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 PMTuesday, January 31, 2023
Cruickshank Middle School Town Hall
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Town Hall Meeting to Order at 6:36 PM.
A.1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Mayor SERRATTO led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
B. 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 -
C. OPENING COMMENTS
C.1. Matthew Serratto - Mayor
Mayor SERRATTO briefly explained the process and the reasons the City Council holds yearly Town Hall Meetings.
All Council Members introduced themselves, welcomed the public and thanked them for attending.
D. PUBLIC COMMENT
Lee GREENWALT, Merced - spoke on issues with permanent housing in Merced.
Mark TALMANT, Merced - spoke on Measure C and suggested to tax plastic, junk food, and soda.
Jim SANDERS, Merced - suggested to reconsider placing Measure C on the ballot.
January 31, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Julissa, Merced - spoke on the youths needs in Merced and the ARPA funding that was granted to Merced
Luciano, Merced - spoke on his experience of the Youth Job Program.
Sophia, Merced - spoke on a work order opened in 2021 in McNamara Park.
Carlos, Merced - highlighted the youth in Merced being up to date with their community and asked Council to reallocate funds for youth resources.
Erick SERRATO, Director of Youth Job Program, Merced - gave an update on the Youth Employment Program.
Mercedes, Program Coordinator, Merced - spoke on the Youth Job Program and how it has helped many of Merced’s youth.
Carlos- requested more details of lighting contract.
Julissa, Merced - clarified the funds allocated for the Youth Job Program and wanted more information about funds after ARPA is finished.
Jennifer FOSTER, Merced - raised concerns on traffic, roads, and bicycle lanes in Merced.
Priya LAKIREDDY, Merced - spoke in favor of the Joint School Board Meeting, programs to assist the youth and working parents, and requested more attention of traffic and lighting by Golden Valley High School.
Merced Resident, Merced - spoke on lighting issues on Donna Dr, Buena Vista and M St. and asked for temporary solutions.
Anthony MARTINEZ, Merced - spoke on issues in the community, Council decisions, and not holding a State of the City event.
Victoria ESPINOZA, Merced -spoke on the Merced Police Department and Public Records Request process.
Crissy GALLARDO, Merced - raised concerns of affordable housing, housing for youth, rental assistance, and employment for the youth.
Fernando AGUILERA, Merced - spoke on basic needs of the community
January 31, 2023City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
voiced by citizens, traffic in Merced, favor of Measure C, preventing crime, and the successful project for McNamara Park.
Pangcha VANG, Merced - spoke on funds allocated for Merced Police Department, investing in the recent floods, South Merced, mental health assistance, youth programs, and Measure C.
E. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Members gave a brief closing comment and thanked those in attendance for their input.
F. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Town Hall Meeting was adjourned at 8:01 PM.