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
JUNE 9, 2026, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Becerra called the Regular Session to order at 6:06 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
Tram Pham, Director of Finance
Kyle Cason, Deputy City Manager – Operations
Aviv Bar, Chief of Police
Yolanda Martinez, Deputy City Manager – Administration
Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Manager McNamara requested that the City Council recess into Closed Session after the approval of the Consent Calendar due to outside attorneys being present.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 9, 2026
Minutes
5. 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; Guy van Empel; Charles Bennett; Lorenzo; John Marsely; George Prather; David Dickerson; Quincy Grace; Vicky Goto; Dr. Chastity Jennings-Nuñez; Martin Covarrubias; Gabe Montoya; Janis Cavanaugh; Michelle Alvarado; Anonymous; Eli Mota; Antonio Salong; Maggie Moe; and Nick Donovan.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
Alana; Javier Garcia; Sophia; D.K.; and Martha.
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. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager McNamara provided the following updates:
1) The Whittier Public Library is offering free lunches for children and teens aged 18 and under at the Central Library, Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No registration or income verification is required. 2) The Library's Summer Reading Club, "Unearth a Story," is now underway and runs through July 25. Readers of all ages can participate in reading challenges, earn prizes, and enjoy special programs throughout the summer.
Families can also enjoy the return of the Library's popular Friday Fun series, featuring dinosaur-themed performances and hands-on activities. 3) Summer at the Parks also returns this month. The first Movie in the Park, featuring The LEGO Movie, takes place this Saturday, June 13, at Lee and Erika Owens Park. Concerts in the Park begin June 29 and will continue throughout the summer at Central Park and York Field.
4) Residents can learn more about summer programs and events at WhittierLibrary.org and WhittierPRCS.org or by following the City on social media.
The City Council directed Staff to bring back a report on the implementation of Resolution No. 2025-38 regarding federal immigration enforcement activity in Whittier.
7. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco pulled Items 7.G. and I. for individual consideration.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 9, 2026
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MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 7.G. and I. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
7.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.
7.B. Approval of Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the May 5, 2026 Special Meeting and May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.
7.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Monica L. Delgadillo, Pamela Brinnon, Harry M. Jacobs, Corina Munoz, Andrew Cubero, Paul Martyn, and Jacque Gonzalez.
7.D. Whittwood Town Center Reimbursement
Recommendation: Approve $353,613 in Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (RPTTF) to Whittwood 1768 Inc. pursuant to the Owner Participation Agreement for the Whittwood Town Center.
7.E. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Investment Policy
Recommendation: Approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Investment Policy.
7.F. Approval of Janitorial Services RFP
Recommendation: Authorize the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for janitorial and custodial services for various City facilities.
7.H. Project Partners Inc. - Professional Services Agreement for Project Management Services - Amendment No. 4
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 4 to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) No. A22- 123 with Project Partners Inc. in the amount not to exceed $130,000.
7.J. Uptown Parking District No. 1
Recommendation: Approve the preliminary budget for the Fiscal Year 2026- 27 for Parking District No. 1 and set a public hearing for 6:00 p.m. on June 23, 2026, in the City Hall Council Chamber to hear public testimony and consider approving the budget and confirming the assessments.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 9, 2026
Minutes
7.K. Uptown Parking District No. 2
Recommendation: Approve the preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Parking District No. 2 and set a public hearing for 6:00 p.m. on June 23, 2026, in the City Hall Council Chamber to hear public testimony and consider approving the budget and confirming the assessments.
7.L. Vacation of Alley, Northwest of Washington Boulevard and West of Putnam Street
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-26, vacating the alley northwest of Washington Boulevard and west of Putnam Street and setting the time and place for a public hearing at 6:00 p.m., July 14, 2026, in the Council Chambers.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
7.G. City of Whittier Membership in the I-5 Joint Powers Authority Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to submit a letter of interest to join the I-5 Consortium Cities Joint Powers Authority (I-5 JPA).
Deputy City Manager Cason answered questions regarding the purpose of joining the I-5 JPA, the benefits to the City, the composition of the JPA, the selection of City representatives, and the use of Whittier Streets during detours due to freeway closures.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to authorize the City Manager, or designee, to submit a letter of interest to join the I-5 Consortium Cities Joint Powers Authority (I-5 JPA). The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
7.I. Slurry Phase 2 and Painter Avenue & Vicinity Rehabilitation Project FY26/27 Funding Resolution for Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-25, approving the Slurry Program Phase 2 Project and Painter Avenue and Vicinity Rehabilitation Project in Fiscal Year 2026-27 funded by Senate Bill 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
Deputy City Manager Cason answered questions regarding next steps in the process, the timeline for project completion, future grading projects, and the bidding process.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 9, 2026
Minutes
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-25, approving the Slurry Program Phase 2 Project and Painter Avenue and Vicinity Rehabilitation Project in Fiscal Year 2026-27 funded by Senate Bill 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess at 7:13 p.m. to go into Closed Session. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco requested that Item 9.B. be postponed to the next regular meeting.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.A. Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget
Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-27, approving a budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027;
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-28, approving and adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2026-27; and
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-29, amending Resolution No. 8865 to temporarily suspend and waive fees for certain application services related to historic resources.
Adoption of the Whittier Housing Authority Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. WHA-2026-02, approving the Whittier Housing Authority budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.
Adoption of Whittier Utility Authority Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. WUA-2026-06, approving the budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Revised Salary Resolution and Management Benefits Resolution
Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-30 adopting the 2026-27 Salary Resolution and rescinding Resolution No. 2026-15; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-31 adopting the Management Benefits Resolution and rescinding Resolution No. 2023-52.
Director Pham presented the report. City Staff answered questions regarding the asset forfeiture fund, expenditures, and allowable uses; the armored vehicle purchase; the current use of armored vehicles; militarized equipment; the Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 9, 2026
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issuance of Pension Obligation Bonds (POB); PERs obligations and reserves; Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) increases; personnel changes; reclassifications and potential cost neutrality; the addition of a new management assistant to the City Manager’s office; drone data storage; Flock camera system and data storage; and the Measure W ballot language.
Mayor Becerra opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
All public comments and documents submitted are part of the record and are on file with the City Clerk Department. A video of the oral communications is available through the City’s website.
Mayor Becerra closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Council Member Santana moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to 1) adopt Resolution No. 2026-27, approving a budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027; 2) adopt Resolution No. 2026-28, approving and adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2026-27; and 3) adopt Resolution No. 2026-29, amending Resolution No. 8865 to temporarily suspend and waive fees for certain application services related to historic resources. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Director Pongetti answered questions regarding the responsibilities of the Whittier Housing Authority (WHA); the creation of the WHA; outstanding/pending projects that were paid out of WHA funds after the dissolution of the Whittier Development Agency; the likelihood of dissolution; and the allocation of WHA funds for the Navigation Center.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. WHA-2026-02, approving the Whittier Housing Authority budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.
The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. WUA-2026-06, approving the budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
City Clerk Garcia provided the salary range disclosure.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 9, 2026
Minutes
MOTION
Council Member Santana moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to 1) adopt Resolution No. 2026-30 adopting the 2026-27 Salary Resolution and rescinding Resolution No. 2026-15; and 2) adopt Resolution No. 2026-31 adopting the Management Benefits Resolution and rescinding Resolution No. 2023-52. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to return with a report on the approved $200,000 community investment funds and the creation of an ad hoc committee.
8.B. 1991 Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91 (Foxley Drive) Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing for the levy and collection of assessments for the Foxley Drive Street Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91 and adopt Resolution No. 2026-32, confirming the assessment and diagram and approving the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Foxley Drive Street Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91.
The public hearing was opened and continued to the June 23, 2026, City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to open the public hearing and continue it to the June 23, 2026, City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
8.C. 2025 City of Whittier Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Recommendation: The public hearing is expected to be opened and continued to the June 23, 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 and adopt Resolution No. 2026-33, approving the 2025 City of Whittier Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
The public hearing was opened and continued to the June 23, 2026, City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to open the public hearing and continue it to the June 23, 2026, City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 9, 2026
Minutes
8.D. Program Year (PY) 2026-27 Annual Action Plan
Recommendation: 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).
Director Pongetti presented the report and answered questions regarding the project list selection, public outreach for programs, timeline for determining allocations, and the Consolidated 5-year plan.
Mayor Becerra opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Becerra closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to 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 question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
9. STAFF REPORTS
9.A. General Municipal Election Date and Term Limits
Recommendation:
1) Approve the ballot language for a proposed Charter Amendment Measure to be submitted to voters at the November 3, 2026, General Statewide Election regarding the scheduling of the City of Whittier’s General Municipal Election and determine the following election procedures:
a. Whether City Council Members will serve as authors in support of or opposition to the measure, and if so, identify the author(s). b. Whether rebuttal arguments will be permitted, and if so, determine whether the designated authors may authorize other individuals or entities to submit rebuttal arguments on their behalf.
c. Whether the full text of the measure ordinance, the City Attorney’s impartial analysis of the ordinance, or both shall be incorporated in the voter information guide?
d. The letter designation for the Measure and any alternatives. 2) Review and discuss term limit options for City Council Members for consideration of placing a related measure before voters at the November 3, 2026, General Statewide Election.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 9, 2026
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City Clerk Garcia presented the report. City Attorney Collins and City Clerk Garcia answered questions regarding the costs associated with allowing rebuttals, rebuttal submission, measure letter selections, options for filling a vacancy, and state law regarding vacancies.
The City Council deliberated on the allowance of arguments, rebuttals, and impartial analysis/full text, the length of service for term limits, and the application of term limits.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council approved:
The proposed ballot question
The proposed language for the revision to Section 1000 of the City Charter The creation of an Ad Hoc committee, comprised of Council Members Santana and Macedo, to collectively author arguments
Not authorizing rebuttal arguments
Presenting the full text of the ordinance and a 500-word impartial analysis in the Voter Information Guide
Request EV as the primary letters and V as the first alternative for the Charter Amendment measure and EL as the alternative for the Term Limits measure Length of service would be 12 years
If a Council Member is appointed due to a vacancy, the appointed service will count toward the limit if the number of years served is more than half the number of years of the length of the term
A lifetime cap for terms
Council Members Santana and Macedo will serve on an Ad Hoc Committee for the arguments regarding term limits
9.B. Engineering Evaluation at the Intersection of Hadley Street and Magnolia Avenue
Recommendation: Provide direction on potential modification options for the intersection of Hadley Street and Magnolia Avenue to address perceived traffic safety concerns by City residents.
The report was moved to a future meeting.
10. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner exited the Council Chamber.
Council Member Santana indicated she toured the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority with Staff and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and attended the Southeast Water Coalition meeting.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 9, 2026
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MOTION
Council Member Santana moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to direct staff to draft a flag policy. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Warner absent.
Council Member Macedo indicated she hosted a meet-and-greet at City Hall; indicated she is planning a Town Hall meeting in July for the residents of District 4; thanked staff for their hard work on the budget; wished residents a happy Pride Month; attended an event hosted by Supervisor Janice Hahn at the LGBTQ+ Community Center; and attended the Gateway Council of Governments meeting.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to bring back a Proclamation to celebrate Pride Month at the next meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco congratulated the Hispanic Outreach Task Force for providing $20,000 in scholarship funds to high school students and a community college student; congratulated the Police Department for the Torch Run in honor of the Special Olympics; attended the Pride flag raising event; discussed the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority’s wildlife tunnel; attended CAPC’s Founders’ Recognition Day event; attended the SPIRITT Family Services fundraiser; discussed Whittier’s use of green energy; toured the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority; met with Council Member Santana regarding the improvements to Broadway Park; congratulated the student artists that participated in the street banner program; and thanked residents for contacting their Council Members.
Mayor Becerra indicated he’s been attending school events and thanked staff for their thoroughness and professionalism.
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the May 5, 2026, Special Meeting and May 12, 2026, Regular Closed Session Minutes.
11.B. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 24STCP03966
11.C. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 25STCP04856
11.D. 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 June 9, 2026
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11.E. Conference with Legal Counsel - Initiation of Litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9:
One Case.
11.F. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation. Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov 54956.9(d)(2):
One Case
11.G. 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
11.H. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8:
Property: 5760 Pioneer Blvd, Guirado Park
Agency negotiator: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Negotiating parties: Whittier City School District
Under negotiation: Price & Terms
11.I. 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
13. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned the meeting at 12:22 a.m.