MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
JULY 14, 2026, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Becerra called the Regular Session to order at 6:04 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
Aviv Bar, Chief of Police
Kyle Cason, Deputy City Manager – Operations
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Warner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
City Manager McNamara requested that the City Council recess into Closed Session after the Consent Calendar since outside attorneys are present.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Warner 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 July 14, 2026
Minutes
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A. Parks Make Life Better! Month
Mayor Becerra discussed the importance of parks and recreation services and invited Director Santana to the podium.
5.B. Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Mayor Becerra introduced General Manager Susanne Kluh, and she provided a presentation on the purpose of the district, mosquito-borne diseases in the district, the integrated vector management, high, medium, and low visibility services, and the sterile insect technique.
Ms. Kluh answered questions regarding chemical treatments.
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:
Brandon Arcega; Armando Hernan; Susana Guerrero; Tammy Griffin; Anonymous; Aurora Balazeros; Virginia McCaully; Priscilla Cruz; Robert Martiz; Charlaine Rossi; Ken Roger; Gail Chabran; Julian; Andrew Robert Mendez; Tamera; Alex Rocha; Tony Leoda; Alejandro Perez; Isabel Galva; Yazmin; Tania; Anonymous; Alana Melgar; Bridget Altuna; Anonymous; Anonymous; Jim Rallwich; Nick Donovan; Michelle Alvarado; Mary Sullens; Helen Rahder; Linda de Vries; and Susan Cameron.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
Brenda Ceja; D.K.; Rose Scott; and Tom Bihr.
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
City Manager McNamara provided the following report:
1. A motor associated with the Landfill’s condensate treatment center failed and caused a temporary increase in odors to the surrounding area. Staff responded immediately and kept residents informed. A temporary tank was delivered to offload the condensate and facilitate the repairs.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority July 14, 2026
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2. The Concerts in the Park series has welcomed over 1,000 attendees, and more than 6,000 people joined us for this year's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at York Field. Concerts continue Mondays at Central Park and Thursdays at York Field through August 13. The City is also offering a Movie in the Park this Saturday at Palm Park featuring Disney's The Little Mermaid.
3. The City has opened cooling centers through Friday at Palm Park, the Whittier Community Center, the Whittier Senior Center, and the Michigan Park Modular Building. The libraries will also be available during their regular operating hours, and the City has extended splash pad and splash fountain hours to 7:00 p.m. through Friday. For cooling center locations and hours, please visit the City's website or social media account.
4. The City Council will be going dark for the July 28th meeting, so the next regular City Council meeting will be Tuesday, August 11.
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager McNamara indicated that there is a typo in the staff report and accompanying resolution for Item 8.L. Under the foreign trash fees line item, the Fiscal 2026-27 amount should be $64.55, and the Fiscal Year 2027-28 amount should be $67.80.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco pulled Items 8.D., G., and H. for individual consideration.
Council Member Macedo pulled Item 8.F. for individual consideration.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 8.D. F., G., and H.
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 June 9, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes and the June 12, 2026, Special Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Ofelia Amezola Marquez and Ryan D. Edmondson.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority July 14, 2026
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8.E. Fiscal Year 2026/27 Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) Law Enforcement Grant
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-41, amending the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget related to supplemental appropriations for the State of California Department of Highway Patrol Fiscal Year 2026 Cannabis Tax Fund Grant.
8.I. Professional Services Agreement for Construction Quality Assurance and Engineering Support Services for the Savage Canyon Landfill Phase 3B Liner Expansion project
Recommendation: Approve a Professional Services Agreement for Construction Quality Assurance and Engineering Support Services for the Savage Canyon Landfill Phase 3B Liner Expansion project with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., for a not-to-exceed amount of $408,076 and authorize the Executive Director to execute the agreement.
8.J. 23-019 Phase 3B Liner Expansion for Savage Canyon Landfill - Award of Contract
Recommendation:
1) Award the construction contract to Sukut Construction, LLC, in the amount of $5,646,775 for the construction of the Phase 3B Liner Expansion for the Savage Canyon Landfill project;
2) Reject all other bids;
3) Authorize the Executive Director to sign the construction contract on behalf of the Whittier Utility Authority; and
4) Approve $564,677 in contingency funding for the Phase 3B Liner Expansion for the Savage Canyon Landfill project, subject to the approval of the Executive Director.
8.K. Groundwater Well #2 Emergency Repair – Award of Contract Recommendation:
1) Find that the project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1 – Existing Facilities, of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines.
2) Authorize the Executive Director to sign the contract with General Pump Company for the emergency repair and refurbishment of Well 2 for $92,026.53.
3) Authorize the Executive Director to approve a 10% contingency for the project in the amount of $9,203.
8.L. Savage Canyon Landfill Fees
Recommendation: Adopt amended Resolution No. 2026-43, establishing fees for solid waste disposal at Savage Canyon Landfill for Fiscal Years 2026-27 and 2027-28.
The following items were pulled for individual consideration:
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority July 14, 2026
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8.D. Drone First Responder (DFR) Program
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a five-year contract expansion with Axon Enterprise Inc. to include the Skydio Drone First Responder (DFR) program.
Chief Bar answered questions regarding examples of usage of the program; the number of drones in the Whittier Police Department’s fleet; drone deployment; drone policy; Skydio Drone First Responder (DFR) technological advances; training requirements; data storage, retention, access, and sharing; firewalls and security; statutes of limitations; de-escalation techniques; drone operators; the web-based public transparency dashboard; firework citations; Assembly Bill (AB) 41 reporting requirements; potential privacy concerns; the master agreement with Axon; Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) potential requests for data sharing; and examples of life-saving situations involving drones.
City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding the legal review and agreement provisions about data retention.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded a motion to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a five-year contract expansion with Axon Enterprise Inc. to include the Skydio Drone First Responder (DFR) program. The question was called and the motion carried 4-1, Council Member Macedo dissenting.
Council Member Warner exited the meeting.
8.F. Peregrine Software
Recommendation: Approve and authorize an agreement with Peregrine Technologies Inc. for multi-platform integration software.
Chief Bar and City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding data integration; instances of software errors involving misidentification; data retention; length of the contract; the software’s inception; potential concerns; increasing efficiency; sole source contracts; user analytics; and modifying contract language.
Council Member Warner reentered the meeting.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded a motion to approve and authorize the City Manager to approve and authorize an agreement with Peregrine Technologies Inc. for multi-platform integration software. The question was called and the motion failed, 2-3, Mayor Becerra and Council Members Santana and Macedo dissenting,
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority July 14, 2026
Minutes
8.G. Replacement of Armored Rescue Vehicle
Recommendation: Approve the purchase of a Ballistic Armored Tactical Transport vehicle (BATT-X) from The Armored Group.
City Manager McNamara and Chief Bar answered questions regarding the purpose and potential uses of the vehicle; protocol for vehicle deployment; weapons in the vehicle; maintenance and life expectancy of the vehicle; the Motorola police radio system; the protection level offered by the vehicle; budgetary concerns; the Santa Fe Springs police contract; and the asset forfeiture funds.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded a motion to approve the purchase of a Ballistic Armored Tactical Transport vehicle (BATT-X) from The Armored Group. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
8.H. Clean Power Alliance Innovation Grant Acceptance
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-42, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget to accept a $250,000 grant from the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California (CPA) for implementation of the Whittier Cruiser micro-transit program. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco thanked the Clean Power Alliance for the grant.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to approve and authorize the City Manager to adopt Resolution No. 2026-42, amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget to accept a $250,000 grant from the Clean Power Alliance of Southern California (CPA) for implementation of the Whittier Cruiser micro-transit program. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members, except Council Member Warner and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco, present.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.A. Vacation of Alley, Northwest of Washington Boulevard and West of Putnam Street
Recommendation:
1) Conduct a public hearing to consider the Vacation (closure) of a public alley located Northwest of Washington Boulevard and West of Putnam Street; and
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority July 14, 2026
Minutes
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-44, approving the vacation of the alley northwest of Washington Boulevard and west of Putnam Street.
Deputy City Manager Cason presented the report and answered questions regarding utility rights; objections from neighboring residents; the value of the land; and potential future uses of the alley.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco entered the Council Chamber.
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 Santana seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-44, approving the vacation of the alley northwest of Washington Boulevard and west of Putnam Street. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Warner absent.
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: 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 Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), in that there would be negligible or no expansion of the existing or prior use with this project.
Director Pongetti presented the report and answered questions regarding potential concerns about the alcohol license concentration in the project area; traffic study and parking requirements; the hours of operation; and transportation alternatives.
Mayor Becerra opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Becerra closed the public hearing.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority July 14, 2026
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MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to adopt an amended Resolution No. 2026-23, approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP25-0010, with conditions of approval adding an additional finding. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Warner absent.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority July 14, 2026
Minutes
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: 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.
Director Pongetti presented the report and answered questions regarding the emergency evacuation of the building and attempts to match the staircase to the building's architectural style.
Mayor Becerra opened the public hearing.
Tom Carpinter, the applicant, thanked the City Council for their support; clarified that the staircase would be for egress access; and indicated that the historical interior walls made it challenging to add a staircase to the interior of the building.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Becerra closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-24 approving Certificate of Appropriateness No.
HRC26-0004, with conditions of approval. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Warner absent.
10. STAFF REPORTS
10.A. Standard Operating Procedures for Response to ICE Presence Recommendation: Receive and file the report regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Presence Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for City staff.
City Manager McNamara provided the report. Chief Bar answered questions regarding civil immigration enforcement; the presence of ICE outside of jail facilities; Whittier Police Department exits; the California Values Act; and Senate Bill 54.
The City Council deliberated.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority July 14, 2026
Minutes
MOTION
Council Member Santana moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to receive and file the report regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Presence Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for City staff. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Warner absent.
10.B. Broadway Park Ad Hoc Recommendation and Concept Design Agreement
Recommendation:
1) Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Hirsch & Associates, Inc., in the amount not to exceed $30,080 to provide Concept Design Services for the Broadway Park Renovation Project; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-45, amending the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget by appropriating $30,080 for the Broadway Park Renovation Project Concept Design Services.
Director Santana provided the report and answered questions regarding the community outreach.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to 1) approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Hirsch & Associates, Inc., in the amount not to exceed $30,080 to provide Concept Design Services for the Broadway Park Renovation Project; and 2) adopt Resolution No. 2026-45, amending the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget by appropriating $30,080 for the Broadway Park Renovation Project Concept Design Services. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Warner absent.
10.C. Whittier Cruiser Pilot Program
Recommendation:
Provide direction to staff on whether to approve the:
1) Continuation of the Whittier Cruiser, Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Program with Circuit Transit Inc.
2) Service area expansion of the Whittier Cruiser Program to include Whittier Boulevard up to and including Whittwood Town Center. 3) Reduction of the Fare Policy for the Whittier Cruiser Program to an amount of two dollars per rider up to a maximum of five dollars.
This item was moved to a future meeting.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Macedo invited District 4 residents to a Town Hall meeting on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Ocean View Elementary Auditorium.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority July 14, 2026
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Council Member Santana attended the Weingart Greenleaf open house event, the Freedom Walk, the 4th of July Firework Spectacular Event, and the Concert at the Park event; discussed flags on the newly annexed area on Whittier Boulevard; and requested clarification at a future meeting on the process for adding items to the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco attended the Freedom Walk, the 4th of July Firework Spectacular Event, the Concerts in the Park event, the Movies at the Park event, a senior folklorico class, and the World Cup viewing parties; indicated she will be requesting a discussion on the scope, restructuring, and the creation of new boards and commissions; and thanked residents for their engagement and staff for their assistance; and discussed Bastille Day.
Mayor Becerra indicated that he was in Philadelphia for a mayor’s event about Independence Day.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the June 09, 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 Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
City Owned Property: APN 8170-029-900 (12540 Whittier Blvd) and 8170- 029-902 (12549 Washington Blvd)
City Negotiator: Conal McNamara, Executive Director
Property Negotiator: William Nascimento, Sycamore Group LLC Under negotiation: Price and Terms.
12.F. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 12600 Shreve Road, Whittier, CA 90602
City Negotiator: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Negotiating parties: Treantafelles Andrea G Cotrustee Family Trust Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority July 14, 2026
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Under negotiation: Price & Terms.
12.G. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN 8124-007-918 (3551 San Gabriel River Pkwy, Pico Rivera, CA 90660)
City Negotiator: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Negotiating parties: United States Navy
Under negotiation: Price & Terms.
12.H. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation. Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov 54956.9(d)(2):
One Case.
12.I. Conference with Legal Counsel - Initiation of Litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9:
One Case.
12.J. 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
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Becerra adjourned the meeting at 1:16 a.m.