Lucy Blanco

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and minutes with supplements. Key discussions centered on a continued public hearing regarding a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application (CUPS 2024 00002) for a proposed drive-through restaurant (Popeyes) on a vacant parcel adjacent to a mobile home park, including environmental determination. The commission also addressed public comments concerning proposed short-term rental regulations, where residents expressed a strong desire for an outright ban based on neighborhood council feedback. The applicant for the CUP provided revised conditions to address previous concerns, including increasing the height of the dividing wall, limiting operating and delivery hours, providing documentation on odor mitigation (85% grease particle removal), and presenting letters of support from mobile home park tenants. The staff recommended approval of the CUP. Further items included reviewing correspondence and approving the consent calendar. An item regarding the election of officers was postponed until the next meeting.

The City Council and Waterworks District Board held separate sessions. The Closed Session addressed two existing litigation matters involving the City of Simi Valley and labor negotiations. In the Open Session, the Council/Board reviewed and approved reports, including Certificates of Commendation and Appreciation. Appointments were made to the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee and the 2026 July 4th Planning Committee. Informational reports included an update from the Ventura County Fire Department and the Runkle Canyon Quarterly Update. During public comments, citizens expressed concerns regarding short-term rentals, conditions of homeless encampments along the Arroyo Simi, and support for a Film Ad Hoc Committee. The Council/Board approved consent calendar items, including purchase orders and a contract for Public Works Inspection Services. They adopted a joint resolution establishing revised terms and conditions of employment for Management-designated employees and approved a supplemental budget request. Consideration was given to proposed revisions to the Memorandum of Agreement with SEIU Local 721, with a decision deferred to the next meeting. Finally, a Film Ad Hoc Committee was established.

This Legislative Platform serves as a guide for the City of Simi Valley to proactively respond to county, State, and federal legislation and facilitate expeditious action by the City Council. It outlines the City's positions across key areas such as general governance, local government finance, public safety, transportation and public works, resources and environment, community development, homelessness, public library, arts and cultural resources, animal services, and military service. The plan aims to protect local control, ensure financial stability, enhance community safety, and promote strategic development while guiding interactions with legislative bodies.

The meeting included a Closed Session to discuss labor negotiations with the Simi Valley Engineers Association and unrepresented confidential-designated employees. During the Open Session, initial actions included waiving further reading of resolutions and ordinances. Public statements focused heavily on labor contract issues, immigration enforcement practices, concerns regarding homeless encampments in the Arroyo Simi, and opposition/support for short-term rentals. Special presentations covered Immigration and Community Resources, and public safety practices. Key actions included the appointment of a new Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair/President Pro Tern, approval of the organizational structure for various entities, adoption of a resolution amending the energy services contract with OPTERRA Energy Services, LLC, and approval of a joint resolution concerning the Memorandum of Agreement with the Service Employees International Union, Local 721. The Council directed staff to revise the draft ordinance regulating short-term rentals for further feedback. Final actions included adopting a resolution amending the City Manager's Employment Agreement and scheduling the consideration of revisions to the Confidential-designated employees' Resolution for the next meeting.

The meeting commenced with a Closed Session focusing on legal matters, including existing litigation against the City (City of Simi Valley v. Zakeri and Fletcher v. City of Simi Valley), anticipated litigation, and labor negotiations with SEIU Local 721, Simi Valley Engineers Association, and unrepresented employees. The subsequent Open Session included presentations of service awards to custodians, proclamations declaring November 2025 as Indigenous Heritage Month and October 2025 as Hindu Heritage Month, and an Employee of the Month award. Key actions involved appointing members to the 2026 Special Event Support Review Committee. Public comments addressed opposition to short-term rentals, concerns regarding toxic waste from the Santa Susana Field Lab, and safety issues related to illegal encampments along the Arroyo Simi. The Council discussed coordination with the City of Moorpark on encampment cleanup and scheduled the short-term rental issue for a future agenda. Public hearings resulted in the adoption of Ordinance No. 1366 adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code, the approval of new water service rates effective 2026, and authorization for the Waterworks District to join the California Statewide Communities Development Authority. The Consent Calendar covered approval of various minutes, reports, funding acceptances for library literacy services, vehicle purchases, and contract awards for equipment and storm drain cleaning. Under Continued Business, the Council authorized the purchase of equipment and services for the transition to the Regional Radio System. New Business involved placing proposed revisions to the Management-designated employees' resolution on the next agenda.