MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 13230 PENN STREET
OCTOBER 28, 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
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.A. Update on Solid Waste Transition
Mayor Vinatieri invited Vicky Martinez-Muela to the lectern. Ms. Martinez-Muela provided updates regarding public outreach efforts and answered questions regarding trash pick-up times near schools; and the new carts transition schedule.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve an amended Agenda, moving Item 10.A. before 9.A. The motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 28, 2025
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6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Vinatieri indicated that any members of the audience who wish to deliver a public comment should fill out a public comment card and 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; Helen Rahder; Mary Sullens; David Dickerson; Tony Avila; Tamara; Tony P.; Anonymous; Jessica; David Nerdberg; Catherine Heath Aguilar; Javier Garcia; Veronica Garcia; Maggie Moe; Alex Rocha; Jon Campos; Monica Sena; Joanna; Rolando Cano; Anonymous; Betty Thorpe; and Brian Ahern.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
Tom Bihr; Conny McCormack; Anonymous; Dave Pierce; Michael Aguilar; and Rose T.
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 report:
1. The City is aware of ongoing parking challenges along Bogardus Avenue. In response, the City Council has directed staff to implement a pilot program to address street sweeping in the area. Staff is developing parking restrictions tied to street sweeping and evaluating additional legal and operational options to help alleviate parking concerns. Updates will be provided as these measures move forward.
2. In late September, Republic Services mistakenly billed Whittier residents for three months of trash service (October through December 2025) even though its contract with the City ends October 31 and Athens Services begins November 1. Republic’s overbilling issue has prompted resident complaints and public inquiries.
3. Republic acknowledged the error and took corrective actions. Refund checks are expected to begin mailing in early November as Republic finalizes its billing reconciliation. Republic is also providing updated data on the number of impacted customers, payments received, and total refund amounts issued.
Staff continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with Republic to ensure all affected residents are reimbursed appropriately and that no further service disruptions occur during the transition to Athens Services.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 28, 2025
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8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Dutra pulled Item 8.K. for individual consideration.
Council Member Warner recused herself from Item 8.F.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item 8.K., noting Council Member Warner’s recusal on Item 8.F. 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 23, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Socorro Meraz, Joel Ignacio Cruz, Carlos Meraz, Olga Chavez, Elizabeth Ramos, Patricia Munoz, and Armando Herman.
8.D. Office of Traffic Safety - Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-54, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget related to supplemental appropriations for the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant.
8.E. 25-024 Bailey Street Sewer Replacement Project – Award of Contract Recommendation:
1) Award the construction contract to Ramona, Inc., in the amount of $674,750;
2) Reject all other bids;
3) Authorize the Executive Director to execute the construction contract on behalf of Whittier Utility Authority; and
4) Approve $67,475 in contingency funding subject to the approval of the Executive Director.
8.F. Engineering Services for Whittier Boulevard at Colima Road Intersection Improvements – Professional Service Agreement Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to complete the Engineering Services for Whittier Boulevard at Colima Road Intersection Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 28, 2025
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Improvements for a fee not to exceed $160,000; and adopt Resolution No. 2025-56, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget to appropriate revenues and supplemental appropriations in the Subventions and Grant’s Fund.
8.G. Final Tract Map 84459 - 13410 Franklin Street
Recommendation: Approve Final Tract Map 84459 in substantial conformance and authorize the City Clerk, City Treasurer, Community Development Director, and City Engineer to sign on behalf of the City.
8.H. Parcel Map 83714 - 10254 Beverly Boulevard
Recommendation: Approve Final Parcel Map 83714 in substantial conformance, provided and authorize the City Clerk and City Engineer to sign on behalf of the City; and approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Subdivision Improvement Agreement.
8.I. Final Tract Map 84431 - 12826 Philadelphia St
Recommendation: Approve Final Tract Map 84431 in substantial conformance, authorize the City Clerk, Community Development Director, and City Engineer to sign on behalf of the City, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Subdivision Improvement Agreement.
8.J. Grant of Easement to Southern California Edison at Parnell Park Recommendation: Approve the Grant of Easement located at Parnell Park for Underground Electrical Distribution Easement to Southern California Edison and Authorize the City Manager to sign on behalf of the City.
8.L. Metro Hot Spots - Memorandum of Understanding Extension Recommendation: Approve a term extension to an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Metro to July 31, 2027, for the intersection improvements of Hot Spots Whittier Boulevard at Santa Fe Springs Road and Whittier Boulevard at Painter Avenue.
8.M. Murphy Reservoir Improvement Project – Notice of Completion Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Gateway Pacific Contractors, Inc. for the Murphy Reservoir Project and Authorize the Secretary to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority (WUA).
8.N. Painter Avenue Wall Repair Project – Notice of Completion Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Golden Coast Construction for the Painter Avenue Wall Repair Project and Authorize the Secretary to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority (WUA).
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 28, 2025
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8.O. Senior Fleet Mechanic Position
Recommendation: Authorize the temporary addition of one (1) Senior Fleet Mechanic position, and adopt Resolution No. 2025-57, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget to add a full-time Senior Fleet Mechanic Position to the Public Works Department.
The following item was pulled for individual consideration:
8.K. Sidewalk Maintenance Program (Phase II -District I) - Notice Inviting Bids
Recommendation:
1) Find the project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1 – Existing Facilities, of the California Environmental Quality Act; 2) Approve plans and specifications for Sidewalk Maintenance Program (Phase II -District I); and
3) Authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids.
Director Cason answered questions regarding inconsistent vertical displacements; impacts on trees in the project area; scope of work; arborist involvement; ongoing sidewalk improvement projects; and industry standards for displacements.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to 1) find the project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1 – Existing Facilities, of the California Environmental Quality Act; 2) approve plans and specifications for Sidewalk Maintenance Program (Phase II - District I); and 3) authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess at 7:53 p.m. and indicated that the City Council would be going into Closed Session. The meeting reconvened at 9:14 p.m. with all Council Members, except Mayor Pro Tem Martinez, present.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez entered the Council Chamber at 9:15 p.m.
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 28, 2025
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10. STAFF REPORTS
10.A. Ordinance Temporarily Suspending Application Of The Parkway Tree Manual
Recommendation: Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 3171 and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 3172, temporarily suspending application of the City’s Parkway Tree Manual and regulations relating to trees and determining that action is exempt under CEQA.
City Manager McNamara presented the report.
City Attorney Collins indicated that the Urgency Ordinance requires a 4/5 vote to pass and the first reading of the standard ordinance requires a majority vote.
City Manager McNamara answered questions regarding potential to the current Greenleaf Promenade litigation; the set of actions occurring during the suspension; input from stakeholders; expected milestones; and best practices for review of the parkway tree manual.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 3171 temporarily suspending application of the City’s Parkway Tree Manual and regulations relating to trees and determining that action is exempt under CEQA, including the whereas and enacting clauses. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Pacheco dissenting.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 3172, temporarily suspending application of the City’s Parkway Tree Manual and regulations relating to trees and determining that action is exempt under CEQA. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Pacheco dissenting.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to schedule the second reading and potential adoption of Ordinance No. 3172 at an adjourned regular meeting to be held on November 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the City of Whittier Council Chamber. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Pacheco dissenting.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 28, 2025
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9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.A. Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 Grant (Dial-A-Ride) Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 2025-55, certifying eligibility to apply for Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 grant funds for replacing Dial-A-Ride vehicles for the Whittier Dial-a-Ride (DAR) transportation service; and authorize the City Manager to sign all grant application documents on behalf of the City of Whittier.
Director Santana presented the report and answered questions regarding the timeline for submitting the application.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-55, certifying eligibility to apply for Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 grant funds for replacing Dial-A-Ride vehicles for the Whittier Dial-a-Ride (DAR) transportation service; and authorize the City Manager to sign all grant application documents on behalf of the City of Whittier. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Dutra reminded residents to vote in the Statewide Special Election on November 4, 2025.
Council Member Pacheco discussed the Whittier 5K Spooktacular and the Whittier Museum Halloween event.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez indicated he attended the swearing-in ceremony of Sgt.
Silva and the ribbon cutting for Wen Chef Taqueria.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated the Whittier Police Department celebrated 30 years of serving the City of Santa Fe Springs; indicated he attended the Whittier 5K Spooktacular and the all-class picnic and BBQ at La Serna High School; and invited residents to the Veterans’ Day event.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the September 23, 2025 Closed Session Minutes.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority October 28, 2025
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12.B. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Jane D.B. Doe, Jane D.I. Doe, Jane D.K. Doe, Jane D.R. Doe v. City of Whittier. Respectively: Case No. 22NWCV01519, 23NWCV04037, Case not filed yet, Case not filed yet.
12.C. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1):
Two Cases.
12.D. 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 Offices’ Association, and unrepresented employees
14. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:46 p.m., Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting, except for the consideration of Ordinance No. 3172, which has been continued to an adjourned regular meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.