Study Seeks Ways to Upgrade City

Pushing forward on its Vision 2020 blueprint for Simi Valley’s future, the City Council on Monday launched a six-month study of ways to improve the city, from its infrastructure and environment to its growth and community spirit.

The council voted 5 to 0 to form six committees with 108 volunteers who will draft concrete recommendations on policies and programs that the City Council should implement or improve over the next 25 years.

The volunteers range from residents and teachers to county social service employees and high-ranking law enforcement and education officials.

The committees will focus on six topics: development and construction, environmental and natural resources, business and economic issues, regional issues, social concerns and public services and facilities.

The committees are to meet at least once a month between September 1996 and February 1997. The head of each committee will meet monthly with the Vision 2020 Project Coordinator for guidance.

The council stopped short of appointing heads of each committee, saying the groups should choose their own leaders. Mayor Greg Stratton urged city staff to get commitments from the agencies, civic groups and associations that have volunteered members to serve on the study committees.

“I’m looking for someone who’s willing to go back to their organization and get them to do some work,” Stratton said. “I’m concerned about getting the expertise of someone’s organization.”

In February, the committees will make final recommendations to the City Council, which then will decide whether, when and how each recommendation should be enacted.