MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
AUGUST 11, 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
Yolanda Martinez, Deputy City Manager – Administration
Jacqueline Sanchez, Interim Director of Library Services Margo Diamond-Nelson, Community Engagement Manager
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Macedo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to set a time certain at which time in the evening, the meeting would be continued to the following Tuesday.
City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding whether setting a specific cutoff time is necessary The City Council deliberated.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 11, 2026
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AMENDED MOTION
Council Member Warner amended her motion to set the specific end time of 10:30 p.m. with discretion to finish items as needed.
The City Council deliberated.
Council Member Warner withdrew her motion.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to come back with recommendations to end meetings at a time certain and continue the meetings to the following Tuesday if necessary.
City Manager McNamara requested that the City Council recess into Closed Session after Public Comments since outside attorneys are present.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A. Friends of the Whittier Library Donation
Mayor Becerra invited Interim Director Sanchez to the podium. Interim Director Sanchez introduced the Friends of the Library group, thanked them for their donation, and discussed the work that they do.
Mayor Becerra presented the Friends of the Library with a certificate and thanked them for their service.
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; Tiffany; Mike; Elena Byrne; Karen Valenzuela; Robert Martiz; Brittney Perez; Stephen Paulsen; Maggie Moe; William; Crystal Arroyo; Cynthia Ramirez; Charlaine Rossi; Karina Sass; Brandon Arcega; Antonio Morales; Gabe Montoya; Conny McCormack; Michelle Alvarado; Lorenzo Gomez; Nick Donovan; Mary Gorman-Sullens; Gail Cofer; Helen Rahder; Mel Sturr; Susan Cameron; Andrew Rodriguez; Henry Bouchot; and Cliff.
Mitch and Tom Bihr 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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 11, 2026
Minutes
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess to go into Closed Session. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members except Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and Council Member Warner present.
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Collins indicated that with respect to Item 12.K., the City Council voted 4-1, Council Member Warner dissenting, to refrain from seeking appellate relief in the case.
7. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager McNamara provided the following updates:
1) He thanked the Friends of the Library for their $95,000 donation and their hard work.
2) He recognized the Library Staff for their great Summer Reading Club, with more than 3,000 participants. More than 1,000 children and their families celebrated the completion of the reading challenge at the annual wrap-up party. Residents are encouraged to follow the Library’s social media page for photos of the event.
3) He recognized the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department for their summer events. The Last Concert in the Park Event will be on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at York Field.
4) Movies in the Park will continue with dates in September and October and registration is open for upcoming fall events, including Chalktastic on Saturday, September 19, 2026, and the Spooktacular 5k on October 31, 2026. 5) Enforcement of the updated Short-Term Rental regulations in high fire hazard severity zones has begun. The City’s new Short-Term Rental website is live and can be found at www.cityofwhittier.org/shorttermrentals. Existing shortterm rental operators will receive information about new requirements this month. Applications for new short-term rentals will open in September. 6) The City’s heli hydrant project is nearing completion. 7) The City is moving forward with the Urban Forest Management Plan, which will be the policy document that guides trees in Whittier. The City will be announcing dates for four community workshops, one held in each district.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and Council Member Warner entered the meeting.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 11, 2026
Minutes
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager McNamara clarified that Item 8.D. (“Updates to Whittier Municipal Code-Chapter 18.84 as well as Hadley-Greenleaf and Central Park Historic Districts”) would be returning to the Historic Resources Commission and then a recommendation would be presented to Council.
MOTION
Council Member Santana 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 June 23 and July 14, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Elsa Flores, Jesus Miranda, Jr. (a minor), Matthew Duenas (a minor), Yasmin Gomes, Michael Klein, and Adrian Duenas (a minor).
8.D. Updates to Whittier Municipal Code-Chapter 18.84 as well as HadleyGreenleaf and Central Park Historic Districts Recommendation: Receive and file the update regarding amendments to Whittier Municipal Code Chapter 18.84-Historic Resources as well as establishing contributing resources in the Hadley-Greenleaf and Central Park Districts.
8.E. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Revised Salary Resolution
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-46, adopting the 2026-27 Salary Resolution and rescinding Resolution No. 2026-30.
8.F. Friends of the Whittier Public Library Donation
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-47, amending the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget to accept a grant from the Friends of the Whittier Public Library and appropriate $95,000 for Library services and programs.
8.G. Anaconda Park Security Fence - Notice Inviting Bids Recommendation:
1) Find the project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15304, Class 4 (b) – Minor Alterations to Land, of the California Environmental Quality Act.
2) Approve plans and specifications for the Anaconda Park Expansion; and 3) Authorize the Secretary to advertise for construction bids.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 11, 2026
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8.H. 26-003 Slurry Program Phase 2 - Notice Inviting Bids Recommendation:
1) Find the Project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1 – Existing Facilities of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines;
2) Approve Tabulations and Specifications for 26-003 Slurry Program Phase 2; and
3) Authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids.
8.I. 3551 San Gabriel River Pkwy Demolition Project – Notice of Completion
Recommendation: Accept the work performed by Interior Demolition, Inc. (IDI) for the 3551 San Gabriel River Pkwy Demolition Project and authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City of Whittier.
8.J. Sewer Assessment User Fees - Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Recommendation: Approve the Engineer's Report of Sewer User Fees for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.A. 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing for the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan; and adopt Resolution No. WUA-2026-07, approving the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan prepared by Stetson Engineers, Inc.
Deputy City Manager Cason presented the report and answered questions regarding the boundaries for the City’s water utility customers; the population served; whether Suburban Water Systems is required to submit a similar plan to the Department of Water Resources; the City reservoirs; PFAS and PFOA; the SCADA system; potential infrastructure changes due to state mandates pertaining to housing mandates (Accessory Dwelling Units, Junior Accessory Dwelling Units, SB 1123, SB 9, and Regional Housing Needs Allocation numbers); land use and water demand; water pressure issues in Rideout Way; and a feasibility study for Rideout Way.
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 August 11, 2026
Minutes
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. WUA-2026-07, approving the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan prepared by Stetson Engineers, Inc. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
10. STAFF REPORTS
10.A. City Website Modernization, ADA Compliance, and Digital Communications Enhancements
Recommendation:
1) Approve the selection of CivicPlus for the City’s website modernization, updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) remediation compliance, and digital communications services and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with CivicPlus in an amount not to exceed $118,840.60;
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with UX Design Collective for user experience and information architecture consulting services associated with the City website modernization project in an amount not to exceed $61,500; and
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-48, amending the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget to appropriate $180,340.60 for the City website and digital communications modernization project.
Manager Diamond-Nelson presented the report. Deputy City Manager Martinez and Manager Diamond-Nelson answered questions regarding website translation and text message notifications to residents.
MOTION
Council Member Macedo moved and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded a motion to approve the selection of CivicPlus for the City’s website modernization, updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) remediation compliance, and digital communications services and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with CivicPlus in an amount not to exceed $118,840.60; 2) authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with UX Design Collective for user experience and information architecture consulting services associated with the City website modernization project in an amount not to exceed $61,500; and 3) adopt Resolution No. 2026-48, amending the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget to appropriate $180,340.60 for the City website and digital communications modernization project. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 11, 2026
Minutes
10.B. 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.
Director Santana presented the report. Director Santana and Director Pongetti answered questions regarding funding from Metro’s Access For All grant; funding for Dial-A-Ride; amounts and allowable uses for Prop A and Prop C funds; current cost of program and the cost of expanding the service area; speed limit restrictions on Whittier Boulevard; the impact of the Cruiser on parking requirements at the Groves; the Capo House project’s conditions of approval related to parking; ridership ages.
The City Council deliberated.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to ask Circuit whether the program can be continued for a 3- or 6-month period to allow staff to come back at a future meeting with more information on alternative options, Prop A and Prop C current and potential uses, and the Dial-A-Ride program.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Macedo thanked the residents of District 4 for attending her Town Hall meeting and indicated she started a District 4 quarterly newsletter.
Council Member Warner exited the Council Chamber.
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess to go into Closed Session.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the June 23 and July 14, 2026, Regular Meeting Closed Session Minutes.
12.B. 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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 11, 2026
Minutes
12.C. 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 Under negotiation: Price & Terms
12.D. 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
12.E. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8:
Property: Guirado Park 5760 Pioneer Blvd, Whittier CA 90606 Agency Negotiator: Conal McNamara, Executive Director
Negotiating parties: TBD
Under negotiation: Price & Terms
12.F. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Beverly Hills Estate HOA vs. City of Whittier, Claim No. 26-591660-93
12.G. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Sonali Bargotra vs. City of Whittier, Claim No. 25-591230-138
12.H. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 26STCP01883
12.I. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 25STCP04856
12.J. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 24STCP03966
12.K. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
City of Whittier, a Charter City; et al. v Superior Court Of The State of California, County of Los Angeles, the judicial branch for the County of Los Angeles, California; et al., Case No. 23STCP03579
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 11, 2026
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12.L. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation. Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov 54956.9(d)(2):
Two cases.
12.M. 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
12.N. 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.F., the City Council voted unanimously to settle the claim for $155,144 and with respect to Item 12.G., the City Council voted unanimously to settle the claim for $100,000.
14. ADJOURNMENT
City Clerk Garcia adjourned the meeting at 11:48 p.m.