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 PMMonday, March 7, 2022
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
A.1. Invocation - Pastor Juan Ochoa, Calvary Assembly of God Merced The invocation was delivered by Pastor Juan OCHOA from Calvary Assembly of God Merced.
A.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Council Member ECHEVARRIA led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
B. ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Kevin Blake, Council Member Fernando Echevarria, Council Member Delray Shelton, Council Member Bertha Perez, Council Member Jesse Ornelas, and Council Member Sarah Boyle
Present: 7 -
Absent: 0
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. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
C.1. SUBJECT: Recognition of the Merced Skimmers Youth Swim Team
REPORT IN BRIEF
Certificates will presented to members of the Merced Skimmers Swim Team.
Mayor SERRATTO presented certificates to members of the Merced Skimmers for their academic and athletic achievements.
March 7, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
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C.2. SUBJECT: Proclamation - National Women’s Day
REPORT IN BRIEF
Mayor Serratto will present the proclamation.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the National Women's Day Proclamation to members of the Soroptimist organization.
D. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk's Note: Emails were received for the following agenda items and forwarded to Council prior to the meeting.
Oral Communications - Sue CARTER, Steven DONAHUE and John SMUCKER.
Item G.1. - Jean ARAGON, Betsaida BARRAGON, Beverly
BOMERSBACH, Khalil EDWARDS, Crisantema GALLARDO, Lee
GREENAWALT, Eric HAMM, Sandra HAY, Rebekah JENKINS, Gene JOHNSON, Graham LARUE, Glenda SMALL, J.A. THOMAS, and Nalee XIONG.
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
George SANCHEZ, Merced - spoke about the maintenance and care of City trees.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - spoke about the Constitution and City services.
Rebecca MANANDIC, Merced - spoke about the upcoming Tahiti Fete.
Victoria ESPINOZA, Merced - spoke about police and community relations.
Priya LAKEREDDY, Merced - spoke about the Central California Small Business Development Center.
Clerk's Note: The following comments were received via voicemail.
Merced County Resident - commented on the current air service provider at the airport.
Raul VALDEZ - commented on the current air service provider at the airport.
March 7, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Lynn BARRERA - commented on animal care in the City.
Clerk's Note: Agenda item G.1. was moved up in the agenda due to statutory requirements that the item be heard at 6:30 PM.
G. PUBLIC HEARINGS
G.1. SUBJECT: Public Hearing (to be Heard at 6:30PM) to Receive a Report from Staff on the Redistricting Process and Permissible Criteria to be Considered to Review Maps Recommended by the Redistricting Advisory Committee and Submitted Draft Maps from the Public for Selection
REPORT IN BRIEF
Public Hearing to inform the City Council and the public on the redistricting process and permissible criteria to be considered to review maps recommended by the Redistricting Advisory Committee and submitted draft maps from the public for consideration.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion selecting a new City Council District Map.
Jeff TILTON with National Demographics Corporation gave a slideshow presentation on the redistricting process, the previously held Redistricting Advisory Committee meetings, the 2020 Census data, the maps recommended by the Redistricting Advisory Committee and an additional map that was submitted after the deadline.
Council briefly discussed the submitted maps.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 6:43 PM.
Clerk's Note: The following comments were received via voicemail.
Yee, Merced - spoke in favor of Map 106 and keeping communities of interest together..
Sylvia ROBLES, Merced - spoke in favor of Map 106.
Alejandra AGUILAR, Merced - spoke in favor of Map 106.
Celeste ESCOVEDO, Merced - spoke about communities of interest and
March 7, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
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spoke in favor of Map 106.
Bertha, Merced - expressed support for Map 106.
Yahida, Merced - spoke about her district and the need to keep communities of interest together.
Melissa, Merced - expressed support for Map 106.
Erika VEGA, Merced - spoke of diversity in Council districts and expressed support for Map 106.
Solo, Merced - spoke in support of Map 106.
Noel ANDERSON, Merced - voiced support for Map 106 and keeping communities of interest together.
Brett BAKER, Merced - spoke in support of Map 203.
Tom CLENDENIN, Merced - expressed support of Map 203.
John WESTON, Merced - expressed support of Map 203.
Bill SPRIGGS, Merced - spoke about the Redistricting Advisory Committee and expressed support for Map 203.
Andrew ALKEMA, Merced - spoke about Council conduct at previous meetings and expressed support for Map 203.
Anonymous - expressed support for Map 203.
Peg LARSON, Merced - spoke about the selection process for the Redistricting Advisory Committee.
Emily LEAPER, Merced - spoke in support of Map 203.
Ramon RODRIGUEZ, Merced - expressed support of Map 106.
Amy STEVENS, Merced - spoke in support of Map 106.
Anonymous - commented on the process and asked Council to consider the recommended maps.
Ariana MARMALEJO, Merced - expressed support for Map 106.
March 7, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
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Christian, Merced - expressed support for the boundaries of Map 106.
Clerk's Note: The following speakers appeared in person.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - expressed support for Map 106.
Beverly SCHICK, Merced - expressed support for Map 203.
Bob SCOBLE, Merced - expressed support for Map 107 or Map 203.
Susan WALSH, League of Women Voters - expressed support for the process that was used and the citizen participation in this process.
Diana ODOM-GUNN, Merced Downtown Neighborhood Association - spoke about similarities in the submitted maps.
Marisa MORAZA - expressed support for Map 106.
Lizeth CALDERON, Merced - stated support for Map 106.
John LARSON, Merced - thanked all that were involved in the process.
Victoria ESPINOZA, Merced - expressed support for Map 106.
Mayte AGUILAR, Merced - stated support for Map 106 and the associated demographics.
Pangcha VANG, Merced - spoke against Map 107.
Astrid MORALES, Merced - spoke in support of Map 106.
Rosa INGUANZO, Merced - spoke if favor of Map 106.
Nathena FLORES, Merced - expressed support for Map 106.
Jeremy VERAMENDI, Merced - spoke in support of Map 106.
Gloria SANDOVAL, Merced - expressed support for Map 106.
Laisha FERNANDEZ, Merced - stated support for Map 106.
Nevaeh MENDOZA, Merced - spoke in favor of Map 106.
March 7, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
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Minutes
Ale JURADO, Merced - spoke about equity and expressed support for Map 106.
Janet APPLING-KASPER, Merced - spoke about the process used by the Redistricting Advisory Committee to review maps.
Sheng XIONG, Leadership Council - spoke in support of Map 106.
Blanca OJEDA, Merced - expressed support for Map 106.
Gloria CONLIN, Merced - commented on the thorough Redistricting Advisory Committee process.
Ronnie DEANDA, Merced - commented on the Redistricting Advisory Committee.
Fue XIONG, Merced - expressed support form Map 106.
Crisantema GALLARDO - stated support for Map 106.
Loretta SPENCE, Merced - expressed support for Map 106.
Jocelyn, Merced - spoke in support of Map 106.
Mayor SERRATTO closed the Public Hearing at 8:19 PM.
Council discussed the differences in Map 106 and Map 203, the diversity of the Redistricting Advisory Committee, the public process used and briefly discussed the late submission of Map 401.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, seconded by Council Member Shelton, to approve Map 203. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, Council Member Shelton, and Council Member Boyle
4 -
No: Council Member Echevarria, Council Member Perez, and Council Member Ornelas3 -
Absent: 0
Clerk's Note: Council took a recess at 8:52 PM and reconvened at 9:06 PM.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items F.5. Award Proposal and Approval of a Statement of Service with
March 7, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Park Planet, in the Amount of $627,205.94, for a Measure Y Funded Project to Replace Playground Equipment at Little Angels Park, 12th & G Street Park, the Love Veasely Family Park, Benjamin Tanager Park, Frederick Douglas Park, Hansen Park, and Santa Fe Strip Park 3, Project No. 122014, F.6. Adoption of Resolution Approving the Administering Agency State Program Supplement No. F036 and Agreement Summary (E-76) for a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Grant CML-5085(059), (Project No. 122066), CMAQ-Traffic Signal Synchronization Project for the Use of $211,365 in CMAQ Grant Funding for Preliminary Engineering for the Traffic Signal Synchronization Project Which Includes Signals on M and R Streets, Olive and Yosemite Avenues, and G Street, North of Yosemite Avenue, F.7. Approval of First Amendment to Agreement for Supplies and Services with Ward Bros. Office Furniture, Inc. to Extend the Term of the Agreement, and F.8. Approval of Agreement with the Merced Main Street Association for $46,370.00 for Services and the Administration of the Downtown Business Improvement Area for Fiscal Year 2021-2022; were pulled for separate consideration.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Mayor Council Member Boyle, seconded by Council Member Echevarria, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, Council Member Echevarria, Council Member Shelton, Council Member Perez, Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.1. SUBJECT: Reading by Title of All Ordinances and Resolutions
REPORT IN BRIEF
Ordinances and Resolutions which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and a summary title may be read with further reading waived.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion waiving the reading of Ordinances and Resolutions, pursuant to Section 412 of the Merced City Charter.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.2. SUBJECT: Information-Only Contracts for the Month of February 2022
March 7, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
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REPORT IN BRIEF
Notification of awarded Non-Public Works contracts under $34,000 and of Public Works contracts under $76,875.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.3. SUBJECT: Information Only - Planning Commission Minutes of February 17, March 3 and 17, April 7 and 21, 2021
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.4. SUBJECT: Approval of Memorandum of Understanding for the Merced County Operational Area Technical Rescue Team (Merced City Fire Department, Merced County Fire Department, Atwater Fire Department, and Los Banos Fire Department)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the authorization to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for the Merced County Operational Area Technical Rescue Team, which is comprised of: Merced City Fire Department, Merced County Fire Department, Atwater Fire Department and the Los Banos Fire Department.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Memorandum of Understanding for the Merced County Operational Area Technical Rescue Team; and,
B. Authorizing the Mayor and the City Manager or the Deputy City Manager to sign the MOU.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.5. SUBJECT: Award Proposal and Approval of a Statement of Service with Park Planet, in the Amount of $627,205.94, for a Measure Y Funded Project to Replace Playground Equipment at Little Angels Park, 12th & G Street Park, the Love Veasely Family Park, Benjamin Tanager Park, Frederick Douglas Park, Hansen Park, and Santa Fe Strip Park 3, Project No. 122014
March 7, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
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REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding a proposal and approving a Statement of Service with Park Planet for a Measure Y funded project to replace playground equipment at seven parks throughout Merced.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding a proposal and approving a Statement of Service with Park Planet in the amount of $627,205.94 for the replacement of playground equipment at seven (7) parks; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents and approve change orders up to 10% of the contract price.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item due to a request from the public.
Fue XIONG, Merced - questioned the cost summary and the use of local workers.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - asked Council to thoroughly review the contracts.
Public Works Director Ken ELWIN clarified the terms and pricing of the contracts.
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, Council Member Echevarria, Council Member Shelton, Council Member Perez, Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
F.6. SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Approving the Administering Agency State Program Supplement No. F036 and Agreement
Summary (E-76) for a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Grant CML-5085(059), (Project No. 122066), CMAQ-Traffic Signal Synchronization Project for the Use of $211,365 in CMAQ Grant Funding for Preliminary Engineering for the Traffic Signal Synchronization Project Which Includes Signals
March 7, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
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on M and R Streets, Olive and Yosemite Avenues, and G Street, North of Yosemite Avenue
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers a resolution approving a California Department of Transportation Program Supplement for the use of $211,365 in CMAQ Grant funding for Preliminary Engineering for the Traffic Signal Synchronization Project. The project consists of the synchronization and upgrading of the traffic controllers of 34 signals These signals are on M street, R Street, Olive Avenue, Yosemite Avenue, and G Street, north of Yosemite Avenue.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2022-12, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving Federal-Aid Projects Program Supplement Agreement No. F036; and,
B. Accepting CMAQ grant funds and increasing revenue in account 450-1104-321-32-00 by $211,365 and appropriating the same to account 450-1104-637-65-00 (Project No. 122066) for preliminary engineering costs associated with design of the Traffic Signal Synchronization Project; and,
C. Approving the use of pooled cash until reimbursement is received from the grant; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item due to a request from the public.
Fue XIONG, Merced - commented on the need for traffic signals in South Merced.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - commented on large truck traffic in the City.
Daniel KAZAKOS, Merced - expressed support for the project.
City Engineer Michael BELTRAN explained the need for the signal synchronization in various parts of the City.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the
March 7, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
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following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, Council Member Shelton, Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle
5 -
No: Council Member Echevarria, and Council Member Perez2 -
Absent: 0
F.7. SUBJECT: Approval of First Amendment to Agreement for Supplies and Services with Ward Bros. Office Furniture, Inc. to Extend the Term of the Agreement
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a First Amendment to Agreement for Supplies and Service with Ward Bros. Office Furniture, Inc. extending the term of the agreement.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving First Amendment to Agreement for Supplies and Services with Ward Bros. Office Furniture extending the term to September 30,2022; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute any necessary contracts or documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item due to a request from the public.
Fue XIONG, Merced - questioned the extension of the contract.
Finance Officer Venus RODRIGUEZ clarified the reason for the extension and new timeline to completion.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, Council Member Echevarria, Council Member Shelton, Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle 6 -
No: Council Member Perez1 -
Absent: 0
F.8. SUBJECT: Approval of Agreement with the Merced Main Street Association for $46,370.00 for Services and the Administration of
March 7, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
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the Downtown Business Improvement Area for Fiscal Year
2021-2022
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving an agreement between the City of Merced and the Merced Main Street Association for $46,370.00 to provide services to the Downtown Business Improvement Area during Fiscal Year 2021-2022.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the agreement with the Merced Main Street Association for Downtown Services for 2021-2022 in the amount of $46,370.00; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Mayor to execute the necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item due to a request from the public.
Gloria SANDOVAL, Merced - questioned the funds for the contract and the reasons for the contract.
Pangcha VANG, Merced - expressed support for the contract.
Daniel KAZAKOS, Merced - expressed support for the contract.
Economic Development Associate Karen BAKER explained the contract.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, Council Member Shelton, and Council Member Boyle
4 -
No: Council Member Echevarria, Council Member Perez, and Council Member Ornelas
3 -
Absent: 0
H. BUSINESS
H.1. SUBJECT: Approval of the City Council FY 2022/23 Goals and Priorities to Include Downtown & Economic Development, Housing & Homelessness, Merced Unity Project, Parks & Recreation, Public
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Safety, Public Works & City Beautification, and Quality of Life
REPORT IN BRIEF
Adoption of the FY 2022/23 Goals and Priorities to include Downtown & Economic Development, Housing & Homelessness, Merced Unity Project, Parks & Recreation, Public Safety, Public Works & City Beautification, and Quality of Life.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving FY 2022/23 Goals and Priorities.
City Manager Stephanie DIETZ gave a brief overview of the 2022/2023 City Council Goals and Priorities document.
Council briefly discussed the potential addition of a cycling event and a jobs apprenticeship program for staff to evaluate.
Fue XIONG, Merced - spoke on the need for more affordable housing and a South Merced development plan.
Pangcha VANG, Merced - requested Council fund an affordable housing trust fund.
Sheng XIONG, Leadership Council - commented on the SB 244 analysis and the need for more affordable housing.
Will KELLY, Merced - spoke about the jobs apprenticeship program.
Lizeth, Merced - spoke about the need for roads and sidewalks in South Merced.
Astrid MORALES, Merced - voiced support for an affordable housing trust fund.
Donna YANCY, Merced - asked for clarification on a new apartment complex management.
Ale JURADO, Merced - asked for an affordable housing trust fund.
Crisantema GALLARDO - asked for an affordable housing trust fund.
Blanca OJEDA, Merced - asked for funding for more affordable housing.
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Daniel KAZAKOS, Merced - expressed support for the direction the Council and City are going.
A motion was made by Council Member Shelton, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. 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: Mayor Pro Tempore Blake1 -
Absent: 0
H.2. SUBJECT: Approval of the Updated 2022-23 Regional, State, and Federal Legislative Platform
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider approving the updated 2022-23 Regional, State, and Federal Legislative Platform.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting the updated 2022-23 Regional, State, and Federal Legislative Platform.
Council and City Manager Stephanie DIETZ briefly discussed the current platform and potential changes in the future.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, seconded by Council Member Ornelas, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, Council Member Echevarria, Council Member Shelton, Council Member Perez, Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
H.3. SUBJECT: Request to Add Item to Future Agenda
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provides members of the City Council to request that an item be placed on a future City Council agenda for initial consideration by the City Council.
Council Member ORNELAS requested a statistical breakdown of 911 calls.
City Manager Stephanie DIETZ stated this would be on an upcoming crime
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report.
H.4. SUBJECT: City Council Comments
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provides an opportunity for the Mayor and/or Council Member(s) to make a brief announcement on any activity(ies) she/he has attended on behalf of the City and to make a brief announcement on future community events and/or activities. The Brown Act does not allow discussion or action by the legislative body under this section.
Council Member ECHEVARRIA commented on a SPCA funding drive.
I. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, Council Member Echevarria, Council Member Perez, Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle 6 -
No: Council Member Shelton1 -
Absent: 0