MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 13230 PENN STREET
JANUARY 14, 2025, 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Closed Session on January 14, 2025. 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.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
Conny McCormack provided a live public comment regarding Item 3.E.
CLOSED SESSION
3.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the December 10, 2024 Closed Session Minutes.
3.B. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1):
One Case
3.C. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Samuel Castro v. Whittier, Case # 2:23-cv-03424-DSF-RAO
3.D. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Hugo Figueroa v. City of Whittier, Claim No. 632527
3.E. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Whittier Conservancy v City of Whittier Case No. 24STCPO3966
CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:34 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, CA 90602.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 14, 2025
Minutes
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Mayor
Cathy Warner, Mayor Pro Tem
Octavio Martinez, Council Member
Fernando Dutra, Council Member
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member
ST AFF PRESENT:
Brian Saeki, City Manager
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Warner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
PRESENT ATIONS
Mayor Vinatieri expressed the City Council's sympathy for those affected by the wildfires; thanked the fire fighters and other first responders for their assistance on the front lines; indicated the City of Whittier has sent police officers and other resources to assiSt: and indicated that information on how contribute and support the affected communities will be posted on the City's social media pages.
City Manager Saeki shared the City's efforts to keep the community safe; the preventative steps taken to reduce fire risks; the City's partnerships with LA County Fire and the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority; the City's firefighting resources, including the helicopter fill station at the Starlite reservoir; the City's water system; and indicated that any suspicious activity in the hills can be reported to the Habitat Authority's 24-hour dispatch center at (562)698-1446.
City Manager Saeki indicated that he accepted a position with the City of Vernon and has enjoyed his time working in the City of Whittier; and expressed his gratitude for the City Council and the Whittier Community.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 14, 2025
Minutes
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Vinatieri requested that Item 1 3.A. be placed before Item 10 Mayor Vinatieri also requested that the City Council walk-on an item pertaining the Whittier hillside and wildfire prevention.
City Attorney Collins indicated that a motion to walk on an urgency item requires a four-fifths vote after making two findings: (1) there is an urgent need to take action; and (2) the need arose after the posting of the agenda.
Council Member Dutra articulated that there is an urgent need to have a discussion on the Whittier Hills and wildfire prevention considering the wildfires occurring Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Eaton County and that the information became available after the posting of the agenda.
MOTION
Mayor Vinatieri moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to add an urgency item pertaining the Whittier hillside and wildfire prevention to the agenda.
The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Pacheco abstaining.
City Manager Saeki indicated that Item 14.B. will need to be pushed to a future meeting and that Council Member Pacheco called Item 12.F. up for review and will be re-agendized as a de novo hearing.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the amended Agenda, which places Item 13.A. before Item 10, add an item forthe Whittier Hills, and postpones Items 12.F. and 14.B. to future meetings.
The motion carried unanimously.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
13.A. Parnell Park Renovation and Improvements Project- Notice of Inviting Bids
Recommendation:
1) Conduct a public hearing.
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-01 adopting the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Parnell Park and Improvements Project. 3) Adopt the Parnell Park and Improvements Project Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program.
4) Approve Plans and Specifications for the Parnell Park Renovation and Improvements Project.
5) Authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids.
Directors Cason and Santana presented the report.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 44, 2025
Minutes
Council Member Martinez exited the meeting at 6:48 p.m.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing.
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.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
David Murioz; Miranda Diaz; Veronica Islas; Monica Sena; Victoria Pacheco; Manuel Urteaga; Johanna; David Dickerson; and Magdalena Moe.
The Whittier Community Foundation pledged $100,000 to assist with renovations of the Parnell Park Zoo.
Alex Rocha provided a teleconference public comment.
Jessica Ditto (Michael Baker, International) answered questions regarding bird nesting; the public review period of the environmental report; greenhouse gas analysis; and noise mitigation.
Director Santana answered questions regarding American with Disability Act play areas and equipment and youth sports programming.
Director Cason answered questions regarding the process for tree removal; tree replacement selections; the fiscal impact of consultants; the condition of the existing trees; and the eucalyptus trees.
Steve Rydzon, SWA Group, answered questions regarding the sizes of the tree replacement selections; fire resistance of proposed trees; the feasibility of keeping the existing trees and the proposed design concept; blue phones; and Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to 1) adopt Resolution No. 2025-01 adopting the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Parnell Park and Improvements Project; 2) adopt the Parnell Park and Improvements Project Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program, 3) approve Plans and Specifications for the Parnell Park Renovation and Improvements Project, and 4) authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Martinez absent.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 14, 2025
Minutes
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess. The City Council went into Closed Session. The Open Session reconvened the meeting at 8:31 p.m. with all Council Members, except Council Member Martinez, present.
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:
Tom Hall; Veronica Garcia; Javier Garcia; Linda Small; Conny McCormack; Johanna; Jenny Martin; Matt Waken; Magdalena Moe; Isaiah Leslie Leon Savage; Manny; and Rolando Cano.
Mayor Pro Tem Warner exited the Chamber at 9:08 p.m. and returned at 9:12 p.m.
Mary Sullens 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. CITYMANAGERREPORT
None.
14. ST AFF REPORTS
Whittier Hills and Wildfire Discussion
Ivan Sulic and Andrea Gullo from the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority presented on the efforts taken by the HabitatAuthority to prevent wildfires, including annual brush and field clearance; the closure of trails; increased patrolling of the preserve; 24-hour ranger dispatch line; extra brush clearing on the City's request; access to the heli-hydrant in case of emergencies; goat grazing; hills restoration; creation of emergency maps; maintenance of working relationships with agencies such as the Long Beach Conservation Corps; and the trial watch program.
Mr. Sulic and Ms. Gullo answered questions regarding fuel modification clearances; before and affer clearing pictures; the drone policy; cameras in the hills; the communication and notification processes in the event of a fire; and the responsibility for brush clearances.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 14, 2025
Minutes
City Manager Saeki answered a question about the link to the Preservation Authority's website from the City's website.
The City Council deliberated on when shutting down the trails is necessary and whether closing Turnbull Canyon Road would be appropriate as well as the City's evacuation plan.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed City Staff to have a meeting with members of the County and the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority regarding closing the trails and the pros and cons of closing Turnbull Canyon Road in the event of a fire emergency.
14.A. Circuit Transit Inc. Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Service Agreement Recommendation:
1) Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Circuit Transportation Inc. to implement a one-year pilot program for a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) service in Whittier for an amount not to exceed $780,060.
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-02 amending FY2024-25 Budget for the expenditure of $780,060 in Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Prop-C Local Tax Return Funds for the operation of the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Pilot Program.
This item was postponed to a future meeting.
14.B. Solid Waste and Recycling Franchise Agreement Amendment No. 3 Recommendation:
1) Introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 3163 with Amendment No. 3 to the Exclusive Franchise Agreement for the Provision of Solid Waste and Recycling Services between the City and Arakelian Enterprises, Incorporated, dba Athens Services (A17-161) to add the newly annexed West Whittier areas to Athens service zone and finding herein ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
2) Set a public hearing at the regular City Council meeting to be held on January 28, 2025, in the City Council Chamber at City Hall at 6:00 p.m.
This item was postponed to a future meeting.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 14, 2025
Minutes
12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Pacheco asked a question about 12.G. relative to development impact fees and their impact on Measure W.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, noting Item 12.F.'s removal. 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 November 26 and December 10, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes.
12.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Nathan Acuna, Edmundo Baca, Miriam Reyes-Ayala, Ann Frances Peila, and Selina Burns.
12.D. Board and Commission Reappointments
Recommendation: Reappoint qualified incumbent board, commission, and committee members:
1 ) Design Review Board - Wesley Murray
2 ) Parking and Transportation Commission - Ricardo Izquierdo 3 ) Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission - Elizabeth Apodaca and Robert Sera
4) Personnel Board - Julie Petrelli-Cramer
5) Planning Commission - Laura Cornejo
6) Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority Citizens Technical Advisory Committee - Michelle Pekko-Seymoure
12.E. Agreement for Copier Machines and Supplies
Recommendation: Approve CBE Office Solutions as the supplier of office copier machine equipmenUsupplies and enter into a lease agreement with CBE Office Solutions for a 63-month agreement totaling approximately $149,984 for eight copiers.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 14, 2025
Minutes
12.F. 24-Unit, three-story townhome multi-family residential development 12826 Philadelphia Street, Whittier 90601 (AIN: 8139-024-027) ("Comstock Place")
Development Review Project No. DRP24-001 1
Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. TTM24-0001 (VTTM 84431) Variance Application Review No. VAR24-0001
Recommendation: Receive and file the Planning Commission action to:
1) Adopt Resolution No. P.C. 2024-09 for a Mitigated Negative Declaration with a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
2) Approve Resolution No. P.C. 2024-08 for Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 24-0001 (\/TTM 84431), Development Review Permit No.
DRP24-001 1, with conditions of approval and Variance No. VAR24-0001 with amended conditions of approval.
This item was pulled for review by Council Member Pacheco and a de novo hearing will be conducted at a future meeting.
12.G. Fiscal Year 2023-24 Annual Development Impact Fee Report Recommendation: Receive and file the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Development Impact Fee Report pursuant to Government Code sections 66000 et seq. for the annual reporting requirement.
12.H. Parcel Map 83974-14300 Whittier Boulevard
Recommendation:
1) Accept and authorize the City Clerk to execute the Offer of Right-of-Way Dedication along the frontage of 14300 Whittier Boulevard; 2) Approve Final Parcel Map No. 83974 in substantial conformance and authorize the City Clerk and City Engineer to sign on behalf of the City; and
3) Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Subdivision Improvement Agreement.
12.1. Parcel Map 84155 12540 Whittier Boulevard
Recommendation: Approve Final Parcel Map 84155 in substantiai conformance provided and authorize the City Clerk and City Engineer to sign on behalf of the City; and approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Subdivision Improvement Agreement.
12.J. City Manager Recruitment Firm
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement in substantial conformance to the attached with Ralph Andersen & Associates for City Manager recruitment.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 14, 2025
Minutes
15. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Dutra thanked Staff for their hard work and asked residents to keep those impacted by the Pacific Palisades and Altadena fires in their prayers.
Council Member Pacheco thanked the residents for attending the meeting tonight and invited residents to download the Whittier 365 app.
Mayor Pro Tem Warner discussed providing donations to the Fire Station and shared an anecdote of a patient who donated her time to provide chiropractic massages to firefighters.
Mayor Vinatieri discussed community efforts to assist the victims of the wildfires; shared anecdotes of people directly affected; and discussed Parnell Park.
16. ADJOURNMENT
MayorVinatieri adjourned the meeting at 10:06 p.m.