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Whittier council authorizes EIR and hires legal, PR consultants as part of tree‑ordinance replacement
Summary
The council voted to fund preparation of an Environmental Impact Report and retain legal and public‑relations consultants to support replacement of a chapter of the municipal code governing parkway trees; total not‑to‑exceed amounts: Michael Baker Inc. $369,538; Richards, Watson & Gershon $200,000; Tripepi Smith $50,000.
The Whittier City Council on Jan. 27 adopted a resolution and authorized three consultant agreements to support replacement of Chapter 12.40.100(D) of the Whittier Municipal Code and provisions of the Parkway Tree Manual.
City Manager Conal McNamara presented the item and, together with City Attorney Keith Collins and Director of Human Resources/Risk Management Yolanda Martinez, answered council questions about whether aspects of the work would be discussed in closed session and about public comments alleging liability exposure. Council authorized: (1) an agreement with Michael Baker Inc. not to exceed $369,538 to prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the code replacement; (2) an agreement with Richards, Watson & Gershon not to exceed $200,000 for special legal services related to the code replacement; and (3) an agreement with Tripepi Smith not to exceed $50,000 to provide public‑relations services on matters related to the code replacement. The motion carried 4‑0.
Why it matters: replacing a tree regulation ordinance and updating the Parkway Tree Manual has implications for maintenance responsibilities, liability exposure and insurance costs. During council discussion staff addressed questions about the California Insurance Pool Authority (CIPA), self‑insured retention rates, the City’s loss history and claims exposure. The minutes note that public comments previously raised assertions about liability exposure; those public comments and any supporting documents are part of the public record with the City Clerk.
Closed session items on the agenda later that night listed multiple existing and anticipated litigation matters by case name and number (including two Whittier Conservancy cases and Lori Gibson v. City of Whittier), and several real‑property negotiation items; the council reported there was nothing to report out of closed session.
Next steps: execution of the consultant agreements and initiation of the EIR are expected to follow; further council action will be required to adopt any replacement ordinance after environmental review and legal analysis are complete.
