SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 – CC
September 10, 2025 – Minutes Page 1
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Freedman called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: M/Freedman led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: M/Freedman, C/Law, C/Tragarz, C/Wu ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MPT/Cajulis
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; Deputy Director of Community Development Guerra; City Engineer Gilbertson; Senior Management Analyst Munoz; Administrative Services/Human Resources Officer Ramos; Senior Management Analyst Markel; Admin Services Specialist Cortez and City Clerk De Dios.
INVOCATION– NON-DENOMINATIONAL: Pastor Lydia Sohn from Walnut United Methodist Church provided the invocation.
PRESENTATIONS:
• 2025 Walnut Youth Softball – 12U Gold All Stars – 1st Place at the District Tournament Championship
M/Freedman and the City Council presented certificates and congratulated the team on a successful season.
• 2025 Walnut Youth Softball – 12U Silver All Stars – 3rd Place at the 2025 District Tournament
M/Freedman and the City Council presented certificates and congratulated the team on a successful season.
• 2025 Walnut Youth Softball – 10U All Stars – 2nd in the 2025 District Tournament M/Freedman and the City Council presented certificates and congratulated the team on a successful season.
WALNUT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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• Einstein Bros. Bagels – Welcome to Walnut
M/Freedman and City Council presented a certificate of recognition to Mr. Alex Ramirez and thanked him for bringing his business into the City. • 2025 San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments – President’s Introduction Ed Reece, President of San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and City Councilmember of Claremont, provided information to the community on the SGVCOG.
M/Freedman and City Council expressed their appreciation for the presentation.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL:
Muoy Li, Library Manager, shared the upcoming activities and programs that the library is doing and encouraged residents to go on the website to obtain more information.
Linda Rzonca spoke of the information received relating to the fence discussion that took place at a previous Council meeting.
Mary Su shared her sincere gratitude to the City Council and said she would like to comment on the dog park matter listed on the agenda.
William Harrison commented on the two outstanding parks; recognized the new addition to Snow Creek park and commented on having a monument or plaque recognizing all involved in the idea of creating the Diversity Plaza.
C/Wu requested for staff to follow up with Mr. Harrison on the matter relating to the Diversity Plaza.
Hong Diana Zhao advocated for the youth who have worked hard and dedicated their services in the City through a program that was recently suspended. She inquired if the City had a program for the youth who want to volunteer and make the city a beautiful place to live.
Deputy CT McDonald introduced Deputy Lovell who will be working with the City of Walnut.
Deputy Lovell said he was looking forward to working with the City.
M/Freedman requested the residents to comment on items that were not on the agenda this evening.
For those wishing to speak on a specific item on the agenda may do so when the item comes up under discussion.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 – CC
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MINUTES:
1. Approval of the August 13, 2025 Study Session Meeting
2. Approval of the August 13, 2025 City Council meeting MOTION ON ITEMS 1-2
C/Tragarz made a motion to approve items 1-2; seconded by C/Law. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Freedman, Law, Tragarz, Wu
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis
3. Approval of the August 27, 2025 City Council meeting MOTION ON ITEM 3
C/Tragarz made a motion to approve item 3; seconded by C/Law. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Freedman, Law, Tragarz, Wu
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: Freedman
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis
PUBLIC HEARINGS/ ORDINANCE: None scheduled.
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR:
4. Resolution No. 25-48 - A Resolution of the City of Walnut Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $73,051.06 Demand No. 200334 through No. 200358, Both Inclusive Fiscal Year 2024-25
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-48.
5. Resolution No. 25-49 - A Resolution of the City of Walnut Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $1,724,266.56 Demand No. 200335 through No. 200412, Both Inclusive Fiscal Year 2025-26
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-49.
6. Second Amendment to the Agreement for Professional Services between the City of Walnut and KOA Corporation
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Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute and administer the Second Amendment to the Agreement for Professional Services between the City of Walnut and KOA Corporation, in substantially the form attached hereto, and in such final form as approved by the City Attorney; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute and administer implementing documents and amendments necessary to complete the professional services contemplated by the Agreement, as amended, provided developer funds are available in the project deposit account and the implementing documents and amendments are in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.
7. Second Amendment to Site Lease Agreement with New Cingular Wireless (AT&T) at Snow Creek Park
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the Second Amendment to the Site Lease Agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (“Tenant”).
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Second Amendment to the Site Lease Agreement on behalf of the City Council, in substantially the form attached hereto, and in such final form as may be approved by the City Attorney.
8. Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Walnut and Foothill Transit for Bus Signal Priority Program along Amar Road Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Walnut and Foothill Transit for the installation, operation, and maintenance of bus signal priority (BSP) equipment along Amar Road between Amber Valley Drive and Grand Avenue; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to sign the MOU on behalf of the City in substantially the form attached and in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.
MOTION ON ITEMS 4 THROUGH 8
C/Wu made a motion to approve items 4 - 8; seconded by C/Law. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Freedman, Law, Tragarz, Wu
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis
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COUNCIL DISCUSSION/TRANSACTION ITEMS:
9. Discussion – Potential Dog Park
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Discuss the two sites previously selected by the City Council for potential locations of a dog park in the City of Walnut; and
2. Provide staff with direction.
PWD/Barcelo provided a staff report and mentioned the two potential parks being considered were Snow Creek Park and Walnut Ranch Park North 40. The presentation included schematics of both parks as well as estimated construction costs, which are preliminary and included annual operations and maintenance costs.
She explained that the objective this evening, staff is looking for community feedback and Council direction for the next steps. She mentioned that notices were sent to residences within 500 feet of both respective locations, which is why there was an abundance of comments and community presence this evening.
M/Freedman stated she would like to give the public an opportunity to speak first to allow the City Council to hear public opinions on a potential dog park.
C/Tragarz stated she would like to share the facts and information she researched for the residents to hear this evening relating to having a dog park. She mentioned that both parks being considered this evening are too small for dog parks in comparison to surrounding cities that have dog parks. She shared some information from research she conducted and shared concerns related to dog parks, such as various diseases that can be spread. She cited articles that are available to the public.
M/Freedman asked the other Council members if they wished to make their statements at this time or wait until after the public spoke. She opened comments for the residents at this time and requested that they please limit their comments to three minutes.
There were many members of the public wishing to speak and express their support and opposition to the proposed dog park at one of the two proposed parks.
The following members of the public expressed their opposition to the dog park project: Heinrich Dy, Phoenix, Kylie, six unidentified speakers, Robert Baker, Mark Acosta, Alex, Sed Fulshan, Carla, David, Jeremy, Carey, Aurora Dizon, Jacob Davalos, Trent Dale, Deidre Dale, Anna L., Tyler Dale, Mary Su, Vijay Vakil, Carly, James Kandley, Ken Tragarz, Speaker submitted a petition of 500 signatures opposing a dog park, David Lee, Arthur, Johnny Peng, Richard L, Priscilla, Peter Huang, Lao Joey, Carey Chan and JW.
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The following speakers expressed support of a dog park: Sherie, Shelly Rzonca, Lindy Rzonca, Michael McBride, Matt Rzonca, Lily Rzonca, Betty, Steven Su, Kiana, Laurie, William Harrison, Jodi Lepp, Jonathan Acosta, Antonio Scott, Donna Peterson, and Alejandro Smith.
City Clerk De Dios announced there were approximately 140 emails received from the public that either supported or opposed the dog park. All emails were forwarded to the City Council, and they were posted on the City’s website and will be made part of the record.
M/Freedman closed oral communications at this time and began the discussion amongst the City Council. She mentioned she was an advocate of a dog park in the City. She explained there have been discussions over the past couple of years by the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council, which led to a process to this evening’s discussion and having the two potential parks considered. She mentioned that with the courtesy notice that was sent to the residents near the two potential parks there were a lot of comments and turnout at this meeting which she appreciated. She would like to continue the discussion about having a dog park in the City.
C/Wu thanked the public for their participation in person and by email on this subject and after hearing all the comments this evening he will try to make the best decision for the community.
C/Law thanked everyone for their time and asked for clarification on having reached out to Westhoff Elementary School.
PWD/Barcelo confirmed that staff reached out and provided a courtesy notice to both Westhoff Administration and School District Administration.
C/Law explained she was not involved in the original discussions prior to coming onto Council, but she appreciates all the communications related to this subject.
She is an advocate for any amenity in the City. She expressed her concerns of having this type of amenity near the schools and children; however, she would be open to another location.
C/Tragarz commented on the survey that was brought up at a City event and stated that it was not representative of all residents in the City. She provided a petition of 540 signatures from residents opposing a dog park.
CA/Mann suggested if the City Council wanted to continue a discussion of another park it should be done at another meeting.
M/Freedman suggested bringing back another location for a discussion at a future meeting.
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After discussion amongst the Council, C/Law clarified for audience that the Council was making a motion to discuss the dog park at a future meeting and not on a specific park property.
MOTION ON ITEM 9
C/Tragarz made a motion to not discuss the dog park any further; seconded by C/Wu. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Tragarz, Wu
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Freedman, Law
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis
The motion failed.
In response to M/Freedman, CA/Mann asked if the City Council wished to continue until all five members of the City Council were present.
M/Freedman said she would make an alternative motion to continue this discussion when all five council members are present.
C/Tragarz made a substitute motion that the Snow Creek Park and Walnut Ranch Park North 40 be removed as potential dog park locations.
CA/Mann asked C/Tragarz if it was an amendment to the motion.
There was discussion amongst the City Council on clear motion.
SECOND MOTION ON ITEM 9
C/Law made a motion to remove the Snow Creek Park and Walnut Ranch Park North 40 from further discussion and extend the potential dog park discussion to a future date when all five councilmembers are present; second by M/Freedman.
Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Freedman, Law, Wu
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Tragarz
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis
Discussion continued amongst the City Council and staff about setting up a future meeting or study session date for the dog park discussion.
CM/Weiner said this item will not be brought back in two weeks since staff need to organize and conduct further study of possible locations. He mentioned it will be brought back as a study session in the near future.
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Discussion continued amongst the City Council on reaching out to residents and bring back the option of Country Hollow Park.
PWD/Barcelo stated that staff is clear on the direction.
ANNOUNCEMENTS (COUNCIL MEMBERS AND STAFF):
A. Councilmembers’ report on meetings attended at the expense of the local agency
B. Individual Members’ comments and updates
C/Wu attended grand opening of Starbucks on 9/4 and on 9/6 attended Tai Ji Men Academy event and met with Dr. Garcia of Mt. SAC.
C/Law acknowledged recent political events and stated that she condemned all forms of political violence. She further stated that she attended the following events: Starbucks ribbon cutting at the Terraces on 9/4; the Tai Ji Men Academy 25th Anniversary event on 9/6; the Mt. SAC football game on 9/6; and the Celebration of Life for Trish Montreuil, former President of the Senior Club, on 8/31. She requested to adjourn in her memory.
COUNCIL LATE BUSINESS: None scheduled.
CLOSED SESSION: None scheduled.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the City Council adjourned the regular meeting at 11:22 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 8th day of October 2025.
_______________________________
Linda Freedman, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Teresa De Dios, City Clerk
PREPARED BY:
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Jackie Cortez, Administrative Services Specialist