MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
WHITTIER HOUSING AUTHORITY
WHITTIER PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
JUNE 11,2024,6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Closed Session on June 11, 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 - Closed Session
Approve the May 7 and May 14, 2024 Closed Session Minutes.
3.B. Conference Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government 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
3.C. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
City of Whittier, a Charter City; et al. v Superior Court Of The State of California, County of Los Angeles, the judicial branch for the County of Los Angeles, California; et al., Case No. 23STCP03579
4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:31 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, CA 90602.
5. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Mayor
Cathy Warner, Mayor Pro Tern
Octavio Martinez, Council Member
Fernando Dutra, Council Member
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member
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STAFF PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, City Manager
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Aviv Bar, Chief of Police
Alice Hui, Director of Finance
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Attorney Collins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
8. PRESENTATIONS
8.A. City Library Summer Reading Club
Mayor Vinatieri invited Jac Sanchez (Assistant Director of Library Services) and Ivonne Arreola (Library Services Manager) to the lectern.
Assistant Director Sanchez and Manager Arreola discussed the summer reading club program and answered questions regarding the prizes for completing the program and steps for signing up.
The City Council discussed their experience with the Summer Reading Club Program.
9. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Council Member Pacheco exited the Council Chamber.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Warner rnoved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Pacheco absent.
Council Member Pacheco re-entered the Council Chamber.
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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:
Yessi Hergera; Tom Hall; Monica Sena; Nicole Ortiz; Helen Rahder; Tom Bihr; David Dickerson; Gail Cofer; Mary Gorman-Sullen; James Becerra; Greg Gorksy; Jill Frieze-Prado; Jan Edwards; Dan Klouser; Felipe Nuñez; Alex Rocha; Magdalena Barragnon Moe; Dayna Hayzen; Isaiah Leslie Leon Savage; Javier Garcia; Conny McCormack; Joanna; Rolando Cano; Mitch Edwards; and Caroline Comini.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
D.K. and Stephanie Vallejo.
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
1. The City is aware of the disturbances occurring at the former Ruth B.
Shannon house and is working with County partners to gain compliance with property owners.
2. At the request of the City Council, Staff is preparing a list of all contributing resources in the City’s historic districts, which will be presented to the Historic Resources Commission and the City Council. Adding additional properties will be appropriate at that time.
3. The City Council has never defunded the police.
4. Annual audits are available on the city website.
5. The Mayor is legally required to recuse himself from the Promenade project since he owns a business on Greenleaf Avenue.
6. The City is establishing a webpage dedicated to the Parnell Park Renovation project. City Staff will also circulate a survey to understand and prioritize desired upgrades and gage interest and concerns regarding different project elements.
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E
12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Pacheco pulled Item 12.E. for individual consideration.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez 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 May 7, 2024 Special Meeting and May 14, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes.
12.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Maureen Lemoi, Janis Meier, Paul Rodarte, and Done Torres.
12.D. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Investment Policy
Recommendation: Approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 Investment Policy, extend the agreement with Meeder Public Funds, Inc for a period of five years, and authorize the City Manager to execute necessary documents.
12.F. Tagus Street Transmission Main Emergency Repair
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. WUA-2024-04 amending Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget in the amount of $50,000 for the Tagus Street Transmission Main Emergency Repair.
The following item was pulled for individual consideration:
12.E. Allied Universal Jail Contract Extension - Amendment No. 2 Recommendation: Approve an amendment to extend the agreement with Allied Universal for jail staffing services commencing on July 1, 2024, and terminating on June 30, 2027.
Chief Bar answered questions regarding the background and rationale for the selection of the contractor; the number of personnel covered by the contract; impacts of providing in-house jail services; processes for handling misconduct of contracted employees; and allegations against Allied Universal.
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MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve an amendment to extend the agreement with Allied Universal for jail staffing services commencing on July 1, 2024, and terminating on June 30, 2027.
The motion carried unanimously.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1 3.A. Adoption of the City Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget
Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-29 approving a budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025;
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-30 approving and adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2024-25; and
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-31, amending Resolution No. 8865 to temporarily suspend and waive fees for certain application services related to historic resources.
Adoption of Whittier Utility Authority Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. WUA-2024-05 approving the budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025
Adoption of the Whittier Housing Authority Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. WHA-2024-01 approving the Whittier Housing Authority budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025.
City Manager addressed an assertion made in a Whittier Daily News article that indicated the City’s budget increased by 50% and clarified that this year’s overall budget is $10 million less than last year’s, but the General Fund budget is approximately 8% higher than last year.
City Manager Saeki and Director Hui presented the report and answered questions regarding the use of redevelopment funds; the impact of the Johnson v. Grants Pass court case; police funding; the use of reserves; emergency contingency fund; the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommendations for reserves; other cities reserve amounts; franchise fees; solid waste haulers; the increase to the Santa Fe Springs policing contract; and revenue generated from selling furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E).
Director Cason answered a question regarding revenue from leasing water rights.
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___________________ Whittier Chamber of Commerce Request Discussion LI City Manager Saeki and City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding economic development support provided by the Chamber of Commerce; benefits of the collaborative effort for economic development; performance measures and deliverables for economic development; Consumer Price Index (CPI) escalator; the ability of the Chamber to lobby the City Council; the Chamber’s non-profit status; tourism promotion; and the potential conflicts arising from City Council members being members of the Chamber of Commerce.
Whittier Historical Society (WHS) Museum Request Discussion City Manager Saeki and City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding a CPI escalator; Council Member Dutra’s wife’s status as a former (WHS) board member; typical uses of non-profit funding; precedent setting; and Bailey House repairs.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing at 9:02 p.m.
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:
Gina Lopez; Fernando Lopez; and Virginia Ball.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
D.K. and Sean Thomsen.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing at 9:18 p.m.
The City Council deliberated on the scope of economic development and CPI calculators.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to adopt an amended Resolution No. 2024-29 approving a budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025, amended to include an additional $60,000 in funding for the Whittier Historical Society Museum for capital improvements and deferred maintenance. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
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MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-30 approving and adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2024-25. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-31, amending Resolution No. 8865 to temporarily suspend and waive fees for certain application services related to historic resources; The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. WUA-2024-05 approving the budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. WHA-2024-01 approving the Whittier Housing Authority budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025.
The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Pacheco recused themselves from the item and exited the Council Chamber.
13.B. Parking District No. 1 — Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Recommendation: Approve the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget for Parking District No. 1 and adopt Resolution No. 2024-32 confirming the City assessment for Fiscal Year 2024-25 for Parking District No. 1 (Multi-Deck).
Parking District No. 2— Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget
Recommendation: Approve the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget for Parking District No. 2 and adopt Resolution No. 2024-33 confirming the City assessment for Fiscal Year 2024-25 for Parking District No. 2 and ordering assessments to be levied for Parking District No. 2.
Mayor Pro Tem Warner opened the public hearing at 9:56 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Warner closed the public hearing at 9:56 p.m.
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MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to Approve the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget for Parking District No. 1 and adopt Resolution No. 2024-32 confirming the City assessment for Fiscal Year 2024-25 for Parking District No. 1 (Multi-Deck); and approve the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget for Parking District No. 2 and adopt Resolution No. 2024-33 confirming the City assessment for Fiscal Year 2024-25 for Parking District No. 2 and ordering assessments to be levied for Parking District No. 2. The question was called and the motion carried 3-0-2, Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Pacheco absent.
Mayor Vinatieri re-entered the Council Chamber and presided over the meeting.
13.C. 1991 Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91 (Foxley Drive) Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing for the levy and collection of assessments for the Foxley Drive Street Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91 from 1991; and adopt Resolution No. 2024-34 confirming the assessment and diagram including approving the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25 for Foxley Drive Street Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing at 9:58 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing at 9:58 p.m.
Council Member Pacheco re-entered the meeting.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-34 confirming the assessment and diagram including approving the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25 for Foxley Drive Street Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
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14. STAFF REPORTS
14.A. Selection of Boards and Commissions Applicants
Recommendation: Extend the term of Planning Commissioner Borzi for up to one year to allow for the completion of the ongoing State-mandated Development Code and Zoning Map updates.
Select applicants to interview or appoint for vacancies on the following boards and commissions:
1) Social Services Commission (3 terms)
2) Design Review Board (1 term)
3) Art in Public Places Advisory Committee (2 terms)
4) Planning Commission (1 term, if applicable)
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tem Warner seconded a motion to extend the term of Planning Commissioner Borzi for up to one year to allow for the completion of the ongoing State-mandated Development Code and Zoning Map updates and directed Staff to bring back the discussion of applicant selection for boards and commissions vacancies. The motion carried unanimously.
14.B. Social Services Funding FY 2024-25
Recommendation: Review the revisions to the Social Services Grant Grading Rubric and the Funding Allocation Chart, and provide direction as necessary.
Director Santana presented the report and answered questions regarding funding distribution and flexibility under the new grading rubric.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Social Services Grant Grading Rubric and the Funding Allocation Chart. The motion carried unanimously.
14.C. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Salary Resolution
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-35 adopting the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Salary Resolution and rescinding Resolution No. 2023-51.
City Clerk Garcia presented the report. City Manager Saeki answered a question regarding the average hourly wage.
The City Council deliberated.
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City Clerk Garcia provided the salary range disclosure.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-35 adopting the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Salary Resolution and rescinding Resolution No. 2023-51. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
15. COUNCIL MEMBER I DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Martinez thanked City Staff for their hard work.
Council Member Dutra thanked City Staff for addressing the resident concerns surrounding the home on Summit Drive; discussed adding an item to a future meeting for a historic survey relative to homes on Painter Avenue; indicated he attended the Whole Child event; and wished everyone a happy Father’s Day.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to add an item to a future meeting for a historic survey relative to homes on Painter Avenue.
Council Member Pacheco indicated she attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new police officers, the Rotary baseball fundraiser, and a meeting with residents at the Groves; discussed a teleconference call with the County regarding community health profiles; thanked City Manager Saeki for providing her a tour of City Hall; and discussed the importance of the budget.
Mayor Pro Tern Warner indicated she attended a neighborhood meeting in East Whittier, a Taste of Rio event, and the banner reception event.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated he attended the League of California Cities meeting at the Los Angeles Air Force base a meeting with residents of the Groves, the Taste of Rio event, the Rotary baseball fundraiser event; presented the Whittier Union High School District Teacher of the Year Award at Whittier High School; discussed transparency and conflicts of interests; and discussed the event at the Summit Drive home.
16. ADJOURNMENT - In Memory Of Samanda K. Guyan
Mayor Vinatieri read a biography of Samanda K. Guyan and discussed her ties and contributions to the Whittier Community.
The City Council shared personal anecdotes and expressed their condolences. Ej Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 10:34 p.m.