NOTICE AND CALL OF SPECIAL MEETING BY MAYOR VINATIERI
MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
SPECIAL MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 13230 PENN STREET
MARCH 21, 2023, 5:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Special Session on March 21, 2023. Mayor Pro Tem Martinez called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, California.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Jessica Martinez, Mayor Pro Tern
Fernando Dutra, Council Member [6:05 p.m.]
Cathy Warner, Council Member
Octavio Martinez, Council Member
ABSENT:
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Mayor
STAFF PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, City Manager
Keith Collins, Assistant City Attorney
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
Rigoberto Garcia Jr., City Clerk
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks Recreation and Community Services
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Martinez moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes March 21, 2023 Page 2 of 3
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tern Martinez indicated that any members of the audience who wish to deliver a public comment should line up by the lectern and any members of the public on Zoom who wish to deliver a public comment should raise their hand. Staff forwarded and provided copies of the email correspondence to City Council Members for review.
Christian lsraelian provided a live public comment.
D.K. provided a teleconference public comment.
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.
6. STAFF REPORTS
6.A. Greenleaf Promenade Study Session
Recommendation: Provide direction on design related items for the Greenleaf Streetscape Plan.
Director Cason presented the report. The City Council received updates on the paving design for the sidewalks, intersections and midblock crossings and considered the following discussion points:
Gateways
City Manager Saeki, Director Cason and Steve Rydzon (SWA Group) answered questions regarding branding for the City; safety concerns regarding climbing of gateways; input from the Uptown Business Improvement Area and Uptown Association; the maintenance plan for the gateways; removal of graffiti; Quakerinspired designs; and the primary locations of gateways.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to work with the consultant to design a blend of Option A and the San Diego sign and then obtain input from the Uptown Association and the Business Improvement Area.
Large Pocket Park
City Manager Saeki, Director Cason, and Director Santana answered questions regarding programming options; the use of park funds; seating options; and drinking fountains for dogs.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to move forward with Option C, which allows for open space.
RECESS
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes March 21, 2023 Page 3 of 3
Mayor Pro Tern Martinez called a recess. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
Lighting
City Manager Saeki, Director Cason, and Mr. Rydzon answered questions regarding the existing marble poles; the lighting project in East Whittier; the finish on the new proposed poles; photometric surveys; light replacements; secondary lighting; and power sources.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to explore design options similar to the lights in East Whittier.
7. COUNCIL MEMBER I DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tern Martinez adjourned the meeting at 6:32 p.m.