Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Ayala, 4-Rhodes, 2-Judge, 3-Litster, Cavanaugh
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
20-Year Service and Employee Recognition
- Gregory Seymour was recognized for 20 years of service and named July Employee of the Month.
- His development of a recipe cookbook reduced meal costs by 28% and served as a resource for other senior sites.
- Carol Ann Barona received a certificate of recognition for over 50 years of service to the community.
Public Statements
- Residents raised concerns regarding traffic safety at Cochran and Atherwood Lane, with staff noting a pending traffic assessment.
- Multiple speakers addressed the Runkle Canyon project, with requests to expedite paving, stop granting extensions, or form a working group.
- Concerns were raised about coyote infestations, data center standards, and the distribution of veteran banners.
- Staff and Council members responded by outlining limited city roles in coyote abatement and supporting event-based banner distribution.
Ordinance Second Readings
- Ordinance 1368 was adopted to update Emergency Preparedness regulations in the Municipal Code.
- Ordinance 1372 was adopted to update density bonus and incentive provisions, with a CEQA exemption determination.
- Ordinance 1373 was adopted to update Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations, with a CEQA exemption determination.
Transitional Housing Feasibility Study
- Staff identified five city-owned properties for potential inclusion in the Samaritan Center’s feasibility study.
- Council members clarified that the project is for transitional housing with services, not a homeless shelter.
- A motion passed to include four specific city-owned properties in the study while excluding one pocket park.
Runkle Canyon Woodlands Project
- Staff recommended denying Runkle Canyon LLC’s request for a permitted delay based on force majeure.
- The Council discussed the distinction between processing delays and due process regarding post-wildfire evaluations.
- A motion passed unanimously to deny the day-for-day extension and affirm the city’s written objection.
Arena Ad Hoc Committee
- Staff proposed establishing a committee to evaluate sites and financing for a potential USHL hockey franchise.
- A motion passed to designate Mayor Pro Tem Lister and Council Member Rhodes as the committee members.
Future Items and Requests
- The Council requested a process to select a new City Historian following the passing of Pat Haven.
- A request was made to formalize a ceremonial process for distributing Armed Forces banners.
- A request was made to develop an ordinance regulating tiny homes on wheels.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported no matters from closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Administrative Matters
- The meeting was called to order by Mayor Anna Medina. The City Attorney reported no matters from closed session. A roll call confirmed the presence of Council Members Arbella, Rhoads, Judge, Mayor Pro Tem Blitzer, and Mayor Cavanagh. Council Member Arbella moved that all resolutions and ordinances be read in title only and that further readings be waived; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The Mayor requested declarations of conflict of interest, none of which were declared.
Agenda Item 1-D1: Presentation of 20-Year Service Award and July Employee of the Month
- Community Services Manager Kimberly Post presented Gregory Seymour, a Nutrition Services Worker at the Simi Valley Senior Center, as the July Employee of the Month and recognized his 20 years of service. Post detailed Seymour’s contributions, including the development of a cookbook with 50 original recipes that reduced meal costs by approximately 28% and was shared as a resource for 11 other senior meal sites in Ventura County. Mayor Medina presented Seymour with a certificate for Employee of the Month, a pin for 20 years of service, and a certificate for dedicated service. Mayor Medina also noted that Seymour had been recognized as the Kiwanis Volunteer of the Year.
Agenda Item 1-D2: Certificate of Recognition for Carol Barona
- Senior Management Analyst Heidi DiNardo was absent; the presentation was conducted by another staff member. The City recognized Carol Ann Barona of Kids and Things for over 50 years of dedicated service and her upcoming retirement. The presentation highlighted her role in establishing the preschool as a community resource and her mentorship of staff and families. Mayor Pro Tem Blitzer and Council Member Judge offered remarks acknowledging Barona’s long-standing impact on the community and their personal connections to the program.
Agenda Item 2: Public Statements on Appointments, Special Presentations, and Information Reports
- No public comments or items were presented under this agenda item.
Agenda Item 4: Public Statements
- The Clerk outlined the procedures for public comment, noting that all statements would be heard under this item as no public hearings were scheduled. Speakers were limited to three minutes.
- Richard Douglas raised safety concerns regarding the intersection of Cochran and Atherwood Lane, citing a pedestrian fatality and vehicle accidents. He requested the installation of a left-turn lane and a push-button crosswalk. City Manager Ben Davis responded that staff is waiting for the start of the school year to conduct a traffic assessment to accurately evaluate traffic impacts before making recommendations.
- Ben Davis (speaking as a resident) thanked staff for releasing a memo regarding a housing tool. He cited the state requirement for Simi Valley to build 2,800 dwelling units by 2029, noting that 1,300 have been built, leaving a gap of 1,500 units. He requested that the Council consider movable tiny homes as a solution and put the issue on a future agenda.
- Christine Herwin expressed concern about the condition of neighborhoods from the 1950s, specifically citing properties on Agnew and Anderson streets. She alleged that code enforcement has not addressed issues such as overgrown vegetation, trash, and structural disrepair, which she stated negatively impacts property values. She also noted that she had not received callbacks from the Mayor or Council Member Rhoads regarding her complaints.
- Deb Dickerson requested that the City proactively develop standards for data centers before any proposals are submitted. She outlined potential impacts including energy and water consumption, noise, and visual impacts, and suggested options such as zoning regulations, performance standards, or temporary moratoriums.
- Dale Steinick presented a list of film and TV locations she has secured in Simi Valley. She stated that she negotiates contracts for these locations and expressed hope that the City would benefit from increased production activity.
- Doreen Stoutland announced a blood drive for a local resident on August 4. Regarding the Runkle Canyon development, she requested that the City and developer work together to adjust timeline "hard stops" while waiting for additional information, suggesting that construction proceed in other areas to avoid an impasse.
- Ivana Krisman spoke as a resident of the Runkle Canyon project. She requested that the City and developer establish a working group with technical professionals to resolve disputes. She urged the Council to direct staff to expedite the paving of Bug Brush and Purple Sage Streets, even if separate from the disputed area, and to provide a transparent accounting of completed and remaining actions.
- Royce Cabell spoke from a different perspective on the Runkle Canyon project, arguing that the developer (KB) is using the fire as an excuse for delays. He stated that the developer has requested multiple extensions and has not completed the project within the granted timelines. He urged the Council to stop granting extensions and to require proof of funding for completion.
- Ronnie Hilde complained about city employees not performing their duties, citing hypodermic needles and trash in the wash area near Harbor Freight. He also noted issues with e-bikes on the bike path and dark-tinted windows on vehicles in the parking lot. He questioned the Mayor’s absence from her office earlier in the day; the Mayor stated she was home ill.
- Frank Tomlinson discussed the distribution of military banners. He suggested that distribution be tied to city events, such as Flag Day or Veterans Day, to facilitate meaningful interactions with veterans and community members. He argued that this approach is more effective than providing lists of resources.
- Jamie Sanchez acknowledged the Chumash people’s traditional lands. She shared her personal experience as a veteran with PTSD and emphasized the importance of community belonging. She stated that she had not received a veteran banner and urged the Council to ensure all residents are represented and treated with dignity. She also cited statistics regarding abductions in Simi Valley.
- Seth Putnam reported a ten-year infestation of coyotes in the area from Yosemite and Stern Street to Tapo Canyon, noting that coyotes have killed pets and pose a danger to children. He requested that the City take action to address the issue. He also expressed support for Simi Valley’s abstinence from adopting a data center.
- Travis Foster spoke regarding the coyote infestation, stating that his neighborhood has lost six cats to coyote attacks in the last year. He described seeing a large coyote on a sidewalk near an elementary school and urged the City to involve animal control to address the threat to pets and citizens.
Council Comments on Public Statements
- Council Member Rhoads stated that a conversation regarding the Woodlands/Runkle Canyon issues would occur later in the meeting. He encouraged residents to sign up for the blood drive. He apologized to Christine Herwin for not personally following up on her code enforcement complaints, stating that he had passed the information to staff. He noted that the City’s role in coyote abatement is limited, primarily involving education and coordination with Ventura County Animal Services.
- City Manager Ben Davis provided information on coyote management, noting that the City works with the County for animal services. He stated that the County focuses on education to discourage coyotes from entering yards (e.g., removing food sources) and that they typically respond to actual interactions rather than mere sightings.
- Mayor Pro Tem Blitzer acknowledged the comments on Runkle Canyon and the suggestion to tie veteran banner distribution to public events like Flag Day. She noted that the City had previously discussed allowing residents in high-impact areas to raise fence heights beyond the city maximum to deter coyotes.
- Council Member Judge thanked the speakers on veteran issues and supported the idea of using Flag Day or Veterans Day for banner presentations. He reiterated the previous discussion regarding fence height adjustments for coyote deterrence.
- Council Member Arbella addressed the traffic safety concerns at Cochran and Atherwood Lane, confirming that the City is waiting for the school year to begin to conduct a proper traffic assessment that accounts for student traffic. She noted that the assessment would also consider the impact of charging stations in the area.
- Mayor Medina stated she would look into co-hosting a "Stand Down" day or similar event with the Simi Valley Veterans Foundation to provide services to veterans.
Agenda Item 7: Consent Calendar
- The Clerk presented Consent Item 3, Resolution Number 2026-36, approving the acceptance of grant funds and execution of a grant agreement from the State of California Department of Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Grant Program.
- Mayor Pro Tem Blitzer commented on a related consent item (Item 8, retroreflective backplates), noting that bids came in significantly lower than the initial estimate ($160,000–$300,000 vs. ~$1,000,000) and that the City’s cost was $16,000. She expressed support for the item.
- Council Member Rhoads commented on another consent item (Item 2, financial/investment report), noting that staff changes resulted in an annualized investment improvement of $66,000.
- Council Member Rhoads moved to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded by Council Member Arbella. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 8A: Second Reading of Ordinance Number 1368
- The Clerk read the title of Ordinance Number 1368, which repeals and replaces Chapter 5 of Title 4 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code regarding Emergency Preparedness.
- Mayor Pro Tem Blitzer moved to adopt Ordinance Number 1368 without modifications.
- Council Member Judge seconded the motion.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 8B: Second Reading of Ordinance Number 1372
- The Clerk read the title of Ordinance Number 1372, which amends portions of Title 9 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code to update regulations governing density bonus and incentive provisions, with a determination that the amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
- Council Member Judge moved for the second reading of Ordinance Number 1372.
- The motion was seconded.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 8C: Second Reading of Ordinance Number 1373
- The Clerk read the title of Ordinance Number 1373, which updates regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the Simi Valley Municipal Code, with a determination that the amendments are exempt from CEQA.
- Council Member Rhoads commented that the ordinance is necessary for compliance with state laws, noting that upcoming bills (AB 956 and SB 1117) may further change regulations. He moved for the second reading.
- The motion was seconded.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9A: Review of City-Owned Properties for Transitional Housing Feasibility Study
- Assistant to the City Manager Angel Sierra presented a follow-up to the Council’s June 8, 2026 action approving a letter of support for the Samaritan Center’s grant application for a transitional housing feasibility study. Staff conducted a preliminary review of city-owned parcels and identified five properties that may warrant additional evaluation. Sierra clarified that inclusion in the study does not commit the City to making the property available for development.
- Council members discussed the scope of the feasibility study, clarifying that the project is intended for transitional housing with wraparound services (counseling, case management, job placement) rather than a homeless shelter or drop-in center. The discussion addressed the status of specific city-owned properties, including the Metrolinx Station parking lots and the property previously considered with Habitat for Humanity. Staff reported no further communication from Habitat for Humanity regarding their affordable housing project. The RFP for the study requires the selected developer to evaluate at least three properties based on criteria such as proximity to transit and size. Staff indicated that while city-owned properties are candidates, private properties are not excluded from consideration.
- Council Member Rhoads thanked the City for the due diligence. He recommended removing one property (identified as a pocket park in a residential neighborhood) from the list as it did not seem feasible. He suggested that the Samaritan Center also consider private and County properties in their feasibility study to broaden the scope. He supported including the other four properties.
- A motion was made to include city-owned properties listed as 1, 2, 4, and 5 in the staff report in the Samaritan Center’s Transitional Housing Project Feasibility Study. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 9B: Runkle Canyon Woodlands Project – Permitted Delay Notice
- Staff presented a request by Runkle Canyon LLC for a permitted delay under Section 29B of the Fifth Amendment to Development Agreement DA-404-01, citing force majeure due to the Sandy Fire and processing delays. Staff recommended denying the request for a day-for-day extension of hard milestones and affirming the city’s written objection. The developer’s representative presented arguments for the delay, citing the need for post-wildfire geotechnical reconnaissance through May 2027 and ongoing review processes. Council members and staff discussed the distinction between "delays" and "due process," with staff emphasizing that reviews and communications have continued. The developer stated that the city’s current position requires evaluations through May 2027 before building permits can be issued. It was noted that a meeting between the developer and city staff was scheduled for the following day to discuss the "Top 10" list of required actions.
- A motion was made to deny the request of Runkle Canyon LLC for a permitted delay for a day-for-day extension of the hard milestones and to affirm the city’s written objection to the asserted force majeure delay. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 9C: Establishment of an Arena Ad Hoc Committee
- Staff presented a recommendation to establish an ad hoc committee of up to two council members to evaluate potential sites, develop a public-private partnership framework, and evaluate financing strategies for a potential USHL hockey franchise in Simi Valley. Council members expressed interest in serving on the committee.
- A motion was made to establish the arena ad hoc committee, with Mayor Pro Tem Lister and Council Member Rhodes designated as the members. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 10A: City Council Member Reports
- Council members provided reports on activities and meetings attended during the previous month. Topics included:
- Council Member Ayala: Meetings with the City Manager, retirement celebrations, attendance at the Ventura County Economic Development Agency committee, wildfire safety events, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation event, the 4th of July celebrations (5K run, car parade, movie night), Veterans Mentor Project training, the Oakmont of Simi Valley anniversary, a working group with Simi Valley USD for the School Resource Officer Program, the Shotzi’s Bakery ribbon-cutting, and a meeting with Lost Canyons developers.
- Council Member Rhodes: Chamber legislative affairs calls, retirement celebrations, a Clean Power Alliance CFO meeting, the Arts Commission retreat, SCAG meetings (including chairing the CEHD and the arena subcommittee), the Tunnel to Towers event, a celebration of life for a family member, a fire prevention and mitigation meeting, a conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, the swearing-in ceremony for new officers, the Judy Sedell Memorial Grant luncheon, the Runkle Canyon presentation to the Homeowners Association, the Jewel Time grand reopening, legislative affairs calls, a Cal City webinar, meetings regarding the Bridal Path community, the Oakmont ribbon-cutting, the Lucky Dog Cafe ribbon-cutting, a Clean Power Alliance CEO meeting, the Shotzi’s Bakery ribbon-cutting, and a Lost Canyons update meeting.
- Council Member Judge: Attendance at the 4th of July events, the Tunnel to Towers event, and other community activities.
- Mayor Pro Tem Lister: Chamber legislative meetings, retirement celebrations, hockey discussions, the Arts Commission retreat, the Tunnel to Towers event, a memorial for Pastor Dr. William Gray, AWA board meetings, the 250th anniversary celebrations, a meeting with SEIU’s president, a VCOG committee meeting on sidewalk vending, the Boys and Girls Club grand opening, the Bunker Clubhouse grand opening, the conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, the officer swearing-in ceremony, an AWA Waterwise meeting, the Judy Sedell Memorial Grant luncheon, the Jewel Time grand opening, and a family reunion in Utah/Idaho.
- Mayor Medina: The Semi Vibe grand opening, an ISOFLEX conversation, the Rotary demotion, the Tunnel to Towers event, leading the 4th of July car parade, the fireworks show, the Bunker Clubhouse grand opening, the Stars & Stripes Ice Cream Social at the Senior Center, the conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister of Poland, the Judy Sedell Memorial Grant luncheon, the Valley 200 reception, the celebration for Astrid (a Navy veteran), and a meeting with Lost Canyon developers.
City Council Request for Future Items
- City Historian: Mayor Pro Tem Lister requested a process to honor the passing of Pat Haven and select a new City Historian. Staff agreed to research the previous selection process and documentation to bring forward to the Council.
- Armed Forces Banners: Council Member Ayala requested a motion to formalize a ceremonial process for the distribution of Armed Forces banners, potentially during Council meetings, to acknowledge the service of recipients. Staff indicated they are already moving forward with providing resources and lists.
- Tiny Homes on Wheels: Council Member Ayala requested an ordinance to regulate and legalize tiny homes on wheels in the city. Mayor Pro Tem Lister seconded the request, noting the need for careful discussion on how it would work.
Adjournment and Memorials
- The chair announced the intention to adjourn the meeting. The chair offered remarks in memory of Virginia Shield, identified as a victim of an accident at Urbane Cafe and Target, and extended wishes to her family. The chair also offered remarks in memory of Patricia Havens, noting her past roles as a teacher at Hollow Hills Elementary and her connection to the Simi Valley post office through her husband, Neil. A brief exchange occurred regarding the pronunciation of "Simi Valley." The chair reiterated the intention to close the meeting in memory of Patricia Havens. No formal motion, second, or vote was recorded in this segment.