MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 13230 PENN STREET
MARCH 11, 2025, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Closed Session on March 11, 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.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the February 11, 2025 Closed Session Minutes.
3.B. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Jennae Castillo v. City of Whittier, Claim No. 635471
3.C. Public Employment Appointment Government Code Section 54957 Title: City Manager
4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:33 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 Tem
Octavio Martinez, Council Member
Fernando Dutra, Council Member
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Shannon DeLong, Interim City Manager
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
David Elizarraras, Acting Captain
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 11, 2025
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6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Interim City Manager DeLong 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 Mayor Pro Tem Warner 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. Comments regarding the public hearing item will be heard during the public hearing.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Tom Hall; Brandon Arcega; Monica Sena; Will Gearhart; Javier Garcia; Conny McCormack; Brian Ahern; and Isaiah Leslie Leon Savage.
Catherine Aguilar 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. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Vicky Martinez Muela, a representative from Athens Services, introduced herself to the community and expressed her excitement to work with the City of Whittier.
Interim City Manager DeLong provided the following updates:
1. The Arbor Day celebration is rescheduled for March 25, 2025 at Central Park.
2. Nanette Duron and Victoria Andrade from the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department will be receiving awards from the California Parks and Recreation Society.
3. Progress is underway at Rodeo 72 at the Groves.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 11, 2025
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12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Pacheco pulled Item 12.J. for individual consideration.
Council Member Dutra pulled Items 12.H. and 12.K. for individual consideration.
Mayor Vinatieri recused himself from 12.I. due to a potential conflict of interest.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 12.H., J and K., noting Mayor Vinatieri’s recusal on Item 12.I. 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 February 11, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes.
12.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Yamileth Diaz, David Morales, John Gonzales and Kristin Gomez.
12.D. California State Library Grant
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-12, amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget to accept a grant from the California State Library for Lunch at the Library program and appropriate $12,300 for this grant for Library Services and program.
12.E. Social Services Grant Funding Program - FY 2025-2026 Recommendation: Approve the Social Services Grant Funding Application for the 2025-2026 funding cycle.
12.F. 23-012 Community Center Roof Replacement Project – Notice of Completion
Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Best Contracting Services Inc., for the Community Center Roof Replacement Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City of Whittier.
12.G. 23-022 Kennedy Park & Guirado Park Improvements Project – Notice of Completion
Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Caliba, Inc. (Caliba) for the Kennedy Park & Guirado Park Improvements Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City of Whittier.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 11, 2025
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12.I. Painter Avenue Wall Repair Project – Notice Inviting Bids Recommendation:
1) Find the project categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Existing Facilities of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines; 2) Approve Plans and Specifications for the Painter Avenue Wall Repair Project; and
3) Authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
12.H. On-Call Construction Management, Construction Inspection, and Material Testing Services – Award of Professional Services Agreement Recommendation: Approve and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Willdan Engineering, and Z&K Consultants to provide on-call construction management, construction inspection, and material testing services for a fee not to exceed $800,000 per agreement annually.
Director Cason answered questions regarding the not to exceed amounts; the scope of services for each company; anticipated project list; and the consultants’ abilities to provide value engineering and design services.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tem Warner seconded a motion to approve and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Transtech Engineers, Willdan Engineering, and Z&K Consultants to provide on-call construction management, construction inspection, and material testing services for a fee not to exceed $800,000 per agreement annually. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
12.J. Engineering Evaluation at the Intersection of Wardman Street and Pickering Avenue
Recommendation: Approve the engineering evaluation indicating modifications are necessary at the intersection of Wardman Street and Pickering Avenue to address limited sight distance and authorize the interim modifications to limit traffic movements that do not have adequate sight distance while permanent modifications are being designed.
City Attorney Collins, Director Cason, and Acting Captain Elizarraras answered questions regarding the proposed interim modification; the line of sight issues; tree preservation; future traffic signal synchronization options; traffic mitigation measures; potential impacts to surrounding intersections; community input and notification; the timeline for installation of the permanent streetlight; resident requests for improvements; alternative interim options; Police Department’s safety analysis of the intersection; emergency vehicle access; potential disadvantages of installing a 4-way stop; liability concerns; and red curbs.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 11, 2025
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The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tem Warner seconded a motion to bring back a report on interim modifications but to move forward with the permanent modification for a stoplight. The motion carried 3-2, Council Members Martinez and Pacheco dissenting.
12.K. Engineering Evaluation at the Intersection of Beverly Boulevard and Citrus Avenue
Recommendation: Approve the engineering evaluation indicating modifications are necessary at the intersection of Beverly Boulevard and Citrus Avenue to address limited sight distance and authorize the interim modifications to limit traffic movements that do not have adequate sight distance while permanent modifications are being designed.
Director Cason answered questions regarding line-of-sight issues caused by trees; traffic data on accidents at the intersection; engineering evaluation approval; the permanent modification recommendation; input from the community and nearby church; additional red curbs; potential impacts to surrounding intersections
MOTION
Council Member Martinez moved and Mayor Pro Tem Warner seconded a motion to bring back a report on interim modifications but to move forward with the permanent modification for a stoplight. The motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Pacheco abstaining.
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess to go into Closed Session. The meeting reconvened with all council members present. City Attorney Collins indicated there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
13.A. Landmark Designation No. HRC24-0002
13504 Earlham Drive - Tebbetts-Coffin House (AIN 8138-008-004) Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing to consider adoption of Resolution No. 2025-08, approving the Landmark Designation No. HRC24- 0002 to authorize placement of the property located at 13504 Earlham Drive (Tebbetts-Coffin House) onto the City of Whittier’s Local Official Register of Historic Landmarks.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The request for landmark designation is categorically exempt from the environmental review process, pursuant to Section 15308 (Class 8) of the California Environmental Quality Act, which exempts actions taken by regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance; to assure the Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 11, 2025
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maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. Whittier Municipal Code Section 18.84.050 enables landmark designation to protect and enhance a historic resource.
Director Pongetti presented the report. City Attorney Collins and Director Pongetti answered questions regarding room additions; requirements to be an applicant; the affidavit authorizing the Whittier Conservancy to be the owner’s acting agent; the rationale for historic designation if the house is in the Earlham Historic District; and potential pros and cons for the city.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing.
Mary Gorman-Sullens, the applicant, presented the history of the property and answered questions regarding additional advertising reflecting it was the home of the first Whittier College president and additional improvements.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Dutra moved and Pacheco seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-08, approving the Landmark Designation No. HRC24-0002 to authorize placement of the property located at 13504 Earlham Drive (Tebbetts-Coffin House) onto the City of Whittier’s Local Official Register of Historic Landmarks. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
14. STAFF REPORTS
14.A. First Avenue Park - Park Amenities and Formation of a Park Design Ad Hoc
Recommendation: Receive and file the public feedback on amenities for a new park at First Avenue, provide direction as appropriate, and appoint two members to an Ad Hoc Committee to guide design of the new park.
Director Santana introduced David Mongomery Scott (Interim Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services) and Art Soriano (new Parks Manager) and presented the report.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Martinez seconded a motion to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Warner and Council Member Dutra to the Park Design Ad Hoc Committee. The motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 11, 2025
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15. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Martinez indicated he attended the Whittier Public Library Foundation event and the Chamber’s legislative lunch.
Council Member Dutra requested a report back on current sewer, water, storm drain, and street improvements projects and wished everyone a happy St.
Patrick’s Day.
Council Member Pacheco indicated that she read to a local school as part of the Read Across America program; participated in the grand opening of the City National Bank along with Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Martinez; hosted a city resources fair at Evergreen School and thanked the City Staff who participated; attended Senator Archuleta’s luncheon hosted in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce; and thanked Staff for their hard work.
Mayor Pro Tem Warner indicated she attended the Whittier Public Library Foundation event; Senator Archuleta’s luncheon hosted in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce; opening night at Murphy Ranch Little League; and opening Day for Pony Baseball.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated that the City would be hosting the third and final annexation on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 for the residents who live south of Whittier Blvd and east of Norwalk; shared anecdotes about a ride alongs with the Whittier Police Department and shared statistics about Paramedic Squad 28; and shared that Fire Chief Anthony Marrone indicated he would provide Whittier with another paramedic squad for Station 17 once it’s constructed.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 9:12 p.m.