SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 – CC
September 24, 2025 – Minutes Page 1
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Freedman called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
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; 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 James Sudarsono from City Blessing Church provided the invocation.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Pets of the Month: Chiquita - 10-month-old Female Chinese Sharpei Mix Cheddar - 8-week-old Male Domestic Shorthair Cat
City Staff presented a video on the Pets of the Month, Chiquita and Cheddar.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL:
William Harrison commented on how the City recognizes the different ethnic groups, suggested the land behind the Fire Department be used for a dog park, and complimented the grand opening of Snow Creek Park. He stated that he would like the citizens involved with Diversity Plaza and Snow Creek to be further recognized.
WALNUT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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Tony Cartagena offered his congratulations to Ritchie Cajulis in his new position as Mayor, and he shared that he served on the City Council for 16 years.
M/Freedman closed the oral communications and stated she would release the gavel to the City Attorney.
Acting City Attorney Mann explained the process of the Council Reorganization. He briefly announced to the audience who wished to provide congratulatory comments or certificates for outgoing/incoming Mayor to please wait until they have been sworn in and provide the certificates to the City Clerk. He said there will be a photo opportunity during the reception following the conclusion of the meeting.
COUNCIL REORGANIZATION:
1. Annual Reorganization of the City Council to Select the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
Recommendation: That the City Council select a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem in accordance with the prescribed nomination procedures.
Acting City Attorney Mann opened the floor for nominations for Mayor of the City of Walnut.
C/Freedman nominated MPT/Cajulis for Mayor. There were no other nominations.
The City Clerk took a voice vote roll call and asked each Councilmember to announce their nomination, all responded Ritchie Cajulis.
VOICE VOTE FOR RITCHIE CAJULIS AS MAYOR
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Ching, Freedman, Tragarz, Wu NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
There being no further nominations for Mayor and it being a majority vote, City Clerk De Dios declared Ritchie Cajulis, Mayor of Walnut.
The Oath of Office was administered to Mayor Cajulis by Father Tony of St.
Lorenzo Church; his wife and daughter were present.
Father Tony expressed his congratulations to Mayor Cajulis and stated he has enjoyed working in the City of Walnut.
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M/Cajulis expressed his appreciation to all the guests, residents, and dignitaries present this evening. He stated that he looks forward to serving as Mayor of the City of Walnut. He acknowledged former Mayor/Councilmember Bob Pacheco and his wife Gayle; Father Tony; Former Mayor/Councilmember Tony Cartagena; Mayor/Councilmember Mary Su; Former Planning Commissioner Benjamin Natividad; his close friends and Rowland Unified School District Superintendent Mr. Flores and the Board of Directors; his colleagues and City Manager and City Staff and the Sheriff’s Department; St. Lorenzo community and Mayor of Cerritos and his daughter Janelle and wife Geri, and close relatives. He thanked everyone for celebrating this moment with him.
M/Cajulis opened nominations for Mayor Pro Tem.
C/Tragarz nominated Allen Wu for Mayor Pro Tem.
The City Clerk took a voice vote roll call and asked each Councilmember to announce their nomination, all responded Dr. Allen Wu.
VOICE VOTE FOR DR. ALLEN WU AS MAYOR PRO TEM
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Ching, Freedman, Tragarz, Wu NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
There being no further nominations for Mayor Pro Tem and it being a majority vote, City Clerk declared Dr. Allen Wu as Mayor Pro Tem.
MPT/Wu was administered the Oath of Office by his son Arthur, his family, and his wife.
MPT/Wu expressed his appreciation to all the guests present and stated he is very proud of his City and looks forward to serving the City.
City Clerk De Dios requested all members of the City Council take their new seats and for the remainder of the meeting voice votes be taken.
MINUTES: None scheduled.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/ ORDINANCE:
2. Continued: Declaration of Public Nuisance for a Substandard Property located at 20300 Carrey Road (APN: 8720-024-034)
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Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Open the Public Hearing;
2. Hear the Staff Report;
3. Solicit public input on this item;
4. City Council Discussion;
5. Close the Public Hearing; and
6. Direct Staff to close out the Code Violation
M/Cajulis opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.
DCDD/Guerra reported this item was continued from the August 27, 2025, meeting and stated the property owner has cleaned up the site and no violations currently exist at this time and staff requests to close out the violation.
William Harrison inquired if the fine was going to be waived.
No other person wished to speak on this item.
M/Cajulis moved to close the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.
MOTION ON ITEM 2
C/Freedman made a motion to dismiss the declaration of public nuisance; seconded by MPT/Wu. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Law, Tragarz, Wu NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
3. Ordinance No. 25-05 - Prohibiting Parking, Standing, and Stopping on Alley Ways
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council introduce by title only and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 25-05, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Walnut amending the Walnut Municipal Code to Add Section
3.32.065 pertaining to parking, standing, and stopping restrictions on alley ways in the City of Walnut.”
M/Cajulis opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m.
CE/Gilbertson presented the staff report on this item.
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Regina Mexia, a 50-year resident of Walnut, stated that she lives in the area where the alley way in question is, and mentioned that the businesses have been parking their vehicles and obstruct their driveway.
Lorraine Martinez, 50-year resident, lives near the alley way and expressed her support for the ordinance.
MOTION ON ITEM 3
MPT/Wu made a motion to approve item 3; seconded by C/Law. 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:
4. Resolution No. 25-50 - A Resolution of the City of Walnut Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $842,369.28 Demand No. 200413 through No. 200481, Both Inclusive Fiscal Year 2025-26
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-50.
5. Ordinance No. 25-01: Clean Air Ordinance the prohibition of smoking in designated areas
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt, by title only, and waiver further reading of Ordinance No. 25-01, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Walnut, Amending Title III, Section 3.48.300 (No smoking in designated areas), of the Walnut Municipal Code (WMC).”
6. Parcel Map No. 83846 Final Acceptance
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve Parcel Map No. 83846
2. Accept on behalf of the city, the dedication of easements for sanitary sewer purposes so designated on the Final Parcel Map
3. Authorize the City Clerk and City Treasurer to endorse the certificates as shown on the Final Tract Map; and
4. Authorize the Mayor to execute the Subdivision Agreement SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 – CC
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7. Authorization to Enter the Proposed Purdue/Sackler National Opioid Settlement and Secondary Manufacturers National Opioid Settlement Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute documents necessary to enter the proposed Purdue/Sackler national opioid settlement in addition to the Secondary Manufacturers national opioid settlement.
8. FY 2024-25 Area 5 Slurry Seal Project – Final Acceptance Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Accept the work performed by Pavement Coatings Co., Inc. for the FY 2024- 25 Area 5 Slurry Seal Project; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to file the proper “Notice of Completion.”
9. Cancellation of Certain City Council/Walnut Housing Authority (WHA) Meeting(s) During November/December 2025
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the cancellation of the following City Council and WHA meeting(s):
1. November 26, 2025.
2. December 24, 2025.
10. Notice of Decision – September 17, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Receive and File the “Notice of Decision” by the Planning Commission at its September 17, 2025 Meeting for the following Item(s)/Project(s):
a) Site Plan Case & Architectural Review (SPC/AR) 2024-094; and b) Site Plan Case & Architectural Review (SPC/AR) 2025-035.
MOTION ON ITEMS 4 THROUGH 10
C/Wu made a motion to approve items 4 - 10; seconded by C/Freedman. 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: None scheduled.
ANNOUNCEMENTS (COUNCIL MEMBERS AND STAFF):
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A. Councilmembers’ report on meetings attended at the expense of the local agency
B. Individual Members’ comments and updates
MPT/Wu attended the following events: 9/21 Walnut High School CAPA Event, where he presented certificates to encourage High School students to participate in community service; 9/22 with Three Oaks community in regard to public safety; 9/24 attended business watch program and the snow creek park playground grand opening.
C/Tragarz attended the following events: 9/18 new business Kabob grand opening; 9/17 Helen Hall Governance Room Ribbon cutting ceremony; ALADS meeting on fighting against crime; and 9/24 Snow Creek ribbon cutting.
C/Law thanked C/Freedman for her leadership during her term as Mayor and congratulated incoming Mayor Cajulis; she attended the following events: 5K in Long Beach for fundraiser in raising awareness for genetic conditions; Senior Center Art Exhibit; Mt. SAC grand opening Cultural Student Center; Helen Hall Ribbon cutting ceremony; Kabob Station grand opening; USC EXED Forum next week; API Event; Walnut Business Watch Meeting; and the grand opening of Snow Creek Park playground.
C/Freedman attended the following: Church of Latter-Day Saints event; Westhoff Elementary local government event; and the Snow Creek grand opening. She congratulated Mayor Cajulis and Mayor Pro Tem Wu and stated that she looks forward to their leadership. She said this has been a great year and there is a surplus of 4 million dollars. She also spoke of new businesses coming into the city and encouraged businesses to become involved. She thanked the Sheriff’s Department for their hard work. She stated that she appreciates the Staff in the City and is honored to have served as Mayor.
M/Cajulis attended the Helen Hall Governance Hall grand opening, Business Watch Meeting, and the Snow Creek Park grand opening of playground. He thanked former Mayor Freedman for her leadership and stated that he appreciated all the guests at the meeting this evening. He acknowledged the new Lt. at Sheriff Station, Planning Commissioner Fernando Perez, and Stephen Coronel, Representative from Assemblywoman Lisa Calderon’s office.
Each of the Councilmembers thanked former Mayor Freedman for her leadership.
COUNCIL LATE BUSINESS: None scheduled.
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COUNCIL ADJOURNS TO WALNUT HOUSING AUTHORITY
CALL TO ORDER: Authority Chair Cajulis
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY: None.
AUTHORITY PUBLIC HEARINGS: None scheduled.
AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR:
11. Resolution No. 25-10 WHA - A Resolution of the Walnut Housing Authority Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $34,204.37 Demand No. 100505 Through No. 100505, Both Inclusive Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recommendation: That the Authority adopt Resolution No. 25-10 WHA.
MOTION ON ITEM 11
VC/Wu made a motion to approve item 11; seconded by AM/Tragarz. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Law, Tragarz, Wu NOES: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: None
AUTHORITY DISCUSSION/TRANSACTION ITEMS: None scheduled.
AUTHORITY LATE BUSINESS:
At this time, Acting City Attorney Mann reminded M/Cajulis that there were members in the audience that wished to make presentations and open oral communications.
Stephen Coronel, Field Representative from Assemblymember Lisa Calderon’s office, provided certificates for Incoming and Outgoing Mayor.
WALNUT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING
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Alex Flores, Superintendent of RUSD presented a certificate to recognize outgoing Mayor Linda Freedman and expressed appreciation for being included.
Agnes Gonzalez, President of RUSD and Senior Commissioner, presented incoming Mayor Ritchie Cajulis with a certificate and stated that she looked forward to working together.
Speaker expressed his congratulations to the incoming Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
There being no one wishing to speak, M/Cajulis closed oral communications.
Staff invited everyone to join the City Council for light refreshments in the Vejar Room.
CLOSED SESSION: None scheduled.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the City Council adjourned the regular meeting at 8:10 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 22nd day of October 2025.
_______________________________
Ritchie Cajulis, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Teresa De Dios, City Clerk
PREPARED BY:
_______________________________________
Jackie Cortez, Administrative Services Specialist