MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
The Whittier City Council met in Closed Session on September 9, 2025. Mayor Vinatieri 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
Armando Herman, “Illegal Immigrant,” Javier Garcia, and Brandon Arcega provided in person public comments.
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the August 12, 2025 Closed Session Minutes
3.B. 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.C. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1):
Two Cases.
3.D. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4):
One Case.
3.E. Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Negotiator: Conal McNamara, City Manager Represented and Unrepresented Employee: Whittier City Employees’ Association, Whittier Police Officers’ Association, Whittier Police Management Association, and unrepresented employees.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 9, 2025
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4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 7:25 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, 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
Council Member Warner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
8. PRESENTATIONS
8.A. Orchard Dale Elementary School - CA Distinguished School Award Mayor Vinatieri discussed the distinguished school designation and invited representatives of Orchard Dale School and the East Whittier City School District Board to the lectern.
Mrs. Renee Mackay discussed the importance of focusing on individual students’ successes and answered a question about the number of distinguished schools in the City of Whittier.
Mayor Vinatieri provided a certificate to Orchard Dale Elementary School.
The City Council congratulated the school.
9. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council moved Item 14.A. before Item 13.A.
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 9, 2025
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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; Brandon Arcega; Monica Sena; Maria Despot; Nancy Gutzmer; Anonymous; and Armando Herman.
Council Member Warner exited the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
City Attorney Collins reminded the public of Government Code Section 54957.9, which states that in the event that any meeting is willfully interrupted by a group or groups of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of such meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are willfully interrupting the meeting, the members of the legislative body conducting the meeting may order the meeting room cleared and continue in session.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
“Illegal Immigrant,” Anonymous; Anonymous; Alana Melgar; Ben; Anonymous; and Natalie Rico.
Council Member Warner exited the Chamber and re-entered the meeting shortly thereafter.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
Conny McCormack; Catherine Aguilar; and Christian Israelian.
Council Member Warner exited the Chamber and re-entered the meeting shortly thereafter.
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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 9, 2025
Minutes
11. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager McNamara indicated that on August 12, 2025, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-38, addressing federal immigration enforcement activity in Whittier. The resolution directed staff to implement a range of measures to support Whittier residents, businesses, and nonprofits. Additionally, it directed staff to provide monthly progress updates to Council. The following summarizes the City’s progress on directives:
1) Whittier Police Department Policy - WPD continues to operate consistent with SB 54 and does not participate in immigration enforcement. No changes to enforcement protocols are necessary.
2) Passport Fee Subsidy - Beginning September 1, the City waived the $35 passport application processing fee for Whittier residents and employees.
The program will run for 90 days. This subsidy only applies to the City's processing fee and does not cover U.S.
Department of State fees.
3) Nonprofit Support - Council appropriated a total of $130,000 for two local community organizations-HOT and IFC-and each has received its allocation of $65,000 each.
Additionally, HOT will also administer the $50,000 legal aid funding through the Bondad program.
4) Know Your Rights Materials - Flyers in English and Spanish have been distributed to all City facilities and broadcast on Channel 3. This information is also available on social media and the City's website. 5) Business Outreach - Staff will be working with the Chamber of Commerce and Whittier Uptown Association to engage businesses and others impacted by federal enforcement activity. Our initial discussions found that businesses generally report a slowdown, though no direct workforce impacts tied to ICE have been confirmed. Uptown has also experienced lighter foot traffic this summer in part due to the absence of Wednesday night markets. 6) Impersonation Penalties - A letter has been sent to Assembly Member Lisa Calderon urging state legislators to immediately make impersonation of immigration officers a felony.
7) Monthly Council Updates - This report represents the first monthly update; staff will continue reporting back at regular Council meetings. 8) Federal Detainee Updates - A letter has been sent to Congresswoman Linda Sánchez requesting monthly detainee updates from ICE and CBP. 9) Data Privacy - Consistent with SB 54, staff confirmed that Automated License Plate Recognition data is not shared with federal immigration authorities without a warrant.
10) Comprehensive Immigration Reform - The City has also urged Congress to adopt bipartisan legislation for comprehensive immigration reform and a pathway to citizenship.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 9, 2025
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12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra 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 August 12, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes.
12.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by William Gin, Christopher Castillo, Elba Leyva, Alicia Salariosa, and Ralph Benavente.
12.D. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 3166 (Military Use Policy) Recommendation: Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 3166, adopting a policy governing the use of Military Equipment and rescinding Ordinance No. 3154.
12.E. Professional Services Agreement for Classification and Salary StudyAmendment No. 1 Recommendation:
1) Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Segal Group in the amount of $65,000 for additional work on the classification and salary study; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-45, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget with a supplemental appropriation for the classification and compensation study.
12.F. Trash Capture Device Installation Project (Phase 2) – Award of Contract
Recommendation:
1) Find the project is categorically exempt under Section 15301(f), Class 1 from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
2) Award contract to G2 Construction Inc. for an amount not to exceed $532,223 and:
3) Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority (WUA)
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 9, 2025
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12.G. Water Master Plan Update – Award of Contract
Recommendation:
1) Award contract to Akel Engineering Group, Inc. (Akel), in an amount not to exceed $150,204, for preparation of the 2025 Water Master Plan update; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority.
12.H. Mills Act Agreement No. MAA24-0003
8016 Santa Fe Springs Road (Googie Carwash)
Recommendation:
1) Accept the Historic Resources Commission’s recommendation to approve a Mills Act Agreement;
2) Find that the project is categorically exempt pursuant to Class 31, Section 15331 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines; 3) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-46, approving Mills Act Agreement No.
MAA24-0003 with the property owner of 8016 Santa Fe Springs Road; and
4) Authorize the Mayor to sign the Mills Act Agreement contract.
12.I. Police Department Locker Room Reconfiguration
Recommendation: Approve the purchase and installation of 18 full-size duty lockers and three weapon lockers to meet the Department’s current and future storage needs for a not to exceed amount of $54,357 from Steele Solutions.
12.J. 2025 Whittier Film Festival Special Event Permit
Recommendation: Approve a special event permit for the new event, the 2025 Whittier Film Festival proposed in Uptown Whittier beginning Friday, September 19, 2025, through Sunday, September 21, 2025 and approve the fee waiver request in the estimated amount of $7,265.20 for Police and Public Work services related to the event.
14. STAFF REPORTS
14.A. Targeted Residential Anti-Picketing Ordinance
Recommendation: Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 3169 and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 3170, adding Chapter 9.24 ("Targeted Residential Picketing") to Title 9 ("Public Peace, Morals and Welfare") of the Whittier Municipal Code, establishing distance requirements for targeted residential picketing.
City Manager McNamara presented the report. City Manager McNamara and City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding employees living in the city boundaries; whether employees have been threatened; similar ordinances in other cities; standard enforcement mechanisms; the scope of protections; the intent of the ordinance; timeline for implementation of each ordinance; agency Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 9, 2025
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that determines the legality of the ordinance; the process for adopting an urgency ordinance; and compliance with State laws.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 3169 and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 3170, adding Chapter 9.24 ("Targeted Residential Picketing") to Title 9 ("Public Peace, Morals and Welfare") of the Whittier Municipal Code, establishing distance requirements for targeted residential picketing. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
13.A. Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance
Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA25-0001
Recommendation: Introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 3167, approving Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA25-0001 to comply with new state laws pertaining to accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units and finding that the action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Environmental Review
Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA25-0001 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under Public Resources Code section 21080.17 [statutory exemption for second unit ordinances]; CEQA Guidelines sections 15282(h) [statutory exemption for second unit ordinances]; 15301 [existing structures], 15303 [new construction or conversion of small structures] and 15305 [minor alterations to land]. This ordinance is also exempt under CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(1), (2), and (3) statutory and categorical exemptions and because this ordinance will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Director Pongetti presented the report and answered questions regarding whether Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) count toward the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements; total number of ADUs built; the option to build ADUs on top of existing units and driveways; parking requirements; restrictions in very high or high fire areas; fire flow tests; potential impact on city services; parking concerns; and maximum allowance of ADUs on a property.
Mayor Vinatieri exited the Council Chamber and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez presided over the meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Martinez opened the public hearing.
There were no in person public comments.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 9, 2025
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Nicholas and Christian Israelian provided teleconference public comments.
Mayor Vinatieri re-entered the meeting.
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.
City Attorney Collins and Director Pongetti answered questions regarding the legality of the implementation of the ordinance; compliance with State law; the consequences of not adopting an ordinance; parking concerns; City of Whittier design standards; and sewer and power requirements.
Council Member Warner exited the meeting.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 3167, approving Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA25-0001 to comply with new state laws pertaining to accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units and finding that the action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Warner absent.
13.B. Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA25-0002
Senate Bill (SB) 9- Two-Unit Housing Developments and Urban Lot Splits and determination of CEQA exemption
Recommendation: Introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 3168, approving Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA25-0002 to comply with new state laws pertaining to two-unit housing developments and urban lot splits and finding that the action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Environmental Review
Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA25-0002 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Government Code Sections 65852.21(k) and 66411.7(n), to comply with the provisions of those code sections and is not considered a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act. Therefore, the proposed Ordinance is not subject to CEQA review. Further, this Ordinance is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(1), (2), and (3) statutory and categorical exemptions, and because this action will not have a significant effect on the environment, CEQA Guidelines 15303 [new construction or conversion of small structures] and 15304 [minor alterations to land].
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 9, 2025
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Director Pongetti presented the report.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing.
Council Member Warner re-entered the meeting.
Christian Israelian 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.
Director Pongetti answered questions regarding affordable housing.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 3168, approving Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA25-0002 to comply with new state laws pertaining to two-unit housing developments and urban lot splits and finding that the action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
15. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner requested adding a future item regarding street sweeping on both sides of Bogardus Avenue from Russell Street to Whittier Boulevard.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to bring back a future agenda item regarding street sweeping on both sides of Bogardus Avenue from Russell Street to Whittier Boulevard.
Council Member Dutra indicated he attended the Chamber of Commerce Hathaway Golf Tournament dinner and thanked staff for participating.
Council Member Pacheco thanked Staff for their assistance in adding greenery to the Greenway Trail in District 1 as well as the discussion regarding potentially adding benches and hydration stations to the Greenway Trail; expressed excitement for the updates to Broadway Park; indicated she attended the Chamber of Commerce Hathaway Golf Tournament dinner, the WAYS soccer kickoff, the groundbreaking event for Parnell Park, and the exhibit for the 125th anniversary of Whittier High School at the Whittier Museum; indicated she donated candy to the Whittier Museum for the annual Trick or Treat event; and discussed the ICE raids.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 9, 2025
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Mayor Pro Tem Martinez indicated he along with City Manager McNamara attended a community meeting to provide City updates, the groundbreaking event for Parnell Park, and the WAYS soccer kickoff.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated that there are a lot of positive things happening in the community.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 10:35 p.m.