JUNE 25, 2025 – CC
June 25, 2025 – Minutes Page 1
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Freedman called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: C/Law led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: M/Freedman, MPT/Cajulis, C/Law, C/Tragarz, C/Wu ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
Also present: City Manager Weiner; Acting City Attorney Mann; Community Development Director Vasquez, Public Works Director Barcelo, Administrative Services Director Carlson; Community Services Director Bumia; Finance Director Merkel; Finance Manager Meza, Deputy Director of Community Development Guerra; City Engineer Gilbertson; Senior Management Analyst Munoz; Community Relations Officer Maio; Senior Management Analyst Markel; Admin Services Specialist Cortez and City Clerk De Dios.
INVOCATION– NON-DENOMINATIONAL: Pastor Tom Lay of City Blessings Church provided the invocation.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Pet of the Month – “Socks” the male Pitbull
City Staff presented a video on the Pet of the Month, Socks the male pitbull. • Rowland Unified School District Board of Education
Superintendent Alex Flores introduced the new Principal of Oswalt Academy, Dr. June Sakaue, and presented certificates of appreciation to City Council for their support. • Recognition of Wallace Chicken for their donation of sandwiches to the Graduating Class of 2025
M/Freedman and the City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to Wallace Chicken and Ricky Chen for their generosity to the graduating senior class. • Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation
M/Freedman presented the Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation to Parks and Recreation Commissioners Tom Pedersen and Jodi Lepp.
WALNUT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 25, 2025 – CC
June 25, 2025 – Minutes Page 2
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL:
Deputy McDonald introduced Deputy Ramos, who spoke briefly about public safety and fostering community relationships.
William Harrison spoke regarding Wallace Chicken, and recognized Commissioner Jodi Lepp and City Staff for their hard work.
Muoy Li, Library Manager stated that Walnut Library is participating in the Discovery Summer Program which will be taking place from June 2 to August 10, as well as offering California State Parks Passes. She further encouraged residents to visit the library’s website for more information on summer programming.
Jill and Kevin Armitage expressed their concerns regarding the number of deputies assigned to the City of Walnut, and public safety in the community. CM/Weiner provided insight into the City contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
MINUTES:
1. Approval of the June 11, 2025 Council meeting
MOTION ON ITEM 1
C/Law made a motion to approve item 1; seconded by M/Freedman. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Freedman, Law, Tragarz, Wu
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS/ ORDINANCE:
2. Resolution No. 25-23 – Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 to Fiscal Year 2029-30 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Recommendation on: That the City Council:
1. Open the Public Hearing;
2. Hear the Staff Report;
3. Solicit input on this item;
4. Close the Public Hearing; and 5. Adopt Resolution No. 25-23, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Walnut, adopting the Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to Fiscal Year 2029-30”.
M/Freedman opened the public hearing at 7:51 pm.
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FD/Merkel provided a brief staff report on the item.
M/Freedman opened public comment.
In response to an inquiry from Brian Coyano regarding fencing on the trail project, DPW/Barcelo stated that the item would be brought for discussion at the second City Council meeting in July.
Brian Coyano stated that the Fire Department needed to continue to upkeep their property in the City.
M/Freedman thanked DF/Merkel, CM/Weiner, and City Staff for their hard work on the budget.
In response to a request from C/Law, DF/Merkel provided a brief summary of each fund.
MPT/Cajulis and C/Wu thanked City Staff for their hard work.
William Harrison stated his appreciation for the budget.
There being no further discussion, M/Freedman closed the public hearing at 8:02 pm.
MOTION ON ITEM 2
C/Law made a motion to approve item 2; seconded by MPT/Cajulis. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Law, Tragarz, Wu NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR:
3. Resolution No. 25-24 - A Resolution of the City of Walnut Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $867,179.91 Demand No. 170366 through No. 170436, Both Inclusive Fiscal Year 2024-25
Recommendation: The City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-24.
4. Resolution No. 25-25 To Establish the 2025-26 Appropriation Limit Recommendation: That the City Council approve and adopt Resolution No. 25-25 establishing the appropriation limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26 in the amount of $37,931,956.
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5. Approve Resolution No. 25-26: Walnut City Employee’s Association Classified & Permanent Part-time 2025 to 2027 Memorandum of Understanding; and Resolution No. 25-27 - Personnel Rules and Regulations
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-26, approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Classified and Permanent Part-Time Unit of the Walnut City Employee’s Association (WCEA) for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 25-27, amending the Personnel Rules and Regulations by changing sections related to the approved MOU with Classified and Permanent Part-Time Employees.
6. Resolution No. 25-28 – 2025 Walnut Dial-A-Cab (DAC) Program Modification(s)
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Hear the staff report; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 25-28, approving modifications to the Walnut Dial-A-Cab program which includes implementing a flat $1 fare for all eligible rides, adjusting the service area boundaries and expanding the list of eligible facilities.
7. Resolution No. 25-31 - Summary Vacation of a Portion of Valley Boulevard Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-31, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Walnut summarily vacating a portion of Valley Boulevard within the City of Walnut and as more particularly described in said Resolution”.
8. Ordinance No. 25-04 – To Amend and replace Title 6 (Planning and Zoning), Chapter 6.08 (Zoning Provisions in General), Section 6.08.210 (Accessory Housing) of the Walnut Municipal Code (WMC) relating to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) Recommendation: That the City Council adopt, by title only, and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 25-04, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Walnut, County of Los Angeles, California, to amend in its entirety Walnut Municipal Code (WMC) Title 6 (Planning and Zoning), Chapter 6.08 (Zoning Provisions in General), Section 6.08.210 (Accessory Housing), relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and determining the Ordinance to be exempt from CEQA.”
9. Adoption of 2025 Statement of Investment Policy
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the attached 2025 Statement of Investment Policy.
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10. Treasury & Investment Report – 3rd Quarter FY 2024/2025 Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file this report.
11. Citywide Traffic Signal Rehabilitation Project – Final Acceptance Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Accept the work performed by Streetlight Restoration Specialists, Inc. for the Citywide Traffic Signal Rehabilitation Project; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file the proper “Notice of Completion”.
12. FY 2023-24 Concrete Repair Project – Final Acceptance Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Accept the work performed by CT&T Concrete Paving, Inc. for the FY 2023- 24 Concrete Repair Project; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file the proper “Notice of Completion”.
13. FY 2023-24 Green Street Project - Final Acceptance
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Accept the work performed by S&H Civilworks for the FY 2023-24 Green Street Project; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file the proper “Notice of Completion”.
14. Bingo Permit Application Submitted by the Walnut Senior Club Request for Facility Use and Fee Waiver
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the bingo permit application submitted by the Walnut Senior Club for the fiscal year 2025/26 ending June 30, 2026; approve use of the Walnut Senior Center facility, waive pertinent facility use fees, waive bingo permit application fee and monthly gross receipts fees; and accept a bi-monthly donation of $350.00.
15. Notice of Decision – June 18, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Receive and File the “Notice of Decision” by the Planning Commission at its June 18, 2025 Meeting for the following Item(s)/Project(s):
a) Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 84425 and Site Plan Case and Architectural Review (SPC/AR) 2025-041; and
b) Site Plan Case & Architectural Review (SPC/AR) 2024-098.
16. Commission Appointments to the Planning, Parks and Recreation, Senior Citizens, and Youth Advisory Commissions
JUNE 25, 2025 – CC
June 25, 2025 – Minutes Page 6
Recommendation: That the City Council appoint the nominees recommended by each City Council Member to the Planning, Parks and Recreation, Senior Citizens, and Youth Advisory Commissions:
Planning Commission
Mark Fernandez (M/Freedman); Fernando Perez (MPT/Cajulis); Heinrich Dy (C/Law); Stephen Sam (C/Tragarz); Eric Wang (C/Wu).
Parks & Recreation Commission
Jodi Lepp (M/Freedman); Alger Brion (MPT/Cajulis); Gloria Munguia (C/Law); Tom Pedersen (C/Tragarz); Dino Pollalis (C/Wu).
Senior Citizens Commission
Agnes Gonzalez (M/Freedman); Shiela Sobretodo (MPT/Cajulis); Mario Rodriguez (C/Law); Sharon Miller (C/Tragarz); John Wang (C/Wu).
Youth Advisory Commission
George Wang, Jia Shun Chen (M/Freedman); Joshua Choy, VACANCY (MPT/Cajulis); Anya Su, Lydia Chen (C/Law); Hanna Kaitlin Dy, Samuel Lepe (C/Tragarz); Chloe Chen, Addyson Wu (C/Wu)
MOTION ON ITEMS 3-16
C/Wu made a motion to approve items 3-16; seconded by C/Tragarz. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Law, Tragarz, Wu NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
COUNCIL DISCUSSION/TRANSACTION ITEMS:
17. Resolution No. 25-29 – Adoption of the 2025-26 Annual Budget and Resolution No. 25-30 Amending and Restating the 2025-26 Executive, Management, Classified and Part-time Schedule of Authorized Positions and Salary Schedules
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-29 approving the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and Resolution No. 25-30 amending and restating 2025-26 Executive, Management, Classified, and Part-time Schedule of Authorized Positions and Salary Schedules.
FD/Merkel provided a brief presentation on the item.
JUNE 25, 2025 – CC
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In response to an inquiry from C/Wu regarding the projected surplus, DF/Merkel stated that development agreement revenues contribute to surplus and the City has been under-budget on the expenditure side.
Discussion ensued regarding the fund balance and budget.
MOTION ON ITEM 17
C/Law made a motion to approve item 17; seconded by MPT/Cajulis. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, 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
C/Wu stated that he attended the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Meeting and shared information regarding mosquito control with the public.
C/Law stated that she attended the APEX for Youth Conference in Washington, Women’s Caucus Public Safety Legislative Policy Meeting, the LA County Water Resilience Summit, SGV Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner, and SGV Legislative Network event, as well as the City of Cerritos State of the City event.
C/Tragarz stated that she attended the SGV Legislative Network event as well as an Opening for the Grand Terraces, and invited the public to attend upcoming events.
M/Freedman stated that she attended the SGV Chamber of Commerce installation dinner and recognized Isabel, the winner of the Young Entrepreneur Award. She provided information on the Concerts in the Park schedule.
B. Individual Members’ comments and updates
MPT/Cajulis invited the public to the City of Walnut’s Fourth of July Celebration and Concerts in the Park. He further thanked the Parks and Recreation Commission.
He stated that he presented a certificate to the people of Kawit, Cavite for the anniversary of Philippine Independence Day.
C/Wu and MPT/Cajulis recognized the Commissioners for their work.
C/Wu thanked FD/Merkel for his work on the budget.
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FD/Merkel thanked the City Manager, City Council, and City Staff, including FM/Meza.
M/Freedman congratulated all the appointed Commissioners.
COUNCIL LATE BUSINESS: None scheduled.
CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNS TO THE WALNUT HOUSING AUTHORITY
CALL TO ORDER: Authority Chair Freedman called the meeting to order at 8:26 p.m.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY:
There being no one present wishing to speak, it was unanimously moved by the Authority to close oral communications; motion carried.
AUTHORITY PUBLIC HEARINGS: None scheduled.
AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR:
18. Resolution No. 25-06 WHA - A Resolution of the Walnut Housing Authority Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $58,309.09 Demand No. 100459 Through No. 100459, Both Inclusive Fiscal Year 2024-25 Recommendation: That the Authority adopt Resolution No. 25-06 WHA.
19. Adoption of the 2025-26 Walnut Housing Authority (WHA) Budget Recommendation: That the Walnut Housing Authority Members adopt the Walnut Housing Authority (WHA) Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
MOTION ON ITEMS 18 AND 19
C/Law made a motion to approve items 18 and 19; second by MPT/Cajulis.
Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Law, Tragarz, Wu NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
WALNUT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING
JUNE 25, 2025 – CC
June 25, 2025 – Minutes Page 9
AUTHORITY DISCUSSION/TRANSACTION ITEMS: None scheduled.
AUTHORITY LATE BUSINESS: None scheduled.
AUTHORITY ADJOURNS TO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CLOSED SESSION: None scheduled.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the City Council adjourned the regular meeting at 8:27 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 9th day of July 2025.
_______________________________
Linda Freedman, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Teresa De Dios, City Clerk
PREPARED BY:
_______________________________________
Jackie Cortez, Administrative Services Specialist