MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
FEBRUARY 10, 2026, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:05 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
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. PRESENTATIONS
None.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the amended Agenda, moving Item 9.A. before Item 6. The motion carried 4-1, Council Member Pacheco dissenting.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority February 10, 2026
Agenda
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.A. First Reading of Ordinance No. 3175 - Short Term Rentals - 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.
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. City Manager McNamara, City Attorney Collins, and Director Pongetti answered questions regarding grandfather clauses; expectations for existing STR owners who do not obtain permits; enforcement of the ordinance; multiple STRs on one property; list of complaints of STRs; whether there is a higher concentration of STRs in certain parts of the city; a potential correlation between size of lot and number of complaints; existing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUS) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUS) operating as STRs; and the prohibition of STRs in the high and very high fire zones.
City Attorney Collins indicated that if a Council Member is conflicted, they would need to recuse themselves from the full discussion, not just the decision.
Council Member Warner indicated that she does not have a conflict.
Council Dutra and Mayor Vinatieri indicated they’ve received several emails from residents regarding STRs.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Anonymous; Al G.; Owen Newcomer; Marilyn Avila; Leonard Avila; Fabio Soto; Hector Gutierrez; Bernard Villa; Patricia Lopez; Philip Sywulka; Reyna Sywulka; Peter Moore; Janis Cavanaugh; Michelle Seymoure; Jeanne Renner; Lorena Vinet; Steve Tembledor; Rose Tembledor; and Ron Olson.
City Attorney Collins indicated that time cannot be shared among public commentors.
Javier Garcia provided a teleconference public comment.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority February 10, 2026
Agenda
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.
City Manager McNamara, City Attorney Collins, and Director Pongetti answered questions regarding the Council’s previous decision to prohibit STRs in the high and very high fire zones; parking requirements for STRs; carports; liability concerns regarding the distinct parking requirements for STRs and ADUs; covered parking requirements; the number of STRs per property; buffer zones; minimum parking requirements; and off-street parking.
The City Council deliberated on the buffer distance, required parking, and STRs per property/parcel.
MAJORITY CONSENSUS
By majority consensus, the City Council selected two as the number of STRs allowed per property/parcel.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council selected 300 feet as the buffer distance.
MAJORITY CONSENSUS
By majority consensus, the City Council selected customized parking standards for STRs, with a minimum of one parking spot required per STR.
City Attorney Collins clarified the amended ordinance language.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to introduce and conduct the first reading of amended Ordinance No. 3175 as recommended by the Planning Commission approving Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA24-0003, relating to short-term rental regulations. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Pacheco dissenting.
Council Member Warner exited the Council Chamber.
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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority February 10, 2026
Agenda
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Tom Hall; Conny McCormack; Brian Ahern; and Soledad Lopez.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez exited the Council Chamber
Council Member Warner re-entered the meeting.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
Javier Garcia and Aida Macedo.
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 on the implementation of Resolution 2025-38 regarding federal immigration enforcement activity in Whittier:
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 will continue coordinating with County, State, and Federal partners and will return next month with further updates.
City Manager McNamara answered questions regarding sidewalk repairs.
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Pacheco pulled Items 8.D., E., and G. for individual consideration.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 8.D., E., and G. 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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority February 10, 2026
Agenda
8.B. Approval of Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the January 8, 2026 Special Meeting and January 13, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Joel Hernandez and Carlos Maravilla.
8.F. 3551 San Gabriel River Parkway Demolition Project – Notice Inviting Bids
Recommendation:
1) Find the Project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of California Environmental Quality Act guidelines; 2) Approve the Specifications for 3551 San Gabriel River Parkway Demolition Project; and
3) Authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
8.D. State and Federal Budget Requests
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-12, adopting projects and priorities for 2026-2027 State and Federal budget requests.
City Manager McNamara answered a question regarding the representatives who receive the budget requests.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-12, adopting projects and priorities for 2026-2027 State and Federal budget requests. The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
8.E. Contract Parking Enforcement Services Renewal
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year contract renewal with Inter-Con Security Systems Incorporated for parking enforcement services.
Chief Bar answered questions about the process for following up on parking enforcement requests and the use of the Whittier 365 to report parking issues.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year contract renewal with InterCon Security Systems Incorporated for parking enforcement services. The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority February 10, 2026
Agenda
8.G. Board and Commission Appointments - Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (Financial Oversight Advisory Committee) Recommendation: Appoint Rick Gonzalez, Andrew J. Moraga, and Alexander Merkel to the three vacancies on the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority - Financial Oversight Advisory Committee.
City Manager McNamara answered a question regarding filling the vacancy on the Citizens Technical Advisory Committee.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to appoint Rick Gonzalez, Andrew J. Moraga, and Alexander Merkel to the three vacancies on the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority - Financial Oversight Advisory Committee. The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess to go into Closed Session. The meeting reconvened with all Members present except Mayor Vinatieri. Mayor Pro Tem Martinez presided over the meeting.
10. STAFF REPORTS
10.A. Review of Whittier Car Washes
Recommendation: Review the information provided regarding car washes, and if appropriate, provide staff with direction.
This item was moved to a future meeting.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS None.
RECESS
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez called a recess to go into Closed Session.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the January 8, and January 13, 2026 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 February 10, 2026
Agenda
12.C. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4):
One Case.
12.D. 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.E. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN 8124-007-918 (3551 San Gabriel River Pkwy, Pico Rivera, CA 90660)
City Negotiator: Conal McNamara
Property Negotiator: United States Navy
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
12.F. 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.G. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Gov Code 54956.8
Properties: 6711 and 6713 Bright Ave
Agency Negotiator: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Janelle A. Gonzales (Lessee for 6711 Bright Ave) and Jaimee Aguayo & Associates (Lessee for 6713 Bright Ave) Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
12.H. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 25STCP04856
12.I. 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.J. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier College vs. City of Whittier - Claim No. 26-591660-018 Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority February 10, 2026
Agenda
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 on Item 12.J., the City Council voted 4-0-1, Mayor Vinatieri absent, to approve a settlement with Whittier College in the amount of $38,904.03.
14. ADJOURNMENT
City Clerk Garcia adjourned the meeting at 10:20 p.m.