MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
OCTOBER 24, 2023, 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Closed Session on October 24, 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
Stephanie Vallejo provided comments on Items 3.C. and 3.D.
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the September 26, 2023 Closed Session Minutes
3.B. Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Negotiator: Brian Saeki
Represented and Unrepresented Employees: 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: State Route 72, Properties along Whittier Boulevard from Esperanza Avenue to Sorensen Avenue
City Negotiator: Brian Saeki
Property Negotiator: Local Agency Formation Commission, Los Angeles Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
3.D. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: AIN 8139-022-003 (7037 Bright Avenue)
City Negotiator: Brian Saeki
Property Negotiator: American Cantechs Group Investment Inc.
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
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3.E. Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1):
One Case
3.F. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1):
One Case
4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:42 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
Erin Hamilton, Community Services Manager
Katie Galvin-Surbatovic, Public Information Officer
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Warner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Assistant City Attorney Collins indicated there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
8. PRESENTATIONS
8.A. Blue Ribbon Schools (Ocean View and Leffingwell Elementary) Mayor Vinatieri introduced the Board Members of East Whittier City School District and described the Blue Ribbon distinction.
Dr. Marc Patterson thanked the City Council for their support.
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The City Council congratulated the Board Members for the achievement and shared personal anecdotes of their ties to the East Whittier City School District.
8.B. RIo Honda College
Oscar Valladares introduced the Rio Hondo College Board of Trustees and discussed the College for All Program.
Superintendent Marilyn Flores discussed her background; the 2022-23 accomplishments, including the college’s rebranding and obtaining a housing grant; partnering with Whittier Officials; community outreach events; and the Go Rio program.
The City Council thanked Superintendent Flores for her work in the community.
9. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Dutra moved and Council Member 0. Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Warner absent.
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:
Monica Sena; Tamara; Magdalena Barragnon Moe; Fernando Lopez; Kimberly Dandini; Sandra O’Brien; Michelle Barrio; Sheryl Fewell; Jason Barrio; Gabriel Montano; Veronica Wilkerson; and Stephanie Vallejo.
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.
11. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Saeki discussed the following items:
1) The Traffic Study conducted at the La Serna Drive and Janine Drive intersection: the results showed that neither a pedestrian crossing or signal were warranted; accident data at the intersection was also looked at through the City’s Local Roadway Safety Plan and in review of the data, no further Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes October 24, 2023 Page 4 of 8
action was required; the traffic study was conducted by an outside consultant; the intersection makes use of appropriate countermeasures as outlined in the L~ Local Roadway Safety Plan, including restricted parking, edge line striping and center line striping; La Serna Drive will be restriped next summer from La Serna High School to Whittier Boulevard.
2) Lisco Street Halloween event: he, Chief Bar, other City Staff, and Council Member Warner met with the residents of Lisco Street to discuss the traffic issues created their Halloween activities and mitigation measures and to inform them that moving forward residents would need a special events permit. 3) Lighting on Danbrook Drive: the City is working with the County to get lighting not only on Danbrook Drive but across the community.
4) The County’s proposal for an LGBTQ+ Center on Painter Avenue: City Manager Saeki indicated this was not a City project and provided a historical timeline of the County project.
12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Warner pulled Item 12.1. for individual consideration.
Mayor Vinatieri recused himself from Item 12.D. due to a conflict of interest since he owns a business in Uptown.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra moved and Council Member 0. Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item 12.1. and noting Mayor Vinatieri’s recusal on Item 12.D. 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 September 26, 2023 Special and Regular Meeting Minutes.
12.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Hilberto Cerda, Ernesto Funari, Tommy P. Puebla and Victor Manuel Martinez Wario.
12.D. Temporary Valet Parking Program
Recommendation: Authorize staff to approve temporary use permits for a temporary valet parking program in Uptown Whittier.
I 2.E. Whittier Well-Being Initiative - Wrap-Up Report and Next Steps Recommendation: Receive and file the final report on the first year of the Whittier Well-Being Initiative.
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12.F. Fiscal Year 2023-24 First Quarter Budget Update
Recommendation: Receive and file the first quarter budget update for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
12.G. California State Library “Stay and Play” Grant
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2023-74, amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget to accept a grant from the California State Library in the amount of $9,000 for the California State Library “Stay and Play” Grant.
12.H. Dial-A-Ride (DAR) Whittier Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan Recommendation: Approve the Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan for the City of Whittier and adopt Resolution No. 2023-75, authorizing the adoption of a Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan and the submission of the plan to the California Air Resources Board.
12.J. Citywide Guardrail Improvements (Phase 2) Federal Project No. HSIPL 5111(069) - Notice Inviting Bids
Recommendation: Authorize the City Clerk to re-advertise for construction bids.
12.K. Edible Food Recovery Program Management - Professional Services Agreement
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with KJ Services Environmental Consulting to manage the Edible Food Recovery Program in an amount not to exceed $36,125.
12.L. Savage Canyon Landfill Phase 3B Liner Expansion Design — Professional Services Agreement
Recommendation:
1) Authorize the Executive Director to sign the contract with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., in the amount of $326,528 for the Savage Canyon Landfill Phase 3B Liner Expansion Design and Troubleshooting and optimization of Condensate Treatment System.
2) Approve $32,653 in contingency for the Savage Canyon Landfill Phase 3B Liner Expansion Design and Troubleshooting and optimization of Condensate Treatment System subject to approval of the City Manager.
12.M. Savage Canyon Landfill De-Silting Basins Clean Up — Award of Contract
Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. WUA-2023-07 amending the FY 2023-24 budget in the amount of $115,720 in supplemental funds to be allocated for the Savage Canyon Landfill De-Silting Basins Clean Up.
2) Authorize the Executive Director to sign the contract with Zusser Company, Inc. in the amount of $105,200 for the Savage Canyon Landfill De-Silting Basins Clean Up.
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3) Approve $10,520 in contingency for the Savage Canyon Landfill De Silting Basins Clean Up subject to the approval of the Executive Director.
12.N. Telecommunications lease agreement at 12108 Bailey Street Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to sign a lease agreement with Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership DBA Verizon Wireless to lease WUA-owned property at 12108 Bailey Street for a telecommunications tower and associated equipment.
12.0. VMA Communications Inc. Amendment No. I
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute an Amendment No. I Agreement with VMA Communications Inc., not exceeding $50,000, to provide additional media management services specific to the City of Whittier.
The following item was pulled for individual consideration:
12.1. Whittier Community Foundation Donation for Pickle Ball Court Conversion
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2023-76, amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget to accept a donation of $30,000 from the Whittier Community Foundation to convert one Tennis court at Leffingwell Ranch Park into four dedicated Pickle Ball Courts.
City Manager Saeki and Manager Hamilton answered questions regarding the Parks Master Plan; resident concerns; the National Pickleball Association’s engagement; the changes required to repurpose tennis courts into pickleball courts; and the timeline for opening dedicated pickleball courts.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Dutra seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2023-76, amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget to accept a donation of $30,000 from the Whittier Community Foundation to convert one Tennis court at Leffingwell Ranch Park into four dedicated Pickle Ball Courts and to have a ribbon cutting ceremony once the court has been dedicated. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Vinatieri directed staff to work with neighbors over their concerns.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated he had a conflict of interest since he owns a business in the Uptown area. He left the dais and exited the Council Chamber. Mayor Pro Tern Dutra presided over the meeting.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
13.A. 2024 Uptown Business Improvement Area Assessments Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing to consider the Uptown Business Improvement Area levy of assessments for calendar year 2024 Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes October 24, 2023 Page 7 of 8
and adopt Resolution No. 2023-77, confirming the annual report and levy of assessments for the Uptown Business Improvement Area for calendar year 2024.
Public Information Officer Galvin-Surbatovic presented the report.
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Dutra closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Council Member 0. Martinez moved and Council Member J. Martinez seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2023-77, confirming the annual report and levy of assessments for the Uptown Business Improvement Area for calendar year 2024. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Mayor Vinatieri absent.
RECESS
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra called a recess. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present. Mayor Vinatieri re-entered the room and presided over the meeting.
14. STAFF REPORTS
14.A. Branding Outreach & Update
Recommendation: Receive and file a report detailing the initial phase of the City’s branding initiative, as reviewed by the Branding ad hoc committee, and allow RSM Design to move forward with establishing Whittier’s brand identity in phase two.
Public Information Officer Galvin-Surbatovic and Steve Luoma from RSM Design presented the report. City Manager Saeki and Mr. Luoma answered questions regarding the firm’s experience; rolling out the new branding; tirneline for completion; other projects near the City of Whittier; logos of other entities near Whittier; and the community survey questions and the number of respondents.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council received and filed a report detailing the initial phase of the City’s branding initiative, as reviewed by the Branding ad hoc committee, and directed staff to bring back a revised report integrating comments from the City Council relative to non-profits, safety, faith, and equality.
14.B. Whittier People Mover - Final Report & Next Steps Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes October 24, 2023 Page 8 of 8
Recommendation: Receive and file the final Whittier People Mover Study and provide direction to staff on implementation of a one-year pilot program for a neighborhood electric vehicle service.
Assistant City Manager DeLong presented the report. City Manager Saeki and Assistant City Manager DeLong answered questions regarding the type of vehicle that will used transportation service; fees for service; the services areas; data collected from the community survey; the Sunshine Shuttle; service to East Whittier; the length of time for service to used widely; and ride limits.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council receive and file the final Whittier People Mover Study and directed Staff to research an East Whittier option. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
15. COUNCIL MEMBER! DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner indicated she was asked to serve on the East Whittier City School District Emma Wicker Auditorium Renovation Committee.
Council Member 0. Martinez thanked Staff for their hard work.
Council Member J. Martinez thanked Staff for their hard work and discussed AB 665.
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra thanked Staff for their hard work; wished Director Santana a happy recovery; indicated he was Principal for a Day at Freeland Academy of Languages School; indicated that Metro was hosting the East Side Transit Corridor Tour on October 28, 2023; and discussed a complaint regarding the fees charged by the Uptown Association for port-a-potties.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated that the City Clerk Department was hosting an Election Community Meeting on November 16, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Central Library; and invited residents to sign up for the Whittier 5K Spooktacular.
City Clerk Garcia indicated that the purpose of the Election Community Meeting was to discuss outreach efforts, inform residents of new features implemented, and allow the public to provide input.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 10:19 p.m.