City Council Meeting Agenda Announcement
*Open Session Begins at 6:00 p.m.*
Speakers must limit their comments to three minutes. Please note, by order of the presiding officer, public comments minutes may be reduced if at their discretion a surplus of public speakers is present at the meeting. Public Comment Cards will be issued to in-person speakers to help ensure an orderly public comment process. Staff will be available to provide and collect Comment Cards through the end of the ‘Approval of Agenda’ portion of the meeting.
View live open session meeting:
On Cable, Channel 3
Online: www.cityofwhittier.org/Streaming
In person at City Hall, City Council Chamber
Zoom (Details below)
Public Comment options:
Email: [email protected]
In-person for Closed and Open Session in the City Hall Council Chamber Zoom (Details below)
PLEASE ENSURE YOUR ZOOM SOFTWARE IS UPDATED TO PROVIDE LIVE COMMENTS Live Public Comment for CLOSED AND OPEN SESSION: Login or call at 6:00 p.m. and raise your hand. Smart Phone App or Computer: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/95676597390 o Use ‘Raise Hand’ feature.
Phone Call-in: (669) 900-9128 Meeting ID: 956 7659 7390 o Press *9 to ‘Raise Hand’ and then *6 to unmute yourself when prompted.
Email: Please submit public comments at least one hour before the date of the meeting to ensure City Council members receive and have time to review them.
In-Person Submissions:
If you plan to distribute documents during the meeting, please bring 10 copies and provide them to the City Clerk’s staff for distribution to the City Council, Staff, and inclusion in the Public Binder. Documents provided to the City Council for their consideration must also be available to the Public. These materials will be uploaded for inclusion in the public record the following day.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Disability-related services are available to enable persons with a disability to participate in this meeting, consistent with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Spanish interpreters are also available.
For information or to request services, please contact the City Clerk at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting at (562) 567-9850.
View recent public comments: https://www.CityOfWhittier.org/PublicComments Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 24, 2026
Agenda
Remote Participation of Council Member Dutra from the Meeting Room at Sheraton Dallas Hotel 400 Olive Street, Dallas, TX 75201. This location is open to the public, and members of the public may attend and participate in public comment from this location as well as the primary meeting location listed below:
AGENDA
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER HOUSING AUTHORITY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
MARCH 24, 2026, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
2. ROLL CALL
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Mayor
Octavio Martinez, Mayor Pro Tem
Fernando Dutra, Council Member
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member
Cathy Warner, Council Member
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
This is the time for the City Council/Boards of Directors to reorder the agenda, or delete items, or make changes to the Agenda.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A. National Library Week “Find your Joy” at the Library (April 19–25, 2026) -Proclamation
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public Comment Cards are available in the Council Chamber, with instructions on obtaining a speaking number.
The public is invited to address City Council Members and Directors regarding any item of business listed on this agenda or within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City. Pursuant to State law, City Council Members cannot take action or express a consensus on any communications that do not appear on the printed agenda.
To ensure a productive and respectful environment during City Council meetings, all attendees are asked to conduct themselves with courtesy and professionalism.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 24, 2026
Agenda
Please refrain from using profanity, making personal attacks, or engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with the orderly progression of the meeting. While the First Amendment protects a broad range of speech, including opinions that some may find offensive, the City may intervene only in cases involving true threats, incitement to violence, or substantial disruption to the proceedings.
Courts have consistently ruled that attempts to censor protected speech—even when offensive—can expose cities to costly legal challenges and liability. Such litigation diverts public funds from vital services like public safety, parks, and libraries. For this reason, the City Council urges all speakers to express their views in a manner that is civil and constructive.
The City of Whittier is committed to serving all members of the public with respect.
While the City does not endorse or condone discriminatory or hateful speech, it must uphold constitutional protections as interpreted by the courts.
If any member of the public finds a comment objectionable, they are free to leave the chamber at their discretion.
Please be advised: Conduct that materially disrupts the meeting may result in removal, in accordance with Government Code Section 54957.95 and Penal Code 403.
Detailed instructions on how to provide public comments are provided on the Agenda Announcement Page.
7. CITY MANAGER REPORT
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on the Consent Calendar may be approved by a single motion. If a Council Member or Director wishes to discuss a Consent Calendar item, the item may be removed from the calendar for individual consideration.
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 24, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Richard Jacquez, Jim Webster, Rosie Wadwa, Alejandro Pedraza, Anadela Villarruel, Min-Ling Kuo, Maria Leon, and Jessica Talamante.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 24, 2026
Agenda
8.D. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 3176 -- Extending Tree Manual Suspension
Recommendation: Conduct the second reading and adopt 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 the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) through January 1, 2028.
8.E. 2024-2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Recommendation: Receive and file the 2024-2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report and direct staff to forward a copy to the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
8.F. Local Agency Investment Fund – Investment Authority Recommendation: Adopt Resolution Nos. 2026-14, WRSA-2026-01, WUA2026-04, WHA-2026-01, updating the authorized individuals and authorizing investment of monies in the State’s Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF).
8.G. WPOA and WPMA Memorandum of Understanding 2026-2029, Unrepresented Executive Management (Level I) Employees, Adopt Updated 2025-26 Salary Resolution
Recommendation:
1) Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Whittier Police Officers Association (WPOA) for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029;
2) Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Whittier Police Management Association (WPMA) for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029;
3) Approve benefit and salary adjustment for Unrepresented Executive Management (Level I) Employees;
4) Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with City Manager Conal McNamara;
5) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-15, adopting an updated 2025-26 Salary Resolution and rescinding Resolution No. 2025-28.
8.H. California State Library Grant- Lunch at the Library Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-16, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget to accept a $13,463 grant from the California State Library for the “Lunch at the Library” program and appropriate the funds for this grant.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 24, 2026
Agenda
8.I. 23-021 Painter Avenue and Vicinity Rehabilitation Project - Notice Inviting Bids
Recommendation:
1) Find the project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1 – Existing Facilities of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines;
2) Approve the Plans and Specifications for 23-021 Painter Avenue and Vicinity Rehabilitation Project; and
3) Authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids.
8.J. 25-008 Slurry Program Phase 1 - Notice of Completion Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Pavement Coatings Co. for the 25-008 Slurry Program Phase 1 Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City of Whittier.
8.K. 3551 San Gabriel River Pkwy Demolition Project – Award of Contract Recommendation:
1) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Quitclaim Deed and Environmental Restrictions Pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1471 for the Pico Rivera Reserve Center;
2) Award the construction contract to Interior Demolition, Inc., in the amount of $115,920 for the 3551 San Gabriel River Pkwy Demolition Project; 3) Reject all other bids;
4) Authorize the City Manager to execute a construction contract on behalf of the City;
5) Approve $11,592 in contingency for the 3551 San Gabriel River Pkwy Demolition Project, subject to the approval of the City Manager; and 6) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-17, amending the FY 2025-26 budget in the amount of $127,512 in supplemental funds to be allocated for the 3551 San Gabriel River Pkwy Demolition Project.
8.L. Los Angeles County Cooperative Agreement for Washington Boulevard Improvements, 800 feet West of Crowndale Avenue to 150 feet East of Crowndale Avenue
Recommendation:
1) Authorize the City Manager to execute a cooperative agreement between the City of Whittier and the County of Los Angeles in the amount not to exceed $305,600 for project administration and construction on Washington Blvd, 800 feet West of Crowndale Avenue to 150 feet East of Crowndale Avenue; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026–18, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget for the expenditure of $305,600 in funds for the Washington Boulevard improvements.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 24, 2026
Agenda
8.M. 23-019 Phase 3B Liner Expansion for Savage Canyon Landfill - Notice Inviting Bids
Recommendation: Approve the plans and specifications for the Phase 3B Liner Expansion for the Savage Canyon Landfill and authorize the Secretary to advertise the project for construction bids
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
10. STAFF REPORTS
10.A. Social Services Grant Funding Program - FY 2026-2027 Recommendation: Approve the Ad Hoc’s proposed revisions to the Social Services Grant Funding Program and authorize an additional $23,484, increasing the total grant funds to $200,000.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the February 24, 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 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.E. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Constance Brady vs. City of Whittier Claim No. 603817
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 24, 2026
Agenda
12.F. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Leslie Houk vs. City of Whittier Claim No. 643078
12.G. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Ashley Ann Lozano v. City of Whittier Claim No. 24-591870-014
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 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 24STCP03966
12.J. 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
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
14. ADJOURNMENT
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority March 24, 2026
Agenda
Disability-related services are available to enable persons with a disability to participate in this meeting, consistent with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Spanish interpreters are also available. For information or to request services, please contact the City Clerk at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting at (562) 567-9850.
The agenda packet for regular meetings is available three days before the meeting on http://www.cityofwhittier.org. Materials distributed to the City Council within 72 hours of the City Council meeting are available for public inspection; please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Los servicios relacionados con la discapacidad están disponibles para permitir que las personas con discapacidad participen en esta reunión, de conformidad con la Ley Federal de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades de 1990. También hay intérpretes en español disponibles. Para obtener información o para solicitar servicios, comuníquese con el Secretario Municipal al menos 24 horas antes de la reunión al (562) 567-9850.
El paquete de la agenda para juntas regulares están disponible tres días antes de la reunión en www.cityofwhittier.org. Los materiales distribuidos al Concejo Municipal dentro de las 72 horas de la reunión del Concejo Municipal están disponibles para inspección pública; póngase al contacto con la Oficina de la Secretaria Municipal.
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury, under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted in accordance with the applicable legal requirements.
Regular and Adjourned Regular meeting agendas may be amended up to 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Dated this 20th day of March 2026. /s/ Rigoberto Garcia Jr., City Clerk