City Council Meeting Agenda Announcement
*Open Session Begins at 6:00 p.m.*
Audio recording of Public Comment available via [email protected] Speakers must limit their comments to three minutes. Please note, by order of the presiding officer, public comments minutes may be reduced if at their discretion a surplus of public speakers is present at the meeting. Public Comment Cards will be issued to in-person speakers to help ensure an orderly public comment process. Staff will be available to provide and collect Comment Cards through the end of the ‘Approval of Agenda’ portion of the meeting.
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Email: [email protected]
In-person for Closed and Open Session in the City Hall Council Chamber Zoom (Details below)
PLEASE ENSURE YOUR ZOOM SOFTWARE IS UPDATED TO PROVIDE LIVE COMMENTS Live Public Comment for CLOSED AND OPEN SESSION: Login or call at 6:00 p.m. and raise your hand.
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Email: Please submit public comments at least one hour before the date of the meeting to ensure City Council members receive and have time to review them.
In-Person Submissions:
If you plan to distribute documents during the meeting, please bring 10 copies and provide them to the City Clerk’s staff for distribution to the City Council, Staff, and inclusion in the Public Binder.
Documents provided to the City Council for their consideration must also be available to the Public. These materials will be uploaded for inclusion in the public record the following day.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Disability-related services are available to enable persons with a disability to participate in this meeting, consistent with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Spanish interpreters are also available. For information or to request services, please contact the City Clerk at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting at (562) 567-9850.
View recent public comments: https://www.CityOfWhittier.org/PublicComments Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
Agenda
AGENDA
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
DECEMBER 9, 2025, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
2. ROLL CALL
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Mayor
Octavio Martinez, Mayor Pro Tem
Fernando Dutra, Council Member
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member
Cathy Warner, Council Member
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.A. Whittier Reads
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
This is the time for the City Council/Boards of Directors to reorder the agenda, or delete items, or make changes to the Agenda.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The public is invited to address City Council Members and Directors regarding any item of business listed on this agenda or within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City. Pursuant to State law, City Council Members cannot take action or express a consensus on any communications that do not appear on the printed agenda. The Brown Act requires that members of the public be permitted to address the City Council at every meeting; however, public comments will not be broadcast outside the council chambers.
To ensure a productive and respectful environment during City Council meetings, all attendees are asked to conduct themselves with courtesy and professionalism.
Please refrain from using profanity, making personal attacks, or engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with the orderly progression of the meeting. While the First Amendment protects a broad range of speech, including opinions that some may find offensive, the City may intervene only in cases involving true threats, incitement to violence, or substantial disruption to the proceedings.
Courts have consistently ruled that attempts to censor protected speech—even when offensive—can expose cities to costly legal challenges and liability. Such Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
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litigation diverts public funds from vital services like public safety, parks, and libraries. For this reason, the City Council urges all speakers to express their views in a manner that is civil and constructive.
The City of Whittier is committed to serving all members of the public with respect.
While the City does not endorse or condone discriminatory or hateful speech, it must uphold constitutional protections as interpreted by the courts.
If any member of the public finds a comment objectionable, they are free to leave the chamber at their discretion.
Please be advised: Conduct that materially disrupts the meeting may result in removal, in accordance with Government Code Section 54957.95 and Penal Code 403.
Detailed instructions on how to provide public comments are provided on the Agenda Announcement Page.
7. CITY MANAGER REPORT
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on the Consent Calendar may be approved by a single motion. If a Council Member or Director wishes to discuss a Consent Calendar item, the item may be removed from the calendar for individual consideration.
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 November 11 and 25, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes and November 13, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes and November 18, 2025 Special and Adjourned Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Dolores Zamorano, Max Garcia, Elizabeth Montes, Minerva Saldivar, Michael Contreras, Frank Montenegro, Paul Martinez, Jeremiah Villescas, Felipe D. Campos, Gabriel Leon, Elizabeth A. Sullens, Toby Curtiss, Sharon Ussery, Dena Martinez, Marcos Villafranca, Alberto Villafranca, Abel Villafranca, and Cleo Evangelista.
8.D. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 3173 - Building Code Updates Recommendation: Conduct the second reading and adopt 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 Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
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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.
8.E. Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority Citizens Technical Advisory Committee Scheduled Vacancy
Recommendation: Direct Staff to advertise for a scheduled vacancy on the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority Citizens Technical Advisory Committee on behalf of the City of Whittier for a term expiring in February 2030.
8.F. Recognize Obligation Payment Schedule for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. WRSA-25-01, approving a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for the fiscal year from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34177 and taking certain related actions.
8.G. Whittier Redevelopment Successor Agency Administrative Budget for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. WRSA-25-02, approving the Whittier Redevelopment Successor Agency Administrative Budget for the fiscal year from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, pursuant to the Health and Safety Code Section 34177(j) and taking certain other related actions.
8.H. Community Facilities District Special Tax Annual Accountability Report - SB 165
Recommendation: Receive and file the Community Facilities District (CFD) 2019-01 annual report pursuant to the Local Agency Special Tax and Accountability Act for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
8.I. Professional Services Agreement for York Field Stormwater Capture Project
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Craftwater Engineering Inc. (Craftwater), for design of the York Field Stormwater Capture project (Project) in an amount not to exceed $421,115.
8.J. Social Services Grant Funding Program - FY 2025-2026 Recommendation: Approve the 2025-2026 Social Services Grant Funding allocations and form an Ad-Hoc Committee comprised of Mayor Joe Vinatieri and Council Member Mary Ann Pacheco for the 2026-2027 Social Services Grant funding cycle.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
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9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Anyone interested in matters scheduled for public hearing may speak for three minutes at the time of the hearing. If you challenge any part of the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised during the public hearing.
9.A. 2026 Uptown Business Improvement Area Assessments
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing to consider the Uptown Business Improvement Area levy of assessments for calendar year 2026 and adopt Resolution No. 2025-63, confirming the annual report and levy of assessments for the Uptown Business Improvement Area for Calendar Year 2026.
10. STAFF REPORTS
10.A. April 14, 2026 General Municipal Election
Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-64, calling for a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, for the election of certain officers of the City as required by provisions of the City Charter;
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-65, requesting the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors render specified services to the City relating to the conduct of a standalone General Municipal Election to be held on April 14, 2026;
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-66, adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidate statements submitted to the voters at an election to be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026; and 4) Introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 3174, establishing various election procedures relating to election style, voting locations, voter registration, appointment, early voting, precinct consolidations, same-day registration, auditing, and reporting for the 2026 General Municipal Election.
5) Approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement in the form substantially provided with ProVote Solution for the printing and mailing of election materials in the approximate amount of $78,675 with authorization to increase the budget if voter registration or election requirements change.
6) In conformance with Government Code Section 6254.19 and Election Code Section 13001, approve and authorize the Election Official to execute necessary agreements for the procurement of equipment, security services, modular building, network services, and programming software for remote in-person voting.
10.B. Greenway Trail Landscape Visibility Improvements
Recommendation: Consider proposed landscaping changes to promote visibility along the Greenway Trial and direct staff to return with an implementation schedule and budgetary authority as appropriate.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
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10.C. Whittier Cruiser Pilot Program – Six-Month Update & Fare Policy Introduction
Recommendation: Approve the introduction of a Fare Policy to the Whittier Cruiser Pilot Program for an amount of three dollars per rider up to a maximum of six dollars per trip.
10.D. Short-Term Residential Rental Ordinance- Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA24-0003
Recommendation: Review the information provided regarding short-term rentals, and if appropriate, provide staff with additional directions to finalize an ordinance to bring back for consideration.
Environmental Review
Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA24-0003 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and has been found to be exempt under sections 15061(b)(3), 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and it is not a “project” as defined in CEQA guideline section 15378.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
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12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the November 13, 2025 and November 18, 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):
Two Cases.
12.C. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
City Owned Property: APN 8139-023-903 & 904 (12900 Philadelphia St) City Negotiator: Conal McNamara
Property Negotiator: Gavin Percy, Melia Homes
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
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 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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
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12.F. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Kathryn Jurado v. City of Whittier, Claim No. 614911
12.G. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Jolie Savage v City of Whittier Claim No. 21-591710-102
12.H. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Juan Ruben Sanchez v. City of Whittier, Claim No. 658333
12.I. 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, and unrepresented employees
12.J. Conference With Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(2):
One Case, Amy Minteer alleging Brown Act violations. Letter on file with the City Clerk.
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
14. ADJOURNMENT - In Memory of Yosh Nakamura
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
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Disability-related services are available to enable persons with a disability to participate in this meeting, consistent with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Spanish interpreters are also available. For information or to request services, please contact the City Clerk at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting at (562) 567-9850.
The agenda packet for regular meetings is available three days before the meeting on http://www.cityofwhittier.org. Materials distributed to the City Council within 72 hours of the City Council meeting are available for public inspection; please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Los servicios relacionados con la discapacidad están disponibles para permitir que las personas con discapacidad participen en esta reunión, de conformidad con la Ley Federal de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades de 1990. También hay intérpretes en español disponibles. Para obtener información o para solicitar servicios, comuníquese con el Secretario Municipal al menos 24 horas antes de la reunión al (562) 567-9850.
El paquete de la agenda para juntas regulares están disponible tres días antes de la reunión en www.cityofwhittier.org. Los materiales distribuidos al Concejo Municipal dentro de las 72 horas de la reunión del Concejo Municipal están disponibles para inspección pública; póngase al contacto con la Oficina de la Secretaria Municipal.
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury, under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted in accordance with the applicable legal requirements.
Regular and Adjourned Regular meeting agendas may be amended up to 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Dated this 5th day of December 2025. /s/ Rigoberto Garcia Jr., City Clerk