MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
WHITTIER HOUSING AUTHORITY
WHITTIER PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
MAY 12, 2026, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Becerra called the Regular Session to order at 6:03 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, CA 90602.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
James Becerra, Mayor
Mary Ann Pacheco, Mayor Pro Tem
Cathy Warner, Council Member
Aida Macedo, Council Member
Vicky Santana, Council Member
STAFF PRESENTING:
Conal McNamara, City Manager
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Kyle Cason, Deputy City Manager – Operations
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Macedo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Attorney Collins requested a Closed Session item be added to the agenda to consider potential initiation of litigation under the Brown Act if the findings can be made that there is an urgent need to discuss the item and the urgent need arose after the posting of the agenda.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded a motion to make the finding that the urgent need arose after the posting of the agenda; to add the Closed Session item to the agenda as Item 12.E.; and to approve the amended Agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 12, 2026
Minutes
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A. Commendation for Rita Murray - Mental Health Awareness Month Mayor Becerra invited Rachel Estuar and Rita Murray to the lectern, read a statement about Rita Murray’s advocacy for Mental Health Awareness, and provided Mrs. Murray with a commendation.
Mrs. Murray discussed her experience with mental health and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and invited residents to the NAMI walk on May 16, 2026, at the Downtown Historic State Park.
Mrs. Estuar, Operations Manager for NAMI, discussed Mrs. Murray’s mental health awareness efforts and NAMI’s services in the City of Whittier.
Council Member Pacheco discussed the impact of Mrs. Murray’s contributions to mental health awareness.
5.B. La Serna High School Girls' Water Polo Team
Mayor Becerra indicated that the La Serna High School Girls’ Water Polo Team won the 2026 CIF Southern Division, Division II Championship and invited the coaching staff and the team to the lectern.
The coach thanked the City Council for recognizing the team's accomplishment.
The City Council congratulated the team.
5.C. Proclamation – National Police Week, May 10th - May 16th Mayor Becerra read a statement about National Police Week and presented Chief Bar with a proclamation in honor of National Police Week.
5.D. Proclamation - Public Works Week, May 17th - May 23rd Mayor Becerra read a statement about Public Works Week and presented Deputy City Manager Cason with a proclamation in honor of Public Works Week.
The City Council thanked the Police and Public Works Departments.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Becerra indicated that any members of the audience who wish to deliver a public comment should 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 May 12, 2026
Minutes
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Tom Hall; Javier Garcia; Brandon Arcega; Armando Hernan; Daria; Jeanne Renner; Jeff Nichol; Josh Hayes; Diane Villa; Crystal Ramos; Susan Cameron; Lorenzo; Alex Rocha; Larry Sher; Stephanie Vallejo; Tony Avila; Mary Gorman-Sullens; Helen Rahder; Jenny Martin; Brian Ahern; Eli; Anonymous; and Magdalena Barragñon Moe.
D.K., Conny McCormack, and Paul Feizemer provided 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
None.
City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding the process for adding urgency items to Closed Session and for reporting out.
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Macedo pulled Items 8.B., 8.E., and 8.G. for individual consideration.
Council Member Santana pulled Item 8.I. for individual consideration.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco pulled Item 8.D. for individual consideration.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 8.B., D., E., G., and I. 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.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Mary Ziliotto, Elizabeth Ramos, Cameron George, James Johandes, Nicolas Saez, Kevin Daniel Marlow, Nelly Cadenas, Sedgwick CMS, Florencia C. Andruet, Rene Pulido, Michael D. Astudillo-Ash, Olivia Ramos, Brian L. Ravega, Jacqueline Robles-Lopez, Amy Arteaga, Gabriel Puentes, Barbara Triolo, Vincent P. Fallon, Grant S.
Dunann, Alexandria Rufo, James Edward Irvine, David L. Morones, Gilbert Espinosa, Xavier Guevara, and Jorge Alvarez.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 12, 2026
Minutes
8.F. Greenleaf & Hazzard Booster Station No.1 Rehabilitation Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with General Pump Company (General Pump) for the repair and installation of the Vertical Turbine Booster Pump Equipment at Greenleaf Booster Station No.1 and the Vertical Turbine Booster Pump at Hazzard Booster Station No.1 for a not-to-exceed amount of $124,429.90.
8.H. Emergency Repair and Refurbishment of Well 18
Recommendation: Ratify the emergency repair expenditure of $133,400 with Layne A. Granite Company for the emergency repair and refurbishment of Well 18.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
8.B. Approval of Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the March 10, March 24, and April 14, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes and March 16, 2016 Special Meeting Minutes.
City Attorney Collins and City Clerk Garcia answered questions regarding the approval of meeting minutes for which Council Members were not present, and notices of cancellation.
MOTION
Council Member Macedo moved and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded a motion to approve the March 10, March 24, and April 14, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes and March 16, 2016 Special Meeting Minutes. The motion carried unanimously.
8.D. 1991 Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91 (Foxley Drive) Preliminary Budget and Engineer’s Report
Recommendation: Approve the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2026-27, on Street Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91; and adopt Resolution No. 2026-21, declaring the district’s intention to levy and collect Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Foxley Drive, Street Lighting Assessment and setting a time and place for public hearing for June 9, 2026.
Deputy City Manager Cason answered questions regarding the process for requesting lighting in an area, the definition of a lighting district, the assessment process, the signature requirements for the petition, differences in levied and assessed amounts, and negative fund balances.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to approve the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2026-27, on Street Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91; and adopt Resolution No. 2026-21, declaring the district’s intention to levy and collect Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Foxley Drive, Street Lighting Assessment and setting a time and place for public hearing for June 9, 2026. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 12, 2026
Minutes
8.E. Employee Uniform Service Agreement
Recommendation:
1) Award the service agreement to UniFirst Corporation in the amount not to exceed $70,000; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
Deputy City Manager Cason answered questions regarding bids received, the selection of Sourcewell, the use of local vendors, the contract length, and the notto-exceed amount of the contract.
MOTION
Council Member Macedo moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to 1) award the service agreement to UniFirst Corporation in the amount not to exceed $70,000; and 2) authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
8.G. Solid Waste Contract Compliance Reviews
Recommendation: Receive and file the Solid Waste Contract Compliance Reviews for Athens Services & Republic Services for Calendar Years 2023 and 2024.
Deputy City Manager Cason answered questions regarding the audit findings, tracked activities, customer service responsiveness, new bin replacement, and the Whittier 365 app.
MOTION
Council Member Santana moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to receive and file the Solid Waste Contract Compliance Reviews for Athens Services & Republic Services for Calendar Years 2023 and 2024. The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
8.I. 24-020 Phase 2 - Trash Capture Device Installation Project – Notice of Completion
Recommendation: Accept the work performed by G2 Construction Inc. for the 24-020 Phase 2 - Trash Capture Device Installation Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City of Whittier.
Deputy City Manager Cason answered questions regarding the scope of work, the consequences for failing to meet trash capture compliance requirements, and existing technologies to assist with trash capture.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 12, 2026
Minutes
MOTION
Council Member Santana moved, and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded a motion to accept the work performed by G2 Construction Inc. for the 24-020 Phase 2 - Trash Capture Device Installation Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City of Whittier. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
10. STAFF REPORTS
MOTION
Council Member Macedo moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to move Item 10.A. after 10.C. The motion was withdrawn.
City Manager McNamara answered questions about the timing of the budget discussion and next steps for budget approval.
The City Council deliberated the option to move the budget workshop to a future meeting.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to call a special meeting to allow Council Members to discuss budget priorities, allow for public input, and provide staff direction for the budget preparation documents. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
10.A. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Proposal
Recommendation: Continue conducting the workshop from the May 5, 2026, Budget Study Session and provide directions to staff on Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 estimated revenues and proposed expenditures in preparation for the FY 2026-27 City Budget.
This item was moved to a future meeting.
10.B. Potential Revisions to Public Comment Regulations Recommendation: Provide direction to staff on potential revisions to public comment procedures at City Council Meetings.
City Council Members deliberated on potential revisions to the existing public comment procedures. City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding the process of bringing back a formal resolution and the future requirements of Senate Bill 707.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 12, 2026
Minutes
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved, and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to direct staff to bring back a resolution formalizing public speaking procedures as follows:
• Rescission of the comment card requirement;
• Rescission of the deadline for submission of speaker cards; • Rescission of the sliding scale of time limits based on the number of total speakers and establishment of a two-minute time limit for each speaker during general public comments and public hearings;
• Prohibiting public commenters from using personal devices to allow others to provide public comment remotely;
• Strict enforcement of speaker time limits;
• Requiring speakers to line up to provide public comment, while allowing reasonable ADA accommodations and prohibiting placeholding in line; • Applying these procedures to public meetings of all City legislative bodies; and • Authorizing the Mayor or presiding officer to make minor deviations from the adopted policy, including permitting submission of public comment cards, and directing staff to provide examples when the policy is presented for adoption.
The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present at 8:56 p.m.
10.C. Election Date and Related Matters
Recommendation: Discuss and provide direction regarding potential City Charter amendments related to municipal election dates, administration of special elections, voting methods, term limits, and other election-related provisions.
The City Council deliberated on potential revisions to municipal election dates, administration of special elections, voting methods, and term limits. City Manager McNamara, City Attorney Collins, and City Clerk Garcia answered questions regarding voter turnout, election consolidations, changing primary election dates, mayoral term limits, and consecutive versus lifetime terms.
MOTION
Mayor Becerra moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to direct staff to prepare the necessary ballot measure to align the municipal election with the November General Election. The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to bring back a report for term limit options with information from other cities.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 12, 2026
Minutes
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner attended the National Day of Prayer event and the Sunrise Rotary meeting, and hosted a Connect with Council Member event at the Branch Library.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to bring back a report regarding a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) opposing a 40% rate increase.
Council Member Santana indicated she attended the Los Angeles Sheriff Department Civilian Oversight Commission seminar on license plates and protecting privacy, thanked staff for providing a tour of the Savage Canyon Landfill, indicated Congresswoman Linda Sanchez presented the City with a check for Wi-Fi in Uptown Whittier, and attended Founder’s Day.
Council Member Pacheco thanked staff for attending the St. Mary’s festival, invited residents to attend an informational event at Evergreen School on May 29, 2026; discussed institutionalizing outreach in the City budget, providing funding to the Mental Health walk, and the citizen concerns at Magnolia Ave and Hadley; and indicated she attended Founder’s Day, the American Association of University Women awards event, and the Assistance League event with the Mayor; and requested a discussion on commissions and advisory bodies.
Mayor Becerra indicated he attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) general assembly, the Founder’s Day event, and indicated he was a judge for the Edwards Middle School speech contest.
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess to go into Closed Session.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the March 10, March 16, and March 24, 2026 Closed Session Minutes.
12.B. Conference With Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 25STCP04856
12.C. Conference With Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 24STCP03966 Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 12, 2026
Minutes
12.D. 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
The following item was walked on during the approval of the agenda.
12.E. Conference with Legal Counsel - Initiation of Litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9:
One Case.
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated that with respect to Item 12.E., the City Council voted unanimously to direct staff to initiate legal action. Once formally commenced, the particulars of the case will be disclosed to any person upon inquiry unless doing so would prejudice the City.
14. ADJOURNMENT
City Clerk Garcia adjourned the meeting at 11:22 p.m.