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, April 18, 2022
A. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Kevin Blake, Council Member Fernando Echevarria, Council Member Delray Shelton, Council Member Jesse Ornelas, and Council Member Sarah Boyle
Present: 6 -
Council Member Bertha PerezAbsent: 1 -
B. CLOSED SESSION
Mayor SERRATTO called the Closed Session to order at 5:02 PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT - TITLE: City Attorney; AUTHORITY: Government Code 54957
B.2. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2): (1) Threat of Litigation
Council adjourned from Closed Session at 5:30 PM.
C. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR RECEPTION (5:30 PM)
Clerk's Note: Council hosted a reception for the Volunteer of the Year nominees from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
D. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:02 PM.
D.1. Invocation - Pastor Al Schaap, Gateway Church Merced The invocation was delivered by Pastor Joel DORMAN from First Baptist Church Merced.
D.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Council Member ECHEVARRIA led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
E. ROLL CALL
April 18, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
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Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Kevin Blake, Council Member Fernando Echevarria, Council Member Delray Shelton, Council Member Jesse Ornelas, and Council Member Sarah Boyle
Present: 6 -
Council Member Bertha PerezAbsent: 1 -
E.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.
F. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
There was no report but Mayor SERRATTO stated that Council would return to Closed Session at the end of the Regular Meeting.
G. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
G.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Arbor Day
REPORT IN BRIEF
Mayor Serratto will present the proclamation.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Arbor Day proclamation to Angel NUNEZ from the City's tree division.
G.2. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Lao New Year
REPORT IN BRIEF
Mayor Serratto will present the proclamation to a member of the Lao Community.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Lao New Year proclamation to members of the Lao community.
G.3. SUBJECT: City Council Volunteer of the Year Awards
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Members nominated a volunteer within their district and the Mayor nominated one at-large volunteer to highlight those who have given back to their community.
Mayor SERRATTO briefly described the Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Clerk's Note: Each Council Member presented awards to individual volunteers within their districts.
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District 1 - Corey MCCULLOUGH
District 2 - Erin MEYER and the Peoples Pantry
District 3 - Pastor Ella LUNA-GARZA
District 4 - Mike HARRIS
District 5 - Anissa FRAGOSO
District 6 - Kids Discovery Station
At-Large - The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Council thanked all of the volunteers for all of their efforts to improve the community.
H. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
H.1. SUBJECT: Merced County Sheriff’s Department Presentation on the Trap and Release Program
REPORT IN BRIEF
Presentation from the Merced County Sheriff’s Department on the Trap and Release Program.
Merced Sheriff Captain Aaron ROSENBURG introduced National Embed Program Manager Destiny HANEY who gave a presentation on the Trap and Release program for cats currently being implemented by Merced County.
I. 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 - Steven DONAHUE and Lily WALKER.
Item L.1. - Jonathon SANDOVAL.
J. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk's Note: The following comments were received via voicemail.
Lynn BARRERA, Merced - commented on a new animal shelter, a trap and release program, and traffic issues.
Steven DONAHUE - commented on Advanced Air ticket pricing.
Debra HAAR, Merced - commented on the conduct of Council Member ORNELAS.
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Sandy GONZALES, Merced - commented on the conduct of Council Member ORNELAS.
Anonymous caller - commented on the conduct of Council Member ORNELAS.
Clerk's Note: The following speakers appeared in person.
Dr. Timothy JOHNSTON, Merced - commented on a problem with a cat colony at one of his office locations.
Darlene INGERSOLL, Merced County Registrar of Voters - commented on the upcoming elections and changes to local districts.
Josh PEDROZO, Merced County Supervisor - commented on a community town hall meeting.
Jennifer MCQUEEN, Executive Director of the Merced Pride Center - asked Council to support National Pride Month by raising the Pride Progress Flag in Bob Hart Square.
Eddie RODRIGUEZ, Merced - commented on the open call for art done by the City.
Patricia PRATT, Merced - commented on her mural work in the City and her recent submission to the open call for art.
Pangcha VANG, Merced - commented on recent pedestrian deaths and asked for a moment of silence.
Jason TUCKER, Merced - commented on numerous cats near a new medical office.
Sheng XIONG, Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability - requested more information on a potential tax measure being placed on the ballot.
Angela LARA, Merced - spoke about her retirement from the school district.
Anonymous speaker - spoke about the cost of contracting attorney services for the City.
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Rick WENDLING, Merced - commented on state and federal regulations during the pandemic.
K. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items K.5. Approval of Supplemental Appropriations / Budget Modifications Totaling $750,000 from Various Division Budgets to Fund 670-Fleet Management Vehicle Fuel Expense Account to Cover Funding Shortage Through June 30, 2022, K.6. Approval of an Agreement for Professional Services with Donlee Pump Company, Inc., for the Replacement of Diesel Fuel Dispensing Equipment at the City of Merced Corporation Yard in a Total Amount not to Exceed $114,000, and K.13.
Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Vela Strategic Marketing & Public Relations for Marketing of the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport in an Amount Not to Exceed $69,975.00; were pulled for separate consideration.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Council Member Echevarria, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, 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 Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member Perez1 -
K.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.
K.2. SUBJECT: Information Only - Planning Commission Minutes of November 3, and December 8, 2021 and January 19, 2022
RECOMMENDATION
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For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
K.3. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2022
REPORT IN BRIEF
Official adoption of previously held meeting minutes.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council/Public Financing and Economic
Development/Parking Authority - Adopt a motion approving the meeting minutes of March 7, 2022.
This Consent Item was approved.
K.4. SUBJECT: Authorization to Waive the Competitive Bidding Process to Allow Piggybacking onto Fresno County Agreement No. 17-446 and Approval of Agreements with CORE Spaces and Design for Updating City of Merced Office Space at 1735 M Street in a not to Exceed Amount of $277,712.89
REPORT IN BRIEF
Authorization to waive the competitive bidding and approve agreements with CORE Spaces and Design for updating the City of Merced office space at 1735 M Street not to exceed $277,712.89.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bid requirements as stated in Section 3.04.210 of the Merced Municipal Code due to piggybacking; and,
B. Approving the Supplies and Services Agreement with Core Spaces and Design in an amount not to exceed $277,712.89; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute all necessary documents; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make necessary budget adjustments.
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This Consent Item was approved.
K.7. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Adopting the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adoption of a resolution adopting the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) for the County of Merced, and Cities of Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos and Merced.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2022-16, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, adopting the Merced County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
This Consent Item was approved.
K.8. SUBJECT: Approval to Accept and Appropriate $13,000 in the Fiscal Year 2020 State Homeland Security Grant Program
(SHSGP) Funds and Authorization to Purchase and Install Four (4) Vehicular Repeaters for the Fire Department
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting and appropriating $13,000 of Fiscal Year 2020 SHSGP Grant for the purchase and installation of four (4) vehicular repeaters for the Fire Department and using pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting $13,000 of Fiscal Year 2020 SHSGP grant funds to account 001-0901-324.02-00 Other State Grants; and,
B. Appropriating $13,000 to account 001-0901-522.26-00 Supplies and Services / Other Equipment O & M to purchase the mobile repeaters, accessories, installation and,
C. Authorizing the City to purchase requested radio equipment through Ten-Four Communications for equipment costs not to exceed $13,000; and,
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D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute any necessary contracts or documents needed related to this report.
This Consent Item was approved.
K.9. SUBJECT: Approval of City-Owned Real Property Use Request #22-04 by the Regents of the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) for the Use of Bob Hart Square Park to Host the Class of 2022 Graduation Reception, Which Includes Serving Alcohol, on Friday, May 6, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a request by UC Merced allowing the exclusive use of Bob Hart Square Park on Friday, May 6, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (event time 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.), for the Graduating Class of 2022’s graduation reception, which includes the serving of alcohol.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the exclusive use of Bob Hart Square Park on Friday, May 6, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., for a graduation reception (including the serving of alcohol); subject to the conditions outlined in the administrative report.
This Consent Item was approved.
K.10. SUBJECT: Approval to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) From the Homekey Program in the Amount of $4,420,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider accepting and appropriating grant funds from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) from the Homekey Program in the amount of $4,420,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting Homekey grant funds in the amount of $4,420,000; and,
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B. Increasing revenue account 097-1301-324-02-00 in the amount of $4,420,000 and appropriating the same to 097-1301-512-17-00 for expenditures; and,
C. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute all documents, including any amendments.
This Consent Item was approved.
K.11. SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution of Intent Regarding Annexation No. 20 into Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2003-2 (Services) for Approximately 15.93 Acres of Land Located at the Northeast Corner of El Redondo Drive (Extended) and Monaco Drive and Setting a Public Hearing for May 2, 2022
REPORT IN BRIEF
Requests the City Council to adopt a Resolution of Intent to annex 15.93 acres of land located at the northeast corner of El Redondo Drive (extended) and Monaco Drive into Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2003-2 (Services) and set a public hearing for May 2, 2022.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2022-20, a Resolution of Intention of the City Council of the City of Merced, acting as the Legislative Body of the City of Merced Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services), declaring its intention to annex area to said district and authorize the levy of a special tax within said annexation and approving a certain agreement related thereto; and,
B. Setting the Public Hearing for May 2, 2022; and,
C. Accepting the Petition, Consent and Waiver from Stonefield Home, Inc.; and,
D. Accepting the deposit amount of $25,000 in Fund 150, increasing the revenue and appropriating the same to cover the cost of Community
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Facilities District formation and related expenditures; and, E. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement.
This Consent Item was approved.
K.12. SUBJECT: Approval of Additional Contingency in the Amount of $6,589.50 for Additional Work Which is Reflected in the Final Change Order #4 with Agee Construction Corporation for V Street Improvements - 16th Street to 18th Street, Project No. 117038 Which will be the Final Increase for the Project in Order to Close out the Project
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving an increase to the contingency in the amount of $6,589.50 for City Project No. 117038 - V Street Improvements, 16th Street to 18th Street and Change Order #4 with Agee Construction Corporation. This increase will be the Final increase for the project in order to close out the project.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve change orders with Agee Construction Corporation up to a total contingency amount of $61,703.03 including an increase in contingency of $6,589.50.
This Consent Item was approved.
K.14. SUBJECT: Approval of a Lease Agreement for the 27th and K (Central) Youth Center with Restorative Justice League for Afterschool Youth Programming for a One Year Term with an Option to Extend the Term for an Additional Two Years
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers a lease agreement for the 27th and K (Central) Youth Center to Restorative Justice League for afterschool youth programming.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a lease agreement with Restorative Justice League for
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afterschool youth programming at the Central Youth Center for a one-year term; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
K.15. SUBJECT: Approval of a Professional Service Agreement with the County of Merced to Administer the Youth Jobs Program Using American Rescue Plan Act Funding in an Amount of $1,025,000 Over Two Years and a Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $25,000 from Fund 087-American Rescue Plan Act
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council directed staff to use a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act allocation for a youth job training program that provides young people with paid work experience supported by career guidance and skills development. The proposed agreement is with the County of Merced via their Department of Workforce Investment to provide the program over two years for a total of $1,025,000.00.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a Motion:
A. Approving a Supplemental Appropriation from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in Fund 087-American Rescue Plan Act in the amount of $25,000; and,
B. Approving the Professional Services Agreement between the City of Merced and County of Merced to provide a youth job training program over the next two years in an amount not to exceed $1,025,000.00; and, C. Approving the use of the Stephen Leonard Park Community Center to house the program subject to a future Lease Agreement; and, D. Authorizing the City Manager or the Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
K.5. SUBJECT: Approval of Supplemental Appropriations / Budget Modifications Totaling $750,000 from Various Division Budgets to Fund 670-Fleet Management Vehicle Fuel Expense Account to
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Cover Funding Shortage Through June 30, 2022
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers transferring $750,000 from various divisions to Fund 670-Fleet Management and appropriating in the Vehicle Fuel expense account to cover the funding shortage through June 30, 2022.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a supplemental appropriation from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in the General Fund in the amount of $71,480 for the Fire Department; and,
B. Approving the transfer of $750,000 from various divisions to Fleet Fund 670 and appropriating the same to Vehicle Fuel expense account 670-1103-532.33-00; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item due to a request from the public.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - commented on the cost of gasoline due to various factors.
Fue XIONG, Merced - questioned the amount of the requested increase.
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: 0
Absent: Council Member Perez1 -
K.6. SUBJECT: Approval of an Agreement for Professional Services with Donlee Pump Company, Inc., for the Replacement of Diesel Fuel Dispensing Equipment at the City of Merced Corporation Yard in a Total Amount not to Exceed $114,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving an agreement for professional services with
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Donlee Pump Company, Inc., for replacement of diesel fuel dispensing equipment at the City of Merced Corporation Yard for a total amount not to exceed $114,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving an agreement for professional services with Donlee Pump Company, Inc., in the amount not to exceed $114,000 for Replacement of Diesel Fuel Dispensing Equipment at the City of Merced Corporation Yard; and,
B. Authorizing contract amendments not to exceed 10% of the total contract amount; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to sign the necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item due to a request from the public.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - asked about the need for a new pump.
Public Works Operations Manager Wally BROUGHTON stated that the equipment was outdated and needed replacement.
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, 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 Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member Perez1 -
K.13. SUBJECT: Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Vela Strategic Marketing and Public Relations for Marketing of the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport in an Amount not to Exceed $69,975.00
REPORT IN BRIEF
Professional Services Agreement for consultant services for marketing of the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
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A. Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Vela Strategic Marketing & Public Relations in the amount of $69,975.00; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item due to a request from the public.
Fue XIONG, Merced - asked about the funding source and purpose of the contract.
Deputy City Manager Frank QUINTERO stated that the contract was to market the airport as a whole and that Advanced Air would have their own marketing campaign.
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Council Member Echevarria, 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: 0
Absent: Council Member Perez1 -
L. PUBLIC HEARINGS
L.1. SUBJECT: Public Hearing - General Plan Amendment #21-03 to Change the General Plan Land Use Designation from Neighborhood Commercial (CN) to Low-Medium Density (LMD) Residential and Zone Change #429 to Change the Zoning Designation from Planned Development (P-D) #73 to Residential Planned Development (RP-D) #63 to Allow the Construction of Single-Family Homes, Initiated by Peter Lau on Behalf of Bellevue Ranch Paseo, LLC, for Approximately
8.5 Acres of Land Generally Located at the Northeast Corner of Bellevue Road and Barclay Way
REPORT IN BRIEF
Request for City Council to consider changing the General Plan land use designation from Neighborhood Commercial (CN) to Low-Medium Density (LMD) Residential and changing the Zoning from Planned Development (P-D #73) to Residential Planning Development (RP-D) #63, including an Environmental Review and Legislative Action Agreement for approximately
8.5 acres of land generally located at the northeast corner of Bellevue Road and Barclay Way.
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RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2022-19, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving Environmental Review #21-47 (CEQA Section 15162 Findings) for General Plan Amendment #21-03 and Zone Change #429 for approximately 8.5 acres of land generally located at the northeast corner of Bellevue Road and Barclay Way and approving General Plan Amendment #21-03 for the same property changing the General Plan designation from Neighborhood Commercial (CN) to Low-Medium Density (LMD) Residential; and,
B. Introducing Ordinance 2539, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, amending the Official Zoning Map by rezoning approximately 8.5 acres of land generally located on the northeast corner of Bellevue Road and Barclay Way from Planned Development (P-D) #73 to Residential Planned Development (RP-D) #63; and,
C. Approving the Legislative Action Agreement and authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Development Services Director Scott MCBRIDE gave a presentation to Council regarding changing the General Plan land use designation from Neighborhood Commercial (CN) to Low-Medium Density (LMD) Residential and changing the Zoning from Planned Development (P-D #73) to Residential Planning Development (RP-D) #63 for approximately 8.5 acres of land generally located at the northeast corner of Bellevue Road and Barclay Way.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 8:08 PM.
Fue XIONG, Merced - commented on the density of the project and the need for more affordable housing.
Sheng XIONG, Leadership Council - spoke about the exemptions in the affordable housing resolution passed by Council.
Peter LAU, applicant - briefly spoke about the project.
Mayor SERRATTO closed the Public Hearing at 8:14 PM.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, seconded by Council Member Shelton, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, Council Member Echevarria, Council Member Shelton, and Council Member Boyle
5 -
No: Council Member Ornelas1 -
Absent: Council Member Perez1 -
M. REPORTS
M.1. SUBJECT: Report and Request for City Council Direction on the Main Street One-Way Pilot Program and Downtown Merced Circulation Traffic Impact Analysis
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff received the Final Traffic Impact and Parking Analysis for the Downtown One-Way Program. The analysis evaluated the circulation of traffic in the downtown corridor and provides recommendations to implement a permanent one-way street on Main Street from Martin Luther King Jr. Way to O Street. Traffic will also flow in the West bound direction.
Additionally, the analysis provides recommendations to increase parking in the downtown area from G Street to R Street along Main Street and 18th Street. A minimum of 96 additional parking stalls would be created from implementation of the recommendations
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a Motion:
A. Providing direction to staff regarding transitioning W. Main Street from Martin Luther King Jr. Way to O Street to one-way traffic and adding diagonal parking; and,
B. Providing direction to staff regarding transitioning Canal Street from W. 18th Street to W. Main Street to one-way traffic flow and adding diagonal parking; and,
C. Providing direction to staff regarding transitioning Main Street from O Street to R Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way to G Street to two-way traffic flow (4-lanes to 2-lanes) and adding diagonal parking; and, D. Providing direction to staff regarding All-Way Crossing.
City Engineer Michael BELTRAN gave a slideshow presentation to City Council on the Main Street One-Way Pilot Program and Downtown Merced
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circulation traffic impact analysis which included the recommended traffic flow direction, the increased number of parking stalls, and a new pedestrian crossing.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - suggested wide parking spaces.
Lisa KAISER-GRANT, Merced - expressed concern for bicyclist safety and requested an increase in bike parking.
Council, Mr. BELTRAN and City Manager Stephanie DIETZ discussed funding for the project, the change of traffic flow direction, the "scramble" pedestrian crossing being recommended, bike safety, and the size of the parking spaces.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this agenda item be approved as recommended by staff with the exception of the "scramble" pedestrian crossing and to make the plan bicycle friendly. 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: 0
Absent: Council Member Perez1 -
M.2. SUBJECT: Review and Approve the Recommended Allocations of American Rescue Plan Act to Non-Profit Organizations
REPORT IN BRIEF
Review and approve the recommended allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated to Non-Profit Support as part of the approved City Council ARPA Strategic Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide staff direction on program elements and operational needs related to the implementation of the ARPA Strategic Investment Plan and continued impact of COVID-19 to essential services.
City Manager Stephanie DIETZ briefly described the RFP process and the review by the Council subcommittee.
Council discussed the proposals and the allocation of the funding.
Kendra SINGER, Merced - spoke about the Educare Program.
Cha XIONG, representing Merced Lao Family - spoke about their proposal
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for ARPA funding.
Fue XIONG, Merced - expressed concern with the funding allocation.
Council discussed the allocation to the various groups.
A motion was made by Council Member Shelton, 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 Shelton, Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle
5 -
No: Council Member Echevarria1 -
Absent: Council Member Perez1 -
M.3. SUBJECT: Report for Discussion and to Provide Direction on the Advance Peace Program
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff to provide a brief report on Advance Peace and possible next steps regarding the implementation of a violence prevention program. Staff are seeking City Council discussion and direction on next steps.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council to receive the report on Advance Peace and provide Staff direction on next steps.
City Manager Stephanie DIETZ gave a slideshow presentation report on Advance Peace and possible next steps regarding the implementation of a violence prevention program.
Council discussed the program, the goals of the program, the focus of the program, and the need for a law enforcement component.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - expressed support for more law enforcement and incarceration penalties.
Ortensia VASQUEZ, Merced - suggested that violence prevention starts in the home.
Council discussed the program further, the allocated funding, the effectiveness of the program, doing a request for proposals, and completing the site assessment to see if the program fits with the City.
A motion was made by Council Member Ornelas, seconded by Council Member Echevarria, to complete the site assessment. The motion carried by the following
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vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Echevarria, Council Member Shelton, Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle
5 -
No: Mayor Pro Tempore Blake1 -
Absent: Council Member Perez1 -
N. BUSINESS
N.1. SUBJECT: Discussion and Direction Regarding Commercial Truck Parking Alternatives
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff is seeking direction from the City Council regarding commercial truck parking alternatives including allowing commercial truck parking in the Airport Industrial Park, partnerships/agreements for the construction and use of parking lots, and referrals to existing truck parking yards.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff regarding the commercial truck parking alternatives.
Deputy City Manager Frank QUINTERO briefly discussed the previous Council direction to review truck parking in the airport industrial park area, other potential truck parking areas, and existing truck parking lots near the City.
Council briefly discussed truck parking.
Sheng XIONG, Merced - commented on the location of truck parking in low income neighborhoods.
Fue XIONG, Merced - commented on truck parking and pollution in disadvantaged communities.
A motion was made by Council Member Echevarria, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, to take no further action on this item. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, Council Member Echevarria, Council Member Shelton, Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle
5 -
No: Mayor Serratto1 -
Absent: Council Member Perez1 -
N.2. SUBJECT: Request to Add Item to Future Agenda
April 18, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
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 ECHEVARRIA requested an item to discuss abandoning some alleyways and creating new cul de sacs on the July 5, 2022 meeting.
Council Member ORNELAS requested an item to discuss the display of the Pride Progress Flag to be expedited to the first meeting in May.
A motion was made by Council Member Ornelas, seconded by Council Member Echevarria, to expedite his item to the first meeting in May. 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: 0
Absent: Council Member Perez1 -
N.3. 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 BOYLE commented on attending the Merced County Association of Realtors Dinner and the City/County Dinner.
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned back into Closed Session at 10:12 PM.
Clerk's Note: Council Member ORNELAS left the Closed Session at 10:25 PM.
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 10:41 PM.
Mayor SERRATTO reported that the Council voted unanimously (6-0, PEREZ absent) to appoint the law firm of Lozano Smith as the City Attorney effective immediately, gave authority to the City Manager to negotiate and finalize a written agreement for services, subject to approval as to form of the current Interim City Attorney with the following terms:
April 18, 2022City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Effective Date: Will be effective immediately, subject to ratification at the next Regular City Council Meeting.
Term: Initial term of one year with options to extend for at least two additional two year terms.
Rate: 250 hours per month at the standard hourly rate of $250 per hour.
Hours exceeding 250 are subject to approval by the City Manager but may not exceed 300 hours per month.
Quarterly evaluations will be performed by the City Council.
O. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 10:43 PM.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Blake, Council Member Echevarria, Council Member Shelton, and Council Member Boyle
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member Perez, and Council Member Ornelas2 -