City Council — June 9, 2026

Proclamations for Pride Month and Juneteenth

• Staff presented proclamations declaring June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and June 19 as Juneteenth.
• Representatives from Unity Conejo accepted the Pride Month proclamation on behalf of the community.
• These items were informational presentations and did not require formal council motions or votes.

Library Board Reappointments

• The Council reappointed President Kavanaugh and Trustee Rhoads to three-year terms on the Library Board.
• A unanimous motion adopted the resolution following recognition of the Deputy Community Services Director's retirement.

Crossing Guard and SRO Working Group

• Council Members Judge and Ayala were appointed to a working group addressing crossing guards and School Resource Officers.
• The group will include representatives from the school district, city staff, and the police department.

ADA Paratransit Advisory Committee Appointments

• Four members and one alternate were appointed to the ADA Paratransit Advisory Committee.
• The unanimous motion approved the nominees to serve on the committee.

Century Property Group Development Project

• The Council approved a 60-unit multifamily residential project on Oak Road South, including three affordable units.
• Approval included a zone change, general plan amendment, and waivers for setbacks and garage dimensions.
• The decision followed a public hearing regarding tree removal and design modifications for fire safety.

Short-Term Rental Ordinance

• The Council adopted Ordinance 1370 to regulate short-term rentals with on-site parking and annual inspection requirements.
• Staff and legal counsel confirmed the restrictions were necessary for health and safety compliance.

Tapos Street Apartments Affordable Housing Agreement

• The Council approved an Affordable Housing Agreement for a 240-unit complex consisting primarily of affordable units.
• The resolution authorized the City Manager to execute related assignment and assumption agreements.

Transient Occupancy Tax Ballot Proposition

• Four resolutions were adopted to place a proposition on the November 2026 ballot to increase the TOT rate from 10% to 12%.
• Revenue from the tax increase is designated for public safety, infrastructure, and tourism promotion.

Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget and Capital Improvement Program

• The Council approved the annual budget, Five-Year Capital Improvement Program, and Transit Budget.
• The approved plan includes a $283 million investment strategy with projected General Fund revenues of $100.7 million.

CME 250 Celebration Funding

• An additional $21,700 was allocated from General Fund surplus savings for event enhancements.
• The funding request was approved unanimously after discussion regarding volunteer funding challenges.

Transitional Housing Feasibility Study Support

• The Council approved a letter of support for the Samaritan Center's feasibility study on transitional housing.
• The letter facilitates the study without obligating the City to fund or approve a future project.

Town Center Property Agreements

• The Council authorized the City Manager to execute an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement and Ground Lease Agreement with SVTC Property LLC.
• These agreements cover a 6.5-acre parcel and do not commit the City to specific approvals for the larger redevelopment project.

Closed Session

• No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.

Meeting Summary

Procedural Matters and Agenda Review

• The meeting commenced with a roll call. A supplemental item regarding the public hearing on Agenda Item 5A was noted, containing additional information provided by the applicant. A motion was made and seconded to read all resolutions and ordinances in title only and waive further reading; the motion passed unanimously. Regarding conflicts of interest, the City Clerk recused themselves from Item 9D due to affiliation with a group involved in the discussion. Mayor Pro Tem Lidster also recused herself from Item 9D due to a potential financial interest. It was clarified that Council Member Ayala and the City Manager were permitted to participate in the discussion as they were appointed on behalf of the city.

Item 1D1: Proclamation of LGBTQ+ Pride Month

• Senior Management Analyst Heidi DiNardo presented a proclamation declaring June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, highlighting the historical significance of the Stonewall Inn events. Executive Director Megan Gobel and Board Member Melissa Espinoza of Unity Conejo accepted the proclamation. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this informational presentation.

Item 1D2: Proclamation of Juneteenth

• Senior Management Analyst Heidi DiNardo presented a proclamation declaring June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth, commemorating the announcement of freedom for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this informational presentation.

Item 2: Public Statements on Appointments, Special Presentations, and Informational Reports

• Deborah Dickerson addressed the council regarding School Resource Officers (SROs), noting that while the budget allows for two SROs, none are currently active due to retirement and maternity leave. She advocated for a working group involving the school district, police, and city to address the issue, suggesting the school district should contribute financially.

Item 3A.1: Reappointment of Library Board of Trustees

• Deputy Community Services Director Anna Medina presented a resolution to reappoint President Kavanaugh and Trustee Rhoads to the Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees for additional three-year terms. Prior to the presentation, the Mayor recognized Ms. Medina's upcoming retirement. Mayor Pro Tem Lidster made a motion to adopt the resolution, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 3A.2: Appointment of City Council Members to Crossing Guard and SRO Working Group

• Senior Management Analyst Heidi DiNardo presented a recommendation to appoint up to two City Council members to a working group focused on crossing guards and school resource officers. The group would include representatives from the school district, city staff, and the police department. Council Members Judge and Ayala were nominated to serve. A motion was made to appoint Council Members Judge and Ayala, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 3A.3: Appointment to ADA Paratransit Advisory Committee

• Deputy Public Works Director of Transit Ben Gonzalez presented a recommendation to appoint four members and one alternate to the ADA Paratransit Advisory Committee. The nominees were Rebecca McCann, Mary Elaine Beatty, Leanne Ford, and Isabel Huerta as members, and Alice Pettis as alternate. Council Member Judge made a motion to approve the appointments, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 4: Public Statements

• The council heard public statements on various topics, including a proposal for a "Veterans Village," support for the city manager's authority on property acquisitions, requests for a letter of support for a transitional housing feasibility study at the Samaritan Center, concerns regarding community safety and the upcoming 4th of July celebration, issues regarding the proposed Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinance, suggestions regarding the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Town Center proposals, requests regarding military banner distribution, concerns over SRO delays and development constraints, and reports on increased ICE activity and immigration concerns.

Item 4A: City Council Comments on Public Statements

• Council members responded to the public statements, emphasizing the need for data before making decisions on transitional housing, noting distinctions regarding the TOT, expressing interest in the Veterans Village proposal, acknowledging comments on STRs and immigration, and addressing the status of the military banner memo and SRO budget contributions.

Item 5A: Public Hearing – Century Property Group Development Project (Oak Road South)

• A public hearing was held regarding a request from Century Property Group, LLC for a general plan amendment, zone change, plan development permit, tentative map, and affordable housing agreement for a 60-unit multifamily residential condominium development (57 market-rate townhomes and 3 affordable units) on a 5.72-acre site at 1761, 1801, and 1807 Oak Road. The project proposes changing the land use designation to high-density residential and zoning to Residential High Density. The project is deemed exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
• Staff and the applicant presented details regarding the site, including the removal of 52 trees, including five valley oaks. Concerns were raised regarding Tree T1, a valley oak with a C- rating for health. The applicant stated that preservation or relocation was not viable due to the tree's deteriorated condition, root system constraints, and insurance concerns. The project includes three affordable units reserved for very low-income households for 45 years. The applicant requested one incentive (detached units instead of attached) and four waivers regarding setbacks and garage dimensions.
• Discussion focused on the design shift from an initial 73-unit townhome proposal to the current 60-unit detached home design due to fire department safety requirements, road widening needs, and fire insurance constraints. Public testimony was divided, with opponents arguing the project violated the city's tree preservation ordinance and supporters highlighting the need for affordable housing and infrastructure improvements. Council members discussed the necessity of tree removal given safety hazards identified in the arborist report.
• A motion was made to approve Option 2 of the staff report, which included adopting Ordinance 1371 (Zone Change Z-S-2024-0003), Resolution 2026-20 (General Plan Amendment GPA-2024-0001), Plan Development Permit PD-S-2024-0005, Tentative Map TT-2024-0004, a CEQA exemption determination, and Resolution 2026-21 (Affordable Housing Agreement AHA-2024-003). The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• The Consent Calendar included four resolutions: Resolution 2026-18 establishing an appropriations limit for fiscal year 2026–27; Resolution 2026-22 calling for a general municipal election on November 3, 2026; Resolution 2026-23 requesting the Ventura County Board of Supervisors to permit the county elections official to render services; and Resolution 2026-24 authorizing the levy of a special tax for the Talent Center Project Community Facilities District. A motion was made to approve the Consent Calendar items, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Second Reading of Ordinance 1370)

• The Council considered the second reading of Ordinance 1370, which amends the Simi Valley Municipal Code to regulate short-term rentals (STRs) in residential zones, including requirements for on-site parking and annual inspections. Council members discussed whether the on-site parking requirement created a disparity compared to long-term rentals and whether annual inspections constituted an unreasonable burden. Staff and the City Attorney advised that the restrictions were not overly restrictive and that annual inspections were necessary for health and safety compliance. A motion was made to adopt Ordinance 1370, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Affordable Housing Agreement for Tapos Street Apartments (Resolution 2026-17)

• Staff presented an Affordable Housing Agreement (AHA-2025-0002) for the proposed Tapos Street Apartments, a 240-unit complex consisting of 238 affordable units and two manager units. The project qualifies for ministerial approval under state laws and includes a request for three concessions and five waivers. Due to financing deadlines, the Council was asked to approve the agreement, authorize the City Manager to approve an assignment and assumption agreement for an ownership transfer, and authorize an amended and restated agreement. A motion was made to adopt Resolution 2026-17 and authorize the related agreements, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Ballot Proposition

• Staff presented a proposal to place a ballot proposition on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot to increase the city's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate from 10% to 12%. The revenue would be used for general city services, including public safety, infrastructure, and tourism/film promotion. The Council was asked to adopt four resolutions regarding the ballot proposition, impartial analysis, ballot arguments, and election services contracts. A motion was made to adopt the four resolutions and approve the contract for election services, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 9C: Review and Approval of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget, Five-Year Capital Improvement Program, and Transit Budget

• Staff presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 annual budget and the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2030-31. The presentation outlined a $283 million investment plan. Key details included projected General Fund revenues of $100.7 million and expenditures of $100.5 million, a five-year CIP totaling $131.2 million, and a transit fund budget request of $12.2 million. Council members asked questions regarding transit funding sources, surplus fund allocation, and the city's credit rating. A motion was made to approve the Simi Valley Transit Fiscal Year 2026-27 Program of Projects, adopt Resolution 2026-28 authorizing federal grant applications, and adopt Joint Resolution 2026-29 approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 annual budget and the Five-Year CIP. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 9D: Consideration of Additional Financial Support for CME 250 Celebration

• Staff presented a request from the CME 250 planning committee for an additional $21,700 for event enhancements for the United States' 250th birthday celebration. Staff recommended funding this request from one-time General Fund surplus savings. Council members discussed the difficulty of securing volunteer funding for the event. A motion was made to allocate the additional $21,700, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously, with one council member recused.

Item 9E: Consideration of a Letter of Support for a Transitional Housing Feasibility Study

• Staff presented a request from the Samaritan Center for a letter of support to facilitate a study evaluating the feasibility of a transitional housing project. The letter does not obligate the City to fund or approve a future project. The study aims to identify the best location, housing type, service models, and costs. Council members discussed the importance of wraparound services and the methodology of the study. A motion was made to support the attached letter of support, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 9F: Approval of Exclusive Negotiation Agreement and Ground Lease Agreement with SVTC Property LLC

• Staff presented an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) and a Ground Lease Agreement (GLA) with SVTC Property LLC for property located at the northeast corner of Jefferson Way and Simi Town Center Way. The ENA establishes a 12-month period of exclusive negotiations, and the GLA covers approximately 6.5 acres with the City leasing the parcel from the developer for $1 per year. Staff noted these agreements do not commit the City to any specific course of approval for the larger Simi Valley Town Center redevelopment project. A motion was made to authorize the City Manager to execute the ENA and GLA, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 10A: Council Member Reports

• Council members provided reports on their activities from May and June 2025, including attendance at committee meetings, community events, funerals, fire zone tours, legislative advocacy, and updates on local business developments and cultural events.

Item 10B: Special Requests for Future City Council Agenda Items

• The City Clerk provided a report detailing attendance at various community events and meetings between May 14 and June 6. Following the report, the Chair asked if there were any special requests for future City Council agenda items. No requests were made. The meeting was adjourned. No motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.