MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
JANUARY 13, 2026, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:10 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
Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
Aviv Bar, Chief of Police
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Warner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.A. Recognition of Library Director Paymaneh Maghsoudi Mayor Vinatieri read a proclamation, and the Council Members shared anecdotes and presented gifts to Director Maghsoudi.
Kyle Miller, Office of State Senator Bob J. Archuleta, and Ivan Sulic, Office of L.A.
County Supervisor Janice Hahn, shared anecdotes and presented Director Maghsoudi with proclamations.
Director Maghsoudi thanked everyone for their support of the library.
4.B. Recognition of Executive Assistant Trina Miller
Mayor Vinatieri read a proclamation, and the Council Members shared anecdotes and presented gifts to Executive Assistant Miller.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 13, 2026
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Kyle Miller, Office of State Senator Bob J. Archuleta, and Ivan Sulic, Office of L.A.
County Supervisor Janice Hahn, shared anecdotes and presented Executive Assistant Miller with proclamations.
Executive Assistant Miller thanked everyone for their support throughout her career.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. 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; Bob Henderson; Anthony Tejeda; Wilfredo Abitia; Veronica Garcia; Javier Garcia; Conny McCormack; Jenny Martin; Shonique Williams; Brandon Arcega; Tamara; Alex Rocha; Lisa Peña; Brian Ahern; Rolando Cano; Betty Thorpe; Maggie Moe; Orlando Terrazas; Natalie Rico; and Alana Melgar.
There were no teleconference public comments.
All public comments and documents submitted are part of the record and are on file with the City Clerk Department. A recording of the oral communications is available through the City’s website.
7. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager McNamara provided the following updates:
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.
3) Staff continues coordinating with County, State, and Federal partners. 4) As an additional item, at a previous Council meeting, Council Member Dutra had asked for follow-up regarding concerns from the City’s insurance carrier, the California Insurance Pool Authority, commonly known as CIPA, related to the suspension of the Parkway Tree Manual. City Manager McNamara read the letter into the record.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 13, 2026
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City Clerk Garcia indicated that the nomination period for the April 14, 2026 Election would close on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Pacheco pulled 8.D. and 8.F. for individual consideration.
Mayor Vinatieri pulled Item 8.E. for individual consideration.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 8.D., E., and 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 October 28 and December 9, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Lillian Robles, Linda Avila, Tiffany Hernandez, Monserrat Gaytan, Alfred Espinoza, Nicole Fullerton, Lisa Dennis-Vanlommel, Harold Vanlommel, Laura Hudak, Romina Garello, Janet Ramirez, Aaron E. Aguirre, and Armando Herman.
8.G. California Office of Emergency Services Funding (CalOES) for Fire Station 17
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-03, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget related to supplemental appropriations for the CalOES Pass Through Grant Subaward for the Reconstruction of Historic Los Angeles County Fire Station 17; and authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary forms and agreements related to the acceptance and expenditure of the grant.
8.H. Memorandum of Understanding for New Fencing along Ocean View and Elmquist Avenues - Amendment No. 1 to A15-128
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority to replace a chain-link fence bordering open space parkland.
8.I. League of Women Voters Candidate Forum
Recommendation: Approve the League of Women Voters' request for a fee waiver to broadcast a Candidate Forum in the Council Chambers on February 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 13, 2026
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8.J. Revision of Salary Resolution Nos. 2024-35 and 2025-28 Recommendation: Adopt revisions to Confidential Employees Section 19.D of Resolution Nos. 2024-35, and 2025-28 as required by California Code Regulation Section 570.5.
8.K. Whittwood Town Center Reimbursement
Recommendation: Approve $353,613 in property tax increment and sales tax reimbursement to Whittwood 1768 Inc. pursuant to the Owner Participation Agreement for the Whittwood Town Center.
8.L. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Development Impact Fee Report Recommendation: Receive and file the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Development Impact Fee Report pursuant to Government Code sections 66000 et seq. for the annual reporting requirement.
8.M. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. WUA-21-015 - Calgon Carbon Corporation
Recommendation:
1) Approve and authorize the Executive Director to execute Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. WUA-21-015 with Calgon Carbon Supply for the Whittier Groundwater Treatment System (WGTS) and extend the term of the Agreement to October 12, 2030; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. WUA-2026-01, amending Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget to appropriate an additional $1,500,000 to fund the carbon supply agreement with Calgon.
8.N. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement WUA-24-001 - Savage Canyon Landfill Phase 3B Liner Expansion Design
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the Executive Director to execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. WUA-24-001 with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. in the amount of $158,900 for the Savage Canyon Landfill Phase 3B Liner Expansion Design, troubleshooting, and optimization of the Condensate Treatment System.
8.O. Public Employee Pension Reform Act-180-Day Waiting Period Waiver Request
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-04 to waive the Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) 180-day waiting period to hire retired annuitant Paymaneh Maghsoudi for boards and commissions administration and library services special projects.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
8.D. Formalize Public Comment Card Procedures
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-01, adopting public comment card procedures for City Council Meetings.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 13, 2026
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City Attorney Collins answered a question regarding procedures for individuals who may not want to fill out a public comment card.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-01, adopting public comment card procedures for City Council Meetings. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
8.E. Broadcast Equipment Replacements - Microphones
Recommendation: Authorize the use of Public, Educational, Governmental Access Funding (PEG Funds) to enter into an agreement with Western Audio Visual for the replacement of broadcast microphone equipment in the amount of $39,081; and adopt Resolution No. 2026-02, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget with a supplemental appropriation for broadcast equipment replacement from PEG Funds.
City Clerk Garcia answered a question regarding which microphones are to be replaced.
MOTION
Mayor Vinatieri moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to authorize the use of Public, Educational, Governmental Access Funding (PEG Funds) to enter into an agreement with Western Audio Visual for the replacement of broadcast microphone equipment in the amount of $39,081; and adopt Resolution No. 2026-02, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget with a supplemental appropriation for broadcast equipment replacement from PEG Funds. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
8.F. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 3174 - April 14, 2026 General Municipal Election
Recommendation: Conduct the second reading and adopt 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.
City Clerk Garcia and City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding the mailing of Vote-by-mail ballots; active voter status; and state election laws.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to conduct the second reading and adopt 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. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 13, 2026
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9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.A. Short-Term Residential Rental Ordinance- Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA24-0003
Recommendation: Introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 3175 as recommended by the Planning Commission approving Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA24-0003, relating to short-term rental regulations; and Resolution No. 2026-05A amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget with a supplemental appropriation for forecast revenues and expenditures services of short-term rentals.
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.
Director Pongetti presented the report.
The City Council indicated that they had previously received emails from residents regarding short-term rentals (STRs).
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Pier Avirom; David Avirom; Fabio Soto; Laurel Moore; Marilyn Avila; Leonard Avila; Hector Gutierrez; Nathan Tharp; Bill Dobrenen; Craig Cole; Ron Olson; Brent Miller; Janis Cavanaugh; Kathy Muzingo; Philip Sywulka; Reyna Sywulka; Michelle Pekko-Seymoure; Mark Wilson; Larry Scher; Steve Temblador; Jeanne Renner; Quincey Grace; and Kim Yung.
Susan Cameron 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.
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess. The meeting was reconvened with all Council Members present.
City Attorney Collins and Director Pongetti answered questions regarding parking requirements; recommendations from the Planning Commission; public outreach; business license requirements; differences between Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)/ Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) and STRs; ability to amend the ordinance; grandfathering in STRs; state laws pertaining to ADUs and JADUs and Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 13, 2026
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STRs; differences in density on Fire Zone Maps; enforcement of permits; parking requirements; buffer distances; multiple STRs on a single property; and implementation of enforcement practices.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to include a 2-night minimum into the STR ordinance. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Warner dissenting.
Director Pongetti answered questions about owner residency requirements.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to allow 3 STRs per owner. The question was called and the motion carried 3-2, Council Members Pacheco and Dutra dissenting.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to allow a buffer distance of 500 feet between STRs. The question was called and the motion carried 3-2, Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Warner dissenting.
City Attorney Collins answered a question regarding conflicts if a Council Member lives in a Fire Zone.
Council Member Warner recused herself from the following item of discussion since she resides in a High Fire Zone area.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to prohibit STRs in the very high and high Fire Zone areas. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Warner abstaining.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to require parking as is required in the underlying zone. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Warner dissenting.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 13, 2026
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MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to introduce and conduct the first reading of an amended Ordinance No. 3175 as recommended by the Planning Commission approving Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA24-0003, relating to short-term rental regulations; and adoption of Resolution No. 2026-05A, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget with a supplemental appropriation for forecast revenues and expenditures services of short-term rentals. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Warner abstaining.
10. STAFF REPORTS
None.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Dutra discussed lockdowns at Cal High School and efficient ways of notifying parents; and the letter from the General Manager at CIPA.
Chief Bar answered questions regarding lockdown notifications in unincorporated Whittier and cross-agency cooperation with the Sheriff’s Department.
City Manager McNamara and City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding the letter from the General Manager at CIPA, including posting on the website, agendizing a discussion about it, and potential for liability.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to agendize a discussion regarding a letter from the General Manager at CIPA dated November 25, 2025.
Council Member Pacheco discussed her absence at the last City Council meeting; indicated she supports broadcasting public comments; discussed the passing of Yosh Nakamura; and discussed recent actions by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
Mayor Vinatieri discussed the Republic Services’ issue with refunds; discussed the situation in Minneapolis involving the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the December 09, 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):
One Case.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 13, 2026
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12.C. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN 8170-029-900 (12540 Whittier Blvd) and 8170-029-902 (12549 Washington Blvd)
City Negotiator: Conal McNamara, Executive Director
Property Negotiator: William Nascimento, Sycamore Group LLC Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
12.D. 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.E. 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.F. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
John Scoggins v. City of Whittier, Claim No. 578852
12.G. Conference With Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier Case No. 25STCP04856
12.H. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier Case No. 24STCP03966
12.I. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
One Case.
12.J. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
City Property: APN 8140-025-005, 12102 Hadley St
City Negotiator: City Manager Conal McNamara
Property Negotiator: Los Angeles County Fire Department Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 13, 2026
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12.K. 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
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated that with respect to Item 12.E., the Whittier City Council voted 3-2, Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Dutra dissenting, to approve a settlement in the amount of $950,000.
14. ADJOURNMENT
City Clerk Garcia adjourned the meeting at 10:54 p.m.