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, July 17, 2023
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
A.1. Invocation - Ella Luna-Garza, United Methodist Church, Merced There was no Invocation.
A.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Mayor SERRATTO led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
B. ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Bertha Perez, Council Member Jesse Ornelas, Council Member Sarah Boyle, Council Member Ronnie DeAnda, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
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. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
C.1. SUBJECT: Presentation from Merced County on Castle Inland Port
REPORT IN BRIEF
A presentation will be given by Merced County to give a Community Update on the Castle Inland Port.
Merced County Supervisor Josh PEDROZO, County Executive Officer Raul MENDEZ, and Assistant County Executive Officer Mark HENDRICKSON gave a slideshow presentation on a community update for the Castle Inland Port.
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Council and Mr. HENDRICKSON discussed Merced County's regional competitors, relationship with Port of LA, items coming in and out of port benefits, job prediction, and local traffic in surrounding areas.
D. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk's Note: Emails were received for the following agenda item and forwarded to Council prior to the meeting.
Oral Communications: Jerry PEREZCHICA and Khi MOUA
Agenda Item G.1.: Raj POTTABTHNI and Bret ROSOL
E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Steven GRAHAM, Merced - congratulated Council on the murals under the 99 Freeway.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - spoke on the valley's air quality and the state and federal debt.
James REESE, Merced - spoke on a Professional Services Agreement that was approved by Council at a previous meeting and asked about tree planting efforts.
Mayor SERRATTO referred James REESE to a staff member.
Christian SANTOS, Merced - spoke on Agriculture Act passed by Congressman John DUARTE.
Necola ADAMS, Merced - spoke on the Merced County Nut Festival and requested to place this event on the City's website.
Cheryl GRANT, Merced - spoke on behalf of her friend, Joe JAMES, and asked Council to assist in providing him a vehicle so he can continue volunteer work throughout Merced County.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
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 - Planning Commission Minutes of January 18, 2023, and June 7, 2023
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.3. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority Meeting Minutes of July 3, 2023
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 July 3, 2023.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.4. SUBJECT: Authorization to Modify the Personnel/Budget Allocation in the City Attorney’s Department to Add One Chief Deputy City
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Attorney Position, to Remove One Senior Deputy City Attorney Position and to Overfill the Position of Paralegal Office Administrator for Four Months to Allow Adequate Time for Recruitment and Training Due to Retirement of Current Incumbent
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing the modification to the Personnel/Budget Allocation in the City Attorney’s Department.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2023-60, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending the Personnel/Budget Allocation in the City Attorney’s Department to Add One Chief Deputy City Attorney Position, to Remove a Senior Deputy City Attorney Position, and to Overfill the Position of Paralegal Office Administrator for Four Months to Allow Adequate Time for Recruitment and Training Due to Retirement of Current Incumbent.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.5. SUBJECT: Adopting a Resolution of the City of Merced City Council Authorizing an Application to the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) Measure V Regional 2023 Implementation Plan Call for Projects
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2023-61, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving an application to the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) Measure V Regional 2023 Implementation Plan Call for Projects; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to take actions and execute any necessary documents to implement the City Council’s direction on this matter.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.6. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Setting a Public Hearing for Monday, August 21, 2023, to Vacate a Portion of Right-of-Way on the South Side of Main Street Between R Street and T Street and
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Reserving an Easement for Public Improvements (Vacation #23-01 and #23-02)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution to set a public hearing for August 21, 2023, to vacate a portion of right-of-way on the south side of Main Street between R Street and T Street and reserving an easement for public improvements.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2023-59, A Resolution of the City Council of The City of Merced, California, declaring its intention to vacate a portion of Right-of-Way on the south side of Main Street Between R Street and T Street and reserving an easement for public improvements (Vacation #23-01 and #23-02) and setting a time and place for a Public Hearing.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.7. SUBJECT: Approval of City-Owned Real Property Use Request #23-12 by the Merced Main Street Association for the Use of Bob Hart Square Park to Host Their Annual Fundraising Event, “Burgers and Brews” Which Includes the Serving of Alcohol, on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a request by the Merced Main Street Association to allow the exclusive use of Bob Hart Square Park on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for their “Burgers and Brews” fundraiser event, to include the serving of alcohol.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the exclusive use of Bob Hart Square Park on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a “Burgers and Brews” gourmet burger and local microbrewery beer sampling event, allowing the serving of alcohol; subject to the conditions outlined in the administrative report; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute all documents necessary to ensure compliance with the approved
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conditions.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.8. SUBJECT: Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements to Purchase One (1) FR Conversions Pioneer II Type 2 Ambulance from RedSky Emergency Vehicles for
$140,016.41 plus a 10% Contingency ($14,001.64)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 for the purchase of one (1) FR Conversions Pioneer II Type 2 Ambulance from RedSky Emergency Vehicles for $ 140,016.41 plus a 10% Contingency ($14,001.64).
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 time of delivery of equipment in purchasing a FR Conversions Pioneer II Type 2 ambulance; and,
B. Authorizing the purchase of one (1) FR Conversions Pioneer II Type 2 ambulance with the total purchase price of $140,016.41; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager or the Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents, the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments, and the City Purchasing Supervisor to issue the Purchase Order/Change Order(s), and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% ($14,001.41) of the purchase price.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.9. SUBJECT: Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements to Purchase One (1) Stryker Gurney, One (1) Stryker Power-Pro XT Cot, One (1) Stryker Stair-Pro, and One (1) Stryker LIFEPAK 15 with Stryker ProCare Service at $139,715.04
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to waive the City’s competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 for
July 17, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
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the purchase of one (1) Stryker Gurney, one (1) Stryker Power-Pro XT Cot, one (1) Stryker Stair-Pro, and one (1) Stryker LIFEPAK 15 with Stryker ProCare Service at $139,715.04.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 for standardization of equipment in purchasing one (1) Stryker Gurney, one (1) Stryker Power-Pro XT Cot, one (1) Stryker Stair-Pro, and one (1) Stryker LIFEPAK 15 with Stryker ProCare Service at $139,715.04; and, B. Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Stryker Gurney, one (1) Stryker Power-Pro XT Cot, one (1) Stryker Stair-Pro, and one (1) Stryker LIFEPAK 15 with Stryker ProCare Service at $139,715.04; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager or the Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents, the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments, and the City Purchasing Supervisor to issue the Purchase Order/Change Order(s) in the amount of $139,715.04, the purchase price.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.10. SUBJECT: Acceptance of Grant Award for a Maximum of $25,000 From CalOES Governor’s Office of Emergency Services as the Administering Organization for the Listos California CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Support Grant
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting a grant award for a maximum of $25,000 from CalOES Governor’s Office of Emergency Services as the
administering organization for the Listos California CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Support Grant.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting grant funds up to a maximum of $25,000 from CalOES Governor’s Office of Emergency Services as the administering organization for the Listos California CERT Support Grant; and,
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B. Confirming and Authorizing the City Manager’s execution of the contract/standard agreement, including any amendments, and other necessary documents pertaining to the life of the grant; and, C. Increasing revenue in the amount of $25,000, and appropriating the same in Fund 1000-General Fund-Fire, and;
D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed; and
E. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
This Consent Item was approved.
F.11. SUBJECT: Authorization to Set a Public Hearing for August 7, 2023, for the Introduction of the Fire Department’s Master Fee Schedule, and Adoption of a Resolution Updating the Fees
REPORT IN BRIEF
Set a Public Hearing for August 7, 2023, for the purpose of introducing the Fire Department’s Master Fee Schedule, and adoption of a Resolution updating the fees.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion setting a Public Hearing for August 7, 2023, to consider introducing the Fire Department’s Master Fee Schedule and adoption of a resolution adopting the fees.
This Consent Item was approved.
G. PUBLIC HEARINGS
G.1. SUBJECT: Introducing Zoning Ordinance Amendment #23-01, Initiated by the City of Merced this Application Involves Changes to the Merced Zoning Ordinance (Title 20 of the Merced Municipal Code) Which Amends Merced Municipal Code Section 20.44.170 (Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activities - Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Required); This Amendment Increases the Maximum Number of Retail Cannabis Dispensaries Allowed Within the City from Five to Up to Ten, Add a New Section Allowing Council Consideration of Alternative Sites for Retail Cannabis Business Applications Under Appeal, Include Local Ownership Requirements for Cannabis Retail Permits Issued After November 3, 2021, and Various Other
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Amendments
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers introducing an Ordinance amending Section 20.44.170 of the Merced Municipal Code Regarding Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activities - Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Required, which would increasing the number of cannabis retail permits (from 5 to up to 10), allow alternative sites for retail cannabis business applications under appeal, and including local ownership requirements for commercial cannabis retail permits issues after November 3, 2021.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting a Categorical Exemption (Environmental Review #23-12); and,
B. Introducing Ordinance 2550, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, CA, amending section 20.44.170 “Regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activities - Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Required” of the Merced Municipal Code.
Associate Planner Francisco MENDOZA-GONZALEZ gave a slideshow presentation on the Zoning Ordinance Amendment #23-01 and commercial cannabis business permits.
Council Member SMITH and Director of Development Services Scott MCBRIDE discussed the City's justification for adding the allowed amount of commercial cannabis business permits.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 6:50 PM.
Clerk's Note: The following speakers were called in by telephone.
Patrick OROSCO - commended the City for fixing the business license discrepancies and asked Council to approve 6 or 7 commercial cannabis business permits.
Raj POTTABTHNI - spoke in favor of the expansion of retail permits.
Clerk's Note: The following speakers appeared in person.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - spoke in opposition of adding more cannabis stores in Merced.
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Mike GETLIN - spoke on statistics of commercial cannabis businesses and in opposition of adding more commercial cannabis business permits.
Zachary DRIVON - spoke on the revenue and statistics of commercial cannabis businesses.
Mike WARDA - spoke on the reason for the Ordinance Amendment and in opposition of adding more commerical cannabis businesses.
Tasha PARRA - spoke on the Blue Fire business revenue and urged the City to pause and review statistics on other commercial cannabis businesses.
Jane D, Merced - spoke on cannabis items being illegally sold in Merced.
Ron ROBERTS - spoke on the property located at 1975 W Olive Avenue, the justification or evidence of raising the amount of commercial cannabis business licenses, and the negative effects of adding more licenses in Merced.
Josh ROGINA, Merced - asked Council to take into consideration the local stakeholders.
Devon JULION - spoke briefly on Culture Cannabis Club, urged Council to keep 5 commercial cannabis business licenses and supported the idea of consumption lounges.
Mayor SERRATTO closed the Public Hearing at 7:22 PM.
Council, Mr. MCBRIDE, and City Manager Stephanie DIETZ discussed the impacts of current business owners, the votes for Prop 64 and Merced citizens passing the Proposition, potential litigation, the black market, ideas to make the industry more profitable, a potential 12 month wait time, consumption lounges, the application and score list timeline, government overreach for commercial cannabis businesses, details of increasing the amount of permits, community and business owner inputs of adding 10 commercial cannabis business licenses, the negative impact of pre-existing cannabis businesses, phase 2 updates for consumption lounges, the restrictions the cannabis industry faces, the competition existing retailers would face, and state legislature versus local government.
City Attorney Brian DOYLE recommended to modifying the language at another meeting regarding either 6 or 7 commercial cannabis business
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licenses.
Council Member SMITH asked for support to go up to 7 and waiting 12 months.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, seconded by Council Member Boyle, to approve adding a new section allowing Council consideration of alternative sites for retail cannabis business applications under appeal and include local ownership requirements for cannabis retail permits issued after November 3, 2021. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Council Member Smith to increase the number of available licenses, up to 7, with the 6th and 7th licensee not going to affect for 12 months. The motion failed for a lack of second.
City Manager Stephanie DIETZ and City Attorney Brian DOYLE asked city staff if any further action is needed and the City's Ordinance adoption process.
Assistant City Clerk Jennifer LEVESQUE clarified that this Ordinance reading is the introduction reading.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, seconded by Council Member Boyle, to keep five (5) commercial cannabis business licenses. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, and Council Member DeAnda
4 -
No: Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong3 -
Absent: 0
H. REPORTS
Clerk's Note: Council took a recess at 7:53 PM and returned at 8:04 PM.
H.1. SUBJECT: Presentation from the City of Merced Fire Department on Fireworks
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REPORT IN BRIEF
Merced Fire Department and Merced Police Department worked together to enforce the City of Merced Ordinance on fireworks. 30 citations were written between MFD and MPD. Chief Parker will make a brief presentation on the public inputs and enforcement results.
Fire Chief Derek PARKER gave a slideshow presentation on the illegal firework enforcement campaign 2023 report.
Council, Mr. PARKER, and City Manager Stephanie DIETZ discussed the comparison to previous years, hotspots of previous years and current year, history of where funds go to from illegal fireworks, the efficiency of using drones, and the improvement since the year 2020.
Nicole RODRIGUEZ, Representative of TNT Fireworks - thanked the fire and police department for their efforts on illegal fireworks and thanked Council for their support of non-profit organizations selling legal fireworks.
Clerk's Note: No formal vote was taken, item was for information only.
I. BUSINESS
I.1. SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission (1 Ex-Officio)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as members of the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission (1 Ex-Officio); or, B. Accepting nominations and appointing as many members as Council sees appropriate and directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
Council discussed the vacancy and applicants on the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission.
A motion was made by Mayor Serratto, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, to appoint Nichlos Cuccia to the Ex-Officio seat on the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission for a full-term ending on July 1, 2026. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
I.2. SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Districts 3 and 5) and (1 Ex-Officio)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill vacancies on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Districts 3 and 5) and (1 Ex-Officio); or,
B. Accepting nominations and appointing as many members as Council sees appropriate and directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
Council discussed the vacancies and applicants on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission. Council agreed to appoint District 3 and Ex-Officio at a future meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Council Member Smith, to re-appoint Lisa Kayser-Grant to the District 5 seat on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission for a full-term ending on July 1, 2026. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
I.3. SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to the Building and Housing Board of Appeals (1 Seat)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill vacancies on the Building and Housing Board of
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Appeals.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as members of the Building and Housing Board of Appeals (one [1] vacancy); or, B. Accepting nominations and appointing as many members as Council sees appropriate and directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
Council discussed the vacancy and applicants on the Building and Housing Board of Appeals.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Xiong, to appoint Noah Venegas to a Member seat on the Building and Housing Board of Appeals for a full-term ending on July 1, 2026. The motion failed by the following vote:
Aye: Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong3 - No: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Boyle
4 -
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Council Member Ornelas, seconded by Council Member Boyle, to appoint Alberto Escobedo to a Member seat on the Building and Housing Board of Appeals for a full-term ending on July 1, 2026. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, and Council Member Smith 6 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
I.4. SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to the Planning Commission (Districts 1, 2, and 3)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill seats on the Planning Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
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A. Accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as members of the Planning Commission (Districts 1, 2, and 3); or, B. Accepting nominations and appointing as many members as Council sees appropriate and directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
Council discussed the vacancies and applicants for the Planning Commission.
A motion was made by Council Member Ornelas, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, to appoint Walter Smith to the District 1 seat on the Planning Commission for a full-term ending on July 1, 2027. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Council Member DeAnda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, to appoint Yang Pao Thao to the District 2 seat on the Planning Commission for a full-term ending on July 1, 2026. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, seconded by Council Member Boyle, to appoint Emanuelle Ochoa to the District 3 seat on the Planning Commission for a full-term ending on July 1, 2027. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
I.5. SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to the Recreation and Parks
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Commission (Districts 2 and 3) and (At-Large)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill seats on the Recreation and Parks Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as members of the Recreation and Parks Commission (Districts 2 and 3) and (At-Large); or,
B. Accepting nominations and appointing as many members as Council sees appropriate and directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
Council discussed the vacancies and applicants on the Recreation and Parks Commission. Council agreed to appoint District 3 at a future meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member DeAnda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, to appoint Abraham Lopez to the District 2 seat on the Recreation and Parks Commission for a partial-term ending on July 1, 2025. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Council Member Ornelas, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, to appoint Jeremy Jenkins to the At-Large seat on the Recreation and Parks Commission for a full-term ending on July 1, 2027. The motion failed by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda3 - No: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Boyle, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
4 -
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Council Member Xiong, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, to appoint David Duong to the At-Large seat on the Recreation and Parks
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Commission for a full-term ending on July 1, 2027. The motion failed by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member DeAnda, and Council Member Xiong3 - No: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, and Council Member Smith
4 -
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Mayor Serratto, seconded by Council Member Boyle, to appoint Lehuanani Rodriguez to the At-Large seat on the Recreation and Parks Commission for a full-term ending on July 1, 2027 The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, and Council Member Smith
5 -
No: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member Xiong2 -
Absent: 0
I.6. SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to the Regional Airport Authority (3 Seats)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill two vacancies on the Regional Airport Authority.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as members of the Regional Airport Authority (3 seats); or,
B. Accepting nominations and appointing as many members as Council sees appropriate and directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
Council discussed the vacancies and applicants on the Regional Airport Authority.
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, to reappoint Jim Song and Robert Scoble and appoint Noah Venegas to member seats on the Regional Airport Authority for full-terms ending on July 1, 2027. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
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No: 0
Absent: 0
I.7. 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 report on usage of Police Department facilities and staff direction on using Merced County Registrar of Voters, and report from Code Enforcement on black market.
City Manager Stephanie DIETZ stated the Code Enforcement report will be presented during the Phase two direction.
Council Member SMITH requested a report on the black market.
I.8. 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 hopes everyone stays cool.
Council Member PEREZ thanked all Boards and Commission applicants, reported on attending the Cafecito Cumbias event, and Mental Health Awareness events.
Council Member ORNELAS reported on attending the Caminos Exhibit, Youth Warrior Circle Camp, the Juvenile Prevention, and Juvenile Justice event in the future, and asked on an update for the Public Safety Committee.
Council Member DEANDA spoke on recent health matters.
Mayor SERRATTO thanked all Boards and Commission applicants, reported on attending the tour of the new Golden Valley Health Center, the Mercado, the Bear Creek Yacht Club , Club 67, and spoke on the Mayor's
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Ball and the candlelight vigil at McNamara for the young man that passed away at the Merced Lake.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:49 PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, that this Regular Meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0