MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
FEBRUARY 27, 2024, 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Closed Session on February 27, 2024. 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
None.
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. Approval of Minutes
Approve the January 23, 2024 Closed Session Minutes
3.B. Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Negotiator: Brian Saeki
Represented and Unrepresented Employee: Whittier City Employees’ Association, Whittier Police Officers’ Association, Whittier Police Management Association, and unrepresented employees
4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:35 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, City Attorney
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Alice Hui, Director of Finance
Erin Hamilton, Comrnunity Services Manager
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes February 27, 2024 Page 2 of 8
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member 0. Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated that there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
8. PRESENTATIONS
8.A. Gateway Cities Energy Action Awards - Gold Award to City of Whittier Mayor Pro Tern Dutra introduced Hector De La Torre, Executive Director of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, who discussed the City of Whittier’s environmental efforts and presented Staff with the Gold Award for Energy Actions.
8.B. American Public Works Association - 2023 Best Award Whittier Greenway Trail
Mayor Vinatieri introduced Pat Somerville, Awards Committee Chair for the American Public Works Association, who presented the Staff with the award for the Greenway Trail East Extension.
8.C. Boys & Girls Club -Youth of the Year 2024 Finalists Mayor Vinatieri introduced Oscar Hernandez, who discussed the hard work of two finalists, Destiny Parra and Aiden Serna.
The City Council congratulated Aiden and Destiny for their hard work.
9. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra moved and Council Member J. 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:
Mary Sullens; Gail Cofer; Helen Rahder; Tom Burr; James Becerra; Austin McCormack; Conny McCormack; Laurie Harris; Lulu Ruiz; Alex Rocha; Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes February 27, 2024 Page 3 of 8
Anonymous; Brian Ahern; Ron Montenegro; Veronica Wilkerson; Trino Jimenez; Magdalena Barragnon Moe; Juan Enriquez; and Isaiah Leslie Leon Savage.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
D.K.; Ken; and Henry Hickman.
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 Attorney Collins answered a question regarding the Brown Act and public comment time.
City Manager Saeki provided the following updates:
1. At a future meeting, Staff will address concerns related to the Greenleaf Promenade that were raised during the public comments portion.
2. Concerns about the lighting on Danbrook Drive will form part of the Street Lighting Policy discussion that will take place at a future meeting.
3. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department received two awards from the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS). The first is the Whittier’s Summer in the Parks Influencer Marketing Program, in the Marketing and Communication Award of Excellence category. The second award was given to Community Influencer Bob Ruiz, from MyWhittier, who was selected as the recipient of the 2023 CPRS Service Award of Excellence Champion of the Community.
4. The City of Whittier has been working with Anaconda Studios on an economic development that highlights the Whittier community. The video was played during the meeting.
12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Warner pulled Items 12.1. and 12.0. for individual consideration.
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra pulled Item 12.Q. for individual consideration.
City Attorney Collins indicated Council Member J. Martinez does not have a conflict with regards to Item 12.E. since she is a candidate for the 2024 Election.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra moved and Council Member 0. Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 12.1. 0., and Q. 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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes February 27, 2024 Page 4 of 8
12.B. Approval of Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the January 23, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes.
12.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Alejandra Chaffino, Lina Lopez, Yolanda E. Martinez, Jacob Ramirez, Jesse Sanchez, Joseph Sanchez, and Nora Phelps.
12.D. Board, Committee and Commission Reappointments
Recommendation: Reappoint qualified incumbent board, commission, and committee members:
1) Board of Library Trustees - John Greg Gomez
2) Cultural Arts Commission - Christopher Rubalcaba
3) Historic Resources Commission - Vanessa Ortiz
4) Parking and Transportation -Arthur Revueltas
5) Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission - Joseph Westrup and Tiffany Givens
6) Personnel Board - Monica Yep
7) Social Services Commission - Jeff Brauckmann
12.E. League of Women Voters Candidate Forum
Recommendation: Approve the League of Women Voters’ request for a fee waiver to broadcast a Candidate Forum in the Council Chambers on March 11, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
12.F. Hillside Open Space Education Committee (HOSEC) -Amendment No.
I
Recommendation: Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A04-047 for control and use of Funds to support the efforts of the to the Hillside Open Space Education Committee (HOSEC) and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
12.G. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Federal Community Benefit Project Requests Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-08 authorizing submission of three Federal Community Benefit Project Funding Requests.
12.H. SB2 Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) — Reallocation of 2019-2020 Funds
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-09, amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget with a reallocation of Permanent Local Housing Allocation 2019-20 (PLHA 19-20) funds for activities authorized by the PLHA Grant Application.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes February 27, 2024 Page 5 of 8
12.J. Friends of the Library Book Sale Center Maintenance Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-10, amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget to appropriate $47,000 in funding for the maintenance of the Friends of The Library Book Sale Center located at 6703 Comstock Avenue.
12.K. 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial, Justice Assistance Grant Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-11, amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget to supplement appropriations for the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial, Justice Assistance Grant.
121. Penn Park Playground Improvements Project — Notice of Completion Recommendation: Accept the work performance by Micon Construction, Inc. (Micon) for the Penn Park Playground Improvements Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City of Whittier.
12.M. Alleys North of Hadley between Pickering and Friends Sewer Main Replacement Project Phase 2 - Notice of Completion
Recommendation: Accept the work performed by All Cities Engineering, Inc. for the Alleys North of Hadley between Pickering and Friends Sewer Main Replacement Project Phase 2 and authorize the Secretary to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority (WUA).
12.N. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) - MS4 Program And Fats Oils and Grease Control Program
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign a professional services agreement with John L. Hunter and Associates to assist the City with MS4 Permit Compliance and implementing the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) control program in an amount not to exceed $137,525.
I 2.P. Whittier Boulevard at Painter Avenue Water Main Replacement -Award of Contract
Recommendation:
1) Award the construction contract to CEM Construction Corporation in the amount of $635,000 for the construction of the Whittier Boulevard at Painter Avenue Water Main Replacement Project;
2) Reject all other bids;
3) Approve $63,500 in contingency funding subject to the approval of the Executive Director;
4) Adopt Resolution No. WUA-2024-03, amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget in the amount of $698,500 for the Whittier Boulevard at Painter Avenue Water Main Replacement Project; and
5) Authorize the Executive Director to sign on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes February 27, 2024 Page 6 of 8
The following items were pulled for individual consideration: [1
12.1. Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Mid-Year Budget Update
Recommendation: Receive and file the mid-year budget update for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
City Manager Saeki and Director Hui answered questions regarding the City’s financial outlook; audits and findings; Government Finance Officers Association’s recommendations for General Fund reserves; General Fund operating budget; and other cities’ financial status compared to Whittier.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tern Dutra seconded a motion to receive and file the mid-year budget update for Fiscal Year 2023-24. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
12.0. Strub Avenue from La Cuarta Street to Second Street— Speed Humps Recommendation: Approve the Parking and Transportation Commission recommendation for the installation of speed humps on Strub Avenue from La Cuarta Street to Second Street.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Dutra moved and Council Member 0. Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Parking and Transportation Commission recommendation for the installation of speed humps on Strub Avenue from La Cuarta Street to Second Street. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Warner dissenting.
12.Q. Professional Service Agreement for Concept Design for the First Avenue Property - SWA
Recommendation:
1) Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a sole-source agreement with SWA, in an amount not to exceed $40,500 to prbvide Concept Design Services for the 11280 First Avenue Property; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-12, amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget with a supplemental appropriation for the expenditure of $40,500 for the Concept Design services for the 11280 First Avenue Property using Assembly Bill 1600 Impact Fees.
City Manager Saeki, Assistant City Manager DeLong, Manager Hamilton answered questions regarding dog parks; parking; bike racks; the Parks Master Plan; and disc golf.
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MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Dutra moved and Council Member 0. Martinez seconded a motion to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a sole-source agreement with SWA, in an amount not to exceed $40,500 to provide Concept Design Services for the 11280 First Avenue Property; and adopt Resolution No. 2024-12, amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget with a supplemental appropriation for the expenditure of $40,500 for the Concept Design services for the 11280 First Avenue Property using Assembly Bill 1600 Impact Fees. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
14. STAFF REPORTS
14.A. Modified On-Street Parking Options for Greenleaf Avenue Recommendation: Provide direction on modified on-street parking options for Greenleaf Avenue between Hadley Street and Orange Drive.
Director Cason presented the report and answered questions community engagement through surveys; Greenleaf Avenue width; and angled parking.
The City Council deliberated.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to engage the impacted community through a survey and present the findings to the Parking and Transportation Commission, who will provide a recommendation to the City Council.
15. COUNCIL MEMBER I DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner congratulated the Public Works Department on their awards; congratulated the City Clerk Department for the installation of the modular building at Michigan Park; discussed attending the Girls’ Softball opening day event; the Wake-Up Whittier event; the Silver Shield Awards Banquet; and indicated she visited the new property purchased on First Avenue.
Council Member 0. Martinez indicated he attended the Silver Shield Awards Banquet.
Council Member J. Martinez indicated she attended the Silver Shield Awards Banquet; congratulated the two finalists for the Boys & Girls Club - Youth of the Year 2024 award; and thanked the volunteers that attended the 10-year anniversary of the Veterans’ Resource Center at the Central Library.
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Mayor Pro Tern Dutra indicated that the Metro Board voted to approve the gondola from Union Station to Dodger Stadium; and expressed condolences to Owen Newcomer’s family for the passing of his mother.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated he attended the book signing for Whittier City School District Superintendent Brad Mason; the Whittier Historical Society’s Magic Show; the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Veterans’ Resource Center at the Central Library; and the Silver Shield Awards Banquet; and discussed Senate Bill 1262, authored by Senator Bob Archuleta.
16. ADJOURNMENT - In Memory of Gwen Woirhaye
Mayor Vinatieri read a biography of Gwen Woirhaye 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 8:54 p.m.
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