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, February 5, 2024
A. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Bertha Perez, Council Member Sarah Boyle, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 5 -
Council Member Jesse Ornelas, and Council Member Ronnie DeAndaAbsent: 2 - B. CLOSED SESSION
Mayor SERRATTO called the Closed Session to order at 5:04 PM.
Clerk's Note: Council Member XIONG arrived to Closed Session at 5:05 PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS -- Agency Designated Representative: City Manager Scott McBride; Employee Organizations: Merced Police Officers’ Association (MPOA) and Merced Association of Police Sergeants (MAPS). AUTHORITY: Government Code Section 54957.6
B.2. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS -- Agency Designated Representative: City Manager Scott McBride; Employee Organizations: International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1479.
AUTHORITY: Government Code Section 54957.6
B.3. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS -- Agency Designated Representative: City Manager Scott McBride;
Unrepresented Management AUTHORITY: Government Code Section 54957.6
B.4. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS -- Agency Designated Representative(s): City Manager Scott McBride; Employee Organizations: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 57 and Merced Association of City Employees (MACE). AUTHORITY: Government Code Section 54957.6
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
B.5. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Title:
City Attorney Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 B.6. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (One (1) Potential Case) Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 5:58 PM.
C. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
C.1. Invocation - Pastor Joel Dorman, First Baptist Church The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Joel DORMAN of the First Baptist Church.
C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Pastor Joel DORMAN led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
D. ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Bertha Perez, Council Member Sarah Boyle, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 5 -
Council Member Jesse Ornelas, and Council Member Ronnie DeAndaAbsent: 2 - 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, the Public Financing and Economic Development Authority, and the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency. 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, the Public Financing and Economic Development Authority, and the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency receive no compensation.
E. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor SERRATTO stated, "There is an item to report out of Closed Session. This item is in respect Agenda Item B.6., the City of Merced has entered into a settlement agreement with Yosemite and G LLC. with respect to the Yosemite Crossings project. The City Council in a unanimous five to zero vote approving the settlement agreement." F. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
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F.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Black History Month
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by a Representative of the NAACP.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Black History Month Proclamation to representatives of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
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: Steven DONAHUE and Jerry PEREZCHICA.
H. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Cindy KELLY, Merced - spoke on the achievements the SPCA has done for the community and shared details of the Yard Sale event.
Marisa CRUZ, Merced - spoke on the lack of support for children in the special educational system.
Walter SMITH, Merced - spoke on opening a truck stop on Highway 59 to bring revenue.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Items I.9. Approval to Accept the Department of Justice 2023 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant in the Amount of $8,036.98 to Cover 50% of the Purchase Cost of New Vests and Authorization to Utilize the Use of Pooled Cash to Cover the Purchase Cost Which will be Reimbursed from the Grant Proceeds, I.10 Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements and Approve the Purchase of Traffic Signal Preemption Opticom System Parts in the Amount Not to Exceed $275,284.06, I.11. Award Bid to Redstone Construction, Inc., a California Corporation, for the Canal Watermain 14th - 15th (PG&E), Project Number CP210055, in the Amount of $673,929.50, I.15. Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance Approving Site Utilization Plan Revision #12 to Planned Development (P-D) #42 Changing the Land Use Designation for Approximately 141 Acres of Land Within the Bellevue Ranch Master Development Plan (BRMDP) Area and Amendment Table 6.1 of the BRMDP, and I.16. Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Amending the Official Zoning Map by Prezoning Land Generally Located at the Northeast Corner of Lake and Cardella Roads (4600 Lake Road) as Planned Development (P-D) #80 and Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance Approving a Pre-Annexation Development Agreement by and Between the City of Merced and the Virginia Smith Trust for the VST Annexation; were pulled for separate consideration.
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:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 - 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 January 2024
REPORT IN BRIEF
Notification of awarded Non-Public Works contracts under $37,000 and of Public Works contracts under $84,338.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.3. SUBJECT: Information Only - Planning Commission Minutes of December 6, 2023, December 20, 2023, and January 3, 2024
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
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RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.4. SUBJECT: Information Only - Recreation & Parks Commission Minutes of November 27, 2023
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.5. SUBJECT: Information Only - Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Minutes of November 16, 2023 and November 30, 2023
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.6. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of May 15, 2023
REPORT IN BRIEF
Official adoption of previously held meeting minutes.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council/Public Financing and Economic
Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency - Adopt a motion approving the meeting minutes of May 15, 2023.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.7. SUBJECT: Approval of Street Closure Request by Hincapie Events, LLC, to Host the Rescheduled Gran Fondo Hincapie Merced Bike Event, Family Festival & Expo on March 16, 2024. Closures Include N Street to West Main to West 18th Streets, N Street to West 18th Street to Mid West 19th Street Block on Friday, March 15, 2024
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
from 7 AM to 1 PM, Street Closures Include N Street From West 18th Street to West 19th Street. This will be in Effect Throughout the Event From 7AM Friday Through 7 PM, Saturday March 16th
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a request from Hincapie Events, LLC, to Host the rescheduled Gran Fondo Hincapie Merced Bike Event, Family Festival & Expo on March 16, 2024. Closures include N Street to W. Main to W. 18th Streets, N Street to W. 18th St. to Mid W. 19th St Block on Friday, March 15, from 7 am to 1 pm, Street Closures Include N Street from W. 18th Street to W. 19th Street. This will be in effect throughout the event from 7am Friday through 7 pm, Saturday March 16th.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the street closure requests Closures include N Street to W. Main to W. 18th Streets, N Street to W. 18th St. to Mid W. 19th St Block on Friday, March 15, from 7 am to 1 pm, Street Closures Include N Street from W. 18th Street to W. 19th Street. This will be in effect throughout the event from 7am Friday through 7 pm, Saturday March 16th.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.8. SUBJECT: Approval and Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the City of Merced and the City of Los Banos for Regional Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Authorization for the Fire Department to Submit a Regional Grant Application to the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) Fiscal Year 2023 AFG Program to Fund Replacement of End-of-Life Thermal Imaging Cameras (TIC), and Authorization for the Fire Department to Submit a Second Grant Application to FEMA Fiscal Year 2023 AFG for Advanced Life Support Equipment for the Merced Fire Department
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving and executing a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the City of Merced and the City of Los Banos for Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Regional Grant. Provides authority to the Fire Department to submit a regional grant application to the Federal Emergency Management
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year 2023 AFG Program to fund
replacement of an end-of-life Thermal Imaging Cameras. Project cost will not exceed $400,000 per FEMA based upon the
populations of Merced and Los Banos combined. FEMA would be providing 90% of the project cost and the Regional Grant participants providing the 10% local match.
In addition, the Fire Department is requesting authority to submit a second grant application to the FEMA Fiscal Year 2023 AFG Program to fund the purchase of Advanced Life Support (ALS) electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors. Project cost not to exceed $560,000 where FEMA would be providing 90% of the project cost and the City of Merced providing the 10% local match.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Authorizing City Manager to execute the MOU between City of Merced and City of Los Banos for submission of Regional AFG Grant Project; and,
B. Authorizing the submittal of a regional grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program with an estimated total project cost not to exceed $400,000 per FEMA based upon the populations of the City of Merced and Los Banos combined. FEMA would be providing 90% of the project cost and the Regional Grant participants providing the 10% local match; and,
C. Authorizing the submittal of a second grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program for ECG monitors with an estimated total project cost not to exceed $560,000. FEMA would be providing 90% of the project cost and the Regional Grant participants providing the 10% local match.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.12. SUBJECT: Authorization of Signing Authority for City Bank Accounts and Local Agency Investment Fund
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
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Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing to grant the City’s Officers signing authority for City bank accounts and Local Agency Investment Fund.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2024-16, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing signature of City checks; and, B. Adopting Resolution 2024-17, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing investment of City of Merced monies in Local Agency Investment Fund; and,
C. Adopting Resolution PFA 2024-01, a Resolution of the City of Merced Public Financing and Economic Development Authority authorizing signature of Authority checks; and,
D. Adopting Resolution PFA 2024-02, a Resolution of the City of Merced Public Financing and Economic Development Authority authorizing investment of City of Merced monies in Local Agency Investment Fund; and,
E. Adopting Resolution PA 2024-01, a Resolution of the Parking Authority of the City of Merced, California, authorizing signature of Parking Authority checks; and,
F. Adopting Resolution PA 2024-02, a Resolution of the Parking Authority of the City of Merced, California authorizing investment of City of Merced monies in Local Agency Investment Fund; and,
G. Adopting Resolution SA 2024-02, a Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced, California, authorizing signature of Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced checks; and,
H. Adopting Resolution SA 2024-03, a Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced, California, authorizing investment of the City of Merced monies in Local Agency
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
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Investment Fund; and,
This Consent Item was approved.
I.13. SUBJECT: Accept and File Community Facilities District (CFD) Nos. 2003-1 (Bellevue Ranch East), 2003-2 (Services), 2005-1 (Bellevue Ranch West), 2006-1 (Moraga of Merced) Annual Disclosure Reports for Fiscal Year 2022-2023
REPORT IN BRIEF
The continuing annual disclosure reports contain certain CFD information required to be filed annually by the City per Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule 15c2-12(b) and Government Code sections 50075-50077 and 53410-53412.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion accepting and filing the CFD Annual Disclosure Reports for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 for CFD Nos. 2003-1 (Bellevue Ranch East), 2003-2 (Services), 2005-1 (Bellevue Ranch West), 2006-1 (Moraga of Merced).
This Consent Item was approved.
I.14. SUBJECT: Authorization to Accept and Appropriate $887,254 in Grant Funds from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development from the 2021 Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program and the Acceptance and Appropriation of the 2022 PLHA Fund of $444,694 When it Becomes Available
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing to accept and appropriate $887,254 in Grant Funds from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) from the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) program and further authorization of the 2022 PLHA funds of $444,694 when available.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting the 2021 PLHA grant funds in the amount of $887,254;
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
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Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
and,
B. Increasing the revenue and expense in Fund 2018-Permanent Local Housing in the amount of $887,254; and,
C. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
D. Authorizing the further acceptance and appropriation of the 2022 PLHA funds of $444,694 when those funds are available; and E. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments; and,
F. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents, including any amendments.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.9. SUBJECT: Approval to Accept the Department of Justice 2023 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant in the Amount of $8,036.98 to Cover 50% of the Purchase Cost of New Vests and Authorization to Utilize the Use of Pooled Cash to Cover the Purchase Cost Which will be Reimbursed from the Grant Proceeds
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to accept grant award for reimbursement of bulletproof vest expenses.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting the grant; and,
B. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget transfers; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
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Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
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XIONG.
Council Member XIONG requested a separate vote.
Clerk’s Note: There was no Council discussion.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, and Council Member Smith
4 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 - I.10. SUBJECT: Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements and Approve the Purchase of Traffic Signal Preemption Opticom System Parts in the Amount not to Exceed $275,284.06
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 and approving the purchase of traffic signal preemption system parts in the amount not to exceed $275,284.06.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code Section 3.4.210 for purchases necessary for standardization on particular types of equipment; and,
B. Approving the purchase of traffic signal preemption system parts from AM Signal LLC, in the amount not to exceed $275,284.06; and, C. Authorizing the City buyer to issue the purchase order(s), and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member XIONG.
Council Member XIONG and Director of Public Works Ken ELWIN discussed the five traffic intersections on the project.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 - I.11. SUBJECT: Award Bid to Redstone Construction, Inc., a California Corporation, for the Canal Watermain 14th - 15th (PG&E), Project Number CP210055, in the Amount of $673,929.50
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding a Construction Contract to the Lowest Responsive Bidder, Redstone Construction, Inc., a California Corporation, in the amount of $673,929.50 for the Canal Watermain 14th - 15th (PG&E) Project.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the Canal Watermain 14th - 15th (PG&E) Project, Project No. CP210055 to the Lowest Responsive Bidder, Redstone
Construction, Inc., a California Corporation, in the amount of $673,929.50; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve change orders not to exceed 20% of the total contract; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make necessary budget adjustments.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member XIONG.
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Council Member XIONG and City Surveyor Joe CARDOSO discussed the amount of the project and contingency funds.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 - I.15. SUBJECT: Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance Approving Site Utilization Plan Revision #12 to Planned Development (P-D) #42 Changing the Land Use Designation for Approximately 141 Acres of Land Within the Bellevue Ranch Master Development Plan (BRMDP) Area and Amendment Table 6.1 of the BRMDP
REPORT IN BRIEF
Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance Approving Site Utilization Plan Revision #12 to Planned Development (P-D) #42 Changing the Land Use Designation for Approximately 141 Acres of Land Within the Bellevue Ranch Master Development Plan (BRMDP) Area and Amendment Table 6.1 of the BRMDP.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Ordinance 2559, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving Site Utilization Plan Revision #12 to Planned Development (P-D) #42 changing the land use designation for approximately 141 acres of land within the Bellevue Ranch Master Development Plan (BRMDP) area and amending Table 6.1 of the BRMDP.
Clerk’s Note: Council Member SMITH recused himself due to the applicant being a client at his law firm.
Clerk’s Note: There was no Council discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
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Minutes
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, and Council Member Xiong
4 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 - Recused: Council Member Smith1 -
I.16. SUBJECT: Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the Official Zoning Map by Prezoning Land Generally Located at the Northeast Corner of Lake and Cardella Roads (4600 Lake Road) as Planned Development (P-D) #80 and Second
Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance Approving a
Pre-Annexation Development Agreement by and Between the City of Merced and the Virginia Smith Trust for the VST Annexation
REPORT IN BRIEF
Second reading and final adoption of an Ordinance amending the official zoning map by prezoning land generally located at the Northeast corner of Lake and Cardella Roads (4600 Lake Road) as Planned Development (P-D) #80 and second reading and final adoption of an Ordinance approving a pre-annexation development agreement by and between the City of Merced and the Virginia Smith Trust for the VST Annexation.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Ordinance 2560, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending the Official Zoning Map by Prezoning Land Generally Located at the Northeast Corner of Lake and Cardella Roads (4600 Lake Road) as Planned Development (P-D) #80; and,
B. Adopting Ordinance 2561, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Approving a Pre-Annexation Development Agreement by and Between the City of Merced and the Virginia Smith Trust for the VST Annexation.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of resident Michael BELLUOMINI.
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Michael BELLUOMINI, Merced - spoke on the Virginia Smith Trust (VST) plan not being compliant with the City's Master Park plan and asked to consider adding more park spaces and increasing the size of the current parks in the plan.
Council and City Manager Scott MCBRIDE discussed details of the VST project, more green spaces, and affordable housing.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, and Council Member Smith
4 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 - J. REPORTS
J.1. SUBJECT: Authorization to Accept and Appropriate $4,000,000 from California State Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (AD-27) for the Merced Fire Station # 56 and the Emergency Operations Center
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing to accept and appropriate funding in the amount of $4,000,000 from State Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (AD-27), who secured funding from the state’s budget to help support the funding of Fire Station # 56 and the Emergency Operations Center.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting and increasing the revenue in Fund 5004-Public Safety CIP, project CP090007 Fire Station #56 in the amount of $4,000,000; and, B. Appropriating the same to Fund 5004-Public Safety CIP, Project CP090007 Fire Station #56; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documentation; and
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
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adjustments.
Fire Chief Derek PARKER gave a slideshow presentation on the authorization to accept and appropriate the funds received by State Assemblywoman Esmeralda SORIA.
Gilbert FELIX, District Director, Merced - thanked all city staff and Council for working on the presented project and looked forward to the ground-opening.
Clerk’s Note: There was no Council discussion.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, seconded by Council Member Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 - K. BUSINESS
K.1. SUBJECT: Personnel Board Appointments
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider appointing one employee nominated and one Council nominated individual to the Personnel Board.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Appointing Dorothea White to serve as employee nominated replacement members of the Personnel Board with a partial term expiring on July 1, 2024, respectively; and,
B. Appointing one individual from the remaining applicants to serve as a Council nominated replacement member of the Personnel Board to a full-term expiring on July 1, 2026.
Council discussed the vacancies and applicants for the Personnel Board.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, seconded by Council Member Boyle, to appoint Dorothea White to the Employee Nominated seat on the Personnel Board for a partial-term ending on July 1, 2024. The motion carried by
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
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the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 - A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Boyle, to appoint Richard Wendling to the Council Nominated seat on the Personnel Board for a full-term ending on July 1, 2026. The motion failed by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Boyle, and Council Member Smith3 - No: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, and Council Member Xiong2 -
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 - Council briefly discussed the failure of the motion.
A motion was made by Council Member Xiong, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, to appoint Sabrina Abong to the Council Nominated seat on the Personnel Board for a full-term ending on July 1, 2026. The motion failed by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, and Council Member Xiong3 - No: Council Member Boyle, and Council Member Smith2 -
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 - A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, seconded by Mayor Serratto, to appoint Anthony Aldana to the Council Nominated seat on the Personnel Board for a full-term ending on July 1, 2026. The motion failed by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, and Council Member Xiong3 - No: Council Member Boyle, and Council Member Smith2 -
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 -
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
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Minutes
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Council Member Xiong, to continue the Personnel Board Council Nominated appointments to the February 20th Council Meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 - K.2. SUBJECT: Council Member Xiong’s Request to Discuss the Reuse of the Truck Parking Lot
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Member Xiong’s request to discuss the reuse of the truck parking lot.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
Clerk's Note: The following comments were received via voicemail.
Ashley SUAREZ, Merced - spoke on converting the previous commercial truck stop to either a grocery store, commercial center, or community park.
Maria VARGAS, Merced - spoke on the need of a grocery store and a community park for young children in South Merced.
Council Member XIONG briefly explained the purpose of the request to discuss the reuse of the truck parking lot and suggested to look into programs for funding to go on the lot.
Council, City Manager Scott MCBRIDE, and Deputy City Manager Frank QUINTERO discussed the zoning of the land, details of the environmental impact, surrounding commercial land-uses, airport land-use, the need for industrial spaces, building holding the City liable, and obtaining more information from professionals.
Council agreed to direct staff to make phone calls to discuss alternatives with professionals and explore state and federal grant funding opportunities.
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
A motion was made by Mayor Serratto, seconded by Council Member Xiong, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 - K.3. SUBJECT: Request to Add Item to Future Agenda
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provides members of the City Council to request that an item be placed on a future City Council agenda for initial consideration by the City Council.
Clerk's Note: No future items were added.
K.4. SUBJECT: City Council Comments
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provides an opportunity for the Mayor and/or Council Member(s) to make a brief announcement on any activity(ies) she/he has attended on behalf of the City and to make a brief announcement on future community events and/or activities. The Brown Act does not allow discussion or action by the legislative body under this section.
Council Member SMITH reported on judging the Speech Competition Academic Decathlon.
Council Member BOYLE thanked Public Works and Pacific Gas & Electric for getting the electricity back on over the weekend.
Mayor SERRATTO announced the upcoming Town Hall and Strategic Planning meetings, thanked the Cleanup crew for their work, and thanked Director of Parks and Community Services Chris JENSEN for the Block Party Trailer.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 7:19 PM.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, seconded by Council Member Boyle, to adjourn the Regular Meeting in honor of Council Member Ornelas' Birthday. The motion carried by the following vote:
February 5, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Boyle, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member Ornelas, and Council Member DeAnda2 -