FEBRUARY 12, 2025 – CC/WHA
February 12, 2025 - Minutes Page 1
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Freedman called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: MPT/Cajulis led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: M/Freedman, MPT/Cajulis, C/Law, C/Tragarz, C/Wu ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Also present: City Manager Weiner; Assistant City Attorney Mann; Community Development Director Vasquez, Public Works Director Barcelo, Finance Director Merkle Medina; Finance Manager Meza; Administrative Services/Human Resources Officer Ramos; Senior Management Analyst Markel, Admin Services Specialist Cortez and City Clerk De Dios.
INVOCATION – NON-DENOMINATIONAL: Deacon Steve Hillman of St. Loranzo Catholic Parish led the invocation.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Black History Month Proclamation
Mayor Freedman read the Proclamation declaring the month of February as Black History Month.
• Walnut Valley Water District – Severe Wind Events/Wildfires and the Walnut Valley Water Districts Preparedness
General Manager Shaw recognized Board Directors Scarlett Kwong, Theresa Lee, and Jerry Tang who were in attendance and provided a presentation on emergency preparedness.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL:
Muoy Li, Walnut Library Manager, provided an update on the programs offered at the library and encouraged residents to visit the library’s website for more information.
WALNUT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 12, 2025 – CC/WHA
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William Harrison stated that the Lunar New Year Celebration was a good event and encouraged the City to further celebrate diversity.
Larry Lin expressed his opposition to the development at Valley Blvd. and Snow Creek and asked the City Council to visit Roundup Drive.
There being no further person wishing to speak, the City Council closed oral communications.
MINUTES:
1. Approval of the January 22, 2025 City Council Meeting MOTION ON ITEM 1
C/Tragarz made a motion to approve Item 1; seconded by MPT/Cajulis. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Freedman, Cajulis, Law, Tragarz, Wu NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS/ ORDINANCE: None scheduled.
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR:
2. Resolution No. 25-05 – A Resolution of the City of Walnut Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $1,467,113.70 Demand No. 169663 Through No. 169752 Both Inclusive Fiscal Year 2024-25
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-05.
3. Resolution No. 25-06 – Appointing Retiree as Interim Finance Director / City Treasurer per the Public Employee’s Retirement Law
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-06 appointing Mariesixta Santos (Retiree) as the Interim Finance Director / City Treasurer per the Public Employees’ Retirement Law.
FEBRUARY 12, 2025 – CC/WHA
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MOTION ON ITEMS 2 & 3
MPT/Cajulis made a motion to approve Items 2 & 3; seconded by C/Tragarz.
Motion carried by the following voice vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Law, Tragarz, Wu NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ITEM PULLED FOR DISCUSSION:
4. 2024-2025 Mid-Year Request for Additional Appropriation Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Appropriate a total of $222,800 from General Fund (01) Reserves to: City Council Conference & Meetings $12,500 (01-4000-6104, 6105, 6106, 6107, 6108), Financial Professional Services $10,000 (01-4500-5616), Code Enforcement PPT Employees $55,300 (01-5002-51020, Animal Control Contractual Services $15,000 (01-8500-6227), Sports League Contractual Services $50,000 (01-9693-6227), Parks Maintenance Contractual Services $50,000 (01-9100-6243), Parks Maintenance Tree Maintenance $10,000 (01- 9100-6243), Parks Maintenance Grounds Maintenance $20,000 (01-9100- 6248);
2. Appropriate $70,000 from Gas Tax (02) Reserves to Street Right-of-Way Tree Maintenance (02-6206-6243); and
3. Appropriate $20,000 from Measure “M” (21) Reserves to Storm Drain Maintenance Contractual Services (21-6102-6227)
CM/Weiner introduced FD/Merkel Medina, and the City Council welcomed him to the City of Walnut.
FD/Merkel Medina provided a staff report on the item.
In response to an inquiry from C/Tragarz regarding recreation league classes and revenues, FD/Merkle Medina stated that the cost of classes are offset by the registration revenue.
C/Tragarz stated her opposition to utilizing reserve funds.
Discussion followed regarding reserves, funds, and the City Budget.
FEBRUARY 12, 2025 – CC/WHA
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MOTION ON ITEM 4
C/Tragarz made a motion to approve all appropriations with the exception of $12,500 for City Council Conference and Meetings; seconded by C/Wu. Motion carried by the following voice vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Law, Tragarz, Wu
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Freedman
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
COUNCIL DISCUSSION/TRANSACTION ITEMS:
5. Walnut Business Watch & Security Improvement Grant Program Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Receive and file the Business Watch Program
2. Appropriate $150,000 from the Miscellaneous Development Agreement account 01-0000-3818 to the Business Security Improvement Grants account 01-5911-6354.
AS/HRO Ramos provided a brief staff report on the item.
Bob Pacheco stated that his business had been targeted, and that the proposed Business Watch Program Grant amount should be increased.
William Harrison stated that the City should also help private homeowners whose homes had also been burglarized, in addition to the businesses.
Vijay Vakil stated that the City may consider helping private homeowners by increasing cameras, which also benefits businesses.
In response to an inquiry from C/Wu regarding the funds, CM/Weiner stated that the development agreement grant money is earmarked for public safety and economic development.
In response to an inquiry from C/Law regarding eligible reimbursements, AS/ HRO Ramos stated that eligible reimbursements would include security cameras, shatter-proof film for storefront windows, alarm systems and lighting. She further stated that other items may be eligible with approval from the program coordinator.
Discussion followed amongst the City Council and staff regarding the grant proposal and public safety in the City.
FEBRUARY 12, 2025 – CC/WHA
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MOTION ON ITEM 5
M/Freedman made a motion to approve staff’s recommendation; seconded by C/Wu. Motion carried by the following voice vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Freedman, Cajulis, Law, Tragarz, Wu NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ANNOUNCEMENTS (COUNCIL MEMBERS AND STAFF):
A. Councilmembers’ report on meetings attended at the expense of the local agency B. Individual Members’ comments and updates
MPT/Cajulis welcomed Finance Director Merkel Medina and thanked Interim Finance Director Santos for her hard work. He also thanked PWD/Barcelo for her work in preparation of the weather, and thanked City Staff for their work on the Lunar New Year Celebration.
C/Wu thanked everyone for their hard work. He further stated that he attended the Confucius Chinese Language School New Year Celebration at Walnut High School and the City of Walnut Lunar New Year event as well.
C/Tragarz stated that she attended both Lunar New Year events as well and thanked City Staff for their hard work.
C/Law stated that she attended the League of California Cities Public Safety Legislative Policy Meeting in Sacramento in January. She also attended the New Councilmembers Conference in Garden Grove, as well as the Lunar New Year events. C/Law thanked Interim Finance Director Santos and welcomed Finance Director Merkel Medina. She congratulated local businesses that have opened in the City. She reported that she will be part of a Ride Along with Sheriff Deputy Ramirez, and she wished everyone a happy Valentine’s Day.
M/Freedman stated that she was able to collaborate with the Walnut Senior Club with their pet donation drive. She further stated that she attended the Local Governmental Control Services Commission Meeting. She welcomed Finance Director Merkel Medina, thanked City Staff for their hard work, and wished everyone a happy Valentine’s Day.
COUNCIL LATE BUSINESS: None scheduled.
FEBRUARY 12, 2025 – CC/WHA
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ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the City Council adjourned the regular meeting at 8:18 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 26th day of February 2025.
_______________________________
Linda Freedman, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Teresa De Dios, City Clerk