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 17, 2022
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Town Hall Meeting to order at 6:03 PM.
Clerk's Note: Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361, Council Member PEREZ attended the Town Hall Meeting virtually.
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 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.
February 17, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
D. PUBLIC COMMENT
City Manager Stephanie DIETZ read initial questions and comments submitted in advance of the meeting which included comments about defunding graffiti abatement, support of public art, airline service at the airport, tree service in the City, loud vehicles in the City, and funding for affordable housing in the City.
Clerk's Note: The following comments were received via voicemail.
Jason - requested Council invest in affordable housing for Merced.
Linda - asked that Council invest in more affordable housing.
Cha XIONG, Merced - asked Council to invest in affordable housing.
Clerk's Note: The following speakers appeared in person.
Christina Valenti FELIX, Merced - requested a new police investigation involving her son's case.
Steve STEVENSON - spoke about an construction apprenticeship program available to Merced residents.
Andrew RAMOS, Merced - spoke about the construction apprenticeship program.
Will KELLY, North Valley Labor Federation - commented on the construction apprenticeship program and the benefits for local residents.
Jeremy VEREMENDI, Merced - commented about the need for more affordable housing in Merced.
Gloria SANDOVAL, Merced - spoke about the need for affordable housing for low income families and homeless individuals.
Victoria ESPINOZA, Merced - spoke about issues with police conduct.
Pangcha VANG, Merced - commented on police conduct and the need for affordable housing.
Priya LAKIREDDY, Merced - spoke about education and income levels in Merced.
February 17, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Fue XIONG, Merced - commented on funding for affordable housing in Merced.
Sheng XIONG, Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability - spoke about the need to use local tax dollars for more affordable housing.
Sol RIVAS, Merced - spoke about various concerns.
Julissa, Merced - requested an affordable housing trust fund.
Ale GERADO, Merced - expressed support for an affordable housing trust fund using public safety funds.
E. CLOSING COMMENTS
Council Members and the Mayor gave brief closing comments and thanked the public for their comments made at the meeting.
F. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Town Hall Meeting was adjourned at 8:02 PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Ornelas, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that the Town Hall 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 -