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/Successor
Agency to the Redevelopment Agency
6:00 PMMonday, May 1, 2023
A. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Council Member Jesse Ornelas, Council Member Sarah Boyle, Council Member Ronnie DeAnda, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 6 -
Mayor Pro Tempore Bertha PerezAbsent: 1 -
B. CLOSED SESSION
Mayor SERRATTO called the Closed Session to Order at 5:05 PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: Two (2) Potential Cases B.2. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION -
Title: City Attorney; Authority: Government Code Section 54957 Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 5:57 PM.
C. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:03 PM.
C.1. Invocation - Ella Luna-Garza, United Methodist Church, Merced The Invocation was delivered by Lamar HENDERSON of Merced County All Dads Matter.
C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Lamar HENDERSON led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
D. ROLL CALL
Clerk's Note: Council Member XIONG arrived to the Regular Meeting at 6:05 PM.
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Council Member Jesse Ornelas, Council Member Sarah Boyle, Council Member Ronnie DeAnda, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 6 -
Mayor Pro Tempore Bertha PerezAbsent: 1 -
D.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.
E. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
There was no report.
F. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
F.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Bike Month
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Mayor SERRATTO presented the Bike Month Proclamation to Lisa KAYSER-GRANT from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission.
F.2. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Mental Health Awareness Month
REPORT IN BRIEF
The Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation will be presented to a representative of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation to Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Kimiko VANG of Merced County.
G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk’s Note: Emails were received for the following agenda item and forwarded to Council prior to the meeting.
Oral Communication: Rick TELEGAN and Jeff HENENFENT.
H. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Rick WENDLING, Merced - spoke on details of the Colorado House Bill
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
231135.
Jean OKUYE, Merced - spoke on details of the Transform Fresno event and the Merced School District's current staffing issue.
Gloria SANDOVAL, Merced - asked Council to consider sending a letter of opposition to the Senate for cutting low-income programs and spoke on the maintenance of the gas station on 21st Street and G Street.
Necola ADAMS, Merced - spoke on Merced County Nut Festival and asked Council for support.
Christan SANTOS, Representative of Congressman John DUARTE - spoke on future floods.
Fernando AGUILERA, President of Albion Soccer Program, Merced - spoke on soccer students continuing their education after High School.
Victoria ESPINOZA, Merced - spoke on her concerns of bullying in the community.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Items I.4. Award Proposal and Approval of a Statement of Service with Park Planet, in the Amount of $343,070.51, for a Measure Y Funded Project to Replace Playground Equipment at Dennis Chavez Memorial Park, Diego Rivera Park, and Charles Richard Drew Park Project No.
CP230009, I.5. Award Bid to T&S Intermodal Maintenance, Inc. DBA T&S West for the Regional Park Restrooms, Project No. CP220013, in the Amount of $458,350, and I.7. Adoption of Resolutions Denying the Appeals Filed by Edwin Kainth, on Behalf of the Hotel Association, and Rajiv “Raj” Pottabathni, on Behalf of JIVA MCE, LLC, of the Planning Commission’s Decision to Approve Commercial Cannabis Business Permit #22-02R to Allow the Operation of a Retail Cannabis Facility at 1111 Motel Drive; were pulled for separate consideration.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Council Member Smith, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez1 -
I.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.
I.2. SUBJECT: Information Only Contracts for the Month of April 2023
REPORT IN BRIEF
Notification of awarded Non-Public Works contracts under $36,000 and of Public Works contracts under $82,718.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.3. SUBJECT: Information Only - Site Plan Review Minutes of March 2, 2023
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.6. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Agreeing to the Increase in Costs for the Multijurisdictional Housing Element
REPORT IN BRIEF
Authorizes the increase in cost by $22,000 for more robust community engagement services from the consultant for the Multijurisdictional Housing Element (MJHE).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
A. Adopting Resolution 2023-27, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, agreeing to the Increase in Cost for the Multi-Jurisdictional Housing Element; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute any related documents necessary for the increase in cost of the MJHE.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.8. SUBJECT: Approval of a Legal Services Agreement with Telecom Law Firm PC in the Amount not to Exceed $50,000 and Approval of Supplemental Appropriation from the Unreserved, Unencumbered General Fund Balance in the Amount of $50,000 Transferring to Fund 7008-Support Services and Appropriating to IT Admin Professional Services
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Legal Services Agreement with the Law Firm Telecom Law Firm PC in the Amount Not to Exceed $50,000 and Approval of Supplemental Appropriation from the Unreserved, Unencumbered General Fund Balance in the Amount of $50,000, Transferring to Fund 7008-Support Services and Appropriating to IT Admin Professional Services
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving A Services Agreement with Telecom Law Firm PC in the amount of $50,000; and,
B. Approving a of Supplemental Appropriation from the Unreserved, Unencumbered General Fund Balance in the Amount of $50,000, transferring to Fund 7008-Support Services and Appropriating to IT Admin Professional Services; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Legal Services Agreement with Telecom Law Firm PC; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
This Consent Item was approved.
I.9. SUBJECT: Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements and Approval of Agreement for an additional $1,600 with Granicus, LLC. to Provide Professional Services for Minor Website and Intranet Cybersecurity Upgrade Totaling Contract Amounts not to Exceed $81,614.33
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to waive the competitive bidding requirement and approving the agreement for an additional $1,600 with Granicus, LLC. to provide professional Services for minor website and intranet cybersecurity upgrade totaling contract amounts not to exceed $81,614.33.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210 due to sole sourcing; and, B. Approving a new agreement with Granicus LLC. in the amount of $1,600 for professional services for minor website and intranet cybersecurity upgrade totaling a not to exceed amount of $81,614.33 for all contracts; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or the Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.4. SUBJECT: Award Proposal and Approval of a Statement of Service with Park Planet, in the Amount of $343,070.51, for a Measure Y Funded Project to Replace Playground Equipment at Dennis Chavez Memorial Park, Diego Rivera Park, and Charles Richard Drew Park Project No. CP230009
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 three parks throughout Merced.
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding a proposal and approving a Statement of Service with Park Planet in the amount of $343,070.51 for the replacement of playground equipment at three (3) 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 at the request of staff.
Clerk's Note: Council Member DEANDA recused himself due to the proximity of his home.
Clerk’s Note: There was no Council discussion.
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, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez1 -
Abstain: Council Member DeAnda1 -
I.7. SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolutions Denying the Appeals Filed by Edwin Kainth, on Behalf of the Hotel Association, and Rajiv “Raj” Pottabathni, on Behalf of JIVA MCE, LLC, of the Planning Commission’s Decision to Approve Commercial Cannabis Business Permit #22-02R to Allow the Operation of a Retail Cannabis Facility at 1111 Motel Drive
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provides Resolutions for adoption confirming the denial of the appeals filed by Edwin Kainth, on behalf of the Hotel Association and Raj Pottabathni, on behalf of JIVA MCE, LLC, of the Planning Commission’s approval of Commercial Cannabis Business Permit (CCBP) #22-02R per City Council action on April 3, and 17, 2023.
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2023-32, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, denying an appeal by Edwin Kainth, on behalf of the Motel Association concerning the action of the Planning Commission resulting in the approval of Commercial Cannabis Business Permit #22-02R, and making certain findings in connection therewith; and,
B. Adopting Resolution 2023-33, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, denying an appeal by Rajiv “Raj” J.
Pottabathni, on behalf of JIVA MCE, LLC, concerning the action of the Planning Commission resulting in the approval of Commercial Cannabis Business Permit #22-02R, and making certain findings in connection therewith.
Clerk's Note: Agenda Item I.7. was heard before Agenda Item I.5.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member SMITH and the public.
Clerk's Note: Council Member DEANDA recused himself due to being a member of the Planning Commission when the matter was heard.
Clerk's Note: The following comment was received via voicemail.
Madeline HARRIS, Merced - spoke on annexing areas in Merced.
Clerk's Note: The following speakers appeared in person.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - spoke in opposition of cannabis and urged Council to recant denial.
Council Member SMITH requested separate votes for Resolutions and spoke on details of the proposed Resolutions.
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Council Member Ornelas, adopting Resolution 2023-32, denying an appeal by Edwin Kainth.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, and Council Member Xiong
4 -
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
No: Council Member Smith1 -
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez1 -
Abstain: Council Member DeAnda1 -
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Boyle, adopting Resolution 2023-33, denying an appeal by JIVA MCE, LLC. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez1 -
Abstain: Council Member DeAnda1 -
I.5. SUBJECT: Award Bid to T&S Intermodal Maintenance, Inc. DBA T&S West for the Regional Park Restrooms, Project No. CP220013, in the Amount of $458,350
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding a Construction Contract to T&S Intermodal Maintenance, Inc. DBA T&S West, in the amount of $458,350 for the Regional Park Restrooms Project.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the Regional Park Restroom, Project No. CP220013 to T&S Intermodal Maintenance, Inc. DBA T&S West, in the amount of $458,350; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve change orders not to exceed 10% of the total contract.
Clerk's Note: Agenda Item I.7. was heard before Agenda Item I.5.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at his own request.
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Council, City Surveyor Joe CARDOSO, Assistant Engineer Vannesa MENDOZA, and City Manager Stephanie DIETZ discussed the bid results, funds for different parks, and details of the parks restroom project.
A motion was made by Council Member Ornelas, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
6 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez1 -
J. PUBLIC HEARINGS
J.1. SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider General Plan Amendment #22-03, Initiated by Eric Pluim on Behalf of Gateway Park Development Partners, LLC.; This Application Involves a Request to Change the General Plan Roadway Classification from Divided Arterial to Collector for a Portion of Mission Avenue from Coffee Street East to the End of the City Limits at Tower Road (Extended)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Request for City Council approval of a General Plan Amendment to amend the roadway classification from Divided Arterial to Collector in the General Plan Circulation Element for a portion of Mission Avenue.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopting Resolution 2023-31, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving an Addendum to the General Plan EIR (Environmental Review #22-25) and General Plan Amendment #22-03 Changing the Roadway Classification from Divided Arterial to Collector for a Portion of Mission Avenue from Coffee Street East to the End of the City Limits at Tower Road (Extended).
Senior Planner Julie NELSON gave a slideshow presentation on the General Plan Amendment #22-03 on Mission Avenue.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 7:00 PM.
John KINSEY, Merced - spoke in support of the project and thanked City staff and the applicant.
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Mayor SERRATTO closed the Public Hearing at 7:01 PM.
Council and Mrs. NELSON discussed the street layout and details of developer costs.
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Council Member Smith, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, and Council Member Smith
4 -
No: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Xiong2 -
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez1 -
J.2. SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider the Annexation of Certain Property into Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2003-2 (Services), Calling and Holding a Special Election for Annexation No. 23 into CFD No. 2003-2 (Services; Canvassing the Results of the Election Held within Annexation No. 23 of Said District, and Annexing Annexation No. 23 to Said District and Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax Within Said Annexation No. 23. Annexation No. 23 Consists of Approximately 8.16 Acres of Land Generally Located at the Southwest Corner of Campus Parkway and Coffee Street
REPORT IN BRIEF
Hold a public hearing and election for annexation into Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services) for the approximately 8.16 acres of land generally located at the southwest corner of Campus Parkway and Coffee Street.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Holding a Public Hearing on the annexation of certain property into the CFD and the levy of special taxes; and,
B. Adopting Resolution 2023-28, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, acting as the Legislative Body of the Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services) of the City of Merced determining the validity of prior proceedings, calling special election related to Annexation No. 23; and,
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
C. Holding an election; and,
D. Adopting Resolution 2023-29, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced acting as the Legislative Body of the Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services) of the City of Merced canvassing the results of the election held within Annexation No. 23 of said District; and, E. Adopting Resolution 2023-30, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced acting as the Legislative Body of the Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services) of the City of Merced, annexing Annexation No. 23 to said district and authorizing the levy of a special tax within said Annexation No. 23.
Associate Planner Francisco MENDOZA gave a slideshow presentation on an area being annexed into the Community Facilities District 2003-2 (Services) and briefly described the process.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 7:11 PM and subsequently closed the Public Hearing at 7:11 PM due to lack of public comments.
Clerk's Note: There was no Council discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Council Member Smith, to approve Resolution 2023-28. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
6 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez1 -
Assistant City Clerk Jennifer LEVESQUE opened the ballot and announced that the ballot was in favor of annexation into the CFD.
A motion was made by Council Member Ornelas, seconded by Council Member Smith, approving Resolution 2023-29 and Resolution 2023-30. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
6 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez1 -
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
J.3. SUBJECT: Public Hearing - Receipt of Public Comment Regarding the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2023 Annual Action Plan; Extension of the Public Review and Comment Period; and, Continue the Public Hearing and Anticipated Approval of the Annual Action Plan to the June 5, 2023, City Council Meeting
REPORT IN BRIEF
This report requests that the City Council open the public hearing for the Annual Action Plan, extend the public review and comment period, and continue the public hearing to the City Council meeting of June 5, 2023.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council -
A. Open the Public Hearing to receive new public comment regarding the Draft 2023 Annual Action Plan; and,
B. Adopt a motion continuing the Public Hearing to the June 5, 2023, City Council meeting and extending the ongoing 30-Day Public Review and Comment Period to May 15, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Housing Program Supervisor Kim NUTT gave a slideshow presentation on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2023 Annual Action Plan public comment.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 7:17 PM.
Pangcha VANG, Merced - asked for information on previous Public Hearing and report items and suggested to allocate funds to create parks.
Mayor SERRATTO closed the Public Hearing at 7:19 PM.
Council, Ms. NUTT, Director of Development Services Scott MCBRIDE, and City Manager Stephanie DIETZ discussed prior public hearing publications, the project list, funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and the Annual Action Plan finalization process.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Ornelas, to continue the Public Hearing and extend public review and comment period until May 15, 2023 at 5 PM. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
6 -
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez1 -
K. REPORTS
Clerk's Note: Council took a recess at 7:28 PM and returned at 7:37 PM K.1. SUBJECT: Report on the Implementation of the City Council Adopted American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Strategic Investment Plan, Including Seeking Direction on Program Elements for the Stimulus Program, Utility Bill Relief Program and Other Reinvestment Options
REPORT IN BRIEF
Report on the implementation of the City Council adopted American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Strategic Investment Plan, including seeking direction from the City Council on program elements as they relate to the Stimulus Program, Utility Bill Relief Program, and other Reinvestment options the continued impact of COVID-19 to essential services.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide staff direction on program elements and reinvestment options related to the implementation of the ARPA Strategic Investment Plan and continued impact of COVID-19 to essential services.
City Manager Stephanie DIETZ briefly introduced the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Strategic Investment Plan.
Erick SERRATTO, Merced County Department of Workforce Investment, Merced - gave a slideshow presentation updating Council on the Merced Youth Job Program.
Council and Mr. SERRATTO discussed the outreach to undocumented youth, grants the Merced Youth Job Program has received, allocation of funds, and the progress of youth in the program.
Mrs. DIETZ gave a slideshow presentation on the ARPA Strategic Investment Plan and gave Council an update on ARPA funded projects.
Council, Mrs. DIETZ, Director of Development Services Scott MCBRIDE, and Director of Information Technology Jeff BENNYHOFF discussed housing projects using ARPA funds, reallocating ARPA funds, and funding details of the Broadband Project.
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Clerk's Note: The following comments were received via voicemail.
Astrid MORALES, Merced - spoke on the importance of continuing to allocate funds to youth programs.
Miranda GRISWOLD, Merced - spoke in support of allocating remaining funds to the Utility Relief Program and additional funds to the Youth Job Program.
Clerk's Note: The following speakers appeared in person.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - spoke on street and road maintenance funding and bringing local businesses.
Gloria SANDOVAL, Merced - spoke in support of more youth jobs and suggested to create a hot-line where citizens can report incidents in Merced.
Mrs. DIETZ stated that citizens can call the Merced Police Department non-emergency line or report incidents on the Merced Connect Application.
Tom SIVERLY, Merced United Soccer Board, Merced - asked if there were additional funds for lighting at McNamara Park.
Fernando AGUILERA, Merced - spoke on the importance of soccer in the community and asked for more soccer fields and lighting.
Josue HERRERA, Merced - proposed an option for water conservation to Council and spoke in support of youth jobs.
Pangcha VANG, Merced - asked for updates on remaining programs funded by ARPA, spoke on making parks more accessible to the community, and in support of youth job programs.
Crisantema GALLARDO, Merced - voiced support to allocate ARPA funds to the Youth Job Program.
Ale, Merced - spoke in support of the Youth Job Program.
Council, Mrs. DIETZ, Finance Officer Venus RODRIGUEZ, Interim City Attorney Travis LINDSEY discussed details of the Utility Relief Program,
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
the amount of utility accounts in the Census track, the remaining balance to allocate, Council's general support for different programs, details of the Stimulus Program, community outreach efforts, details of the motion, and whether to reconsider the motion.
Council agreed to direct staff to allocate $1 million to affordable housing, allocate $3.35 million to Community Park 42, leave the Utility Relief Program open with remaining amount of $810,111, receive an update on the census track in six months, allocate $1.175 milion to jobs program, and allocating $425,000 to the Applegate Restrooms Project.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, and Council Member Smith
4 -
No: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Xiong2 -
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez1 -
L. BUSINESS
L.1. 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 to discuss a proposed Citizenship Campaign Program for youth in Merced and utilizing the Block Party Trailer for events at the first Council meeting in June.
Council Member XIONG requested to discuss the Right-to-Counsel policies at the second Council meeting in June.
L.2. 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.
May 1, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Council Member BOYLE reported on attending the Fire OPS 101 event.
Council Member SMITH reported on attending the Small Selection Committee meeting, the Fire OPS 101 event, a round of Police Chief interviews, the Merced Lao New Year event, and congratulated all the children at the play-offs.
Council Member ORNELAS reported on attending the Boys and Girls Club Gala and the Merced Lao New Year event.
Council Member DEANDA reported on meeting with the Realtors Association, speaking at the Boys and Girls Club, the Justice League, attending the Fire OPS 101 event, and the Merced Lao New Year event.
Mayor SERRATTO reported on speaking at the Merced High School Election Convention, attended the King Center Grand Opening, the Transit Center with The Bus, the Homekey Conference, and various events in Downtown Merced.
M. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 10:09 PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Ornelas, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this Regular Meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
6 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez1 -