MAY 13, 2026 – CC
May 13, 2026 – Minutes
CALL TO ORDER: Council Member Tragarz called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
C/Tragarz announced that in accordance with California Government Code Section 54953(b), the City’s agenda announced that Mayor Cajulis will be participating remotely at a noticed teleconference location at CitizenM New York Times Square – CanteenM Room, 218 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10019, USA.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: C/Law led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: M/Cajulis, C/Freedman, C/Law, C/Tragarz ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MPT/Wu (Excused)
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; Community Relations Officer Maio; Assistant City Clerk Markel; City Clerk De Dios; and Admin Services Specialist Cortez.
INVOCATION– NON-DENOMINATIONAL: Pastor Dion Kurniadi of City Blessing Church provided the invocation.
PRESENTATIONS:
• Winners of the “Walnut Through My Eyes” Student Art Contest Council recognized the winners of the student art contest: Aria Wang, Evelyn Li, and Arissa Chang.
• Recognition of Student Volunteers from Confucius Chinese Language School Council presented a certificate of recognition to each of the students for their volunteer service hours.
• Small Business Spotlight - MA Trainer Studio
Staff presented a short video highlighting the business. Council presented a certificate of recognition to MA Trainer Studio for their positive impact on the community.
WALNUT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 13, 2026 – CC
May 13, 2026 – Minutes
• Water Awareness Month Proclamation - Walnut Valley Water District Council presented a proclamation recognizing the month of May as “Water Awareness Month” to the Board Members of the Walnut Valley Water District. • Public Safety Quarterly Update
Deputy CT McDonald presented the quarterly activity report for the Sheriff’s Department.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL:
William Harrison stated his appreciation for the Walnut Student Art Contest. He also commented on the proposed IDS Warehouse project.
Teresa Lee spoke regarding a fundraising event for military families.
LV Frazier, library manager at the Walnut Library, provided an update regarding upcoming activities and programming. She encouraged residents to go onto their website for more information.
There being no other person wishing to speak, Council Member Tragarz closed oral communications.
MINUTES:
1. Approval of the April 22, 2026 Council Meeting
MOTION ON ITEM 1
C/Freedman made a motion to approve Item 1; seconded by C/Law. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Law, Tragarz
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Wu
PUBLIC HEARINGS/ ORDINANCE:
2. Resolution No. 26-27 - Public Hearing Regarding Setting 2026-27 Lighting and Open Space Maintenance District No. 1 (LOSMD) Assessments Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Open the Public Hearing;
2. Hear the Staff Report;
3. Solicit Input on the Item;
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May 13, 2026 – Minutes
4. Close the Public Hearing;
5. Approve the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and Adopt Resolution No. 26-27 Ordering the Maintenance Work, Confirming the Diagram, Assessments, and All Other Matters Set Forth in the Engineer’s Report, Setting the Lighting and Open Space Maintenance District No. 1 Assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12.
C/Tragarz opened the public hearing at 7:36 p.m.
Cody Howing, Assessment Engineer, provided a report on the item.
There being no comments, C/Tragarz closed the public hearing at 7:39 p.m.
MOTION ON ITEM 2
C/Law made a motion to approve Item 2; seconded by C/Freedman. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Law, Tragarz
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Wu
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR:
3. Resolution No. 26-28 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Walnut Allowing Certain Claims and Demands in the Amount of $1,151,322.56 Demand No. 201538 Through No. 201657, Both Inclusive Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-28.
4. Resolution No. 26-29 – Approving an Administering Agency-State Agreement and Program Supplement No. F005 for the La Puente Road Rehabilitation Project (STPL-5353(011).
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-29 approving the Administering Agency-State Agreement with the California Department of Transportation for federal-aid projects;
2. Approve Program Supplement No. F005 for the La Puente Road Rehabilitation Project (STPL-5353(011); and
3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee to execute all necessary documents.
5. Award of Construction Contract for the FY 2025-2026 Concrete Repair Project and Adoption of Resolution No. 26-30 Amending the FY 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program Budget
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May 13, 2026 – Minutes
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Award a Construction Contract for the FY 2025-2026 Concrete Repair Project to SAVI Construction, Inc in the amount of $338,750.00;
2. Reject all other bids;
3. Authorize staff to approve change orders not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the contract amount ($33,875.00) to address construction contingencies and potential additional work;
4. Authorize staff to approve and process payments to SAVI Construction, Inc. under the construction contract;
5. Authorize staff to approve and process payments to RKA Consulting Group in an amount not to exceed $61,924.00 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; and
6. Adopt Resolution No. 26-30 amending the FY 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program Budget and appropriating $334,550 from Park In-Lieu Fund Reserves for the FY 2025-2026 Concrete Repair Project.
6. Award of Construction Contract for the 2025-2026 Maintenance Area 6 Slurry Seal Project and Adoption of Resolution No. 26-31 Amending the FY 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program Budget
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-31 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget to appropriate funds for the Slurry Seal Area 6 Project;
2. Award a Construction Contract for the 2025-2026 Maintenance Area 6 Slurry Seal Project to American Asphalt South, Inc. to include all Base Bid items plus Additive Alternate Nos. A1 & C1 in the amount of $1,071,214.85;
3. Reject all other bids;
4. Authorize staff to approve change orders not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the contract amount ($107,121.49) to address construction contingencies and potential additional work;
5. Authorize staff to approve and process payments to American Asphalt South, Inc. under the construction contract; and
6. Authorize staff to approve and process payments to RKA Consulting Group in an amount not to exceed $75,000.00 for professional engineering services and CIP support services consistent with the Cost Estimate provided in accordance with the City’s Professional Services Agreement with RKA Consulting Group.
7. Ordinance No. 26-07 – Amending Walnut Municipal Code Section 3.48.130 relating to Park and Recreation Area Regulations
Recommendation: That the City Council waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 26-07, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Walnut Amending Section 3.48.130 of the Walnut Municipal Code (WMC) relating to Park and Recreation Area Regulations.
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May 13, 2026 – Minutes
8. Approve Change Order No. 1 for the Flood Plain Trail Erosion Repair Project and Increase Construction Contingency Authority
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Authorize Change Order No. 1 to the Hardy and Harper Inc. construction contract for the Flood Plain Trail Erosion Repair Project in the amount of $26,267.00;
2. Increase the total authorized construction contract amount from $93,095.00 to $119,362.00;
3. Authorize staff to approve change orders not to exceed 20% of the revised contract amount ($23,872.40); and
4. Authorize staff to approve and process payments to Hardy & Harper Inc. for construction services.
9. Agreement for Vendor Services between the City of Walnut and City of Brea (BreaIT)
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve an Agreement for Vendor Services between the City of Walnut and the City of Brea (BreaIT); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute and administer the agreement for vendor services on behalf of the City in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.
10. Approval of a Three-Year Contract with Animal Pest Management, Inc. for Rodent Control in Lighting and Open Space Maintenance District (LOSMD) Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12, Parks, and City Owned Areas Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve a three-year agreement with Animal Pest Management, Inc. (APM) for rodent and pest control services in LOSMD Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12, parks, public rights-of-way, trails, and other City-owned areas for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to sign the contract on behalf of the City in substantially the form attached and in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.
12. Award of Construction Contract for the FY 2025-26 Catch Basin Retrofit Project
Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Award Construction Contract for the FY 2025-2026 Catch Basin Retrofit Project to United Storm Water, Inc. in the amount of $157,401.00; and
2. Reject all bids;
3. Authorize staff to approve change orders not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the contract amount ($15,740.10) to address construction contingencies and potential additional work.
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May 13, 2026 – Minutes
4. Authorize staff to approve and process payments to United Storm Water, Inc. under the construction contract; and
5. Authorize staff to approve and process payments to RKA Consulting Group in an amount not to exceed $47,964 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.
13. Treasury & Investment Report – 3rd Quarter FY 2025-2026 Recommendation: That the City Council receive and file this report.
MOTION ON ITEM 3-10, 12-13
C/Freedman made a motion to approve items 3-10, 12, and 13; seconded by M/Cajulis. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Law, Tragarz
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Wu
ITEM PULLED
11. Approve Request for Proposals for Preparation of a Bicycle Master Plan Recommendation: That the City Council:
1. Approve the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional consulting services to prepare a Citywide Bicycle Master Plan; and
2. Authorize staff to solicit proposals and return to City Council with a recommended consultant agreement, final project scope, and associated project costs for consideration and approval following completion of the RFP process.
DPW/Barcelo provided a staff report on the item.
C/Freedman commented on Lemon Avenue and inquired about timelines.
DPW/Barcelo stated that the timelines could be condensed.
William Harrison inquired about the types of bicycles allowed and asked that the entire City be prioritized.
DPW/Barcelo stated that there are no current restrictions, but a Master Plan would address both regular and electronic bicycles.
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May 13, 2026 – Minutes
CA/Leibold stated that the California Vehicle Code does not impose a Statewide prohibition of bicycles on sidewalks. She further provided information on definitions and classifications.
Discussion ensued regarding the City’s recent ordinance on e-bikes and the possibility of prioritizing Lemon Avenue.
CM/Weiner stated that the plan could expedite specific streets by separating the items, though it may not be as efficient as completing the plan altogether. He further stated that Staff could bring back additional information at the next meeting.
C/Freedman expressed support for prioritizing Lemon Avenue in the Bicycle Master Plan.
MOTION ON ITEM 11
M/Cajulis made a motion to approve item 11; seconded by C/Freedman. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cajulis, Freedman, Law, Tragarz
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Wu
COUNCIL DISCUSSION/TRANSACTION ITEMS None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS (COUNCIL MEMBERS AND STAFF):
A. Councilmembers’ report on meetings attended at the expense of the local agency
C/Freedman stated that she attended the Supply Chain Summit at Mt. Sac, the Walnut Sheriff’s Open House, a JPIA Conference, the Grand Re-Opening for 24 Hour Fitness, and the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. She further attended a World Cup Luncheon and Fan Zone hosted by the San Gabriel Valley Chamber of Commerce.
C/Law stated that she attended the Grand Re-Opening for 24 Hour Fitness, the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, the SCAG Regional Conference, the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Legislative Leaders Summit, the Bagels with a Badge event, and the World Cup Luncheon and Fan Zone.
M/Cajulis stated that he attended the Grand Re-opening for 24 Hour Fitness as well as the Grand Opening for Lagree Co., and he hosted the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast and thanked everyone for their participation.
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May 13, 2026 – Minutes
C/Tragarz stated that she attended the Sheriff’s Open House, the Bagels with a Badge event, the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, and the SCAG Regional Conference.
B. Individual Members’ comments and updates
C/Freedman stated that she attended a Tzu Chi event and thanked them for their service to the community.
M/Cajulis stated that he attended the Tzu Chi event.
C/Tragarz invited everyone to attend the Memorial Day Remembrance Event on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6 p.m. in front of City Hall.
COUNCIL LATE BUSINESS: None scheduled.
CLOSED SESSION: None scheduled.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the City Council adjourned the regular meeting at 8:06 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 27th day of May 2026.
Ritchie Cajulis, Mayor
ATTEST:
Teresa De Dios, City Clerk
PREPARED BY:
Jackie Cortez, Administrative Services Specialist