MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
WHITTIER COMMUNITY THEATRE, 7630 WASHINGTON AVENUE
AUGUST 12, 2025, 6:00 PM
**MEETING BEGINS AT 6:30 PM**
1. CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Closed Session on August 12, 2025. Mayor Vinatieri called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m. in the Whittier Community Theatre, 7630 Washington Avenue, Whittier, California.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
The public is invited to comment on any closed session item listed below.
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. Closed Session Minutes
Approve the June 24 and July 8, 2025 Closed Session Minutes.
3.B. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1):
Three Cases
3.C. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Tyler Hampton v City of Whittier, Claim No. 609876
3.D. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: Portions of Whittier Blvd near 12090 Whittier Blvd Agency negotiator: Conal McNamara
Negotiating parties: Adam Lentz, Madison Capital Group, LLC Under negotiation: Price & Terms
3.E. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN 8140-025-005, 12102 Hadley St
City Negotiator: Conal McNamara
Property Negotiator: Los Angeles County Fire Department Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 12, 2025
Minutes
4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:35 p.m. in the Whittier Community Theatre, 7630 Washington Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602.
5. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Mayor
Octavio Martinez, Mayor Pro Tem
Fernando Dutra, Council Member
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member
Cathy Warner, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Conal McNamara, City Manager
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
8. PRESENTATIONS
None.
9. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to move Item 14.A. before 13.A. and approve the amended 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.
City Attorney Collins answered a question regarding emails entered into the record.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Tom Hall; Monica Sena; Keddy Murphy; Javier Garcia; Brandon Arcega; Paulie Vigil; Anonymous; Anonymous; Conny McCormack; James Becerra; Helen Rahder; Ronin Walsh; Anonymous; Quincy Grace; Anonymous; Gail Cofer; Donna Thompson-Walsh; Stephanie; Rose Scott; Anne Clark; Anonymous; Anonymous; Stephanie Vallejo; Carlos Delgado; Anonymous; Brenda Victoria Castillo; Vicky Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 12, 2025
Minutes
Santana; Lisa Calderon’s representative; Griselda Ortiz; Magdalena Moe; Alex Rocha; Leslie; Ponte.
Patty and Claudia provided 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
None.
12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. 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 June 24, 2025 and July 8, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes.
12.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Daniel Ramsay, Blanca L. Delgado Santiago, Sandra Vidal, Camilo Madrigal, Linda Avila, Gail Whitney, Greenleaf Investment, LLC, Mark Johnston, California Auto Insurance Co.
ASO Mark Johnston, Allstate ASO Veronica Alejandre, Gloria Avila, Victor Figueroa, Harim Kwon, and Edward Ong.
12.D. Public Health Termination Related to Waste Hauling Services Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-34, terminating the Local Public Health Emergency Related to Disruption of Waste Hauling Services.
12.E. Upgrades to the Emergency Operations Center
Recommendation:
1) Approve an agreement with Western Audio Visual for the replacement of all audio and visual equipment for the emergency operations center, radio room, logistics room, chief's conference room, briefing room, and head end for approximately $363,977 and authorize the City Manager to approve contingency funding of 10% for ancillary equipment costs; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-35, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget with a supplemental appropriation of $69,366 to fund the upgrades to the Emergency Operations Center.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 12, 2025
Minutes
12.F. Right-of-Way Use Agreement with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (GCCOG)
Recommendation:
1) Approve the Right-of-Way (ROW) Use Agreement between the City and the Gateway Cities Council of Governments for the installation, maintenance, and operation of the Gateway Cities Regional Fiber Optic Network on the City of Whittier’s rights-of-way; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement, including approving finalized plans and any other actions in connection with the Agreement.
12.G. Professional Services Agreement with AmeriNational Community Services
Recommendation: Approve the professional service agreement with AmeriNational Community Services for loan portfolio management services with an amount not to exceed $15,000 per year for 10 years and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and necessary amendments.
12.H. Axon Tasers, Force Options training System, and Draft One Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement A20-108 with Axon to lease Taser devices, a virtual reality Taser force options training system, and the Draft One software program for AI-assisted police report preparation.
12.I. Professional Services Agreement for Tree Maintenance Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute the Professional Services Agreement for tree maintenance on behalf of the City with West Coast Arborists, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $2,241,263.
12.J. Janine Drive and Vicinity Rehabilitation Project - Notice Inviting Bids Recommendation:
1) Find the Project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1(c) Existing Facilities – of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines;
2) Approve Plans and Specifications for Janine Drive and Vicinity Rehabilitation Project; and
3) Authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids.
12.K. 2022-008 Parnell Park Renovation and Improvements Project – Award of Contract
Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-36, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget in the amount of $18,398,754 in supplemental funds to be allocated for the construction of the Parnell Park Renovation and Improvements Project;
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 12, 2025
Minutes
2) Award the construction contract to the lowest responsive bidder, Kasa Construction, Inc., in the amount of $19,262,782 for the Construction of Parnell Park Renovation and Improvements Project;
3) Reject all other bids;
4) Authorize the City Manager to sign the construction contract on behalf of the City;
5) Approve a construction contingency of 10% ($1,926,278) for the Parnell Park Renovation and Improvements Project subject to the approval of the City Manager;
6) Approve an allocation of 5% ($963,139) for Construction Management/Inspection & Material Testing services required for the Parnell Park Renovation and Improvements Project subject to the approval of the City Manager; and
7) Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with KIZH Nation Resources Management for an amount not to exceed $50,000 for monitoring services required by the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
12.L. Orange Grove & Vicinity Water Main Replacement - Notice of Completion
Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Ramona, Inc. for the Orange Grove & Vicinity Water Main Replacement Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority.
12.M. Norino Drive Water Transmission Line Project – Notice of Completion Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Mike Prlich and Sons, Inc. for the Norino Drive Water Transmission Line Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City of Whittier.
12.N. Youngwood Drive Slope Project – Award of Contract Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-37, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to appropriate $216,392 in supplemental funding for the Youngwood Drive Slope Project;
2) Waive minor bid irregularities;
3) Award the construction contract to Estate Design and Construction, Inc., in the amount of $196,720;
4) Reject all other bids;
5) Authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract on behalf of the City and;
6) Approve $19,672 in contingency for the Project subject to the approval of the City Manager.
12.O. Sewer Assessment User Fee - Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Recommendation: Approve the Engineer's Report of Sewer User Fees for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 12, 2025
Minutes
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess to go into Closed Session. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
7. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
14. STAFF REPORTS
14.A. Options for City responses to federal immigration enforcement Recommendation: Discuss and provide direction to staff regarding potential City responses to federal immigration enforcement, including potential introduction of an ordinance, adoption of a resolution and/or budgetary appropriation.
David King, from the Hensley Law Group, made a PowerPoint presentation to address the concerns residents raised at the July 8, 2025 City Council meeting and answered questions regarding local school districts’ efforts to address the immigration concerns; the status of pending bills in Congress (Senate Bill 221 and House of Representatives Bill No 4176); state and federal officials’ roles in supporting pending legislation regarding immigration concerns; the consequences of approving a resolution or an ordinance that is in conflict with the federal government.
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
Special Outside Counsel King answered questions regarding preemption doctrine; the supremacy clause; the Fourth Amendment rights regarding searches and seizures; the temporary restraining order barring agents from conducting “suspicion-less” detention stops; and Congress’s authority over immigration enforcement.
The City Council deliberated on amendments to the draft resolution.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to amend subsection 2.3 to read as follows: Approves the appropriation of additional funding, in a total amount not to exceed $130,000, to support the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce and/or the Interfaith Food Center to aid families experiencing hardship due to immigration enforcement actions. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Warner dissenting.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 12, 2025
Minutes
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to amend subsection 2.5 to read as follows: Directs Staff to support local community-based organizations and legal aid groups to assist residents with the preparation and filing of immigration-related paperwork and applications, including, but not limited to, financial resources in the amount of $50,000. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Warner dissenting.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to add subsection 2.8 to read as follows: Direct Staff to provide a monthly update at a City Council meeting on the progress of implementation of items outlined in this resolution. The question was called and the motion carried 3-2, Mayor Pro Tem Martinez and Council Member Warner dissenting.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved to delete subsection 2.1 and substitute with:
“Adopts a city ordinance prohibiting the wearing of masks by and requiring visible identification of individuals engaged in immigration enforcement activities in the City of Whittier, and
Joins the City of Los Angeles and others in litigation against the Department of Homeland Security to halt unlawful and discriminatory acts during immigration raids including agents masking their identities, failing to identify their agencies, racially profiling and violating the Constitutional rights of detainees.” The motion failed to receive a second.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to amend subsection 2.7 to read as follows: Formally urges the California State Legislature, including Whittier’s state legislators, to introduce and adopt legislation making it a felony offense to impersonate a law enforcement officer, including immigration enforcement agents, within the State of California. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Mayor Pro Tem Martinez absent.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to add subsection 2.9 to read as follows: Request monthly updates from Federal representatives on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection detentions within the City of Whittier. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
City Attorney Collins and Special Outside Counsel King deliberated on wording for Council Member Dutra’s proposed amendments regarding Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) data.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 12, 2025
Minutes
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to add subsection 2.11 to read as follows: Advocate to State and County officials to provide free education and legal representation for undocumented immigrants.
The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to add subsection 2.10 to read as follows: Consistent with Senate Bill 54, directs Staff not to share information, including Automated License Plate Recognition data, with federal immigration authorities. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
CONSENSUS
Council Member Warner requested to add subsection 2.12 to read as follows:
Advocate to Congressional leaders for the expedited review and processing of citizenship applications. By consensus, the City Council unanimously approved.
MOTION
Mayor Vinatieri moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to add subsection 2.13 to read as follows: Formally urges the United States Congress to introduce and adopt bipartisan legislation which leads to a comprehensive solution of immigration reform and a pathway to the American Dream. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
City Clerk Garcia answered a question regarding abstention or dissentions to certain sections of the proposed amended resolution.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to adopt an amended Resolution No. 2025-38, regarding enforcement of federal immigration laws in Whittier. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously, with Council Member Warner abstaining on Subsections 2.3 and
2.5 and Council Member Pacheco abstaining on Subsection 2.1.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
13.A. CAL FIRE Local Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map updated March 24, 2025
Recommendation:
1) Conduct a public hearing;
2) Determine that adoption of the CAL FIRE Local Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map which was released for Southern California on March 24, 2025, is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act and authorize staff to file a Notice of Exemption; and
3) Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 3165, updating the CAL FIRE Local Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 12, 2025
Minutes
Director Pongetti presented the report. City Attorney Collins and Director Pongetti answered questions regarding conflicts of interest and insurance premiums.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
The City Council thanked Assistant City Manager DeLong and staff for organizing the June 18, 2025 workshop and discussed brush clearance on Colima Road and Turnbull Canyon.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to determine that adoption of the CAL FIRE Local Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map which was released for Southern California on March 24, 2025, is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act and authorize staff to file a Notice of Exemption; and conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 3165, updating the CAL FIRE Local Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
15. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner indicated that it was the first day of school and reminded residents to drive carefully.
Council Member Warner exited the meeting.
Council Member Pacheco thanked the residents for their participation.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez invited residents to the last concert in the park at Parnell Park on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
Mayor Vinatieri thanked the residents for their participation.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 11:09 p.m.