MARCH 11, 2026 – CC
March 11, 2026 – Minutes Page 1
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Cajulis called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: C/Tragarz led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: M/Cajulis, C/Freedman, C/Law, C/Tragarz ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MPT/Wu ( Arrived at 7:18pm)
Also present: City Manager Weiner; City Attorney Leibold; Community Development Director Vasquez, Public Works Director Barcelo; Administrative Services Director Carlson; Finance Director Merkel; Deputy Director of Community Development Guerra; Senior Management Analyst Garcia; Administrative Services Officer Ramos; Assistant City Clerk Markel; and Admin Services Specialist Cortez.
INVOCATION– NON-DENOMINATIONAL: Pastor Him Djuhana of City Blessing Church provided the invocation.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Recognition of Deputy Sanford of the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station M/Cajulis and the Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Deputy Joe Sanford of the Walnut Sheriff’s Department for his courageous service. • Women’s History Month Proclamation
City Council proclaimed the month of March as Women’s History Month and presented the proclamation to the Walnut Valley Women’s Club.
• American Red Cross Month Proclamation
City Council proclaimed the month of March as American Red Cross and presented the proclamation to the representative Annette O’Neal.
MPT/Wu arrived to the meeting at 7:18 p.m.
WALNUT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 11, 2026 – CC
March 11, 2026 – Minutes Page 2
• Los Angeles County Sanitation District – Proposed 2026 Wastewater Service Presentation
Martha Tremblay, Assistant Chief Engineer, provided a presentation regarding the proposed LACSD water waste service fee increase.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL:
Linda Heidi expressed concerns regarding increases in water charges and what the City is doing about replacing Stater Brothers market.
Wendy Wong stated she lived in the Timberline area and is also concerned with increases in water bills and the possibility of a data center being built in the City of Industry.
Gregg Fritchle expressed concern of a data center being proposed in the nearby city of City of Industry and wants to know if the city will take a stance.
In response to an inquiry by MPT/Wu, CA/Leibold reminded the Council that they may only act or discuss items on the agenda. If they wish to add an item on a future agenda they may do so.
LV Frazier spoke of the events at Library for next couple of weeks and that they will be offering tutoring services, all this information may be found on the Library’s website.
William Harrison commented on the water bill increases and the recent high winds. He further stated Public Works Director Barcelo and staff did a great job, and he asked the Council to help the residents.
There being no other person wishing to speak, the Mayor closed oral communications.
MINUTES: None scheduled.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/ ORDINANCE:
1. Request for Continuance - Ordinance No. 26-02 – Regulation of Building and Landscape Material Stockpiling and Storage on properties Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Open the Public Hearing;
2. Hear the Staff Report;
3. Receive testimony from any member(s) of the Public regarding the Ordinance;
4. Close the Public Hearing; and
5. Continue the Ordinance off-calendar, to afford an opportunity for Staff to comprehensively review the proposed restrictions and its integration into current City code related to the storage of materials.
MARCH 11, 2026 – CC
March 11, 2026 – Minutes Page 3
M/Cajulis opened the public hearing at 8:03 p.m.
MOTION ON ITEM 1
M/Cajulis made a motion to continue the item; seconded by MPT/Wu. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Wu, Freedman, Law, Tragarz NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
2. Ordinance No. 26-04 - Regulating Electric Bicycles, Motorized Bicycles, and Motorized Scooters
Recommendation: That the City Council waive further reading and introduce by title only Ordinance No. 26-04, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Walnut, County of Los Angeles, State of California, Adding Section 3.32.145 to Chapter 3.32 “Motor Vehicles and Traffic) of the Walnut Municipal Code Regulating Electric Bicycles, Motorized Bicycles, and Motorized Scooters.”.
M/Cajulis opened the public hearing at 8:05 p.m.
Public Works Director Barcelo presented the staff report. She reported that this ordinance was reviewed by the Traffic Safety Committee and the Sheriff’s Department.
In response to an inquiry from MPT/Wu regarding the definition of electric dirt bike, PWD/Barcelo stated that there are different classifications based on pedals and speed; the electric dirt bike being referenced has no pedals and goes over 25 miles per hour.
There was discussion amongst the City Council and staff about the speed of the bikes allowed with or without pedals, how to enforce regulations, educating residents, conducting public outreach and adopting a resolution for fines.
M/Cajulis closed the public hearing at 8:20 p.m.
MOTION ON ITEM 2
C/Law made a motion to waive further reading and introduce Ordinance No. 26- 04; seconded by C/Tragarz. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Wu, Freedman, Law, Tragarz NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
MARCH 11, 2026 – CC
March 11, 2026 – Minutes Page 4
3. Ordinance No. 26-05 – Zoning Code Amendment (ZCA) 2026-01 to amend and replace in its entirety, 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 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs)
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. Introduce by title only and waive further reading, of Ordinance No. 26-05, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Walnut, 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 Dwelling Units and Determining the Ordinance to be Exempt from CEQA”, and agendize for adoption at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting of March 25, 2026.
M/Cajulis opened the public hearing at 8:21 p.m.
Deputy Community Development Director Guerra presented a staff report.
There being no public comment, M/Cajulis closed the public hearing at 8:23 p.m.
MOTION ON ITEM 3
C/Law made a motion to introduce Ordinance No. 26-05 by title only and waive further reading and bring back for adoption at the March 25, 2026 City Council meeting; seconded 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
4. Ordinance No . 26-06 – 2025 Citywide Speed Survey Establishing Speed Limits on Certain Streets in the City of Walnut
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the 2025 Citywide Speed Survey and authorize the filing of said report with the appropriate judicial court; and
2. Introduce by title only and waive further reading, Ordinance No. 26-06 “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Walnut Amending Walnut Municipal Code Section 3.32.030 of Chapter 3.32 of Title III Thereof, Revising the Speed Limit on certain street.”
MARCH 11, 2026 – CC
March 11, 2026 – Minutes Page 5
M/Cajulis opened the public hearing at 8:24 p.m.
City Engineer Gilbertson presented a staff report.
There was discussion amongst the City Council and staff regarding the reduction in speed limits, a grace period for posting signs being 30 days, and speed limit signs.
There being no public comment, M/Cajulis closed the public hearing at 8:34 p.m.
MOTION ON ITEM 4
C/Law made a motion to continue Item 4; seconded by C/Tragarz. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Wu, Freedman, Law, Tragarz NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR:
5. Resolution No. 26-14 - A Resolution of the City of Walnut Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $968,321.86 Demand No. 201258 through No. 201344, Both Inclusive Fiscal Year 2025-26
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-14.
6. Resolution No. 26-15 - Directing the Preparation of the Engineer’s Report and Filing of Report for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Lighting and Open Space Maintenance District No. 1 (LOSMD) Assessments and Setting the Time and Place for a Community Meeting and Public Hearing
Recommendation: That at the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-15, initiating proceedings for the levy and collection of assessments within the Lighting and Open Space Maintenance District (LOSMD) No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and ordering the Engineer to prepare a report in connection therewith;
2. Direct staff to hold an informal Community Meeting on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the Walnut City Council Chambers;
3. Direct staff to set the time and place for the Public Hearing on the matter of levying assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-27 LOSMD assessments at the City Council Meeting on May 13, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.; and
4. Direct staff to provide notice of the public meetings and Public Hearing in accordance with the law.
8. Ordinance No. 26-03 – Development Agreement (DA) for the Project on 20003 Valley Boulevard (APN: 8722-015-054 and 8722-015-055)
MARCH 11, 2026 – CC
March 11, 2026 – Minutes Page 6
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt by title only and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 26-03: “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Walnut, Approving a Development Agreement (DA) for a Residential Project Located on 20003 Valley Boulevard (APN(s): 8722-015-054 and 8722-015- 055).
9. Five-Year Extension of Street Sweeping Contract with Valley Vista Services Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the Fifth Amendment to the Street Sweeping Contract with VVS to extend the term from July 1, 2026 to January 31, 2031 with annual CPI increases only and authorize the City Manager to sign the Fifth Amendment on behalf of the City in substantially the form attached and in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.
10. Treasury & Investment Report – 2nd Quarter FY 2025/2026 Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file.
11. Commemorative Element at Diversity Plaza, Creekside Park Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file the report regarding a commemorative element at Diversity Plaza at Creekside Park and table the matter indefinitely.
MOTION ON ITEMS 5, 6 , 8-11
C/Law made a motion to approve items 5, 6, and 8-11; seconded 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
ITEM PULLED
7. Award of Construction Contract for the City-Wide Sign Replacement Program and Adoption of Resolution No. 26-16 Amending the FY 2025-2026 Annual Budget
Recommendation: That the City Council:
a. Award a Construction Contract for the City-Wide Sign Replacement Program to Superior Pavement Markings in the amount of $330,703.00; b. Reject all other bids;
c. Authorize staff to approve change orders not to exceed twenty percent (20%) of the contract amount ($66,140.60) to address construction contingencies and potential additional work, including signage replacements and pavement marking modifications associated with upcoming speed surveys; d. Authorize staff to approve and process payments to Superior Pavement Markings under the construction contract;
MARCH 11, 2026 – CC
March 11, 2026 – Minutes Page 7
e. Authorize staff to approve and process payments to RKA Consulting Group in an amount not to exceed $69,180.00 for professional engineering services and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) support services consistent with the Cost Estimate provided in accordance with the City’s Professional Services Agreement with RKA Consulting Group; and
f. Adopt Resolution No. 26-16 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Budget
Public Works Director Barcelo explained that Resolution No. 26-16 was inadvertently left off the staff report and will be brought back at the meeting on March 25, 2026 to adopt.
MOTION ON ITEM 7(a - e)
C/Tragarz made a motion to approve 7 (a-e) and bring back 7(f) Resolution No. 26-16 for adoption at the March 25, 2026 City Council meeting; seconded 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
COUNCIL DISCUSSION/TRANSACTION ITEMS: None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS (COUNCIL MEMBERS AND STAFF):
A. Councilmembers’ report on meetings attended at the expense of the local agency
C/Tragarz stated that she attended a Cal Cities League meeting which was led by the person in charge of transportation for the Olympics. She encouraged everyone to use public transportation.
B. Individual Members’ comments and updates
MPT/Wu attended the following events: Lunar New Year Celebration on 2/28; Supervisor Solis’ New Year Celebration on 3/6; Baseball opening day on 3/7; and Tai Ji Men 60th Anniversary New Year Celebration on 3/8.
C/Tragarz reported attended the City Lunar New Year Celebration and baseball opening day.
C/Freedman complimented the City’s Lunar New Year Celebration and baseball opening day.
C/Law stated that she attended the City’s Lunar New Year event and thanked everyone who submitted art to the Art Contest. She attended the LA County MARCH 11, 2026 – CC
March 11, 2026 – Minutes Page 8
Division General Meeting for Cal Cities and spoke about the upcoming Olympics.
She further attended Supervisor Solis’ Lunar New Year event and Tai Ji Men Celebration as well.
M/Cajulis stated that he attended several Lunar New Year Events and thanked Staff and law enforcement.
COUNCIL LATE BUSINESS: None scheduled.
CLOSED SESSION: CA/Leibold announced the City Council will go into closed session at 8:45 p.m.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
(Gov’t Code Section 54957.6)
City Negotiator: City Manager Tom Weiner
Employee organization: Unrepresented Employees
RECONVENE WALNUT CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTION:
The City Council reconvened at 9:11 p.m. and there was no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the City Council adjourned the regular meeting at 9:11 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 25th day of March 2026.
Ritchie Cajulis, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Teresa De Dios, City Clerk
PREPARED BY:
Jackie Cortez, Administrative Services Specialist