City Council Chamber
Merced Civic Center
2nd Floor
678 W. 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
CITY OF MERCED
Minutes
City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
6:00 PMThursday, February 10, 2022
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Town Hall Meeting to order at 6:02 PM.
A.1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Council Member ECHEVARRIA led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
B. ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Council Member Fernando Echevarria, Council Member Delray Shelton, Council Member Bertha Perez, Council Member Jesse Ornelas, and Council Member Sarah Boyle
Present: 6 -
Mayor Pro Tempore Kevin BlakeAbsent: 1 -
B.1. In accordance with Government Code 54952.3, it is hereby announced that the City Council sits either simultaneously or serially as the Parking Authority and the Public Financing and Economic Development Authority. City Council members receive a monthly stipend of $400.00 by Charter for sitting as the City Council; and the Mayor receives an additional $100.00 each month as a part of the adopted budget and Resolution 2020-86. The members of the Parking Authority and the Public Financing and Economic Development Authority receive no compensation.
C. OPENING COMMENTS
C.1. Matthew Serratto - Mayor
Mayor SERRATTO briefly explained the process and reasons the City Council holds yearly Town Hall Meetings.
All Council Members introduced themselves, welcomed the public and thanked them for attending.
City Manager Stephanie DIETZ introduced staff members present at the meeting.
D. PUBLIC COMMENT
City Manager Stephanie DIETZ read initial questions posed in advance of the meeting which included varying subjects regarding McKee Road, the
February 10, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
planned Parsons Bridge, traffic issues, affordable housing funding, and railroad quiet zones for downtown.
Clerk's Note: The following speakers appeared in-person.
Denise LOPEZ, Merced - expressed concern with traffic safety on M Street and Buena Vista Drive.
Jeremy VEREMENDI, Merced - expressed support for more affordable housing.
Victoria ESPINOZA, Merced - expressed concern about public safety and Police relations with certain demographics in the city.
Anna JURUSIK, Merced - spoke in support of more affordable housing for residents.
Pancha VANG, Merced - requested an affordable housing trust fund.
Natalia STEWART, Merced - requested an investment in more affordable housing.
Sair LARA, Merced - spoke about cars speeding near Applegate Park.
Fue XIONG, Merced - spoke in support of funding more affordable housing by creating an affordable housing trust fund.
Priya LAKIREDDY, Merced - spoke about improving the quality of life for all residents.
Bishop Charles WARREN, Merced - spoke about putting the needs of the community first.
Donna YANCY, Merced - spoke about the need for more affordable housing.
Sheng XIONG, Leadership Council - spoke about the need to do more to create affordable housing.
Juana, Merced - asked for more affordable housing in Merced.
Ben WEBER, Merced - asked about water conservation in the City of Merced.
February 10, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Crisantema GALLARDO - spoke about the need for more affordable housing for the community.
Ale, Merced - asked Council to help meet the basic needs of the community.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - spoke about personal responsibility.
Amirrah LOPEZ, Merced - spoke about refuse and graffiti in the City of Merced.
E. CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Members and the Mayor gave brief closing comments and thanked those in attendance for their input.
F. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Town Hall Meeting was adjourned at 8:13 PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Shelton, seconded by Council Member Perez, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Echevarria, Council Member Shelton, Council Member Perez, Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Blake1 -