MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
APRIL 26, 2022, 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
None.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
None.
3. CLOSED SESSION
None.
4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri, consistent with mandates of Assembly Bill 361 and locally adopted policies, called the Regular Session to order at 6:34 p.m. 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 Tern
Jessica Martinez, Council Member
Fernando Dutra, Council Member
Henry Bouchot, Council Member
Octavio Martinez, Council Member [installed after Item 9.A.] STAFF PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, City Manager
Richard Jones, City Attorney
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Aviv Bar, Chief of Police
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Bouchot led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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CLOSED SESSION REPORT
None.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Vinatieri stated that public comment options were made available to the public for participation by email and in-person. Staff forwarded and provided copies of the email correspondence to City Council Members for review.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Frank Medina; Johnathon Allen; Eric Ching; Fidel Cortez; Marilyn Fant; Brendon Woirhaye; Deanna Woirhaye; Loletta Barrett; Mel Sturr; Reyna Suelca; Melinda Piña; Frank Rinaldi; Scott Kalassay; Isaiah L. Leon Savage; Manuel Arismendiz; and Maggie Moe.
Jacob Wolak, a field representative from Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, thanked Council Member Bouchot for his service and presented him with a certificate.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
Susan Cameron and D.K.
All public comments and documents submitted are part of the record and are on file with the City Clerk Department. A video of the oral communications is available through the City’s website.
9. PRESENTATIONS
9.A. 2022 General Municipal Election Certification and Installation of Newly Elected City Council Officers
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022-24 reciting the facts of the General Municipal Election held on April 12, 2022, declaring the results and such other matters as provided by law; and install newly elected City Council officials.
City Clerk Garcia presented the report and answered questions regarding the transparency of the election; counting the ballots on Election Night; his experience conducting elections; and the approximate number of spoiled ballots.
City Attorney Jones answered a question regarding the legitimacy of the certification process.
The City Council deliberated.
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City Clerk Garcia introduced his staff who assisted with the election.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2022-24 reciting the facts of the General Municipal Election held on April 12, 2022, declaring the results and such other matters as provided by law; and install newly elected City Council officials. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Ivan Sulic, field representative for Supervisor Janice Hahn, discussed Council Member Bouchot’s achievements and presented him with a commendation.
The City Council shared personal anecdotes about Council Member Bouchot, thanked him for his service to the City of Whittier, and presented him with parting gifts.
City Manager Saeki thanked Council Member Bouchot for his service to the City of Whittier.
Council Member Bouchot thanked his supporters, former Council Member Josué Alvarado, and his wife Christina; congratulated the incoming District 2 Council Member; and discussed his experience serving as Council Member.
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a five-minute recess. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
David and Michael Martinez administered the Oath of Office to Council Memberelect Octavio Cesar Martinez. The City Council congratulated Council Member Martinez on his election.
Council Member Octavio Cesar Martinez thanked his wife, family, friends, and mentor for their support.
City Clerk Garcia administered the Oath of Office to Council Member-elect Dutra and Mayor-elect Vinatieri.
The City Council congratulated Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Dutra on their elections.
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9.B. Selection of Mayor Pro Tern
Recommendation: Nominate a Council Member to serve as Mayor Pro Tern for a one-year period.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to nominate Council Member Jessica Martinez as Mayor Pro Tern. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
The City Council congratulated Mayor Pro Tern Martinez on her appointment to serve as Mayor Pro Tern.
10. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra_seconded a motion to approve the agenda. The question was called and the motion unanimously.
11. CITY MANAGER REPORT
1. City Manager Saeki congratulated Mayor Vinatieri and Council Members Dutra and Martinez on their successful elections and Mayor Pro Tern Martinez on her new appointment.
2. City Manager Saeki thanked City Staff for the hard work they do for the residents.
3. City Manager Saeki thanked City Clerk Garcia and his staff for their hard work on the April 12, 2022 Election.
12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
City Clerk Garcia answered a question regarding votes by acclamation under AB 361.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. 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.
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12.B. AB 361—Remote Meetings Under State Emergency Orders Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022-25, making the legally required findings to authorize the conduct of remote telephonic meetings during the state of emergency for all Brown Act bodies if necessary and rescinding Resolution No. 2022-20.
12.C. Richard Nixon Drive and Vicinity Resurfacing- Award of Contract Recommendation:
1) Award the construction contract to Pave West. Inc. in the amount of $156,190 for the Richard Nixon Drive and Vicinity Resurfacing Project; 2) Reject all other bids;
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute a construction contract on behalf of the City;
4) Adopt Resolution No. 2022-26 amending the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget for the Richard Nixon Drive and Vicinity Resurfacing Project; and 5) Approve $15,619 in contingency for the Richard Nixon Drive and Vicinity Resurfacing project subject to the approval of the City Manager.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
13.A. Military Equipment Use Policy
Recommendation: Introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 3134 as required by California Assembly Bill 481 and approve the attached Military Equipment Use policy to allow the Police Department continued use of vital equipment as well as the acquisition of new equipment in the future.
Assistant City Manager DeLong presented the staff report.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing at 9:00 p.m.
City Clerk Garcia indicated one public comment was received via email prior to the 5:00 p.m. deadline and was previously forwarded to the City Council.
The following individual provided teleconference public comment:
Susan Cameron.
All public comments submitted are part of the record and are on file with the City Clerk Department.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing at 9:04 p.m.
Chief Bar answered questions regarding military equipment use policy.
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MOTION
Council Member Dutra and Mayor Pro Tern Martinez seconded a motion to introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 3134 as required by California Assembly Bill 481 and approve the attached Military Equipment Use policy to allow the Police Department continued use of vital equipment as well as the acquisition of new equipment in the future. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
14. STAFF REPORTS
14.A. City Council Outside Agency and Ad Hoc Committee Appointments Recommendation: Review and make changes to appointments on outside agencies and Council Ad Hoc Committees as needed.
City Clerk Garcia presented the staff report.
The City Council deliberated outside appointments and ad hoc committees.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the following appointments to outside agencies and ad hoc committees. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVE
California Contract Cities Association Delegate: Jessica Martinez Alternate: Octavio Martinez
City Selection Committee Delegate: Joe Vinatieri
Alternate: Mayor designates
Clean Power Alliance Delegate: Fernando Dutra
(CPA) Alternate: Octavio Martinez
Alternate: Vicki Smith
Gateway Cities Council of Governments Delegate: Fernando Dutra (COG) Alternate: Cathy Warner
Greater L.A. County Vector Control District Delegate: Jessica Martinez Alternate: Octavio Martinez
Hillside Open Space Education Coalition Delegate: Jessica Martinez Alternate: Octavio Martinez
L.A. County Division of the League Delegate: Joe Vinatieri of California Cities Alternate: Fernando Dutra
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L.A. County Sanitation District Delegate: Joe Vinatieri Nos. 2, 15, and 18 Alternate: Cathy Warner
Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority Delegate: Jessica Martinez (PH H PA) Alternate: Octavio Martinez
Alternate: Staff
Southeast Area Social Services Funding Delegate: Joe Vinatieri Authority Alternate: Cathy Warner
(SASSFA)
Southeast Water Coalition Delegate: Octavio Martinez
(SEWC) Alternate: Jessica Martinez
Southern California Association of Delegate: Cathy Warner Governments Alternate: Fernando Dutra
(SCAG)
SR9I/I-605 Corridor Cities Committee: Delegate: Fernando Dutra Alternate: Jessica Martinez
Whittier/Puente Hills Conservation Authority Delegate: Jessica Martinez Alternate: Octavio Martinez
Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority Delegate: Jessica Martinez (WCCA) Alternate: Octavio Martinez
The City Council updated the Ad Hoc Committees as follows:
AD HOC MEMBERS FORMED & PURPOSE ANTICIPATED
COMMITTEE EXTENDED EXPIRATION
Parnell Park Vinatieri 03-08-22 To provide renovation July 2022 Renovation Warner 04-26-22 design feedback for
Ad Hoc Parnell Park
Committee
Uptown Dutra 06-11-19 To provide input on the April2023 Streetscape Martinez 07-14-20 implementation of the
Beautification 04-1 3-21 Uptown Streetscape
Ad Hoc 04-26-22 Beautification Plan
Committee
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Gold Line Warner 06-27-17 To meet with staff, Metro April 2023 Light Rail 0. Martinez 07-14-20 representatives and
Ad Hoc 04-13-21 consultants to provide
Committee 04-26-22 input and support for the
Washington Boulevard
alignment.
Policing Martinez 05-24-16 To facilitate contract April 2023 Contract Vinatieri 06-27-17 review meetings with
Review 05-08-18 Santa Fe Springs City
Ad Hoc 07-14-20 Council Members
Committee 04-13-21 regarding the City’s
04-26-22 contract to provide law
enforcement services
Utility Rate Dutra 05-14-19 Created the Utility Rate May 2022 Fairness 0. Martinez 07-14-20 Fairness Ad Hoc
Ad Hoc 04-1 3-21 Committee of Council
Committee Member Bouchot and
Mayor Pro Tem Dutra to
consider a program to
grant relief of water and
sewer rates for seniors or
low-income residents.
Central Warner 08-27-19 To provide input into the Sept. 2022 Library Dutra 07-14-20 final library design plan
Construction 04-13-21 including addressing
and 04-26-22 historical elements and
Improvement monitoring the bid and
Ad Hoc construction phases of
Committee the project.
15. COUNCIL MEMBER I DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Dutra indicated he is flying to Sacramento to accept the Governor’s Award for the Historical Preservation of the Guilford Hall Project on behalf of the City of Whittier.
Council Member Warner thanked City Clerk Garcia for conducting the election and proposed a report to discuss the Jose Ramos Memorial.
City Manager Saeki and Director Santana answered questions regarding the progress and construction of the Jose Ramos Memorial.
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CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to bring back a report on the Jose Ramos Memorial.
Council Member Martinez indicated he is honored that the voters elected him to represent them.
Mayor Pro Tern Martinez thanked the City Council for their continued service to the city and indicated that two police officers, Whitaker and Bolanos, saved a child’s life.
Mayor Vinatieri encouraged residents to purchase an autism awareness patch from the lobby at the Whittier Police Department; and indicated that he, City Manager Saeki, and Chief Bar will have a phone call with the District Attorney’s Office to discuss the City of Whittier hiring a prosecutor for misdemeanor crimes.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 9:34 p.m.