NOTICE OF CONCURRENT CONTINUED REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING
MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
FROM OCTOBER 28, 2025, 6:00 P.M. AND
MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
SPECIAL MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
NOVEMBER 18, 2025, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Adjourned Regular and Special Meetings to order at 6:06 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
Jacqueline Sanchez, Assistant Director of Library Services Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Dutra led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority November 18, 2025
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4. PRESENTATIONS
4.A. Small Business Saturday
Mayor Vinatieri discussed the importance of Small Business Saturday and encouraged all residents to shop small and local.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez presented Ms. Hammer and Mr. Tipton with a proclamation.
Justin Tipton, President of the Whittier Uptown Association, encouraged residents to shop and dine locally.
Shannon Hammer, President & CEO of the Whittier Chamber of Commerce, discussed the 25 Days of Giveaways event and encouraged residents to shop locally.
4.B. Solid Waste Sanitation District - Good Corporate Citizens Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Warner discussed the purpose of the sanitation districts and the Good Corporate Citizens award and presented the representative from Omega OU1/OU3 LLC with a certificate.
Kristen Moreno, from Omega OU1/OU3 LLC, indicated the company recently installed various environmental regulation systems to clean up the city.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Vinatieri requested Item 8.N. be moved to a future meeting.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the amended Agenda, moving Item 8.N. to a future meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
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; Johanna; David Dickerson; Brandon Arcega; Anonymous; Gail Cofer; Mary Sullens; Helen Rahder; James Becerra; Stephanie Vallejo; Conny McCormack; Dana Valdez; Susan Patterson; Armando Hernan; Anonymous; and Rolando Cano.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority November 18, 2025
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The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
Javier Garcia; Charles; Alex Rocha; and Aida Macedo.
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 continues to waive the $35 passport processing fee for Whittier residents and City employees. To date, the Library has subsidized 169 passport applications since the program began on September 1. 2) The Hispanic Outreach Taskforce and the Bondad program continue to provide legal-aid support. They have assisted 12 individuals to date and have expended $1,600 of their allocated $65,000 in funding. Bondad is operating as outlined in the initiative document, and current efforts include expanding outreach through additional partners such as churches and local businesses.
Because of the sensitivity of these cases, all collaboration is being handled with strict confidentiality. HOT will also be providing additional training for school personnel and re-engaging school districts, community groups, and churches to broaden awareness of the program.
3) The Interfaith Food Center continues to provide food assistance to Whittier residents.
4) At the County level, the Board of Supervisors has formally approved the Local Emergency for Federal Immigration Actions. Public reporting indicates that the declaration authorizes County departments to aid residents affected by federal enforcement activity, potentially including legal services, rental assistance, and other emergency measures. The declaration will remain in effect until it is terminated by the Board. At this time, no specific directives have been issued directly to the City of Whittier, but staff will continue monitoring County actions and will keep the Council informed as additional information becomes available.
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Dutra pulled Item 8.J. for individual consideration.
Council Member Pacheco pulled Item 8.D. for individual consideration.
Mayor Vinatieri pulled Item 8.H. for individual consideration.
Mayor Vinatieri recused himself from Item 8.E. due to conflict of interest since he owns a business in the business district.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority November 18, 2025
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MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 8.D., 8.H. and 8.J., and noting Mayor Vinatieri’s recusal on Item 8.E and noting 8.N. was removed from the Consent Calendar during the approval of the agenda. 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 October 7, 2025 Special Meeting and October 14, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Auto Club ASO Julie Kim, Bonnie LeSage, Lauren N. Torres, Jacqueline Mendoza, Efrain Perez, California Auto Insurance Co. ASO Clara Gonzalez, Tom Moerbeck, Kenneth Edward Fisk, Chris Brandon, Armando Herman.
8.E. 2026 Business Improvement Area (BIA) Assessments
Recommendation:
1) Approve the Whittier Uptown Association 2024-2025 annual report and proposed 2026 budget;
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-59, declaring the City’s intention to levy and collect assessments within the Uptown Whittier Business Improvement Area for calendar year 2026; and
3) Schedule a public hearing to consider the matter on December 9, 2025.
8.F. Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority - Fiscal Oversight Advisory Committee
Recommendation: Direct staff to advertise for three vacancies on the newly formed Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority’s Fiscal Oversight Advisory Committee.
8.G. Authorize Out-of-State Travel for Economic Development Purposes Recommendation: Authorize Out-of-State Travel to Pennsylvania for Economic Development Purposes.
8.I. Fiscal Year 2025-26 First Quarter Budget Update
Recommendation: Receive and file the first quarter budget update for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
8.K. 7037 Bright Avenue Demolition Project – Notice of Completion Recommendation: Accept the work performed by American Integrated Resources, Inc. for the 7037 Bright Ave Demolition Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority November 18, 2025
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8.L. Bronte Drive Water Line Replacement - 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 the Bronte Drive Water Main Replacement; and
3) Authorize the City Clerk to advertise for the construction bids.
8.M. San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority Board Member Election Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-60, casting full votes for Robert Gonzales from the City of Azusa to represent cities with prescriptive water pumping rights on the Board of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority.
8.N. Small Business Support – Temporary Rebate Program
Recommendation: Appropriate $50,000 from General Fund Balance to fund a one-time local business support program during the 2025 holiday season; and adopt Resolution No. 2025-58 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget with a supplemental appropriation of $50,000 for a Small Business Support program.
This item was moved to a future meeting.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
8.D. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 3172 - Temporarily Suspending the Tree Manual (Adjourned from October 28, 2025 City Council Meeting) Recommendation: Conduct second reading and adopt 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 and City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding the removal of two trees; plans to remove additional trees on Greenleaf south of Wardman Ave; timeline for the evaluation of trees; sunset date of ordinance; public input from long standing stakeholders; potential California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) impacts; Brown Act exemptions for Closed Session discussions; existing practices to protect trees; public participation opportunities; arborists’ involvement in the tree removal process; CEQA exemptions; other cities’ processes for tree maintenance/removals.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 3172, temporarily suspending application of the City’s Parkway Tree Manual and regulations relating to trees and determining that action Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority November 18, 2025
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is exempt under CEQA. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Pacheco dissenting.
8.H. Los Angeles County Measure A Homeless Services Funding Agreement
Recommendation: Approve the funding agreement with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG) for $327,620 to be applied toward operational costs for the Whittier Navigation Center.
Assistant City Manager DeLong presented the report and answered questions regarding sales tax generated from the City through Measure A; the formula for allocating the local solution funds; and use of Measure A funds by the County.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the funding agreement with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG) for $327,620 to be applied toward operational costs for the Whittier Navigation Center. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
8.J. Establishment of an Adult Literacy program in Partnership with Boys & Girls Club of Whittier
Recommendation: Approve the establishment of an Adult Literacy Program managed by the Whittier Public Library in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier.
Assistant Director Sanchez answered questions regarding the formation of the program; public outreach; and the collaboration between the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier and the Whittier Library Staff.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to approve the establishment of an Adult Literacy Program managed by the Whittier Public Library in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.A. Building Code Updates by Reference (1st Reading)
Recommendation:
1) Determine that adoption, by reference, of the 2025 California Building Standards Code is exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule) and authorize staff to file a Notice of Exemption with the County of Los Angeles.
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-61, setting forth findings with respect to local conditions within the City of Whittier which make certain modifications Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority November 18, 2025
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and changes to the 2025 California Building Code, the 2025 California Electrical Code, the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code and with errata and as amended by the State of California and adoption of new chapter for roof coverings and roof covering assemblies and adoption of the international swimming pool and spa code reasonably necessary because of local climactic, geological or topographical conditions.
3) Conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 3173, adopting by reference the 2025 Editions of the California Building Standards Code, California Residential Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Energy Code, California Historical Building Code, California Existing Building Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Referenced Standards Code, International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, the 1997 Abatement Of Dangerous Buildings Code, the 1997 Uniform Housing Code, the New Chapter 15.18 for roof coverings and roof covering assemblies and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with appendices and amendments thereto, and adopting local amendments thereto and finding that the adoption of these local amendments is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
4) Authorize staff to publish a summary of Ordinance No. 3173 pursuant to Government Code Section 6066 and to file a notice of the changes and modifications with the California Building Standards Commission.
Director Pongetti presented the report and answered questions regarding Fire Zone Maps and requirements; potential conflicts between the code update and density requirements; eave overhangs and setbacks; and the availability of a summary of the changes.
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 Warner seconded a motion to 1) determine that adoption, by reference, of the 2025 California Building Standards Code is exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule) and authorize staff to file a Notice of Exemption with the County of Los Angeles; 2) adopt Resolution No. 2025-61, setting forth findings with respect to local conditions within the City of Whittier which make certain modifications and changes to the 2025 California Building Code, the 2025 California Electrical Code, the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code and with errata and as amended by the State of California and adoption of new chapter for roof coverings and roof covering assemblies and adoption of the international swimming pool and spa code reasonably necessary Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority November 18, 2025
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because of local climactic, geological or topographical conditions; 3) conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 3173, adopting by reference the 2025 Editions of the California Building Standards Code, California Residential Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Energy Code, California Historical Building Code, California Existing Building Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Referenced Standards Code, International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, the 1997 Abatement Of Dangerous Buildings Code, the 1997 Uniform Housing Code, the New Chapter 15.18 for roof coverings and roof covering assemblies and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with appendices and amendments thereto, and adopting local amendments thereto and finding that the adoption of these local amendments is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; and 4) authorize staff to publish a summary of Ordinance No. 3173 pursuant to Government Code Section 6066 and to file a notice of the changes and modifications with the California Building Standards Commission. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
10. STAFF REPORTS
10.A. Whittier Boulevard & Philadelphia Street Art in Public Places Project Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-62, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget for the Whittier Boulevard and Philadelphia Street Art in Public Places Project, “Dancing Leaves”; and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Artists Saori Ide and Jonathan Russell in the amount not to exceed $250,000.
Director Santana presented the report. Director Santana and Mr. Russell answered questions regarding the background of the two artists; the artists’ connection to Whittier; the size and location of the plaque; flatwork; materials; lighting.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-62, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget for the Whittier Boulevard and Philadelphia Street Art in Public Places Project, “Dancing Leaves”; and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Artists Saori Ide and Jonathan Russell in the amount not to exceed $250,000. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving; requested an update regarding potential solutions for the concerns expressed by the residents on Dittmar Drive; and congratulated Library Staff for hosting an event on manners for children aged 6-12.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority November 18, 2025
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Council Member Dutra discussed addressing the concerns expressed by the residents on Dittmar Drive; expressed concern over the number of car washes in the City of Whittier; and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
CONSENSUS
The City Council directed Staff to bring back a discussion on a potential moratorium on car washes.
Council Member Pacheco expressed concerns over massage parlors in District 1 and indicated she is interested in receiving information on the regulations surrounding massage parlors; indicated she and the Mayor attended the CBS News early morning event, an event hosted by Senator Bob Archuleta, and the boards and commissions reception dinner.
CONSENSUS
The City Council directed Staff to bring back a report regarding the City’s existing policies related to a code of conduct for boards and commissions members as well as what other cities have in place.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez indicated he and the Mayor visited the Whittier Area Community Church and attended their annual conference supporting resource parents; attended the boards and commissions reception dinner; attended the annual Veteran’s Day event; and will be attending Wake-Up Whittier with Council Member Pacheco on November 19, 2025.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated he met with Cub Scouts to discuss city government; he and Council Member Pacheco attended the Believe and Achieve Book Club (BABC) fundraising dinner; attended a ride along with Fire Department Station #28; indicated he received calls regarding Dittmar Drive and he walked the area; and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
14. ADJOURNMENT - In Memory of Wesley Murray
Mayor Vinatieri read a biography of Wesley Murray and discussed his ties and contributions to the Whittier Community.
The City Council shared personal anecdotes about Mr. Murray.
RECESS
The City Council went into Closed Session at 8:48 p.m.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority November 18, 2025
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12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the October 7, and October 14, 2025 Closed Session Minutes.
12.B. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1):
Three Cases.
12.C. Conference With Legal Counsel--Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(2):
One Case, letter on file with the City Clerk.
12.D. 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: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Property Negotiator: City Ventures and Jamboree Housing Corporation Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
12.E. 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
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12.F. 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
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Clerk Garcia indicated that there was nothing to report out of Closed Session and adjourned the meeting at 10:04 p.m.