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 19, 2025
A. STUDY SESSION ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Sarah Boyle, Council Member Darin Dupont, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 4 -
Council Member Ronnie DeAnda, Council Member Michael Harris, and Council Member Shane Smith
Absent: 3 -
B. STUDY SESSION
Mayor SERRATTO called the Study Session to order at 5:10PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: Continued 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.
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Study Session at 5:50 PM.
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:50PM.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to go into Closed Session. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, and Council Member Xiong
4 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith3 - Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 6:00PM.
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C. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:03PM.
C.1. Invocation - Pastor Joel Dorman, Summit Church Merced C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Pastor Joel DORMAN led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
D. ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Sarah Boyle, Council Member Darin Dupont, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 4 -
Council Member Ronnie DeAnda, Council Member Michael Harris, and Council Member Shane Smith
Absent: 3 -
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. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
E.1. SUBJECT: Presentation from the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) Providing an Update to Council Regarding Bus Service, Roadway Projects, Road Funding, and an Overview of Other MCAG Services
REPORT IN BRIEF
A presentation will be given from the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) providing an update to Council regarding their projects and services.
Executive Director of the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) Stacey GUZMAN gave a slide show presentation providing an update on Bus Service, Roadway Projects, Road Funding, and an overview of other MCAG Services.
Clerk's Note: There was no discussion from Council.
E.2. SUBJECT: Presentation on new City of Merced Website and Merced Connect App
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REPORT IN BRIEF
A presentation will be given by the Information Technology Department to provide status update on City of Merced website refresh and Merced Connect Smartphone App.
Software Analyst II Jeffrey KAZMIERSKI and Information Technology Manager Michael MACHADO gave a slide show presentation on the City of Merced City Website Update and an Update on the Merced Connect App.
Council and Mr. MACHADO discussed downloading the new app and creating a new login for the new app.
F. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
F.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Emergency Medical Services Week
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by members of the Merced Fire Department.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Emergency Medical Services Week Proclamation to Acting Fire Chief Casey WILSON, Fire Battalion Chief Mickey BRUNELLI, and members of the Fire Department.
F.2. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Hepatitis B Awareness Week
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by members of the TeamHBV San Jose.
Mayor SERRATTO read the proclamation out loud.
Clerk's Note: There were no recipients to receive the Proclamation.
G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk’s Note: Emails were received for the following agenda items and forwarded to Council prior to the meeting.
Public Comment: Micki ARCHULETA and Rocio GONZALEZ.
Agenda Item K.4.: Alicia RIVERA.
H. PUBLIC COMMENT
Brian AVECHING, Merced - spoke on the feral cat issue in Merced and the
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effect on the local wildlife.
Cindy KELLY, Merced - spoke on the spay/neuter program, issues with stray cats, and the upcoming annual Merced SPCA yard sale.
Pam JOSEPH, Merced - spoke on the lack of activities in Merced.
Gloria VALDOVINOS, Merced - introduced herself as the new Executive Director to the Downtown Merced Property Owners Association and spoke on her job duties.
Members of the Youth United, Merced - spoke on participating with consultants and Recreation and Parks regarding the Merced Parks Master Plan and adding fitness equipment in parks.
Cindy ROSE, Merced - spoke on working with New Beginnings of Merced County and the services the organization does for stray animals.
F.3. SUBJECT: Certificate of Recognition for the Twister Volleyball Team for Participating in the Girls’ Far Western National Qualifier 2025
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accepted by the Twister Volleyball Team.
Clerk's Note: This item was heard after Public Comment so that members of the Volleyball Team can attend.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Certificates of Recognition to members of the Twister Volleyball Team.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Item I.3. Award Bid to Badillo Construction & Engineering, Inc., for Stowell Elementary School Sidewalks and Crosswalks, Project Number CP250061, in the Amount of $165,561 and Agenda Item I.4. Award Bid and Approve Services Agreement with Dana Safety Supply to Provide Parts and Equipment and Outfit Ten (10) New Patrol Units for the Merced Police Department for a Total Cost of $187,377.78; were pulled for separate consideration.
Clerk's Note: Mayor SERRATTO stated that there are only four members of Council present and in order for any item to pass will require four votes.
City Attorney Craig CORNWELL stated that items are required to have four affirmative votes. If there is a failure to get four votes there will be an ability
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to bring the item back to a future meeting at the City Manager's discretion.
Mr. SERRATTO and Mr. CORNWELL discussed items that are listed under Action Items that require five votes and can not be considered due to a lack of quorum.
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, and Council Member Xiong
4 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith3 - I.1. SUBJECT: Reading by Title of All Ordinances and Resolutions
REPORT IN BRIEF
Ordinances and Resolutions which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and a summary title may be read with further reading waived.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion waiving the reading of Ordinances and Resolutions, pursuant to Section 412 of the Merced City Charter.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.2. SUBJECT: Approval of Street Closure Request #25-0008 by the Merced County Sheriff’s Department for Merced County Fair (38th District Agricultural Association/Merced County Fair) to Close Traffic on G Street, Between West Childs Avenue and 11th Street, During the Merced County Fair From June 4th-8th, 2025, from 3:00 P.M. to 12:30 A.M.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a request by the Merced County Sheriff’s Department for the Merced County Fair (38th District Agricultural Association/Merced County Fair) for the closure and use of City streets to control traffic for the Merced County Fair. The request seeks approval to close G Street, between West Childs Avenue and 11th Street, on June 4 - 8, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
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RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the street closure of G Street, between West Childs Avenue and 11th Street, from June 4 - 8, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. for the Merced County Fair, subject to the details and conditions outlined in the administrative staff report.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.5. SUBJECT: Approve the Purchase of Parts, Equipment, and Supplies as Necessary for Public Works Fleet Maintenance and Operations Through June 30, 2025
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the purchase of various parts, equipment, and supplies for Public Works maintenance and operations for Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code Section 3.4.210 for annual supplies and services; and,
B. Approving the purchase up to $100,000 with C&R Royal SVC, Inc., through June 30, 2025; and,
C. Approving the purchase up to $110,000 with Fisher Scientific through June 30, 2025; and,
D. Approving the purchase up to $200,000 with Golden State Emergency Vehicle through June 30, 2025; and,
E. Approving the purchase up to $70,000 with Harrison’s Collision Repair, Inc., through June 30, 2025; and,
F. Approving the purchase up to $60,000 with Harvest Technology LLC through June 30, 2025; and,
G. Approving the purchase up to $200,000 with Horizon Distributors through June 30, 2025; and,
H. Approving the purchase up to $45,000 with Hydrologics through
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June 30, 2025; and,
I. Approving the purchase up to $85,000 with Jorgensen & Sons, Inc., through June 30, 2025; and,
J. Approving the purchase up to $40,000 with Meister Sealcoat & Supplies LLC through June 30, 2025; and,
K. Approving the purchase up to $275,000 with PrivITation Consulting Corp through June 30, 2025; and,
L. Approving the purchase up to $50,000 with RDO Equipment Co. through June 30, 2025; and,
M. Approving the purchase up to $60,000 with Rockwell Engineering & Equipment Co through June 30, 2025; and,
N. Approving the purchase up to $65,000 with Seal Analytical through June 30, 2025; and,
O. Approving the purchase up to $250,000 with Schoettler Tire through June 30, 2025; and,
P. Approving the purchase up to $60,000 with Shape Incorporated through June 30, 2025; and,
Q. Authorizing the City Buyer to issue the Purchase Orders.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.6. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving Final Map #5425 for Crossing at River Oaks Phase 7, Subdivision for 44 Lots at Coffee Street and Childs Avenue, and the Approval of the Subdivision Agreement for the Crossing at River Oaks Phase 7
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting the Final Map #5425 for 44 lots, located between Coffee Street and Campus Parkway, south of Childs Avenue, and the Subdivision Agreement for the Crossing at River Oaks, Phase 7 Subdivision.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
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A. Approving Resolution 2025-24, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving the Final Subdivision Map for the Crossing at River Oaks, Phase 7 Subdivision (#5425); and, B. Approving the Subdivision Agreement for the Crossing at River Oaks, Phase 7 Subdivision; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.3. SUBJECT: Award Bid to Badillo Construction & Engineering, Inc., for Stowell Elementary School Sidewalks and Crosswalks, Project Number CP250061, in the Amount of $165,561
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding a Construction Contract to Badillo Construction & Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $165,561.00 for Project CP250061, Stowell Elementary School sidewalks and crosswalks.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the Construction Contract for Stowell School Sidewalks and Crosswalks, Project CP250061, to Badillo Construction & Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $165,561.00; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve change orders not to exceed 15% of the total contract.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of resident Bryan BEHN.
Bryan BEHN, Merced - thanked Council on behalf of the School District for this project.
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, and Council Member Xiong
4 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith3 -
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I.4. SUBJECT: Award Bid and Approve Services Agreement with Dana Safety Supply to Provide Parts and Equipment and Outfit Ten (10) New Patrol Units for the Merced Police Department for a Total Cost of $187,377.78
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding the bid to Dana Safety Supply to provide parts and equipment and outfit ten (10) new Patrol Units, eight (8) Ford Explorer Interceptor SUVs and two (2) Ford F-150 Police Responder pickups, for the total cost of $187,377.78.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the bid and approving a Services Agreement with Dana Safety Supply to provide parts and equipment and outfit 10 new Patrol Units, 8 Ford Explorer Interceptor SUVs and 2 Ford F-150 Police Responder pickups, in the amount of $187,377.78; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve contract amendments not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member XIONG.
Merced Police Chief Steven STANFIELD and Public Works Manager - Internal Services Cosmo ORDUNEZ gave a brief presentation on the services agreement with Dana Safety Supply to provide parts and equipment and outfit ten (10) new patrol units for the Merced Police Department.
Council, Mr. STANFIELD, and Mr. ORDUNEZ discussed the original budget, what the service agreement will do, the importance of outfitting the patrol units, and getting the cars on the streets.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion failed by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, and Council Member Dupont3 - No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith3 -
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Clerk's Note: Mayor SERRATTO and City Attorney Craig CORNWELL discussed that at he City Manager's discretion, staff can bring this item back for consideration.
J. PUBLIC HEARINGS
J.1. SUBJECT: Public Hearing - General Plan Amendment #25-0001 and Zone Change #25-0002, Initiated by Stonefield Home, Inc., Applicant on Behalf of TRS Enterprises, Inc., Property Owner; the General Plan Amendment Would Change the General Plan Land Use Designation from Neighborhood Commercial (CN) to Low Density Residential (LD), and the Zone Change Would Change the Zoning Designation from Neighborhood Commercial (C-N) to Low Density Residential (R-1-5) for an Approximate Five (5) Acre Portion of a Larger Site; this Request Would Allow the Development of Twenty-Seven (27) Single-Family Lots, Previously Approved for this Site by Tentative Subdivision Map #1263 (“Crossing at River Oaks”); the Subject Site is Generally Located on the South Side of E. Childs Avenue Approximately 780 Feet East of the Intersection of E. Childs Avenue and Coffee Street
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff recommends that this item be continued to the City Council meeting of July 21, 2025, to allow staff additional time to conduct research.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion Continue this item to the City Council meeting of July 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, in the City Council of Chambers.
Acting Principal Planner Francisco MENDOZA-GONZALEZ asked Council to continue this item to the City Council Meeting on July 21st to conduct additional research.
Council Member XIONG and Mr. MENDOZA-GONZALEZ discussed community input on this project and the history of the project.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 7:18PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, that this agenda item be continued to the July 21, 2025 City Council Meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, and Council Member Xiong
4 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith3 - J.2. SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider the Annexation of Certain Property into Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2003-2 (Services), Calling and Holding a Special Election for Each Annexation No. 28 and Annexation No. 29 into CFD No. 2003-2 (Services); Canvassing the Results of the Elections Held within Annexations No. 28 and No. 29 of Said District, and Annexing Annexations No. 28 and No. 29 to Said District and Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax within Said Annexations No. 28 and No. 29. Annexation No. 28 Consist of Approximately 4.59 Acres of Land Generally Located at the Northeast Corner of Yosemite Avenue and El Redondo Drive. Annexation No. 29 Consist of Approximately 14.02 Acres of Land Generally Located of the Northwest Corner of El Redondo Drive and Pettinotti Road
REPORT IN BRIEF
Hold a public hearing and conduct an election for each annexation into Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services) for Annexation No. 28 consisting of approximately 4.59 acres of land generally located at the northeast corner of Yosemite Avenue and El Redondo Drive, and for Annexation No. 29 consisting of approximately 14.02 acres of land generally located of the northwest corner of El Redondo Drive and Pettinotti Road.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Holding a Public Hearing on the annexation of certain property into the CFD and the levy of special taxes; and,
B. Adopting Resolution 2025-25, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, acting as the Legislative Body of the Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services) of the City of Merced determining the validity of prior proceedings, calling special election related to Annexation No. 28 and approving future annexation area; and,
C. Adopting Resolution 2025-26, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, acting as the Legislative Body of the Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services) of the City of Merced determining the validity
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of prior proceedings, calling special election related to Annexation No. 29 and approving future annexation area; and,
D. Holding an election for Annexation No. 28; and,
E. Adopting Resolution 2024-27, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced acting as the Legislative Body of the Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services) of the City of Merced canvassing the results of the election held within Annexation No. 28 of said District; and, F. Adopting Resolution 2025-28, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced acting as the Legislative Body of the Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services) of the City of Merced, annexing Annexation No. 28 to said district and authorizing the levy of a special tax within said Annexation No. 28; and,
G. Holding an election for Annexation No. 29; and,
H. Adopting Resolution 2025-29, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced acting as the Legislative Body of the Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services) of the City of Merced canvassing the results of the election held within Annexation No. 29 of said District; and, I. Adopting Resolution 2025-30, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced acting as the Legislative Body of the Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services) of the City of Merced, annexing Annexation No. 29 to said district and authorizing the levy of a special tax within said Annexation No. 29.
Acting Principal Planner Francisco MENDOZA-GONZALEZ gave a slide show presentation on the Community Facilities District 2003-2 (Services) for Annexations No. 28 and No. 29.
Mayor SERRATTO opened and subsequently closed the Public Hearing for Annexation No. 28 at 7:26PM due to a lack of Public Comment.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing for Annexation No. 29 at 7:26PM and closed the Public Hearing for Annexation No. 29 at 7:27PM due to a lack of Public Comment.
Clerk's Note: There was no Council discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, to approve Resolutions 2025-25 and 2025-26. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, and Council Member Xiong
4 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith3 - Assistant City Clerk Jennifer PARSLEY opened the ballots and announced that the ballots were in favor of Annexation No. 28 and Annexation No. 29 into the CFD.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, to approve Resolutions 2025-27, 2025-28, 2025-29, and 2025-30.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, and Council Member Xiong
4 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith3 - K. ACTION ITEMS
K.1. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving Final Map #5413 for Royal Wood Estates Phase 1 Subdivision for 57 Single-Family Lots, Generally Located at the Northwest Corner of Pettinotti Road and El Redondo Drive, and the Approval of the Subdivision Agreement for the Royal Wood Estates, Phase 1 Subdivision
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the Final Map #5413 for 57 single-family lots, located at the northwest corner of Pettinotti Road and El Redondo Drive, and the subdivision agreement for the Royal Woods Estates, Phase 1 Subdivision.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Resolution 2025-31, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving the Final Subdivision Map for the Royal Wood Estates, Phase 1 Subdivision (#5413); and,
B. Approving the Subdivision Agreement for the Royal Wood Estates, Phase 1 Subdivision; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
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City Manager Scott MCBRIDE and Acting Principal Planner Francisco MENDOZA-GONZALEZ gave a brief presentation on the Final Map #5413 for the Royal Wood Estates Phase 1 Subdivision.
Clerk's Note: There were no Public Comments for this item.
Clerk's Note: This item did not require five affirmative votes.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to approve Resolution 2025-31. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, and Council Member Xiong
4 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith3 - K.2. SUBJECT: Authorization to Accept and Appropriate $12,585 in Grant Funds From the FY2023 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the Merced Police Department to Purchase a Solution to Assist in Radio Inadequacies that Exist Within Our Current Radio System
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing to accept grant funding from the FY2023 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the Merced Police Department in the amount of $12,585.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting FY 2023 SHSGP grant funds in the amount of $12,585, increase revenue, appropriating the same in Expense Fund 1000-General Fund (Police Division); and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents; and, C. Authorizing the use of pooled cash until grant funds are reimbursed.
Clerk's Note: Items K.1. through K.5. require five affirmative votes and will be placed on the July 7, 2025 City Council Agenda.
K.3. SUBJECT: Accept and Appropriate Merced County Funding in the Amount of $14,428 and Approve a Subrecipient Agreement with Merced Multicultural Arts Center for a Lighting System Upgrade Project
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in a not to Exceed Amount of $14,428
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the acceptance and appropriation of Merced County funding in the amount of $14,428 and authorizing a subrecipient agreement with the Merced Multicultural Arts Center (MAC) for a lighting system upgrade project, in an amount not to exceed $14,428. Execution of the subrecipient agreement is contingent upon the City receiving the funds from the County.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the acceptance of Merced County funding in the amount of $14,428, increasing revenue and appropriating the same in General Fund 1000; and,
B. Approving a subrecipient agreement with Merced Multicultural Arts Center in a not to exceed amount of $14,428; contingent upon receipt of funds from Merced County; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Clerk's Note: Items K.1. through K.5. require five affirmative votes and will be placed on the July 7, 2025 City Council Agenda.
K.4. SUBJECT: Authorization of Use of South Merced Funding from General Fund of $350,000 and Economic Development Opportunity Funding of $154,291 Towards the Completion of Stephen Leonard Youth Center Up to an Amount not to Exceed $504,291, Transferring to and Appropriating Within Fund 5000-Parks and Community Services Capital Improvement Project (CIP)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing the use of South Merced Investment funding and Economic Development Opportunity Funds in an amount not to exceed up to $504,291 to complete construction and increase the safety, security and utility of Stephen Leonard Youth Center. The Department of Parks & Community Services and Development Services is requesting Council direction on work to be added and the matching allocation of funding from the South Merced project allocated in the General Fund and Economic Development Opportunity Funding to address the unforeseen costs and prioritized work to complete the buildings restoration.
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RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the allocation of $350,000 from the General Fund CP240001 South Merced Improvement transferring to Fund 5000-Park and Community Service CIP and appropriating the same to CP230052 Stephen Leonard Building Repair; and,
B. Approving a supplemental appropriation from the unencumbered, unreserved fund balance of Fund 1017- Economic Development Opportunity in the amount of $154,291, transferring to Fund 5000-Park and Community Service CIP and appropriating the same to CP230052 Stephen Leonard Building Repair.
Clerk's Note: Items K.1. through K.5. require five affirmative votes and will be placed on the July 7, 2025 City Council Agenda.
K.5. SUBJECT: Accepting and Appropriating Grant Funding in the Amount of $750 for FY 2024-2025 from United States Tennis Association Northern California Operating Materials, Services and Supplies (Tennis Rackets, Balls)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting and appropriating grant funding in the amount of $750 from USTA for H.I.T.S. (Honesty, Integrity, Teamwork, Sportsmanship) tennis equipment grant.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting $750 grant funds from United States Tennis Association Northern California in Fund 1018-Parks & Community Service; and, B. Increasing contribution revenue in the amount of $750 and appropriating the same to Operating Materials, Services and Supplies in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Services; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Clerk's Note: Items K.1. through K.5. require five affirmative votes and will be placed on the July 7, 2025 City Council Agenda.
K.6. SUBJECT: Review and Discussion Regarding the City of Merced
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Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget
REPORT IN BRIEF
Review of the City Manager’s proposed FY 2024-25 Budget.
RECOMMENDATION
For information and discussion only.
Finance Officer Venus RODRIGUEZ gave a slide show presentation on the City of Merced Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget.
Clerk's Note: Council recessed at 8:01PM and returned at 8:10PM.
Andrea URIBE, Leadership Counsel - asked the City to provide additional information on how the City will prioritize investments into existing disadvantage communities and the City to provide an analysis of how City funds will be leveraged in collaboration with other funds to maximize the potential of total funds for the City.
Ashley Marie SUAREZ, Leadership Counsel - spoke on the need for funding for more housing programs and have the City facilitate a discussion.
Colton DENNIS, Merced - spoke on continuing to fund art projects throughout the City.
Council, Ms. RODRIGUEZ, Merced Police Chief Steven STANFIELD, Airport Manager Rhett WILLIAMS, Director of Parks and Community Services Chris JENSEN, Fire Chief Casey WILSON,City Manager Scott MCBRIDE, and Public Works Director Ken ELWIN discussed the red light camera revenue and where it will go, number of planements at the airport and funding, restoring the community funding, Parks and Community Services Department moving offices to the Senior Center, Public Safety positions, the Safer Grant, and the sales tax trends from the previous year and current year.
Council and staff continued to discuss the Joe Herb Park bathroom repairs, closing out older projects, projects earmarked as projects to be determined, outdoor fitness equipment, proposed concrete light poles, decreased in funding for community centers, peer support vacant position, and Property Based Improvement District.
L. BUSINESS
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Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
L.1. SUBJECT: Authorize the Formation of a Citizens Advisory Focus Group (CAFG) and Notification of General Plan Update Joint Study Session with City Council and Planning Commission to be Held June 18, 2025
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff is seeking approval from City Council to authorize the Formation of a Citizens Advisory Focus Group, including the appointment of two City Council members and to appoint one member from each established City Boards and Commissions and to open applications to residents of each Council district and an at large position to the City of Merced General Plan Citizens Advisory Focus Group (CAFG) and to give notice to the City Council of the kick-off General Plan Update Joint Study Session with the City Council and Planning Commission to be Held June 18, 2025, at 6:00 P.M.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Authorizing the formation of the General Plan Update Citizens Advisory Focus Group; and,
B. Appointing two City Council Representatives to serve as members of the General Plan Update Citizens Advisory Focus Group (CAFG); and, C. Authorizing the recruitment, through the City Clerk’s Office of one applicant from the existing City Boards and Commissions and open applications for residents to represent each Council district and an at large position to the City of Merced General Plan Citizens Advisory Focus Group (CAFG).
Management Analyst Leah BROWN gave a slide show presentation on formation of the Citizens Advisory Focus Group.
Council, Ms. BROWN, and Acting Planning Manager Jonnie LAN discussed the application process and appointments.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Xiong, to authorize the formation of the General Plan Update Citizens Advisory Focus Group, authorize the recruitment through the City Clerk's Office of one applicant from existing City Boards and Commissions and open applications for residents to represent each Council District and At-Large position, and appoint Mayor Serratto and Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle to the General Plan Update Citizens Advisory Focus Group. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, and Council Member Xiong
4 -
May 19, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith3 - 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.
There were no future items added.
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 DUPONT reported on attending the Political Science graduation at UC Merced.
Mayor Pro Tempore BOYLE reported on attending the UC Merced graduations.
M. CLOSED SESSION
Clerk's Note: Council did not go back into Closed Session.
M.1. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION -
Title: City Manager; Authority: Government Code Section 54957 M.2. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION -
Title: City Attorney Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957
M.3. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION -
Title: Finance Officer; Authority: Government Code Section 54957 N. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
There was no report.
May 19, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
O. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting adjourned at 9:44PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, to adjourn the Regular Meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, and Council Member Xiong
4 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith3 -