MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
AUGUST 25, 2026, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Becerra called the Regular Session to order at 6:02 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 PRESENT:
Conal McNamara, City Manager
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Kyle Cason, Deputy City Manager – Operations
Aviv Bar, Chief of Police
Virginia Santana, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Warner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Macedo moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
5. PRESENTATIONS
None.
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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:
Mike; Patricia van Empel; Conny McCormack; Martha Escutia; Anonymous; Michelle Alvarado; Yasmin Gomez; Brandon Arcega; Anonymous; Sandra Martin; Anne Ramirez; Rose Scott; Karina Sass; James Sass; Helen Rahder; Jim Rawich; Johanna; Nick Donovan; Austin McCormack; Patricia; and Eric.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
Eva Rodriguez; Tamora; Noa Larios; Tom Bihr; Susan Cameron; Judy Stroyer; and Jamal Andre Black.
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) The Library’s Read to a Dog Program was featured on Spectrum News. 2) Grandparents’ Day will be hosted by the Library and Parks, Recreation and Community Services Departments on Saturday, September 12, 2026. 3) The City is hosting four community workshops (1 in each district) starting in September through October. The workshops are an opportunity to learn more about the Urban Forest Management Plan, ask questions, and share feedback on the future of Whittier’s trees. The District 4 Workshop will be on September 17, 2026 at Ocean View Elementary School; District 1’s will be on September 29, 2026 at Evergreen Elementary School; District 3’s will be on September 30, 2026 at the Whittwood Branch Library; and District 2 will be on October 1, 2026 at Palm Park. All workshops begin at 6:00 p.m. More information can be found at www.cityofwhittier.org/urbanforest. Every Whittier resident will receive a notice in the mail.
City Manager McNamara answered questions regarding the Urban Forest Management Plan Stakeholder meeting and the invitees; his comments about healthy trees at the stakeholder meeting; the use of the Tree Manual against the City in a recent trip and fall lawsuit; the number of trees removed since the suspension of the Tree Manual; the removal of a tree on Painter and Bailey Avenues; the reasons for the investment in the Urban Forest Management Plan; the City’s vision for the new plan; the number of trees in the City of Whittier; the City Manager’s approval authority; the information that will be presented at the community meetings; the purpose of a Urban Forest Management Plan; inclusivity Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 25, 2026
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of discussions about the Urban Forest Management Plan; and the selection of stakeholder groups.
City Attorney Collins indicated that the Brown Act authorizes brief comments from the City Council after public comments, but because certain items aren’t agendized, the City Council shouldn’t get into deep conversation about the details.
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Macedo pulled Item 8.E. for individual consideration.
Council Member Warner recused herself from Item 8.E. since the location is between a property she owns and a property she leases for a business.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item 8.E. 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 July 28, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Brian Wong, Southern California Edison, Rosaura Villasenor, Luke Lorenzo Carreon, Carlos Humberto Valladares, and East Whittier City School District.
8.D. Engineering Evaluation at the Intersection of Panorama Drive and Orange Drive
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-49, establishing a two-way stop sign at the intersection of Panorama Drive and Orange Drive.
8.F. Project No. 25-020 Traffic Signal Installations at Beverly Boulevard/Citrus Avenue, and Pickering Avenue/Wardman Street – Notice of Inviting Bids
Recommendation:
1) Find the project categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301(c), Existing Facilities of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. 2) Approve Plans and Specifications for Project No. 25-020 Traffic Signal Installations at Beverly Boulevard/Citrus Avenue and Pickering Avenue/Wardman Street (Project).
3) Authorize the City Clerk to advertise for construction bids.
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4) Approve the purchase of traffic signal poles and related long lead equipment and authorize the City Manager to sign a purchase order on behalf of the City in the amount of $126,351.78.
8.G. Control Automation Design, Inc. - Professional Services Agreement Recommendation: Authorize Executive Director to approve and execute a professional services agreement, in substantial conformance with the attached agreement, with Control Automation Design, Inc. (CAD) for SCADA Integration Services for an amount not to exceed $92,673.
8.H. 23-010 Well 8 Rehabilitation, Liner, and Pump Project- Change Order Recommendation: Approve Contract Change Order No. 4 with South West Pump & Drilling, Inc for $126,695 for the 23-010 Well 8 Rehabilitation, Liner, and Pump Project.
The following item was pulled for individual consideration:
Council Member Warner exited the Council Chamber.
8.E. Engineering Evaluation on Whittier Boulevard Frontage Road west of La Puebla Avenue
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-50, establishing a stop sign at the north side of the Whittier Boulevard frontage road west of La Puebla Avenue.
Deputy City Manager answered questions regarding the notices sent out to residents about the project; the location of the stop sign; and complaints/concerns received from residents.
MOTION
Council Member Macedo moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-50, establishing a stop sign at the north side of the Whittier Boulevard frontage road west of La Puebla Avenue. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0-1, Council Member Warner absent.
Council Member Warner re-entered the Council Chamber.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
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10. STAFF REPORTS
10.A. Police Department Military Equipment Annual Report Recommendation: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Report on Police Use of Military Equipment; and introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 3178, adopting a policy governing the use of state-defined law enforcement military equipment and rescinding Ordinance No. 3166.
Chief Bar provided the report.
City Attorney Collins answered a question regarding bifurcating the motion.
Chief Bar answered questions regarding the community outreach component of the report; determining reasonable alternatives before considering that certain equipment is necessary; findings about the cost-effectiveness of equipment; replenishment authority; disclosure of complaints or violations related to the misuse of military equipment; reasoning for calling the equipment “military” instead of “police;” and the possibility of an ongoing tally of military equipment used.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to amend the Ordinance to include a whereas clause stating that there were no complaints, policy violations, or audit findings related to the use of military equipment.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to receive and file the 2025 Annual Report on Police Use of Military Equipment. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to introduce and conduct the first reading of an amended Ordinance No. 3178, adopting a policy governing the use of state-defined law enforcement military equipment and rescinding Ordinance No. 3166. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Warner exited the Council Chamber.
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10.B. Social Services Grant Funding Program - FY 2026-2027 Recommendation: Approve the Ad Hoc Committee’s proposed revisions to the Social Services Grant Funding Program.
Director Santana provided the report.
Council Member Warner re-entered the Council Chamber.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco presented the Ad Hoc Committee’s discussion points.
City Attorney Collins and Director Santana answered questions about the number of applications received annually; additional funding; reporting requirements; legal review of agreements with agencies awarded funds; and actions in the event of a tie in scores.
The City Council deliberated.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to eliminate question 2 (“Agency Location”) from the rubric and redistribute the 20 points to question 1 (“What percentage of Whittier residents does the agency serve?”).
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to bring back a report on the expenditure of funds that were allocated to the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce through Resolution No. 2025-38.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to approve an amended version of the Ad Hoc Committee’s proposed revisions to the Social Services Grant Funding Program. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Warner indicated that she has a new FPPC conflict with regard to a future report from the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce, so she will recuse on the matter when it comes before the City Council
10.C. Discussion on land-use legislation and related matters from August 19, 2026 Special City Council Meeting
Recommendation: Provide direction to staff.
Council Member Macedo exited the Council Chamber.
Council Member Santana introduced the motion for discussion:
“As we have heard this evening, legislation is being adopted in Sacramento that Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 25, 2026
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removes the City's ability to have land use control in certain circumstances. To the extent possible, this is why I believe it is vital for the City to ensure that we are adequately addressing potential uses that might present a problem in our community.
Therefore, I would ask staff and the City Attorney to review the City's General Plan and relevant codes and return to the City Council with recommendations regarding land uses and potential development projects that may create significant demands on municipal infrastructure, public services such as law enforcement, environmental resources as well as potential uses that might be incompatible with Whittier and what residents want in our community.
The review should include, but not be limited to, data centers, detention or processing facilities, temporary or workforce lodging, congregate residential or institutional facilities, car washes, massage parlors and other intensive land uses that may involve substantial water or energy consumption, significant residential or congregate occupancy, heightened public safety considerations, or increased demands on municipal infrastructure and services.
I would also like a report back on whether an Urgency Ordinance is an appropriate tool to use while staff is conducting an analysis. The intent of this direction is not to prejudge or prohibit any particular lawful use, but to ensure that the City has a clear, legally defensible, transparent, and comprehensive regulatory framework that protects public health, safety, municipal infrastructure, environmental resources, neighborhood compatibility, and the long-term quality of life of Whittier."
Council Member Warner proposed changing the word “problem” to challenges in the first paragraph; further defining land uses and development projects in the second paragraph; including in the land uses and potential development projects issues related to legislation that creates significant demands on fire protection, utilities, gas, water, trash, and traffic; and the ability to limit issuing “will-serve” letters to potential developments.
Council Member Macedo re-entered the Council Chamber.
City Manager McNamara and City Attorney Collins answered questions regarding procedures for moratoriums on land use; the state and federal government’s ability to override a moratorium; the ability to implement moratoriums for existing state legislation; downzoning; the ability to limit issuing will-serve letters to potential developments and utility companies; development impact fees for infrastructure; and development processing fees.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority August 25, 2026
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Council Member Santana moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to draft a resolution that will memorialize the City Council’s position on land use matters that includes the following language:
“As we have heard this evening, legislation is being adopted in Sacramento that removes the City's ability to have land use control in certain circumstances. To the extent possible, this is why I believe it is vital for the City to ensure that we are adequately addressing potential uses that might present challenges in our community.
Therefore, we would ask staff and the City Attorney to review the City's General Plan and relevant codes and return to the City Council with recommendations regarding land uses and potential development projects that may create significant demands on municipal infrastructure, public services such as law enforcement, environmental resources, fire protection, utilities, gas, water, trash, and traffic as well as potential uses that might be incompatible with Whittier and what residents want in our community.
The City Council directs staff to initiate urgency ordinances (“moratoriums”) for the following land uses: data centers, detention or processing facilities, car washes, and massage parlors.”
The question was called and the motion carried unanimously. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Macedo thanked residents for emailing her about parking concerns, speeding issues, and construction impacts in her district; and indicated she attended a Whittier Shakespeare event.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco thanked the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department for hosting the Senior Luau event, the senior Folklorico group; discussed attending the Coffee with a Cop event; and expressed she would like a public service announcement she did with the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District to be shared on the City’s website.
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess into Closed Session.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 26STCP01883
12.B. Conference With Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
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Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 25STCP04856
12.C. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(d)(1):
Whittier Conservancy v. City of Whittier – Case No. 24STCP03966
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: Dr. Raquel Gasporra, Superintendent Under negotiation: Price & Terms
12.F. 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.G. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation. Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov 54956.9(d)(2):
Two Cases
12.H. 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 that there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
14. ADJOURNMENT
City Clerk Garcia adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m.