MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
JANUARY 25, 2022, 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council, consistent with mandates of Assembly Bill 361 and local adopted policies, met in Closed Session on January 25, 2022. Mayor Vinatieri called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, California.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Miller v. City of Whittier, Worker’s Compensation Court Case Nos. 571843; 585423
3.B. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN 8170-029-900 (12540 Whittier Blvd) and 8170-029-902 (12549 Washington BIvd)
City Negotiator: Brian Saeki, Executive Director
Property Negotiator: William Nascimento, Sycamore Group LLC Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
3.C. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 12540 Whittier Blvd
Property: 12549 Washington Blvd
Property: 12705 Whittier Blvd
Property: 7018 Greenleaf Ave
Property: 12363 Whittier Blvd at Mar Vista
City Negotiator: Brian Saeki
Property Negotiator: JOW Investment LLC and Nixon Office LLC (7018 Greenleaf Aye)
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
3.D. Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
One Case: In reference to a January 13, 2022 letter from Housing and Community Development on file with the City Clerk.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes January 25, 2022 Page 2 of 10
4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri, consistent with mandates of Assembly Bill 361 and local adopted policies, called the Regular Session to order at 6:36 p.m. via telephone conference in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, CA 90602.
5. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Mayor
Cathy Warner, Mayor Pro Tem
Jessica Martinez, Council Member
Fernando Dutra, Council Member
Henry Bouchot, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, City Manager
Richard Jones, City Attorney
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
Rigoberto Garcia Jr., City Clerk
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
Alice Hui, Assistant Director of Administrative Services
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Bouchot led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Jones indicated that there was nothing to report out of Closed Session; however since Closed Session was not completed, the City Council would return to Closed Session to discuss Item 3.D.
8. PRESENTATIONS
8.A. Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor Jeffrey Prang Assessor Prang discussed the purpose and functions of the Assessor’s Office; the 2021 Annual Report; the median sales price of homes in Whittier; and the homeowners’ exemption. Assessor Prang answered questions regarding benefits for military veterans and the impact of housing bills like Senate Bill 9.
9. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes January 25, 2022 Page 3 of 10
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Vinatieri stated that consistent with mandates of Assembly Bill 361 and local adopted policies, public comment options were made available to the public for participation by email, voicemail, and live teleconference. Staff forwarded and provided copies of the correspondence to City Council Members for review.
City Clerk Garcia stated three public comments were received via email prior to the 5:00 p.m. deadline and were previously forwarded to the City Council. City Clerk Garcia indicated three additional speakers were waiting to provide live public comments.
The following individuals provided live teleconference public comment:
D.K.; Susan Cameron; and Alex Mendoza.
All public comments submitted are part of the record and are on file with the City Clerk Department.
11. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Saeki provided the following updates:
1. In-person services at City Hall will resume in the upcoming week but will continue enforcing outside queuing and social distancing in waiting areas.
The protocol will apply to the community centers, senior centers, and the Whittier Public Library.
2. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department will offer inperson classes for registered participants.
3. Curbside book pick-up will be available at the Whittier Public Library next week.
4. Residents are encouraged to follow the City of Whittier @WhittierCityGov for updates.
5. The City of Whittier partnered with the GUARDaHEART Foundation to offer COVID-19 testing at Guirado Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The testing will take place through Saturday, February 5, 2022.
6. The City of Whittier received notice that crews from Southern California Gas Company are working to repairing a gas leak in the City of Montebello and have closed Whittier Boulevard from Bluff Road and Van Norman Road.
12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Bouchot pulled Items 12.G. and 12.H. for individual consideration.
Mayor Pro Tern Warner recused herself from Item 12.H.
Mayor Vinatieri recused himself from Item 12G.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes January 25, 2022 Page 4 of 10
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 12G. and 12.H., noting Mayor Vinatieri’s recusal on Item 12G. and Mayor Pro Tern Warner’s recusal on Item 12.H. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
12.A. Waive Further Reading
Recommendation: After the City Clerk has read the title, waive full reading of all resolutions and ordinances on this agenda for adoption.
12.B. Economic Development Update
Recommendation: Receive and file an economic development update for the period covering August 1, 2021, through January 18, 2022.
12.C. Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC)
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022-02 for paying and reporting the value of Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC) to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
12.D. California State Library Grant
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022-03 amending the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget to accept a grant from the California State Library in the amount of $60,000 for the California State Library, “Community Connections, a Library Services and Technology ACT (LSTA)” Grant.
12.E. Social Services Funding Grant
Recommendation: Approve the FY 2021-22 distribution of Social Services Funding in the amount of $176,516 General funds, $48,250 Community Development Block Grant funds and $50,000 from Low/Moderate Income Housing Asset Grant funds as recommended by the Social Services Commission.
12.F. State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Per Capita Grant Funding Application Resolution — Kennedy Park
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022-04 approving the filing of an application for per capita grant funds for the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, Per Capita Grant Funding Program for Kennedy Park.
12.1. Murphy Ranch Little League Lighting Project — Professional Services Agreement for Environmental and Preliminary Design
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022-05 adding a supplemental appropriation of $600,000 to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget for the Murphy Ranch Little League Lighting Project and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with PBLA Engineering, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $124,180 for environmental and preliminary engineering design.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes January 25, 2022 Page 5 of 10
12.J. Vacation of Sewer Easement at 13828 Crewe Street
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022-06 ordering the vacation of a portion of sanitary sewer easement located at 13828 Crewe Street and authorize the City Clerk to execute the Quitclaim Deed.
12.K. Greenway Trail East Extension Project - Contract Change Orders Recommendation: Approve the contract change orders with Environmental Construction, Inc. in an amount up to $301,027 and adopt Resolution No. 2022-07 amending the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget with a supplemental appropriation for the Whittier Greenway Trail East Extension Gap Closure Project.
Mayor Pro Tern Warner recused herself and exited the meeting.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
I 2.H. Metro Hot Spots Improvement Project - Funding Agreement for Colima Road at Whittier Boulevard -Amendment No. 2
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 extending the expenditure schedule for Funding Agreement (FA# 920000000MR31546) between the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) for Whittier Boulevard at Colima Road Intersection Improvements, LACMTA Project ID# MR315.46 and FTIP# LAOG163O (Metro Hot Spots - Colima Road at Whittier Boulevard).
City Manager Saeki and Director Cason answered questions regarding the timing for adding this item to the agenda; the reasoning for it being a consent item; mitigations in the area; additional impacts to the parking in the subject area; and the People Mover.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed City Manager Saeki and Director Cason to bring back a report regarding the scope of work for the Metro Hot Spots Improvement Project.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 extending the expenditure schedule for Funding Agreement (FA# 920000000MR31 546) between the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) for Whittier Boulevard at Colima Road Intersection Improvements, LACMTA Project ID# MR315.46 and FTIP# LAOGI63O (Metro Hot Spots - Colima Road at Whittier Boulevard). The question was called and the motion carried 3-0-2, Mayor Pro Tern Warner absent and Council Member Bouchot abstaining.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes January 25, 2022 Page 6 of 10
Mayor Pro Tern Warner re-entered the meeting.
Mayor Vinatieri recused himself from Item 12.G. due to having a business on GreenleafAvenue. Mayor Vinatieri exited the meeting, and Mayor Pro Tern Warner presided.
12.G. Greenleaf Promenade Update
Recommendation: Approve an extension of Greenleaf Promenade encroachment permits through May 1, 2022.
City Manager Saeki and City Attorney Jones answered questions regarding previous Council direction; formation of a subcommittee; and the encroachment permit extensions.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Warner moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to approve an extension of Greenleaf Promenade encroachment permits through May 1, 2022. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Mayor Vinatieri absent.
Mayor Vinatieri re-entered and presided over the meeting.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
14. STAFF REPORTS
Council Member Dutra recused himself from Item 14.A. and exited the meeting.
14.A. 2022 General Municipal Election — Council Member District 4 Contest Recommendation:
1) Receive and file the Certification that there are not more candidates than offices to be elected for the position of Council Member District 4, for the April 12, 2022 General Municipal Election; and determine whether to:
and
2) Adopt an amended Resolution No. 2022-08 to either:
Appoint the qualified candidate as elected for Council Member District 4 as a result of having only one qualified candidate during the nomination period for the April 12, 2022, General Municipal Election; or Continue to hold the election for Council Member District 4 with one qualified candidate for the April 12, 2022, General Municipal Election.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes January 25, 2022 Page 7 of 10
City Clerk Garcia presented the staff report and answered a question regarding previous Council actions.
MOTION
Council Member Martinez moved and Mayor Pro Tern Warner seconded a motion to receive and file the Certification that there are not more candidates than offices to be elected for the position of Council Member District 4, for the April 12, 2022 General Municipal Election; and adopt an amended Resolution No. 2022-08 to appoint the qualified candidate as elected for Council Member District 4 as a result of having only one qualified candidate during the nomination period for the April 12, 2022, General Municipal Election. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Dutra absent.
Council Member Dutra re-entered the meeting. Mayor Vinatieri congratulated Council Member Dutra on being elected.
14.B. Discussion of Fiscal Year 2020-21 General Fund Surplus Recommendation: Provide direction regarding general fund surplus.
General Fund Balance Discussion
Assistant City Manager DeLong presented the staff report. City Manager Saeki, Assistant City Manager DeLong, and Assistant Director Hui answered questions regarding the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) recommendation for fund balances; inflation; fungibility of funds; process for creating a new housing fund; the Mobile Equipment Reserves; uses for restricted funds; potential involvement in and contributions to a Gateway Council of Governments community land-trust; growth trend for the General Fund balance; cost of sidewalk repairs throughout the City; and the projected surplus for the upcoming year.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Bouchot moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion reduce the Mobile Equipment Reserve to $4,500,000 and add the remaining $4,134,566 to the General Fund Surplus of $17,495,138. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes January 25, 2022 Page 8 of 10
Staff-Identified Proiect Concepts Discussion
The City Council considered the following projects:
Project Preliminary
No. Project Name Estimate
I Expansion of Sports Fields (Sierra & Parnell) $8,000,000 2 Additional Uptown Senior Center Enhancements $650,000 3 Uptown Whittier Project Funding Gap $11,000,000
4 Civic Center Security (including Library) $1,650,000
5 Park Improvements (Broadway, Kennedy) $1,500,000
6 Greenway Trail West — San Gabriel River $2,700,000
Connection
7 Set-aside for post-ARPA Homeless Services $2,300,000
8 Police body-worn cameras and software $1,500,000
Project No. I — Expansion of Sports Fields (Sierra & Parnell) City Manager Saeki and Assistant City Manager DeLong answered questions regarding the life span of the proposed projects; sources of funds; the continuation of purpose for which the projects are funded; additional park locations that can be expanded; and the inclusion of additional sports.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to bring back more information on the expansion of sports fields.
Project No. 2— Additional Uptown Senior Center Enhancements Assistant City Manager DeLong answered questions regarding the purpose of the funds and ADA requirements.
CONSENSUS
By unanimous consensus, the City Council directed Staff to bring back more information on the Additional Uptown Senior Center Enhancements project.
Project No. 4 - Civic Center Security (including Library) City Manager Saeki and Assistant City Manager DeLong answered questions regarding ongoing costs; previous City Council approved funding for the Library Remodel Project; and cost savings.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Bouchot seconded a motion to appropriate $50,000 for the Central Library security cameras and card access portion of the project. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes January 25, 2022 Page 9 of 10
CONSENSUS
By unanimous consensus, the City Council directed Staff to bring back more information on the Civic Center Security project.
Project No. 5 - Park Improvements (Broadway, Kennedy)
City Manager Saeki and Assistant City Manager DeLong answered questions regarding a Parks Master Plan and additional funding.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to bring back more information on the Parks Improvement project and a Parks Master Plan.
Project No. 6 - Greenway Trail West — San Gabriel River Connection
CONSENSUS
By unanimous consensus, the City Council directed Staff to bring back more information on the Greenway Trail West — San Gabriel River Connection.
Project No. 7 - Set-aside for post-ARPA Homeless Services City Manager Saeki and Assistant City Manager DeLong answered questions regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds; permanent supportive housing options; City Net outreach; and the Salvation Army’s operational costs.
There was no consensus on this item.
Project No. 8 - Police body-worn cameras and software
City Manager Saeki answered questions regarding ongoing costs; body-worn camera requirements; and training.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to bring back more information regarding the Police body-worn cameras and software project.
Mayor Vinatieri recused himself from the discussion of the third staff proposed project due to a conflict of interest since he owns a business on Greenleaf Avenue.
Project No. 3 - Uptown Whittier Project Funding Gap
City Manager Saeki and Assistant City Manager DeLong answered questions regarding opportunities to assist businesses financially during construction and phased costs.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to bring back more information regarding the Uptown Whittier Project Funding Gap including a report with options to assist businesses financially.
Mayor Vinatieri re-entered and presided over the meeting.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes January 25, 2022 Page 10 of 10
The City Council proposed additional projects they would like Staff to bring back more information on, including:
• Improvements to Palm Park
• Creating a three-person Mental Health Team (MET)
• The People Mover
• Partnership with the Whittier Museum
• Dog Park Expansion
• Establishing a land trust with cities in the Gateway Council of Governments (COG)
• City-wide street beautification
• Partnership with the Friends of the Library
• Additional funding for Parnell Park
• Retrofit modernization expansion of Fire Station 17
• Hiring a city prosecutor
• Nature Center at the Hellman Reservoir
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to bring back more information on establishing a land trust with cities in the COG; City-wide street beautification project; a retrofit modernization expansion of Fire Station 17; hiring a City prosecutor; and a nature center at the Heliman Reservoir.
15. COUNCIL MEMBER I DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Bouchot thanked the City Council for a productive discussion on the General Fund surplus; and discussed the blood shortage and his decision to not seek re-election for District 2.
Council Member Dutra discussed his upcoming Metro Board meeting and thanked the City Council for voting to appoint him as elected to District 4.
Council Member Martinez discussed current projects at the Los Angeles County Vector Control and the Puente Hills Habitat Authority.
Mayor Vinatieri discussed the death of Jonathan Flagler, a Los Angeles County Fire Department who lost his life battling a house fire in Rancho Palos Verdes.
16. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council returned to Closed Session. City Attorney Jones indicated there would be nothing to report at the conclusion of Closed Session.
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 10:27 p.m.