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, March 3, 2025
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, 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 5:03 PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Property: Mansionette Drive and Yosemite Avenue, Merced, CA APN 231-040-021; Agency Negotiators: D. Scott McBride, City Manager, Frank Quintero, Deputy City Manager, Venus Rodriguez, Finance Officer and Craig J. Cornwell, City Attorney; Negotiating Party: V.
Beglinger, Cox Castle Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8
B.2. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation. One (1) potential case.
Pursuant to California Government Code Section Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2)
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 5:40 PM.
C. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
C.1. Invocation - Bruce Metcalf, Rescue Mission
The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Bruce METCALF of the Rescue Mission.
C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Pastor Bruce METCALF led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
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 -
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 $500.00 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 2024-78.
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. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
F.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Gateway Quilters’ Guild
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by a representative from the Gateway Quilters’ Guild.
Mayor Pro Tempore BOYLE presented the Gateway Quilters Guild Proclamation to representatives of the Merced Gateway Quilters Guild.
F.2. SUBJECT: Recognition of University of California, Merced Student Maddison Crump for Being a Recipient of This Year’s Regents Foster Youth Award
REPORT IN BRIEF
The City Council will recognize Maddison Crump.
Mayor Pro Tempore BOYLE presented a certificate of recognition to UC Merced Student Maddison CRUMP for being a recipient of the Regents Foster Youth Award.
G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk’s Note: Emails were received for the following agenda item and forwarded to Council prior to the meeting.
Public Comment: Mary AVILA, Jeffrey CARTER, Matt LANGER, Angela LARA, Caleb MEDEFIND, and Rick WENDLING.
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
H. PUBLIC COMMENT
Cindy KELLY, Merced - spoke on the 2024 statistics of the Merced SPCA and shared details of the Vaccination Event.
Dolly WRIGHT, Republican Caucus Representative, Merced - introduced herself as the Republic Caucus Representative of District 2 and shared her concerns of homelessness in Merced.
City Engineer Daryl JORDAN - shared updates on the Bob Hart Square project.
Interim Fire Chief Casey WILSON, Merced - introduced Squad 53 and shared details of the staffing and equipment for the apparatus.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Items I.11. Approval of Street Closure Request #25-04 by the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to Host a Vendor Fair Event (El Mercado), Located on N Street Between W. Main Street and W. 19th Street, on Thursday, April 3, 2025, and Thursday May 1, 2025, From 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Consideration of a Request for a City of Merced Co-Sponsorship, I.12. Adoption of a Resolution Approving Final Map #5424 for Crossing at River Oaks Phase 6, Subdivision for 20 Lots at Coffee Street and Childs Avenue, and the Approval of the Subdivision Agreement for the Crossing at River Oaks Phase 6, and I.13. Adoption of a Resolution Approving Final Map #5422 for Bellevue Ranch West Villages 18 - 22, Phase 4 Subdivision for 76 Single-Family Lots, Generally Located at the Northwest Corner of M Circle and Bellevue Road, and the Approval of the Subdivision Agreement for Bellevue Ranch West Villages 18 - 22, Phase 4 Subdivision; were pulled for separate consideration.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Harris, 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
I.1. SUBJECT: Reading by Title of All Ordinances and Resolutions
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
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 February 2025
REPORT IN BRIEF
Notification of awarded Non-Public Works contracts under $38,000 and of Public Works contracts under $85,161.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.3. SUBJECT: Information Only - Traffic Committee Minutes of November 4, 2024
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved the Consent Agenda.
I.4. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2024
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 October 7, 2024.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.5. SUBJECT: Approval of Services Agreement with Vestis Services,
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
LLC, in the Annual Amount of $97,750 for Uniform Rental and Cleaning Services of Work Apparel and Miscellaneous Items for a Two (2) Year Term Beginning July 1, 2025 Through June 30, 2027, with an Option to Extend the Agreement for Three (3) Additional One (1) Year Term(s) Through June 30, 2030
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Services Agreement with Vestis Services, LLC, in the annual amount of $97,750 for uniform rental and cleaning services of work apparel and miscellaneous items for the Public Works, Airport, and Parks and Recreation Departments.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the services agreement with Vestis Services, LLC, in the annual amount of $97,750 for uniform rental and cleaning services of work apparel and miscellaneous items for a period of two-years, with an option to renew for a maximum of (3) three additional one-year periods; and,
B. Approving future amendments to adjust the number of uniforms and miscellaneous items provided based on staffing levels, or changes in uniform safety and visibility needs; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or the Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.6. SUBJECT: Approval to Wave Competitive Bidding Requirements and Approval of a Government Services Multi-Channel Sales Agreement and Addendum No. 1 with Iron Planet, Inc. DBA Govplanet
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to waive competitive bidding, approving an agreement and Addendum No. 1 with Iron Planet, Inc. DBA Govplanet to continue using its online marketplace to sell City of Merced surplus vehicles, equipment, and other miscellaneous surplus items as needed via online auction.
RECOMMENDATION
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waving the competitive bidding process based on Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 which states it may be waived with the approval of the city council; and,
B. Approving the Sales Agreement and Addendum No. 1 with Iron Planet, Inc. DBA Govplanet; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.7. SUBJECT: Approval of a Fourth Amendment to Agreement for Professional Services with Goldman Magdalin Straatsma, LLP
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Fourth Amendment to an Agreement for workers’ compensation litigation matters to adjust the hourly compensation rate.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Fourth 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.8. SUBJECT: Approval of the Fifth Amendment with Hanson Bridgett, LLP, the Third Amendment with Wilke Fleury, LLP, and the Second Amendment with Prentice Long, PC for a Total Amount not to Exceed $235,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the Fifth Amendment with Hanson Bridgett, LLP, the Third Amendment with Wilke Fleury, LLP, and the Second Amendment with Prentice Long, PC for a total amount not to exceed $235,000.
RECOMMENDATION
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Fifth Amendment to an Agreement for Professional Services with Hanson Bridgett LLP in an amount not to exceed $95,000; and,
B. Approving a Third Amendment to an Agreement with Wilke Fleury, LLP in an amount not to exceed $80,000; and,
C. Approving a First Amendment to a Legal Services Agreement with Prentice Long, PC in an amount not to exceed $60,000; and, D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.9. SUBJECT: Approval of Allocation of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program Resources and Approval of Associated Subrecipient Agreement with Sierra Saving Grace Homeless Project for the Acquisition/Rehabilitation "Supportive Housing Project" Approved with the Amended 2024 Annual Action Plan
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing the execution of Program Year 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subrecipient
Agreement with Sierra Saving Grace Homeless Project ($586,381).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving an agreement for the program identified in the amended 2024 HUD Annual Action Plan using Fiscal Year 2024-25 CDBG funds with Sierra Saving Grace Homeless Project in the amount of $586,381 for the Acquisition/Rehabilitation “Supportive Housing Project” Program; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute, and if necessary, direct staff to make minor modifications to the agreement as described above and as attached, and all associated documents and exhibits.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.10. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Modified Resolution Authorizing the
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Previously Approved Homekey+ Grant Application with Up Holdings California, LLC and UP Mercy Village LP and Rescinding
Resolution 2025-06
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a modified resolution due to changes desired by the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD)
authorizing the submittal of a joint application for participation in HCD Homekey+ Grant Program with Up Holdings California, LLC and UP Mercy Village LP and Rescinding Resolution 2025-06.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Rescinding previously approved Resolution 2025-06; and, B. Adopting Resolution 2025-15, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, rescinding Resolution No. 2025-06 and authorizing a Joint Application and Participation in the Homekey Program; the execution of a standard agreement if selected for such funding and any amendments thereto; and any related documents necessary to participate in the Homekey Program; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Standard Agreements if selected for such funding and any amendments thereto, and any related documents necessary to participate in the Homekey+ Grant Program This Consent Item was approved.
I.11. SUBJECT: Approval of Street Closure Request #25-04 by the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to Host a Vendor Fair Event (El Mercado), Located on N Street Between W. Main Street and W. 19th Street, on Thursday, April 3, 2025, and Thursday May 1, 2025, From 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and
Consideration of a Request for a City of Merced Co-Sponsorship
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a request by the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the closure and use of City streets on Thursday, April 3, 2025, and Thursday, May 1, 2025, for a Vendor Fair Event (El Mercado). The request seeks approval to close N Street Between W. Main Street and W. 19th Street from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The application also includes a request for City of Merced
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Co-Sponsorship.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the street closure of N Street between W. Main Street and W. 19th Street, on Thursday, April 3, 2025, and Thursday May 1, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and,
Should the City Council decide to Co-Sponsor the Event
City Council - Adopt a Motion
B. Approving City of Merced Co-Sponsorship at an estimated $3,023.41 per event, subject to the Conditions of Approval outlined in the Administrative Staff Report.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of resident Annissa FRAGOSO.
Annissa FRAGOSO, Merced - requested change of venue due to construction on Bob Hart Square and asked the City Council to continue to support El Mercado event.
Council Member SMITH briefly discussed the advanced notice for Tioga residents, the cost of staffing, and details of the co-sponsorship.
Ms. FRAGOSO, Merced - invited Merced citizens to El Mercado event.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, 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
I.12. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving Final Map #5424 for Crossing at River Oaks Phase 6, Subdivision for 20 Lots at Coffee Street and Childs Avenue, and the Approval of the Subdivision Agreement for the Crossing at River Oaks Phase 6
REPORT IN BRIEF
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Considers adopting the Final Map #5424 for 20 lots, located between Coffee Street and Campus Parkway, south of Childs Avenue, and the Subdivision Agreement for the Crossing at River Oaks, Phase 6 Subdivision.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Resolution 2025-13, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving the Final Subdivision Map for the Crossing at River Oaks, Phase 6 Subdivision (#5424); and, B. Approving the Subdivision Agreement for the Crossing at River Oaks, Phase 6 Subdivision; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all 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 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, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member Smith1 -
I.13. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving Final Map #5422 for Bellevue Ranch West Villages 18 - 22, Phase 4 Subdivision for 76 Single-Family Lots, Generally Located at the Northwest Corner of M Circle and Bellevue Road, and the Approval of the Subdivision Agreement for Bellevue Ranch West Villages 18 - 22, Phase 4 Subdivision
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting Final Map #5422 for 76 single-family lots, located
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
at the southwest corner of M Circle and Bellevue Road, and the subdivision agreement for the Bellevue Ranch West Villages 18 - 22, Phase 4 Subdivision.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Resolution 2025-14, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving the Final Subdivision Map for Bellevue Ranch West Villages 18 - 22, Phase 4 Subdivision (#5422); and,
B. Approving the Subdivision Agreement for the Bellevue Ranch West Villages 18 - 22, Phase 4 Subdivision; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member SMITH and Council Member HARRIS.
Clerk’s Note: Council Member SMITH recused himself due to the applicant being a client at his law firm and Council Member HARRIS recused himself due to voting on this item as a previous member of the Planning Commission.
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 - J. ACTION ITEMS
J.1. SUBJECT: Report for Discussion on Preliminary Annexation Application #24-03 for the Old Dominion Annexation
REPORT IN BRIEF
The City Council will be asked to evaluate Preliminary Annexation
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Application #24-03 for the Old Dominion Annexation project. The proposed annexation consists of approximately 260.5 acres, with a developed area of 170.3 acres. The project will include mixed-use development generally located north of Bellevue Road, between G Street and Golf Road, south of Farmland Road.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion indicating general support for an official annexation application being processed for the Old Dominion Annexation project.
Deputy Director of Development Services Diana LOWRANCE gave a slideshow presentation on the preliminary annexation application #24-03 for the Old Dominion Annexation.
Lee KOLLIGIAN, Applicant - spoke on the KOLLIGIAN family history, details of development projects, details of the community meetings, and addressed neighborhood concerns.
Ashley SUAREZ, Merced - spoke on the cost of pre-annexations and shared concerns of existing communities.
Robert DYLINA, Merced - spoke on unit resources, the impact fees, the cost of taxes, and higher prices for developing locally.
Mr. KOLLIGIAN spoke on ensuring the drain resources is feasible for all citizens.
Council discussed details of the project, the mixed housing density, and the impact on current annexations.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Harris, in general support of the Old Dominion Annexation to move forward with the official annexation application. 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. REPORTS
K.1. SUBJECT: Accept the Report on a Potential Rental Registry Program and Provide Direction
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting the report on a potential rental registry program and provide direction.
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the report on a potential rental registry program and provide direction to staff.
City Manager Scott MCBRIDE gave a slideshow presentation on a potential Rental Registry Program.
Council, Mr MCBRIDE, Police Chief Steven STANFIELD, and City Attorney Craig CORNWELL discussed inspection benefits, potentially providing training for public, the current efforts made by the Code Enforcement division, the receivership process, enhancing the Code Enforcement division, and the rental units that cause a large amount of issues.
Cindy KELLY, Merced - spoke on the calls received by Code Enforcement, government overreach, the rental registry will add costs to tenants, and asked Council not to support a rental registry.
Ashley SUAREZ, Merced - spoke on uninhabitable properties, the benefits of a rental registry, and shared suggestions to add to the rental registry program.
Blanca OJEDA, Merced - shared personal experiences with tenants in the community and spoke on similar policies like the rental registry program.
Terry BEALS, Merced - spoke on the need of a rental registry and shared details of the Brookdale Gardens apartment complex.
Earnest CHISM, Merced - shared his personal experience living in the Brookdale Gardens apartment complex, the conditions of the apartment complex, and spoke on the need for a rental registry.
Gloria SANDOVAL, Merced - spoke in support of a rental program, the benefits of a rental registry program, and the prevention of tenant and health issues.
Harold MIMS, Merced - spoke on their experience living in the Brookdale Gardens apartment complex.
Robert DYLINA, Merced - spoke on the complaints received by Code Enforcement, government overreach, and the concerns from landlords and
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
property owners.
Beverly SCHICK, Merced - spoke on holding property owners accountable.
Erin HAMM, Local Property Manager, Merced - asked Council to bring property owners and landlords into the discussion when making a decision on the rental registry program and spoke on the experience for inspectors.
Greg TERRAKIS, Merced - spoke on rental registry programs in other cities, the suggested price for each inspection, and suggested to look into an anti-slum enforcement team.
Latricia BEASLEY, Merced - spoke on behalf of the tenants living in the Brookdale Gardens apartment complex, the need of a rental registry, and asked Council to take action now on holding landlords accountable.
Larry MASENGALE, Merced - spoke on the issues that can incur if a rental registry program is adopted and asked to turn the rental registry program down.
Terry RUSCOE, Merced - spoke on getting immediate assistance to Brookdale Gardens residents and ensuring that tenants are being treated fairly.
Council, Mr. STANFIELD, Mr. MCBRIDE, and Mr. CORNWELL discussed providing information to tenants, the number of Brookdale Gardens resident complaints to Code Enforcement, the definition of a rental registry program and the rental inspection program, details of slum-lords, details of the Rental Registry Program in the City of Fresno, ways to enhance the Code Enforcement division, focus on an Anti-Slum-Lord Initiative, and previous conversations from City Council on a rental registry program. They also discussed the potential legal issues, publicly shaming bad landlords, details of the conditions of the Brookdale Gardens apartments, potentially a triage process for calls coming in for Code Enforcement, taking action on the Brookdale Gardens apartments as soon as possible, potentially creating a public list of residential homes and apartments with constant issues, details of housing issues, and public health and safety being a priority for Code Enforcement.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, to reorient this initiative to focus solely on an Anti-Slum-Lord Initiative, look into different California cities, to no longer put resources to an Inspection Program and Rental Registry Program, with a deadline to come back to Council with 60-days, and an offer to put together a Subcommittee (Public Safety) with Council and community members for a focus group within 30 days. The motion carried by the following vote:
March 3, 2025City 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, and Council Member Smith 6 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
L. BUSINESS
Clerk's Note: Council took a recess at 8:36 PM and reconvened at 8:46 PM.
L.1. SUBJECT: Council Member Dupont’s Request to Discuss the City Council Policy C-1 How Members of the City Council and the Public Have Items Placed on the City Council Agenda
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Member Dupont’s Request to Discuss the City Council Policy C-1 How Members of the City Council and the Public Have Items Placed on the City Council Agenda.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
Council Member DUPONT briefly discussed the request to discuss the City Council Policy C-1, How Members of the City Council and the Public Have Items Placed on the City Council Agenda and amend the policy to reflect more than one member of the Council place an item on the City Council agenda.
Cindy KELLY, Merced - spoke in support of this item, personal politics should not be on the agenda for discussion, and details of previous meetings.
Council spoke on previous Council meetings, previous discussions held, the benefits of the proposed amendment, discussing items in public meetings, public speakers, and the efficiency of the proposed amendment.
Ashley SUAREZ, Merced - spoke on the importance of citizens bringing issues to their district's Council Member.
Norma CARDONA, Merced - spoke on listening to citizens, support for Council to bring issues, and concerns of filtering out specific issues such as South Merced.
Blanca OJEDA, Merced - spoke on the expectation to bring issues to their
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Council Member, limiting items on the agenda, and opposed the item.
Robert DYLINA, Merced - spoke on the Checks and Balances in government, taking staff resources and time on items, and Council Members voted for by the citizens in their districts.
Council, Mr. MCBRIDE, Deputy City Manager Frank QUINTERO discussed the history of the City Council Policy C-1, details of the C-1 policy, details of the Charter, the process of outside government agencies, the process of raising issues, community members raising issues, referring the issue to the Ethics Subcommittee, and citizens reaching out to Council Members.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to refer this item to the Ethics Subcommittee for further discussion. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith 6 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
L.2. 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 HARRIS requested an information only report on roads and road construction from the Public Works Director on the April 21st Council Meeting.
Mayor SERRATTO briefly spoke on meeting with the Roads
Subcommittee.
L.3. 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 shared updates of his personal life.
March 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Council Member SMITH thanked the organizer of the 37th Annual Original Merced Criterium event.
Council Member HARRIS congratulated Interim Fire Chief Casey WILSON and the Merced Fire Department for placing Squad 53 in service.
Council Member DUPONT congratulated the Merced Fire Department for Squad 53 and reported on attending various Subcommittees.
Mayor Pro Tempore BOYLE reported on attending the Hola Cafecito Soft Opening event, the Ladies Night Out event, the UC Merced Womens and Mens Cal Pac event, and spoke on the 37th Annual Original Merced Criterium event.
Mayor SERRATTO spoke on the Hincapie Bike Race event and thanked everyone for their hard work on the Town Halls.
M. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, that this Regular Meeting be adjourned. 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