Council adopts temporary suspension of Parkway Tree Manual in 4–1 vote

The Whittier City Council voted 4–1 on Nov. 18 to adopt Ordinance No. 3172, temporarily suspending application of the city’s Parkway Tree Manual and related tree regulations.

City Manager Conal McNamara and City Attorney Keith Collins answered council questions about planned removal of two trees, proposed additional removals on Greenleaf Avenue south of Wardman Avenue, the timeline for evaluating trees, the ordinance’s sunset date, public participation opportunities and arborist involvement. McNamara said staff would follow existing practices intended to protect trees while proceeding with the temporary suspension.

Council Member Cathy Warner moved to adopt the ordinance and Mayor Pro Tem Octavio Martinez seconded. The motion carried 4–1, with Council Member Mary Ann Pacheco dissenting.

During deliberations council members raised CEQA-related questions and asked staff to clarify whether exemptions applied. The minutes record that staff and the city attorney addressed CEQA considerations; the Council determined the action is exempt under CEQA for the purposes of adopting the ordinance as described on the agenda.

The ordinance’s adoption suspends requirements in the Parkway Tree Manual for a limited period; the minutes note a sunset date and that staff will provide additional information to the Council and the public on evaluation and removal processes. No amendments to the ordinance were recorded during the meeting.

The Council did not resolve concerns expressed by the dissenting member at the time of adoption; the Council directed staff to continue public outreach and to provide additional detail on arborist involvement and CEQA analysis at a future meeting.