MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 13230 PENN STREET
APRIL 22, 2025, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Closed Session on April 22, 2025. Mayor Vinatieri called the meeting to order at 6:04 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 March 11 and March 25, 2025, Special and Regular Closed Session Minutes.
3.B. Public Employee Appointment pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: Interim City Treasurer and Interim City Controller
3.C. Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Negotiator: Shannon DeLong
Represented and Unrepresented Employee: Whittier City Employees’ Association, Whittier Police Officers’ Association, Whittier Police Management Association, and unrepresented employees
3.D. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1)
One Case
3.E. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN 8140-025-005, 12102 Hadley St
City Negotiator: Shannon DeLong, interim City Manager
Property Negotiator: JLC Transportation Inc.
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 22, 2025
Minutes
3.F. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Properties: Former Alpha Beta Site:
8139-005-909- 12813 Bailey Ave
8139-005-910, 12802 Hadley St
8139-005-911, 12813 Bailey Ave
8139-005-912, 6557 Comstock Ave
8139-013-901, Milton Ave
8013-013-900, 6703 Comstock
8139-005-904, Comstock Ave
8139-005-905, Comstock Ave
8139-005-906, Comstock Ave
8139-005-907, Comstock Ave
8139-005-908, Comstock Ave
8139-005-902, Greenleaf Ave
8139-005-903, Greenleaf Ave
8139-004-900, Bright Ave
8139-004-901, Bright Ave
8139-015-900, 6711 Bright Ave 8139-015-902, 6724 Greenleaf Ave 8139-015-901, 6726 Greenleaf Ave
City Negotiator: Shannon DeLong, Interim City Manager
Property Negotiator: City Ventures and Jamboree Housing Corporation Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:36 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
Aviv Bar, Chief of Police
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
David Montgomery-Scott, Interim Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 22, 2025
Minutes
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Pacheco led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated that by a unanimous vote, the City Council appointed the Finance Manager as acting City Controller and the Interim City Manager as the acting City Treasurer.
8. PRESENTATIONS
8.A. Selection of Mayor Pro Tem
Recommendation: Nominate a City Council Member to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year period.
City Clerk Garcia provided the presentation.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to nominate Council Member Martinez as the Mayor Pro Tem. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez expressed his excitement to begin this new role and thanked Council Member Warner.
City Clerk Garcia answered a question about the role of the Mayor Pro Tem.
The City Council thanked Council Member Warner for serving as Mayor Pro Tem and wished Mayor Pro Tem Martinez luck in his new role.
8.B. Cal High Boys Basketball Team
Mayor Vinatieri invited Shana Jones, principal from Cal High to the lectern. Principal Jones discussed the team’s hard work and invited Head Coach Joel Simonds to speak. Coach Simonds introduced the coaching staff and discussed the team’s hard work, thanked the parents for their support and thanked the City Council.
The City Council congratulated the team.
8.C. National Police Week
Mayor Vinatieri invited Chief Bar to the lectern. Chief Bar discussed the purpose of National Police Week and thanked the City Council for supporting the Police Department. Chief Bar introduced Captain Aaron Ruiz, Lieutenant David Elizarraras, Officer Matt Bailey, Officer Sam Herrera, and Captain Ryan Todd.
Chief Bar answered a question regarding crime statistics in the first quarter of 2025.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 22, 2025
Minutes
The City Council requested a report regarding crime statistics at a future meeting.
The City Council thanked the Police Department for their hard work.
9. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez 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.
City Attorney Collins reminded the public that the public comment portion includes all items on the agenda, including the tree appeal involving Parnell Park.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Tom Hall; Veronica Garcia; Brandon Arcega; Monica Sena; Will Gearhart; Veronica Islas; Gabriel Perales; Javier Garcia; John Byle; Vanessa Lopez; Rolando Cano; Magdalena Moe; and Brian Ahern.
Council Member Warner exited the Chamber at 7:37 p.m. and returned at 7:40 p.m.
There were no teleconference public comments.
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
Interim City Manager DeLong congratulated the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Staff for hosting the annual Eggstravaganza event and the Keep Whittier Prettier clean-up event; invited residents to attend the Library’s Whittier Reads event on Thursday, April 24, 2025; indicated that Public Works staff recently installed 12 new pedestrian safety bollards in the Uptown Area; and thanked the City Council for their support during her time as Interim City Manager.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 22, 2025
Minutes
12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Dutra pulled Item 12.J. for individual consideration.
Mayor Vinatieri pulled Item 12.C. for individual consideration.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 12.C. and J. 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 March 8, 11, and 25, 2025 Special Meeting and March 11 and 25, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes.
12.D. Council Districts of Newly Annexed Parcels
Annexation No. 2021-09
Recommendation: Introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 3164, amending Municipal Code Chapter 2.04 related to adding newly annexed parcels to existing voting districts from the City of Whittier Annexation No. 2021-09.
12.E. Conflict of Interest Code and Ethics Training Biennial Review Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-13, establishing a conflict of interest code, designating local agency officials required to comply with ethics training under Assembly Bill 1234 and Rescinding Resolution No. 2023-26.
12.F. 7037 Bright Ave Demolition Project – Notice Inviting Bids Recommendation:
1) Find the Project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of California Environmental Quality Act guidelines; 2) Approve the Specifications for 7037 Bright Ave Demolition Project; and 3) Authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids.
12.G. Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Authority - Appointment
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-14, appointing a member and alternate to the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Authority (GWMA).
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 22, 2025
Minutes
12.H. Parcel Map 84152 -16010 Whittier Boulevard
Recommendation: Approve Final Parcel Map 84152 in substantial conformance provided and authorize the City Clerk and City Engineer to sign on behalf of the City; and approve and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute the Subdivision Improvement Agreement.
12.I. Supplemental Appropriation for Portable Concrete Mixer Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-15, adding a supplemental appropriation of $15,000 to the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to fund the purchase of a portable swivel-base cement mixer.
12.K. 23-010 Well 8 Rehabilitation, Liner, and Pump Project – Change Order Recommendation: Approve Contract Change Order No. 3 with South West Pump & Drilling, Inc. for $199,417 for the 23-010 Well 8 Rehabilitation, Liner, and Pump Project.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
12.J. Purchase of Property at 14590 Whittier Boulevard
Recommendation:
1) Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute an agreement for the acquisition of real property located at 14590 Whittier Boulevard to increase park space in substantial compliance with the provided form; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-16, amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget with a supplemental appropriation from the Park Impact Reserve Fund for the expenditure of up to $55,000 for related acquisition costs.
Interim City Manager DeLong and Director Cason answered questions regarding the process and timeline for establishing the park; and the use of Quimby fees.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to authorize the Interim City Manager to execute an agreement for the acquisition of real property located at 14590 Whittier Boulevard to increase park space in substantial compliance with the provided form; and adopt Resolution No. 2025-16, amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget with a supplemental appropriation from the Park Impact Reserve Fund for the expenditure of up to $55,000 for related acquisition costs. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 22, 2025
Minutes
12.C. Legal Contract Services
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Andrade Gonzalez LLP and Clyde & Co. for specialized legal services up to $783,300.
Mayor Vinatieri requested the item be moved to a future meeting under Closed Session.
Interim City Manager DeLong and City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding whether the item could be on the Closed Session agenda; whether the item was time-sensitive; agendizing the discussion to a future meeting; exposure and liability; the attorney’s fees; the date for the next City Council meeting; and the Closed Session report.
City Attorney Collins articulated the findings that postponing the discussion to a future meeting could prejudice the City’s position with regards to the litigation matters and that the matter was urgent because a trial date is scheduled for August 2025.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to add Legal Contract Services item to the Closed Session agenda for discussion.
The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
14. STAFF REPORTS
14.A. Tree Appeal – Parnell Park Renovation and Improvements Project Recommendation: Review the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission’s decision to deny the appeals regarding the proposed replacement of 178 trees located at Parnell Park, 15930 Lambert Road, and provide a final determination.
Interim Director Montgomery-Scott presented the report and answered questions regarding the community engagement efforts.
Steve Rydzon, SWA Group, answered questions about the diversity of the proposed tree species and their growth period; the quantity of replacement trees; and drought tolerant trees.
The City Council deliberated.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 22, 2025
Minutes
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to confirm the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission decision to deny the appeals regarding the proposed replacement of 178 trees located at Parnell Park, 15930 Lambert Road. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Director Cason answered a question regarding a future groundbreaking event.
14.B. Selection of Boards and Commissions Interviews
Recommendation: Select applicants to interview or appoint for vacancies on the following boards and commissions:
1) Design Review Board (1 term)
2) Historic Resources Commission (1 term)
3) Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (1 term) 4) Planning Commission (1 term)
City Clerk Garcia presented the report.
The City Council deliberated.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council selected the following applicants to interview:
Design Review Board
1) Jacob Wetrosky
2) Erik Bottema
Historic Resources Commission
1) Andrew Rodriguez
2) Nikomi Arroyo
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission
1) Matthew Ortega
2) Lorraine Quiroz
3) Stephanie Cuevas
Planning Commission
1) Chris Magdosku
2) David Lontok
3) Jose Guadalupe Luevano
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 22, 2025
Minutes
14.C. Council Ad Hoc and Outside Agency Appointments
Recommendation: Review and make changes to appointments on outside agencies and Council Ad Hoc Committees as needed.
Outside Agency Appointments
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council approved the existing outside agency appointments as follows:
ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVE
California Contract Cities Association Delegate: Octavio Martinez Alternate: Mary Ann Pacheco
City Selection Committee Delegate: Joe Vinatieri
Alternate: Mayor designates
Clean Power Alliance Delegate: Mary Ann Pacheco
(CPA) Alternate: Octavio Martinez
Alternate: Leon Vasquez
Gateway Cities Council of Governments Delegate: Fernando Dutra (COG) Alternate: Cathy Warner
Greater L.A. County Vector Control District Delegate: Mary Ann Pacheco Alternate: Octavio Martinez
Hillside Open Space Education Coalition Delegate: Mary Ann Pacheco Alternate: Octavio Martinez
Independent Cities Association Delegate: Cathy Warner
Alternate: Octavio Martinez
L.A. County Division of the League of California Cities Delegate: Joe Vinatieri Alternate: Fernando Dutra
L.A. County Sanitation District Nos. 2, 15, and 18 Delegate: Joe Vinatieri Alternate: Cathy Warner
Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority Delegate: Mary Ann Pacheco (PHHPA) Alternate: Octavio Martinez
Alternate: Staff
Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority Delegate: Joe Vinatieri (SASSFA) Alternate: Cathy Warner
Southeast Water Coalition Delegate: Octavio Martinez
(SEWC) Alternate: Cathy Warner
Southern California Association of Governments Delegate: Cathy Warner Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 22, 2025
Minutes
(SCAG) Alternate: Fernando Dutra
SR91/I-605 Corridor Cities Committee: Delegate: Fernando Dutra Alternate: Mary Ann Pacheco
Whittier/Puente Hills Conservation Authority Delegate: Mary Ann Pacheco Alternate: Octavio Martinez
Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority Delegate: Mary Ann Pacheco (WCCA) Alternate: Octavio Martinez
Interim City Manager DeLong and City Attorney Collins answered questions about the formation of a new ad hoc committee and potential conflicts of interest.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council created the Alpha Beta Site Ad Hoc Committee, with the purpose of guiding staff in development of the Alpha Beta and Uptown North Sites and should the Development occur, and to provide direction on parking sites.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council appointed Council Member Pacheco and Council Member Dutra to the Alpha Beta Site Ad Hoc Committee.
Interim City Manager DeLong and City Clerk Garcia answered questions regarding sunsetting ad hoc committees; staff’s recommendation for sunsetting committees; and the purpose of the City of Whittier and Whittier College Town & Gown Ad Hoc Committee.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council sunset the City Branding and Parnell Park Renovation Ad Hoc Committees.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the following appointments to the City Council Ad Hoc Committees were approved:
AD HOC COMMITTEE MEMBERS ANTICIPATED EXPIRATION
Alpha Beta Site Pacheco
Dutra
April 2026
First Avenue Park
Recommendations
Dutra
Warner
April 2026
Sister City Vinatieri
Pacheco
April 2026
City of Whittier and Whittier
College Town & Gown
Vinatieri
Warner
April 2026
Fire Station 17 Warner
Pacheco
April 2026
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 22, 2025
Minutes
State Legislation Vinatieri
Martinez
April 2026
Whittwood Ad Hoc
Committee
Dutra
Warner
April 2026
Council Chamber Remodel
Ad Hoc Committee
Dutra
Pacheco
April 2026
Gold Line Light Rail
Ad Hoc Committee
Martinez
Pacheco
April 2026
Policing Contract Review
Ad Hoc Committee
Vinatieri
Dutra
April 2026
15. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Pacheco indicated she and Mayor Vinatieri attended the Arts Healing and Wellness Community event hosted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Soroptimist International of Whittier Award Ceremony; the Whittier Museum Spring Tea event; and the Volunteer of the Year event that occurred before tonight’s City Council meeting.
Council Member Warner indicated she attended the Wednesday Night Market in Uptown Whittier; a Chamber of Commerce Networking event at Orchard’s BBQ; the Wake-Up Whittier event; the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast event; and traveled to Washington, D.C., with her family and met with Representative Young Kim’s staff to advocate for local issues.
Council Member Dutra attended the Earth Day at Palm Park event on Saturday, April 19, 2025; indicated that he crafted a motion to increase exposure for women to the trades in his role as a Metro Board Member and a motion to award more points to general contractors bidding on projects if they offer daycare; attended a design-build event; and attended the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast event.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez attended a ribbon cutting ceremony; participated in Career Day at Los Nietos Middle School; attended the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast event; and indicated he advocated for Senate Bill 759 and the public safety committee unanimously voted in favor of it.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated he and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez spent two days in Sacramento, California and discussed their advocacy efforts.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 22, 2025
Minutes
16. ADJOURNMENT - In Memory of Rick Tewes
Mayor Vinatieri read a biography of Rick Tewes and discussed his ties and contributions to the Whittier Community.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated the City Council would be returning to Closed Session.
City Attorney Collins indicated that the Closed Session discussions will include the item added by the City Council to discuss the Constance Brady, Jane Doe, Leslie Houk existing litigation, which is authorized by Government Code 54956.9.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Clerk Garcia indicated that Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to approve the legal contract services agreements from Item 12.C. The motion carried 4-0-1, Mayor Vinatieri abstained. City Clerk Garcia adjourned the meeting at 10:19 p.m.