MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
MARCH 10, 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
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Pacheco led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Vinatieri asked for a moment of silence for the victims of a traffic accident near Dexter Middle School.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.A. Women's History Month
Mayor Vinatieri discussed the importance of Women’s History Month and described the work of the Soroptimist International. Mayor Vinatieri invited Soroptimist President Denise Fasheh to accept the proclamation.
The City Council thanked the members of Soroptimist International for their work with women.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 10, 2026
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4.B. Recognition of Randall D. Martinez
Mayor Vinatieri indicated Randall D. Martinez was awarded the 2026 USC Latino Alumni Association Alumni Visionary Award and invited him to the podium.
Mr. Randall discussed his award and accomplishments.
4.C. Recognition of Shannon DeLong
Mayor Vinatieri read a proclamation honoring Assistant City Manager DeLong’s achievements during her career at Whittier. The City Council presented her with gifts and congratulated her on her new career.
Ivan Sulic from Supervisor Hahn’s office presented Assistant City Manager DeLong with a proclamation.
Assistant City Manager DeLong expressed her gratitude to the City Council, Staff, and community.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to move Item 10.A. before Item 7 and to approve the amended 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; Clarissa Walker; Hector Naranjo; Mary Gorman-Sullens; Helen Rahder; Elizabeth Cruz; Brandon Arcega; Anthony Tejeda; Conny McCormack; Javier Garcia; Wilfredo Sanchez; Daniel Avila; Marilyn Avila; Leonard Avila; Brian Ahern; Magdalena Barragñon Moe; Rolando Cano; Drew Pryor; and Armando Hernan.
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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 10, 2026
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10.A. Fire Station 17
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. A24-099 with Practice in the amount not to exceed $64,292 to complete construction plans for Fire Station 17 at 12109 Bailey Street.
Khoi Dao, Assistant Fire Chief for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, introduced the Fire Department members in attendance.
Director Cason presented the report.
Council Members Pacheco and Warner, who are members of the Ad Hoc Committee, discussed the design process.
Director Cason answered questions regarding the additional square footage of the project; a noise study; a site plan review analysis; and the addition of a paramedic squad.
The City Council members deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. A24-099 with Practice in the amount not to exceed $64,292 to complete construction plans for Fire Station 17 at 12109 Bailey Street. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
7. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager McNamara presented 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 will continue coordinating with County, State, and Federal partners and will return next month with further updates.
City Clerk Garcia provided the following election updates:
1) Election Day is April 14, 2026.
2) Every active registered voter will receive a ballot, and ballots will be dropped off at a USPS sorting facility on Friday, March 13, 2026. 3) If a voter has not received their ballot by Wednesday, March 18, 2026, they can contact the City Clerk Department to be issued a new one.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 10, 2026
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4) In-person voting begins on April 11, 2026, and the locations are York Field, Palm Park, Michigan Park, and Whittwood Branch Library. Parnell Park will not be a voting center as it is under construction.
5) Election-related questions can be directed to (562) 567-9850.
City Clerk Garcia answered questions regarding the number of in-person voting locations and same-day voter registration.
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Pacheco pulled Items 8.D. and 8.G. for individual consideration.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 8.D. 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.
8.B. Approval of Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the February 10, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Alexander Hernandez, Lori L.
Gibson, Osmar Alvidrez, Rosa Esparza (guardian) on behalf of Jaeger Esparza (minor) and Jimena Torres (minor), and Uriel Delgadillo-Ulloa.
8.E. Whittier & Sorenson LLC, Rodeo 72, Heritage Court Murals Recommendation: Review and approve the Whittier & Sorenson LLC, Heritage Court Murals at Rodeo 72, per the Art in Public Places requirement.
8.F. Youngwood Drive Slope Project – Notice of Completion Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Estate Design and Construction, Inc., for the Youngwood Drive Slope Project; and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
8.D. Boards and Commissions Ad Hoc Committee - Appointment to the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority - Citizens Technical Advisory Committee
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 10, 2026
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Recommendation: Approve the recommendation to appoint Laura Krueger to the vacancy on the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority - Citizens Technical Advisory Committee for a term expiring in February 2030.
Council Member Pacheco described the ad hoc committee process and thanked the applicants.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to approve the recommendation to appoint Laura Krueger to the vacancy on the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority - Citizens Technical Advisory Committee for a term expiring in February 2030. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
8.G. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A26-004 - Urban Forest Management Plan
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-13, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget related to professional services; and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A26-004 with Michael Baker Inc. in the amount not to exceed $194,595 for the preparation of the Urban Forest Management Plan.
City Manager McNamara answered questions regarding the relationship between Agenda Items 8.G. and 10.B.; the longevity and purpose of the Urban Forest Management Plan; and the Parkway Tree Manual as a process document.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-13, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget related to professional services; and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A26-004 with Michael Baker Inc. in the amount not to exceed $194,595 for the preparation of the Urban Forest Management Plan. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 10, 2026
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10. STAFF REPORTS
10.B. Ordinance Extending the Temporary Suspension of the Application of the Parkway Tree Manual
Recommendation: Conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 3176, extending the temporary suspension of the application of the City’s Parkway Tree Manual and Municipal Code Section 12.40.100(D) to address potential future health and safety hazards and making a finding that this ordinance is exempt from CEQA through January 1, 2028.
City Manager McNamara, City Attorney Collins, Director Cason, and Director Santana answered questions regarding the rationale for the extension of the previous temporary suspension of the Parkway Tree Manual; the request from the City’s insurance carrier to modify the Parkway Tree Manual; tree removal and replacement; alternative insurance options; public outreach opportunities during Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process; timeline for EIR process; whether EIR has to go to the Planning Commission; legal review of arborists reports; legal review of agreements; tree protections; Measure W expenditures; the Parnell Project and potential for joint use agreements; size of new trees at Parnell Park; size of replacement trees on the Greenleaf Promenade Project; and youth soccer programming.
Council Member Warner briefly exited the Council Chamber.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Dutra seconded a motion to conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 3176, extending the temporary suspension of the application of the City’s Parkway Tree Manual and Municipal Code Section 12.40.100(D) to address potential future health and safety hazards and making a finding that this ordinance is exempt from CEQA through January 1, 2028. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Pacheco dissenting.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner indicated she attended Opening Day at Murphy Ranch Little League.
Council Member Dutra congratulated Mr. Martinez on his award from USC.
Council Member Pacheco discussed her experience at USC; indicated she attended the Veterans’ Resource fair, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) conference, the candidates’ forums, and the Bridge of Faith tea event; Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 10, 2026
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invited residents to attend the Yoshio Nakamura memorial event at the Vic Lopez auditorium; and wished everyone a happy Easter.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez thanked staff for their hard work and expressed his wellwishes to Assistant City Manager DeLong.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated he participated in Reading Across America at six different schools across three districts; attended Murphy Ranch Baseball and Pony Baseball opening days; attended the Bridge of Faith tea event; and discussed misinformation.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the February 10, 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.
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 Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 25STCP04856
12.E. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 24STCP03966
12.F. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Mike Ibarra v. City of Whittier Claim No. 579397, 606985, 564440
12.G. 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, Whittier Police Management Association, and unrepresented employees
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 10, 2026
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Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 10, 2026
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13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Clerk Garcia indicated that in the matter of Item 12. F., Mike Ibarra v City of Whittier, by a motion of Council Member Pacheco seconded by Council Member Warner, the City Council unanimously approved a $75,000 compromise and release settlement.
14. ADJOURNMENT
City Clerk Garcia adjourned the meeting at 10:10 p.m.