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, December 16, 2024
A. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Sarah Boyle, Council Member Darin Dupont, Council Member Ronnie DeAnda, Council Member Michael Harris, and Council Member Shane Smith
Present: 6 -
Council Member Fue XiongAbsent: 1 -
B. CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Pro Tempore BOYLE called the Closed Session to order at 5:32 PM.
Clerk's Note: Mayor SERRATTO arrived to Closed Session at 5:36 PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING
LITIGATION Rollins v. City of Merced; WCAB Case Number FRE-ADJ 13014905; Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 5:54 PM.
C. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:02 PM.
C.1. Invocation - Pastor Juan Ochoa, Calvary Assembly of God, Merced The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Juan OCHOA of the Calvary Assembly of God, Merced.
C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Council Member DUPONT led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
D. ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Sarah Boyle, Council Member Darin Dupont, Council Member Ronnie DeAnda, Council Member Michael Harris, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 7 -
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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.
F. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk’s Note: Emails were received for the following agenda items and forwarded to Council prior to the meeting.
Agenda Item K.1.: Jeffrey CARTER.
Agenda Item K.5. Amelia JOHNSON.
G. PUBLIC COMMENT
Aggie FREEMAN, President of the Rotary Club, Merced - spoke on the conditions of the U.S. Flag on Bear Creek and M Street and asked staff to retire the flag.
Necola ADAMS, Merced - shared details of the Jazz Fest, spoke on her concerns of the Sunstar Building, and asked to bring an arena to Merced.
Steve ROUSSOS, Merced - shared details of the Community Cookout event held by Neighbors Unidos.
Deputy City Manager Frank QUINTERO, Merced - shared details of the renovations at the old Sears building and spoke on the timeline of the project.
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Items H.3. Authorization to Submit a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) with an Estimated Total Project Cost of $1,000,000 for the Purchase of Live Fire Training Props to Complete Phase 2 of the Hawk Fire Training Facility, H.4. Approval of a Services Agreement with University Pediatric Center to Provide Medical Direction
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and Oversight for Emergency Medical Services in an Amount not to Exceed $72,234 for a Three-Year Term, H.5. Approval of an Agreement for Services with J.B. Anderson Land Use Planning for Environmental and Planning Services, Relating to the CP-42 North Annexation of Approximately 40 Acres of Land at the Southwest Corner of East Gerard Avenue and South Tyler Road, and H.6. Adoption of a Resolution Approving Final Map #5420 for Bellevue Ranch West Villages 18 - 22, Phase 2 Subdivision for 39 Single-Family Lots, Generally Located at the Southwest Corner of M Circle and Bellevue Road, and the Approval of the Subdivision Agreement for Bellevue Ranch West Villages 18 - 22, Phase 2 Subdivision; were pulled for separate consideration.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
H.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.
H.2. SUBJECT: Information Only - Traffic Committee Minutes of September 10, 2024
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
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H.7. SUBJECT: Approval of a Zero Dollar In-Kind Telecommunications Conduit Trade Agreement Between CVIN, LLC D.B.A. Vast
Networks and the City of Merced for a Duration of Fifteen (15) Years
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the In-kind Telecommunication Conduit Trade Agreement between CVIN, LLC D.B.A. Vast Networks and the City of Merced conduit for a duration of Fifteen (15) years.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the in-kind trade lease agreement with CVIN, LLC dba VAST NETWORKS; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
H.8. SUBJECT: Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Section
10.32.056 “Passenger Loading Zones - Permanent” of the Merced Municipal Code
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers introducing an Ordinance and approving recommendations from the Traffic Committee to approve amending the following to the Merced Municipal Code: “Passenger loading zones- Permanent on the West side of N Street”.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Introducing Ordinance 2575, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending Section 10.32.056 “Passenger Loading Zones- Permanent” of the Merced Municipal Code; and,
B. Approving the recommendation from the Traffic Committee listed above.
This Consent Item was approved.
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H.3. SUBJECT: Authorization to Submit a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) with an Estimated Total Project Cost of $1,000,000 for the Purchase of Live Fire Training Props to Complete Phase 2 of the Hawk Fire Training Facility
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing the submittal of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) with an estimated total project cost of $1,000,000 for the purchase of live fire training props to complete phase 2 of the Hawk Fire Training Facility.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing the submittal of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) with an estimated total project cost of $1,000,000 for the purchase of live fire training props to complete phase 2 of the Hawk Fire Training Facility.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at his request.
Mayor SERRATTO and Interim Fire Chief Casey WILSON discussed the update on the plans for the training facility, the timeline of the project, details of the design phase, and a cost estimate.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Harris, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
H.4. SUBJECT: Approval of a Services Agreement with University Pediatric Center to Provide Medical Direction and Oversight for Emergency Medical Services in an Amount not to Exceed $72,234 for a Three-Year Term
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Services Agreement with University Pediatric Center to provide medical direction and oversight for Emergency
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Medical Services in an amount not to exceed $72,234 for a three-year term.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Professional Services Agreement with University Pediatric Center in an amount not to exceed $72,234, for the purpose of providing medical direction and oversight for Emergency Medical Services for a three-year term; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member HARRIS.
Council and Interim Fire Chief Casey WILSON discussed the background of the Medical Director, potentially adding training for pre-arrival Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for dispatchers, details of the term of the agreement, and keeping the Medical Director locally.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Smith, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
H.5. SUBJECT: Approval of an Agreement for Services with J.B.
Anderson Land Use Planning for Environmental and Planning Services, Relating to the CP-42 North Annexation of Approximately 40 Acres of Land at the Southwest Corner of East Gerard Avenue and South Tyler Road
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Professional Services Agreement with J.B.
Anderson Land Use Planning in the amount of $238,089 to perform environmental and planning services for the annexation to the City of Merced of the CP-42 North project (40 acres generally located at the southwest corner of East Gerard Avenue and South Tyler Road).
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RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving an Agreement for Services with J.B. Anderson Land Use and Planning in the amount of $238,089 to perform environmental and planning services for the annexation of the CP-42 North project to the City of Merced.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member XIONG.
Council Member XIONG and City Manager Scott MCBRIDE discussed new staff members in the Planning department and details of the annexation process.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
H.6. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving Final Map #5420 for Bellevue Ranch West Villages 18 - 22, Phase 2 Subdivision for 39 Single-Family Lots, Generally Located at the Southwest Corner of M Circle and Bellevue Road, and the Approval of the Subdivision Agreement for Bellevue Ranch West Villages 18 - 22, Phase 2 Subdivision
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting Final Map #5420 for 39 single-family lots, located at the southwest corner of M Circle and Bellevue Road, and the subdivision agreement for the Bellevue Ranch West Villages 18 - 22, Phase 2 Subdivision.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Resolution 2024-114, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving the Final Subdivision Map for Bellevue Ranch West Village 18 - 22, Phase 2 Subdivision (#5420); and,
B. Approving the Subdivision Agreement for the Bellevue Ranch West
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Villages 18 - 22, Phase 2 Subdivision; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member HARRIS and Council Member SMITH.
Clerk's Note: Council Member HARRIS recused due to voting on this item as a previous member of the Planning Commission and 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 Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith2 - I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
I.1. SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution Accepting the Annual Report on Development Impact Fees for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 as Required by Government Code Section 66006(b)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced accepting the City’s Annual Compliance Report for Development Impact Fees (AB 1600) as required by Government Code section 66006(b).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting the Annual Compliance Report for Development Impact Fees for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 which contains the information required by California Government Code Section 66006(b); and,
B. Adopting Resolution 2024-113, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, accepting the Development Impact Fees Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Annual Report and making findings related to unexpended
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developer deposits for public improvements as required by California Government Code Section 66001.
City Engineer Daryl JORDAN gave a slideshow presentation on the Annual Report on Development Impact Fees (AB1600) for fiscal year 2023/2024.
City Manager Scott MCBRIDE welcomed City Engineer Daryl JORDAN and spoke on the Engineering Department's work on this report.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 6:36 PM and subsequently closed the Public Hearing at 6:36 PM due to lack of public comments.
Clerk’s Note: There was no Council discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
J. ACTION ITEMS
J.1. SUBJECT: Approval of a Stop Gap Aid Agreement for Fire Services and Emergency Operations Coordination Between the City of Merced and Merced County, and Provide Direction to Staff to Continue Exploring Long Term Options for Automatic Aid or Other Service Options Between the Two Agencies
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Stop Gap Aid Agreement for Fire Services and Emergency Operations Coordination between the City of Merced and Merced County for the period of January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, and provide direction to staff to continue exploring long term options for Automatic Aid or other service options between the two agencies.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Stop Gap Aid Agreement for Fire Services and
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Emergency Operations Coordination between the City of Merced and Merced County for the period of January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to execute the agreement; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to increase revenue in the amount of $157,692 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 in the General Fund-Fire Division; and, D. Provide direction to staff to continue exploring long term options for Automatic Aid or other service options between the two agencies.
City Manager Scott MCBRIDE and Interim Fire Chief Casey WILSON gave a slideshow presentation on the City of Merced and Merced County Stop Gap Aid Agreement.
Council, Mr. WILSON, and Mr. MCBRIDE discussed the staffing cost of Squad 53, details of the change in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls, details of the SAFER Grant, the definition of "other fires", the rate cost of using the Squad vehicle, term of the agreement, details of the cost-sharing with Merced County, details of the budget transfer, the option to terminate the contract in the future, potential direction to return at a future date for an update, the response time requirement, details of the agreement between UC Merced and Merced County, and details of the Stop Gap Aid Agreement.
Merced County Supervisor Josh PEDROZO, Merced - thanked Council for their consideration, thanked City Staff for their work on the agreement, and spoke on the importance of public safety throughout Merced County.
Council discussed the percentage of EMS and fire calls that Merced Fire Department will receive, the financial model of the Stop Gap Aid Agreement, the term of the SAFER Grant, details of the agreement, and potentially coming back to Council for an update.
Clerk's Note: Recommendation C required five affirmative votes from Council.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, to approve staff Recommendations A, B, and D, with the additional direction to come back at the 2nd Council meeting in July, 2025. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, to approve Recommendation C. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
J.2. SUBJECT: Approving a Services Agreement with the Sports Facilities Companies for Site Optimization Study and Conceptual Design of Community Park-42 North
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the agreement for site optimization and conceptual design of approximate 40 acres of land dedicated by Merced Union High School District, referred to as Community Park 42 North, to be designed in conjunction with Community Park-42 South as part of Merced’s Regional Sports Complex for the amount not to exceed $133,730.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Services agreement with the Sports Facilities Companies, Inc., in a not to exceed amount of $133,730 for optimization study and conceptual design of Community Park-42 North; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Director of Parks and Community Services Chris JENSEN gave a visual presentation of Community Park-42 North and the Services Agreement with the Sports Facilities Companies.
Council Member SMITH and Mr. JENSEN discussed details of the Site
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Optimization Study and details of the Feasibility Study.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Harris, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
J.3. SUBJECT: Award Bid to American Paving Co. for the Bob Hart Square Expansion, Project Number CP220073, in the Amount of
$3,418,502.60, and Approve Contract Change Order No. 1 to Reduce the Bid Schedules and Scope of Work in the Amount of $132,682.10
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding a Construction Contract to American Paving Co. in the amount of $3,418,502.60 for the Bob Hart Square Expansion Project, and approving Contract Change Order No. 1 for ($132,682.10) for the negotiated bid schedules to reduce the price.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the Bob Hart Square Expansion, Project CP220073 to American Paving Co., in the amount of $3,418,502.60; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute Contract Change Order No. 1 in the amount of ($132,682.10) for the new negotiated bid schedules; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve additional change orders not to exceed 10% of the total contract; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer authorization to make necessary budget adjustments.
Senior Engineer Rick MADDOX briefly discussed the Construction Contract and Change Order with American Paving Co. for the Bob Hart Square Expansion project.
Mayor SERRATTO and Mr. MADDOX discussed details of the stage
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location.
Clerk's Note: City Attorney Craig CORNWELL recommended a separate vote for the Change Order and Recommendations B, C, and D.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to approve Recommendation A. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to approve Recommendations B, C, and D. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
J.4. SUBJECT: Award Bid to American Paving Company for the Main Street Directional Project, Project Number CP230014, in the Amount of $ 965,804.70
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding a Construction Contract to American Paving Co. in the amount of $ 965,804.70 for the Main Street Directional project.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the construction contract for the Main Street Directional project, Project CP230014 to American Paving Company, in the amount of $ 965,804.70; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve change orders not to exceed 15% of the total contract; and,
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C. Authorizing the Finance Officer authorization to make necessary budget adjustments.
Senior Engineer Rick MADDOX briefly discussed the Construction Contract with American Paving Co. for the Main Street Directional Project.
Council and Mr. MADDOX discussed the directional change and details of the additional parking.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
J.5. SUBJECT: Award Bid to Rolfe Construction Inc, a California Corporation for Yosemite Avenue Road Reconstruction - G Street to Parsons Avenue, Project Number CP200009, in the Amount of $5,883,842.60, and Approve Contract Change Order No. 1 to Reduce the Bid Schedules and Scope of Work
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding a Construction Contract to Rolfe Construction Inc. in the amount of $5,883,842.60 for the Yosemite Avenue Road Reconstruction - G Street to Parsons Avenue Project No. CP200009, and approving Contract Change Order No. 1 for a reduction in scope and a credit of ($173,320) totaling the new contract amount of $5,710,522.60.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the construction contract for the Yosemite Avenue Road Reconstruction - G Street to Parsons Avenue Project No. CP200009 to Rolfe Construction Inc., a California Corporation, in the amount of $5,883,842.60; and,
B. Approving Contract Change Order No. 1 for a credit to the City in the amount of ($173,320.00) for a reduction in scope to the original contract; and,
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C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve change orders not to exceed 10% of the total contract.
City Surveyor Joe CARDOSO briefly discussed the Construction Contract and Change Order with Rolfe Construction Inc., for the Yosemite Avenue Road Reconstruction project.
Council and Mr. CARDOSO discussed details of the grind overlay cost, details of Capital Improvement Projects, the current condition of the road, and details of efficient ways to improve roads.
Clerk's Note: Council made a separate vote for the Change Order and Recommendations B and C.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Harris, to approve Recommendation A. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Harris, to approve Recommendation B and C. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
K. BUSINESS
K.1. SUBJECT: Discussion to Accept Flag Request to be Added to the Flag Calendar for Approval
REPORT IN BRIEF
Discussion to accept flag requests to be added to the flag calendar for the 2025 year and to be approved by Council at a future meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide staff direction to accept flag requests and to bring all request back
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to be added to the Flag Calendar for Council approval.
Assistant City Clerk Jennifer LEVESQUE briefly discussed the request to accept flag requests to be added to the flag calendar.
Council, Ms. LEVESQUE, and City Attorney Craig CORNWELL discussed the deadline date for the request, the location of the form online, details of the Flag Policy, groups and members of the public requesting to fly a flag, potentially bringing it back to review the policy, and explore options to amend the policy.
Clerk's Note: There was no formal vote taken, item was for information only.
K.2. SUBJECT: Direction on the Format and Dates for the 2025 Community Town Halls and Strategic Planning Session to Provide Input on the Development of the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget
REPORT IN BRIEF
Seeks direction on the format and dates for the 2025 Community Town Halls and Council Strategic Planning Session to provide input on the development of the fiscal year 2025/26 Annual Budget.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide staff with dates for three Community Town Hall meetings and direction on the format and preferred dates for the Strategic Planning Session.
Senior Management Analyst Jennifer FLACHMAN briefly discussed the format and dates for the 2025 Community Town Halls and Strategic Planning Session.
Council and Ms. FLACHMAN discussed potential dates and details of the format for the Town Hall meetings, details of the Strategic Planning Session, and the intention of the Town Hall meetings and Strategic Planning Session.
Ashley SUAREZ, Merced - spoke on setting the meetings in the evening, potentially assisting citizens with bus fees for transportation to the meetings, details of the previous Strategic Planning Session, and community outreach.
Council, Ms. FLACHMAN, and City Manager Scott MCBRIDE continued to discuss details of the upcoming Town Hall meetings and the Strategic
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Planning Session, and discussed community outreach efforts.
Council agreed to the following Town Hall location options, formats, dates, and times. South Merced locations will be held at either Don Stowell Elementary School or Farmdale Elementary School, Central locations will be held at either the Civic Center or the Multi-Cultural Arts Center, and the North locations will be held at either Merced High School or Rivera Elementary School. The Town Hall will include an Open House beginning at 5:30 PM and a Questions and Answers with Council beginning at 6:15 PM.
The potential dates are January 28th, 29th, and 30th, February 4th, 6th, 13th, 25th, and 26th. The duration of the Town Hall will be from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Council agreed to hold the Strategic Planning Session on Saturday, March 1st, at 9 AM, in the Sam Pipes Room, located in the Civic Center.
K.3. SUBJECT: Continued Selection of City of Merced Representatives to Participate in the May 2025 One Voice Program and Approval of Priority Projects
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council to decide City Representatives to participate in the One Voice Program scheduled for May 13th -16th, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion selecting an additional City Council member to attend the One Voice Conference May 13th -16th, 2025 Council briefly discussed the selection of the City of Merced representatives to participate in the May 2025 One Voice Program.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, that Mayor Serratto, Council Member Smith, and one staff member attend the One Voice Program in May 2025. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
Clerk's Note: Council took a recess at 8:14 PM and reconvened at 8:23 PM.
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K.4. SUBJECT: Introduction of City Council Designated Representative(s) to Various Organizations and Areas of Interest Related to City Business
REPORT IN BRIEF
Introduction of City Council Designated Representative assignments for 2024. Final assignments will be adopted by January 2024.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Information Only.
Mayor SERRATTO and City Manager Scott MCBRIDE briefly discussed the City Council designated representatives for various organizations and areas of interest related to city business.
Council discussed combining and amending portions of the current organizations and areas of interest.
Council agreed to combine the City Council designation list to the following: Budget, Economic Development, Downtown, Housing/Planning, Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, South Merced, Sustainability and Utility Rate, Transportation, and Ethics. Council also agreed to bring this item back for adoption at the January 6, 2025, Council meeting and for Council Members to email their interests Mayor SERRATTO and City Manager Scott MCBRIDE by December 30, 2024.
Clerk's Note: There was no formal vote taken, item was for information only.
K.5. SUBJECT: Mayor Serratto’s Request to Discuss a Jaywalking Ordinance
REPORT IN BRIEF
Mayor Serratto’s request to discuss a jaywalking ordinance in the City of Merced.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
Mayor SERRATTO briefly discussed the request for a jaywalking ordinance in the city.
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Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Council, City Attorney Craig CORNWELL, Chief of Police Steven STANFIELD, and City Manager Scott MCBRIDE discussed examples of ordinances from surrounding cities, details of Assembly Bill 2147, the enforcement for jaywalking, details of the Public Safety Subcommittee, exceptions to Assembly Bill 2147, the legal stance of pedestrian involved accidents, re-educating the public on distracted driving and seatbelt enforcement, addressing the safety issue with infrastructure, and the safety concerns of jaywalking.
Council agreed for the Public Safety Subcommittee to work with staff and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission and return in 90 days, March 17, 2025, Council meeting.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
K.6. SUBJECT: Personnel Board Appointments
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers appointing one Board nominated and one Council nominated individual to the Personnel Board.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Appointing Phyllis Krego to serve as Board nominated replacement member of the Personnel Board with a partial term expiring on July 1, 2025, respectively; and,
B. Appointing one individual from the remaining applicants to serve as a Council nominated replacement member of the Personnel Board to a partial term expiring on July 1, 2026.
Council discussed the vacancies and applicants for the Personnel Board.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to appoint Phyllis Krego as the Board Nominated member on the Personnel Board for a partial term ending on July 1, 2025. The motion carried by the following vote:
December 16, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to appoint Pamela Toconis as the Council Appointed member on the Personnel Board for a partial term ending on July 1, 2026. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
K.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 DEANDA requested to hold off on the Council designations.
K.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 HARRIS reported on attending the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce event with Council Member DUPONT.
Council Member DUPONT reported on attending the swearing in of four new police officers for the Merced Police Department.
Mayor Pro Tempore BOYLE reported on attending the swearing in of four
December 16, 2024City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
new police officers for the Merced Police Department and Merced County Association of Realtors Installation Dinner.
Mayor SERRATTO spoke on upcoming events such as the Merced County Association of Governments' Open House event, the Beginning of Hmong New Year, the Winter Solstice event, and the Rescue Mission's Christmas Eve Dinner for the needy.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:02 PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, that this Regular Meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: Mayor Serratto1 -
Absent: 0