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, June 16, 2025
A. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Sarah Boyle, Council Member Darin Dupont, Council Member Ronnie DeAnda, Council Member Michael Harris, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 7 -
Absent: 0
B. CLOSED SESSION
Mayor SERRATTO called the Closed Session to order at 5:09 PM.
Clerk's Note: Council Member HARRIS arrived to Closed Session at 5:20 PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Property: Tyler Drive, Merced, CA APN 259-130-016; Agency Negotiators: D. Scott McBride, City Manager, Frank Quintero, Deputy City Manager, Venus Rodriguez, Finance Officer and Craig J.
Cornwell, City Attorney; Negotiating Party: Tony Slaton Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 5:57 PM.
C. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:04 PM.
C.1. Invocation - Pastor Joel Dorman, Summit Church Merced The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Joel DORMAN of the Summit Church of Merced.
C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Pastor Joel DORMAN led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
D. ROLL CALL
June 16, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
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Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Sarah Boyle, Council Member Darin Dupont, Council Member Ronnie DeAnda, Council Member Michael Harris, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 7 -
Absent: 0
D.1. In accordance with Government Code 54952.3, it is hereby announced that the City Council sits either simultaneously or serially as the Parking Authority, the Public Financing and Economic Development Authority, and the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency. City Council members receive a monthly stipend of $500.00 by Charter for sitting as the City Council; and the Mayor receives an additional $100.00 each month as a part of the adopted budget and Resolution 2024-78.
The members of the Parking Authority, the Public Financing and Economic Development Authority, and the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency receive no compensation.
E. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
There was no report.
F. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
F.1. SUBJECT: Certificate of Recognition for the Merced United 2012 Girls for Competing and Winning First Place in their U13 Division in the NorCal State Cup
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accepted by the Merced United 2012 Girls.
Mayor SERRATTO presented a Certificate of Recognition to players on the Merced United 2021 Girls team.
F.2. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Juneteenth
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by the NAACP.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Juneteenth Proclamation to representatives of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk’s Note: Emails were received for the following agenda item and forwarded to Council prior to the meeting.
Agenda Item J.4.: Jerry PEREZCHICA.
H. PUBLIC COMMENT
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Brian ARECHIGA, Merced - spoke on the endangered animals in Merced, controlling the invasive population of cats, and potentially passing a policy.
Phillip LAN, Bay Valley Tech, Merced - introduced Bay Valley Tech to the public and Council and spoke on the services they provide to the community.
Aaron GANDERSON, Bay Valley Tech, Merced - spoke on a recent internship in Merced with Bay Valley Tech.
Justo LICONA, Bay Valley Tech, Merced - shared details of Bay Valley Tech and how the organization moved to Merced.
Nathan DUNCAN, Bay Valley Tech, Merced - shared details of Bay Valley Tech.
Javier MIRANDA, Bay Valley Tech, Merced - spoke on the assistance given to him by Bay Valley Tech.
Dominic MILANO, Milano Technical Group, Merced - spoke on the City being more encouraging for companies to extend to Merced.
Curtis THOMAS, Merced - spoke on the cost of single-family homes in Merced and citizens being forced to purchase vehicles to travel inside the City.
Dr. Salvador SANDOVAL, Merced - shared concerns of unreasonable search and seizures, Immigration and Customs being in Merced, and detention camps.
Adrian, TEJEDA, Youth United, Merced - presented a video introducing Youth United and sharing their concerns of parks in the City of Merced.
Joe, Youth United, Merced - introduced Youth United to the City Council.
Arturo MARTINEZ, Merced - spoke on the need for more job and economic development opportunities in the City of Merced.
Rhonda BATSON, Merced - shared details of the Juneteenth event.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
Clerk's Note: There were no Consent Items pulled for separate consideration.
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Clerk's Note: Council Member DEANDA did not cast a vote, Mayor SERRATTO stated to list his vote as Abstain.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Harris, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
Abstain: Council Member DeAnda1 -
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 City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of February 18, 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 February 18, 2025.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.3. SUBJECT: Approval of a Services Agreement with Restore Merced,
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Inc., for Litter Abatement Services for a Total Amount not to Exceed $185,000 per Year for a Two (2) Year Term Ending June 30, 2027, with the Option to Extend for Two (2) Additional One (1) Year Term(s) Ending June 30, 2029
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a two-year agreement, with option to extend, with Restore Merced, Inc., for litter abatement services of designated areas, in a total amount not to exceed $185,000 per contract year.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Services Agreement with Restore Merced, Inc., in the annual amount not to exceed $185,000 for litter abatement services of designated areas for a period of two-years, with an option to renew for a maximum of two (2) additional one-year periods; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and approving future contract amendments to exercise the term extensions.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.4. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Special Tax Rates for Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2003-2 (Services)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution setting the Annual Special Tax Rates for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2003-2 (Services) for the City of Merced.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving Resolution 2025-38, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Acting as the Legislative Body of the Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Services) of the City of Merced, Authorizing the Establishment of an Annual Special Tax for Said District for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.5. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Project List for the Road Repair Accountability Act (SB
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1), Local Streets and Roads Funding
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution approving the list of projects proposed to be funded with Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds pursuant to SB1 for FY 2025/2026.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2025-40, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, adopting a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 funded by SB1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.6. SUBJECT: Approval of Second Amendment to Container Purchase Agreement to Reflect the Name Change of Schaefer International, Inc., to Schaefer Plastics International, LLC, and Exercising the First Option to Renew Through September 20, 2026
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a second amendment to the Agreement for residential waste container purchases to reflect the name change of Schaefer International, Inc., to Schaefer Plastics International, LLC and exercising the first option to renew the agreement through September 20, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Second Amendment to Container Purchase Agreement with Schaefer Plastics International, LLC, and, B. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.7. SUBJECT: Approval of Property, Boiler and Machinery Insurance Renewal Through Alliant Property Insurance Program in the
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Amount of $1,346,650.37 for Program Year 2025/2026
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the renewal of the City’s policy through Alliant Property Insurance Programs (APIP) at 11.82% premium increase, amounting to $1,346,650.37 for program year 2025/2026.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Ratifying the renewal of the property and boiler and machinery insurance through the Alliant Property Insurance Programs (APIP), administered by Alliant Insurance Services for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.8. SUBJECT: Award Bid to MID Valley Protection, for the Purchase of One (1) Solar Surveillance Camera Trailer in the Amount of $36,000 Using Funds from the 2024 Edward Byrne Justice
Assistance Grant (JAG) Program
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding a bid in the amount of $36,000 for the purchase of One (1) Solar Surveillance camera trailer and consider waiving future competitive bidding for future purchases of these trailers to standardize equipment.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the bid to MID Valley Protection for the purchase of One (1) Solar Surveillance camera trailer in the amount of $36,000; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve change orders not to exceed 15% of the total contract; and,
C. Waiving a competitive bidding requirement of future purchases of these trailers from the same vendor for standardize equipment for up to two (2) additional camera trailers during the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
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This Consent Item was approved.
I.9. SUBJECT: Approval of Hanson Bridgett, LLP Sixth Amendment, Richards, Watson & Gershon Second Amendment, and Wilke
Fleury, LLP Fourth Amendment in a Total Amount not to Exceed $166,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the Hanson Bridgett, LLP Sixth Amendment, Richards Watson & Gershon Second Amendment, and Wilke Fleury, LLP Fourth Amendment in a total amount not to exceed $166,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Sixth Amendment to an Agreement for Professional Services with Hanson Bridgett LLP in an amount not to exceed $100,000, and exercise the second option to extend the Agreement; and,
B. Approving a Second Amendment to Legal Services Agreement with Richards, Watson & Gershon in an amount not to exceed $36,000; and, C. Approving a Fourth Amendment to Legal Services Agreement with Wilke Fleury, LLP in an amount not to exceed $30,000; and, D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.10. SUBJECT: Approval of a Legal Services Agreement - Litigation Matters with Richards, Watson & Gershon for a not to Exceed Amount of $150,0000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Legal Services Agreement - Litigation Matters relating to various litigation matters.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Legal Services Agreement - Litigation Matters with
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Richards, Watson & Gershon for a not exceed amount of $150,000; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
J. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Clerk's Note: Council Member DEANDA left the Regular Meeting at 6:49 PM.
J.1. SUBJECT: Public Hearing- Introduction of Ordinance Adding Section
17.32.105, “Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map”, of the Merced Municipal Code
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adding section 17.32.105 of Merced Municipal Code adopting California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council- Adopt a motion introducing Ordinance 2578, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adding Section
17.32.105, "Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map” to the Merced Municipal Code.
Assistant Building Official Danny BROWN briefly discussed the introduction of an Ordinance adding the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map.
Council and Mr. BROWN discussed details of the Fire Hazard Severity Zone map, the state minimum requirements, and the impact on the City.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 6:53 PM and subsequently closed the Public Hearing at 6:53 PM due to lack of public comments.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda1 -
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J.2. SUBJECT: Public Hearing on the Various Maintenance Districts’ Engineer’s Reports and Budgets for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 with Adoption of Resolution for Approval, Confirmation, and Adoption of the Engineer’s Reports for the Various Maintenance Districts as Originally Submitted or as Modified
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution approving, confirming, and adopting Engineer’s Reports and Budgets for Maintenance Districts after the close of the Public Hearing.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Resolution 2025-39, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving, confirming, and adopting Engineer’s Reports on Maintenance Districts; and,
B. Authorizing elections to establish a CPI increase for the following Maintenance Districts: Quail Creek, Oakmont #3, Northwood Village, East College Homes, Oakbrook, Pleasanton Park, Merced Auto Center, Ridgeview Meadows, Fahren’s Park I, Olivewood, Campus North, and Hansen Park.
Deputy Director of Public Works Juan OLMOS gave a slideshow presentation on the Maintenance Districts' Engineer's reports and budgets for fiscal year 2025-2026.
Council, Mr. OLMOS, City Attorney Craig CORNWELL, and Director of Public Works Ken ELWIN discussed details of the previous election held for maintenance districts, the process of elections, details of the graffiti and vandalism costs, the installation of LED lights in certain maintenance districts, and details of the fund balances.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 7:06 PM.
Curtis THOMAS, Merced - asked for further details regarding the price of eucalyptus tree maintenance.
Mayor SERRATTO closed the Public Hearing at 7:08 PM.
Council, Mr. OLMOS, and Mr. ELWIN discussed the issues regarding eucalyptus trees in the maintenance districts, the option for an election,
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details of the maintenance schedule posted on the City's website, and the process of increasing the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Harris, to approve Recommendation A. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda1 -
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Harris, to approve Recommendation B. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda1 -
J.3. SUBJECT: Public Hearing - Receipt of Final Public Comment and Approval of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, Which Includes the 2025 First Year Action Plan; Final Determination of 2025 Project Funding Pending HUD Approval; Authorization to Complete and Submit the Final Plan to HUD for Approval; and Authorize City Manager to Execute all Related Documents and Agreements to Implement the Plan
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provides an opportunity for the Public to provide their final comments relating to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, which includes the 2025 First Year Action Plan; Requests City Council final approval of 2025 program year project funding as recommended by staff and subsequent approval of the Draft Consolidated Plan, to enable final completion and submittal to HUD; and, Authorizes the City Manager to execute all related agreements and implementing documents, and the Finance Officer to perform necessary appropriations of HUD funds once disbursed.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council -
A. Open and conduct a Public Hearing, to receive the views and comments from interested residents and stakeholders regarding the use of
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HUD-issued federal funding and other related areas of interest regarding the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 First Year Action Plan; and, City Council - Adopt a motion:
B. Adopting Resolution 2025-41, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Approving the Program Year 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and First Year 2025 Annual Action Plan, and Certifying Compliance with the Requirements of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) Programs; and, C. Allocating CDBG and HOME funding to 2025 program year projects, contingent upon HUD’s final approval and provided all National Objectives and other related HUD requirements, including environmental clearances, are met and obtained for each activity, to enable completion of the Consolidated Plan and First Year Action Plan and its submittal to HUD; and,
D. Authorizing staff to finalize and complete all sections of the plan and work with HUD for final submission, minor changes, and approval of all activities; authorize the City Manager to execute all related documents and certifications, including agreements with HUD; and,
Housing Program Supervisor Kim NUTT and RSG Solutions Consultant Susie KIM gave a slideshow presentation on the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025 Annual Action Plan.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 7:25 PM.
Sheila GARCIA, Chairman of Harvest Time, Merced - spoke on the history of Harvest Time, the services the organization offers to the community, and the amount of volunteers that assist Harvest Time.
Dr. Jennifer JONES, Legacy Project, Merced - gave a slideshow presentation on the services the Dr. Jennifer M. Jones Foundation (Legacy Project) provide to the community.
Mika MARTINEZ, Harvest Time, Merced - shared details of the services that Harvest Time offers to the homeless population in the community.
Curtis THOMAS, Merced - spoke on how the project funding is being applied and encouraged Council to spread the affordable housing sites being chosen.
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Leticia LUQUE, Harvest Time, Merced - shared a success story of a community member that she assisted while volunteering for Harvest Time.
Phillip LAN, Bay Valley Tech, Merced - gave a slideshow presentation on the services that Bay Valley Foundation offers to the community members.
Norma CARDONA, Merced - spoke in support of the application submitted by Bay Valley Tech and shared details of accessible broadband.
Mayor SERRATTO closed the Public Hearing at 7:46 PM.
Council discussed the reason that Bay Valley Tech did not receive funding, data on the unhoused population, details of Affordable Housing Projects, details of the programs that submitted an application, the need for technical skills, details of the support from the programs submitted for funding, and details of allocating funds to Public Services Projects using Community and Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
Clerk's Note: Council Member HARRIS made a motion to approve Recommendations B-D. He withdrew his motion for further Council discussion.
Council, Director of Parks and Community Services Christopher JENSEN, Ms. NUTT, and City Manager Scott MCBRIDE discussed details of the Joe Herb Park renovations, the need for field maintenance at Joe Herb Park, the timeline for the organization listed as "To be Determined" under HOME funds, and details of candidates that could be funded with HOME funds.
Council agreed to approve the Joe Herb Park renovations to cover the updated information presented by Mr. JENSEN, approve the Public Service Projects, and for funding to be divided as presented by the City.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda1 -
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Clerk's Note: Council took a recess at 8:15 PM and reconvened at 8:26 PM.
J.4. SUBJECT: Continued Public Hearing to Allow Interested Persons to be Heard Regarding the City Council, Public Financing and Economic Development Authority, Parking Authority, and Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget, Adoption of the Budget with Revision(s), and Appropriation of the Revenue and Approval of the Capital Projects for Each Respective Budget
REPORT IN BRIEF
Continued Public Hearing and adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 City Council, Public Financing and Economic Development Authority, Parking Authority, and Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced Budget.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2025-42, Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Revising the General Fund Reserve Policy; and, B. Adopting Resolution 2025-43, Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Revising the Affordable Housing Fund Policy; and,
C. Adopting Resolution 2025-44, Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adopting the Budget and Appropriating Revenue for Fiscal Year 2025-2026; and,
D. Approving capital projects based upon the Planning Commission’s May 21, 2025, finding of consistency of Capital Improvement Program with the General Plan and as modified by recalculation of carryover projects to reflect actual balances as of June 30, 2025.
Public Financing and Economic Development Authority - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution PFA 2025-01, Resolution of the City of Merced Public Financing and Economic Development Authority, adopting the Budget and Appropriating Revenue for Fiscal Year 2025-2026; and,
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B. Approving capital projects based upon the Planning Commission’s May 21, 2025, finding of consistency of Capital Improvement Program with the General Plan and as modified by recalculation of carryover projects to reflect actual balances as of June 30, 2025.
Parking Authority - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution PA 2025-01, Resolution of the City of Merced Parking Authority, adopting the Budget and Appropriating Revenue for Fiscal Year 2025-2026; and,
B. Approving capital projects based upon the Planning Commission’s May 21, 2025, finding of consistency of Capital Improvement Program with the General Plan and as modified by recalculation of carryover projects to reflect actual balances as of June 30, 2025.
Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution SA 2025-02, Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced Adopting the Budget and Appropriating Revenue for Fiscal Year 2025-2026; and, B. Approving capital projects based upon the Planning Commission’s May 21, 2025, finding of consistency of Capital Improvement Program with the General Plan and as modified by recalculation of carryover projects to reflect actual balances as of June 30, 2025.
Finance Officer Venus RODRIGUEZ gave a slideshow presentation on the continued City Manager's proposed annual budget for fiscal year 2025-2026.
Council and Ms. RODRIGUEZ discussed the timeline of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, the proposed percentage of the Reserve Fund, adding the public safety positions to be funded under Measure C, and details of re-allocating funds from Trust 115 to the Reserve.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 8:59 PM.
Eddie RODRIGUEZ, Merced - highlighted the achievements and benefits from the arts in the City and encouraged Council to approve an open call for artists in the community.
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Alicia RIVERA, Merced - spoke in support of $120,000 for the Water and Sewage Services Extension Study in South Merced.
Maria CALDERON, Merced - spoke in opposition of the proposed budget and asked Council to allocate more funding to South Merced.
Ashley Marie SUAREZ, Merced - spoke on the Town Hall meetings, urged Council to engage with the community for budget, and requested funding for multiple projects that align with the community's needs.
Devon VERDIN, Merced Trap Neuter Release (TNR), Merced - shared details of the services that Merced TNR provides to the community and asked Council to include the organization to the budget.
Silver SEBASTION, Merced TNR, Merced - spoke on the mission and details of the services that Merced TNR provides to the community.
Natalie LINGUINI, Merced - shared details of the Merced TNR program.
Norma CARDONA, Merced - spoke on safe housing and asked Council to invest in a Mobile Home Rehabilitation Program and the First-Time Home Buyer Program in the City.
Alejandro CORTES, Merced - spoke in opposition of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 and asked Council to invest in the residents of South Merced.
Gloria SANDOVAL, Merced - asked Council to clarify the Parks and Community Services Department's plan to move to the Senior Center, the timeline of the Merced Sun Star property, investing in Youth Services, and a solution to homelessness.
Curtis THOMAS, Merced - asked for clarification on the Parks and Community Services Department move to the Senior Center, the upcoming construction for the High Speed Rail, the excessive Workers Compensation claims, and spoke on the Microsoft software.
Mayor SERRATTO closed the Public Hearing at 9:27 PM.
Council, Mrs. RODRIGUEZ, City Attorney Craig CORNWELL, and Director of Parks and Community Services Chris JENSEN discussed details of Workers Compensation claims fees, the need to move the Parks and
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Community Services Department to the Senior Center, an Anti-Slum Lord Ordinance, potentially discussing a two-year budget cycle, investing in the needs of the community, the increase of the Public Safety budget, and details of the proposed budget.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Smith, to approve the City Council Recommendations A-D. 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: Council Member DeAnda1 -
Council briefly discussed what the motion should include.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to approve the Public Financing and Economic Development Authority recommendations A-B, the Parking Authority recommendations A-B, and the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency recommendations A-B. 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: Council Member DeAnda1 -
K. ACTION ITEMS
K.1. SUBJECT: Accepting and Appropriating Grant Funding in the Amount of $3,000 from Merced County First 5- Community Engagement Event Sponsorship Program for Movies in the Park
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting and appropriating three grant funding sponsorships in the total amount of $3,000 from First 5 Merced County Movies in the Park to expand youth activities and supplies.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting grant funds from First 5 Merced County and increasing revenue in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Service, Contribution
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Account in the amount of $3,000; and,
B. Appropriating the same in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Service, Operating Materials, Services and Supplies; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Director of Parks and Community Services Chris JENSEN briefly discussed the acceptance of grant funding from Merced County First 5 for the Movies in the Park event.
Clerk’s Note: There was no Council discussion.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda1 -
K.2. SUBJECT: Approval of a Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $4,606 From the Unreserved, Unencumbered Balance of Fund 8503-Asset Forfeiture, Transferring to the General Fund and Appropriating the Same to the Police Department’s Existing Contract Agreement with Forensic Technology Inc for the Total Revised Contract Amount not Exceed $149,290.32
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 $4,606, transferring to the General Fund and appropriating the same to police department’s existing contract with Forensic Technology 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 $4,606, transferring to the General Fund and appropriating the same to the police department’s existing contract agreement with Forensics Technology Inc; and,
June 16, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Police Captain Joey PEREZ briefly discussed the additional funding for an existing agreement with Forensic Technology Inc.
Council Member XIONG, Mr. PEREZ, and Chief of Police Steven STANFIELD discussed details of the sales tax and including sales tax for future agreements.
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 Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda1 -
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.
Council Member HARRIS requested to discuss an ordinance for abandoned properties and blight buildings.
Council and City Attorney Craig CORNWELL discussed the request from Council Member HARRIS, the Anti-Slum Lord Ordinance, speaking to the community, and discussing this at the Public Safety Subcommittee meetings.
Council agreed to work with the Public Safety Subcommittee and to potentially come back at the July 21st Council meeting.
Council Member XIONG requested to discuss a proposal for an ordinance or resolution for a Welcoming City at the Council Meeting of August 4th, the request failed for a lack of second.
Mayor SERRATTO requested to discuss a Food Vendor Ordinance at the Council Meeting of August 4th, the request was seconded by Council Member HARRIS.
June 16, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Council agreed to have Mayor SERRATTO, Council Member HARRIS, and Council Member SMITH work on providing date for the Food Vendor Ordinance.
Mayor SERRATTO also requested to discuss adding a tax measure to the 2026 ballot.
Council, City Manager Scott MCBRIDE, and Mr. CORNWELL discussed Mayor SERRATTO's request, taking this request to a Ad Hoc Committee, and returning to a future Council meeting date.
Council agreed to discuss Mayor SERRATTO's request in an Ad Hoc Committee and bring back to Council on July 21st.
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.
Council Member DUPONT spoke on being in Downtown Merced with Mayor Oscar.
Council Member HARRIS reported on attending the Merced Police Department Swearing In and Promotion Ceremony, the Pride Flag Ceremony, and the Coffee with Cops event.
Council Member SMITH reported on attending the One Voice Trip and discussions held with government officials.
M. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 10:04 PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, that this Regular Meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Council Member DeAnda1 -