MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
APRIL 25, 2023, 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Closed Session on April 25, 2023. Mayor Vinatieri called the meeting to order at 6:00 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)
Heather Dominguez v. City of Whittier. Case No. 20STCV05463
3.B. Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Represented and Unrepresented Employee: Whittier City Employees’ Association, Whittier Police Officers’ Association, Whittier Police Management Association, and unrepresented employees.
3.C. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 13024 Walnut Street
City Negotiator: Brian Saeki
Property Negotiator: Madonna Adams
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
3.D. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 13952 Summit Drive
City Negotiator: Brian Saeki
Property Negotiator: Whittier College
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
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4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:_ p.m. in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, CA 90602.
5. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Mayor
Jessica Martinez, Mayor Pro Tem
Fernando Dutra, Council Member
Cathy Warner, Council Member
Octavio Martinez, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, City Manager
Richard D. Jones, City Attorney
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Jones indicated that in the case of Heather Dominguez v. City of Whittier, the City Council voted unanimously to settle in the amount of $75,000.
ORDER OF THE CHAIR
By order of the chair, Item 10 regarding Public Comments was moved before Item
8.A.
City Attorney Jones indicated that public comments could include the selection of the Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and his wife were in the audience.
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Vinatieri 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.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
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Monica Sena; Ralph Ruedas; Veronica Islas; Mateo Diaz; Evan Navarro; Zoe Arthur; and Christian lsraelian.
City Manager Saeki indicated City Staff is working with the Whittier Area Youth Soccer (WAYS) Staff and the school district to address the issue of the soccer field space at Hiliview Middle School. City Manager Saeki also stated that City Staff is also working on renovations at Parnell Park that will include seven new soccer fields.
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.
8. PRESENTATIONS
8.A. Selection of Mayor Pro Tern
Recommendation: Nominate a Council Member to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year period.
City Clerk Garcia provided the presentation.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Martinez moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to nominate Council Member Dutra as the Mayor Pro Tem. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Martinez congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Dutra on his appointment.
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra thanked Council Member Martinez for her contributions to the Whittier Community during her time as Mayor Pro Tem.
9. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
11. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Saeki congratulated Council Member Martinez on a successful year as Mayor Pro Tern and indicated he looks forward to working with Mayor Pro Tern Dutra for the next year.
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12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra pulled Item 12.E. for individual consideration.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tern Dutra seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item 12.E. 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. Approval of Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the March 21 and 28, 2023 Special and Regular Meeting Minutes.
12.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Jorge Ramirez, Farmers Insurance ASO the Thomas Baccaro Family Trust, and Cesar Ochoa.
12.D. Whittier Well-Being Initiative - Monthly Status Report Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly status report for the Whittier Well-Being Initiative
12.F. 22-007 City Yard Water and Electrical Meter Shop Demolition - Notice of Completion
Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Resource Environmental, Inc. for the 22-007 City Yard Water and Electrical Meter Shop Demolition project and authorize the Secretary to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority (WUA).
12.G. Anaconda Park and Central Park Improvement Project — Notice of Completion
Recommendation:
1) Accept the work performed by Western State Builders Inc. for Anaconda Park and Central Park Renovation Projects; and
2) Authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City of Whittier.
12.H. Enramada Avenue Storm Drain Emergency Repair
Recommendation: Ratify the emergency repair expenditure of up to $79,000 with Tunneiworks, Inc. at Enramada Avenue for Storm Drain restoration.
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12.1. Murphy Ranch Little League Baseball Field Lighting Project - Notice Inviting Bids
Recommendation: Approve the plans and specifications for the Murphy Ranch Little League Baseball Field Lighting Project consistent with a previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration along with the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the project and authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids.
12.J. Utility Truck Replacement
Recommendation: Authorize the purchase of a utility truck from Tom’s Truck Center, Santa Fe Springs, California, for $75,000; and adopt Resolution No. 2023-30 amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget to appropriate $75,000 from the mobile equipment replacement fund to fund a utility truck purchase.
The following item was pulled for individual consideration:
I 2.E. Historic Preservation Technical Assistance and Staff Training Professional Services Agreement
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with GPA Consulting to provide technical assistance and staff training related to compliance with provisions of the City’s Historic Preservation ordinance for a three-year period for a fee not to exceed $60,000 for fiscal year 2022-23, and not to exceed $50,000 for fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25; and adopt Resolution No. 2023-29 amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget with a supplemental appropriation for the expenditure of $66,000 in funds for Historic Preservation Technical Assistance and staff training.
City Manager Saeki and Director Pongetti answered questions regarding real estate agents’ awareness of historic homes and educational outreach to the real estate community.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with GPA Consulting to provide technical assistance and staff training related to compliance with provisions of the City’s Historic Preservation ordinance for a three-year period for a fee not to exceed $60,000 for fiscal year 2022-23, and not to exceed $50,000 for fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25; and adopt Resolution No. 2023-29 amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget with a supplemental appropriation for the expenditure of $66,000 in funds for Historic Preservation Technical Assistance and staff training. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
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13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
13.A. New 25-Unit Senior Housing Project (Golden Oaks)
6018 Norwalk Blvd (AIN 8174-041 -028)
Development Review No. DRP2I -0039
Zone Change No. ZCG2I-0001
Precise Plan No. PPD23-0001
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and take the following actions:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-31 adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration with a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program in compliance with CEQA prepared for Zone Change No. ZCG2I-0001, Precise Plan No.
PPD23-0001 and Development Review No. DRP2I-0039 to construct and develop a new, two-story 25-unit, senior citizen housing project; 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-32 approving Zone Change No. ZCG2I-0001 to change the existing C-2 (General Commercial) zoning to C-C-PD and Precise Plan No. PPD23-0001 to change the zoning from C-2 to C-C-PD and establish a precise plan;
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-33 approving Development Review No.
DRP21-0039 for the construction of a 25-unit senior citizen housing development.
Environmental Documentation
Pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) with a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) has been prepared for the project. The Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program were posted for a 30-day review period starting March 3, 2023, and ended on April 3, 2023. Hazardous Wastes Sites: The project site is not identified on any of the lists enumerated under Government Code Section 65952.5. Detailed actions and noticing requirements are covered in the staff report and supporting documents.
Director Pongetti presented the staff report and answered questions regarding American Disability Act (ADA) units; elevators; the perimeter wall; landscape plan; Vehicle miles travelled (VMT) analysis; alley way accessibility; and Fire Department requirements.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing.
David Pickard, the applicant, discussed the north side perimeter wall, the 26-foot alley, landscaping, and the faux windows.
Christian lsraelian provided a live public comment.
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City Clerk Garcia indicated staff previously received and forwarded two (2) email public comments to the City Council.
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.
The applicant indicated he did not have any additional information to provide.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to (1) adopt Resolution No. 2023-31 adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration with a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program in compliance with CEQA prepared for Zone Change No. ZCG2I-0001, Precise Plan No.
PPD23-0001 and Development Review No. DRP2I-0039 to construct and develop a new, two-story 25-unit, senior citizen housing project; (2) adopt Resolution No. 2023-32 approving Zone Change No. ZCG21-0001 to change the existing C-2 (General Commercial) zoning to C-C-PD and Precise Plan No.
PPD23-0001 to change the zoning from C-2 to C-C-PD and establish a precise plan; and (3) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-33 approving Development Review No.
DRP2I-0039 for the construction of a 25-unit senior citizen housing development.
The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
14. STAFF REPORTS
14.A. Council Outside Agency and Ad Hoc Committee Reorganization Recommendation: Review, and make changes to appointments to outside agencies and Council Ad Hoc Committees as needed. Determine whether to establish the Fire Station 17, State Legislative, and City Branding ad hoc committees.
City Clerk Garcia presented the staff report.
Outside Agency Appointments
City Manager Saeki answered a question regarding membership to the California Contract Cities Association and the Independent Cities Association.
The City Council deliberated on outside agency appointments.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council approved the existing outside agency appointments as follows:
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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: Leon Vasquez
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 of California Cities Delegate: Joe Vinatieri Alternate: Fernando Dutra
L.A. County Sanitation District Nos. 2, 15, and 18 Delegate: Joe Vinatieri Alternate: Cathy Warner
Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority Delegate: Jessica Martinez (PH H PA) Alternate: Octavio Martinez
Alternate: Staff
Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority Delegate: Joe Vinatieri (SASSFA) Alternate: Cathy Warner
Southeast Water Coalition Delegate: Octavio Martinez
(SEWC) Alternate: Jessica Martinez
Southern California Association of Governments Delegate: Cathy Warner (SCAG) Alternate: Fernando Dutra
SR9I/l-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
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Ad Hoc Committees
City Manager Saeki and City Clerk Garcia answered questions regarding sunset dates and the activeness of the Gold Line Light Rail Ad Hoc Committee.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council approved the sunsetting of the Utility Rate Fairness Ad Hoc Committee and the Central Library Construction and Improvement Ad Hoc Committee. The remaining committees were extended until April 2024.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the following appointments to the City Council Ad Hoc Committees were approved:
AD HOC COMMITTEE MEMBERS ANTICIPATED
EXPIRATION
City Branding Dutra April 2024
0. Martinez
Fire Station 17 Warner April 2024
J. Martinez
State Legislation Vinatieri April 2024
0. Martinez
Whittwood Ad Hoc Dutra April 2024
Committee Warner
Parnell Park Renovation Vinatieri April 2024
Ad Hoc Committee Warner
Uptown Streetscape 0. Martinez April 2024
Beautification Ad Hoc J. Martinez
Committee
Gold Line Light Rail Warner April 2024
Ad Hoc Committee 0. Martinez
Policing Contract Review J. Martinez April 2024
Ad Hoc Committee Vinatieri
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to bring back a discussion on the creation of an Education Liaison Ad Hoc Committee.
15. COUNCIL MEMBER! DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner discussed attending the Hispanic Outreach Task Force’s 2023 Positive Image Awards event on April 23, 2023.
Council Member 0. Martinez discussed attending the City of Whittier Volunteer of the Year event and the Hispanic Outreach Task Force’s 2023 Positive Image Awards event.
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Council Member J. Martinez indicated she attended the Puente Hills Habitat Authority Meeting, the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District, the Hispanic Outreach Task Force’s 2023 Positive Image Awards event.
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra wished his wife an early 38th wedding anniversary; indicated he would be flying out to Sacramento to represent Metro; thanked the Metro team and staff for securing $35 million in funding for the Gold Line; and recognized Glen Costello and Tony Chiazza from the Whittier Pony Baseball Board.
Mayor Vinatieri expressed concerns surrounding the media’s representation of the Holocaust and discussed the Days of Remembrance.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
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