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, November 3, 2025
A. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Sarah Boyle, Council Member Darin Dupont, Council Member Michael Harris, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 6 -
Absent: 0
B. CLOSED SESSION
Mayor SERRATTO called the Closed Session to order at 5:03 PM.
Clerk's Note: Council Member SMITH arrived at 5:04 PM.
Clerk's Note: Mayor Pro Tempore BOYLE arrived at 5:10 PM.
B.1. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING
LITIGATION City of Merced v. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, et al. MSC Case No. 23CV 03845 Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
B.2. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS Agency
Designated Representative(s): City Manager Scott McBride, City Attorney Craig Cornwell, Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero, Finance Officer Venus Rodriguez, Human Resources Manager Suzanne Fierro Employee Organization: International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1479, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 57, Merced Police
Non-Sworn Unit, and Merced Association of City Employees (MACE) Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 5:52 PM.
C. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:03 PM.
C.1. Invocation - Pastor Joel Dorman, Summit Church Merced
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The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Joel DORMAN of the Summit Church of Merced.
C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Aggie FREEMAN, Maria LOPEZ, and Darrell CHERF 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 Michael Harris, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 6 -
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: Proclamation - School Psychologist Week
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accepted by representatives of Merced School District, Central Valley Affiliate - California Association of School Psychologists, and Merced Union High School District.
Mayor SERRATTO presented the Proclamation for School Psychologist Week to representatives of the Merced School District, the Central Valley Affiliate - California Association of School Psychologist, and the Merced Union High School District.
G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk's Note: Emails were received for the following agenda items and forwarded to Council prior to the meeting.
Agenda Item K.1.: LaTanya RI'CHARD and Sebastian CERVANTES.
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Agenda Item K.2.: LaTanya RI'CHARD and Sebastian CERVANTES.
H. PUBLIC COMMENT
Marcus ARELLANO, Merced - spoke on his Tree House Tutoring services.
Merced Police Chief Steve STANFIELD, spoke on the Cops and Critters and open house event. He also spoke on upcoming Merced Police Department events.
Darrell CHERF, Merced - spoke on the Field of Honor event at Merced College and the Run for the Fallen event.
Agnes FREEMAN, Merced - presented Merced Police Chief STANFIELD with a Certificate of Recognition.
Joe HYPES, Merced County Food Bank- spoke on the need for food donations for the Merced County Food Bank and where people can donate food.
Senior Management Analyst Jennifer FLACHMAN, spoke on a project site regarding information on food donations and information on the food drive event. She also spoke on a survey for the Downtown Station Area Plan for residents to share their ideas and an upcoming Brown Bag Concert Series.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Item I.7. Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements to Standardize Equipment, Authorization to Purchase Equipment for Three (3) Unmarked Units and Allow Dana Safety Supply to Supply Equipment and Outfit Three (3) New Patrol Vehicles for the Police Department in an Amount not to Exceed $110,000, Agenda Item I.8.
Authorization to Amend the Approved Police Budget/Personnel Allocation by Deleting (2) Crime Analyst Positions and adding with (1) Crime Analyst I and (1) Crime Analyst II; and Approve Related Job Descriptions and Salary Ranges for Crime Analyst I and Crime Analyst II and Agenda Item I.11.
Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance Approving Zone Change #435 and Establishment Residential Planned Development (RP-D) #83, Changing the Land Use Designation from Business Park Residential for 61.7 Acres for an Approximate 73.7 Acre-Parcel Generally Located on the Southwest Corner of East Gerard Avenue and Campus Parkway; were pulled for separate consideration.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
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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
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: Information Only Contracts for the Month of October 2025
REPORT IN BRIEF
Notification of awarded Non-Public Works contracts under $39,000 and of Public Works contracts under $87,278.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.3. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2025, June 25, 2025, and July 7, 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
November 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
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minutes of June 16, 2025, June 25, 2025, and July 7, 2025.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.4. SUBJECT: Approval to Renew an Instructional Services Agreement Between Merced Community College District and City of Merced Fire Department for Provision of In-Service Training Hours Performed by Staff Amounting to Approximately $66,667 Annually, not to Exceed $200,000 in Revenue Over a Three-Year Term
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers renewing an Instructional Services Agreement between Merced Community College District and the City of Merced Fire Department for the provision of in-service training hours performed by staff amounting to approximately $66,667 annually, not to exceed $200,000 in revenue over a three-year term.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving to renew an Instructional Services Agreement between Merced Community College District and the City of Merced for the provision of in-service training hours performed by staff amounting to approximately $66,667 annually, not to exceed $200,000 in revenue over a three-year term; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.5. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Assuring Timely Delivery for the 2025 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program Applications with Merced Association of Governments (MCAG)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a resolution assuring timely delivery of the 2025 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program application for one project in the City of Merced.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2025-67, a Resolution of the City Council of
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the City of Merced, California, Assuring Timely Delivery for the 2025 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program Application with Merced Association of Governments (MCAG); and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.6. SUBJECT: Approval to Purchase Two (2) 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab Work Trucks From National Auto Fleet Group - Chevrolet of Watsonville, in the Amount of $53,621.61 and $62,525.18 for a Total Amount of $116,146.79 for the Sewer Division and the Wastewater Treatment Plant to Replace Vehicles E-1372 & E-1363
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the purchase of two (2) 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab Trucks in the total amount of $116,146.79 utilizing the cost savings government procurement program (Sourcewell). The purchase of the new vehicles will replace aging equipment that will improve reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and increase efficiency in daily operations.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210 and authorizing the purchase to be made with a cooperative purchase agreement through Sourcewell, a government procurement program; and,
B. Approving the purchase of two (2) 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab Trucks in the total amount of $116,146.79 from National Auto Fleet Group - Chevrolet of Watsonville, through Sourcewell contract # 091521-NAF; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents for the purchase specified above; and,
D. Authorizing the issuance of the Purchase Order, and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price.
This Consent Item was approved.
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I.9. SUBJECT: Approval of Street Closure Request for East Main Street, West Main Street, Canal Street, and “O” Street, the Use of Bob Hart Square, and Power Connections at Bob Hart Square, West Main Street at Martin Luther King Jr Way, and West Main Street at “O” Street. Submitted by Edward Skelton with the County of Merced for the 21st Annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2025, from 9:00 A.M. Until 7:00 P.M.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to allow the use of City streets on November 11th, 2025, for the Veteran’s Day Parade. The Street Closure Request includes East Main Street, West Main Street, Canal Street, and O Street. The use of Bob Hart Square, and power connections at Bob Hart Square, West Main Street at Martin Luther King Jr Way, and West Main Street at “O” Street.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the street closures of East Main Street, from “Calimyrna Avenue to G” Street; West Main Street, from “G” to Canal Streets; Canal Street from W. Main Street to West 18th Street; West 18th Street from Canal Street to “O” Street and “O” Street, from W. 18th Street to 20th Street, the use of Bob Hart Square, and power connections at Bob Hart Square, West Main Street at Martin Luther King Jr Way, and West Main Street at “O” Street as requested by Edward Skelton, Merced County Veterans Services for the 21st Annual Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.10. SUBJECT: Approval of Street Closure Request Submitted by Liza Servin for the 2025 Central California Band Review on November 8th, 2025, from 6:00 A.M. Until 2:30 P.M.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to allow the use of City streets on November 8th, 2025, for the Central California Band Review.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the street closures of Parsons Avenue, from Merced Avenue to Dinkey Creek; Dinkey Creek, from Parsons Avenue to Watertown Drive; Watertown Drive, from Dinkey Creek to East Childs Avenue; and East Childs Avenue, from Coffee Street to Carol Avenue, as requested by Golden Valley High
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School Band Boosters Coordinator Liza Servin for the 2025 Central California Band Review scheduled Saturday, November 8th, 2025. The street closures will be between 6:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., residence within the street closure will be escorted by the Merced Police Traffic Unit; subject to the conditions of the administrative staff report.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.7. SUBJECT: Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements to Standardize Equipment, Authorization to Purchase Equipment for Three (3) Unmarked Units and Allow Dana Safety Supply to Supply Equipment and Outfit Three (3) New Patrol Vehicles for the Police Department in an Amount not to Exceed $110,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving to waive competitive bidding and authorizing the purchase of equipment, with install, 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 City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210 and authorizing the purchase to be made for equipment standardization; and,
B. Authorizing the purchase and installation of equipment from Dana Safety Supply in an amount not to exceed $110,000; and, C. Authorizing issuance of the Purchase Order(s) and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member XIONG.
Clerk's Note: There was no Council discussion.
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, and Council Member Smith
5 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
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Absent: 0
I.8. SUBJECT: Authorization to Amend the Approved Police Budget/Personnel Allocation by Deleting (2) Crime Analyst Positions and adding (2) Crime Analyst I/Crime Analyst II; and Approve Related Job Descriptions and Salary Ranges for Crime Analyst I and Crime Analyst II
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a resolution adopting salary ranges for Crime Analyst I and Crime Analyst II. Amending the personnel allocation by deleting two Crime Analyst positions and creating new positions of Crime Analyst I and Crime Analyst II. Staffing will remain at two Crime Analyst I/II positions (one at Crime Analyst 1 and the other at Crime Analyst II.)
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2025-63, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, adopting the Salary Range for the Crime Analyst I and Crime Analyst II positions within the Police Department; and,
B. Approving the deletion of two Crime Analyst positions and adding two Crime Analyst I/Crime Analyst II positions.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member XIONG.
Council Member XIONG spoke on his support for more non-sworn officers and granting writing portion of the position.
Merced Police Chief Steven STANFIELD gave a brief description of this 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 Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
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I.11. SUBJECT: Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance Approving Zone Change #435 and Establishment Residential Planned Development (RP-D) #83, Changing the Land Use
Designation from Business Park Residential for 61.7 Acres for an Approximate 73.7 Acre-Parcel Generally Located on the Southwest Corner of East Gerard Avenue and Campus Parkway
REPORT IN BRIEF
Second reading and final adoption of an Ordinance approving a zone change and establishment of a Residential Planned Development changing the land use designation from Business Park Residential for
61.7 acres for an approximate 73.7 acre parcel located on the southwest corner of East Gerard Avenue and Campus Parkway.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Ordinance 2581, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving Zone Change #435 and Establishment Residential Planned Development (RP-D) #83, changing the land use designation from Business Park to Residential for 61.7 acres for an approximate 73.7 acre-parcel generally located on the southwest corner of East Gerard Avenue and Campus Parkway.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member SMITH to recuse himself.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member Smith1 -
J. ACTION ITEMS
J.1. SUBJECT: Considers Approving a Grant Agreement for the Arts in California Parks - Implementation Grant Program, in the Amount of $77,000 for the General Vang Pao Memorial Statue and Mural Project and Increasing Revenue and Appropriating the Same in the Parks and Community Services Capital Projects Fund 5000, Project Number
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CP240049
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a grant agreement for the Arts in California Parks - Implementation Grant program, in the amount of $77,000 for the General Vang Pao Memorial Statue and Mural Project and increasing revenue and appropriating the same in the Parks & Community Services Capital Projects Fund 5000, Project Number CP240049.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Resolution 2025-66, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing acceptance of funding from Parks California for the California State Arts in Parks Implementation Grant; and, B. Approving a grant agreement with California Arts in Parks in a not to exceed amount of $77,000; and,
C. Accepting a grant from California Arts in Parks funding of $77,000, increasing revenue and appropriating the same in Parks & Community Services Capital Projects Fund 5000, Project Number CP240049; and, D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Parks and Community Services Director Chris JENSEN gave a slide show presentation of the grant agreement for the Arts in California Parks - Implementation Grant Program for the General Vang Pao Memorial Statue and Mural Project.
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: 0
J.2. SUBJECT: Request to Approve a Supplemental Appropriation from the Unencumbered, Unreserved Fund Balance of Fund 3002-Bell Station in the Amount of $51,000
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REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff is requesting a supplemental appropriation from the unencumbered, unreserved fund balance of Fund 3002-Bell Station in the amount of $51,000 for property utilities and building repairs at the Bell Station located at 415 W. 18th Street.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving a supplemental appropriation from the unencumbered, unreserved fund balance of Fund 3002-Bell Station in the amount of $45,000 for property utilities and $6,000 in Operating Materials and Services at the Bell Station located at 415 W. 18th Street.
Economic Development Associate Amanda WILLIAMS gave a brief presentation on the update of the Bell Station.
Mayor SERRATTO and Ms. WILLIAMS discussed the supplemental appropriation.
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 Harris, and Council Member Smith
5 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
J.3. SUBJECT: Maintenance Districts Assessment Ballot Proceeding - Campus North, East College Homes, Fahrens Park I, Hansen Park, Merced Auto Center, Northwood Village, Oakbrook, Oakmont #3, Olivewood, Pleasanton Park, Quail Creek, and Ridgeview Meadows Maintenance Districts
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing an assessment ballot proceeding and setting a public hearing for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, for the Campus North, East College Homes, Fahrens Park I, Hansen Park, Merced Auto Center, Northwood Village, Oakbrook, Oakmont #3, Olivewood, Pleasanton Park, Quail Creek, and Ridgeview Meadows Maintenance Districts, to obtain property owner approval in advance of increase in annual levy assessments.
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RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2025-64, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing an assessment ballot proceeding for the Campus North, East College Homes, Fahrens Park I, Hansen Park, Merced Auto Center, Northwood Village, Oakbrook, Oakmont #3, Olivewood, Pleasanton Park, Quail Creek, and Ridgeview Meadows Maintenance Districts; and,
B. Setting the public hearing for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to obtain property owner approval prior to increasing the annual assessment levy to cover operation and maintenance costs to each identified District; and, C. Approving a supplemental budget appropriation from the Unreserved, Unencumbered Fund Balance of the General Fund in the amount not to exceed $16,546 and transferring to the various Maintenance Districts proposing an increase to assessments, to cover the assessment balloting proceeding noticing costs; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make necessary budget adjustments.
Deputy Public Works Director Juan OLMOS and Landscape Maintenance Coordinator Stacey HICKS gave a slide show presentation on the Maintenance Districts Assessment Ballots Proceeding for the Campus North, East College Homes, Fahrens Park I, Hansen Park, Merced Auto Center, Northwood Village, Oakbrook, Oakmont #3, Olivewood, Pleasanton Park, Quail Creek, and Ridgeview Meadows Maintenance Districts.
Council and Ms. HICKS discussed the process of setting up formal meetings, timeline of the ballot proceeding and how it was chosen, resources to message the resident about the ballot proceeding, under funded maintenance districts, level of services, levels of service for other maintenance districts not listed, storm drain issues, the number of informational meetings, how that information will be provided to residents, and if the properties are only residential or both residential and commercial.
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 Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
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Absent: 0
J.4. SUBJECT: Discussion on the Speed Zone Study and Request to Set a Public Hearing Regarding the Speed Zone Ordinance
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff request to set a public hearing for November 17, 2025, to consider amending Merced Municipal Code Section 10.16.010- Speed Limits to implement recommendations made in the speed zone study.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion setting a public hearing for Monday, November 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM to consider amending the Speed Zone Ordinance.
City Engineer Daryl JORDAN gave a brief presentation on the Speed Zone Ordinance and setting a Public Hearing.
Council Member XIONG and Mr. JORDAN discussed attaching the speed study to the next agenda.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, 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 Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
J.5. SUBJECT: Approval of the Appropriation of Funds for the Public Facilities Impact Fee Credit/Reimbursement Agreement Approved for the Yosemite Crossing Shopping Center in the Amount not to Exceed $241,696
REPORT IN BRIEF
On September 2, 2025, the City Council approved Final Map #5429 for Phase 3 of the Yosemite Crossings Shopping Center. This approval included a Subdivision Improvement Agreement and a Public Facilities Impact Fee Credit/Reimbursement Agreement. The latter agreement allows the developer to receive impact fee credits or reimbursement for completing certain off-site improvements that exceed what is required for development. The shopping center is generally located at the northeast
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corner of Yosemite Avenue and G Street.
The developer is now requesting approval to allow for reimbursement of impact fees, rather than receiving only credits. However, the exact reimbursement amount cannot be determined at this time because it depends on future development details, such as land use and square footage of future buildings, which have not yet been finalized. To accommodate this uncertainty of future reimbursement amount, staff is requesting that the Council approve with a maximum cap not to exceed $241,696.00 (the maximum that the developer would qualify for based on Engineer Estimates approved in the approved Public Facilities Impact Fee Credit/Reimbursement Agreement).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving an appropriation from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance of PFFP Facilities Roadways or Facilities Transportation Funds, in the amount not to exceed $241,696, transferring to Fund 5005-Streets and Signals CIP, and appropriating the same in Fund 5005; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
City Manager Scott MCBRIDE gave a brief presentation on the appropriations of funds for the Public Facilities Impact Fee Credit/Reimbrsement agreement for the Yosemite Crossing Shopping Center.
Council, Mr. MCBRIDE, and Deputy City Manager Frank QUINTERO discussed the developers entitlement to a credit/reimbursement, the work and improvements done for the developer to receive reimbursement, the streets that the improvements were made, sections of the agreement, obligation to make the reimbursement, previously paid impact fees by the developer, and impact fee rates.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, 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 Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
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Clerk's Note: Council took a recess at 7:29PM and reconvened at 7:36PM.
K. BUSINESS
K.1. SUBJECT: Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced California Declaring the District Two City Council Seat Vacant
REPORT IN BRIEF
In the event of a City Council seat vacancy, declaring the seat vacant is the starting point to filling the vacancy by either appointment by City Council within thirty (30) days or by holding an election.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2025-65, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Declaring the District Two City Council Seat Vacant.
City Attorney Craig CORNWELL gave a brief presentation on the timeline of Council Member DEANDA's resignation, the steps to declaring the Council District 2 seat vacant, and next steps.
Council and Mr. CORNWELL discussed what is agendized for them to discuss, the election process and timeline and the appointment process.
Ashley Marie SUAREZ, Merced - encouraged Council for more public engagement prior to any decisions.
Jesse ORNELAS, Merced - spoke on the need for public engagement during the process, on the need for democracy, and the need of leadership in District 2.
Council, Mr. CORNWELL, and Assistant City Clerk Jennifer PARSLEY continued to discuss the options of either appointing someone to fill the seat or to do a Special Election, the timeline of a Special Election, length of a vacancy if they do a Special Election, the cost of a Special Election, and the appointment process. They discussed the previous appointment format for the Planning Commission, application for District 2 appointment, timeline for an application deadline for appointment, deadline to appoint someone to District 2, the timeline for the appointment process, who is eligible for appointment, and the format of the application.
Mayor SERRATTO summarized the discussion with the following: Council will motion on the Resolution declaring the seat vacant, open the
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application period as soon as possible, there will be an application following the Boards and Commission Application format with some minor changes to tailor it to the open seat, open until November 21, 2025, then come back to a Special Meeting 6PM on December 2, 2025 for interviews and for appointment, and interview questions and or interview process to be determined at the next meeting at November 17, 2025.
Council Member DUPONT and Mrs. PARSLEY discussed how the public will be notified when the application is available, ways to submit the application, and notifying the Council when the application is available.
Clerk's Note: After the motion and second was made Council, Mrs.
PARSLEY, City Manager Scott MCBRIDE, and Mr. CORNWELL continued to discuss when Council would be notified who applied, if applicants are mandatory to attend the December 2, 2025 meeting, and what will be discussed at the December 17, 2025 meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, to accept Council Member Deanda's resignation to declare the District 2 Council seat vacant and to move towards an appointment process as summarized by the Mayor. 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
K.2. SUBJECT: Discussion to Select Dates for the 2026 Community Town Halls and Strategic Planning Session to Provide Input on the Development of the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff seeks direction on the dates for the 2026 Community Town Halls and Council Strategic Planning Session to provide input on the development of the fiscal year 2026/27 Annual Budget.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide staff with dates for three Community Town Hall meetings and direction on the format and preferred dates for the Strategic Planning Session.
Senior Management Analyst Jennifer FLACHMAN gave a brief presentation on the 2026 Community Town Halls and Strategic Planning Session dates and location preference and the City Budget timeline.
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Council and Ms. FLACHMAN discussed Town Hall and Strategic Planning Session dates and location to hold those meetings.
Council picked the following dates and location:
January 8, 2026 - Stephen Leonard Park Town Hall
January 13, 2026 - Burbank Elementary School Town Hall
January 14, 2026 - El Capitan High School Town Hall
January 31, 2026 - Strategic Planning Session
Ashley Marie SUAREZ, Merced - spoke on the public wanting more public input opportunities outside the Town Halls and Strategic Planning Sessions, the City should promote these meetings as a budget process, and more opportunities for dates and times. She invited Council to an upcoming community meeting to discuss budget and to hear residents.
Council and Ms. FLACHMAN continued to discuss a date for the Strategic Planning Session and the time to hold that meeting and the format of the Town Hall and Strategic Planning Session meetings.
K.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 HARRIS requested to revisit the Resolution for Council Code of Conduct and Ethics. Council Member DUPONT seconded the request.
Council Member HARRIS requested to expedite this item to the November 17, 2025 Council Meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to expedite this item to the November 17, 2025 Council Meeting. 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
K.4. SUBJECT: City Council Comments
November 3, 2025City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
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 HARRIS brought up a Social Media post that Council Member XIONG posted regarding Council Members.
Council Member XIONG discussed the Social Media post he made.
Council Member DUPONT addressed the Social Media Post made by Council Member XIONG and discussed the positive growth Merced is experiencing.
Mayor Pro Tempore BOYLE spoke on making it to the final four on Drama Island and the growth in Merced.
Mayor SERRATTO spoke on the recent grand openings and the California Arts Commission tour.
L. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to adjourn the Regular Council Meeting in Memory of Bryan Donnelly.
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