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 PMTuesday, April 2, 2024
A. CLOSED SESSION 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. CLOSED SESSION
Mayor SERRATTO called the Closed Session to order at 5:00 PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS -- Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager Scott McBride, Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero, Finance Officer Venus Rodriguez, Human Resources Manager Suzanne Fierro, LCW Legal Representative Che Johnson, and LCW Legal Representative Michael Jarvis; 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(s): City Manager Scott McBride, Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero, Finance Officer Venus Rodriguez, Human Resources Manager Suzanne Fierro, LCW Legal Representative Che Johnson, and LCW Representative Michael Jarvis; 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 B.3. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS -- Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager Scott McBride, Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero, Finance Officer Venus Rodriguez, Human Resources Manager Suzanne Fierro, LCW Legal Representative Che Johnson, and LCW Representative Michael Jarvis; Unrepresented Management AUTHORITY: Government Code Section 54957.6
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
B.4. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS -- Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager Scott McBride, Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero, Finance Officer Venus Rodriguez, Human Resources Manager Suzanne Fierro, LCW Legal Representative Che Johnson, and LCW Representative Michael Jarvis; Employee Organizations: International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1479.
AUTHORITY: Government Code Section 54957.6
B.5. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Title:
City Attorney Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 6:03 PM.
C. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:06 PM.
C.1. Invocation - Monika Grasley, Lifeline Community Development Corp The Invocation was delivered by Monika GRASLEY of the Lifeline Community Development Corporation.
C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Council Member SMITH led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
D. 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
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
There was no report.
Clerk's Note: Council Member SMITH left the Regular Meeting at 6:10
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
PM.
F. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
F.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - National Donate Life Month
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by Leo Hernandez of the Donor Network West.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the National Donate Life Month Proclamation to Leo HERNANDEZ of the Donor Network West.
F.3. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Sexual Assault Awareness Month
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by a representative of Valley Crisis Center.
Clerk's Note: Agenda Item F.2. was moved to be heard last on Ceremonial Matters.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation to Brenda MARTINEZ of the Valley Crisis Center.
F.4. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Fair Housing Month
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by a Cynthia Hurtado of the Project Sentinel Fair Housing.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Fair Housing Month Proclamation to Cynthia HURTADO of the Project Sentinel Fair Housing.
F.5. SUBJECT: Proclamation - The Week of the Young Child
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by Virginia Vega of the First 5 Merced County.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Week of the Young Child Proclamation to Executive Director Scott WAITE of the First 5 Merced County.
Clerk's Note: Council Member SMITH returned to the Regular Meeting at 6:24 PM.
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
F.2. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Lao New Year
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by a representative of the Lao Community.
Clerk's Note: Agenda Item F.2. was moved to be heard last on Ceremonial Matters.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Lao New Year Proclamation to representatives of the Merced Lao Community.
G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk’s Note: Emails were received for the following agenda items and forwarded to Council prior to the meeting.
Oral Communications: Steven DONAHUE.
Agenda Item B.5.: Steven DONAHUE.
H. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk's Note: The following comment was received via voicemail.
Concerned Citizen, Merced - spoke on details of the Brown Act and the Brown Act violation.
Clerk's Note: The following speakers appeared in person.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - wished everyone a Happy Easter and encouraged everyone to do good in life.
Cindy KELLY, Merced SPCA, Merced - spoke on being selected as the charity of choice for El Capitan and Mainzer and shared details of the Merced SPCA's Yard Sale event.
Lyric ADAM, Merced - introduced herself as the new Secretary for the Merced SPCA.
Christan SANTOS, Representative of Congressman John DUARTE, Merced - spoke on the South Merced Clean Up event, the Vietnam Wall that Heals, details of the Confidence Clean Water Act, and introduced Kyle SAVAGE.
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Kyle SAVAGE, Merced - introduced himself as a Representative of Congressman John DUARTE.
Mario PENA, Alzheimer's Association, Merced - spoke on details of the Alzheimer's Association, statistics on Alzheimer cases in Merced, and the Walk to End Alzheimers event.
Colton DENNIS, Merced - shared that April is Arts and Culture Month and details of future art events in Merced.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Items I.6. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Hanson Bridgett, LLP, for Legal Services to Prepare a Pre-Annexation Development Agreement for the Virginia Smith Trust (VST) Annexation in the Amount of $36,000 and I.7. Approval of an Agreement for Use of City Right-of-Way with Michael Dale McCutcheon, Trustee of the Michael Dale McCutcheon Living Trust Dated June 27, 2014, for Building Signs and Overhead Balconies for 515 West Main Street (The Lofts); 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 Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
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.
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
This Consent Item was approved.
I.2. SUBJECT: Information Only Contracts for the Month of March 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: Approval of a Third Amendment to Agreement for Professional Services with Goldman Magdalin Straatsma, LLP
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Third Amendment to an Agreement for workers’ compensation litigation matters to reflect the name change of Goldman, Magdalin & Krikes, LLP to Goldman Magdalin Straatsma, LLP.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Third Amendment to an Agreement for Professional Services with Goldman Magdalin Straatsma, LLP; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.4. SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolutions Approving Standard Assurances Agreement for all California Office of Emergency Services Federal Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2021 and 2022 and the Memorandum of Understanding with Merced County for State Homeland Security Grant Programs - Funding for Equipment, Planning, Administration, Training and Exercises for Fiscal Year 2021 and 2022
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the Standard Assurances Agreement for all California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) Federal Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2021 and 2022 and considers approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Merced County to accept
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
any future awards of the California State Homeland Security Grant Program funds for equipment, planning, administration, training, and exercises being funded through the County to the City of Merced for Fiscal Year 2021 and 2022.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2024-38, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing the City Manager to execute the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services FY2021 Grant Assurances Agreement; and,
B. Adopting Resolution 2024-39, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing the City Manager to execute the Office of Emergency Services State Homeland Security Grant Programs - Equipment, Planning, Administration, Training and Exercises agreement; and,
C. Adopting Resolution 2024-40, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing the City Manager to execute the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services FY2022 Grant Assurances Agreement; and,
D. Adopting Resolution 2024-41, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing the City Manager to execute the Office of Emergency Services - State Homeland Security Grant Programs - Equipment, Planning, Administration, Training and Exercises agreement; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents, including any future amendments.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.5. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Merced Police Department to Apply for a Grant in the Amount of $80,000 Through the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Public Benefit Grants Program to Purchase Four Electric Vehicles and Approval to Accept the Grant Funding if Awarded and Waive the Competitive Bid Process and Approve Purchases Exceeding $37,000 Per Vehicle
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution to authorize the Merced Police Department (MPD) to apply for grant funding and accept grant funding if awarded in the amount of $80,000 from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) to reimburse the City for the purchase of four electric vehicles.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2024-37, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, to apply for grant funding and accept grant funding, if awarded, in the amount of $80,000 from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Public Benefit Grants Program; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute necessary documents to apply for the grant funding; and,
If awarded,
C. Accepting the grant award and appropriating in Fund 1000-General Fund, Police Operation Division and Fire Operations Division; and, D. Approving a supplemental appropriation in Fund 7006-Fleet Replacement Fund in the amount of $53,341 plus 10% contingency of the total Fire purchase amount if needed; and,
E. Approving the use of pooled cash until reimbursement from the grant is received; and,
F. Waiving the competitive bid process to use local vendor for the purchases; and,
G. Authorizing the purchase of the four vehicles in the amount of $190,800.67 plus 10% contingency; and,
H. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents to accept the grant funding if awarded; and,
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
I. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.8. SUBJECT: Approval of Third Amendment with Hoffman Electronic Systems for Alarm Monitoring for FY 24/25 in an Additional Amount not to Exceed $25,000, for a Total Contract Amount not to Exceed $139,588
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Third Amendment with Hoffman Electronic Systems to extend the term through June 30, 2025, for electronic alarm monitoring services at City-owned facilities.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Third Amendment with Hoffman Electronic Systems, to extend the contract term through June 30, 2025, for electronic alarm monitoring services at City-owned facilities in the additional amount not to exceed $25,000; and,
B. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.6. SUBJECT: Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Hanson Bridgett, LLP, for Legal Services to Prepare a
Pre-Annexation Development Agreement for the Virginia Smith Trust (VST) Annexation in the Amount of $36,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Professional Services Agreement with Hanson Bridgett LLP, for legal services related to the VST Annexation in the amount of $36,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
A. Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Hanson Bridgett, LLP, for legal services related to the preparation of a Pre-Annexation Development Agreement for the VST Annexation in an amount of $36,000.
B. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of resident Ashley SUAREZ.
Clerk's Note: The following comment was received via voicemail.
Ashley SUAREZ, Merced - spoke on extending services to new communities and not existing communities.
Clerk’s Note: There was no Council discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Ornelas, seconded by Council Member Smith, that this agenda item be approved. 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.7. SUBJECT: Approval of an Agreement for Use of City Right-of-Way with Michael Dale McCutcheon, Trustee of the Michael Dale McCutcheon Living Trust Dated June 27, 2014, for Building Signs and Overhead Balconies for 515 West Main Street (The Lofts)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving an Agreement for Use of City Right-of-Way with the owners of the property located at 515 West Main Street for new building signs and the existing overhead balconies.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
A. Approving the Agreement for Use of City Right-of-Way with Michael Dale McCutcheon, Trustee of the Michael Dale McCutcheon Living Trust dated June 27, 2014, for Building Signs and Overhead Balconies for 515 West Main Street; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member SMITH.
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:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, Council Member Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member Smith1 -
J. REPORTS
J.1. SUBJECT: Approval of a Resolution Acknowledging the October 28, 2021, Environmental Monitoring Report Regarding Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Fund Activities by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Pledging the City’s Intent to Prohibit Use of HUD Funds Towards the Projects Identified in Finding 1 of the Monitoring Report; Transfer and Assignment of Previous Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Affordability, Deed, Note, and Loan Agreements to HSA/Housing LMI Asset Funds for the 1820 I Street Project; Authorizing the Use of Housing Successor Agency (HSA)/Housing LMI Asset Funds to Satisfy the Listed Corrective Actions for Local Fund Repayment of Expended HUD Funds
REPORT IN BRIEF
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Considers formal acknowledgement of the October 28, 2021, On-Site Environmental Monitoring Report by HUD by means of adoption of a Resolution by City Council. This acknowledgement includes agreeing to abide by the Corrective Actions that are required by HUD to rectify the findings noted in the monitoring report. Corrective actions include repayment, using a non-Federal or local fund source, of noncompliant CDBG and HOME expenditures, as identified during the monitoring, and approval of the Resolution would authorize the use of HSA Housing LMI Asset Funds to be used as the local funding source for all remaining repayments that are to be completed. As part one of a two-part process to address the remaining required corrective actions, this approval also includes authorizing the de-obligation and transfer and assignment of all current HOME affordability, deed, note, and loan commitments and agreements associated with the project at 1820 I Street to HSA LMI Asset funds; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all related documents and agreements and the Finance Officer to encumber and appropriate funds and carry out all other necessary actions related to the repayment and the new HSA loan agreements.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Resolution 2024-42, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Acknowledging the October 28, 2021, Environmental Monitoring Report Findings and Corrective Actions Required by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to Regain and Ensure Current and Future Compliance with the Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and All Associated Regulations; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents on behalf of the City of Merced Housing Successor Agency, including, but not limited to, transferring and assigning the original HOME fund Affordability, Deed, Note, and Loan documents for the 1820 I Street project to HSA LMI Asset Funds (Attached); and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make all necessary budget adjustments to support all actions and transactions needed, as may be deemed essential, including those needed to facilitate, transmit, receive, and send funds; and,
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all other documents, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney, which may be necessary to implement these activities.
Clerk's Note: Council Member SMITH stated, "Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing is a client of mine, I think I can participate in this item up to the point where we are specifically talking about a loan of CVCAH with Merced from 2016. If the Mayor and City Manager agree that can be carved out, I will participate until that point but my vote will not be recorded as to that particular aspect."
City Attorney Craig CORNWELL stated, "That is acceptable, we are not asking for that particular vote on the item."
Housing Program Supervisor Kim NUTT and City Manager Scott MCBRIDE gave a slideshow presentation on the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) environmental monitoring report and details of the process.
Council, Ms. NUTT, and Mr. MCBRIDE discussed the details of the Environmental report, funding available, timeline of funding expenditures, Gateway Terrace project, and policies and procedures.
Clerk's Note: The following comment was received via voicemail.
Merced Resident - asked how the City will make up for deficit in affordable housing projects.
Clerk's Note: The following speakers appeared in person.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - spoke on paying attention to projects funded by federal monies.
Council and Mr. MCBRIDE discussed details of the funding sources, federal funds, and projects.
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 Ornelas, Council Member Boyle, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
Absent: 0
K. BUSINESS
K.1. SUBJECT: Council Member Ornelas’ Request to Consider Directing Staff to Place a Barrier in Fahrens Park
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Member Ornelas’ request to consider directing staff to place a barrier in Fahrens Park.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
Council Member ORNELAS briefly discussed the request to consider directing staff to place a barrier in Fahrens Park.
Council, City Manager Scott MCBRIDE, and Police Chief Steven STANFIELD discussed details of the area in Fahrens Park, the Frisbee Disc Golf group, additional signs, location of separation, setting up a blue light camera, and access.
Council agreed to have staff continue looking into proper security measures and return with a cost analysis at the May 5th Council meeting.
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, 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
K.2. SUBJECT: Council Member Ornelas’ Request to Designate an Area for Translators in the Council Chambers
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Member Ornelas’ request to designate an area for translators in the Council Chambers.
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking
Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
Council Member ORNELAS briefly discussed the request to designate an area for translators in the Council Chambers.
Council, Spanish Translator, and Hmong Translator discussed the location, disturbing the Council Chambers, and signage.
Steven GRAHAM, Merced - thanked Council Member ORNELAS for bringing this forward, spoke on having signage for late arrivers, and trial and error next meeting.
Council, City Manager Scott MCBRIDE, and Assistant City Clerk Jennifer LEVESQUE discussed late arrivers to the meeting, getting nice chairs for interpreters, and translation device.
Council agreed for staff to work with interpreters and start easy identifiable location at the next meeting.
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, 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
K.3. SUBJECT: Mayor Pro Tempore Perez’s Request to Consider Moving the Podium to the Middle of the Council Chambers
REPORT IN BRIEF
Mayor Pro Tempore Perez’s request to consider moving the podium to the middle of the Council Chambers.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
Mayor Pro Tempore PEREZ briefly discussed the consideration of moving the podium to the middle of the Council Chambers.
Council discussed the history of the podium, staff safety, addressing the
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
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Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
governing body, the usage of the presenter, intimidating looking up to Council, and public preferred placement.
Cindy KELLY, Merced - spoke on not being able to see what people are saying and the usage of the presenter.
Steven GRAHAM, Merced - spoke on the importance of staff safety.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - spoke on officers attending Council meetings and staff safety.
John WHITAKER, Merced - stated it is intimidating looking up at the dias and spoke on staff safety.
Council and City Manager Scott MCBRIDE discussed staff concerns of safety, raising the barrier next to the podium, the community's comfort, and police presence.
Rick WENDLING, Merced - spoke on citizens being angry with Council.
Clerk's Note: The matter dropped for a lack of motion.
K.4. SUBJECT: Council Member Smith’s Request for Council Chambers Reorganization Session
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Member Smith’s request for Council Chambers reorganization session.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
Council Member SMITH briefly discussed the request for Council Chambers reorganization.
Council discussed the press area in the Chambers and placing staff members next to the press.
Council agreed to encourage City staff to fill seats in press box.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, seconded by Council Member Smith, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
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Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
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
K.5. 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 SMITH requested to have a Special Presentation on the Wall that Heals from Sunrise Rotary and to expedite the request to present a Proclamation for SPCA Month at the April 15th Council meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member Boyle, seconded by Council Member Smith, to expedite the request for the SPCA Month Proclamation to April 15th.
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 Boyle, seconded by Council Member Smith, to place the SPCA Month Proclamation on the agenda for April 15th. 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
Council Member SMITH requested to have the City Manager to reach out to Sunrise Notary.
Council Member BOYLE requested to discuss hiring a firm to reach out to
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
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Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
retail and develop a plan for April 15th and to expedite the request.
Council discussed details of the request.
A motion was made by Council Member Ornelas, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Perez, to expedite Council Member Boyle's request to the April 15th meeting. 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
Mayor SERRATTO and Council Member SMITH requested to discuss ideas for Rahilly Park and to include discussion with residents in the area.
Council Member ORNELAS requested to hold an emergency Public Safety Committee meeting.
Council Member SMITH agreed with Council Member ORNELAS' request.
K.6. 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 DEANDA reported on attending the Wall that Heals event.
Council Member SMITH reported on attending the McNamara Park clean up, thanked Public Works for assisting on a constituent issue, and details of the Wall that Heals event.
Council Member BOYLE reported on attending the Wall that Heals event, the California Women of Agricultural Annual Spring Luncheon, the Farm Bureau Annual Dinner, and gave a shout out to Merced Police Department.
Mayor SERRATTO reported on attending the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant,
April 2, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
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Redevelopment Agency
Minutes
the McNamara Park clean up, the Wall that Heals event, the Hincapie Gran Fodo Bike Race, the Merced High School Election, the Merced County Town Hall, thanked the Police Chief for the crime rates, and the final number for the City's Homeless count.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 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, 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