, cost increases, and a change in the borrower's name.
- Staff clarified that Enzo Verde is the sole responsible entity and fire access easement discussions are ongoing.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
- The Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 1370 to regulate short-term rentals in residential zones.
- The ordinance includes requirements for pre-permitting inspections and prohibits rental arbitrage.
- Staff confirmed occupancy limits of two adults and two children per bedroom.
Community Projects Grant Awards
- The Council approved funding for 11 organizations totaling $151,300 from the available budget.
- An amendment allocated the remaining $47 balance to Body Brain Train for an additional class.
- Staff clarified that the Simi Valley Football Booster Club is a distinct 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Sanitation Service Rates
- The Council adopted Resolution 2026-14 to implement a $1.99 monthly rate increase for single-family residences.
- The resolution authorizes the County of Ventura to collect residential sanitation fees on the tax roll.
- The rate adjustment aligns with Ordinance 1363 for the fiscal year 2026-27.
School Resource Officer Program
- The Council agreed to form a working group to develop a comprehensive plan for the SRO program.
- Discussion included potential cost-sharing with the school district via a ballot initiative.
- The department currently has three detective vacancies and one SRO on leave.
Grant Program Frequency Review
- The Council decided to revisit the grant program to consider caps on consecutive year recipients.
- No immediate vote was taken on specific modifications to the award frequency.
- The item will be brought back for further discussion in a future meeting.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported no actions were taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The meeting was called to order following the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call confirming the presence of all council members. The City Attorney reported no actions from closed session. A supplemental agenda item was noted for Item 5a regarding an incorrect project reference. 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.
Item 1D1: Presentation of Certificates of Completion for the Spring CERT Graduating Class
- Emergency Services Coordinator Shannon Johnson presented certificates to the Spring 2026 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) graduates. The presentation noted this marks the 32nd year of CERT training in Simi Valley, with over 1,600 participants completing the course to date. The training, provided in partnership with the Ventura County Fire Department, covers disaster preparedness, medical operations, fire safety, and search-and-rescue. Volunteers and instructors were recognized. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Item 1D2: Proclamation Declaring May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month
- Community Services Coordinator Ryan Fowler presented a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The proclamation was accepted by Chris Turner, Executive Director of the YMCA, and representatives of the Youth Council. Rithmika Naveen, Youth Council Teen Wellness Committee Chair, read a statement emphasizing the importance of mental health and efforts to reduce stigma. The Mayor noted an upcoming softball tournament benefiting a crisis stability unit. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Item 1D3: Proclamation Declaring Public Works Week
- Public Works Director Ron Fuchiwaki presented a proclamation declaring the week of May 17th through May 23rd, 2026, as Public Works Week. The proclamation recognized the department's efforts in managing city infrastructure, including engineering, streets, water, sewer, and transit. Assistant Public Works Directors Al Sexton and Chris Oberender accepted the proclamation. The Mayor noted Director Fuchiwaki's upcoming retirement after 25 years with the city and 50 years in public service. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Item 1D4: Recognition of Wastewater Collection System Work Group Awards
- Public Works Director Ron Fuchiwaki presented recognition to the Wastewater Collection System Work Group for winning the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Local First Place Award and Statewide Third Place Award for 2025 Collection System of the Year for a medium-sized collection system. The award recognized the team's performance in maintenance, regulatory compliance, safety, and operational excellence. Supervisor Keegan Shirk and technicians Chip Marquette and Rob Pratt accepted the recognition. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Item 1D5: Certificates of Appreciation to Outgoing Community Projects Grant Review Committee Members
- Deputy Environmental Services Director Cynthia McCullough presented certificates of appreciation to outgoing members of the Community Projects Grant Review Committee. The committee, established in 2017, reviewed 26 funding requests totaling over $802,000 against an available budget of $150,000. Members from neighborhood councils, the Council on Aging, the Youth Council, and the community were recognized. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Item 2: Public Statements on Appointments, Special Presentations, and Informational Reports
- Brian Schumacher, Advocacy and Community Impact Manager for the Autism Society of Ventura County, spoke in support of the Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation, emphasizing the need for disability-informed training and culturally responsive practices for neurodivergent and autistic individuals. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Item 3B1: Informational Presentation by Youth Council Member Gia Bott
- Youth Council member Gia Bott provided an update on Youth Council activities, reporting that applications for the 2026-2027 term had closed with over 90 applicants for 15 spots. Upcoming events included Teen Wellness Night, a presentation to the school board, a Field Day event, and an annual escape room fundraiser. Council members asked questions regarding the application process and event details. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Item 3C1: Presentation on Newly Acquired Specially Marked Police Vehicle
- Commander Darren Mueller and Sergeant McAllister presented information regarding a newly acquired specially marked police vehicle featuring subdued exterior markings to blend in with traffic. The presentation covered legal requirements under California law and the California Highway Patrol's similar program. Sergeant McAllister reported that since the vehicle went into service, the assigned officer had issued 30 citations and two warnings, primarily for speeding. A brief recess was taken to allow attendees to view the vehicle. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Item 4: Public Statements
- The City Council heard public statements from ten speakers regarding various community issues, including housing affordability, library operations, grant requests for the Samaritan Center, affordable housing partnerships, the "Simi 250" anniversary events, corrections regarding a high school football program grant, immigration and short-term rental policies, the Runkle Canyon LLC development statute of repose, suggestions to increase the Community Projects Grant budget, and library foundation renovations. No formal motions or votes were taken on these statements.
Item 5a: Public Hearing on Resolution 2026-12 (Enzo Verde Residential Care Facility)
- A public hearing was held to consider Resolution 2026-12, approving the issuance of tax-exempt revenue bonds by the California Public Finance Authority (CalPFA) to finance or refinance the Enzo Verde residential care facility for seniors. Assistant City Manager Angel Sierra presented the staff report, noting the hearing was required under the Federal Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) due to project delays, increased costs, and a change in the borrower's name. The resolution authorizes bonds not to exceed $450 million, with no financial liability for the City Council. Council members asked questions regarding the entity responsible for previously authorized bonds and the status of secondary fire access easements. It was clarified that Enzo Verde is the sole responsible entity and easement discussions are progressing. No public testimony was submitted. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution 2026-12. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 5b: Public Hearing on Short-Term Rental (STR) Regulations
- Staff presented two options: Option 1, an ordinance to regulate and allow STRs in residential zones (Ordinance No. 1370), and Option 2, an ordinance to prohibit STRs citywide (Ordinance No. 1369). Staff noted that the Planning Commission and all four Neighborhood Councils recommended a citywide ban. However, a survey of 670 registered voters indicated 72% supported STRs, with 58% favoring regulation. Staff outlined operational and financial implications for both options, including permit requirements, occupancy limits, noise monitoring, and estimated costs and revenues for the regulatory option. Council members asked questions regarding survey methodology, tax distinctions, enforcement costs, and STRs in unincorporated areas. Staff clarified that noise monitors would record decibel levels without capturing audio.
- Public comment was divided between speakers advocating for a citywide ban due to concerns regarding safety, property values, parking, noise, and criminal activity, and those supporting regulation to protect property rights and provide income for homeowners. Speakers discussed the representativeness of the survey versus petitions, the impact on long-term housing, and the existence of existing STR operations.
- Council members discussed the balance between property rights and neighborhood quality of life. Council Member Rhodes questioned the specific problem being solved given low complaint data and suggested regulation over a ban. Council Member Ayala addressed survey validity and proposed adding language to require pre-permitting inspections. Staff confirmed that non-habitable accessory structures are not permitted for STRs, occupancy limits would be two adults and two children per bedroom, and rental arbitrage would be prevented by requiring proof of ownership. The City Attorney confirmed the pre-permit inspection modification could be made.
- A motion was made by Council Member Rhodes to introduce Ordinance 1370, amending the Simi Valley Municipal Code to regulate and allow short-term rentals in residential zones. The motion included a determination that the amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and incorporated language requiring pre-permitting inspections. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Item 6: Public Statements
- The meeting proceeded to public statements from individuals who had submitted speaker cards but did not speak during the STR hearing. Virginia Seaton spoke regarding a grant hearing for the Simi Football Boosters, questioning the allocation of funds. Jennifer Frank, representing the Simi Valley Library Foundation, requested support for a Community Projects Grant Proposal to renovate the library's community room.
Item 7: Consent Calendar
- The City Clerk presented four resolutions: Resolution 2026-13 approving updated citywide pay schedules; Resolution WWD-305 approving the initial study and mitigation program for the Crown Hill Water Storage Tank project; Resolution 2026-15 approving the fiscal year 2026-27 road maintenance and rehabilitation project list and amending the budget; and Resolution 2026-16 accepting the final map and approving the subdivision improvement agreement for a project at 1845 Oak Road. A motion was made to approve the consent calendar, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Item 9A: Award of Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Projects Grant Program Funds
- Deputy Environmental Services Director Cynthia McCullough presented the item, noting $151,347 was available for award. The Community Projects Grant Review Committee recommended funding for 11 organizations, totaling $151,300, leaving a remaining balance of $47. Council Member Ayala suggested potential future changes to the grant program, including altering the scoring process and reducing the minimum grant amount. Mayor Pro Tem Litster raised a concern regarding the Simi Valley Library Foundation's request, noting potential obsolescence if the library acquires a new building. Staff clarified that funds must generally be expended within the fiscal year but the Council has discretion to make exceptions. The Mayor raised a concern regarding the award to the Simi Valley Football Booster Club, questioning if it set a precedent for school-related entities. Staff and the representative clarified the Booster Club is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit distinct from the school district.
- A motion was made to extend the meeting beyond the midnight deadline to conclude the agenda. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Regarding the remaining $47, Council Member Ayala recommended awarding the amount to Body Brain Train to fund an additional class. A motion was made to approve the grant awards with the amendment to allocate the remaining $47 to Body Brain Train. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Item 10: Sanitation Service Rates and Fees
- Public Works Director Rahm Fuchiwake presented Resolution 2026-14 to implement a schedule of sanitation service rates and fees consistent with Ordinance 1363 and to authorize the County of Ventura to collect residential sanitation fees on the tax roll for fiscal year 2026-27. The resolution implements a rate increase of $1.99 per month for single-family residences. Mayor Pro Tem Litster moved to adopt Resolution 2026-14. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Item 10A and 10B: Council Member Reports
- Council members provided reports on activities including attending the naming ceremony for the Bob Huber Crisis Stabilization Unit, the SCAG annual conference, the Respect Memorial service, the ribbon-cutting for Pozzolaria restaurant, the St. Peter poker tournament, the YMCA prayer breakfast, the National Day of Prayer, the Teacher of the Month ceremony, and the 4th of July Planning Committee meeting. Council Member Ayala promoted an upcoming concert supporting the Meals on Wheels program. Mayor Pro Tem Litster discussed a suicide prevention update regarding safety improvements on the Arroyo bridge over Highway 23. The Mayor reported on attending the Housing Trust Fund Dinner and volunteering for a Rotary Club softball tournament. The Mayor noted a request to review the status of School Resource Officers (SROs) to ensure deployment before the start of the school year.
School Resource Officer (SRO) Program and Police Recruitment
- Discussion focused on the Police Department's recruitment efforts, noting three detective vacancies, including one for internet crimes against children. It was stated that the department currently responds to emergency incidents at schools as needed, though no dedicated resource is assigned. An SRO is currently on leave and expected to return before the new school year. The Mayor inquired about expanding the program to three SROs. A suggestion was made to establish a joint working group comprising City Council members, city staff, police, and the school district to develop a comprehensive plan with a long-term funding mechanism. Regarding funding, it was reported that the school district proposed potentially sharing costs if the Council partners on a ballot initiative to increase taxes. The Council agreed to the concept of forming a working group.
Grant Program Frequency
- Discussion addressed potential modifications to the grant program regarding the frequency of awards. It was suggested that the program be reviewed to determine if caps should be placed on recipients who have received grants for five consecutive years. The Mayor seconded the proposal to bring this item back for further discussion. It was decided to revisit the grant program frequency in a future meeting. No immediate vote was taken on specific modifications.
Adjournment and Memorials
- The meeting was adjourned in memory of Mary Spillman, a founding member of the team that opened the local hospital and a key figure in establishing the police department and neighborhood councils, and John Becerra, a former Council member and the first grandchild of early Simi Valley settlers.