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January 28, 2026 – Minutes Page 1
CALL TO ORDER: MPT/Wu called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: MPT/Wu led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: M/Cajulis (attending remotely), MPT/Wu, C/Freedman, C/Law, C/Tragarz
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Also present: City Manager Weiner; City Attorney Leibold; Community Development Director Vasquez, Public Works Director Barcelo; Community Services Director Bumia; Finance Director Merkel; Deputy Director of Community Development Guerra; Building Official Tao; Senior Management Analyst Munoz; Senior Management Analyst Markel; Administrative Services Officer Ramos; Community Relations Officer Maio; and City Clerk De Dios.
INVOCATION– NON-DENOMINATIONAL: Dr. Charlyn Hiebert from Harvest (Rock) International Ministry led the invocation.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Recognition of Firefighter/Paramedic Roland Meza – Fire Station 61 Council presented Firefighter/Paramedic Roland Meza with a certificate of recognition honoring his selection as the Firefighter of the Year. Council thanked him for his service. • Recognition of Leticia Pacillas, former LACoFD Community Services Liaison, for her years of service to the community
Council presented Leticia Pacillas with a certificate of recognition for her 23 years of service. Council thanked her for her service and wished her a happy retirement. • Public Safety Quarterly Reports
Lieutenant Ann Orozco provided a brief overview of crime statistics and noted that the general trend was decreasing. Council thanked the Sheriff’s Department for their hard work.
Acting Assistant Fire Chief Gamble provided an overview of the Fire safety statistics.
WALNUT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL:
LV Frazier, Library Manager at Walnut Library, provided an update on upcoming activities and programming. She encouraged residents to go onto the Library’s website for more registration information.
William Harrison spoke regarding having a monument placed at Diversity Plaza.
MINUTES:
1. Approval of the January 14, 2026 City Council Meeting MOTION ON ITEM 1
C/Law made a motion to approve Item 1; second by C/Freedman. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Wu, Freedman, Law, Tragarz NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS/ ORDINANCE:
2. (Brookside) – A proposal to subdivide a 25.84 – acre property into twentyseven (27) residential lots, and other on–site improvements for the development of twenty–seven (27) single–family, detached homes at 800 Meadow Pass Road (APN: 8709-093-001, -002, & -300)
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Open the Public Hearing;
2. Hear the Staff Report;
3. Solicit public input on this item;
4. Discuss
5. Close the Public Hearing; and
6. Pursuant to Walnut Municipal Code (WMC) Section 6.80.160(B), consider the Planning Commission’s decision approving the Brookside project, including the following Resolution(s):
a. Resolution No. 26-05, certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) based on the Statement of Findings, incorporating the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) into the Project’s Condition(s) of Approval (COA); and
b. Resolution No. 26-06, approving Tentative Tract Map (TTM) No. 72798, consistent with, and as mandated by, Senate Bill (SB) 330, the Housing Crisis Act of 2019.
MPT/Wu opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m.
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Deputy Director of Community Development Guerra provided a staff report and noted that the applicant had modified the path of travel of the proposed trail to avoid impacting the existing culvert and creek. She provided an updated Resolution 26- 05 to the Council, which included the following updated language under Section 2:
“Based upon the factual detail set forth in the FEIR, the City Council finds that (1) the Level of Impact for each impact area analyzed in the FEIR will either be “no impact,” or “less than significant impact” with or without implementation of Mitigation Measures; and (2) that overall, the Project will have fewer environmental impacts than any of the Alternatives analyzed in the FEIR while also meeting the Project Objectives.” Scott Ashlock provided a presentation with updated proposal details, including new trail, sidewalk, and tree details. He noted that easement and trail would be dedicated to the City after being built to City standards.
Tim Paone spoke regarding the open space areas and easement, breaking it down into three layers; the bottom layer of open easements will be restricted and unavailable to owners; the second layer will be the Brookside Trail, which will be a separate easement to the City; the last layer would be the conservation easement, in the context of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). He stated that an HOA will not be qualified to maintain that property. Some entities, like the Watershed Conservation Authority, are interested, but discussions are still being held with interested agencies.
In response to an inquiry from M/Cajulis regarding the trail relocation, the developer stated that the previous design utilized the existing culvert, and as part of the conditions that came from the Planning Commission, the new proposal would renovate the design to avoid impacting the culvert.
Discussion continued regarding the trail, bridge, and overall Project.
In response to an inquiry from C/Freedman regarding the condition from the Planning Commission, CDD/Vasquez read for the record that “prior to the issuance of the grading permit, the developer shall provide detailed structural and hydraulic calculations for all of the existing proposed equestrian slash hiking trail culvert crossings within the proposed development, verifying the integrity and capacity of the structures. If the culvert crossing structural and hydraulic calculations do not meet California Building Code or Walnut Municipal Code standards, the culvert crossings shall be modified or replaced to meet the standards of the California Building Code or Walnut Municipal Code.”
Discussion ensued regarding the Project conditions, where the developer’s representatives stated that the condition related to the culvert crossing was added less than forty – eight (48) hours prior to the Planning Commission meeting, and therefore they were not afforded the amount of time to analyze if such a condition JANUARY 28, 2026 – CC
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could affect the Environmental Impact Report, or cause environmental impacts to the culvert and creek.
CM/Weiner clarified that the condition related to the trail and culvert crossing was part of the original conditions presented to the Planning Commission nearly one (1) week prior to the Commission meeting.
CA/Leibold stated for the record that the second part of the condition of approval may be revised to “If the culvert crossing structural and hydraulic calculations do not meet the California Building Code or Walnut Municipal Code standards, then the trail will be reconfigured as defined with the jog to avoid impacts to the stream.” Mark Krebs of PACE spoke regarding the hydrology report related to the Project.
Eric Turner of VCS Environmental stated that the detailed hydraulic analysis is included in the EIR and spoke about the culvert.
Discussion continued regarding the culvert, the bridge, CEQA, and the current, vertical trash rack.
Council inquired about the possibility of including picnic tables, benches, and/or public amenities. Discussion ensued regarding public amenities and finances.
MPT/Wu opened public comment.
Jamie Stanford stated that she opposed the project and asked the Council to vote no.
Ken Hoard thanked the developers for maintaining the property and inquired who would be responsible for maintenance in the future.
Lorraine Francis commented on the consistency of posts and rails for equestrians and inquired as to what the official name of the property would be in the future.
Caitlyn stated their opposition to the Project and stated that the property should be restored.
William Harrison spoke regarding the possibility of using the property as a park.
Nicholas Hernandez spoke regarding SB330 and housing requirements and stated his support for the Project.
Jim Dixon Jr. commented on the Project and stated his support.
Vijay Vakil commented on the Project and stated his opposition.
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In response to an inquiry from C/Freedman, CDD/Vasquez stated the green space would be maintained by the HOA or conservancy. The developer noted that this is pending discussion and negotiation with conservancy agencies.
Further discussion ensued regarding the developer’s potential financial contributions for public benches and tables.
MPT/Wu thanked everyone for their participation.
CA/Leibold explained the limited discretion that the City has regarding the Project.
Discussion continued regarding the Project requirements and trail kiosks.
MPT/Wu closed the public hearing at 10:17 p.m.
MOTION ON ITEM 2
MPT/Wu made a motion to continue the Project to a later date to discuss further environmental impacts, specifically related to hydrology.
There being no second, motion failed.
MOTION ON ITEM 2 - Recommendation 6a
C/Tragarz made a motion to approve the updated Resolution No. 26-05 Resolution No. 26-06; second by C/Freedman. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Law, Tragarz
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Wu
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
MOTION ON ITEM 2 - Recommendation 6b
C/Tragarz made a motion to approve approving Tentative Tract Map (TTM) No. 72798, consistent with, and as mandated by, Senate Bill (SB) 330, the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 with the change in the Conditions of Approval as read into the record by the City Attorney, additional requirements as discussed, and trail signage; second by C/Freedman. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Tragarz
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Wu, Law
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
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COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR:
3. Resolution No. 26-04 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Walnut Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $1,106,699.73, Demand No. 201045 Through No. 201121, Both Inclusive Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-04.
4. Agreement for Vendor Services with Facility Solutions Group for $88,665.34 for LED Lighting Upgrades at the Teen Center, Public Works Yard, and City Hall Exterior Walkways/Parking Areas
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve an Agreement for Vendor Services with Facility Solutions Group (FSG) in the amount of $88,665.34 for the purchase and installation of LED lighting upgrades at the Teen Center, Public Works Yard, and City Hall exterior walkways and parking areas;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City in substantially the form attached and in such final form as approved by the City Attorney;
3. Authorize staff to issue a Purchase Order to Facility Solutions Group consistent with the attached work orders and scopes, in a total amount not to exceed $88,665.34; and
4. Authorize staff to issue change orders to Facility Solutions Group, as necessary, in an amount not to exceed 10% of the Agreement ($8,866.53) for project contingencies.
5. Agreement for Vendor Services with Facility Solutions Group for $13,744.24 for Park N Ride LED Fixture Replacement and Appropriation of Restricted METRO Proposition A Funds (Fund 23) to the Project
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve $13,744.24 from restricted METRO Proposition A Fund Reserves (Fund 23) for the Park N Ride LED Fixture Replacement Project; and
2. Approve an Agreement for Vendor Services with Facility Solutions Group (FSG) in the amount of $13,744.24 for the purchase and installation of LED pole light fixtures at the Park N Ride Lot;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City in substantially the form attached and in such final form as approved by the City Attorney;
4. Authorize staff to issue a Purchase Order to Facility Solutions Group consistent with the attached work order and scope, in a total amount not to exceed $13,744.24; and
5. Authorize staff to issue change orders to Facility Solutions Group, as necessary, in an amount not to exceed 10% of the Agreement ($1,374.42) for project contingencies.
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6. Notice of Decision – January 21, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Receive and File the “Notice of Decision” by the Planning Commission (PC) at its January 21, 2026 Meeting, for the following Item(s)/Project(s):
a. Site Plan Case & Architectural Review (SPC/AR) 2026-001 – A request to permit a grading project consisting of moving approximately 49 cubic yards of dirt and the construction of a retaining wall to create a new building pad, on the subject property located at 748 Bonnie Claire, Walnut, CA 91789 (APN: 8735-051-016).
MOTION ON ITEMS 3 - 6
C/Law made a motion to approve items 3 - 6; second by C/Freedman. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Wu, Freedman, Law, Tragarz NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
COUNCIL DISCUSSION/TRANSACTION ITEMS: None scheduled.
ANNOUNCEMENTS (COUNCIL MEMBERS AND STAFF):
A. Councilmembers’ report on meetings attended at the expense of the local agency
M/Cajulis stated that he was attending the US Conference of Mayors in Washington DC and thanked Staff for their hard work.
C/Law stated that she attended the Industry Hills Rotary Club Women’s Recognition Dinner and the Cal Cities Public Safety Policy Committee in Sacramento. She encouraged everyone to attend the Lunar New Year event in February.
MPT/Wu stated that he attended the San Gabriel Valley Council of Government meeting.
B. Individual Members’ comments and updates
C/Freedman thanked City Staff for all their work on the Brookside Project.
MPT/Wu stated that he attended public safety meetings with the Three Oak community, the Belgate community, and the Walnut Canyon community. He thanked City Staff and law enforcement for their hard work.
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COUNCIL LATE BUSINESS: None scheduled.
CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNS TO THE WALNUT HOUSING AUTHORITY
CALL TO ORDER: Authority Vice Chair Wu called the meeting to order at 10:36 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:
7. Resolution No. 26-01 WHA - A Resolution of the Walnut Housing Authority Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $43,693.34 Demand No. 100512 through No. 100513, Both Inclusive, Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recommendation: That the Authority adopt Resolution No. 26-01 WHA.
MOTION ON ITEM 7
AM/Law made a motion to approve Item 7; seconded by AM/Freedman. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: Cajulis, Wu, Law, Freedman, Tragarz NOES: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: 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:
The City Attorney announced the closed session and recessed at 10:36 p.m.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Gov’t Code Section 54956.9) Name of cases: Alex Ren v. City of Walnut et al (Case No. 2:25-CV-25-10718-JLS and FPPC Complaint No. COM10092025-03383) B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANITICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Gov’t Code Section 54956.9: 1 potential case
RECONVENE COUNCIL MEETING AND ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTION:
The meeting was reconvened at 11:43 p.m. with no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the City Council adjourned the regular meeting at 11:43 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 11th day of February 2026.
_______________________________
Ritchie Cajulis, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Teresa De Dios, City Clerk
PREPARED BY:
_______________________________________
Jackie Cortez, Administrative Services Specialist