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
Certificate of Commendation for Stratis Peros
- Director Peros received the United Way Milton M. Teague Award for outstanding community volunteerism.
- The recognition honored his service with the Housing Trust Fund and other nonprofit organizations.
- Mr. Peros accepted the award and acknowledged support from city staff and family members.
Certificate of Commendation for Simi Valley 16U Pony Colt World Series Team
- The Simi Youth Baseball 16U Colt All-Star team was recognized for advancing to the Colt World Series.
- This marks the first time a team from Simi Valley and Ventura County has reached this level.
- Players, coaches, and families received certificates for also winning the Batting Champion Award.
Visit Simi Valley Program Update
- The Special Tourism Marketing District was renewed for ten years with full participation from local hotels.
- Full-year occupancy reached 70.8%, a decline attributed to the absence of emergency personnel compared to last year.
- Future strategies include event partnerships and preparation for the 2028 Olympics via a Regional Task Force.
Public Statements on Community Issues
- Speakers addressed housing affordability, environmental concerns at Chivo Canyon, and traffic safety improvements.
- Comments were made regarding film production incentives, suicide prevention, and economic development impacts.
- Concerns were raised about the relocation of AeroEnvironment and the shift from manufacturing to office jobs.
Council Responses to Public Statements
- Councilmembers clarified that ADU costs vary and noted a tiny home ordinance is expected in October.
- Officials explained that Chivo Canyon oil seeps fall under county jurisdiction while discussing youth safety initiatives.
- The City Manager stated negotiations with AeroEnvironment occurred but available sites did not meet campus requirements.
Consent Calendar Approval
- The calendar included Resolution 2026-43 approving a final map and public improvements for Track Number 6018.
- Clarification was provided that bicycle infrastructure will be examined during the LA Avenue road work planning.
- Additional items regarding repaving LA Avenue and purchasing an asphalt patch truck were approved unanimously.
Second Reading of Ordinance Number 1374
- The Council approved a zone change and specific plan amendment for the Lost Canyons development project.
- An addendum to the previously approved environmental impact report was also adopted as part of the motion.
- The ordinance passed unanimously following a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Blitzter and a second by Councilmember Rhoads.
City Council Member Reports
- Members reported on attendance at business reopenings, industrial complex groundbreakings, and community fundraisers.
- Updates were provided on meetings with federal representatives regarding support and earmarks.
- Councilmembers discussed involvement in subcommittees for housing needs determination and arena development.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The meeting was called to order. The Senior Assistant City Attorney reported no reportable actions from the closed session. A record was made that Councilmember Judge was participating telephonically from a cruise ship in accordance with California Government Code section 54953. Confirmation was obtained that Councilmember Judge could hear proceedings, had posted the agenda at his location, and that the location was accessible to the public. No members of the public were present at the remote location to participate. The City Attorney advised that all votes must be taken by roll call.
Agenda Review
- No items were requested for agenda review.
Motion on Reading of Resolutions and Ordinances
- A motion was made and seconded that all resolutions and ordinances presented be read in title only, with further reading waived. The motion passed unanimously.
Conflict of Interest Declaration
- Councilmember Judge declared no conflicts of interest regarding the agenda items.
Item 1D1: Certificate of Commendation for Stratis Peros
- City Manager Samantha Argerbright presented a certificate of commendation to Environmental Services Director Stratis Peros, recognizing him as the recipient of the United Way Milton M. Teague Award for Outstanding Community Volunteerism. The award honors individuals for volunteerism with United Way and other nonprofit organizations, including the Housing Trust Fund and Housing Land Trust. Mr. Peros accepted the recognition and acknowledged support from city staff, board members, and his family.
Item 1D2: Certificate of Commendation for Simi Valley 16U Pony Colt World Series Team
- Senior Management Analyst Heidi DiNardo presented a certificate of commendation to the Simi Youth Baseball 16U Colt All-Star team. The presentation recognized the team for becoming the first from Simi Valley and Ventura County to advance to the Colt World Series, as well as receiving the Batting Champion Award. Players, coaches, and families were invited forward to receive recognition.
Item 2: Public Statements on Appointments, Special Presentations, and Informational Reports
- No speakers appeared in person or online for this specific agenda item.
Item 3C1: Visit Simi Valley Program Update
- Anthony Angelini, Director of Tourism and Government Affairs for the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of Visit Simi Valley, presented an update on the Special Tourism Marketing District. The report covered the district's budget, digital marketing reach, and local occupancy rates. Key points included:
- The tourism marketing district was renewed in 2024 for a 10-year period with 100% participation from local hotels.
- Funding is generated via a 2% assessment on hotel bookings, with the city retaining a 1% administrative fee.
- Full-year occupancy was 70.8%, down 4.4 points from the previous year, though this remained above national and regional averages.
- The decline in occupancy was attributed to the absence of emergency personnel and evacuees who had utilized local hotels the previous year.
- Future strategies include focusing on event partnerships to drive regional travel and preparing for the 2028 Olympics through a Regional Olympic Task Force.
- Councilmembers Rhoads, Blitzter, and Ayala asked questions regarding occupancy trends, Olympic preparation, budget allocation for events, and measures of success. Mr. Angelini responded that the city is part of the Regional Olympic Task Force and discussed plans to improve hotel renovations and average daily rates. The City Manager noted the city also works with Supervisor Parvin on the regional task force.
Item 4: Public Statements
- Public comments were provided by the following individuals:
- Ben Davis: Discussed housing affordability, citing statistics on median income versus home costs. He advocated for movable tiny homes as a regulated solution to meet the city's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements and noted that an ordinance is being developed.
- Michael Shaw: Addressed environmental concerns regarding Chivo Canyon oil seeps and questioned city actions regarding public safety following a specific incident at the Regal Theater. He also proposed painting curbs red near corners to improve traffic safety.
- Dale Steinick: Discussed efforts to attract film production to Simi Valley by connecting location managers with local properties, emphasizing the economic benefits of filming.
- Jamie Sanchez: Spoke on suicide prevention, pain awareness, and National Hispanic Heritage Month. She urged the council to support vulnerable community members, including veterans and immigrant families facing detention.
- Anthony Thompson (Online): Commented on the relocation of AeroEnvironment to Moorpark and the arrival of Freddie Mac in Simi Valley. He expressed concern over the loss of manufacturing jobs compared to office-based roles and urged proactive engagement with businesses to retain industrial operations.
Item 4A: City Council Comments Regarding Public Statements
- Councilmembers Rhoads, Ayala, Blitzter, and Judge provided responses to the public comments:
- Housing: Councilmember Rhoads clarified that ADU costs vary and that the city allocates space for housing rather than building units directly. Councilmember Ayala noted the tiny home ordinance is expected in October.
- Chivo Canyon: Councilmember Rhoads stated the oil seep is a county jurisdiction issue, while Councilmember Ayala suggested contacting the Park District, which had addressed the topic.
- Public Safety and Youth: Mayor Pro Tem Blitzter and City Manager Argerbright detailed actions taken by the Youth Council following the Regal Theater incident, including educational forums, anti-bullying campaigns, and collaboration with law enforcement and schools.
- Economic Development: The City Manager addressed the AeroEnvironment relocation, stating that negotiations occurred but available locations in Simi Valley did not meet the company's needs for a campus environment. She noted the jobs remain regional and highlighted the incoming Freddie Mac facility. Councilmember Rhoads stated it was disingenuous to imply the city was not engaged in efforts to retain the company.
- Other Comments: Councilmembers thanked speakers for their service and acknowledged specific community events mentioned, such as the "13 Souls" memorial run.
Item 7: Consent Calendar
- The consent calendar included Resolution Number 2026-43 approving a final map and public improvements for Track Number 6018. Before voting, Mayor Pro Tem Blitzter requested clarification on Item 6 (awarding a contract to Tara Enterprises for road work on LA Avenue), specifically regarding the inclusion of bike lane improvements in the project scope. Staff confirmed that bicycle infrastructure would be examined as part of the planning process and referenced the Bicycle Master Plan. The Mayor noted additional consent items regarding repaving LA Avenue and purchasing an asphalt patch truck. A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 8A: Second Reading of Ordinance Number 1374
- The Council considered the second reading of Ordinance Number 1374, approving a change of zone (Z-S-2025-0003) and specific plan amendment (SP-S 2025-0002) for the Lost Canyons development, along with an addendum to the previously approved environmental impact report. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Blitzter and seconded by Councilmember Rhoads. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 10A: City Council Member Reports
- Councilmembers Ayala, Rhoads, Judge, Blitzter, and Mayor Cavanagh provided reports on their recent activities, including:
- Attendance at the reopening of Grocery Outlet and the ribbon-cutting for Krusty Krapes.
- Participation in the groundbreaking of a new industrial complex near Oak Park.
- Meetings with Congressman Brad Sherman regarding federal support and earmarks.
- Attendance at the "13 Souls" memorial event and other community fundraisers, including one for Meals on Wheels.
- Involvement in subcommittee meetings regarding housing needs determination (RHNA) and arena development.
- Attendance at events related to the Santa Susana Field Lab, insurance market updates, and youth leadership initiatives.
Item 10B: Requests for Future Items
- No requests were made for future agenda items.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.