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, April 21, 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, and Council Member Shane Smith
Present: 6 -
Council Member Fue XiongAbsent: 1 -
B. CLOSED SESSION
Mayor SERRATTO called the Closed Session to order at 5:05 PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant Exposure to Litigation. One (1) Potential Case. Pursuant to California Government Code Section § 54956.9(d) (2)
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 5:47 PM.
C. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
C.1. Invocation - Harsher Ahmed, Imam Ahmadiyya Muslim Community The Invocation was delivered by Harsher AHMED of the Imam Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Sunrise Rotary Aggie FREEMAN 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 -
Absent: 0
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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: City Council Volunteer of the Year Awards
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Members nominated a volunteer within their district and the Mayor nominated one at-large volunteer to highlight those who have given back to their community.
Mayor SERRATTO briefly described the Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Clerk's Note: Each Council Member presented awards to individual volunteers within their district. Council Member XIONG will present the Volunteer of the Year award for District 6 at the next Council meeting.
District 1 - Jeremiah GREGGAINS
District 2 - Ruth TOMLINSON
District 3 - Cynthia KELLY
District 4 - Merced's Helping One Woman Chapter
District 5 - Joe STEFANI
At-Large - John CARLOS
Council thanked all of the volunteers for all of their efforts to improve the community.
F.2. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Arbor Day
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by representatives of the City of Merced Public Works Department, Parks and Trees Division.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Arbor Day Proclamation to Public Works Supervisor - Trees Angel NUNEZ.
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G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk’s Note: The emails was received for the following agenda item and forwarded to Council prior to the meeting.
Public Comment: Angela LARA.
H. PUBLIC COMMENT
Cindy KELLY, Merced - shared details of the grant awarded to the Merced SPCA, the Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program, and the Merced SPCA $5 Challenge.
Shirley DAVIS, Merced - shared details of the Exhortation to Unity Inc., Inspiring Hope Organization, and the Legacy Black Tie event.
Police Chief Steven STANFIELD - shared details on the crime statistics of Merced and spoke on improving transparency.
Diana WESTMORELAND, Field Representative for Senator Ana CABALLERO, Merced - shared legislative updates and spoke on the Young Legislature Program.
Japjeet SINGH, Merced - spoke on how state law affects county and city agencies.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Item I.8. Approval to Reject All Bids Received for Project No.
CP220066 CMAQ (059) Traffic Signal Synchronization; was pulled for separate consideration.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, 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
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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 - Traffic Committee Minutes of January 14, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.3. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2024, December 16, 2024, January 6, 2025, January 21, 2025, January 28, 2025, and January 30, 2025
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 December 9, 2024, December 16, 2024, January 6, 2025, January 21, 2025, January 28, 2025, and January 30, 2025.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.4. SUBJECT: Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements and Approval of a One (1) Year Renewal Amendment with SMARSH Inc for Text Message and Social Media Archiving Services for an Additional $35,905 for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of 220,794
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REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to waive the competitive bidding requirements and approval of one year renewal amendment with SMARSH Inc for Text Message and Social Media Archiving Services for an additional $35,905 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $220,794.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bid requirements as stated in Section 3.04.210; and,
B. Approving the renewal agreement with SMARSH Inc. in the amount of $35,905 for a total not-to-exceed of $220,794; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.5. SUBJECT: Authorization to Accept the Donation of “Two” 24 by 40-Foot Modular Buildings from Merced City School District for the Merced Regional Fire Training Center
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing to accept a donation of “two” 24 by 40-foot modular buildings with a value of $70,000 from Merced City School District, as the main office and conference room/storage for the fire department at the Merced Regional Fire Training Center.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting a donation in the form of “two” 24 by 40-foot modular buildings with a value of $70,000 from Merced City School District; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.6. SUBJECT: Approval of Street Closure Request with the Use of City Owned Property Located at Bob Hart Square, Submitted by Merced City Parks and Recreation Department for the 2025 2nd Annual
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Halloween Parade on Saturday October 11, 2025, From 2:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to allow the use of City streets on Saturday October 11, 2025, for the Halloween Parade.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the street closures of East Main Street, from Calimyrna Avenue to “G” Street, West Main Street, from “G” to “O” Streets, “O” Street from West Main Street to 20th Street including side streets, the city owned property known as Bob Hart Sq, as requested by Merced City Parks and Recreation Department for the 2025 2nd Annual Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.7. SUBJECT: Approval of the Use of City Owned Property Known as Parking Lot 6 From May 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM to May 17, 2025 at 11:00 P.M. Street Closures of West Main Street, From “H” Street to Martin Luther King Jr Way, on May 17, 2025 From 7:00 A.M. to May 17, 2025 at 11:00 P.M. A Rolling Road Closure for the Parade on May 17, 2025 From 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 PM on Martin Luther King Jr Way Between West Main Street and West 18th Street, West 18th Street Between Martin Luther King Jr Way and “H” Street, and “H” Street Between West 18th Street and West Main Street Submitted by Chris Bounlangsy with the Vatthanatham Lao Foundation for the 2025 Lao New Year Celebration, May 16, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. Through May 17, 2025, 11:00 P.M.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to allow the use of City streets and City owned property on May 16th and May 17th, 2025, for the Lao New Year Celebration. The Street Closure Request includes West Main St, from “H” St to Martin Luther King Jr Way, a rolling street closure on May 17, 2025, to include Martin Luther King Jr Way, W 18th St and “H” St, and the use of City owned property known as Parking Lot 6.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the use of City owned property know as Parking Lot 6 from May 16th, 2025 at 3:00 PM to May 17, 2025 at 11:00 P.M. Street closures of West Main St, from “H” St to
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Martin Luther King Jr Way, on May 17, 2025 from 7:00 A.M. until 11:00 P.M., A rolling road closure for the parade on May 17, 2025 from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 PM on Martin Luther King Jr Way between W Main St and W 18th St, W 18th St between Martin Luther King Jr Way and “H” St, and “H” St between W 18th St and W Main St. Submitted by Chris Bounlangsy with the Vatthanatham Lao Foundation for the 2025 Lao New Year Celebration, May 16, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. thru May 17, 2025, 11:00 P.M.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.9. SUBJECT: Approving the Cooperative Agreement with State of California, Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the Highway 59 Widening Phase 1 and Highway 59 Black Rascal Bridge Project (CP200064/CP200065) for Plans, Specifications, and Estimate (PS&E) and Right-of-Way Acquisition
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to authorize a Cooperative Agreement with Caltrans to allow the City to progress and finalize the design plans, specifications, and estimate (PS&E) and acquire the necessary right-of-way for the Highway 59 Widening Phase 1 and Highway 59 Black Rascal Bridge Projects, CP200064 and CP200065.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Cooperative Agreement for the Highway 59 Widening Phase 1 and Highway 59 Black Rascal Bridge Project; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.10. SUBJECT: Approval to Purchase One (1) New Terex Hi-Ranger LT40 Articulating/Telescoping Aerial Truck, and Necessary Attachment Equipment, from Terex Utilities, Inc., in the Amount of $209,783.10 as an Acquisition for the Trees and Water Divisions
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the purchase of one (1) New Terex Hi-Ranger LT40 Articulating/Telescoping Aerial Truck, in the amount of $209,783.10 utilizing the cost savings government procurement
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program (Sourcewell). This purchase was included in the FY 24/25 adopted budget as a vehicle addition for the Trees and Water divisions.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210 and authorizing the purchase to be made with a cooperative purchase agreement through Sourcewell, a government procurement program; and,
B. Approving the purchase of one New Terex Hi-Ranger LT40 Articulating/Telescoping Aerial Truck, in the amount of $209,783.10, from Terex Utilities, Inc., through Sourcewell Terex Contract # 110421-TER; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents for the purchase specified above; and,
D. Authorizing the issuance of the Purchase Order and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.11. SUBJECT: Approval to Purchase One (1) New Front Loader Refuse Truck, and Necessary Attachment Equipment, From Interstate Truck Center - Valley Peterbilt, in the Amount of $378,777.48 for the Refuse Department
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the purchase of one 2026 Peterbilt 520 truck with NewWay Mammoth Front End Loader body in the amount of
$378,777.48 utilizing the cost savings government procurement program (Sourcewell). The purchase of the additional vehicle was identified in the prior rate study for growth of the refuse collection operation.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210 and authorizing the purchase
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to be made with a cooperative purchase agreement through Sourcewell, a government procurement program; and,
B. Approving the purchase of one 2026 Peterbilt 520 truck with NewWay Mammoth Front End Loader body in the amount of
$378,777.48 from Interstate Truck Center - Valley Peterbilt, through Sourcewell contract # 032824-PMC; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents for the purchase specified above; and,
D. Authorizing the issuance of the Purchase Order, and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.12. SUBJECT: Approval of a First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Hildebrand Consulting, LLC, for a Sewer and Water Rate Study in a not to Exceed Additional Amount of $10,000 for a Total Contract not to Exceed $93,250
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Hildebrand Consulting, LLC, to conduct a Sewer and Water Rate Study.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a First Amendment Professional Services Agreement with Hildebrand Consulting, LLC, in the additional amount not to exceed $10,000, to prepare a comprehensive sewer and water rate study; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.13. SUBJECT: Approval of an Eighth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., for the Wastewater Collection System Master Plan (WCSMP) Update Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Project CP130059 for a not to Exceed Additional Amount of $50,348 for a Total Contract not to Exceed Amount of $1,073,198
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REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving an Eighth Amendment to a Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., to include cultural resources tasks as part of the preparation of a draft and final Recirculated Environmental Impact Report (REIR).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving an eighth amendment to professional services agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., in the additional amount of $50,348 for the City of Merced Wastewater Collection System Master Plan Update Environmental Impact Report (EIR); and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.8. SUBJECT: Approval to Reject All Bids Received for Project No.
CP220066 CMAQ (059) Traffic Signal Synchronization
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to reject all bids received for CP220066 CMAQ (059) Traffic Signal Synchronization to update traffic signal equipment at 32 intersections and upgrade to traffic cameras at 11 intersections throughout the City due to insufficient project funding.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion rejecting all bids received for Project No. CP220066 CMAQ (059) Traffic Signal Synchronization due to insufficient funding and direct staff to re-evaluate the project design and re-bid the project.
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member HARRIS.
Council and City Engineer Daryl JORDAN discussed details of the bids received, the total cost of the project, the scope of work, details of the grant funding received, the process of synchronizing traffic signals, and details of the locations chosen.
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:
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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
J. ACTION ITEMS
J.1. SUBJECT: Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the Official City Zoning Map By Approving Zone Change #436, Site Utilization Plan Revision #19 to Planned Development #4, Site Utilization Plan Revision #14 to Planned Development #42 and Site Utilization Plan Revision #18 to Planned Development #46 to Rezone Twenty-Seven (27) Sites Within the City Totaling Approximately 95 Acres of Land and Deny the Rezone of Three (3) Sites Totaling About 6 Acres of Land
REPORT IN BRIEF
Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance, Amending the Official City Zoning Map By Approving Zone Change #436, Site Utilization Plan Revision #19 to Planned Development #4, Site Utilization Plan Revision #14 to Planned Development #42 and Site Utilization Plan Revision #18 to Planned Development #46 to Rezone Twenty Seven (27) Sites within the City Totaling Approximately 95 Acres of Land and Deny the Rezone of three (3) Sites Totaling about 6 acres of land.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Ordinance 2577, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending the Official City Zoning Map By Approving Zone Change #436, Site Utilization Plan Revision #19 to Planned Development #4, Site Utilization Plan Revision #14 to Planned Development #42 and Site Utilization Plan Revision #18 to Planned Development #46 to Rezone Twenty Seven (27) Sites within the City Totaling Approximately 95 Acres of Land and Deny the Rezone of three (3) Sites Totaling about 6 acres of land.
City Attorney Craig CORNWELL and City Manager Scott MCBRIDE discussed the process of action taken my Council.
Ashley SUAREZ, Merced - spoke on details of the Housing Element, affordable housing, and urged Council to deny sites.
Clerk's Note: Council Member DEANDA recused himself from
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Recommendation C due to the proximity of his residence.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Smith, to adopt site C of the Ordinance. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith
5 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member DeAnda1 -
Clerk's Note: Council Member HARRIS recused himself from Recommendation I and J due to the proximity of his residence.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to adopt sites I and J of the Ordinance. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, and Council Member Smith
5 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member Harris1 -
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Harris, to adopt the Ordinance, denying sites G, R, and S. 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
Council discussed the rezoning process, details of the properties being rezoned, and details of lots that qualify for rezoning.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to adopt the remaining 24 sites of the Ordinance. 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, and Council Member Smith 6 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
J.2. SUBJECT: Authorization to Use the County of Riverside Agreement #8084445 and #7754679 for Microsoft Licensing of Software, Subscriptions, and Services with Vendor Software House International and Microsoft for a Period of May 1, 2025, to April 30,2028 in a not to Exceed Amount of $686,614 and Approving Contract Documents
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing to utilize the County of Riverside Agreement #8084445 and #7754679 for Microsoft Licensing of software, subscriptions, and services with vendor Software House International and Microsoft for a Period of May 1, 2025, to April 30,2028 in a not to exceed amount of $686,614 and approving contract documents.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bid requirements as stated in Section
3.04.210 for piggybacking; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute Change of Channel Partner and Change of Reseller agreements; and,
C. Approving the Agreements with SHI and Microsoft for software Licenses, Subscriptions, and Services; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute future contract amendments that do not exceed 135% of the $267,270 value of the agreement for subscription-based cloud services totaling $360,814 for the three-year duration of the agreement; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute future contract amendments that do not exceed 135% of the $108,000 value of the agreement for usage-based technology services totaling $145,800 for the three-year duration of the agreement; and,
F. Authorizing the City Manager to execute future contract amendments to the Microsoft Unified Support Agreement that do not exceed $180,000;
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and,
G. Authorizing the Finance Officer to transfer $52,529 from Fund 7008-Support Services to Fund 7009-Computer Replacement and appropriating the same in the current fiscal year; and, H. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make necessary budget adjustments for future contract amendments; and,
I. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make any necessary transfers and appropriation for funds to be used explicitly for expenditures of new software licenses, subscriptions, or services during the contract term.
Director of Information Technology Jeff BENNYHOFF briefly discussed the authorization to use the County of Riverside agreement for Microsoft licensing and software.
Council discussed the equipment that is at end of life and the department's plan for Windows 11.
Clerk's Note: Recommendations G, H, and I required five affirmative votes from Council.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Smith, to approve Recommendations A-F. 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 Smith, to approve Recommendations G-I. 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
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Clerk's Note: Council took a recess at 7:23 PM and reconvened at 7:34 PM.
J.3. SUBJECT: Report for Discussion on Preliminary Annexation Application #25-01 for the Ardison Annexation
REPORT IN BRIEF
The City Council will be asked to evaluate Preliminary Annexation Application #25-01 for the Ardison Annexation project. The proposed annexation consists of approximately 41.03 acres and will be developed with 206 lots for single-family homes. The subject site is generally located on the west side of Eddington Avenue (future), and 1,700 feet north of W.
Bellevue Road (Assessor’s Parcel Number 170-060-010).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion indicating general support for an official annexation application to be processed for the Ardison Annexation project.
Clerk's Note: Council Member SMITH recused himself due to the applicant being a client at his law firm.
Senior Planner Francisco MENDOZA gave a slideshow presentation on the preliminary annexation application #25-01.
Council Member XIONG and Mr. MENDOZA discussed the annexation not including affordable housing and details of the annexation.
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 Harris
5 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member Smith1 -
J.4. SUBJECT: Approval of a Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $8,731 From the Unreserved, Unencumbered Balance of Fund 8503-Asset Forfeiture, Transferring to the General Fund and Appropriating the Same to the Police Department for the Purchase of an Indoor Bullet Trap From Savage Range Systems Inc.
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REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a supplemental appropriation of funds from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in Fund 8503-Asset Forfeiture in the amount of $8,731, transferring to the General Fund and appropriating the same to the Merced Police Department to purchase an indoor bullet trap from Savage Range Systems Inc.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a supplemental appropriation from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in Fund 8503-Asset Forfeiture in the amount of $8,731, transferring to the General Fund and appropriating the same to the Police Department for the purchase of an indoor ballistic shoot trap; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Police Lieutenant Leone PINTABONA briefly discussed the purchase of an indoor bullet trap and details of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
Mayor SERRATTO and Mr. PINTABONA discussed updates on the NIBIN and details of the indoor bullet location.
Clerk's Note: This Agenda Item required five affirmative votes from Council.
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
J.5. SUBJECT: Approval to Provide Mutual Aid for Urgent Health and Safety Concerns at Crist Avenue and DeLong Street in the City of Merced
REPORT IN BRIEF
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The County of Merced is requesting that the City provide support, (i.e. police, fire, public works personnel and public works equipment), to its cleanup activities scheduled for April 21, 2025 and April 22, 2025 south of Hwy 99, north of E Chids Avenue. Camping activities on an adjoining private parcel is occurring and several trash accumulations, debris piles, and public health hazards have been identified, necessitating coordinated cleanup efforts for the safety of the public and responding personnel.
Staff is also seeking authority for a temporary closure of a portion of Crist Avenue and DeLong Street in the City of Merced not-to-exceed One Hundred Twenty (120) days to prevent further access to this camping site during the summer months (high risk of fire) for public safety concerns.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the City to provide Mutual Aid Support to the County of Merced to address Urgent Health and Safety Concerns near Crist Avenue and DeLong Street; and,
B. Authorizing the temporary closure of a portion of Crist Avenue and DeLong Street in the City of Merced for a term not-to-exceed One Hundred Twenty (120) days.
City Manager Scott MCBRIDE discussed providing mutual aid for urgent heath and safety concerns at Crist Avenue and DeLong Street.
Council Member DUPONT thanked all city and county staff involved on the project.
Gloria SANDOVAL, Merced - asked for clarification on the action taken today, spoke on considering sanctioned encampments for the unhoused population, and the decision from the Supreme Court.
Council and Police Chief Steven STANFIELD discussed the residents at the encampment seeking shelter resources, seizing property from the unhoused population, the homeless rates in Merced County, build housing, the situation on Crist Avenue and DeLong Street, potential long-term solutions, the health concerns of the encampment, details previous related projects of the city, resources for the unhoused, and details of housing projects in Merced.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Smith, that this agenda item be approved. 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, and Council Member Smith 6 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
K. REPORTS
K.1. SUBJECT: Report on Introduction of Program Year 2025 Project Funding Scoring Results and Recommendations for the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2025 Annual Action Plan; and Update Regarding the Expected 2025 HUD Allocation Announcement
REPORT IN BRIEF
Introduces the list of funding request applications received for the coming 2025 program year, explanation of project scoring procedures implemented to align with HUD’s subrecipient management guidelines, and results of 2025 program year scoring; and provides a brief update regarding the expected timeline for the 2025 CDBG and HOME annual allocation announcement.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide comment, if any, on staff recommendations regarding the anticipated projects and proposed distribution of public service program funding for the 2025 Program Year.
Housing Program Supervisor Kim NUTT gave a slideshow presentation on the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, the 2025 Annual Action Plan, and the introduction of preliminary estimated 2025 project funding.
Council, Ms. NUTT, and Director of Recreation and Parks Christopher JENSEN discussed the proposal from Dr. Jennifer Jones Foundation, organizations that are new to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding, details of Bay Valley Tech's proposal, details of all proposals for HUD funding and Community Block Grant Funding, details of the proposed CDBG funding, details of where the funding will be allocated for the Joe Herb Park Improvements project, ADA improvements at Joe Herb Park, and details of all the funding proposed.
Council agreed to move forward with the following funding:
CDBG Admin funding - recommended by city staff
HOME Admin funding - recommended by city staff
April 21, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
CDBG Public Service Activities - re-allocate the $40,000 from Love Never Fails to Project Sentinel ($18,549 totaling $50,000) and Harvest Time ($61,451).
K.2. SUBJECT: Update on Road Projects
REPORT IN BRIEF
Updates on the City’s road projects.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Information Only.
City Manager Scott MCBRIDE gave a slide show presentation providing an update on Road Projects.
Council, Mr. MCBRIDE, Public Works Director Ken ELWIN, and Finance Officer Venus RODRIGUEZ discussed staff, number of roads to fix maintain and the funding to maintain and fix roads, other funding resources, adding equipment to help, bidding requirements, balancing maintenance and full road reconstruction, and the process of adding road projects to the list.
Clerk's Note: This item was for information only, for formal vote was taken.
L. BUSINESS
L.1. 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.
There were no future items added.
L.2. 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.
April 21, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Council Member SMITH spoke on the Merced County Food Bank's upcoming State of Hunger Event.
Council Member HARRIS spoke on various events he attended.
Council Member DUPONT spoke on various events he attended.
Mayor Pro Tempore BOYLE spoke on various events she attended.
Mayor SERRATTO spoke on various events he attended.
M. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned in memory of Gordon GREY at 9:37 PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Harris, that this Regular Meeting be adjourned in honor of Gordan Gray. 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