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, May 5, 2025
A. STUDY 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. STUDY SESSION
Mayor SERRATTO called the Study Session to order at 5:05PM.
Clerk's Note: Council Member SMITH arrived to the Study Session at 5:07PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: Study Session to Review the 2025/26 City Council Goals and Priorities
REPORT IN BRIEF
Study Session to review the 2025/26 City Council Goals and Priorities.
RECOMMENDATION
For information and discussion.
City Manager Scott MCBRIDE gave a slide show presentation on the 2025/2026 City Council Goals and Priorities.
Council and Mr. MCBRIDE discussed project timelines, ensuring outcomes and deliverables, changing the process of goals and priorities, and pairing down the goals and priorities list.
Ashley Marie SUAREZ, Merced - spoke on the goals and priorities, community priorities from South Merced residents, community advisory committee to guide Economic Development in South Merced, need for a grant writer, establishing a rental registry and rental inspection ordinance program, and establishing a rent stabilization and rental assistance program.
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Council and Mr. MCBRIDE continued to discuss the goals and priorities list and pairing down the list.
Clerk's Note: Council recessed at 5:53PM.
C. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
Clerk's Note: Closed Session was moved to the end of the meeting.
D. CLOSED SESSION
D.1. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION -
Title: City Manager; Authority: Government Code Section 54957 E. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:04PM.
E.1. Invocation - Pastor Ella Luna-Garza, United Methodist Church, Merced E.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
The Merced Pack 96 Cub Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance.
F. 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
F.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.
G. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
H. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
H.1. SUBJECT: Parks & Community Services PROS Master Plan Update
REPORT IN BRIEF
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The PROS Master Plan outlines the City of Merced’s parks and recreation system long term vision. The plan is based on analysis of existing conditions, DIS data, and community input. The next phase will focus on continued public outreach and refining recommendations.
RECOMMENDATION
Information Only.
Director of Parks and Community Services Chris JENSEN and 110% Consultant Ferrell BULLER gave a slide show presentation on the Parks and Community Services PROS Master Plan update.
Council Member XIONG and Mr. JENSEN discussed intentions to create new trails and location of Community Centers.
Clerk's Note: There were no Public Comments.
I. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
I.1. SUBJECT: Continued City Council Volunteer of the Year Award
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Members nominated a volunteer within their district to highlight those who have given back to their community. This is a continuation for the District 6 volunteer.
Council Member XIONG presented the Volunteer of the Year Awards to his District 6 nominees the South East Asian Youth Alliance.
I.2. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Joyce Dale, Merced’s First Poet Laureate
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by Joyce Dale.
Mayor SERRATTO presented a proclamation to Joyce DALE, Merced's First Poet Laureate.
I.3. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Merced SPCA
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by representatives of the Merced SPCA organization.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the proclamation to Merced SPCA.
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J. 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 B.1.: Alicia RIVERA.
Public Comment.: Chaz STEVENS and a Concerned Citizen.
K. PUBLIC COMMENT
Logan MCKECKHNI, Merced - presented the Mayor with the Melvin Jones Fellow award from the Lions Club.
Steve ROUSSOS, Merced - spoke on the Neighbor's Unidos cookout event and another upcoming cookout event. He also spoke on other organizations and their programs, and other upcoming events.
Mark HENRY, Merced - spoke on the Dr. Jennifer Jones Foundation and introduced the Foundation to Council and the Public. He also spoke on upcoming events.
Rosie AVALOS, Merced - spoke on the Merced Pack 96 Cub Scouts and presented Mayor SERRATTO with a gift.
Raymond AVALOS, Merced - spoke on his Merced Pack 96 Cub Scouts and thanked Mayor SERRATTO for his support.
Necola ADAMS, Merced - spoke on the upcoming Merced County Nut Festival.
Chris JENSEN, Director of Parks and Community Services, Merced - spoke on the upcoming Movie in the Park Summer Series.
Daryl JORDAN, City Engineer, Merced - gave a brief update on the top fifteen City projects that the Engineering Department is working on.
Karthik PRASAD, Congressman Adam GREY's Office, Merced - spoke on a satellite office in Merced and briefly provided highlights on legislation that is going on.
L. CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Item L.4. Authorization to Increase the Expenditure Authority Utilizing the State of California’s CALNET 4 Agreement with AT&T
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Corporation Providing Telecommunication Services From $300,000 to a Total Not To Exceed Amount of $475,000; was pulled for separate consideration.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, 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
L.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.
L.2. SUBJECT: Information Only Contracts for the Month of April 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.
L.3. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2025, February 6, 2025, and February 15, 2025
REPORT IN BRIEF
Official adoption of previously held meeting minutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
City Council/Public Financing and Economic
Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency - Adopt a motion approving the meeting minutes of February 3, 2025, February 6, 2025, and February 15, 2025.
This Consent Item was approved.
L.5. SUBJECT: Approval to Issue Purchase Order to SNF Polydyne for the Supply and Delivery of Cationic Polymer Emulsion for the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Amount of $700,000 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to authorize the Purchasing Supervisor to issue a purchase order to SNF Polydyne in the amount of $700,000 for FY 25/26 for the supply and delivery of cationic polymer emulsion for the Wastewater Treatment Plant operation through June 30, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing the Purchasing Supervisor to issue a purchase order to SNF Polydyne for the supply and delivery of cationic polymer emulsion in the amount of $700,000 for the fiscal year 2025/2026.
This Consent Item was approved.
L.6. SUBJECT: Award of Bid to Winner Chevrolet, for the Purchase of One 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD Crew Cab Work
Truck, for the Fire Department, for a Total Cost not to Exceed $51,295.44
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding the bid to Winner Chevrolet for the purchase of one 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD Crew Cab Work Truck for the newly created EMS Battalion Chief position for the Fire Department.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the bid to Winner Chevrolet for the supply of one 2025
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Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab Work Truck not to exceed $51,295.44; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents, the City Buyer to issue the Purchase Order, and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price.
This Consent Item was approved.
L.4. SUBJECT: Authorization to Increase the Expenditure Authority Utilizing the State of California’s CALNET 4 Agreement with AT&T Corporation Providing Telecommunication Services From $300,000 to a Total not to Exceed Amount of $475,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing to increase the expenditure authority utilizing the State of California’s CALNET 4 Agreement Category 16, Long Distance Calling, Category 17, Toll Free Voice Calling, Category 18, Analog Service, Category 20, MPLS Data Network Services, Category 22, Cloud Hosted VoIP Services, Category 23, Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Ethernet Services and Features, Category 24, Flat Rate Internet Services, Category 25, Sustained Bandwidth Internet Services and Features, Category 30, broadband with internet services, with AT&T Corporation providing telecommunication services from $300,000 to a total not to exceed amount of $475,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing to increase the expenditures authority utilizing the State of California’s CALNET 4 Agreement with AT&T Corporation providing telecommunication services from $300,000 to a total not to exceed amount of $475,000 through Fiscal Year 2027-2028.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member HARRIS.
Council, Director of Information Technology Jeff BENNYHOFF, and Finance Officer Venus RODRIGUEZ discussed the cost increase of the agreement and possibly adding telecommunication as part of a Community Facilities District.
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:
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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
M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
M.1. SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution Granting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Cal Valley Security to Engage in Private Patrol Services
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Resolution granting and issuing a certificate of public convenience and necessity to Cal Valley Security.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving Resolution 2025-23, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, granting a certificate of public convenience and necessity to Cal Valley Security.
Police Sergeant Brian RINDER gave a brief presentation on the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Cal Valley Security to engage in Private Patrol Services.
Council, Mr. RINDER, and Police Chief Steve STANFIELD discussed the purpose of this item.
Mayor SERRATTO opened and subsequently closed the Public Hearing at 7:30PM due to a lack of Public Comment.
Clerk's Note: Council continued discussion pending the motion.
Council Member XIONG spoke on not seeing the need for an additional Private Patrol Service.
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, and Council Member Smith 6 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
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N. ACTION ITEMS
N.1. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution of Intent Regarding Annexations No. 28 and No. 29 into Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2003-2 (Services); Acceptance of Two Petition, Consent and Waivers from Developers for Annexation in the CFD No. 2003-2 (Services) for Annexations No. 28 and No. 29; Approving Two Deposit and Reimbursement Agreements for Annexations No. 28 and No. 29; and Setting a Public Hearing for May 19, 2025, for Both Annexations.
Annexation No. 28 Consists of Approximately 4.59 Acres of Land Generally Located at the Northeast Corner of Yosemite Avenue and El Redondo Drive and Annexation No. 29 Consists of Approximately
14.02 Acres of Land Generally Located at the Northwest Corner of El Redondo Drive and Pettinotti Road
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution of Intent to annex a portion of the Yosemite Village development (“Annexation No. 28”) and the Royal Woods Estates development (“Annexation No. 29”) into Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2003-2; including the approval of a Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement and accepting the Petition, Consent, and Waiver for the annexations; designation of future annexation areas to the CFD and set a Public Hearing for May 19, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2025-22, A Resolution of Intention of the City Council of the City of Merced, acting as the legislative body of the City of Merced Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services), declaring its intention to Annex Two Areas to said District and authorize the Levy of a Special Tax within said Annexations, Designating Certain Property for Future Annexation to Said District, and Approving Certain Agreements Related Thereto; and,
B. Setting the Public Hearing for May 19, 2025; and,
C. Accepting the Petition, Consent and Waiver from Yosemite Village Holdings, LLC, CB 1285 Yosemite Starbucks, LLC and Camelback & 59th Ave Inc. (“Annexation No. 28”); and,
D. Accepting the Petition, Consent and Waiver from Redondo and
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Cardella, LLC (Annexation No. 29”); and,
E. Accepting the deposit amount of $30,000 in Fund 4500 (CFD Formation Fund), increasing the revenue and appropriating the same to cover the cost of Community Facilities District formation and related expenditures for Annexation No. 28; and,
F. Accepting the deposit amount of $25,000 in Fund 4500 (CFD Formation Fund), increasing the revenue and appropriating the same to cover the cost of Community Facilities District formation and related expenditures for Annexation No. 29; and,
G. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement for Annexation No. 28; and,
H. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement for Annexation No. 29; and,
I. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
Acting Principal Planner Francisco MENDOZA-GONZALEZ gave a slide show presentation regarding the Annexation No. 28 and No. 29 into Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2003-2 (Services).
Council, MR. MENDOZA-GONZALEZ, and Police Chief Steve
STANFIELD discussed the process of annexing into CFD's, timeline for future annexations, Police calls in the proposed annexation areas and potential crime, length of time for this project to be annexed into the CFD, current issues with the areas proposed for annexation, surrounding development, and impact on Public Safety resources.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Harris, to approve Recommendations A through D and G through I. 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
Clerk's Note: Recommendations E and F required 5 affirmative votes from Council and were voted on separate from the other
Recommendations.
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A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to approve Recommendation E and 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
N.2. SUBJECT: Approval to Execute Amendment #18 with Tyler Technology for $296,200 and $49,859 for a Performance Bond for a Total not to Exceed Amount of $5,371,306 and Approval to Execute Amendment #3 with SDI Presence LLC for $293,973 for a Total not to Exceed Amount of $1,234,818, and Increase Expenditure Authority to Thor Inc. by $20,000 for a Total not to Exceed Amount of $879,690 for ERP CIP180003 Completion, and a Five-Year SaaS Agreement with Tyler Technologies for ERP Software, Hosting, Support, and Services with a Total Amount not to Exceed $2,655,064, Including a 5% Contingency
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approval to execute amendment #18 with Tyler Technology for $296,200 and $49,859 for a Performance Bond for a total not to exceed amount of $5,371,306 and approval to execute amendment #3 with SDI Presence LLC for $293,973 for a total not to exceed amount of $1,234,818, and increase expenditure authority to Thor Inc. by $20,000 for a total not to exceed amount of $879,690 for ERP CIP180003 completion, and a five-year SaaS Agreement with Tyler Technologies for ERP software, hosting, support, and services with a total amount not to exceed $2,655,064, including a 5% contingency.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving eighteenth amendment with Tyler Technology for $296,200 for a not to exceed total contract amount of $5,321,447; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a $49,859 future contract amendment to extend the duration of the performance bond for the duration of the Tyler ERP project for a not to exceed total contract amount of $5,371,306 and contingent upon approval as to form by the City Attorney; and,
C. Approving third amendment to the professional services agreement
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with SDI Presence LLC for $293,973 for a not to exceed total contract amount of $1,234,818; and,
D. Authorizing an increase of $20,000 to the expenditure authority under the services agreement with THOR, Inc; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents; and,
F. Waiving the City’s competitive bid requirements as per Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210; and,
G. Approving a 5-year contract with Tyler Technology for $2,528,632 and 5% contingency of $126,432 for a not to exceed amount of $2,655,064 for ERP Software, Hosting, Support, Training, Education and Services; and, H. Authorizing the City Manager to execute future contract amendments with Tyler Technology with a not to exceed the expenditure authority from recommendation G and contingent upon approval as to form by the City Attorney; and,
I. Authorizing the City Manager to execute zero-dollar future contract amendments with Tyler Technology and contingent upon approval as to form by the City Attorney; and,
J. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
Director of Information Technology Jeff BENNYHOFF gave a brief presentation on the Contract Amendment for Tyler Technology.
City Attorney Craig CORNWELL, Finance Officer Venus RODRIGUEZ, and Mr. BENNYHOFF discussed the funds for Thor Inc., future budgets and appropriations, and amendment and adjustments terminology.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, to approve Recommendation A through 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: Recommendation J required 5 affirmative votes from Council and was voted on separate from the other Recommendations.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Harris, to approve Recommendation J. 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
O. REPORTS
O.1. SUBJECT: Update on Opioid Settlement Funding
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provide an update to the City Council of revenue and expenditures of Opioid Settlement Funding.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Information Only.
Finance Officer Venus RODRIGUEZ and Police Chief Steve STANFIELD gave a slide show presentation on the Opioid Settlement Funding Update.
Council, Mr. STANFIELD, and Ms. RODRIGUEZ discussed Public Safety personnel and School personnel carrying Narcan, test strips availability, working with local organizations for prevention, funding requirements, obtaining an outreach specialist, and the audit process.
Clerk's Note: This item was for information only, there was no formal vote taken.
P. BUSINESS
P.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.
Clerk's Note: There were no future items added.
P.2. SUBJECT: City Council Comments
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REPORT IN BRIEF
Provides an opportunity for the Mayor and/or Council Member(s) to make a brief announcement on any activity(ies) she/he has attended on behalf of the City and to make a brief announcement on future community events and/or activities. The Brown Act does not allow discussion or action by the legislative body under this section.
Council Member DEANDA reported on attending the UC Merced Block Party.
Council Member SMITH spoke on his interactions with some Downtown business owners and the issues they are having while construction was going on downtown. He also congratulated the City of Los Banos and Merced County for a fun district fair.
Council Member HARRIS reported on attending the San Joaquin Valley Air District City Selection Committee in Modesto, the Food Bank State of Hunger Event, the Boys and Girls Club Fundraiser, and the Hmong American Day Event in Fresno. He encouraged everyone to visit Downtown and support the local businesses there.
Council Member DUPONT reported on attending the Arbor Day Tree Planting Event, the Hmong American Day Event in Fresno, and the State of Hunger Event. He encouraged everyone to support the Downtown Businesses. He thanked staff for meeting him at the Childs Avenue multiuse pathways to discuss some of the issues and to view the progress.
Mayor Pro Tempore BOYLE reported on attending the same events as her colleagues. She encouraged everyone to support local businesses.
Mayor SERRATTO reported visiting the Harvest Time volunteers and attending the UC Merced Block Party. He spoke on joining the Bear Creek Yatch Club to search for a rumored alligator. He also thanked the Merced County Office of Education for their Independent City event.
Clerk's Note: Council will move Closed Session to the May 19, 2025 City Council Meeting.
Q. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned their Regular Meeting at 8:16PM.
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A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to adjourn the Regular Meeting. 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