MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
JUNE 25, 2024, 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Closed Session on June 25, 2024. Mayor Vinatieri called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, California.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
Stephanie Vallejo submitted email correspondence regarding Item 3.B.
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the May 28, 2024 Closed Session Minutes.
3.B. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: State Route 72, Properties along Whittier Boulevard from Esparanza Avenue to Sorensen Avenue
City Negotiator: Brian Saeki
Property Negotiator: Local Agency Formation Commission, Los Angeles Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:32 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, CA 90602.
5. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Mayor
Octavio Martinez, Council Member
Fernando Dutra, Council Member [7:16 p.m.]
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member
ABSENT:
Cathy Warner, Mayor Pro Tern
STAFF PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, City Manager
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
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Ifath Casillas, Management Analyst
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Alice Hui, Director of Finance
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Pacheco 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. Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Update
Shannon Hammer, Chair of the Board for the Whittier Area Chamber of commerce, provided updates regarding Chamber events, including the 2024 Business Expo and the Non-profit Network Quarterly meeting, and invited residents to visit the Chamber website for information on resources and events.
Since March 2024, the Chamber welcomed fifty new members and celebrated approximately 8 ribbon cuttings. The Student-Chamber program was completed in May of 2024, and the Chamber provided 6 graduating seniors from the Whitter Union High School District with scholarships. Preparations are underway for the 2024 Hathway Golf Tournament, which will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Friendly Hills Country Club Golf Course. The Chamber is also planning the annual State of the Nation with Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, which will be held on August 9, 2024 at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello.
8.B. Parks Make Life Better! Month
Director Santana indicated that the month of July is Parks Make Life Better! Month and discussed the importance of the services offered and the programming held at parks.
Mayor Vinatieri presented Director Santana with a proclamation.
9. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Martinez moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The motion carried 3-0-2, Council Member Dutra and Mayor Pro Tern Warner absent.
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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:
Khoi Dao (Acting Assistant Fire Chief); Bob Henderson; Tom Hall; Javier Garcia; Kyle Pelphrey; James Becerra; Tom Bihr; Gail Cofer; Helen Rahder; Mary Gorman Sullens; Conny McCormack; Austin McCormack; Magdalena Barragnon Moe; Alex Rocha; Brian Ahern; Stephanie Vallejo; and Kimberly.
Council Member Dutra entered the meeting at 7:16 p.m.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
Ricardo Lopez and D.K.
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 provided the following clarifications:
1. The Greenleaf Promenade Project is a proposed $20 million project, not $31 million.
2. The City has not received an alternate design plan from an arborist that includes the necessary size of the tree protection zones that also allows for the preservation of the Ficus trees.
3. The revised Greenleaf Promenade Project Plan approved on June 18, 2024, includes upsized trees, shade structures, and a phasing of block-by block, which will be incorporated in the bid specifications. The City Council will receive two bids: one to complete the project all at once and another for a bid alternate.
4. Funding for the Greenleaf Promenade Project will include approximately $10 million from former redevelopment agency loan repayment funds and an additional $10 million was earmarked by the City Council from a surplus from two fiscal years ago.
5. The parking structure in Uptown is ADA compliant, but the elevator is frequently out of order to do vandalization.
6. The City Council will discuss a report on public comment policy as it relates to time allotted at the July 9, 2024, meeting.
7. City Staff has met with the Uptown Whittier Association and Uptown Whittier Business Improvement District to discuss a collaborative approach to business support.
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City Manager Saeki answered questions regarding credential and license requirements for professionals hired by the City.
Chief Bar discussed firework policy in Whittier, and indicated members of the public can report firework usage by anonymously calling (562) 567-9299 or emailing [email protected]. Chief Bar answered questions regarding service calls for fireworks in unincorporated Whittier and the usage of drones.
12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Vinatieri pulled Items 12.E. and J. for individual consideration.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 12.E. and J. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
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 28, 2024 Special and Regular Meeting Minutes.
12~C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Jeannie Harwood, Maria Rodriguez, and Sylvia Rodriguez.
12.D. Whittier Chamber Agreement 2024-25
Recommendation: Renew an amended agreement with the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce for the period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
12.F. Marketplace Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) Reimbursement
Recommendation: Approve the July through December 2023
reimbursement to Whittier Marketplace, Inc. of the 2022-23 debt service payment on the Community Facilities District 1989-1 bonds in the amount of $253,894, pursuant to the DDA.
12.G. SFA Scott Fazekas & Associates, Inc. - Professional Services Agreement
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with SFA Scott Fazekas & Associates, Inc.
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12.H. Whittwood Town Center Reimbursement
Recommendation: Approve $325,563 in property tax increment and sales tax reimbursement to Whittwood 1768 Inc. pursuant to the Owner Participation Agreement for the Whittwood Town Center.
12.1. Out of State Travel - International Association for Identification (IAI) Conference
Recommendation: Approve out-of-state travel for one Police Department Forensics Specialist to attend the International Association for Identification Conference (IAI) from August 11 through August 17, 2024, in Reno, Nevada.
12.K. On-Call Engineering Services (Pavement Rehab) — Award of Professional Services Agreement
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Psomas, Onward Engineering, and HR Green to provide On-Call Engineering Services (Pavement Rehab) for a fee not to exceed $1,000,000 per agreement for a 36-month term.
12.L. On-Call Engineering Services (WUA) — Award of Professional Services Agreement
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the Executive Director to execute a Professional Services Agreement with AKM Consulting Engineers, Cannon Corporation, SA Associates, and Tait & Associates, Inc. on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority (WUA) to provide On-Call Engineering Services for a not to exceed amount of $1,000,000 per agreement for a 36- month term.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
12.E. City Net Outreach Services Agreement — Amendment No. 1 Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to agreement A23-090 with City Net in the amount of $608,510 to continue providing 7-day-a-week services.
Assistant City Manager DeLong answered questions regarding turnover and the number of clients served.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve and authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to agreement A23-090 with City Net in the amount of $608,510 to continue providing 7-day-a-week services. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
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12.J. Kennedy & Guirado Park Improvements Project — Notice Inviting Bids Recommendation:
1) Find the Project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines; 2) Approve Plans and Specifications for 23-002 Kennedy & Guirado Park Improvements Project;
3) Authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids; 4) Authorize the City Manager to purchase fitness equipment from Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, Inc. for Guirado Park at a cost of $57,220; 5) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-36, amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget for the expenditure of up to $60,504 in State of California Specific Grant Funds for the purchase of Guirado Park fitness equipment; and 6) Approve the Grant of Easement located at Kennedy Park for Water Pipes and Appurtenances to Suburban Water Systems; and authorize the City Manager to sign on behalf of the City.
City Manager Saeki and Director Hui answered questions regarding recouping sales tax; the seller’s permit process; and the point-of-sale location.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-36, amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget for the expenditure of up to $60,504 in State of California Specific Grant Funds for the purchase of Guirado Park fitness equipment. The question was called and motion carried 4-0.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
14. STAFF REPORTS
14.A. Selection of Boards and Commissions Applicants
Recommendation: 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)
Analyst Casillas presented the report and answered questions regarding the number of applicants that can be selected for interviews and the membership composition of the Design Review Board.
The City Council deliberated.
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CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council selected the following applicants to interview:
Social Services Commission
1) Marisol C. Enriquez-Santos
2) Alejandro Mendoza
3) Dr. Marsha Schultz
4) Peter Steven Alamillo Ill
5) Stacey Wong- Goldfarb
6) Jessica Alva
Design Review Board
1) Jacob Wetrosky
2) Erik Bottema
3) Tom Pavlovsky
Art in Public Places Advisory Committee
1) Gisela Morales
2) Jonathan R. Dye
3) Paulajean Eagleman
4) Victoria Alvarez
14.B. California Statewide Ballot Measure - Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act
Recommendation: Consider adopting Resolution No. 2024-37, supporting the ballot measure “Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.”
Assistant City Manager DeLong presented the report. City Attorney Collins and Assistant City Manager DeLong answered questions regarding neighboring cities in support of passing a similar resolution; the ability of the Whittier Police Department’s to indicate a position on the measure; the positions of the California Police Chiefs Association, the Los Angeles County Chiefs of Police Association, and the California Association of District Attorneys on the measure; the intent of the ballot measure with regards to Proposition (Prop) 47; treatment as alternative to a criminal conviction; the inclusion of fentanyl as a hard drug; and crimes rates after the enactment of Prop 47.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-37, supporting the ballot measure “Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.” The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
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14.C. Tax Transfer Resolution related to West-Whittier -Los Nietos Annexation (City of Whittier Annexation No. 2021-09)
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-38, a joint resolution with respective bodies approving and accepting the negotiated exchange of property tax revenue resulting from the annexation of Los Angeles County territory known as Annexation No. 2021-09 to the City of Whittier and detachment from County Road District No. 1, County Road District No. 4, and withdrawal from the Los Angeles County Library pursuant to Annexation No. 2021-09.
Director Cason presented the report. City Manager Saeki and Director Cason answered questions regarding sales tax negotiations; the net loss projections for year 1; the protest process; estimated City services expenditures; zoning regulations; property values for homes in the City of Whittier and the County; the Regional Housing Needs Allocation for the subject area; the number of cities that have taken ownership of Whittier Boulevard; the benefits of annexation; taxes for the annexed area; and the potential west extension of the Greenway Trail.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to adopt an amended Resolution No. 2024-38, a joint resolution with respective bodies approving and accepting the negotiated exchange of property tax revenue resulting from the annexation of Los Angeles County territory known as Annexation No. 2021-09 to the City of Whittier and detachment from County Road District No. 1, County Road District No. 4, and withdrawal from the Los Angeles County Library pursuant to Annexation No. 2021-09, amended to revise the dates on the signature pages. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
15. COUNCIL MEMBER I DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Martinez discussed attending the reception held outside City Hall on June 11, 2024; the Movies at the Park event on June 15, 2024; the Concerts in the Park events on June 17 and 24, 2024; the installation of officers at the Special Olympics dinner on June 19, 2024; and the ribbon cutting for Cook’s Tire & Service on June 20, 2024. He also thanked City Staff for their hard work on hosting the summer events and discussed the railing and cement work of the College hills staircase.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to research the potential to make repairs to the railing and cement work of the College hills staircase.
Council Member Dutra wished everyone a happy and safe 4t~~ of July and invited residents to the City’s 4t~~ of July firework show at York Field.
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Council Member Pacheco discussed attending the Concerts at the Park event on June 17, 2024; the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority meeting, where the issues surrounding the Summit Drive house were discussed; a Ride Along with a Police Department Sargeant; a meeting at the Navigation Center; the pop up Pride event at the Whittier Museum; and the installation of the new officers event for the Soroptimist International of Whittier. She also indicated that City Staff provided her a letter regarding the City’s audit process and discussed the death of her brother-in-law.
Mayor Vinatieri discussed attending the Business Expo; the Skate Park event; and the National Junior Basketball Opening ceremony; and invited residents to the Freedom Walk at Palm Park and 4th of July Firework show at York Field.
16. ADJOURNMENT - In Memory of Thomas Mauk
Mayor Vinatieri read a biography of Thomas Mauk and discussed his ties and contributions to the Whittier Community.
The City Council shared personal anecdotes and expressed their condolences.
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 9:53 p.m.