MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
JUNE 23, 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:
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Kyle Cason, Deputy City Manager – Operations
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.
Mayor Becerra indicated that due to the recent brush fire near Colima Road, the Puente Hills Habitat Authority Preservation presentation would go first, followed by the Proclamation Declaring June 2026 LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and concluding with the Poet Laureate, Alejandro Leggero.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.B. Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority
Mayor Becerra invited Andrea Gullo, Executive Director, to the lectern for a presentation.
Executive Director Gullo, Michelle Mariscal, and Chief Ranger Hughes presented on the City’s relationship with the Habitat Authority, funding, habitat restoration and ecological activities, ranger services, and wildlife preparedness activities.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 23, 2026
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Executive Director Gullo, Ms. Mariscal, and Chief Ranger Hughes answered questions regarding coyote activity in neighborhoods, mountain bikes on the trails, camping restrictions, and goat grazing.
The City Council thanked City Staff and the Habitat Staff.
4.C. Proclamation Declaring June 2026 LGBTQ+ Pride Month Mayor Becerra discussed Pride Month and invited Whittier Pride members Lorenzo Gomez, Gabriel Montoya, and Martin Covarrubias to the dais to accept a Proclamation.
The City Council thanked the LGBTQ+ leaders for being present and discussed inclusivity.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez invited residents to an LGBTQ+ pop-up event at the Whittier Museum on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
4.A. Poet Laureate - Alejandra Roggero
Mayor Becerra discussed the duties of a Poet Laureate and invited Alejandra Roggero and the Poet Laureate Subcommittee to the lectern.
Chris Rubalcaba, a member of the Poet Laureate Subcommittee, discussed its formation and read a biography of Alejandra Roggero.
Ms. Roggero thanked the subcommittee for selecting her as the first Poet Laureate and discussed her connection to the Whittier Community.
The City Council congratulated Ms. Roggero and thanked the subcommittee.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded a motion to move Item 10.B. before 9.A. and to approve the amended Agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
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 June 23, 2026
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The following individuals provided live public comments:
Tom Hall; Bandon Arcega; Armando Hernan; Brian Niehaus; Robert Martiz; Lorenzo Gomez; Marissa Barber; Thomas Bihr; Conny McCormack; James Sass; Ken Bodger; Raquel; Austin McCormack; Nick Donovan; Bruce Iverson; Magdalena Moe; and David Dickerson.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
D.K.; Javier Garcia; Noa Larios; and Cash.
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
Deputy City Manager Martinez provided the following report:
1) There was a brush fire along Colima Road on June 22, 2026, and she thanked the Whittier Police Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Sheriff’s Department for their coordination and assistance during the incident.
2) The incident stresses the importance of continuing efforts to partner with the L.A. County Fire Department to rebuild Station 17, which will strengthen the first response capabilities through the addition of the Type 3 wildfire rig.
Funding has been identified through the County’s Measure E. 3) The heli hydrant will be operational in the next few weeks, and it will be located in the Savage Canyon Landfill.
4) She thanked the Emergency Management team, the Communications team, and the Habitat Authority for their rapid response to inform the public of the brush fire.
5) Updates were shared through the City's social media channels, website email notification system, and mobile app, providing timely information on road closures, nearby evacuation activity in unincorporated areas, and fire containment efforts.
6) The public response was substantial. Within the first four hours, City updates reached approximately 125,000 accounts and generated nearly 300,000 views. Since then, those updates have accumulated nearly 600,000 views and reached almost a quarter of a million accounts, with thousands of shares helping information spread quickly throughout the community. 7) The City also delivered information directly to residents through its subscription-based notification tools. A Whittier 365 app notification was sent to more than 8,100 devices, and an eNotification email was delivered to more than 1,650 subscribers.
Deputy City Manager Martinez and City Clerk Garcia answered questions about the city’s notification subscription services, the Whittier 365 app, and Spanish translations.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 23, 2026
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Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 23, 2026
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8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Warner pulled Item 8.C. for individual consideration.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item 8.C. 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 May 26, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.D. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Edgar Pineda, Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club for Michell Rivera, Ralph Muniz, Rosie Casillas, State of California DOT, Maryangee Cano Gonzalez, Armando Herman, and Arturo Soriano.
8.E. Update City Fee Schedule Regarding Library Hold Fees Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-37, amending and updating the Fiscal Year 2026-27 City Fee Schedule to reflect the elimination of Library Hold Fees.
8.F. CalRecycle Grant Programs Management - Professional Services Agreement
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Nicholls Consulting, Inc. (NCI) to manage the California Department of Resources and Recycling (CalRecycle) Grant programs such as the Edible Food Recovery Program, Used Oil Recycling Program, and the Beverage Container Recycling Program in an amount not to exceed $60,000 for FY 2026-27 with an option to extend up to three additional one-year terms.
8.G. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A25-123 - Sewer Easements Cleaning and Video
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the Executive Director to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A-25-123 with Tunnelworks Services, Inc. (Tunnelworks) to provide sewer cleaning and video services of City sewer lines.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 23, 2026
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The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
8.C. Calling for a Special Municipal Election - November 3, 2026 Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-34, calling for the holding of a Special Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for submitting to the voters proposed charter amendments changing the date of the general municipal election and imposing term limits;
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-35, requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to consolidate a special municipal election to be held in the City on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with the statewide general election to be held on the same date;
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-36, authorizing Council Members to submit arguments, setting priorities for selecting arguments to print, and directing the City Attorney to prepare an Impartial Analysis regarding two charter amendment measures to be submitted to the voters at a Special Municipal Election on November 3, 2026; and
4) Approve the ballot question and Charter Amendment Language for the proposed Term Limits on City Council Members to be submitted to the voters at the November 3, 2026, Statewide General Election.
City Clerk Garcia answered a question regarding the effective date of the ordinance and eligibility to run for office after a break in service.
The City Council deliberated.
Council Member Warner indicated that she does not believe changing the election date is necessary, as illustrated by the voter turnout in the April 2026 election, and she has a personal belief that term limits reside in the purview of the electorate. If the measure is successful, the City will forfeit its election sovereignty and the ability to have immediate election results; it will incur higher costs from the County; and there is no guarantee of a higher turnout. The City has had a great track record of conducting its own elections under the leadership of City Clerk Garcia.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to 1) adopt Resolution No. 2026-34, calling for the holding of a Special Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for submitting to the voters proposed charter amendments changing the date of the general municipal election and imposing term limits; 2) adopt Resolution No. 2026-35, requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to consolidate a special municipal election to be held in the City on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with the statewide general election to be held on the same date; 3) adopt Resolution No. 2026-36, authorizing Council Members to submit arguments, setting priorities for selecting arguments to print, and directing the City Attorney to prepare an Impartial Analysis regarding two charter amendment measures to be submitted to the voters at a Special Municipal Election on November 3, 2026; and 4) approve Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 23, 2026
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the ballot question and Charter Amendment Language for the proposed Term Limits on City Council Members to be submitted to the voters at the November 3, 2026, Statewide General Election. The question was called, and the motion carried unanimously.
10.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.
City Attorney Collins answered questions about recusals.
Deputy City Manager Cason presented the report and answered questions regarding traffic control improvement options; the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) guidelines; the frequency of traffic accident data analysis; deviations from guidelines; the cost of signal pole improvements; funding sources for streetlights; pending requests for traffic signal improvements; and traffic accidents.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved a motion to direct Staff to put a left turn signal at the intersection of Hadley Street and Magnolia Avenue. There was no second.
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess at 8:27 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:40 p.m. with all Council Members present.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.A. Parking District No. 1 – Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Recommendation: Approve the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget for Parking District No. 1, and adopt Resolution No. 2026-38, confirming the City assessment for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Parking District No. 1 (Multi-Deck).
Deputy City Manager Cason presented the report.
Mayor Becerra opened the public hearing.
Council Member Warner exited the Chamber.
Armando Hernan provided a live public comment.
Council Member Warner entered the Chamber.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 23, 2026
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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 Warner moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget for Parking District No. 1, and adopt Resolution No. 2026-38, confirming the City assessment for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Parking District No. 1 (Multi-Deck). The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
9.B. Parking District No. 2 – Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Recommendation: Approve the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget for Parking District No. 2, and adopt Resolution No. 2026-39, confirming the City assessment for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Parking District No. 2 and ordering assessments to be levied for Parking District No. 2.
Deputy City Manager Cason presented the report.
Mayor Becerra opened the public hearing.
Council Member Warner exited the Chamber.
Armando Hernan provided a live public comment.
Council Member Warner entered the Chamber.
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 approve the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget for Parking District No. 2, and adopt Resolution No. 2026-39, confirming the City assessment for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Parking District No. 2 and ordering assessments to be levied for Parking District No. 2. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 23, 2026
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9.C. 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.
Deputy City Manager Cason presented the report.
Mayor Becerra opened the public hearing.
Council Member Warner exited the Chamber.
Maggie Moe and Armando Hernan provided live public comments.
Council Member Warner entered the Chamber.
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.
Deputy City Manager Cason answered questions regarding whether the assessments were increasing; lighting projects with Southern California Edison; and electrical power poles and telephone poles.
Mayor Becerra closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to 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 question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
9.D. 2025 City of Whittier Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 2026-33, approving the 2025 City of Whittier Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
Director Pongetti presented the report Deputy City Manager Martinez and Director Pongetti answered questions regarding grant funding sources for outreach/education; vulnerable populations; high fire severity zones and evacuation plans; reverse 911 system; identification of industrial facilities and hazardous material sites near homes in the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update; and the City’s emergency response plan.
The City Council deliberated.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 23, 2026
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Mayor Becerra opened the public hearing.
Council Member Warner exited the Chamber.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Armando Hernan; David Dickerson; Maggie Moe; and Jenny Martin.
Council Member Warner entered the Chamber.
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 Warner moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-33, approving the 2025 City of Whittier Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
10. STAFF REPORTS
10.A. Adoption of a Technology Disruption Policy to Comply with Senate Bill 707 and Government Code Section 54953.4
Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-40 adopting the City of Whittier Technology Disruption Policy in accordance with Government Code Section 54953.4, as amended by Senate Bill 707; and
2) Direct staff to incorporate the Technology Disruption Policy into the City's Brown Act and public meeting procedures.
City Clerk Garcia presented the report.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to 1) adopt Resolution No. 2026-40 adopting the City of Whittier Technology Disruption Policy in accordance with Government Code Section 54953.4, as amended by Senate Bill 707; and 2) direct staff to incorporate the Technology Disruption Policy into the City's Brown Act and public meeting procedures. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 23, 2026
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10.C. Community Funding Guidelines
Recommendation: Provide direction on the preferred method for administering and distributing community funding to eligible local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Deputy City Manager Martinez presented the report.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to create an ad hoc committee composed of Mayor Becerra and Council Member Santana. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner indicated she attended the Expo event hosted by the Whittier Chamber and thanked Deputy City Managers, Staff, and the outside agencies who assisted with the brushfire on Colima Road.
Council Member Macedo thanked Staff for their communication during the brush fire; thanked colleagues, staff, and the community for holding a special session meeting regarding ICE presence in the city; invited her constituents to a town hall meeting on July 18, 2026; and invited residents to attend the summer concert series and the World Cup showing.
Council Member Santana indicated she attended the Soroptimist installation dinner with Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco; completed her ethics training; attended the Water Education for Latino Leaders summit that addressed data centers; attended the Taste of Rio; encouraged residents to support local businesses during the World Cup; and indicated that there would be an open house at the Weingart Greenleaf housing project on July 2, 2026.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco thanked the Habitat Authority for their presentation; discussed the emergency response to the brushfire; attended the Expo event hosted by the Whittier Chamber; attended a ceremony for the new PIH building with Mayor Becerra; indicated she and Deputy Director Cason attended a Wardman neighborhood watch meeting to discuss lighting, curbs, and sidewalk issues; attended a play at the Whittier Community Theater; met with the new Whittier City School District Superintendent and the Clean Power Alliance; and thanked Council Member Santana for attending the Soroptimist event.
Mayor Becerra invited residents to attend a 4th of July event at the Vic Lopez Auditorium on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. and thanked staff and the County agencies for their emergency response to the brushfire.
RECESS
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 23, 2026
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Mayor Becerra called a recess to go into Closed Session.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the May 5, 2026, Special Meeting Closed Session Minutes, May 12, 2026, and May 26, 2026, Regular Meeting 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. 26STCP01883
12.C. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 25STCP04856
12.D. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 24STCP03966
12.E. Conference with Labor Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Negotiator: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Represented and Unrepresented Employee: Whittier City Employees’ Association, Whittier Police Officers’ Association, Whittier Police Management Association, and unrepresented employees
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Clerk Garcia indicated there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
14. ADJOURNMENT
City Clerk Garcia adjourned the meeting at 10:23 p.m.