MINUTES
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
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session 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
Cathy Warner, Council Member
ABSENT:
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Conal McNamara, City Manager
Shannon DeLong, Assistant 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
Aviv Bar, Chief of Police
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.A. Whittier Reads
Mayor Vinatieri invited President Mary McCarty and Board Member Mandy Knight from the Whittier Public Library Foundation to the lectern, and they discussed the selected book, When It All Burns.
Ms. Knight answered a question regarding the culminating event.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
Minutes
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Pacheco absent.
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; Gail Bryson-Cofer; Helen Rahder; Mary Gorman-Sullens; Conny McCormack; Drew Pryor; James Becerra; Bill Dobrenen; Janis Cavanaugh; Alex Franco; Craig Cole; Matthew Dobrenen; Fabio Soto; Rosa; Mark Wilson; Leonard Avila; Marilyn Avila; Ron Olson; Brandon Arcega; David Miller; Jill Frieze-Prado; Maggie Moe; Javier Garcia; Quincey Grace; Antionette Garcia; Johanna; Philip Sywulka; Reyna Sywulka; Catherine Heath Aguilar; Armando Hernan; Jason Reedy; Monica Sena; Nathan Tharp; Anonymous; and Orlando Terrazas.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
Tom Bihr; Rolando Cano; and Alex Rocha.
All public comments and documents submitted are part of the record and are on file with the City Clerk Department. A copy of the oral communications is available from the City.
7. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager McNamara presented the following report:
1) As of December 1, 2025, the City’s passport fee waiver initiative has concluded. Between September 1 and the end of the initiative, the Library subsidized 207 passport applications for Whittier residents and City employees.
2) The Hispanic Outreach Taskforce and the Bondad program continue to provide legal-aid support, and the Interfaith Food Center continues to provide food assistance to Whittier residents.
City Manager McNamara and Director Cason answered questions regarding sidewalk maintenance; and the easement for trees outside the Doubletree Hotel on Greenleaf Avenue; and the billing error committed by Republic Services.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
Minutes
8. 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 4-0-1, Council Member Pacheco absent.
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 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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
Minutes
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.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mayor Vinatieri recused himself from the item since he owns a business in the Uptown Business Improvement Area and exited the Council Chamber. Mayor Pro Tem Martinez presided over the meeting.
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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
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Director Pongetti presented the report. Director Pongetti and Justin Tipton, Executive Director of the Uptown Whittier Association, answered questions regarding the rationale for assessing the funds; where funds are allocated; and amount of funds assessed.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez opened the public hearing.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Maggie Moe; Armando Hernan; Anonymous; and Javier Garcia.
Rolando Cano 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.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez closed the public hearing.
City Manager McNamara, City Attorney Collins, and Mr. Tipton answered questions regarding the formation of the Whittier Uptown association; City liaison; compliance with the Brown Act; inclusion of businesses on Bright Avenue; the Day of the Dead Celebration; Greenleaf Avenue improvements; economic impacts on restaurants; frequency of the Association’s board meetings; and hours of operation.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-63, confirming the annual report and levy of assessments for the Uptown Business Improvement Area for Calendar Year 2026. The question was called and the motion carried 3-0-2, Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Pacheco absent.
RECESS
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez called a recess. The meeting was reconvened with all Council Members present at 9:38 p.m.. Mayor Vinatieri presided over the meeting.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated that Item 10.D. was moved to the next meeting.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
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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.
City Clerk Garcia presented the report.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to 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 Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
Minutes
the approximate amount of $78,675 with authorization to increase the budget if voter registration or election requirements change; and 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. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Pacheco absent.
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.
Director Santana presented the report. City Manager McNamara, City Attorney Collins, Chief Bar, and Director Santana answered questions regarding the scope of work; plant palettes; the proposed landscape approach; California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements for proposed work; facilities and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness; safety concerns and police presence on the trail; the Greenway Trail East Extension easement; concerns about overgrown shrubs along different stretches of the Greenway Trail; drone usage around Dittmar Avenue; crime prevention through environmental design; and the timeline for proposed landscaping changes.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to direct staff to return with an implementation schedule and budgetary authority as appropriate. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Pacheco absent.
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.
Director Santana presented the report. Director Santana and Mark Iannon, from Circuit Transit, answered questions regarding average wait times; availability of heaters in the vehicles; program expansion; drivers accepting tips; funding for the pilot program; funding sources for the program after the pilot period; Proposition C funded programs; number of operational vehicles; hours of operation; and drop offs at Hellman Trail.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to 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.
The question was called and the motion carried4-0-1, Council Member Pacheco absent.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
Minutes
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.
This item was moved to a future meeting.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner discussed the Cookies with Santa event and invited residents to attend the annual Uptown Whittier parade on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
Council Member Dutra indicated he attended the Whittier Chamber on the morning of December 9, 2025; the tree lighting ceremony outside of City Hall; requested that public comments be broadcast; and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez thanked staff for all their hard work; indicated he attended the Whittier Chamber on the morning of December 9, 2025; and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Mayor Vinatieri expressed his intent for the City Council to assist struggling businesses in the City; discussed the Cookies with Santa event; invited everyone to the annual Uptown Whittier parade; encouraged residents to help one another; and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff bring back a report to help businesses on a temporary basis.
14. ADJOURNMENT - In Memory of Yosh Nakamura
Mayor Vinatieri read a biography of Yosh Nakamura and discussed his ties and contributions to the Whittier Community.
The City Council shared personal anecdotes about Mr. Nakamura.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
Minutes
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
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority December 9, 2025
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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.
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
There was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 10:40 p.m.