City Council — June 9, 2026

Are there any

items for agenda review? Madam Mayor, there are. There is a supplemental on item 5A, the public hearing. There is additional information that was provided by the applicant subsequent to the distribution of the agenda Thank you

I move that all resolutions and ordinances presented tonight be read in title only, and all further reading be waived. Second.

Call for the vote? The motion passes unanimously. Thank you. If any member of the City Council may have a conflict of interest or any reason why that member must abstain from consideration of any matter on this agenda he or she should so declare at this time.

Madam Mayor, item 9D is a discussion of the 250 and it involves a group that I am affiliated with and so I need to recuse myself on 9D.

Technically I am involved with them too, but I haven't really attended meetings. So the

city manager has

there's actually it's okay for both you and councilmember Ayala to participate in this discussion because you were appointed on behalf of the city Okay, council member. I'm sorry mayor pro tem Lister has a potential financial interest so That's why it's recommended that she's recusing herself

perfect. Thank you very much any others Seeing none we may move on

but the Senior Center, Cultural Arts Center and Youth Services. You'll be seeing her again at the next council meeting, but I couldn't miss this opportunity to recognize Anna publicly for her many years of service to the city.

Good evening, President Kavanaugh and Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees. In 2012 the Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees established the initial terms of office of the board with three-year terms of service for each trustee. President Kavanaugh and Trustee Rhodes' terms of service on the board are due to expire on June 30th 2026. No other board positions are expiring this year Therefore it is recommended that the board adopt a resolution to reappoint President Kavanaugh and Trustee Rhodes to serve on the Simi Valley Library Board of Trustees for additional three-year terms beginning July 1st, 2026 and expiring June 30th, 2029. This concludes the report and staff is available to answer any questions at this time.

Mayor Pro Tem Litster? No questions but happy to make a motion if there are no discussion.

I second.

Thank you, call

for the vote.

And the motion was going to be in favor just to be very clear.

Mayor Cavanagh? It's locked.

Okay, now it's open. It's blue.

The motion passes unanimously.

Thank you.

Madam Mayor and members of City Council next on the agenda is item 3A2 appointment of city council members to a crossing guard and school resource officer working group and senior management analyst Heidi DiNardo is presenting this item.

Good evening again. This is the last time you'll see me tonight The item before you this evening is the appointment of up to two City Council members to participate in a crossing guard and school resource officer working group consisting of representatives from the Simi Valley Unified School District, city staff and the Simi Valley Police Department. At the May 11, 2026 City Council meeting, the council discussed the School Resource Officer Program and expressed interest in continuing discussions with the school district regarding the future of the program including potential cost-sharing opportunities. During the discussion it was recommended that the Crossing Guard program be included in those conversations and evaluated as part of a broader review of school safety related services.

The proposed working group would provide a forum for those discussions and allow representatives from each agency to collaboratively evaluate current programs and identify opportunities for partnership moving forward. There's no direct financial impact associated with the appointment of council members to the working group, Any future recommendations involving funding or service changes would be brought back to the City Council for consideration at a future meeting.

The recommendation tonight is that the City Council approve the appointment of up to two City Council members to serve on the Crossing Guard and School Resource Officer Working Group. That concludes my presentation, staff's available if you have any questions.

Thank you. I think all of us would be happy to serve on that board, but I will go in order of the names that came up. So Council Member Judge.

Thank you Madam Mayor. Yes, I'm so happy this is coming before us tonight for this big reason is I've been saying this for a long time that we need to put our school resource officers number one priority for our schools to help pay for us to get this done and I would be more than willing to serve on this board I think three is a nice number, but four is also what I would think would be the optimum number for school resource officers Thank you

Thank You councilmember Rhodes

Thank You madam mayor. I was gonna say the same thing which is I think every single one of us has a an appetite for seeing this issue moved forward and and worked on I would I would also love to serve on this This committee, this board. And I would just point out that several years ago when I ran for school board, I had an interesting perspective from the previous superintendent that carries forward to the current one on their positions and yes it's time to bring this to resolution and hopefully I can serve on it.

Thank you Councilmember Ayala

Thank you. Yes, I think everyone would do great and sitting on this board. I think that I don't know if we should have three. I don't know if we should have four. I think that's the point of the working group is to go in with an open mind to say the point of the working group is to say and determine while working with the school district and the police what the optimal number is And so for me, it's about going in and truly saying we're gonna start a working group and work together to figure this out without having a preconceived number in our head as to what it might be.

So I would say that I brought forward this motion at the last meeting under new business I also, even though we've had kids that have gone through the district. I'm the only one up here that actually has a student in the district and so the determination that we come up with will directly impact my daughter who's still in school and so although I will support whoever the majority support, we always do right? But at the same time, I think I would be willing to serve on that committee.

Thank

you Mayor Pro Tem Litzter Yes, all of us would be fabulous. I was actually not pushing my button though for the purpose to join that group knowing that we had other wonderful representation possible. All of the comments have been stated are spot on and thank you Deborah for your time for coming forward and also speaking to the issue. One of the things I was just going to throw out there as well, I'm actually glad that crossing guards are also the entire safety Interaction is part of it. I know that I think even Councilmember Judge and I have on occasion discussed even mechanical lighting assistance at some of these crosswalks where students go across There's just a variety of things that could be explored, but particularly the person The SROs are critical and of course so anyway very very pleased that there's such a desire to move proactively and I will say that Mayor Cavanaugh and I have They even had started this discussion with the Tri-Agency Council.

They know it is on our radar, they know this is important to us so anyway I think any one of these three gentlemen would be great. Thank you

and two, I would love to do too but I'm not going to nominate myself trust me. Ms. Dickerson I did meet was able to meet with the chief and our city manager this past week and we will have two SRO's for the new school year a minimum of so we'll have that taken care of

So who's going to make the motion and how do we split the baby? Rocky in half, I'll take half of it. It actually I will because this motion came about from Councilmember Ayala. Um, I think my motion all three of you found these but my motion would be council member judge and council member Ayala for because of those reasons but um But that would be my motion to for those two we'd like the reason we can't do three Of course is it's a Brown Act violation? I should say I would love them all to be on the group but It can't be a majority of us representing a decision-making body outside of this.

Anyway, so that would be my motion I believe are you okay with that Rocky?

I'll second.

I was asking him should I second I want to make sure he was okay with it call for the vote please

The motion passes unanimously

thank you I think we will have a great working group for that

Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is Item 4, Public Statements. I apologize, I skipped one hand. Madam Mayor and members of the City Council, next on the agenda is Item 3A3, Appointment of Members of the American with Disabilities Act ADA Paratransit Advisory Committee and Deputy Public Works Director of Transit Ben Gonzalez is here to present this item.

Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh and council members. This evening staff is recommending the City Council approve in the merit point the applicants nominated to serve on the ADA Paratransit Advisory Committee for terms commencing on June 1st, 2022nd and expiring on May 31st, 2028. The committee consists of five members in two alternate positions and there are currently four member positions and one alternate position vacant Mayor Pro Tem Lister and Council Member Ayala interviewed five applicants on May 12th and nominated the following individuals for appointment.

Rebecca McCann, Mary Elaine Beatty, Leanne Ford and Isabel Huerta as members and Alice Pettis alternate. This concludes the report and staff is available for any questions you may have.

Any questions of staff?

Again, Council Member Judge.

I was just going to move the appointments?

I might have one question of staff if that's right and then you move the appointments. We had an excellent experience interviewing. I will say that there were recommendations that came from each of them about things that they could see for improvement. And I was going to put together a report. Is that likely to be discussed in the body of the meetings or should I share that report as well?

I'd be more than happy to take the report, but yes. Each meeting we ask the members what they like to see on the agenda and then bring it up in a big discussion and then take action if necessary on what their wants or needs are and recommendations which they've shared probably at the last couple. Not sure if you're aware of all them, but yeah, more than happy to.

Very good. Okay, thank you so much

and then real quick if you could write I was just quick notes If you send them to me then at the next ADA Paratransit Committee,

I will

cop I can make yeah

Thank You back to you councilmember judge

yes, I'm gonna make I'll make the motion to move the appointments forward That's all also wanted to say thank you very much. I saw your pointer to Rebecca She always has great comments about stuff in the city second

Who's the second? Thank you. Call for the vote, call for the roll, call for the vote. I'm really confused.

The motion passes unanimously.

Thank you.

Madam Mayor and members of City Council next on the agenda is item four public statements during this agenda item four the city council will hear public statements from persons who have submitted speaker cards Agenda item four is the time allotted for public statements on all items other than public hearings, appointments and informational reports. Speakers will be called on in the order in which their card was submitted to speak for this public statements item four for a period of no more than three minutes each. Persons addressing the City Council are requested to state their name and community residence for the record.

Madam Mayor unless you have any comments we can begin public statements.

Please proceed.

Thank you I will call three names at a time so you know who you follow Mary Gunn Scott Jucium and Chad Pettit.

Should I begin it? Yes. Okay, hello. My name is Mary Gunn and I've been a Simi Valley resident for over 50 years. It's a great place to work and raise a family but we could make it even better. I'm here to propose a project which I feel is long overdue. We need a veterans village and this is the perfect year for it. Simi Valley has a proud history of families whose children have left home to join the military and serve our country.

Then when they return home to find jobs within our community and be close to family and friends, they find themselves unable to qualify for even the most modest and essential housing. What I am proposing would entail converting an undeveloped area of land within the city limits into small plots of land which could be purchased by the veteran using a VA loan There could be a selection of pre-approved housing plans, prefab or otherwise. And the vet could choose the basic design to fit their needs.

Living in a small community among other vets facing similar challenges, the village could serve as an essential support system for veterans especially those who are now single working parents, those with young families and those returning to the civilian workforce. The village design could include a small central common area or green zone where residents could socialize and safely let their children play together.

You may be asking, why can't they just rent an apartment? For several reasons this is easier said than done. Former military personnel don't tend to transition to civilian life with the unnecessary cash to meet the demands of landlords and then there is no guarantee that what money they need to get into a rental will carry them through the inevitable rent hikes and fees associated with non-ownership.

After putting their lives on hold to serve our country, our veterans deserve to be able to feel the pride of home ownership no matter how small the home. It will still be something they can call their own. There is a precedent for what I am proposing. Similar and successful models can be found in other parts of the state and country. We have an opportunity to design a program which would set the standard for additional cities to follow. Our city would be a shining example of what it means to truly embrace our returning veterans, fostering a strong sense of community they could feel proud to come home to.

Thank you for listening to my plan and I would be willing to help in any way possible to see this plan come to light.

Thank you, Ms. Gunn.

Good evening. I'm Scott Jusiam on your agenda tonight Thank you for the opportunity to speak, and it's always an honor to walk in the building. It really is a level of prestige, and I thank you. And I also commend you for taking action on the police department and the SROs—so important for the kids. Tonight I wanted to just let you know, I'm aware of the council's action on giving the city manager appropriate authority to start negotiations. And I want to let you know that I've spoken to a lot of business owners locally including myself that support the action. The Simi Valley taking a proactive approach to property negotiations when opportunities arise it can create economic growth and improve the city assets An increased revenue without placing additional burdens on our residents is just absolutely critical and key.

Successful communities plan ahead, you guys are doing that well. Strategic property decisions can help attract investment, support future businesses, improve infrastructure and position Simi Valley for future success. And that's why I would say Please give the city manager that full authority to do so. And the only question I would have and I know you can answer now is how long was that going to take? I know that the entire city, it's absolutely...and I'm not here to preach. You know the importance of that piece of property and the beacon of hope and opportunity that it provides to the city. So how long will that process take to negotiate and get some of the exciting part of the details I know are coming, and I know that everyone wants to know what's coming?

And so that's it. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

Thank you, Mr. Justin.

Hi, I'm Chad Pettit representing the Samaritan Center Just want to start, Dede, Mayor Cavanaugh and City Council. Thank you for the input that we've received as a Samaritan's Center individually from each of you around the question that we've asked which is how can we meaningfully reduce street homelessness in Simi Valley? There's an item on the agenda tonight, number 9E that would propose a motion to provide a letter to the Samaritan Center that we can use then with a developer to do a study about transitional housing.

Now I want to make one clarification and with due respect to the city, the title of it in The materials and preparation, it talks about transitional housing at the Samaritan Center. It's too early for that. What the study should be is taking a very open, balanced view looking at all the pros and all the cons. A very data-centered approach to where in the city it should be, how the operation should be run, how this type of facility can best meet the needs of the city And the letter itself that's proposed is correct, but I did want to correct the statement in the notes.

In terms of transitional housing, the Samaritan Center knows there's – you look at the homeless count it undercounts a number of people who are truly homeless in this city. There's about 170-200. I'm going to You know, I think many of you have heard my own story moving here in 1997 with my wife and having our two kids and the stroller walks along the Arroyo between First Street and Rancho Simi Park.

Simi Valley can be—it should be and continue to be and the legacy really should be that parents can be comfortable sending their kids out. Women can be comfortable going Thank you, Mr. Pettit

Leandra Shergo, Brian Schumacher and Pastor Amanda Berg.

Good evening. They made that too tall for me now. Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh, council members and staff. My name is Leandra Chergi. I'm a member of the Autism Society Ventura County's Advocacy Committee and a 24 year resident of Simi Valley. I'm speaking tonight in strong support of item 9E, consideration of a letter for support for a study evaluating the feasibility of a transitional housing project at the Samaritan Center.

As a committee member with ASVC, I help review local agendas each week to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not overlooked in decisions that shape our community. Housing instability affects many of the families and individuals we advocate alongside, including adults with autism and other disabilities who need structure and support to successfully transition into permanent housing.

I have personal experience with a family member who was unhoused, and perhaps if he had access to a program like what the Samaritan Center is proposing, he might still be with us today. Transitional housing, when thoughtfully designed and properly managed can provide stability, accountability and access to services that help people regain independence. Supporting a feasibility study is a responsible first step.

It allows the community to explore what is possible, evaluate safeguards and ensure that any future decisions are informed and transparent. The Samaritan Center has been a consistent presence in serving Simi Valley residents with compassion and coordination The Samaritan Center makes Simi Valley safer, healthier and more inclusive. They are a shining example of what is possible when nonprofits work together to fill gaps for the betterment of the community.

Exploring the opportunity for expanded services particularly transitional housing reflects a willingness to look at practical locally grounded solutions to a complex issue. I respectfully encourage you to support item 90. Thank you for your time.

Thank you Ms. Scherty

Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh, council members and staff. My name is Brian Schumacher I serve as advocacy and community impact manager for Autism Society of Ventura County I am speaking tonight on behalf of our dedicated advocacy committee, who each week review agendas from city councils and school districts to ensure that people with disabilities are reflected in decisions that affect their lives.

So I'm speaking tonight in strong support of item 9E, consideration of a letter of support for a study evaluating the feasibility of a transitional housing project with the Samaritan Center. We are facing a housing crisis that requires thoughtful, creative and community-based solutions. Transitional housing can serve as an essential bridge for individuals who are currently unhoused particularly those with disabilities including autistic adults and individuals with co-occurring mental health needs.

Stable structured environments paired with case management and wraparound services significantly increase the likelihood of long term housing stability The Samaritan Centre's mission centres on restoring lives and providing support services essential to human dignity. Their long-standing work connecting residents to housing navigation, food resources and community partnerships reflects the kind of coordinated service rich approach that successful transitional housing models depend on.

A feasibility study will allow the city and community to evaluate operational standards, neighborhood considerations, service partnerships and fiscal impacts before plans are implemented. We respectfully encourage the council to support item 9E and allow this important study to proceed. We're certain you would all agree that every Simi Valley resident deserves a place to call home.

For more information on ASVC and the important work of our advocacy committee please reach out to us at advocacyatautismventura.org and thank you for your time and leadership.

Thank you, Mr. Schumacher.

Good evening, Madam Mayor and Councilmembers. My name is Amanda Berg and I serve as the pastor at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church here in Simi Valley. And I'm here this evening to encourage your support for the Samaritan Center and its request for a letter of support for the feasibility study to explore transitional housing for our unhoused neighbors.

As you know, the Samaritan Center works faithfully and effectively every day with individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Addressing their needs with compassion and dignity and practical assistance. Our Stillwaters food pantry at the church I serve, serves approximately 300 families each week with food and security needs. And some of our clients are unhoused. In the winter months we're a part of the PADS program in connection with the Samaritan Center and serve as a shelter on Friday evenings.

We've seen an increase in people needing places to sleep at night and have on several recent occasions found someone sleeping in one of our bathrooms that are exterior facing. Transitional housing can be an important part of helping unhoused people move from crisis toward long-term housing and self-sufficiency. I saw this firsthand many years ago when I was visiting a transition housing development in the Bay Area, and it provided a way for many people to get on their feet again.

As a feasibility study is a responsible and thoughtful way to gather information and assess our possibilities to make informed decisions on this issue. So thank you for your consideration as we continue to seek ways to serve our most vulnerable neighbors together, thank you. Thank you Pastor.

Michael Shaw, Todd Taylor and Jill Abola

There he is. You know, he went home and went to bed. Well good evening everyone glad to see you all again the last time I was here we all stayed up well past my bedtime so I couldn't talk that night I know you probably missed it but I'm glad to see you all This last week, I gotta tell you has been something. I was lucky enough to do a couple Hope America Awards at our schools at a couple culmination ceremonies and it was great to see that we do have great schools and great teachers although on the downside I saw a little guy that I've known since he was brand new.

His father was a contractor that I've used many times and when I asked him, I asked him where his mother was. She was afraid to come to the culmination because of the ice movements And at the same time, I'm sitting there looking at the father. And I don't know what to say to him to say hey we've got a 4th of July celebration coming up and it's going to be safe for you and your family to come too.

I didn't know what to say to the little boy that your mother is afraid to drop you off at school. Now this family has been here for 17 years both the parents own businesses The kid grew up here. They own a home here and yet their subject dies, and you guys know me I don't bring up national subjects. I'm all just about Simi but this is about Simi. I need your guy's help to tell me what to answer these people are they indeed safe to come to 4th of July?

Can they rest assured that they can get home safe? And I know you guys are hesitant to speak to those subjects and I understand why, I do. But I think all of us would love to hear some words of hope from our elected officials because it's serious and it's happening right under, can't even go to school. So if you guys could talk to that I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks.

Thank You Mr. Shaw.

Good evening Mayor Cavanaugh and City Council members. My name is Todd Taylor, I've been a Simi Valley resident for almost 18 years. Here to discuss the proposed ordinance item 8A on STRs. Several concerns that I believe should be addressed before final approval to ensure regulations are fair practical enforceable and based on actual impacts rather than potential concerns.

Parking requirement may be too restrictive. The ordinance limits overnight guest vehicles to the number of off-street parking spaces available at the property and all guest vehicles must park on site. No guest vehicles may park on public streets. Potential issues, quiet family staying at a three bedroom home could easily arrive in three to four vehicles. Many Simi homes have legal street parking available that creates no actual impact The ordinance treats legal public street parking as if it is prohibited solely because the occupants are STR guests. A long-term renter or homeowner can legally park on the street, but STR guests cannot.

In many cases of an ADU for example, the driveway may only allow one vehicle and many times that could be an electric car with only one option to charge. There'd be no room for additional vehicles. What evidence shows that every STR vehicle must be prohibited from using legal street parking? Another issue, one permit per person. A person may only hold one STR permit citywide. Someone who owns two legal homes in Simi Valley cannot operate both.

It penalizes responsible operators the same as irresponsible operators. The ordinance appears to assume ownership quantity is the problem rather than behavior. If the concern is commercial operators, then there may be more targeted ways to address that. Broad denial by authority. The director can deny a permit if the STR is materially detrimental to the public health or safety, or create a nuisance. Potential issue with that is materially detrimental is subjective.

It gives significant discretion without clearly defining standards. Applicants may not know what the criteria will actually be used. Annual inspections Every permit issuance and renewal requires an inspection. How much time, how much staff time will this consume? How many STRs are expected? Will permit fees fully cover the inspection costs? Will this create delays for renewals? The Planning Commission specifically raised concerns about the administrative and enforcement cost.

Mandatory notification, I realize I'm out of time. Every unhosted STR must notify all owners or occupants with 200 feet. This creates a perception that STRs are inherently problematic and this may encourage complaints before any actual issue occurs. Thank you for your time. I have a lot more.

Thank you Mr. Taylor

Sorry, I have to speak fast. I only got three minutes. Good evening Mayor and City Council my name is Jill Avila. I live in District 1 here in Simi Valley 40 year resident. Wanted to talk about two items that are on the agenda tonight one is the transient occupancy tax I want to make a couple suggestions before we raise the transient occupancy tax, or TOT for short.

I think we should ask whether we are maximizing the value of our existing tourism economy and I'd like to offer you a different perspective on the proposed increase to the TOT. Available data shows that Simi Valley's hotel room rates are significantly below nearby communities. In April of 2026, just two months ago, Simi Valley's average daily rate was about $49 below Thousand Oaks, about $44 below Agora Hills and about $24 below Santa Clarita.

That same data suggests that our average daily rates have not grown meaningfully in recent years. And when you adjust those for inflation, our average daily rates have actually declined. That indicates that the issue may not be demand alone Our occupancy rates are good, but it's our ability to command a higher pricing. So why might that be? It's an important question. Why are hotels performing below nearby markets?

One possible explanation is that some properties may need reinvestment to remain competitive in the marketplace. This matters because our city has identified one of its key priorities as promoting tourism to boost our local economic activity. That goal isn't just about the tax rate, it's about increasing our total economic activity including more hotel nights booked, greater local spending per visitor, including more total sales taxes collected not just the TOT.

So I encourage the City Council to take a broader view, consider whether there are policies that support reinvestment and improve the city's tourism product that could generate additional revenue growth organically over time without increasing the actual sales tax rate. 9f really quickly really excited that the city is moving forward and being proactive about addressing the lagging town center That's exciting stuff an entertainment venue sounds great Just so you know it the proposals being discussed behind closed doors are some of the worst-kept secrets around town I encourage you to please Exercise some transparency, allow public feedback. I know it's a sensitive issue but as soon as we possibly can let's get the public behind any proposals and I encourage us to make data-driven decisions to manage the taxpayer risk under three minutes.

Thank you. Thank You Ms. Able

Frank Tomlinson Richard Perrini and Ashley

Good evening. I've been here several times and for the same subject, I'm asking for a slight change to the distribution of the military banners that hang around town, just so that we would be able to connect with recently separated veterans that are just coming out Whatever branch that they're separating from, I've spoken about the difference that it makes in these individual lives when they separate and are able to connect with the resources that they have.

That a lot of vets maybe don't know about or haven't been filled in as much as they need to be so that they can take advantage of those. As well as the difference that it makes in the community because when these vets are able to access those resources, federal dollars flow into our community that we all get to reap the benefits of that. The thing that I was going to bring up tonight and it's the unfortunate thing and I think I touched on at one time was just You know, it's said that we lose 22 military personnel to suicide daily.

That is widely believed to be an underestimation too. One of the reasons is because besides just overt PTSD from being exposed to combat they also To some degree, it's difficult to re-assimilate. They're coming from a highly structured life into a life that is not as structured. So being able to connect with the resources that would largely be even in jobs being offered... I was just recently speaking with a local businessman who hires a high percentage of veterans that separate. And he has seen it, he has seen these young men and women that come out they're suffering from PTSD when they get connected and have purpose and they get to move forward with understanding, he is seeing that symptom completely alleviated. So hopefully you'll see I've tried to think about this in a critical way so that I could try and find something that is not good about this But I haven't been able to identify it yet.