MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 13230 PENN STREET
OCTOBER 14, 2025, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:03 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, CA 90602.
2. 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
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Warner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. PRESENTATIONS
None.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to add a Closed Session item regarding anticipated litigation. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to approve the amended Agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 14, 2025
Minutes
6. 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; Chris Brandon; Helen Rahder; Linda de Vries; Mel Sturr; Gail Cofer; Mary Gorman-Sullens; James Becerra; Maria Manchaca; Brandon Arcega; Javier Garcia; Catherine Aguilar; Magdalena Moe; Maria Despot; Robert Slavoki; Monica Sena; Rolando Cano; Armando Herman; Brian Ahern;
Gil Rodriguez 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.
7. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager McNamara presented the following updates regarding the implementation of Resolution No. 2025-38:
1) The City continues waiving the $35 passport application processing fee for Whittier residents and City employees. As of October 14, a total of 91 fee waivers have been issued across both library locations since the program began on September 1. The subsidy covers only the City’s processing fee and does not include U.S. Department of State fees.
2) The Hispanic Outreach Taskforce (HOT) and Interfaith Food Center (IFC) each received their allocated $65,000 in City funding. HOT has also agreed to facilitate legal assistance funding through the Bondad program to ensure impacted residents have access to qualified representation. 3) On October 14, 2025, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, including Supervisor Janice Hahn, proclaimed a Local Emergency for Federal Immigration Actions in response to ongoing federal enforcement activity and regional impacts.
4) Letters were previously sent to State and Federal representatives regarding immigration enforcement issues, including a request for increased penalties for impersonation of immigration officers and a request for monthly detainee updates from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and California Border Patrol. In response, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez confirmed that congressional representatives are also not receiving informational reports on detainees from federal agencies at this time.
City Manager McNamara answered questions regarding legislation that was recently signed by the Governor involving the unmasking and identification of ICE agents in the State of California.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 14, 2025
Minutes
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
8.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.
8.B. Approval of Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the September 9, 2025 Special and Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Gilbert Contreras, Rafael E.
Colorado De Paz, Armando Herman, and Armando Herman.
8.D. Projector and Screen Replacement - Whittier Center Theater Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Western Audio Visual & Security for the design, purchase and installation of a laser projector and screen at the Whittier Center Theater for approximately $47,159 with a 10% contingency budget for ancillary costs; and adopt Resolution No. 2025-52, amending the Fiscal Year 2025- 26 Budget with a supplemental appropriation for the purchase and installation of a projector and screen for the Whittier Center Theater.
8.E. PCAM, LLC Professional Service Agreement, Amendment No. 2 – Dial a Ride
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to Professional Service Agreement No. A22-133 with PCAM, LLC for the utilization of a dispatching and route planning software, Pingo, in an amount not to exceed $72,000.
8.F. Tree Appeal – Metro Hot Spots 5 Points Improvement Project Recommendation: Approve the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission’s decision to deny the appeals regarding the proposed removal of 33 trees located within the Metro Hot Spots 5 Points Improvement Project and authorize the removal of the trees pursuant to Section IX of the Parkway Tree Manual.
8.G. 24-023 Metro Hot Spots Intersections: Whittier Boulevard at Santa Fe Springs Road and Whittier Boulevard at Painter Avenue Improvement Project - Professional Services Agreement
Recommendation:
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 14, 2025
Minutes
1) Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Roux Associates, Inc., to address hazards and hazardous material mitigation measures called out in the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) in the amount not to exceed $93,800; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-53, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget to add supplemental appropriations in the amount of $93,800 for the Metro Hot Spots Intersections: Whittier Boulevard at Santa Fe Springs Road and Whittier Boulevard at Painter Ave Improvement Project.
8.H. Heli-Hydrant Project – Award of Contract
Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. WUA-2025-03 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget in the amount of $1,496,696 in supplemental funds to be allocated for the construction of the Heli Hydrant Project;
2) Waive a minor bid irregularity and award the construction contract to the lowest responsive bidder, West Valley Investment Group, Inc., in the amount of $1,360,633 for the Construction of Heli Hydrant Project; 3) Reject all other bids;
4) Authorize the Executive Director to execute the construction contract on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority and;
5) Approve $136,063, in contingency for the Project subject to the approval of the Executive Director.
8.I. Summit Dr. Water Main Replacement Project – Award of Contract Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. WUA-2025-04 amending the Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Budget in the amount of $809,750 for the Summit Dr. Water Main Replacement Project.
2) Award the construction contract to Williams Pipeline Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $735,750 for the construction of Summit Dr. Water Main Replacement Project;
3) Reject all other bids;
4) Authorize the Executive Director to sign the construction contract on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority; and
5) Approve $74,000 in contingency funding for the Summit Dr. Water Main Replacement Project subject to the approval of the Executive Director.
8.J. 2025 Pumpkin Patch Special Event Permit
Recommendation: Allow for the use of the Grassy Lot at 6724 Greenleaf Avenue on select days October 13th – 31st, 2025 for the use of a small pumpkin patch including a photo backdrop and craft tables.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
10. STAFF REPORTS
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 14, 2025
Minutes
10.A. Bogardus Avenue from Russell Street to Whittier Boulevard Recommendation: Provide direction on next steps for Bogardus Avenue and vicinity resident concerns.
Director Cason presented the report.
City Clerk Garica answered a question regarding the number of emails received by the City Council regarding this item.
City Manager McNamara, City Attorney Collins, Chief Bar, and Director Cason answered questions regarding the minutes of the Parking and Transportation Commission meeting; previous public comments submitted; a street sweeping pilot program; alternate solutions to the parking concerns; parking and traffic enforcement; the Municipal Code sections regarding for-sale signs on cars on public streets; Municipal Code sections regarding successive acts of parking; penalties for repeated violations; reg tags; parking inoperable vehicles on public streets; vehicle insurance; daylight law enforcement; driveway blockage; preferential parking; city-wide street sweeping; restrictions for parking on street sweeping days; concerns regarding littering on Bogardus Avenue; the petition process; health and safety concerns of street sweeping around cars; and existing inlets on Bogardus Avenue.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to bring back a staff report for a street sweeping pilot program. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to bring back a report reviewing the preferential parking policy after the implementation of the street sweeping pilot program. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
10.B. Creation of an Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness
Recommendation: Create an Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness and appoint two City Council Members to serve.
City Manager McNamara presented the report.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to appoint Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Pacheco to serve on the Homelessness Policy Ad Hoc Committee. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 14, 2025
Minutes
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess and indicated that the City Council would go into Closed Session. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated the City Council voted unanimously to direct staff to seek joining a potential amicus brief in the case of City of Huntington Beach et al v. Newsom et al No. 25-337 with the United States Supreme Court.
10.C. Information Technology Master Plan / Citywide Fiber Optic Master Plan Recommendation: Review and adopt the Information Technology and Citywide Fiber Optic Master Plans to address the future technological and infrastructure needs of the City.
City Clerk Garcia and Tom Jacobson, from Client First Technology Consulting, presented the report on the Information Technology Master Plan. Clerk Garcia, Director Cason, and Mr. Jacobson answered questions regarding efforts by the Gateway Cities Council of Governments to expand broadband; incorporation of artificial intelligence; staffing needs; technology master plan budget; SCADA improvements; drone usage; and the real-time crime center.
City Clerk Garcia presented the report regarding the Citywide Fiber Optic Master Plan. City Clerk Garcia and Director Cason answered questions regarding the timeline for the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG) fiber optic plan; leasing utilities; collaboration between the COG and the City’s Public Works Department; and timeline and phases of the project.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to adopt the Information Technology and Citywide Fiber Optic Master Plans to address the future technological and infrastructure needs of the City. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Warner exited the Council Chamber.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 14, 2025
Minutes
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Dutra discussed the State of the City event, a vacant lot on Painter Avenue and Penn Street, and code enforcement of unmaintained properties.
Council Member Pacheco congratulated those that organized the Dia de los Muertos Celebration and discussed the funding of the electric vehicle charging stations near the Friends of the Library bookstore.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez indicated he attended the Harbor of Hope event, the Whittier Police Association dinner and fundraising event, the State of Whittier College, and the Lions Club fundraising event.
Mayor Vinatieri requested a report on the status of the three properties brought up during public comments (6523 Bright Avenue, 6237 Washington Avenue and 6354 Painter Avenue); indicated he attended the League’s Annual Conference in Long Beach, the State of Whittier College event, the Booktoberfest event at the Whittier Library and the La Serna High School homecoming game.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the September 9, 2025 Closed Session Minutes.
12.B. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Justine Gurrola v. City of Whittier, et al. Case No. 18STCV09295
12.C. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) One Case.
12.D. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1):
Three Cases.
12.E. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN 8139-034-010, 7247 Washington Ave
City Negotiator: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Property Negotiator: Whittier Penn Partners Limited
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 14, 2025
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12.F. 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
12.G. 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.
12.H. Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Negotiator: Conal McNamara
Represented and Unrepresented Employee: Whittier City Employees’ Association, Whittier Police Officers’ Association, Whittier Police Management Association, and unrepresented employees
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 10:06 p.m.