City Council Chamber
Merced Civic Center
2nd Floor
678 W. 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
CITY OF MERCED
Minutes
City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
6:00 PMMonday, April 7, 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 Pro Tempore BOYLE called the Closed Session to order at 5:01 PM.
Clerk's Note: Council Member XIONG arrived to Closed Session at 5:07 PM, Council Member SMITH arrived to Closed Session at 5:08 PM, and Mayor SERRATTO arrived to Closed Session at 5:12 PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant Exposure to Litigation. One (1) Potential Case. Pursuant to California Government Code Section § 54956.9(d) (2)
B.2. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION -
Title: City Manager; Authority: Government Code Section 54957 Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 5:59 PM.
C. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:02 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
Council Member DEANDA led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
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D. ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Sarah Boyle, Council Member Darin Dupont, Council Member Ronnie DeAnda, Council Member Michael Harris, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 7 -
Absent: 0
D.1. In accordance with Government Code 54952.3, it is hereby announced that the City Council sits either simultaneously or serially as the Parking Authority, the Public Financing and Economic Development Authority, and the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency. City Council members receive a monthly stipend of $500.00 by Charter for sitting as the City Council; and the Mayor receives an additional $100.00 each month as a part of the adopted budget and Resolution 2024-78.
The members of the Parking Authority, the Public Financing and Economic Development Authority, and the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency receive no compensation.
E. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
There was no report.
F. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
F.1. SUBJECT: Presentation on the New Fire Station Alerting System
REPORT IN BRIEF
A presentation will be given by Casey Wilson, Interim Fire Chief to demonstrate the new fire station alerting system.
Interim Fire Chief Casey WILSON gave a video presentation on the new fire station alerting station system.
G. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
G.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - National Donate Life Month
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by Leo Hernandez of the Donor Network West.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Donate Life Month Proclamation to Leo HERNANDEZ of the Donor Network West.
G.2. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Adult Education Week
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by representatives of the Merced Adult School.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Adult Education Week Proclamation to
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representatives of the Merced Adult School.
G.3. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Fair Housing Month
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by Isaac Pimentel of the Project Sentinel Fair Housing.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Fair Housing Month Proclamation to Isaac PIMENTEL of the Project Sentinel Fair Housing.
H. 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: Angela LARA.
Agenda Item M.1.: Jeffrey CARTER and Steven DONAHUE.
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
James REESE, Merced - thanked Council Member HARRIS for attending the Community Cookout event held in District 3 and shared details of future events.
Marcus ARELLANO, Merced Hmong Planning Committee, Merced - shared details of the public celebration of the Hmong American Day event.
Cindy KELLY, Merced - shared details of the upcoming Vaccine Clinic event, the Merced SPCA's low cost Spay/Neuter Program, and spoke on kill shelters.
Xerxes ZANGENCH, Merced - asked Council to make changes to the property and land value tax system.
Christa DIAZ, Merced - shared details of her personal life and the Julius Prevention Program.
Jennifer FLACHMAN, Merced - shared details on the Yosemite Avenue Reconstruction Roadway Project and the Downtown Improvement Project.
Dedria COOKS, Merced - shared details of the scholarship for kids in Merced County and requested an audit of the Virginia Smith Trust funds.
Lena IVORY, Merced - requested an audit of the Homeless Shelters in Merced and spoke on the flowers reported stolen at the cemetery.
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Rebecca FUSSELMAN, Merced - shared details of the Julius Prevention Program and spoke on the building being red-tagged by the city.
Joseph HYPES, Merced County Food Bank, Merced - shared details of the State of Hunger event and spoke on the food arriving into the community.
Christina VALENTI-FELIX, Merced - spoke on the building where the Julius Prevention Program was held and requested information on the Fentanyl Settlement funding that the City of Merced received.
Jerry BONILLE, Merced - shared details of the Julius Prevention Program in Merced and asked if there was a building that could house the program.
Joshua LEWIS, Merced - spoke on the ongoing issues at the Brookdale Apartments.
Andrea TOLISON, Merced - shared details of the issues at the Brookdale Apartments.
Terry BEALS, Merced - shared details of the issues at the Brookdale Apartments and thanked Council Member SMITH for touring the apartment complex.
Adrienne MILLEN, Merced - shared details of the issues at the Brookdale Apartments.
Blanca OJEDA, Merced - spoke on the lack of legal representation for tenants and shared details of the issues at the Brookdale Apartments.
J. CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Items J.7. Award Services Agreements for the Comprehensive General Plan Update, Environmental Impact Report and the Central Merced/Downtown Rail Station Area Plan to Mintier Harnish and J.11.
Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements to Standardize Equipment, Authorization to Purchase Mobile Computers from LEHR Automotive and Related Equipment with Use of Budgeted Funds in an Amount not to Exceed $110,000; were pulled for separate consideration.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
J.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.
J.2. SUBJECT: Information Only Contracts for the Month of March 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.
J.3. SUBJECT: Information Only - Tax Transparency Commission Minutes of May 13, 2024, and August 13, 2024
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
J.4. SUBJECT: Information Only - Planning Commission Minutes of January 8, 2025, January 22, 2025, and February 5, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
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J.5. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2024, November 4, 2024, November 18, 2024, and December 2, 2024
REPORT IN BRIEF
Official adoption of previously held meeting minutes.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council/Public Financing and Economic
Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency - Adopt a motion approving the meeting minutes of October 21, 2024, November 4, 2024, November 18, 2024, and December 2, 2024.
This Consent Item was approved.
J.6. SUBJECT: Approval to Use of the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport to Host the City/County Relations Dinner, to Include Alcohol (Beer and Wine Only)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the use of the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport to Host the City/County Relations Dinner, to include alcohol (beer and wine only).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the use of the Merced Yosemite Regional Airport to host the City/County Relations dinner on April 17, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and,
B. Approving the sale of alcohol (beer and wine only).
This Consent Item was approved.
J.8. SUBJECT: Approval of the First Amendment with JLB Traffic Engineering, Inc. for an Extension of the Term of Agreement to October 31, 2025
REPORT IN BRIEF
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Considers approving the First Amendment with JLB Traffic Engineering, Inc for an extension of the Term of Agreement to October 31, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a First Amendment to an Agreement for Professional Services with JLB Traffic Engineering, Inc. to extend the Term of Agreement to October 31, 2025.
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
J.9. SUBJECT: Award Bid to Mid Cal Pipeline & Utilities, Inc. for Craig Drive Sewer Main, Project Number CP250064, in the Amount of $393,550
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding a Construction Contract to Mid Cal Pipeline & Utilities, Inc. in the amount of $393,550 for Project CP250064, Craig Drive Sewer Main.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the construction contract for Craig Drive Sewer Main, Project CP250064, to Mid Cal Pipeline & Utilities, Inc., in the amount of $393,550; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve change orders not to exceed 15% of the total contract.
This Consent Item was approved.
J.10. SUBJECT: Approval of Amendment in the Amount of $9,750 with Tyler Technologies for the Professional Services of a New Message Switch Server, Installation of a CalPhoto Interface, and a 3-Year Subscription to RedHat Services for a Total Contract Amount of $909,117.91
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REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving an amendment in the amount of $9,750 to the City’s existing agreement with Tyler Technologies for the professional services of a New Message Switch Server, Installation of a CalPhoto Interface, and a 3-Year Subscription to RedHat Services for a Total Contract Amount of $909,117.91.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving an Amendment to the original contract with Tyler Technologies in the amount of $9,750 for the Professional services of a New Message Switch Server, Installation of a CalPhoto Interface, and a 3-Year Subscription to RedHat Services; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary contracts or documents needed related to this report.
This Consent Item was approved.
J.12. SUBJECT: Approval of Services Agreement with Hoffman Electronic Systems for Electronic Monitoring Services at City Owned-Facilities in the Annual Amount not to Exceed $26,394 for the Initial Contract Term Beginning July 1, 2025 Through June 30, 2027
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving an agreement with Hoffman Electronic Systems, in the annual amount not to exceed $26,394 for the initial two-year term, for electronic monitoring services at city owned facilities.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Services Agreement with Hoffman Electronic Systems, in the annual amount not to exceed $26,394 annually during the initial contract term, for electronic monitoring services at City-owned facilities for a two (2) year period, with an option to renew for a maximum of three (3) additional one (1) year periods including a limit of 5% increase in compensation per renewal term; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and sign future contract amendments to exercise the option(s) to renew, including a maximum of 5% increase in compensation per renewal
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term, through June 30, 2030.
This Consent Item was approved.
J.13. SUBJECT: Approval of Services Agreement and First Amendment with TK Elevator Corporation, in the Annual Amount of $32,327.04 for Elevator Maintenance Services for a Two (2) Year Term Beginning July 1, 2025 Through June 30, 2027, with an Option to Extend the Agreement for Three (3) Additional One (1) Year Term(s) through June 30, 2030
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Services Agreement and First Amendment with TK Elevator Corporation in the annual amount of $32,327.04 for maintenance of eight (8) elevators located at the Merced Civic Center, Ralph Shannon Parcade, Merced Center Parking Garage, HWY 59 Lift Station, and Central Police Station.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Services Agreement and First Amendment with TK Elevator Corporation in the annual amount of $32,327.04 for elevator maintenance services for a period of two-years, with an option to renew for a maximum of (3) three additional one-year periods; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute future contract amendments exercising the option(s) to renew, if the annual amount does not exceed $32,327.04, through June 30, 2030.
This Consent Item was approved.
J.14. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Setting a Public Meeting for Monday, June 2, 2025, and a Public Hearing for Monday, June 16, 2025, Regarding Maintenance Districts Engineer’s Reports and Budgets - Fiscal Year 2025/2026
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution to set a public meeting for Monday, June 2, 2025, to address the proposed Engineer’s Reports and Budgets and a formal public hearing for Monday, June 16, 2025, before
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a determination is made on the level of assessment to approve.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2025-20, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving Engineer’s Reports on Maintenance Districts and setting a public meeting and a public hearing thereon.
This Consent Item was approved.
J.7. SUBJECT: Award Services Agreements for the Comprehensive General Plan Update, Environmental Impact Report and the Central Merced/Downtown Rail Station Area Plan to Mintier Harnish
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving Services Agreements for the Comprehensive General Plan Update and Environmental Impact Report in the amount of $1,250,436 and the Central Merced/Downtown Rail Station Area Plan in the amount of $500,000 to Mintier Harnish.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Services Agreement with Mintier Harnish (MH), in the amount of $1,250,436 to prepare the Comprehensive General Plan Update and Environmental Impact Report; and,
B. Approving a Services Agreement with Mintier Harnish (MH), in the amount of $500,000 to prepare the Central Merced/Downtown Rail Station Area Plan; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreements and any necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member SMITH.
Council, Management Analyst Leah BROWN, Senior Project Manager of Mintier Harnish Brent GIBBONS, and City Manager Scott MCBRIDE discussed details of the Services Agreement with Mintier Harnish, details of the General Plan Amendment, details of Mintier Harnish, prior actions taken at the previous General Plan Amendment, the bid process, and the bid results.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member
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Harris, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
J.11. SUBJECT: Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements to Standardize Equipment, Authorization to Purchase Mobile Computers from LEHR Automotive and Related Equipment with Use of Budgeted Funds in an Amount not to Exceed $110,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to waive competitive bidding and authorizing the purchase of Panasonic FZ40 computers and equipment for Police Patrol Vehicles using current budgeted funds in an amount not to exceed $110,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the competitive bidding requirement for equipment standardization; and,
B. Authorizing the purchase of mobile computers and related equipment from LEHR Automotive in an amount not to exceed $110,000; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents for this purpose.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member XIONG.
Council Member XIONG and Police Chief Steven STANFIELD discussed the proposed purchase, refurbishing current equipment, and details of equipment that is at end of life.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Smith, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith 6 -
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No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
K. PUBLIC HEARINGS
K.1. SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider General Plan Amendment #24-17, Zone Change #436 and Site Utilization Plan Revisions #19 to Planned Development (P-D #4), #8 to Planned Development (P-D #46) and #14 to Planned Development (P-D #42), Initiated by the City of Merced to Change the General Plan Land Use Designations and Zoning for Twenty-Seven (27) Sites Located Throughout the City, Totaling Approximately 95 Acres to Provide Opportunity Sites to Accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) Shortfall
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a General Plan Amendment, Zoning Change and Site Utilization Plan Revisions amending the land use designations for approximately 95 acres of land within the City of Merced to create opportunity sites to accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) shortfall.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2025-21, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adopting the Addendum to the Merced Vision 2030 General Plan EIR (ERC #24-42) for General Plan Amendment GPA #24-17, Site Utilization Plan Revision #19 to Planned Development (P-D) #4, Site Utilization Plan Revision #14 to Planned Development (P-D) #42, and Site Utilization Plan Revision #8 to Planned Development (P-D) #46 to Amend the Land Use Designation for Approximately 95 Acres of Land in the City and to Deny the Redesignation of Land Use for Approximately Six (6) Acres of Land in the City; and,
B. Introducing Ordinance 2577, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending the Official City Zoning Map By Approving Zone Change #436, Site Utilization Plan Revision #19 to Planned Development #4, Site Utilization Plan Revision #14 to Planned Development #42 and Site Utilization Plan Revision #18 to Planned Development #46 to Rezone Twenty Seven (27) Sites within the City Totaling Approximately 95 Acres of Land and Deny the Rezone of three (3) Sites Totaling about 6 acres of land.
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Principal Planner Jonnie LAN and Management Analyst Leah BROWN gave a slideshow presentation on the proposed rezoning for the Housing Element and details of the General Plan Amendment.
City Attorney Craig CORNWELL briefly explained that Council Member HARRIS and Council Member DEANDA will need to recuse themselves from specific sites due to the proximity of their address.
Council, Mrs. LAN, and Mrs. BROWN discussed the difference of the presentation given at the workshop, details of the attachments, the range for rezoning, details of a site on Gerard Avenue, details of the proposed properties, and affordable housing.
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 7:49 PM.
Jean OKUYE, Merced - urged Council to vote no and spoke on aligning the General Plan Amendment to fill the needs of the community.
Hugo CASTRO, Merced - asked Council to reject the rezoning proposal, spoke on future growth of the City of Merced, and details of developing affordable and low-income housing.
Ana QUINTANA-CEJA, Merced - shared details on where to place affordable housing sites in South Merced and improving current properties.
Olajide OQUNMAKUY, Merced - spoke on the importance of developing bicycle and pedestrian lanes and the lack of walkable areas.
Gloria SANDOVAL, Merced - spoke on details of the Housing Element, details of the proposed rezones, and the affordability of homes in the city.
LaTanya RICHARD, Merced - shared details of health concerns from unsafe housing, spoke on a rental registry, and requested an audit of the City's budget.
Ashley SUAREZ, Merced - spoke on fair housing, creating safe housing for all income levels, details of the proposed properties being rezoned, and details of the placement of affordable housing.
Mayor SERRATTO closed the Public Hearing at 8:11 PM.
Council, Mrs. BROWN, Deputy Director of Development Services Diana LOWRANCE, Mrs. LAN, and City Manager Scott MCBRIDE discussed
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details of the rezone process, the vacant lots in the City being rezoned, details of surrounding projects that caused a General Plan Amendment, notices to the public, details of the development process, details of the recommendations to deny sites, details of entitlements, details of future rezones, and details on how Council should take action.
Clerk's Note: City Attorney Craig CORNWELL stated, "Following the suggestion from the Fair Political Practice Commission, I would like to start with the items where we have Council Members to step out and that would entail site C for Councilman DEANDA, then go to site I and J for Councilman HARRIS.
Council Member DEANDA spoke on the homes being rezoned.
Clerk's Note: Council Member DEANDA recused himself for site C due to the proximity of his residence.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, to approve site C. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith
5 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member DeAnda1 -
Clerk's Note: Council Member HARRIS recused himself for sites I and J due to the proximity of his residence.
Council briefly discussed details of sites I and J.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to approve sites I and J. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, and Council Member Smith
5 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member Harris1 -
Council, Mrs. LAN, and Mr. CORNWELL briefly discussed the three sites
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recommended for denial.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Harris, to approve the denial of sites G, R, and S. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
Council discussed details of the remaining sites recommended for approval and complying with state law.
Clerk's Note: Council Member DEANDA was present and did not vote on this item.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to approve the remaining 24 sites as recommended by staff. 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 -
Clerk's Note: A motion was made by Council Member SMITH, seconded by Council Member DUPONT, to approve the remaining balance.
City Attorney Craig CORNWELL explained that Council will need to take separate actions for sites C, I, and J.
Clerk's Note: Council Members SMITH and DUPONT withdrew their motions.
Clerk's Note: Council Member HARRIS recused himself for sites I and J due to the proximity of his residence.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Smith, to introduce Ordinance 2577, sites I and J. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, and Council Member Smith
5 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member Harris1 -
Clerk's Note: Council Member DEANDA recused himself due to the proximity of his residence.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to introduce Ordinance 2577, site C. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith
5 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member DeAnda1 -
Clerk's Note: Council Member DEANDA stepped out during the vote.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Smith, to introduce Ordinance 2577, remaining 24 sites. 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 -
L. ACTION ITEMS
L.1. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Recently Approved Housing Successor Agency Grant of $200,000 to CC915 Merced, Inc., Appropriating the Funds, and Authorizing the Execution of a Grant Agreement, Regulatory Agreement, and Related Covenants and Restrictions
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a resolution authorizing the recently approved Housing
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Successor Agency Grant of $200,000 to CC915 Merced, Inc., appropriating the funds, and authorizing the execution of a Grant Agreement, Regulatory Agreement, and related covenants and restrictions for the affordable container home project.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2025-17, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, acting as the Housing Successor Agency to the City of Merced Redevelopment Agency, Approving a Housing Successor Grant to CC915 Merced, Inc. in the Principal Amount of $200,00., Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Grant Agreement, Regulatory Agreement and related Grant Documents, and Authorizing certain other actions in connection therewith; and,
B. Approving a Deed Restriction Covenant and Grant Agreement, Regulatory Agreement and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants, Notice of Affordability Restrictions on Transfer of Property, and Agreement Containing Covenants Affecting Real Property for the CC915 Merced, Inc. affordable container home project; and,
C. Approving a Supplemental Appropriation in the amount of $200,000 from Fund-2513 Low Moderate-Income Housing; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute necessary documents and to make de minimis administrative changes if needed.
Management Analyst Leah BROWN briefly discussed the approval of a resolution authorizing the Housing Successor Agency Grant.
Adam CONOUR, Merced - shared updates on the Veteran Housing Project on South R Street.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Harris, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
M. BUSINESS
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Clerk's Note: Council took a recess at 8:56 PM and reconvened at 9:09 PM.
M.1. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Revision of the City Council Policy for How Members of the City Council and the Public Have Items Placed on the City Council Agenda, Provide Direction on Modifications Thereto, if any, and Approve the Policy as Proposed or Modified
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution and the proposed revisions to the City Council Policy for How Members of the City Council and the Public Have Items Placed on the City Council Agenda.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2025-18, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adopting City Council Policy C-1, How Members of the City Council and the Public Have Items Placed on the City Council Agenda.
City Manager Scott MCBRIDE briefly discussed the resolution to approve the revision of the City Council policy on how members of the City Council and the public have items placed on the City Council agenda.
Council and City Attorney Craig CORNWELL discussed details of the modifications made to the City Council policy and the policy being for action items only.
Marilyn SOBEL, Merced - shared concerns of diminishing diversity and democracy and potential issues regarding the Brown Act.
Council and Mr. CORNWELL discussed details of the redlined version of the resolution, details of the modifications, and details of the Brown Act.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith 6 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
M.2. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Revision of the City
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Council Policy for the Display of Flags at City Facilities, Provide Direction on Modifications Thereto, if any, and Approve the Policy as Proposed or Modified
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution and the proposed revisions to the City Council Policy for the Display of Flags at City Facilities.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2025-19, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adopting a Policy for Display of Ceremonial and Commemorative Flags on City Flagpoles.
City Attorney Craig CORNWELL discussed refining City Council Policy C-7.
Council discussed the issues of the current flag policy.
Beverly SCHICK, Merced - spoke in opposition of flying other flags other than American flags.
Dolly WRIGHT, Merced - expressed concerns of the policy allowing various flags being flown and stated that only government flags should be flown.
Glenda BRINSFIELD, Merced - spoke on only flying government flags.
Beverly BOMERSBACH, Merced - spoke on opposing division and stated the best flag policy is removing the flag policy.
Council discussed litigation risks, Section 5 of the policy, the warning letter received, details of the modifications to the policy, choosing to not fly commemorative flags at City facilities, methods to connecting the community together, controversies with different flag requests, flying the American flag, potentially returning the discussion to the Subcommittee, and details of Section 8.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Harris, approve the revised Policy C-7 with the amendment proposed by Council Member Harris about Section 8, about disposal of flags. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith
4 -
No: Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, and Council Member Xiong3 -
April 7, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Absent: 0
M.3. 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 XIONG requested information on the Opioid Settlement funding report from the beginning to current at the May 19th Council Meeting.
M.4. 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 SMITH reported on attending the International Council of Shopping Centers conference with City Staff and spoke on his future trip to One Voice.
Council Member HARRIS reported on attending Merced County Supervisor Josh PEDROZO's Town Hall, the Mercado event, the FireOPS training, and the State of the College Address Luncheon.
Council Member DUPONT thanked Airport Manager Rhett WILLIAMS for the tour at the Regional Airport Terminal, reported on attending the Yosemite Roadway Project Town Hall, a tour at the CP-42 Project location, the FireOPS training, and the State of the College Address Luncheon.
Mayor Pro Tempore BOYLE reported on attending the International Council of Shopping Centers conference, the Association of Realtors Elected Night, Assemblywoman Esmeralda SORIA's Outstanding Woman Intercommunity Luncheon, the Yosemite Roadway Project Town Hall, the State of the College Address Luncheon, and a tour at the Regional Airport Terminal.
Mayor SERRATTO thanked everyone for attending the McNamara Clean-Up day, reported on attending a fundraiser hosted by American Realty, and the Mercado event. He also discussed the Earth Day event, the
April 7, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
San Joaquin Policy Conference, and the City County Dinner.
N. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 10:06 PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, to adjourn the Regular Meeting in honor of Tom Cook. 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