NOVEMBER 12, 2025 – CC
November 12, 2025 – Minutes Page 1
CALL TO ORDER: M/Cajulis called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: C/Freedman led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: M/Cajulis, MPT/Wu, C/Freedman, C/Law, C/Tragarz ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Also present: City Manager Weiner; Acting City Attorney Mann; Community Development Director Vasquez, Public Works Director Barcelo; Community Services Director Bumia; Finance Director Merkel; Deputy Director of Community Development Guerra; 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 Rian Emano from Vineyard of Hope Church, Walnut led the invocation.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Pets of the Month: Scout – 1-year-old Female German Shepherd Mix, and Mercury & Moonpie - 9-week-old Male Domestic Shorthair Cats
City Staff presented a video on the Pets of the Month, Scout, Mercury, and Moonpie. • Recognition of Helen Hall, Board Member - Walnut Valley Unified School District Council presented a certificate of recognition to Helen Hall, who has served as a Board Member for the Walnut Valley Unified School District for more than 40 years. Council thanked her for her contributions to the community.
• Recognition of the “Walnut Warriors” - National Junior Basketball Fall League Division 3, Bronze Division Champions
Council presented certificates, pencils, and pins to each of the team members. • Recognition of the “Walnut Lightnings” - National Junior Basketball Fall League Division 4, Champions
Council presented certificates, pencils, and pins to each of the team members.
WALNUT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 12, 2025 – CC
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Acting City Attorney Mann announced the City was served with a lawsuit on Monday, November 10th after the posting of the City Council agenda, action is entitled Ren v. City of Walnut et. al US District Court Case No. CV 25-10178. Since there is no second meeting in November, there is a need for action this evening by the City Council. He requested that this item be added to the end of the agenda under Closed Session. He explained that the authority of G.C. 54954.12 does require a four fifths vote of the Council to add an item on the agenda.
MOTION TO ADD ITEM
MPT/Wu made a motion to add the item stated by Acting City Attorney Mann as a Closed Session item; seconded by C/Law. Motion carried by the following electronic vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Law, Tragarz, Wu NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Acting City Attorney Mann said this item will be brought back under Closed Session this evening ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL:
William Harrison made comments about the recognition of Helen Hall; complained of the City not being maintained and asked Council to walk around the City to observe and address resident concerns.
David Liu stated his opposition to the possibility of a dog park in Walnut and shared that he conducted his own survey of his neighborhood which resulted in a majority opposition. He would like to see the City Council address security issues and bring in more markets in to the City.
MINUTES:
1. Approval of the October 8, 2025 City Council/WHA meeting MOTION ON ITEM 1
M/Cajulis made a motion to approve Item 1; second by C/Law. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Law, Freedman
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: Wu, Tragarz
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
2. Approval of the October 22, 2025 City Council meeting MOTION ON ITEM 2
C/Law made a motion to approve Item 2; second by MPT/Wu. Motion carried by the following vote:
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AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Wu, Law, Freedman, Tragarz NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS/ ORDINANCE:
3. Ordinance No. 25-06 – Compensation for Members of the City Council Recommendation: It is recommended that City Council introduce by title only and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 25-06, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Walnut, California, amending Section 1.08.040(I) of the Walnut Municipal Code to increase City Council Compensation.”
Administrative Services Officer Ramos provided a brief staff report on the item.
M/Cajulis opened the public hearing.
William Harrison spoke in favor of the Ordinance and asked Council to improve the City.
No other person from the public wished to speak.
C/Law stated that she wanted to table this item to a budget meeting in the future.
C/Freedman stated her support for the Ordinance since the City Council has not an increase in the last 25 years.
C/Tragarz stated her support and suggested making a compromise.
MOTION ON ITEM 3
C/Freedman made a motion to approve and introduce Ordinance No. 25-06; second by M/Cajulis. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Tragarz
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Wu
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: Law
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
M/Cajulis closed the Public Hearing at 7:47 p.m.
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR:
4. Resolution No. 25-53 - A Resolution of the City of Walnut Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $915,824.26 Demand No. 200621 through No. 200721, Both Inclusive Fiscal Year 2025-26
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Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-53.
5. Resolution No. 25-54 – Walnut Dial-A-Cab Program Modification(s): Service Area Adjustment(s)
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Hear the Staff Report; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 25-54, approving modifications to the Walnut Dial-A-Cab (DAC) program to revise the service area boundary and update the list of Special Service Areas.
7. Tract No. 82985 (Valley Lofts) Final Acceptance
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve Tract No. 82985;
2. Accept on behalf of the City, the dedication of easements for fire lane, public utility, sanitary sewer, and ingress and egress purposes so designated on the Tract 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.
MOTION ON ITEMS 4, 5, and 7
MPT/Wu made a motion to approve Items 4, 5, and 7; second by C/Law. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Wu, Freedman, Law, Tragarz NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ITEM PULLED FOR DISCUSSION
6. Economic Development (Special Event): 2026 Taste of Walnut Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve Walnut Valley Educational Foundation (WVEF) as being the event local non-profit for the Taste of Walnut (TOW) event;
2. Approve the beer and wine garden at and during the TOW as outlined in Ordinance No. 22-05; and
3. Authorize the appropriation of $55,000 (not to exceed) from the collected Development Agreement Fund(s) (01-2200).
Director of Community Services Bumia presented a brief staff report. The event will be scheduled for March 21, 2026 from 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Suzanne Park Parking Lot.
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C/Tragarz thanked staff for always doing a great job with the City events. She expressed some concerns about the security of the beer and wine area that she experienced in prior years. She is also concerned on the overall expenses of the event. She expressed her support in having a Family Festival.
There was discussion amongst the City Council regarding the costs of the event, having enough businesses participated to offset the costs to the City and promote the businesses in the City.
William Harrison spoke regarding the Taste of Walnut event benefiting the school district, he supports the event but would like to see a larger festival at the park.
MOTION ON ITEM 6
MPT/Wu made a motion to approve Item 6; second by C/Freedman. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Wu, Freedman
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: Law, Tragarz
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
COUNCIL DISCUSSION/TRANSACTION ITEMS:
8. Discussion and Direction Regarding Valley Vista Services Annual Rate Adjustment Request
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Discuss the proposed rate increases;
2. Provide direction to staff on which rate adjustment option (annual CPI increase only or full adjustment including landfill cost impacts) Council approves; and
3. Direct Staff to bring back a rate increase with a Resolution at the following City Council Meeting.
Senior Management Analyst Munoz provided a brief staff report on the item. She provided the following: Option 1 – Direct staff to bring to bring back a resolution approving only the annual CPI adjustment of 3.21%; or Option 2 – Direct staff to bring back a resolution approving the full 9.34% adjustment, which includes both the CPI and the extraordinary adjustment related to landfill closures and disposal cost increases.
There was discussion amongst the City Council and staff relating to the proposed options 1 and 2 on the rate adjustments, suggest a compromise on the landfill cost impacts.
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David Perez, President of Valley Vista Services, expressed his appreciation in providing service in the City. He explained they have passed on CPI increases in the past. He provided clarification for the increase being requested, one of the larger landfills in Santa Clarita closed due to landfill fire, which caused the company to find new landfills. The rates for his company increased and now wastes have to be distributed towards Capistrano, there also was increases in labor, fuel and insurance cost which affects the business. He explained they are only asking what is fair due to the circumstances and he is willing to work with staff.
William Harrison spoke in support of the service provided by Valley Vista Services.
C/Law said she was pleased with the service provided by Valley Vista.
M/Cajulis said he was in favor of doing a compromise.
MOTION ON ITEM 8
C/Freedman made a motion to approve Option 2- Direct staff to prepare a resolution approving the 9.34 adjustment which includes the CPI; second by MPT/Wu. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Wu, Freedman, Law
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: Tragarz
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
9. Request for Council Direction on Proposal to Name the Playground at Snow Creek Park in Honor of Former Councilmember Bob Pacheco Recommendation: Staff is requesting City Council direction regarding a request to name the existing playground at Snow Creek Park in honor of former Councilmember Bob Pacheco. Specifically, staff seeks guidance on the following:
1. Whether to proceed with naming the playground;
2. The preferred name designation; and
3. If approved, how the City should commemorate the naming.
Director of Public Works Barcelo presented a brief staff report on the Item.
William Harrison spoke in favor of this item.
C/Tragarz commended PWD/Barcelo for the hard work on the project at Snow Creek Park. She spoke in opposition of the Item.
MPT/Wu, C/Freedman, and M/Cajulis spoke in favor of naming the playground after Former Councilmember Bob Pacheco.
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C/Law stated that she would be in support of a bench with the family’s name on it.
PWD/Barcelo asked if the name would be Pacheco Playground.
CM/Weiner suggested staff may bring back variable options on the naming of the playground and budget in the future.
MOTION ON ITEM 9
MPT/Wu made a motion to approve Item 9; second by M/Cajulis. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Wu, Freedman, Law
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Tragarz
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/Law stated she attended Mostly Ghostly and the ribbon cutting Ceremony at LuvChCh; attended the Sheriff’s Department Haunted Jail; Dolly Parton Library event, and the City’s Veterans Dinner.
C/Freedman stated that she attended the ribbon cutting Ceremony at LuvChCh, and the Dolly Parton Library event.
MPT/Wu stated that he attended Los Angeles District Attorney Public Safety Meeting, the ribbon cutting Ceremony at LuvChCh, and the City’s Veterans Dinner.
C/Tragarz stated she attended Mostly Ghostly and the ribbon cutting Ceremony at LuvChCh.
M/Cajulis stated he attended Mostly Ghostly, the ribbon cutting Ceremony at LuvChCh, the Sheriff’s Department Haunted Jail, and the City’s Veterans Dinner.
B. Individual Members’ comments and updates
C/Law stated that she attended the Walnut Valley Rotary Club Meeting and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
M/Cajulis stated that he attended the Walnut Valley Rotary Club Meeting.
MPT/Wu stated that he attended events for Angeles College and St. Lorenzo Ruiz.
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COUNCIL LATE BUSINESS: None scheduled.
CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNS TO THE WALNUT HOUSING AUTHORITY
CALL TO ORDER: Authority Chair Cajulis called the meeting to order at 9:02 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:
10. Resolution No. 25-11 WHA - A Resolution of the Walnut Housing Authority Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $54,135.46 Demand No. 100506 Through No. 100507, Both Inclusive Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recommendation: That the Authority adopt Resolution No. 25-11WHA MOTION ON ITEM 10
AM/Law made a motion to approve Item 10; second by VC/Wu. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Wu, Law, Freedman, Tragarz NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
AUTHORITY DISCUSSION/TRANSACTION ITEMS: None scheduled.
AUTHORITY LATE BUSINESS: None scheduled.
AUTHORITY ADJOURNS TO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WALNUT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING
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CLOSED SESSION: Council went into Closed Session at 9:06 p.m.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL--EXISTING LITIGATION
Existing litigation pursuant to G.C. Section 54956.9(d):
Alex Ren v. City of Walnut 1 potential case
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTION The meeting reconvened at 9:41 p.m. with no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the City Council adjourned the regular meeting at 9:41 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 10th day of December 2025.
_______________________________
Ritchie Cajulis, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Teresa De Dios, City Clerk
PREPARED BY:
_______________________________________
Jackie Cortez, Administrative Services Specialist