MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 13230 PENN STREET
SEPTEMBER 8, 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
Yolanda Martinez, Deputy City Manager—Administration
Kyle Cason, Deputy City Manager—Operations
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Warner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A. Proclamation – Service Club Month
Mayor Becerra indicated that September is Service Club Month and invited Monica Peters, District Governor of Rotary District 5320, to the podium to accept the proclamation.
Ms. Peters thanked the City Council for the proclamation.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 8, 2026
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The City Council thanked the Rotary Club and the other service clubs in the City.
5.B. Proclamation – National Hispanic Heritage Month
Mayor Becerra discussed the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month and indicated that the City is hosting many events in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.
5.C. Proclamation – Constitution Week
Mayor Becerra discussed Constitution Week and the Constitution's significance.
5.D. Clean Power Alliance
Ted Bardacke, Chief Executive Officer of the Clean Power Alliance (CPA), presented on what the CPA is, who they serve, a comparison to Southern California Edison (SCE), the rate options, power procurement, the City of Whittier’s participation, and local customer programs.
Mr. Bardacke answered questions regarding how to opt in to the CPA’s programs and how to distinguish between SCE’s and CPA’s charges and programs on the electric bill.
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; Armando Hernan; Javier Garcia; Greg Stokes; Brandon Arcega; James Sass; Karina Sass; Conny McCormack; Lorenzo Gomez; Jacqueline Zamora; Amelia Rodriguez; Mary Gorman-Sullens; Gail Cofer; David Dickerson; Johanna; Lee; Kayla; Fred Zermeno; Patty McCathy; Meredith Lee; Calvin Morganstern; Anonymous; Kevin Padilla; Nick Donovan; Jeanne Renner; Anonymous; Andrew Rodriguez; Danya Hazen; Michael Ornelas; Sandra Martin; Ann Ramirez; Isabel Garcia; Tom Bihr; Ken Bahdra; Marilyn Avila; Rose Scott; Lee Willard; Austin McCormack; Magdalena Moe; Rolando Cano; Fernando Lopez; and Cliff Kent.
The following individuals provided teleconference public comments:
Catherine Heath Aguilar and Noa Larios.
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 September 8, 2026
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7. CITY MANAGER REPORT
Whittier Urban Forest Management Plan Status Update
City Manager McNamara provided the following updates:
1) September is library card Sign-Up month, and anyone with a California address can get a free Whittier Public Library card. Residents can sign up by visiting www.whittierlibrary.org or stopping by either library location. 2) It appears that the tenant who had previously been occupying the property has moved out, and the property appears to be transitioning back to an operation as a motel. More updates to come.
3) In October of 2025, the City Council suspended the City's Parkway Tree Manual, granting authority to the city manager for the removal of trees in Whittier while a new document is created.
4) There have been hundreds of trees that have been saved by city crews and contractors, while 55 trees have been removed, 26 dead or dying trees, and 29 that had damage, causing damage to public and private property, which the City considered hazardous removals.
5) The Urban Forest Management plan is expected to cost roughly $195,000.
Additional costs include preparation of an environmental impact report, which is approximately $370,000, and roughly $250,000 for the additional legal and communication support that the City Council approved.
6) Residents are encouraged to visit www.cityofwhittier.org/urbanforest for additional information.
7) City Staff are hosting four community meetings, one in each council district.
The meetings will be on September 17th, 29th, 30th, and October 1st. A flier was mailed to every home in the city in both Spanish and English. The goal of these meetings is to (1) present to the public why the City is preparing an urban forest management plan, (2) answer any questions residents might have, and (3) get feedback from residents that will be used to build the document.
8) The Urban Forest Management Plan will address a number of items, including urban canopy goals and tracking, tree preservation, planting and replacement tree establishment and maintenance, species and age diversity, infrastructure and ADA compatibility, risk management and public safety, sustainability and resilience, public engagement, transparency and notification performance measures and annual reporting, and long-term urban forest stewardship.
City Manager McNamara answered questions regarding who is considered a stakeholder; public engagement requirements of the environmental impact report (EIR); the survey questions; the selection process for and qualifications of Michael Baker, International (MBI); the scope of work for MBI; and consideration of alternative consultants.
Council Member Macedo requested that the following items be included in the Urban Forest Management Plan:
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 8, 2026
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1) Equitable distribution of tree benefits, prioritizing new plantings in areas with less canopy coverage.
2) Select an appropriate species for the planting site to ensure longevity and reduce future conflicts.
3) Procedure/mitigation options to evaluate tree complaints and hazards. 4) When looking at species planting lists, include the size of recommended planting area, water use ratings, climate change considerations, and noninvasive species. 5) Mitigate planting requirements to address canopy loss from development. 6) Tree canopy coverage goals.
Council Member Macedo also requested that the Council evaluate an interim tree ordinance that could be implemented as a placeholder until completion of the Urban Forest Management Plan.
The City Council deliberated.
City Manager McNamara and Deputy City Manager Martinez answered questions regarding the recruitment status of the City’s arborist positions and probationary period.
MOTION
Mayor Becerra moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to direct the City Manager to continue development of the City's Urban Forestry Management Plan, including technical analysis, environmental review, community engagement, and necessary policies addressing tree preservation, maintenance, replacement, public safety liability, and long term urban forest stewardship; and that the City Manager return at the next meeting with the resolution affirming the City Council support for the planning process and affirming the purpose and facts behind the development plan, including those specific requests raised by Council Member Macedo (items 1 – 6). The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
8. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Macedo pulled Item No. 8.I. 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 Item 8.I. 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.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 8, 2026
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8.B. Approval of Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the August 11, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.
8.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by Rodolfo Montano, Norma Ochoa, Sean Kelley, Frank Ryan Strunk, Daouk Sadeddine, Mary Torres, and Harim Kwon c/o PropCar Rentals LLC.
8.D. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 3178 - Military Equipment Recommendation: Adopt Ordinance No. 3178, adopting a policy governing the use of state-defined law enforcement military equipment and rescinding Ordinance No. 3166.
8.E. California Library Literacy Services Grant
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-51, amending the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget to accept a $25,000 grant from the California State Library for the California Library Literacy Services project and appropriate $25,000 in grant funds to support the program.
8.F. 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial, Justice Assistance Grant Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-52, amending the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget for the 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial, Justice Assistance Grant.
8.G. Office of Traffic Safety - Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-53, amending the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget related to supplemental appropriations for the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant.
8.H. City Net Agreement 2026-2027
Recommendation: Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. A23-090 with City Net in substantial conformance with the provided agreement in the not-to-exceed amount of $550,251.20 to continue to provide 7-day-a-week outreach and Navigation Center intake services.
8.J. Offer of Right-of-Way Dedication 15100 Whittier Blvd Recommendation: Accept and authorize the City Clerk to execute the Offer of Right-of-Way Dedication along the frontage of 15100 Whittier Boulevard.
8.K. Parcel Map 84835 - 11533 Whittier Boulevard
Recommendation: Approve Final Parcel Map 84835 in substantial conformance and authorize the City Clerk, Community Development Director, and City Engineer to sign on behalf of the City.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 8, 2026
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8.L. Tract Map 83339 - 8315 Greenleaf Avenue
Recommendation: Approve Final Tract Map 83339 in substantial conformance and authorize the City Clerk, Community Development Director, and City Engineer to sign on behalf of the City.
The following item was pulled for individual consideration:
8.I. Farallon Consulting LLC – Professional Services Agreement for Pilot Test Work Plan & Engineering Design Services for Remediation Project at 12353-12363 Whittier Blvd
Recommendation:
1) Authorize the City Manager to execute Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Farallon Consulting LLC in the amount not to exceed $1,847,001.32.
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-54, amending the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget to accept additional grant funds from the Department of Toxic Substances Control in the amount of $129,000.
Deputy City Manager Cason answered questions regarding contaminants; the purpose of the substance control cleanup; the project timeline; and potential public health concerns.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to 1) authorize the City Manager to execute Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Farallon Consulting LLC in the amount not to exceed $1,847,001.32; and 2) adopt Resolution No. 2026-54, amending the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget to accept additional grant funds from the Department of Toxic Substances Control in the amount of $129,000. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
10. STAFF REPORTS
10.A. Code of Ethics – Advisory Bodies
Recommendation: Receive and file a report outlining the City’s existing policies related to ethical standards and conduct applicable to City Council, Boards, and Commission Members, and provide direction as appropriate.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 8, 2026
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City Clerk Garcia presented the report and answered questions regarding Resolution No. 2021-09.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to establish an ad hoc committee for the purpose of drafting a code of ethics, or an alternative, and to bring back recommendations to the City Council.
The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and Council Member Macedo volunteered to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee. The question was called and the motion carried.
10.B. Boards and Commission Reappointments
Recommendation:
1) Historically, the City Council has approved the reappointment of qualified incumbent members to boards, commissions, and committees, or provided alternate direction as appropriate. If the City Council wishes to follow this approach, the following current members would qualify for reappointment based on their eligibility and continued service:
A. Cultural Arts Commission – Beth Robinson
B. Historic Resources Commission – Jason Michael Chacon C. Parking & Transportation Commission – Alejandro Mendoza D. Personnel Board – Paul Estuar
E. Planning Commission – Luis Rodriguez
F. Social Services Commission – Marisol C Enriquez-Santos and Alejandro Mendoza
2) Expire the term of Fernando Lopez from the Personnel Board.
City Clerk Garcia presented the report.
The City Council deliberated.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Santana seconded a motion to reappoint the eligible members and expire the term of Fernando Lopez.
The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
10.C. Council Ad Hoc and Outside Agency Appointments
Recommendation: Review and make changes to appointments on outside agencies and Council Ad Hoc Committees as needed.
City Clerk Garcia presented the report. Deputy City Manager Martinez and City Clerk Garcia answered questions regarding anticipated expiration dates and the creation of a new ad hoc committee.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 8, 2026
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CONSENSUS
By Consensus, City Council changed the membership to the following Ad Hoc Committees:
Alpha Beta and Uptown North Sites/Uptown Parking Ad Hoc Committee to Council Member Santana and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco.
Community Funding Guidelines to Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and Mayor Becerra
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council appointed Council Member Santana to the SR91/I-605 Corridor Cities Committee, substituting Council Member Macedo.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council moved the anticipated expiration date for all Ad Hoc Committees to April 2027.
MOTION
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco moved and Council Member Macedo seconded a motion to create an ad hoc committee. The question was called and the motion carried unanimously.
CONSENSUS
By consensus, the City Council appointed Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco and Council Member Macedo to the new ad hoc committee to evaluate Board and Commission Duties, Consider New Commissions, and Review Structure and Appointments, with Council Member Macedo and Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco serving as members.
11. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS Council Member Warner indicated she attended Whittier College’s first football game.
Council Member Macedo indicated she also attended Whittier College’s first football game and the All-City Worship Service at Regency Church; she is planning a meet-and-greet walk at the Greenway Trail; and indicated that the first outreach meeting for the Urban Management Forest Plan will be September 17th in District 4 at Ocean View Elementary School.
Council Member Santana indicated she attended the Water Education For Latino Leaders event and a Whittier College tour with Mayor Becerra; indicated that the Weingardt permanent housing facility will be moving residents soon; and that the community forum for District 2 for the Urban Forest Management Plan is on October 1st.
Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco indicated she met with the Whittier Museum board and staff regarding the two exhibits that the City provided funding for; she attended Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 8, 2026
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the Boys & Girls Club Panda Restaurants event, a senior luau and folklorico inaugural presentation at the Senior Center; thanked the City Council for allowing the Clean Power Alliance to provide a presentation; indicated she had a preliminary discussion with the Police Chief on the Flock cameras; had a discussion with staff from the YMCA about John Greenleaf Whittier Park; attended the Bridge of Faith pancake breakfast; the WAYS kickoff event; attended the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce (HOT) annual celebration of Mexican Independence Day, the Grito; and indicated that the community workshop on the Urban Forest Management Plan for District 1 is on September 29th is at Evergreen School.
Mayor Becerra indicated he attended Whittier College’s first football game; the East Whittier girls softball fall kickoff event; and adjourned the regular meeting in memory of all those who lost their lives on 9/11.
RECESS
Mayor Becerra called a recess to go into Closed Session.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Recommendation: Approve the August 11, 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 Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Sturgeon/Environmental Construction Inc. (ECI) v. City of Whittier, Claim No. 631162
12.F. 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
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 8, 2026
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12.G. Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Properties: Former Alpha Beta Site:
8139-005-909- 12813 Bailey Ave
8139-005-910, 12802 Hadley St
8139-005-911, 12813 Bailey Ave
8139-005-912, 6557 Comstock Ave
8139-013-901, Milton Ave
8013-013-900, 6703 Comstock
8139-005-904, Comstock Ave
8139-005-905, Comstock Ave
8139-005-906, Comstock Ave
8139-005-907, Comstock Ave
8139-005-908, Comstock Ave
8139-005-902, Greenleaf Ave
8139-005-903, Greenleaf Ave
8139-004-900, Bright Ave
8139-004-901, Bright Ave
8139-015-900, 6711 Bright Ave 8139-015-902, 6724
Greenleaf Ave
8139-015-901, 6726 Greenleaf Ave
City Negotiator: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Property Negotiator: City Ventures and Jamboree
Housing Corporation
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
12.H. 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.I. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation. Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov 54956.9(d)(2):
Two Cases.
12.J. Conference with Legal Counsel - Initiation of Litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9:
Two Cases.
13. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Clerk Garcia indicated that there was nothing to report out of Closed Session.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority September 8, 2026
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14. ADJOURNMENT
City Clerk Garcia adjourned the meeting at 11:08 p.m.