MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 13230 PENN STREET
DECEMBER 10, 2024, 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Closed Session on December 10, 2024. Mayor Pro Tem Warner called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, California.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the October 22, October 29, and November 12, and November 19 2024, Closed Session Minutes.
3.B. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Jason Zuhike v. City of Whittier, Case #23NWCCV00999
3.C. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN 8139-023-014, 8139-023-015, 8139-023-022 (7058 and 7042 Comstock Aye, 7055 Greenleaf Aye)
City Negotiator: Brian Saeki
Property Negotiator: Skyline Holdings LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
3.D. 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
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms/Relinquishment
4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Pro Tern Warner 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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes December 10, 2024 Page 2 of 9
5. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Mayor [6:32 p.m.]
Cathy Warner, Mayor Pro Tern
Octavio Martinez, Council Member
Fernando Dutra, Council Member
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member [6:14 p.m.]
STAFF PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, City Manager
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
Lenette Perez, Records Manager
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
Ben Pongetti, Director of Public Works
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Manager Saeki led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
8. PRESENTATIONS
None.
9. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to approve the amended Agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tern Warner 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.
Mayor Vinatieri entered the meeting.
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The following individuals provided live public comments:
Tom Hall; Craig Cole; Aurora Montenegro; Conny McCormack; Joanna; Monica Sena; Jill Frieze-Prado; Claylee Stewart; Brandon Arcega; Roberto; Natalie Guevarra; Mark Wilson; Patrick Hicks; Jeff Garcia; Nathan Tharp; and “Batman.” Mayor Pro Tern Warner exited the Chamber.
Live public comments resumed with Larry McMillan.
Mayor Pro Tern Warner re-entered the meeting.
Live public comments resumed with the following speakers:
Kathy Ye; Jeff; Lupe Gonzalez; Larry; Marilyn Avila; Leonard Avila; Patricia Lopez; Ron Galarze; Esther; Bridget Antuna; Nasa Sung El Monte; Javier Garcia; Bill Dobrennan; Karen Grace; Janis Cavanaugh; Don; Maggie Moe; Louise; Isaiah Leslie Leon Savage; and Rolando Cano.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
D.K.; Arthur; and Stephanie.
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.
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
11. CITY MANAGER REPORT
None.
12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Dutra requested Item 12.H. be moved to a future meeting.
Council Member Pacheco pulled Items 12.G. and 12.R. for individual consideration.
Mayor Vinatieri recused himself from Items 12.E. and 12.J.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tern Warner seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 12.G. 12.H., and
12.R., noting Mayor Vinatieri’s recusals on Items 12.E. and 12.J. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
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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 October 22 and November 12, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes and October 22, October 29, and November 19, 2024, Special Meeting Minutes.
12.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Guillermo Feria, Joseph Wilson, Candice Mayfield, and Whittier College.
12.D. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 3162 — Solid Waste Collection Franchise Agreement
Recommendation: Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 3162, granting Arakelian Enterprises, Inc. (DBA Athens Services) an exclusive franchise for the provision of solid waste collection, recycling, and organics services in the City of Whittier and make a finding that the granting of the franchise is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
12.E. 2025 Whittier Uptown Association Annual Agreement Recommendation: Approve the administrative agreement between the City of Whittier and the Whittier Uptown Association for calendar year 2025 and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
12.F. Out of State Travel - US Conference of Mayors
Recommendation: Approve out-of-state travel for the Mayor to attend the 93rd Winter Meeting of the US Conference of Mayors occurring January 17- 19, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
12.1. Professional Service Agreement with CIR INC.
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with CIR Inc. for building and safety consulting services.
12.J. Tacos Los Desvelados
6741 Greenleaf Avenue
Conditional Use Permit No. CUP24-0003
Development Review No. DRP24-003
Recommendation: Receive and file the Planning Commission action approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP24-0003 and Development Review No. DRP24-0031, with conditions of approval to enclose an outdoor seating area and upgrade an existing Type-41 alcohol license to Type-47 alcohol license for an existing restaurant (D.B.A. Tacos Los Desvelados) at 6741 Greenleaf Avenue.
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12.K. Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. WRSA-24-03, approving a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for the fiscal year from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34177 and taking certain related actions.
12.L. Whittier Redevelopment Successor Agency Administrative Budget for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. WRSA-24-04, approving the Whittier Redevelopment Successor Agency Administrative Budget for the fiscal year from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, pursuant to the Health and Safety Code Section 34177(j) and taking certain other related actions.
12.M. Community Facilities District Special Tax Annual Accountability Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the Community Facilities District (CFD) 2019-01 annual report pursuant to the Local Agency Special Tax and Accountability Act for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
12.N. Police Records System Upgrade
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to sign and execute Amendment No. 7 to Agreement No. A06-164 with Tyler Technologies for the purchase of a software upgrade to the Police Department records management system; and approve Resolution No. 2024-74, amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget related to the records management system upgrade purchase.
12.0. Amendment No. ito Agreement No. A24-099 - Fire Department Station #17
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A24-099 for a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with PRACTICE, formally known as GGA, in the amount not to exceed $57,215; and adopt Resolution No. 2024-75, amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget for the expenditure of up to $57,215.
12.P. Granting of Easement to Southern California Edison Recommendation: Approve the Grant of Easement and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute and record the easement located along a portion of property located at 6738-6742 Comstock Avenue to Southern California Edison (SCE).
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12.0. Fiscal Year 2021-22 Sewer Main Spot Repair Program - Notice of Completion
Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Carter Sanitation for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Sewer Main Spot Repair Program and authorize the Secretary to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority (WUA).
12.S. Santa Gertrudes Avenue Improvements Federal Project No. STPLG 5111(070) - Notice of Completion
Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Onyx Paving Company for the Santa Gertrudes Avenue Improvements Federal Project No. STPLG 5111(070) and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City of Whittier.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
1 2.G. Updated Legislative Platform
Recommendation: Approve the updates to the City’s legislative platform as recommended by the Legislative Ad Hoc Committee.
Council Member Pacheco expressed concerns with the legislative platform since she was not on the Council when it was adopted.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the updates to the City’s legislative platform as recommended by the Legislative Ad Hoc Committee. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Pacheco abstaining.
12.H. Professional Services Agreement - State Advocacy Services Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to sign a professional services agreement with Townsend Public Affairs for a one-year term with two one-year extensions for state legislative advocacy services, not to exceed $48,000 annually.
This item was moved to a future meeting.
12.R. 24-023 Metro Hot Spot Intersections: Whittier Boulevard at Santa Fe Springs Road and Whittier Boulevard at Painter Avenue Improvement Project — Award of Contract
Recommendation:
1) Award the Construction contract to Granite Construction Company in the amount of $1 1,626,918 for the construction of the 24-023 Metro Hot Spot Intersections: Whittier Boulevard at Santa Fe Springs Road and Whittier Boulevard at Painter Avenue Improvement Project;
2) Reject all other bids;
3) Authorize the City Manager to sign the contract on behalf of the City; Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Minutes December 10, 2024 Page 7 of 9
4) Approve $1,162,692 in contingencies for the 24-023 Metro Hot Spot Intersections: Whittier Boulevard at Santa Fe Springs Road and Whittier Boulevard at Painter Avenue Improvement Project, subject to the approval of the City Manager; and
5) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-76, amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget with a supplemental appropriation for 24-023 Metro Hot Spots Intersections: Whittier Boulevard at Santa Fe Springs Road and Whittier Boulevard at Painter Avenue Improvement Project.
Director Cason answered questions regarding the estimated project timeline/duration; anticipated completion dates; the possibility of scheduling heavy construction during the least trafficked days/hours; and public outreach.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tern Warner seconded a motion to 1) award the Construction contract to Granite Construction Company in the amount of $11,626,918 for the construction of the 24-023 Metro Hot Spot Intersections: Whittier Boulevard at Santa Fe Springs Road and Whittier Boulevard at Painter Avenue Improvement Project; 2) reject all other bids; 3) authorize the City Manager to sign the contract on behalf of the City; 4) approve $1,162,692 in contingencies for the 24-023 Metro Hot Spot Intersections: Whittier Boulevard at Santa Fe Springs Road and Whittier Boulevard at Painter Avenue Improvement Project, subject to the approval of the City Manager; and 5) adopt Resolution No. 2024-76, amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget with a supplemental appropriation for 24-023 Metro Hot Spots Intersections: Whittier Boulevard at Santa Fe Springs Road and Whittier Boulevard at Painter Avenue Improvement Project. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
13. STAFF REPORTS
1 3.A. Short-Term Rental Update
Recommendation: Review the information provided regarding short-term rentals, and if appropriate, provide staff with additional direction to finalize an ordinance to bring back for consideration by the City Council.
The City Council deliberated on the creation of an ad hoc committee and whether to hold a study session in the future.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to agendize a special study session relative to short-term rentals.
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13.B. Modified On-Street Parking Greenleaf Avenue between Hadley Street and Orange Drive
Recommendation: Provide direction on modified on-street parking alternatives for Greenleaf Avenue between Hadley Street and Orange Drive.
Director Cason presented the report. City Manager Saeki, City Attorney Collins, and Director Cason answered questions regarding on-street parking policies; a survey sent out to residents of the area; the number of respondents to the survey; the total number of residents in the area; the community meeting held regarding this item; the number of parking spots in the angled parking option; the safety of shared bike lanes; speed limit in bike lanes; warrants; liability; parking requirements for single-family and multi-family housing; and the implementation time frame of the selected modified parking option.
MOTION
Council Member Martinez moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to implement angled street parking on Greenleaf Avenue between Hadley Street and Orange Drive. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
13.C. Introduction to 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025-2026 Action Plan
Recommendation: Receive and file information on housing and community development needs, program performance, and strategies for affirmatively furthering fair housing related to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025-2026 Action Plan.
Director Pongetti presented the report and answered questions regarding the purpose of the report; projects that combined Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME funds; Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA); and the difference between “residents” and “stakeholders” in the survey.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tern Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to receive and file information on housing and community development needs, program performance, and strategies for affirmatively furthering fair housing related to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025-2026 Action Plan. The motion carried unanimously.
13.D. Sister City Committee
Recommendation: Provide direction for the potential formation of a Sister City Committee.
City Manager Saeki presented the report. City Manager Saeki and Director Santana answered questions regarding the current status of the Sister City Committee; the current relationship between the City of Whittier and Changshu, China; the reason why Changshu was selected as the Sister City; and previous sister city relationships.
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The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to create an ad hoc committee to review the guidelines and purpose (Option 1).
The question was called and motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to appoint Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Pacheco to the Sister City Ad Hoc Committee. The motion carried unanimously.
14. COUNCIL MEMBER I DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Martinez discussed a Southeast Water Coalition meeting and the privilege of having clean water readily available.
Council Member Dutra indicated he attended the City’s tree lighting event and a Chamber of Commerce event at the Boys & Girls Club; discussed dance studios in Whittier and thanked Claylee Stewart; and invited residents to attend the Christmas parade on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Council Member Pacheco congratulated Vicky Santana on her retirement from the Rio Hondo College Board of Trustees; and indicated she attended the swearing in ceremony for Supervisor Janice Hahn, the 25th anniversary celebration of Casita del Pueblo, the tree lighting ceremony, the Assistance League’s luncheon, the YMCA prayer breakfast, the Grand Illumination at Rick’s burgers, the Whittier High School Alumni Association’s annual sing-along, Cookies with Santa, and the Boards and Commission annual reception.
Mayor Pro Tern Warner congratulated City Staff for the events they host during the holiday season, including Cookies with Santa and the tree lighting ceremony; indicated she attended the Holiday Sonata; invited residents to donate to the toy drives.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated he attended the swearing in of Nathan Hochman; thanked Staff for hosting Cookies with Santa and the tree lighting ceremony; invited residents to attend the Uptown Christmas parade on Saturday, December 14, 2024; congratulated Eric and Madison Dutra on their marriage.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 10:09 p.m.
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