Council confirms 2026 Uptown Business Improvement Area assessments despite mayor’s recusal

The Whittier City Council on Dec. 9 adopted a resolution confirming the Uptown Business Improvement Area (BIA) levy for calendar year 2026 after a public hearing and testimony from business representatives.

Mayor Vinatieri recused himself from the item and left the chamber; Mayor Pro Tem Octavio Martinez presided during the hearing. Director Pongetti presented the annual report, explaining the rationale for the assessment, how the funds are allocated, and the amount assessed to property owners. Justin Tipton, executive director of the Uptown Whittier Association, answered council questions about the Association’s operations and how assessed funds support activities such as events and district improvements.

Four members of the public spoke during the hearing and others submitted comments; all written and oral remarks were made part of the official record. Council members asked staff and the association about Brown Act compliance for association meetings, inclusion of businesses on Bright Avenue, impacts to restaurants from events such as the Day of the Dead celebration, hours of operation for association activities, and planned Greenleaf Avenue improvements.

Council Member Fernando Dutra moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-63 confirming the annual report and levy of assessments for Calendar Year 2026; Council Member Cathy Warner seconded. The motion carried 3-0-2, with Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Mary Ann Pacheco absent.

The resolution confirms the assessment and authorizes collection consistent with the annual report; specifics of individual assessments are included in the City Clerk’s record of the hearing. Mayor Pro Tem Martinez closed the public hearing before the vote. The Council’s action takes effect according to the procedures described in the resolution.