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:
MINUTES
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
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:04 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 (6:35 p.m.)
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member
Cathy Warner, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Conal McNamara, City Manager
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Jacqueline Sanchez, Interim Director of Library Services Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
Kyle Cason, Director of Public Works
Aviv Bar, Chief of Police
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
5. PRESENTATIONS
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Housing Authority
March 24, 2026
Minutes
5.A. National Library Week “Find your Joy” at the Library (April 19–25, 2026) -Proclamation
Mayor Vinatieri read a proclamation in honor of National Library Week and invited Interim Library Director Sanchez to accept the proclamation.
Interim Library Director Sanchez invited residents to the Library for different events, including the Whittier Read event.
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.
Council Member Warner reminded the students in attendance that if profanity is used, they have the right to leave the room.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Helen Rahder; Mary Gorman-Sullens; Denise Gutierrez; Conny McCormack; Brian Ahern; Austin McCormack; Tony Avila; Brandon Arcega; Catherine Heath Aguilar; and Armando Hernan.
City Clerk Garcia reminded the public that formal procedures for public comment cards were adopted by the City Council via Resolution No. 2026-01, and the policy indicated that public comment cards must be submitted by the approval of the agenda.
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 indicated that there was no City Manager report.
City Clerk Garcia reminded residents that the City of Whittier Election is on April 14, 2026. All Vote-By-Mail ballots have been sent out, so if residents have not received it, they can contact the City Clerk Department. A supplemental mailing will go out next week to residents who registered after the first mailing. In-person voting begins on Saturday, April 11, through Tuesday, April 14, from 7:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. at York Field, Palm Park, Whittwood Branch Library, and Michigan Park.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Housing Authority
March 24, 2026
Minutes
City Clerk Garcia answered questions regarding the live canvass, vote count, and ballot security.
City Manager McNamara answered a question regarding a code of ethics report.
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Pacheco pulled Items 8.D. and 8.E. for individual consideration.
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. and E. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
City Clerk Garcia provided the salary disclosure relative to Item 8.G.
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.
8.F. Local Agency Investment Fund – Investment Authority Recommendation: Adopt Resolution Nos. 2026-14, WRSA-2026-01, WUA2026-04, and 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;
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Housing Authority
March 24, 2026
Minutes
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.
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:
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Housing Authority
March 24, 2026
Minutes
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.
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
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
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.
Council Member Pacheco indicated she was voting against the item because she believed there should have been more public input.
City Manager McNamara, City Attorney Collins, and Director Santana answered questions regarding the date through which the Tree Manual will be suspended; a replacement document for the Tree Manual; number of removal of trees; the reasons for removal; the location of trees removed; the number of trees in the city; average number of trees removed; letter from the California Joint Powers Authority (CIPA) Insurance Pool; Closed Session litigation discussions; alternative insurance options; previous and current insurance premiums; professional peer reviews; the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemptions; and the claims process.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Housing Authority
March 24, 2026
Minutes
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to 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. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Pacheco dissenting.
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).
Director Pongetti, Director Cason, and Chief Bar answered questions regarding Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements; annexation of Whittier Boulevard; list of additional zoning capacity locations; the permitting process; timeline for permits for commercial versus residential projects; international building codes; Painter Avenue and vicinity project; grind and overlay process; Flock cameras data collection and notifications; Flock cameras installation; Flock camera network; the agency that determines each city’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation; parking requirements for new developments; pavement management program; ranking system for street improvements; slurry street selection; rubberized asphalt; and plan submittal review process timeline.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to 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). The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated that Mayor Pro Tem Martinez was recusing himself from Item
10.A.
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess so that the City Council could go into Closed Session.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Housing Authority
March 24, 2026
Minutes
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.
This item was moved to a future meeting.
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
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):
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority Housing Authority
March 24, 2026
Minutes
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
City Attorney Collins indicated that with respect to Closed Session Items 12.E. and 12.F., the City Council voted unanimously to settle each claim for $2,000,000.
14. ADJOURNMENT
City Clerk Garcia adjourned the meeting at 9:53 p.m.