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, December 1, 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 5:01 PM.
Clerk's Note: Council Member XIONG arrived at 5:07 PM.
B.1. 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
B.2. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION -
Title: City Manager; Authority: Government Code Section 54957 Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 5:56 PM.
C. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
C.1. Invocation - Pastor Maggie Guekguezian, United Methodist Church of Merced The invocation was delivered by Pastor Maggie Guekguezian, United Methodist Church of Merced.
C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
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Council Member DUPONT led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
F.1. SUBJECT: Presentation on the Youth Jobs Training Program
REPORT IN BRIEF
Presented by Youth involved in the Youth Job Training Program by the Merced County Department of Workforce Investment.
Department of Workforce Investment Valente HUITRON and Participant in the Youth Jobs Program Leonardo VASQUEZ gave a slide show presentation on the Youth Jobs Program.
Council, Mr. HUITRON, and Mr. VASQUEZ discussed following up on those who participated in the program to see if they got jobs and if they kept them and the experience Mr. VASQUEZ received during the program.
G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk's Note: The emails were received for the following agenda items and forwarded to Council prior to the meeting.
Public Comment: Micki ARCHULETA
Agenda Item I.3.: Dr. Lee BOESE, Tom CLENDENIN, and a letter from the City Attorney
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H. PUBLIC COMMENT
Senior Management Analyst Jennifer FLACHMAN - announced an upcoming performance at Bob Hart Square, the upcoming Maintenance District Assessment Ballot Meetings, and the upcoming City Council Town Hall meetings.
Karthik PRASAD, on behalf of Congressman Adam GRAY, Merced - provided a legislative update.
Robert DAVENPORT, Merced - spoke on issues with roadways, the time he spent deployed in Germany, wants Yosemite Lake given to the citizens of Merced, and to have fellowships with the community to come up with solutions.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of the Consent Agenda
Agenda Item I.10. Approval of a First Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding Between City of Merced, Merced County, Merced Union High School District, and Merced County Office of Education Extending the Term to June 30, 2026, Pertaining to Community Park #42 and Agenda Item I.13. Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance that Changes the Land Use Designation for 3.19 Acres from “Commercial Office” to “Self Storage” at 1380 East Yosemite Avenue and for 4.86 Acres from “Commercial Office” to “Residential” at 3595 Parsons Avenue, Generally Located at the Southwest Corner of East Yosemite Avenue and Parsons Avenue; were pulled for separate consideration.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, 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.
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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 November 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: Information Only - Traffic Committee Minutes of September 9, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.4. SUBJECT: Information Only - Tax Transparency Commission Minutes of May 14, 2025, and August 12, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.5. SUBJECT: Information Only - Planning Commission Minutes of March 19, 2025, April 9, 2025, May 7, 2025, May 21, 2025 June 4, 2025, July 9, 2025, July 23, 2025, August 6, 2025, and September 17, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.6. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the
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Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of September 15, 2025
REPORT IN BRIEF
Official adoption of previously held meeting minutes.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council/Public Financing and Economic
Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency - Adopt a motion approving the meeting minutes of September 15, 2025.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.7. SUBJECT: Approval of Street Closure Request #25-0031 and the Use of Bob Hart Square by David Padilla to Host the Annual “Cheerful Giving” Event, Located on W. Main Street Between K Street and Canal Street, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, From 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Consideration of a Request for a City of Merced Co-Sponsorship
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a request by David Padilla for the closure and use of City streets and Bob Hart Square on Sunday, December 14, 2025, for the annual Cheerful Giving Event. The request seeks approval to close W. Main Street, between K Street and Canal Street, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The application also includes a request for City of Merced Co-Sponsorship.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the use of Bob Hart Square and the street closure of W.
Main Street, between K Street and Canal Street, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and,
B. Approving City of Merced Co-Sponsorship at an estimated $777.93 for the event, subject to the Conditions of Approval outlined in the Administrative Staff Report.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.8. SUBJECT: Approval of a Design Professional Services Agreement for a Term of Five (5) Years with Vasquez & Company LLP for
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Professional Auditing and Related Services in the not to Exceed Amount of $300,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Design Professional Services Agreement for annual audit and related professional services with Vasquez & Company LLP.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Professional Services Agreement with Vasquez & Company LLP in the not to exceed amount of $300,000; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.9. SUBJECT: Authorization for Additional Payment of Litigation Costs in Connection with the Retainer Agreement with Marderosian and Cohen for 2023 Flood Litigation
REPORT IN BRIEF
On July 3, 2023, the City Council approved a Retainer Agreement with Marderosian and Cohen to represent the City in litigation seeking recovery of damages against California Department of Fish and Wildlife (23CV-03845) related to the January 2023 flooding events emanating from Bear Creek and other related creeks, rivers, channels, and flood control and irrigation facilities located in Merced County, California.
After further review of the original approvals, staff identified that while the Retainer Agreement was authorized, litigation costs were not included in that authorization. On September 15, 2025, the City Council approved the payment of litigation costs associated with the representation.
To date, the City has incurred approximately $350,000 in litigation costs, primarily related to deposition expenses and expert witness retainer agreements. Staff anticipates an additional $175,000 in costs through trial, which is scheduled for January 27, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
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City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Authorizing the City to pay additional litigation costs anticipated to be incurred through trial, estimated at approximately $175,000; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents related to the payment of these litigation costs.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.11. SUBJECT: Approval of a Contract Change Order No. 3 in the Amount of $184,376 with Diede Construction Inc. for CP230052 - Stephen Leonard Building Rehab
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving Contract Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $184,376 with Diede Construction Inc. for extra work to the Stephen Leonard Building due to Fire, Vandalism, and Owner Betterments.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Contract Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $184,376 with Diede Construction Inc. for extra work to the Stephen Leonard Building due to Fire and Vandalism damage; and,
B. Authorizing City Manager to execute the necessary documents This Consent Item was approved.
I.12. SUBJECT: Request to Set a Public Hearing Regarding the Speed Zone Ordinance
REPORT IN BRIEF
At the conclusion of the November 17, 2025 public hearing regarding the proposed Speed Zone Ordinance, City Council moved to continue the public hearing to a future date. Staff is requesting that the continued public hearing be held on December 15, 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, December 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM to consider amending the Speed
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Zone Ordinance.
This Consent Item was approved.
I.10. SUBJECT: Approval of a First Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding Between City of Merced, Merced County, Merced Union High School District, and Merced County Office of Education Extending the Term to June 30, 2026, Pertaining to Community Park #42.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a First Amendment to Memorandum of
Understanding between City of Merced, Merced County, Merced Union High School District, and Merced County Office extending the term of this Memorandum of Understanding to June 30, 2026, regarding Community Park #42.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a First Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding between City of Merced, Merced County, Merced Union High School District, and Merced County Office of Education extending the term of this Memorandum of Understanding to June 30, 2026; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member DUPONT.
Clerk's Note: Council Member DUPONT recused himself from this item.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, 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 Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member Dupont1 -
I.13. SUBJECT: Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance that Changes the Land Use Designation for 3.19 Acres from
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“Commercial Office” to “Self Storage” at 1380 East Yosemite Avenue and for 4.86 Acres from “Commercial Office” to
“Residential” at 3595 Parsons Avenue, Generally Located at the Southwest Corner of East Yosemite Avenue and Parsons Avenue
REPORT IN BRIEF
Second Reading and Final Adoption of an Ordinance that Changes the Land Use Designation for 3.19 Acres from “Commercial Office” to “Self-Storage” at 1380 East Yosemite Avenue and for 4.86 Acres from “Commercial Office” to “Residential” at 3595 Parsons Avenue, Generally Located at the Southwest Corner of East Yosemite Avenue and Parsons Avenue
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Ordinance 2585, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, changing the land use designation for 3.19 acres from “Commercial Office” to “Self-Storage” at 1380 E. Yosemite Avenue and for 4.86 acres from “Commercial Office” to “Residential” at 3595 Parson Avenue, generally located at the southwest corner of E. Yosemite Avenue and Parsons Avenue.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member SMITH and DUPONT.
Clerk's Note: Council Member DUPONT recused himself from this item.
Tom CLENDENIN, Merced - spoke on the community to be involved with this project and to include the neighborhood in the discussions.
Council and City Attorney Craig CORNWELL discussed what a second reading of an ordinance means, the next steps for Council to take, and action taken at the previous Council meeting.
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 Harris, and Council Member Smith
4 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
Recused: Council Member Dupont1 -
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J. PUBLIC HEARINGS
J.1. SUBJECT: Public Hearing for the Introduction of Ordinances Adopting Title 24, Parts 1-12 of the California Code of Regulations Known as the California Building Standards and Fire Code, and Legislative Findings Supporting Local Amendments, to the City of Merced Municipal Code
REPORT IN BRIEF
Public Hearing to Introduce Ordinances adopting Title 24, Parts 1-12 California Code of Regulations known as the California Building Standards and Fire Code, and Legislative Findings supporting Local Amendments, to the City of Merced Municipal Code.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Introducing Ordinance 2582, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending Title 17.04, “Building Code,” Sections 17.04.010, 17.05.010, 17.06.010, 17.07.010, 17.09.010,
17.10.010, 17.12.010, 17.20.010, 17.24.010, 17.28.020, and 17.34.010,
17.11.010 of the Merced Municipal Code to adopt by reference the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Existing Building Code, California Green Code, California Energy Code, California Reference Standard Code, California Historical Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, California Administrative Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, and California Plumbing Code; and,
B. Introducing Ordinance 2583, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending Chapter 17.32, “Fire Prevention Code,” of the Merced Municipal Code.
Chief Building/Construction Project Official Denise FRAZIER and Fire Chief Casey WILSON gave a brief presentation on the Building and Fire Code Ordinances.
Mayor SERRATTO opened and subsequently closed the Public Hearing at 6:41 PM due to a lack of Public Comment.
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 -
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No: 0
Absent: 0
J.2. SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution Granting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Trust Point Protection Group to Engage in Private Patrol Services
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Resolution granting and issuing a certificate of public convenience and necessity to Trust Point Protection Group.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving Resolution 2025-71, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, granting a certificate of public convenience and necessity to Trust Point Protection Group.
Sergeant Brian RINDER gave a brief presentation on the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Trust Point Protection Group to Engage in Private Patrol Services.
Mayor SERRATTO opened and subsequently closed the Public Hearing at 6:45 PM due to a lack of Public Comment.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, 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, and Council Member Smith
5 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
J.3. SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution Granting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Boosted Knight Patrol to Engage in Private Patrol Services
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Resolution granting and issuing a certificate of public convenience and necessity to Boosted Knight Patrol.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving Resolution 2025-72, a
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Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, granting a certificate of public convenience and necessity to Boosted Knight Patrol.
Sergeant Brian RINDER gave a brief presentation on the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Boosted Knight Patrol to Engage in Private Patrol Services
Mayor SERRATTO opened the Public Hearing at 6:47 PM and closed the Public Hearing at 6:48 PM due to a lack of Public Comment.
Council Member XIONG stated his opposition for this item and the previous 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, and Council Member Smith
5 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
K. ACTION ITEMS
K.1. SUBJECT: Setting Public Hearing to Adopt Resolution for Parks and Community Services Fee Schedule
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers setting a date of December 15, 2025 to host a Public Hearing in consideration of a resolution supporting the proposed Parks and Community Services fee schedule including the addition of Bob Hart Square Plaza.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Providing staff direction on considerations for new fee schedule; and, B. Setting a date for a Public Hearing to consider a resolution.
Director of Parks and Community Services Chris JENSEN gave a brief presentation on the Parks and Community Service Fee Schedule.
Council, Mr. JENSEN, and Police Chief Steve STANFIELD discussed the simplified fee model that was presented, needing a fee structure for Bob Hart Square, making the new Bob Hart Square Plaza be a dedicated
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recreation amenity that can be reserved through the Parks and Community Services department, revenue loss to waiving or reducing fees, repeat users, clarifying the three tier fee schedule and co-sponsorship, more use of Bob Hart Square and less street closures, and use previous years events and model them into the simplified fee model. They also discussed the cost of police services at events, charging for police services, and the importance of security at events.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, 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
K.2. SUBJECT: Direction to Proceed with Site Selection and Planning for Merced Fire Station No. 56 and the Emergency Operations Center
REPORT IN BRIEF
In alignment with the ongoing development and expansion of Merced’s public safety infrastructure, this report provides direction to proceed with the site selection and planning process for the new Merced Fire Station 56 and the Emergency Operations Center. This project is critical to meeting the city’s growing demands for emergency services and to ensure public safety is in alignment with Merced’s growth to the north.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing City Staff to proceed with site selection and planning process for Public Safety CIP, project CP090007 Fire Station 56.
Fire Chief Casey WILSON gave a slide show presentation on the Fire Station 56 Location.
Council and Mr. WILSON discussed phasing the construction, cost of building out the fire station and waiting for the Emergency Operations Center, cost of the Emergency Operations Center, truck company to be used for the UC due to height of buildings, the property on Barclay, developer fees, discussions with the Citizens Advisory Focus Group, the property at M St and Ironstone St, and long term plan of multiple fire stations.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore
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Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: 0
K.3. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution to Accept and Appropriate $69,252 in Grant Funds from the FY 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the Merced Police Department and to Waive Competitive Bidding Requirements for the Purchase of a Novo Digital Radiography Portable X-Ray Machine
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution to accept grant funding from the FY2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the Merced Police Department in the amount of $69,252, and waiving the competitive bidding requirement for the purchase of a portable x-ray machine.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2025-73, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services FY2024 Grant Assurances Agreement for a Portable X-Ray Machine; and, B. Accepting FY 2024 SHSGP grant funds in the amount of $69,252; and, C. Approving increase in revenue in the amount of $69,252 in Fund 1000-General Fund (Police Division) and appropriating the same to purchase x-ray machine; and,
D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute all necessary documents; and,
F. Authorizing the waiving of competitive bidding requirements for standardization of equipment; and
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G. Approving the purchase of the Digital Radiography portable x-ray machine from Novo Dr Inc in the amount of $69,200.98 and authorizing Purchasing to issue the purchase order.
Police Chief Steve STANFIELD gave a brief presentation on the purchase of a Novo Digital Radiography Portable X-Ray Machine.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, that this agenda item be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Harris, and Council Member Smith
5 -
No: Council Member Xiong1 -
Absent: 0
K.4. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution to Accept and Appropriate $45,018 in Grant Funds from the FY 2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the Merced Police Department and to Approve the Waiving of Competitive Bidding for the Purchase of a Med-Eng Bomb Suit and Helmet with Communications Package
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution authorizing to accept grant funding from the FY2024 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the Merced Police Department in the amount of $45,018.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2025-74, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services FY2024 Grant Assurances Agreement for Bomb Squad Equipment; and,
B. Accepting FY 2024 SHSGP grant funds in the amount of $45,018.; and, C. Approving increase in revenue in the amount of $45,018 in Fund 1000-General Fund (Police Division) and appropriating the same to purchase Bomb Squad suit and helmet; and,
D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
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E. Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute all necessary documents; and,
F. Authorizing to waive the competitive bidding requirements for equipment standardization; and,
G. Approving to purchase the bomb suit with helmet and communications package from Med-Eng, LLC. in the amount of $46,408.36 and authorizing Purchasing to issue the purchase order.
Police Chief Steve STANFIELD gave a brief presentation on the purchase of a Med-Eng Bomb Suit and Helmet with Communications Package.
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 -
Absent: 0
Clerk's Note: Council took a recess at 7:49 PM and reconvened at 8:02 PM.
L. BUSINESS
L.1. SUBJECT: Discussion on the Format of the December 2, 2025, Special Meeting to Potentially Appoint and Fill the Council District 2 Vacancy and Forming Interview Questions to be Asked at the Special Meeting and Discussion on a Potential Special Election
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council will discuss the format and the type of interview questions to ask applicants for the December 2, 2025, Special Meeting to potentially appoint a District 2 Council Member.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide Staff direction on the format of the Special Meeting and forming interview questions for applicants.
Council and Assistant City Clerk Jennifer PARSLEY discussed what was previously discussed at the last meeting, the number of microphones
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available for the candidates, the logistics of the interview process, establishing the amount of time per applicant to answer questions, if candidates get the questions in advanced, questions that will be asked during the interview, who will be asking the questions, having the questions available to the applicants at the meeting, if a candidate goes over their allotted time, and the swearing in ceremony.
Steven GRAHAM, Merced - asked why applicants who don't live in the District and why they are being considered.
Council and City Attorney Craig CORNWELL discussed who is eligible for the appointment process, referenced the Charter, the policy reason for appointment, the length of Public Comment, and when to hear Public Comment.
Clerk's Note: There was no formal vote taken, Council provided staff direction.
L.2. SUBJECT: Council Member Smith’s Request to Discuss the Structure of Council Subcommittee’s
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Member Smith’s request to discuss a more robust and transparent process regarding Council subcommittees.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
Council Member SMITH gave a slide show presentation on the Structure of Council Subcommittees.
Council, City Manager Scott MCBRIDE, and City Attorney Craig CORNWELL discussed number of committees for each Council Member, not having the same termed Council Members in the same subcommittee, proposed Brown Act subcommittee transition, adding Ethics and Governance as a standing committee, getting updates from the subcommittees, High Speed Rail subcommittee, getting updates in Closed Session, selecting new committees after each election, seniority on what subcommittees a Council Member wants to be on, standing committees and ad hoc meetings, process of developing an agenda and posting it, have scheduled meetings, and action that Council needs to make.
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:
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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
L.3. SUBJECT: Appointment to the Citizen Advisory Focus Group for One Member from the Recreation and Parks Commission
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the appointment of a Recreation and Parks Commissioner to the Citizen Advisory Focus Group.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion accepting nominations and appointing one individual to serve as the Recreation and Parks Commission representative.
Council and Assistant City Clerk Jennifer PARSLEY discussed the applications for the Citizen Advisory Focus Group and the terms of the commission.
A motion was made by Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to appoint Marisa Lewis to the Citizen Advisory Focus Commission. 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
L.4. SUBJECT: Request to Add Item to Future Agenda
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provides members of the City Council to request that an item be placed on a future City Council agenda for initial consideration by the City Council.
There were no future items added.
L.5. 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
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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 reported on attending the Christmas tree lighting event at Bob Hart Square and the Community Generosity event.
Council Member DUPONT reported on attending the Christmas tree lighting event at Bob Hart Square.
Mayor SERRATTO reported on attending the Christmas tree lighting event at Bob Hart Square, visiting the mall during black Friday, and mentioned holding a Special Meeting to recognize the Championship High School Teams.
M. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned the Regular Meeting at 9:17 PM.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to adjourn the Regular 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