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, August 18, 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 5:05 PM.
Clerk's Note: Mayor Pro Tempore BOYLE arrived to Closed Session at 5:06 PM and Council Member XIONG arrived to Closed Session at 5:12 PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION -
Title: Finance Officer; Authority: Government Code Section 54957 B.2. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS - Property: 692 and 710 W. 16th Street, Merced, CA APN 031-360-001 & -027; Agency Negotiators: D. Scott McBride, City Manager, Frank Quintero, Deputy City Manager, Venus Rodriguez, Finance Officer and Craig J. Cornwell, City Attorney; Negotiating Party: S. Guzman, Merced County Association of Governments; Price and Terms of Payment Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8 B.3. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS - Property: 415 W. 18 Street, Merced, CA APN 031-064-007; Agency Negotiators: D. Scott McBride, City Manager, Frank Quintero, Deputy City Manager, Venus Rodriguez, Finance Officer and Craig J.
Cornwell, City Attorney; Negotiating Party: S. Tietjen, Merced County Office of Education; Price and Terms of Payment Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8
B.4. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation. One (1) potential case.
Pursuant to California Government Code Section Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2)
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 6:00 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
Council Member HARRIS led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
D. ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Sarah Boyle, Council Member Darin Dupont, Council Member Ronnie DeAnda, Council Member Michael Harris, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 7 -
Absent: 0
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
Mayor SERRATTO stated, "There is a report out of Closed Session. First, with respect to Agenda Item B.3. Council Member DUPONT had a conflict, he recused himself, and did not participate in the discussions. With respect to Agenda Item B.1. the Council agreed in principal to a 5-year extension to the term of our Finance Officer, Venus RODRIGUEZ, Venus has been the Finance Officer for eight years, has been with the City for 24 years, so the Council agreed with another 5-year extension to her contract, and will formalize that at a future date. I wanted to congratulated Venus and thank the Council for a wise choice. Venus has been an asset to the City and will continue for the next five years."
F. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
F.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - National Night Out
REPORT IN BRIEF
Presented to the Merced Police Department.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the National Night Out Proclamation to members of the Merced Police Department.
G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk’s Note: Emails were received for the following agenda item and forwarded to Council prior to the meeting.
Public Comment: Clarence CHANCE and Michael MORIN.
H. PUBLIC COMMENT
Ravi TAGGAR, Fasest Lab, Merced - shared details of the services his company, Fastest Lab, provides to the community.
Michael MORIN, MCM Plumbing, Merced - spoke on the Public Works Department installing equipment without licensing or permits and standards being applied to citizens and City staff.
Levonne PHILLIPS, Merced - shared concerns of the high volume of crime near her Church due to lack of streetlights and sidewalks.
Mayor SERRATTO stated to reach out to the City Engineer Daryl JORDAN.
Members of Youth United, Merced - shared a video presentation thanking the City for the improvements at Flanagan Park.
Director of Parks and Community Services Chris JENSEN, Merced - shared details of the 5k/10k Run for All event.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Item I.2. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the City of Merced and Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) for Police Services in the District’s Schools for a Term of Three Years, Fiscal Years 2025 - 2028; was pulled for separate consideration.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Member Dupont, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
I.1. SUBJECT: Reading by Title of All Ordinances and Resolutions
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.3. SUBJECT: Approval of Amendment to Standard Software Maintenance Agreement (SSMA) with Tyler Technologies for Public Safety Software Utilized by the Police and Fire Departments for a Term not to Exceed Five Years. The Combined Cost of the Five-Year Contract will not Exceed $1,237,782.16. The First-Year Cost is $217,645.86, with Annual Increases not to Exceed 4%. The SSMA will also Incorporate the State-Mandated Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) Stop Data Collection Software into the City’s Software Inventory
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving amendment for the existing Standard Software Maintenance Agreement (SSMA), for a term not to exceed five years, and to incorporate the additional State-mandated software solution required to support compliance with state reporting obligations. This action will consolidate all Tyler public safety software utilized by the department under a single SSMA, streamlining administration and enabling unified billing.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
A. Approving the twelfth amendment to the Maintenance and Support Agreement with Tyler Technologies to continue maintenance and support for the public safety software utilized by the Police and Fire Departments for a term of five years in an amount not-to-exceed $1,237,782.16; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute this agreement and to execute any future contract amendments with Tyler Technology with a not-to-exceed the expenditure authority from recommendation A and contingent upon approval as to form by the City Attorney; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute zero-dollar future contract amendments with Tyler Technology and contingent upon approval as to form by the City Attorney.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.4. SUBJECT: Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapters 15.08 and 15.40 of the Merced Municipal Code to Extend the Time During Which the City Will Refund Certain Payments for Water and Sewer Lines to the University of California, Merced
REPORT IN BRIEF
Second reading and final adoption of an Ordinance that proposes revisions to Chapters 15.08 and 15.40 of the Merced Municipal Code to Extend the time during which the City will refund certain payments for water and sewer lines to the University of California, Merced.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Ordinance 2580, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending Chapters 15.08 and 15.40 of the Merced Municipal Code to Extend the Time During Which The City Will Refund Certain Payments for Water and Sewer Lines To The University of California Merced.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.2. SUBJECT: Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the City of Merced and Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) for Police Services in the District’s Schools for a Term of Three Years, Fiscal Years 2025 - 2028
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
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Minutes
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving an MOU between MUHSD and the City of Merced to provide Police Services at the District’s schools with four (4) School Resource Officers (SRO), and notes that the school district will fund the purchase of one (1) fully outfitted police vehicle.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Merced and
Merced City School District to provide police services in the district’s schools for a three-year term; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member XIONG.
Council Member XIONG stated he opposed the item.
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, and Council Member Smith 6 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
J. ACTION ITEMS
J.1. SUBJECT: Land Use Determination #25-03 - Finding of Public Convenience or Necessity for Sair Lara, for Alcohol Sales for On- and Off-Site Consumption for Valley Public House at 521 West Main Street
REPORT IN BRIEF
This report provides options for the City Council to consider making a Finding of Public Convenience or Necessity (PCN), as required by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to issue a Type 42 alcohol license (allowing the sale of beer for on-site or off-site consumption) for a new bar called Valley Public House located at 521 West Main Street. This alcohol license allows for the sale of beer and wine, and prohibits minors from entering the premises, as allowed by the State
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Department of Alcoholic Control. This license type does not require that the business provide any kind of food for its customers.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the Finding of Public Convenience or Necessity to allow Valley Public House, located at 521 West Main Street to obtain a Type 42 license, allowing the sale of beer for on-site and off-site consumption (Option #1 as shown in the “Council Action” section of this Administrative Report).
Assistant Planner Matt LIVINGSTON gave a slideshow presentation on Land Use Determination #25-03 and the finding of public convenience or necessity for a Type 42 ABC license for a new bar called Valley Public House at 521 West Main Street.
Council and Police Captain Joey PEREZ discussed the high volume of crime in the surrounding area.
Sair LARA, Applicant, Merced - spoke on the type of Pub and provided imaging of the proposed layout outside.
Mayor SERRATTO and Mr. LARA briefly discussed the parcel being vacant.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
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.2. SUBJECT: Approval of a Supplemental Appropriation from the Unreserved, Unencumbered Fund Balance in the General Fund in the Amount of $53,250 and Approval of a Service Agreement with the Lew Edwards Group to Facilitate a Community Assessment and Public Opinion Survey
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a supplemental appropriation from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in the General Fund in the amount of $53,250; and, approving a Service Agreement with the Lew Edwards Group to facilitate a community assessment and public opinion survey.
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a supplemental appropriation from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in the General Fund in the amount of $53,250 in City Manager Division; and,
B. Approving a Service Agreement with The Lew Edwards Group in the amount of 53,250; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
City Manager Scott MCBRIDE gave a slideshow presentation on supplemental appropriation for a Services Agreement with the Lew Edwards Group to facilitate a Community Assessment and Public Opinion Survey.
Council discussed moving forward with a consulting group, the needs of the community, and sales taxes in the surrounding area.
Clerk's Note: This Agenda Item required five affirmative votes from Council.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Smith, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith 6 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
K. BUSINESS
K.1. SUBJECT: Council Member Harris’ Request to Discuss an Ordinance that Requires an Estimate Presented to Patients for Non-Emergent Medical Transportation
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Member Harris requested a discussion on a potential ordinance that requires an estimate presented to patients for non-emergent medical transportation.
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on next steps.
Council Member HARRIS briefly discussed details of the citizen who received a non-emergency medical transportation and the request to discuss an Ordinance that requires an estimate presented to patients for non-emergent medical transportations.
Council, Fire Chief Casey WILSON, and City Attorney Craig CORNWELL discussed other jurisdictions with a similar ordinance, the rates from private ambulance companies, the legalities for posing this ordinance on private companies, referring the proposed ordinance to the Public Safety Subcommittee, and details of inter-facility transports versus advanced life saving transportation. They also discussed the limits set by the hospital is set by a contract, sending a letter of support to the State Legislature, details of the process that Sonoma County takes on medical transportation, the process of operating an ambulance in the County, policing estimates from a private company, and protecting residents from private businesses.
Council agreed to refer the request to the Public Safety Subcommittee for discussion and to return to Council with options.
K.2. SUBJECT: Continued Annual Appointments to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Districts 2, 6, and an Ex-Officio)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill vacancies on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Districts 2, 6, and an Ex-Officio); or,
B. Accepting nominations and appointing as many members as Council sees appropriate and directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
Council discussed the vacancies and applicants for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission.
A motion was made by Council Member DeAnda, seconded by Council Member
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Smith, to appoint Dina Gonzalez to the District 2 seat on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission for a partial-term ending on July 1, 2026. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Council Member Xiong, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to appoint Arturo Martinez to the District 6 seat on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission for a partial-term ending on July 1, 2026. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Smith, to appoint Craig Harmelin to the Ex-Officio seat on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission for a partial-term ending on July 1, 2026. 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
K.3. SUBJECT: Continued Annual Appointments to the Recreation and Parks Commission (District 2 and At-Large Seat)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill two seats on the Recreation and Parks Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
A. Accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as members of the Recreation and Parks Commission (District 2 and At-Large seat); or, B. Accepting nominations and appointing as many members as Council sees appropriate and directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
Council discussed the vacancies and applicants for the Recreation and Parks Commission.
Susan GROMALA, Merced - spoke on offering insight to the Recreation and Parks Commission as a dedicated community member.
A motion was made by Council Member DeAnda, seconded by Council Member Smith, to appoint Dina Gonzalez to the District 2 seat on the Recreation and Parks Commission for a first full-term ending on July 1, 2029. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
A motion was made by Mayor Serratto, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to appoint Marisa Lewis to the At-Large seat on the Recreation and Parks Commission for a partial-term ending on July 1, 2027. 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
K.4. SUBJECT: Continued Annual Appointments to the Tax Transparency Commission (Districts 2 and 6)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill two (2) seats on the Tax Transparency Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
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A. Accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as members of the Tax Transparency Commission (Districts 2 and 6); or, B. Accepting nominations and appointing as many members as Council sees appropriate and directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
Council, City Attorney Craig CORNWELL, and Assistant City Clerk Jennifer PARSLEY discussed the vacancies, the applicants, and the application process.
A motion was made by Council Member DeAnda, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to appoint Felipe Flores to the District 2 seat on the Tax Transparency Commission for a partial-term ending on July 1, 2027. 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
Clerk's Note: Council Member XIONG made a motion to appoint Latanya RI'CHARD to the District 6 seat on the Tax Transparency Commission. The motion failed for lack of second.
A motion was made by Council Member Xiong, seconded by Council Member Harris, to appoint Harpreet Takhar to the District 6 seat on the Tax Transparency Commission for a first full-term ending on July 1, 2029. 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
K.5. SUBJECT: Continued Appointments to the Citizen Advisory Focus Group (District 2)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill the vacancy on the Citizen Advisory Focus Group.
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
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Minutes
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting nominations and appointing one individual to serve as a member on the Citizens Advisory Focus Group (District 2); or, B. Directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
Council discussed the vacancy and applicants for the Citizen Advisory Focus Group.
A motion was made by Council Member DeAnda, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to appoint Keith Ensminger to the District 2 seat on the Citizen Advisory Focus Group. 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
K.6. 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 changing the Traffic Committee to a Commission with appointments made by Council at the October 6th Council meeting. Council Member XIONG seconded the request.
Council discussed the proposed changes to the Traffic Committee.
K.7. 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.
City Attorney Craig CORNWELL announced that he recently became a member of the League of California Cities Brown Act Committee.
August 18, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
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Council Member HARRIS reported on attending the National Night Out event, the Golden Valley Staff Appreciation Day, the Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting, the Ethics Subcommittee meeting, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mixer.
Council Member DUPONT reported on attending the National Night Out event, meeting with the Weaver School District, and gave a shout out to the Public Works Department for the improvements at Flanagan Park.
Mayor SERRATTO shared details of future Volunteer Community Clean-Up events.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 7:26 PM.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, 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 DeAnda, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
7 -
No: 0
Absent: 0