MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
JANUARY 27, 2026, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:07 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
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member
Cathy Warner, Council Member
ABSENT:
Fernando Dutra, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Conal McNamara, City Manager
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Yolanda Martinez, Director of Human Resources/Risk Management
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.A. 2026 Recycling and Litter Prevention Artwork Contest Mayor Vinatieri indicated that the City of Whittier, in partnership with the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, participated in the 2026 Community Recycling Awareness Calendar initiative and invited Director Cason to discuss the contest. The students were presented with certificates.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 27, 2026
Minutes
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Dutra 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; Helen Rahder; Mary Gorman-Sullens; Samantha; Janis Cavanaugh; Conny McCormack; Nora Zavalza-Chavez; Anonymous; Brandon Arcega; Fabio Soto; Andrew Rodriguez; Bill Dobrenen; Ron Olson; Brent Miller; Philip Sywulka; Reyna Sywulka; Brian Ahern; Will Gearhart; and Rolando Cano.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
Linda de Vries; Tom Bihr; and Susan Cameron.
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
None.
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez pulled Item 8.H. for individual consideration.
Council Member Pacheco pulled Items 8.D., E., F., G., and K.
Mayor Vinatieri recused himself from Item 8.F. since he owns a business in Uptown Whittier.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 8.D, E. F. G. H. and K, noting Mayor Vinatieri’s recusal on Item 8. F. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 27, 2026
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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 December 23, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Molly Shipton, Juan Alvarado, Donna Lee Hobbis, Nicolas Saez, Candice Sanchez, David Lugo, Stephanie Greene, and Xavier Guevara.
8.I. First Avenue Park – Ad Hoc Design Recommendations and SWA Design Agreement
Recommendation:
1) Approve the refinements to the First Avenue Park design recommended by the First Avenue Ad Hoc Committee.
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Service Agreement with SWA Group for First Avenue Park design refinement, completion of construction documents, bid specifications, and consultation through the completion of construction for an amount not to exceed $378,421. 3) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-08, amending the FY 2025-26 Budget for the appropriation of funds for the Professional Service Agreement with SWA Group for the First Avenue Park Project.
8.J. Call Up - Parking and Transportation Commission Item 6.C. East side of Greenleaf Avenue north of Hadley Street - Passenger Loading Zone Recommendation: Revise action taken by Parking and Transportation Commission Item 6.C. to establish a "Passenger Loading 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m." zone on the east side of Greenleaf Avenue in front of 6338 Greenleaf Avenue by adopting Resolution No. 2026-09, establishing a “Passenger Loading 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.” zone on the east side of Greenleaf Avenue in front of 6338 Greenleaf Avenue by adopting Resolution No. T-25-05.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
8.D. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 3175 - Short Term Rentals - Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA24-0003
Recommendation: Conduct second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 3175, approving Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA24-0003, relating to short-term rental regulations.
City Manager McNamara, City Attorney Collins, and Director Pongetti answered questions regarding the process for making changes to the ordinance; the Good Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 27, 2026
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Neighbor policy; major offenses; major and minor violation fines; fines to the platform; public comments; and previous votes.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to direct staff to return with a new first reading of the ordinance, proposing options for changes to the buffer zone requirements, parking requirements, and exceptions for hosts living on the property in the high fire areas. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
8.E. Affordable Home Ownership Program Regulatory Agreement for Olson Project (Whittier Walk)
Recommendation:
1) Approve the Affordable Housing Covenant and enter into the Regulatory Agreement with the Olson Company for a single unit at the project site, with a specific address to be provided at a later date and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and necessary amendments; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-05, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget with an appropriation of funds for a new Affordable Home Ownership Program (AHOP) unit.
Director Pongetti answered questions regarding the purpose of the covenant; the silent second loan; and the potential for Affordable Home Ownership Program (AHOP) units in the Alpha Beta project.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to 1) approve the Affordable Housing Covenant and enter into the Regulatory Agreement with the Olson Company for a single unit at the project site, with a specific address to be provided at a later date and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and necessary amendments; and 2) adopt Resolution No. 2026-05, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget with an appropriation of funds for a new Affordable Home Ownership Program (AHOP) unit. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
Mayor Vinatieri recused himself from the next item and exited the Council Chamber. Mayor Pro Tem Martinez presided over the meeting.
8.F. 2026 Whittier Uptown Association Annual Agreement
Recommendation: Approve the administrative agreement between the City of Whittier and the Whittier Uptown Association for calendar year 2026 and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 27, 2026
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City Manager McNamara answered questions regarding the Uptown Association’s status as a separate entity.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to approve the administrative agreement between the City of Whittier and the Whittier Uptown Association for calendar year 2026 and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement. The question was called and the motion carried 3-0-2, Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Dutra absent.
Mayor Vinatieri re-entered the Council Chamber and presided over the meeting.
8.G. Professional Services Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc.
Recommendation:
1) Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA), for a landscape maintenance improvement project along the Greenway Trail, in an amount not to exceed $330,000; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-06, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget for appropriation of funds for the Greenway Trail Landscape Visibility Improvement Project.
City Manager McNamara, Director Santana, and Director Cason answered questions regarding the scope of services; funding sources; programs for mulch; safety concerns; and adding trees.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to 1) approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA), for a landscape maintenance improvement project along the Greenway Trail, in an amount not to exceed $330,000; and 2) adopt Resolution No. 2026-06, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget for appropriation of funds for the Greenway Trail Landscape Visibility Improvement Project. The question was called and the motion carried 4-
0. 8.H. Engineering Services for Beverly Boulevard at Norwalk Boulevard Realignment Project - Professional Services Agreement
Recommendation:
1) Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc. to complete the Engineering Services for Beverly Boulevard at Norwalk Boulevard Realignment Project for a fee not to exceed $300,000; and 2) Adopt Resolution No 2026-07, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to add supplemental appropriations and revenues in the amount of $1,800,000 for the Beverly Boulevard at Norwalk Boulevard Realignment Project.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 27, 2026
Minutes
Director Cason answered questions regarding the scope of the project; previous improvements to nearby areas; and traffic signal synchronization.
Council Member Warner exited the Council Chamber.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to 1) authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc. to complete the Engineering Services for Beverly Boulevard at Norwalk Boulevard Realignment Project for a fee not to exceed $300,000; and 2) adopt Resolution No 2026-07, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to add supplemental appropriations and revenues in the amount of $1,800,000 for the Beverly Boulevard at Norwalk Boulevard Realignment Project. The question was called and the motion carried 3-0-2, Council Member Warner and Council Member Dutra absent.
8.K. Sidewalk Maintenance Program (Phase II District I) Recommendation:
1) Award the construction contract to CJ Concrete Construction Inc., in the amount of $488,016 for the construction of Sidewalk Maintenance Program (Phase II District I);
2) Approve $48,802 in contingency funding for the Sidewalk Maintenance Program (Phase II District I) Project subject to the approval of the City Manager;
3) Reject all other bids;
4) Authorize the City Manager to sign the construction contract on behalf of the City of Whittier; and
5) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-10, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget in the amount of $536,818 for the Sidewalk Maintenance Program (Phase II District I).
Director Cason answered questions regarding the project location; project scope; sidewalk easements; and miles of sidewalk in the city.
Council Member Warner re-entered the meeting.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to 1) award the construction contract to CJ Concrete Construction Inc., in the amount of $488,016 for the construction of Sidewalk Maintenance Program (Phase II District I); 2) approve $48,802 in contingency funding for the Sidewalk Maintenance Program (Phase II District I) Project subject to the approval of the City Manager; 3) reject all other bids; 4) authorize the City Manager to sign the construction contract on behalf of the City of Whittier; and 5) adopt Resolution No. 2026-10, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget in the amount of $536,818 Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 27, 2026
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for the Sidewalk Maintenance Program (Phase II District I). The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
10. STAFF REPORTS
10.A. Tree Ordinance Suspension Update and Action Items Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-11, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget related to professional services;
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Michael Baker Inc. in the amount not to exceed $369,538 for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the replacement of Chapter
12.40.100(D) of the Whittier Municipal Code and the provisions of the Parkway Tree Manual;
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Richards, Watson, & Gershon in the amount not to exceed $200,000 to provide special legal services related to the replacement of Chapter 12.40.100(D) of the Whittier Municipal Code and the provisions of the Parkway Tree Manual; and
4) Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Tripepi Smith in the amount not to exceed $50,000 to provide public relations services on matters related to the replacement of Chapter 12.40.100(D) of the Whittier Municipal Code and the provisions of the Parkway Tree Manual.
City Manager McNamara presented the report. City Manager McNamara, City Attorney Collins, and Director Martinez answered questions regarding whether any component of this item would be discussed in Closed Session; the City’s position on assertions made during public comments involving liability exposure; insurance premiums associated with tree-related claims and Police Department claims; changes to police department policies and procedures; previous annual insurance premiums; the purpose of the California Insurance Pool Authority (CIPA); self-insured retention rates; the City’s loss-runs, charge losses and exposure; and the letter from the General Manager of CIPA.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to 1) adopt Resolution No. 2026-11, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget related to professional services; 2) authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Michael Baker Inc. in the amount not to exceed $369,538 for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the replacement of Chapter
12.40.100(D) of the Whittier Municipal Code and the provisions of the Parkway Tree Manual; 3) authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Richards, Watson, & Gershon in the amount not to exceed $200,000 to provide Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 27, 2026
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special legal services related to the replacement of Chapter 12.40.100(D) of the Whittier Municipal Code and the provisions of the Parkway Tree Manual; and 4) authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Tripepi Smith in the amount not to exceed $50,000 to provide public relations services on matters related to the replacement of Chapter 12.40.100(D) of the Whittier Municipal Code and the provisions of the Parkway Tree Manual. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess to go into Closed Session. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
10.B. Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority Vacancies - Fiscal Oversight Advisory Committee and Citizens Technical Advisory Committee
Recommendation: Select applicants to interview or appoint for vacancies, or create an Ad Hoc Committee for selecting individuals to serve on advisory bodies. The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority has the following openings:
1) Fiscal Oversight Advisory Committee (3 terms)
2) Citizens Technical Advisory Committee (1 term)
City Manager McNamara and City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding conflicts with incompatible offices and the interview process.
The City Council deliberated on the applicants.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council selected to interview Alexander Merkel, Andrew J. Moraga, Yvonne Connolly, and Rick Gonzalez for the Fiscal Oversight Advisory Committee vacancies.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council selected to interview Laura Kreuger, Nathan Warner, and Veronica Wilkerson for the Citizens Technical Advisory Committee vacancy.
10.C. Broadway Park Improvement Project and Formation of a Park Design Ad Hoc
Recommendation: Receive and file public feedback on amenities and appoint two members to an Ad Hoc Committee to guide design concepts.
Director Santana presented the report.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 27, 2026
Minutes
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Vinatieri seconded a motion to appoint Council Member Pacheco and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez to the Ad Hoc Committee. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner discussed the benefits of serving on an ad hoc committee.
Council Member Pacheco indicated she was ill and wished everyone a belated happy New Year.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez indicated he attended a ribbon cutting for CrossFit and discussed disagreement.
Council Member Warner exited the Council Chamber.
Mayor Vinatieri asked about the Historic Resources Commission meetings.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1):
One Case.
12.B. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2):
One Case.
12.C. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN 8140-025-005 (12102 Hadley St)
City Negotiator: Conal McNamara, Executive Director
Property Negotiator: Los Angeles County Fire Department Under Negotiation: Price and Terms.
12.D. 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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority January 27, 2026
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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, Executive Director
Negotiating parties: Adam Lentz, Madison Capital Group, LLC Under negotiation: Price & Terms
12.F. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 25STCP04856.
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. 24STCP03966.
12.H. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Lori Gibson v. City of Whittier Claim No. 22-591230-096.
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
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 9:53 p.m.