MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER AND FRONT LAWN, 13230 PENN STREET
APRIL 28, 2026, 6:00 PM
This portion of the meeting will take place in the City Hall Council Chamber.
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:01 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 (on Zoom)
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member
Cathy Warner, Council Member
James Becerra, Mayor (installed after Item 6.A)
Aida Macedo, Council Member (installed after Item 6.A)
Vicky Santana, Council Member (installed after Item 6.A) PARTICIPATING STAFF:
Conal McNamara, City Manager
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Kyle Cason, Deputy City Manager – Operations
City Attorney Collins indicated that the City Council would need to approve Council Member Dutra’s request to participate remotely by finding that there is just cause due to a physical disability necessitating remote participation.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to approve Council Member Dutra’s request to participate remotely. The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 28, 2026
Minutes
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Dutra moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
5. 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; Brandon Arcega; Conny McCormack; Alana Melgar; Gabe Montoya; Lisa; Jenny Martin; George Prather; Austin McCormack; Michael Feinstein; Michael; Johanna; Shannon Hammer; and Alex Rocha.
D.K. provided a teleconference public comment.
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.
6. PRESENTATION
6.A. 2026 General Municipal Election Certification
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-19, reciting the facts of the General Municipal Election held on April 14, 2026, declaring the results and such other matters as provided by law.
City Clerk Garcia presented the report.
The City Council thanked City Clerk Garcia and his staff for their hard work during the election.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-19, reciting the facts of the General Municipal Election held on April 14, 2026, declaring the results and such other matters as provided by law.
The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
The City Council shared personal anecdotes about Mayor Pro Tem Martinez, thanked him for his service to the City of Whittier, and presented him with parting gifts.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez read a statement about his time on the City Council and his plans for the future.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 28, 2026
Minutes
Kyle Miller from Senator Bob Archuleta’s office and Kimberly Masse from Jeff Prang’s office recognized Mayor Pro Tem Martinez for his contributions to the Whittier community and presented him with a commendation.
The City Council shared personal anecdotes about Council Member Dutra, thanked him for his service to the City of Whittier, and presented his wife with parting gifts.
Council Member Dutra read a statement about his time on the City Council; thanked past and present City Staff and City Council Members for their hard work; congratulated the new City Council; thanked his family and friends for always supporting him; and shared his plans for the future.
Mary Dutra read a statement about her experience living in Whittier, Council Member Dutra’s contributions to the City of Whittier, and congratulated the new Council Members.
Kyle Miller from Senator Bob Archuleta’s office and Kimberly Masse from Jeff Prang’s office recognized Mayor Pro Tem Martinez for his contributions to the Whittier community and presented him with a commendation.
The City Council shared personal anecdotes about Mayor Vinatieri, thanked him for his service to the City of Whittier, and presented him with parting gifts.
Kyle Miller from Senator Bob Archuleta’s office and Kimberly Masse from Jeff Prang’s office recognized Mayor Vinatieri for his contributions to the Whittier community and presented him with a commendation.
Supervisor Janice Hahn discussed her ties to the Whittier Community, thanked the outgoing City Council for their service, and welcomed the new Council Members.
Mayor Vinatieri indicated it's been an honor to serve the people of Whittier; described qualities that make Whittier unique; thanked his friends and his wife for their support; and congratulated the new Council Members.
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess to allow the public to move to the front lawn for the Installation Ceremony. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 28, 2026
Minutes
Newly Elected Council Members will be installed on the Front Lawn of City Hall.
6.B. Installation of Newly Elected Council Members
Recommendation: Conduct the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected Council Members.
City Clerk Garcia introduced the item.
Supervisor Hahn congratulated the new City Council Members, discussed the privilege of being a public servant, and discussed the impact of local government.
Kyle Miller (Senator Bob Archuleta’s office), Ruby Duenas (Assembly member Lisa Calderon’s office), Griselda Ortiz (Congresswoman Linda Sanchez’s office), and Kimberly Masse (County Assessor Jeff Prang’s office) welcomed the new City Council Members.
Alex Moisa administered the Oath of Office for Council Member Santana. Council Member Santana thanked her family for their support; discussed her ties to the Whittier community; thanked City Staff for the warm welcome; and thanked the outgoing Council Members and Mayor for their service to the City.
City Clerk Garcia provided the Certificate of Election to Council Member Santana.
Daniel Santana, Council Member Santana’s son, thanked City Staff for the event and discussed his mom’s perseverance.
Yashar Basmenji administered the Oath of Office for Council Member Macedo.
Council Member Macedo thanked her family, friends, mentors, and campaign team for their support; indicated that her campaign received a call from former Vice President Kamala Harris; and expressed her commitment to the residents.
City Clerk Garcia provided the Certificate of Election to Council Member Macedo.
Mary Louise Wright administered the Oath of Office for Mayor Becerra. Mayor Becerra thanked his family for their support and indicated he would do his best for the City.
City Clerk Garcia provided the Certificate of Election to Mayor Becerra.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and Council Member Warner welcomed the new Council Members and expressed enthusiasm to work with them.
RECESS
Mayor Becerra recessed the meeting. The meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber with all Council Members present.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 28, 2026
Minutes
The remainder of the meeting will be held in the City Hall Council Chamber.
6.C. Selection of Mayor Pro Tem
Recommendation: Nominate a Council Member to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year period.
City Clerk Garcia presented the report.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to nominate Council Member Pacheco as Mayor Pro Tem. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Seniority between Council Member Santana and Council Member Macedo was determined by a drawing of lots. Council Member Macedo drew the higher number, and will hold seniority.
7. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager McNamara welcomed the new Council Members.
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Pacheco pulled Items 8.C. and 8.D. for individual consideration MOTION
Council Member Santana moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 8.C. and D. 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. 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Recommendation: Accept the 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $19,382.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
8.C. Federal Transportation Administration Title VI Program Plan Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-20 approving the City’s Title VI Program Plan Update and authorize the City Manager to execute the Title VI Program Plan Update.
The City Council provided comments regarding the outreach efforts to the Spanishspeaking community and fares for the Whittier Cruiser.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 28, 2026
Minutes
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-20 approving the City’s Title VI Program Plan Update and authorize the City Manager to execute the Title VI Program Plan Update. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
8.D. Water Division's Business Continuity System
Recommendation: In conformance with Government Code Sections 7929.205 and 7929.210, approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement and any necessary amendments for the Water Division’s Business Continuity System, and adopt Resolution No. WUA2026-05, amending the 2025-26 Budget to appropriate $140,000 for the Water Division’s Business Continuity System.
Director Cason answered questions about whether the Business Continuity System would affect water rates; he confirmed it would not.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to in conformance with Government Code Sections 7929.205 and 7929.210, approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement and any necessary amendments for the Water Division’s Business Continuity System, and adopt Resolution No. WUA-2026-05, amending the 2025-26 Budget to appropriate $140,000 for the Water Division’s Business Continuity System. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
9. STAFF REPORT
9.A. Council Ad Hoc and Outside Agency Appointments
Recommendation: Review and make changes to appointments on outside agencies and Council Ad Hoc Committees as needed.
City Clerk Garcia presented the report.
MOTION
Mayor Becerra moved, and Council Member Warner seconded, a motion to appoint the new Council Members to the positions held by their predecessors, with the option to review the appointments at the next Council Meeting. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 28, 2026
Minutes
ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVE
California Contract Cities Association Delegate: (Vicky Santana) Alternate: Mary Ann Pacheco
City Selection Committee Delegate: James Becerra
Alternate: Mayor designates
Clean Power Alliance Delegate: Mary Ann Pacheco
(CPA) Alternate: (Vicky Santana)
Alternate: Yahaera Oropeza
Gateway Cities Council of Governments Delegate: (Aida Macedo) (COG) Alternate: Cathy Warner
Greater L.A. County Vector Control District Delegate: Mary Ann Pacheco Alternate: (Vicky Santana)
Hillside Open Space Education Coalition Delegate: Mary Ann Pacheco Alternate: (Vicky Santana)
Independent Cities Association Delegate: Cathy Warner
Alternate: (Vicky Santana)
L.A. County Division of the League of California Cities Delegate: (James Becerra) Alternate: (Aida Macedo)
L.A. County Sanitation District Nos. 2, 15, and 18 Delegate: James Becerra Alternate: Cathy Warner
Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority Delegate: Mary Ann Pacheco (PHHPA) Alternate: (Vicky Santana)
Alternate: Staff
Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority Delegate: (James Becerra) (SASSFA) Alternate: Cathy Warner
Southeast Water Coalition Delegate: (Vicky Santana)
(SEWC) Alternate: Cathy Warner
Southern California Association of Governments Delegate: Cathy Warner (SCAG) Alternate: (Aida Macedo)
SR91/I-605 Corridor Cities Committee: Delegate: (Aida Macedo) Alternate: Mary Ann Pacheco
Whittier/Puente Hills Conservation Authority Delegate: Mary Ann Pacheco Alternate: (Vicky Santana)
Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority Delegate: Mary Ann Pacheco (WCCA) Alternate: (Vicky Santana)
AD HOC COMMITTEE MEMBERS ANTICIPATED EXPIRATION
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 28, 2026
Minutes
Board and Commission
Interviews
(Becerra)
Pacheco
April 2026
Broadway Park
Improvements and Design
(Santana)
Pacheco
April 2026
Social Services Grant
Funding
(Becerra)
Pacheco
April 2026
Homelessness Policy (Becerra)
Pacheco
April 2026
Alpha Beta and Uptown North
Sites/Uptown Parking
(Macedo)
Pacheco
April 2026
First Avenue Park
Recommendations
(Macedo)
Warner
April 2026
Sister City (Becerra)
Pacheco
April 2026
City of Whittier and Whittier
College Town & Gown
(Becerra)
Warner
April 2026
Fire Station 17 Warner
Pacheco
April 2026
State Legislation (Becerra)
(Santana)
April 2026
Whittwood Ad Hoc
Committee
(Macedo)
Warner
April 2026
Council Chamber Remodel
Ad Hoc Committee
(Macedo)
Pacheco
April 2026
Gold Line Light Rail
Ad Hoc Committee
(Santana)
Pacheco
April 2026
Policing Contract Review
Ad Hoc Committee
(Macedo)
(Becerra)
April 2026
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority April 28, 2026
Minutes
10. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Macedo thanked everyone for a warm welcome, expressed excitement to work with City Staff, and thanked residents for their support.
Council Member Santana thanked City Manager McNamara and Staff for being welcoming and thanked City Clerk Garcia and his staff for their hard work during the election.
Mayor Becerra thanked residents for attending the City Council Meeting and thanked staff for their hard work during the election.
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.A. 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
12. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Becerra adjourned the meeting at 10:23 p.m.