Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Ayala, 4-Rhodes, 2-Judge, Blitzer
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Youth Council and YES Advisory Board Updates
- Staff reported on event rescheduling due to the Sandy Fire and a new gambling prevention grant.
- The Council recognized 15 outgoing Youth Council members and three YES Advisory Board members.
- No motions or votes were taken on the informational report or recognition.
Bunkle and Runcle Canyon Development Status
- Phase one construction is delayed by the Sandy Fire, requiring fire access and grading reviews.
- Senior community plans are due for final submittal by July 31, with construction expected in September.
- A third-party review is underway to address resident complaints regarding street paving.
VCAAA Advisory Council Appointment
- Staff recommended Nancy Garcia for a two-year term on the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council.
- The Council approved the appointment and subsequently ratified the selection.
Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board Actions
- Outgoing members Sanchita Karthik and Salwa Scarpone were recognized for four years of service.
- The Council approved three new nominees for four-year terms beginning July 1, 2026.
Arts Commission Appointments
- Staff presented three nominees for two-year terms on the Arts Commission starting July 1, 2026.
- The Council approved all three appointments via motion.
Neighborhood Council Executive Board Appointments
- The Council recognized 15 outgoing members and considered 13 nominees for executive board vacancies.
- All 13 appointments for terms beginning July 1, 2026, were approved.
Youth Council and YES Advisory Board Appointments
- Staff presented 24 applicants for the Youth Council and seven for the YES Advisory Board.
- Separate motions approved all appointments for terms commencing July 1, 2026.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Update
- Ordinance 1373 updates ADU rules to comply with state law and clarifies terminology without changing design standards.
- Staff discussed interactions with HOA rules and code enforcement regarding unpermitted conversions.
- The Council approved the first reading of the ordinance following a public hearing.
Urban Water Management and Shortage Plans
- The 2025 UWMP indicates adequate water supplies through four years of drought, with a 15% shortage projected in year five.
- The Council approved the 2025 UWMP and Water Shortage Contingency Plan via Resolution WWD-307.
Density Bonus Ordinance Update
- Ordinance 1372 aligns the Density Bonus Ordinance with state law by increasing the cap to 50% and allowing supplemental bonuses.
- The Council approved the first reading of the ordinance after a public hearing and Planning Commission recommendation.
Landscape District No. 1 Assessments
- Staff recommended maintaining existing assessment levels for FY 2026–2027 despite a noted funding gap.
- The Council approved the assessments and adopted Resolution 2026-31 following a public hearing.
Preferential Parking Zone Resolution
- Resolution 2026-35 establishes a preferential parking zone on Brandon Avenue to address school-related congestion.
- The resolution creates a "no stopping" zone during school hours, except for permit holders.
- The Council adopted the resolution after discussing implementation timelines and enforcement.
Emergency Operations Plan Update
- Ordinance 1368 and Resolution 2026-10 update the city's emergency preparedness code and adopt the 2026 Operations Plan.
- The updated plan includes specific logistics for populations with disabilities.
- The Council approved both the ordinance and the resolution.
Zoning Change for Oak Road Properties
- Ordinance 1371 changes the zone classification for three Oak Road properties to Residential High Density.
- The ordinance includes a determination that the project is exempt from CEQA.
- The Council approved the ordinance on its second reading.
Simi 250 and Ventura County Fair Updates
- Representatives provided informational updates on upcoming events, including a 5K run, car cruise, and fireworks.
- No formal motions or votes were taken on these presentations.
Economic Development Update
- Staff presented quarterly data on business relocations, unemployment rates, and sales tax performance.
- No formal motions or votes were taken on this informational item.
Retirement Recognition
- The Council recognized Public Works Director Ron Fujiwaki and Deputy Director Anna Medina for their retirement.
- No motions or votes were taken on this recognition item.
Full summary
Youth Council Report and Recognition
- Staff presented an informational report on the 2025–2026 Youth Council term, detailing the rescheduling of the Teen Wellness Night due to the Sandy Fire, the hosting of 11 major events, the approval of crisis resource numbers for student ID cards, and the receipt of a statewide grant for gambling prevention education. The Council recognized 15 outgoing Youth Council members and three outgoing Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board members. No motions were made or votes taken on the report or recognition.
Bunkle Canyon and Runcle Canyon Development Updates
- Representatives provided updates on the Bunkle Canyon estate lots and senior community development. Phase one construction is delayed due to the Sandy Fire, requiring a review of grading and fire access; a new fire access easement is being created for Lot 244. Grading permits have been issued, while building permits remain pending. The senior community and recreation center plans are anticipated for final submittal by July 31, with construction expected in September. Phase two estate lots have received discretionary approval, with construction projected for 2027 or 2028. The developer addressed complaints regarding final lift paving on Buckbrush, Purple Sage, and Talbert streets, noting a third-party review is underway. A separate quarterly update was provided for Runcle Canyon LLC regarding project status and delays related to the Sandy Fire. No motions were made or votes taken on these informational items.
Public Comment
- Members of the public addressed the Council on various topics, including a request for a commission to address racism in public schools, the impact of immigration enforcement, permission to teach property marketing at the library, complaints regarding short-term rental parking and the Lost Canyons development, concerns about the city's compensation study, and issues related to homelessness and school safety. Council members responded to statements regarding enforcement, safety, and jurisdictional authority. No motions were made or votes taken on these comments.
City Volunteer of the Year Award
- Staff presented the 2026 City Volunteer of the Year award to Chaplain Bill Martin, recognizing his 11 years of service with the Simi Valley Police Department and volunteer work with the Knights of Columbus. Chaplain Martin accepted the award. No motions were made or votes taken on this item.
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) Advisory Council Appointment
- Staff recommended the appointment of Nancy Garcia to the VCAAA Advisory Council for a term from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028. A motion was made to approve the appointment, it was seconded, and the motion passed. A subsequent motion to ratify the appointment was made, seconded, and passed.
Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board Recognition and Appointments
- Staff recognized outgoing members Sanchita Karthik and Salwa Scarpone for their four years of service. Staff also presented three nominees for appointment to the board for four-year terms beginning July 1, 2026. A motion was made to approve the appointments, it was seconded, and the motion passed.
Arts Commission Appointments
- Staff presented three nominees for appointment to the Arts Commission for two-year terms beginning July 1, 2026. A motion was made to approve the appointments, it was seconded, and the motion passed.
Neighborhood Council Executive Board Appointments
- Staff presented 13 nominees to fill vacancies on the executive boards of the four Neighborhood Councils for terms beginning July 1, 2026. The Council recognized 15 outgoing members. A motion was made to approve all 13 appointments, it was seconded, and the motion passed.
Youth Council and YES Advisory Board Appointments
- Staff presented nominations for 24 applicants to serve one-year terms on the Simi Valley Youth Council commencing July 1, 2026, and seven applicants for the YES Advisory Board. A motion was made to approve the Youth Council appointments, it was seconded, and the motion passed. A separate motion was made to approve the YES Advisory Board appointments, it was seconded, and the motion passed.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance Update (Ordinance 1373)
- Staff presented Ordinance 1373 to update the city's ADU ordinance to comply with state law changes, clarifying distinctions between state-exempt and non-state-exempt ADUs and updating terminology without altering existing development or design standards. A public hearing was held regarding the update. Staff discussed the interaction with HOA rules and code enforcement regarding unpermitted conversions. The Planning Commission recommended adoption and a determination of exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A motion was made to introduce and approve the first reading of the ordinance, it was seconded, and the motion passed.
Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
- Staff from Waterworks District 8 presented the 2025 UWMP and Water Shortage Contingency Plan. The report indicated current water supplies are adequate to meet projected demands through four years of a multi-year drought, with a 15% shortage projected in the fifth year. A public hearing was held, and no public testimony was received. A motion was made to approve the 2025 UWMP and Water Shortage Contingency Plan (Resolution WWD-307), it was seconded, and the motion passed.
Density Bonus and Incentives Provisions Ordinance Update (Ordinance 1372)
- Staff presented Ordinance 1372 to update the Density Bonus Ordinance to align with current state law. Proposed changes include increasing the density bonus cap from 35% to 50%, allowing supplemental bonuses up to 100% of zoning limits under specific conditions, and establishing a menu of supplemental incentives. A public hearing was held regarding the update. Staff discussed the menu of incentives, criteria for waivers, and potential impacts on housing massing. The Planning Commission recommended adoption and a determination of CEQA exemption. A motion was made to introduce and approve the first reading of the ordinance, it was seconded, and the motion passed.
Landscape District No. 1 Assessments (Resolution 2026-31)
- Staff presented the proposed FY 2026–2027 assessments for Simi Valley Landscape District No. 1, recommending no changes to existing levels. A public hearing was held, and no public testimony was received. Council members discussed the funding gap between assessments and maintenance costs. A motion was made to approve the assessments and adopt Resolution 2026-31, it was seconded, and the motion passed.
Preferential Parking Zone Resolution (Resolution 2026-35)
- Staff presented a request to adopt Resolution 2026-35, establishing a preferential parking zone on Brandon Avenue south of Fitzgerald Road, following a petition from property owners citing congestion from Hillside Middle School. The proposal includes a "no stopping" zone from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on school days, except for permit holders. Council members discussed the timeline for implementation and enforcement scope. A motion was made to adopt the resolution, it was seconded, and the motion passed.
Emergency Operations Plan Update (Ordinance 1368 and Resolution 2026-10)
- Staff presented Ordinance 1368 to repeal and replace Chapter 5 of Title 4 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code regarding Emergency Preparedness, and Resolution 2026-10 to adopt the 2026 City of Simi Valley Emergency Operations Plan. The updated plan includes logistics and considerations for populations with disabilities. Council members discussed the plan's provisions and the city's preparedness. A motion was made to approve the ordinance and resolution, it was seconded, and the motion passed.
Zoning Change (Ordinance 1371)
- The Council considered the second reading of Ordinance 1371, approving a change of zone classification from Residential Moderate Density and Residential Medium Density to Residential High Density for properties at 1761, 1801, and 1807 Oak Road. The ordinance includes a determination that the project is exempt from CEQA. A motion was made to approve the ordinance, it was seconded, and the motion passed.
Consent Agenda
- The Council considered multiple items under the consent calendar, including:
- Resolution WWD-38308 establishing a water service standby charge for FY 2026–2027.
- Resolution 2026-32 approving the 2026 Commercial Solid Waste and Recycling Service Fees Schedule.
- Resolution 2026-33 adopting a disruption telephonic or internet service policy.
- Resolution 2026-34 confirming and renewing the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency.
- A request from Waste Management to adjust rates to cover the cost of upgrading bins with reflective tape.
- A motion was made to approve all consent items, it was seconded, and the motion passed.
Simi 250 Committee and Ventura County Fair Presentations
- Representatives from the Simi 250 Committee and the Ventura County Fairgrounds provided informational updates on upcoming events, including a 5K run, car cruise, fireworks display, and fair dates and policies. No formal motions or votes were taken on these items.
Economic Development Update
- Staff presented a quarterly economic development update, including data on business relocations, new openings, unemployment rates, vacancy rates, and sales tax performance. No formal motions or votes were taken on this item.
Retirement Recognition
- The Council recognized Public Works Director Ron Fujiwaki and Deputy Director of Community Programs and Facilities Anna Medina for their retirement after 30 years and other service, respectively. No motions were made or votes taken on this item.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned in memory of Pastor Dr. Willie M. Gray.