MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
AUGUST 22, 2023, 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Closed Session on August 22, 2023. Mayor Vinatieri called the meeting to order at 6:16 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, California.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
None.
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the July 25, 2023 Closed Session Minutes.
3.B. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier, Court Case No. 22STCP03523
4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:37 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, CA 90602.
5. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Mayor
Fernando Dutra, Mayor Pro Tern
Cathy Warner, Council Member
Octavio Martinez, Council Member
Jessica Martinez, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, City Manager
Keith Collins, Assistant City Attorney
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
Rigoberto Garcia Jr., City Clerk
Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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Council Member J. Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Assistant City Attorney Collins indicated that there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
Mayor Vinatieri spoke about the murder of Andrea Vazquez and asked for a moment of silence.
8. PRESENTATIONS
8.A. Whittier Girls Softball Team Recognition of 6U, 12U, and 14U Division Allstars
Adrian Napoles, President of Whittier Girls Softball, introduced the three teams and their coaches and spoke about their accomplishments.
Mayor Vinatieri thanked the players, coaches, and parents for their hard work.
8.B. Introduction of New Chamber of Commerce CEO - Nicole Shahenian Nicole Shahenian introduced herself to the City Council and the residents, discussed her experience, expressed her excitement to work with the City, and invited everyone to attend the State of the Nation event with Congresswoman Linda Sanchez on Friday, August 25, 2023.
9. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra moved and Council Member 0. Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
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:
Andrew Pryor, Jim Ortiz; Jessica; Isaiah Leslie Leon Savage; and Rosemarie Royball.
Natalie Saenz provided a teleconference public comment.
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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.
11. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Saeki welcomed Nicole Shahenian to the City of Whittier; thanked the Parks, Recreation and Community Services and Public Works Departments for their hard work over the weekend in providing assistance to residents during the storm; thanked the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department for hosting the Family Movie Night event on Saturday, August 19, 2023; and discussed the Greenway Trail ribbon cutting event.
12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION
Council Member Warner and Council Member 0. Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Mayor Pro Tem Dutra absent.
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 July 25, 2023 Special and Regular Meeting Minutes.
12.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Brenda Coronel, Sarah Nadler, Salvador Osuna, and Christopher Wilson.
12.D. Whittier Well-Being Initiative - Monthly Status Report Recommendation: Receive and file the monthly status report on the Whittier Well-Being Initiative.
12.E. League of California Cities Annual Conference - Voting Delegate and Alternate Selection
Recommendation: Appoint Mayor Vinatieri as the delegate and Council Member 0. Martinez as the alternate for the 2023 League of California Cities Annual Conference to be held on September 20-22, 2023 in Sacramento, California; and authorize the delegate to take a position on behalf of the City if a resolution is voted on.
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12.F. Whittwood Carwash
16010 Whittier Boulevard
Development Review Permit No. DRP22-0023
Conditional Use Permit No. CUP22-0013
Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM23-0001 (TPM 84152)
Recommendation: Receive and file the Planning Commission action approving Development Review No. DRP22-0023, Conditional Use Permit No. CUP22-0013, and Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM23-0001, an application to make changes to a car wash business with amended conditions of approval.
Environmental Review
The project is categorically exempt from the environmental review process, pursuant to Section 15301, Class I (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
12.G. Historic Resources Evaluation -Central Park and HadleylGreenleaf Historic Districts - Professional Services Agreement - Award of Contract
Recommendation:
1) Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Page & Turnbull to provide technical assistance for the update of criteria for two of the City’s four historic districts (Central Park and Hadley/Greenleaf); and
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-61, amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget with a supplemental appropriation for an expenditure of $99,011 for historic preservation technical assistance.
12.H. Out-of-State Travel- lAPro Users Conference
Recommendation: Approve out-of-state travel for one Police Department Administration Lieutenant and one Professional Standards Sergeant to attend the lAPro 18th Annual Users Conference from October 31 through November 2, 2023, in St. Petersburg Beach, FL.
12.1. Agreement for Harbor Toxic Pollutants Total Maximum Daily Loads Monitoring
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a cost-sharing agreement with the Los Angeles Gateway Water Management Authority (GWMA) for water quality monitoring.
Li
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12.J. Citywide Guardrail Improvements (Phase 2) Federal Project No. HSIPL 5111(069) - Notice Inviting Bids
Recommendation:
1) Find the Project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1(c) Existing Facilities of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines;
2) Approve Plans and Specifications for Citywide Guardrail Improvements (Phase 2) Federal Project No. HSIPL-51 11(069); and
3) Authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids.
12.K. SWA — Professional Services Agreement for Greenleaf Promenade Design Services — Amendment No. 2
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 with SWA for the Greenleaf Promenade Projected Professional Service Agreement A22-039, adding $84,500 to the project.
12.L. Santa Gertrudes Avenue Improvements Federal Project No. STPLG 5111(070) Construction Management Services Agreement - Award of Contract
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with FCG Consultants, Inc. to provide Construction Management Services for the Santa Gertrudes Avenue Improvements Federal Project No. STPLG-5111(070) in the amount of $368,618.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
13.A. Rescission of Specific Plan Amendment No. SPA2I-0001, previously approved by Resolution No. 2022-69
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and take the following actions:
1) Receive and file Resolution No. 2023-10 of the Planning Commission recommending rescission of Resolution No. 2022-69, only as to SPA2I0001, and of Specific Plan Amendment No. SPA2I -0001; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-62, rescinding Resolution No. 2022-69, only as to SPA2I-0001, and rescinding Specific Plan Amendment No.
SPA2I-0001 (Attachment A), which amended the definitions contained within the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan (UWSP), portions of the development and parking standards in the Specific Plan affecting properties within the entire Specific Plan, and specific standards for parcels in the Uptown Core and Uptown Center areas.
Environmental Review
Pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a project is exempt if it can be seen with certainty that the proposed action will not have an effect on the environment. (CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3)) The proposed action to rescind the previously approved Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes August 22, 2023 Page 6 of 9
Specific Plan Amendment fits within this exemption because it would return development standards of the Uptown Core and Uptown Center areas of the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan to those previously existing prior to the adoption of the Specific Plan Amendment SPA2I-0001. The return of these standards to those existing prior to the recent changes, and relating to those limited modifications, will not have any environmental impact, as discussed herein.
Director Pongetti presented the report. City Manager Saeki, Assistant City Attorney Collins, and Director Pongetti answered questions regarding the terms of the settlement agreement: the requirement for a public hearing; potential impacts rescinding the Specific Plan Amendment can have on other projects; timeline for building the development; advantages and disadvantages of building affordable housing; and required fees paid by developers and residents in affordable housing.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments.
D.K.; Susan Cameron; and John Perez
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.
Director Pongetti answered questions regarding benefits developers receive for building affordable housing projects and parking requirements.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tern Dutra seconded a motion to receive and file Resolution No. 2023-10 of the Planning Commission recommending rescission of Resolution No. 2022-69, only as to SPA2I-0001, and of Specific Plan Amendment No. SPA21-0001; and adopt Resolution No. 2023-62, rescinding Resolution No. 2022-69, only as to SPA2I-0001, and rescinding Specific Plan Amendment No. SPA2I-0001 (Attachment A), which amended the definitions contained within the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan (UWSP), portions of the development and parking standards in the Specific Plan affecting properties within the entire Specific Plan, and specific standards for parcels in the Uptown Core and Uptown Center areas. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
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14. STAFF REPORTS
14.A. Social Services Grant Funding Program
Recommendation: Approve the Social Services Funding Program criteria and funding focus.
Director Santana presented the report and the City Council considered the following updated guidelines:
• Maximum funding request per agency: $40,000
• One Application per Agency
• Agencies that receive other funding from the City of Whittier, i.e., CDBG, Low/Moderate Authority funds, and rental subsidies, will be required to include these amounts in their financial request.
• Applications must be submitted by deadline.
• Additional material submitted but not required will not be considered nor returned unless requested by City Staff.
• Mandatory Attendance to pre-submission meeting.
• No regranting of funds.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra moved and Council Member 0. Martinez seconded a motion to approve the updated Social Services Funding guidelines. The motion carried unanimously.
The City Council deliberated on the funding focus.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to allocate 50% of funding toward mental wellness services and the other 50% toward other agencies.
City Manager Saeki answered a question regarding the flexibility of the proposed schedule for Fiscal Year 24/25:
December 2023: City Council Reviews Social Services, CDBG, and LOW/MOD Funding Programs
January 2024: Notice inviting applications is distributed.
March 2024: Social Services Commission reviews applications.
April 2024: City Council Reviews Commission’s Recommendations and allocates funding.
May 2024: Community Development deadline met.
July 2024: Funds are distributed to Agencies.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to follow the proposed schedule.
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City Manager Saeki, Director Santana, and Director Pongetti answered questions regarding current and previous allocations of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and Low/Moderate Housing Authority Funds; and matching funds.
The City Council deliberated on the allocation of other funding sources without taking further action.
14.B. Selection of Boards and Commissions Applicants - Social Services Commission, Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Commission, and Personnel Board
Recommendation: Select applicants to interview for two (2) vacancies on the Social Services Commission, two (2) vacancies on the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission, and one (1) vacancy on the Personnel Board.
City Clerk Garcia presented the report.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council selected to interview the following applicants:
Social Services Commission
1. Jeff Brauckmann
2. Elizabeth Halpin
3. Isaac Martinez
4. SulyRayo
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission
1. Frank Medina
2. Wayne Hao
3. Victoria Pacheco
4. Yolanda Vega
Personnel Board
1) Minerva Gaines
2) Marsha Shultz
Magdalena Moe’s application will be included for consideration when the interviews for the Personnel Board take place.
15. COUNCIL MEMBER I DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner discussed the Greenway Trail Ribbon cutting event and thanked everyone involved in the project; thanked the Whittier Police Department for their effort and professionalism in handling the Andrea Vazquez case; thanked City Manager Saeki, Director Santana, and her team for removing a fallen tree at Ocean View elementary; and discussed the birth of a new great grandchild.
Council Member 0. Martinez discussed the Greenway Trail Ribbon cutting event and thanked former Council Members Allan Zolnekoff, Bob Henderson, and Owen Newcomer for their work on the project; and thanked the Whittier Police Department for apprehending the suspect in the Andrea Vazquez case.
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Council Member J. Martinez discussed the murder of Andrea Vazquez and asked for prayers for the victim’s family.
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra discussed the murder of Andrea Vazquez; congratulated Council Member Warner on the birth of new great grandchild; discussed the Greenway Trail Ribbon cutting event; thanked Public Works Staff for their assistance with the distribution of sandbags; and discussed Senate Bill 14 regarding human trafficking.
Mayor Vinatieri discussed Senate Bill 14; the Greenway Trail Ribbon cutting event; the Homeowners’ Association meeting at the Groves; the Whittier Public Library Foundation dinner; and thanked City Staff for providing sandbags to residents.
16. ADJOURNMENT in memory of Beverly Black Harris
Mayor Vinatieri read a biography of Beverly Black Harris and discussed her ties and contributions to the Whittier Community.
The City Council shared personal anecdotes and expressed their condolences.
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m.