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 26, 2026, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Becerra 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:
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
Tram Pham, Director of Finance
Aviv Bar, Chief of Police
Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Macedo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. PRESENTATIONS
None.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Manager McNamara requested that the City Council recess into Closed Session at the appropriate time for Items 12.B. and C since outside attorneys are present.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to approve the amended Agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 26, 2026
Agenda
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.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Tom Hall; Brandon Arcega; John Smith; Gail Chabran; Lisa Arrellanes; Ken Roger; Anthony Martinez; Bill; Kathleen Berry; Mary Gorman-Sullens; Martin Adams; Lorenzo; Nelly Gomez; Michelle Alvarado; Tamora; Catherine Heath Aguilar; Nick Donovan; and Magdalena Barragñon Moe.
Javier Garcia, Conny McCormack, and Helen Rahder 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.
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION
Council Member Macedo moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. 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 April 28, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Joel Octavio De Leon, Lucia Ayala, Margaret VandDusseldorp, Javier Garcia, Bridge of Faith for Aurora Mariscal, Wenjie Mo, Helaman Cruz Perez, and Xavier Guevara.
8.D. Revisions to Public Comment Procedures
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-22, revising public comment procedures for meetings of all legislative bodies in the City.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 26, 2026
Agenda
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess to go into Closed Session. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
City Attorney Collins reported that with respect to Item 12.B., the City Council voted unanimously to approve a stipulated award of $185,962.50.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.A. PY 2026-27 Annual Action Plan
Recommendation: The public hearing is expected to be opened and continued to the June 9, 2026 City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Members of the public who wish to comment on this item are encouraged to provide their comments at that time, where comments will be incorporated into the official record.
Conduct a public hearing on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Annual Action Plan, consider any public testimony provided; direct staff to finalize the documents (including revisions if necessary); authorize the City Manager to execute necessary funding applications, certifications, and forms; and submit them to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The public hearing was opened and continued to the June 9, 2026, City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
9.B. Sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages under a Type 48 (OnSale General Public Premises) ABC license for an indoor lounge with outdoor seating, arcades, and pool tables with extended hours of operation, and live entertainment.
Conditional Use Permit No. CUP25-0010 (CAPO Public House) 7008 Walnut Grove Drive. (A.I.N. 8170-040-093)
Recommendation: The public hearing is expected to be opened and continued to the July 14, 2026 City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Members of the public who wish to comment on this item are encouraged to provide their comments at that time, where comments will be incorporated into the official record.
Conduct a De Novo public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 2026-23, approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP25-0010, with conditions of approval.
Environmental Review
The project is categorically exempt from the environmental review process, pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of the California Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 26, 2026
Agenda
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), in that there would be negligible or no expansion of the existing or prior use with this project.
The public hearing was opened and continued to the July 14, 2026, City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
9.C. Installation of Exterior Stairs, Building 7 (Superintendent’s Residence) with Associated Interior Tenant Improvements.
Certificate of Appropriateness No. HRC26-0004 (CAPO Public House) 7008 Walnut Grove Drive (A.I.N.8170-040-093).
Recommendation: The public hearing is expected to be opened and continued to the July 14, 2026 City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Members of the public who wish to comment on this item are encouraged to provide their comments at that time, where comments will be incorporated into the official record.
Conduct a De Novo hearing and adopt Resolution No. 2026-24 approving Certificate of Appropriateness No. HRC26-0004, with conditions of approval.
Environmental Review
The project is categorically exempt from the environmental review process pursuant to Section 15331, Class 31 (Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation) of the California Environmental Quality Act, as the proposed work entails maintenance, rehabilitation, restoration, or reconstruction of historical resources.
The public hearing was opened and continued to the July 14, 2026, City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
10. STAFF REPORTS
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.
City Staff answered questions regarding the projected balance of the annual budget for the current fiscal year; Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements; overage amounts; neighborhood watch programs; the drone first responder (DFR) program; privacy concerns over surveillance and data; funding allocation for DFR program; translating the Whittier 365 application and expenses; funding source and lifespan for a new streetsweeper; ongoing maintenance costs for a streetsweeper; outreach for the Spanish-speaking community regarding transportation services; funding for the new BATT-X vehicle; reserve balance; Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 26, 2026
Agenda
unrestricted reserve funds; the Whittier Boulevard relinquishment payment; and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Santana moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to direct the City Manager to review the City’s financial policies, budget practices, reserve strategies, infrastructure and community investment needs, staffing policies, and long-term fiscal sustainability goals, and return to the City Council with options and recommendations, including implementation timelines regarding strategies to:
1) Maintain the City’s long-term financial sustainability and structural fiscal health; 2) Strengthen transparency and public understanding of City budgeting practices and financial planning;
3) Support good stewardship of City infrastructure and neighborhood quality of life, including promotion of the long-term environmental sustainability of the urban tree canopy, and the reduction of liability and public safety impacts to the public rights of way;
4) Identify opportunities to strengthen sustainable revenues while minimizing additional burdens on residents, including determining whether the City is adequately recovering the cost of providing services;
5) Evaluate opportunities for enhanced community engagement in future budget development processes; and
6) Enhance transparent and equitable processes related to discretionary community investments, nonprofit partnerships, cultural programming support, sponsorships, and neighborhood-based initiatives.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION
Mayor Becerra moved to amend point 5 of the previous motion to read “to ensure consistent distribution of services, all new community requests be directed through the SSC for review and coordination.” There was no second.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION
Council Member Santana moved and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded an amended motion to direct the City Manager to review the City’s financial policies, budget practices, reserve strategies, infrastructure and community investment needs, staffing policies, and long-term fiscal sustainability goals, and return to the City Council with options and recommendations, including implementation timelines regarding strategies to:
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 26, 2026
Agenda
1) Maintain the City’s long-term financial sustainability and structural fiscal health; 2) Strengthen transparency and public understanding of City budgeting practices, including Measure W, and financial planning;
3) Support good stewardship of City infrastructure and neighborhood quality of life, including promotion of the long-term environmental sustainability of the urban tree canopy, and the reduction of liability and public safety impacts to the public rights of way;
4) Identify opportunities to strengthen sustainable revenues while minimizing additional burdens on residents, including determining whether the City is adequately recovering the cost of providing services;
5) Evaluate opportunities for enhanced community engagement in future budget development processes; and
6) Enhance transparent and equitable processes related to discretionary community investments, nonprofit partnerships, cultural programming support, sponsorships, and neighborhood-based initiatives, and create a framework for selecting and funding community investments, including but not limited to requiring an MOU for these partnerships.
The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Warner abstaining.
Council Member Warner requested that staff include a discussion about Senate Bill 1123 in the future report about the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements.
The City Council deliberated on the budget memo requests.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to include $233,457 in fee waivers for special events and banners, $15,000 to increase the digital resources budget, the elimination of the $1 Library Hold Fee, and one-time appropriations of $30,000 for Whittier Shakes Theatre Co., $10,000 to the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce, and $20,000 to the Whittier Historical Society & Museum in the FY 2026-27 budget. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Council Member Santana moved and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded a motion to include a $200,000 allotment for community investments, sponsorship, cultural programming supports, etc. in the FY 2026-27 budget. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Warner dissenting.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 26, 2026
Agenda
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner thanked the staff for their patience on budget discussions, attended the Las Damas 70th anniversary gathering, attended an event at East Whittier City School District, attended the Public Safety Expo and Kiddie-K Fun Run event at City Hall, thanked everyone who was supportive of her son’s surgery, and congratulated Chief Bar because his son graduated from Cal State Fullerton.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco attended an event at the new PIH office, an event at East Whittier City School District, an event at Evergreen School, the Public Safety Expo and Kiddie-K Fun Run event at City Hall, and the Memorial Day observation event.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to bring back a report on a left-turn signal at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Hadley Street.
Council Member Santana attended the Whittier Mental Health 5K Walk hosted by the Rotary Club, thanked staff for assisting her with the Weingart community meeting, toured the Police Station, attended the Whittier High School Foundation fundraiser, and attended the Memorial Day observation event.
Mayor Becerra attended the Memorial Day observation event and the Rose Hills Memorial Day ceremony.
Council Member Macedo attended the Contract Cities conference, the Memorial Day observation event, and the Public Works Week lunch; thanked Deputy City Manager Cason for providing a tour of the reservoir and landfill; and invited residents to a Coffee with Community event on June 5, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at a location to be determined and a future town hall meeting in July.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the April 28, 2026, Closed Session Minutes.
12.B. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Jay Tatman v. City of Whittier, Claim No. 630256
12.C. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 26STCP01883 Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority May 26, 2026
Agenda
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
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 Clerk Garcia indicated there was nothing to report from Closed Session.
14. ADJOURNMENT
City Clerk Garcia adjourned the meeting at 11:26 p.m.