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, January 5, 2026
A. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
Council Member SMITH called the Closed Session to order at 5:05 PM.
Clerk's Note: Mayor Serratto arrived at 5:09 PM.
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Council Member Darin Dupont, Council Member Yang Thao, Council Member Michael Harris, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 6 -
Mayor Pro Tempore Sarah BoyleAbsent: 1 -
B. CLOSED SESSION
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)
Clerk's Note: Council adjourned from Closed Session at 5:54 PM.
C. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor SERRATTO called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
C.1. Invocation - Lamar Henderson, Human Services Agency All Dads Matter The invocation was delivered by Lamar HENDERSON from All Dads Matter.
C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Council Member THAO led the Pledge of Allegiance.
D. ROLL CALL
Mayor Matthew Serratto, Council Member Darin Dupont, Council Member Yang Thao, Council Member Michael Harris, Council Member Shane Smith, and Council Member Fue Xiong
Present: 6 -
Mayor Pro Tempore Sarah BoyleAbsent: 1 -
January 5, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
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. 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: Strong Towns Merced
Agenda Item H.4.: Curtis THOMAS
Agenda Item H.11.: Curtis THOMAS
G. PUBLIC COMMENT
Tamara COBB, Merced - Invited the Council and public to the Martin Luther King Unity March.
Jennifer FLACHMAN, Senior Management Analyst - spoke on the last Maintenance District Assessment Ballots Town Hall meeting and the upcoming City Council Town Hall Meetings.
Mike WEBBER, Merced - spoke on the future growth in the Weaver School District and City, and the new housing project developments by the Weaver School District.
Glen CAMARDA, Merced - spoke on a calendar that he has made.
Karthik PRASAD, Adam Grey Representative - gave an update on some legislative priorities.
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of the Consent Agenda
H.5. Transfer a Strip of Land Situated at 626 West Main Street (APN 031-134-025) to the City of Merced, H.10. Adoption of a Resolution to
January 5, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Accept the Grant Award of $112,026 from the California Department of Justice California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 Proposition 56 Grant for the Police Department to Conduct the Following Operations on Overtime Status: Shoulder Tap Enforcement Operations, Minor Decoy Enforcement Operations, Retail License Inspections, and Officer Education, H.11. Consideration of the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 10.24 of the Merced Municipal Code to Prohibit Pedestrian Crossings Outside of Crosswalks and Repealing Existing Section 10.24.020, and H.13. A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute All Documents Necessary to Effectuate the Sale of the Real Property located at 415 W. 18th Street, Merced, California, commonly known as the Merced Federal Building (“Property”); were pulled for separate consideration.
A motion was made by Council Member Dupont, seconded by Council Member Harris, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Thao, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle1 -
H.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.
H.2. SUBJECT: Information Only Contracts for the Month of December 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.
January 5, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
H.3. SUBJECT: Introduction of Ordinance to Amend Section 15.32.080, “State Connection Regulations - Backflow Protection Apparatus (BPA)” of the Merced Municipal Code to Reflect the State of California Water Board’s Regulatory Replacement of Title 17 with the Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook
REPORT IN BRIEF
Introduction of Ordinance to amend Section 15.32.080, “State Connection Regulations - Backflow Protection Apparatus (BPA),” to comply with new regulations that require all water suppliers to follow the most recent version of the State of California Water Board’s Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook, the regulatory document used to create the City of Merced Water Division’s Cross Connection Control Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion introducing Ordinance 2586, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, amending Section 15.32.080, “State Connection Regulations - Backflow Control Devices,” of the Merced Municipal Code.
This Consent Item was approved.
H.4. SUBJECT: Approval of the Transition of Public Meeting Livestreams from Facebook to YouTube
REPORT IN BRIEF
Approval of the transition of public meetings from Facebook to YouTube to ensure long term public access, improved accessibility features, and broader compatibility across devices, while continuing to utilize existing broadcast platforms.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the transition of public meeting livestreams from Facebook to YouTube.
This Consent Item was approved.
H.6. SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced Approving a
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for July 1, 2026,
January 5, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Through June 30, 2027 (ROPS 26-27)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving and adopting a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, which is due to the Department of Finance by February 1, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - Adopt a
motion approving Resolution SA 2026-01, a Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced approving a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) including Administrative Budget for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
This Consent Item was approved.
H.7. SUBJECT: Approving Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority Joint Powers Agreement as Amended and Restated
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Joint Powers Agreement as Amended and Restated with the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (CSJVRMA) to coordinate for the purpose of pooling funds to provide coverage for indemnification and defense and to purchase excess insurance for certain civil claims involving general liability.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2026-03, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Approving Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement of the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority.
B. Authorizing the execution of Joint Powers Agreement as Amended and Restated with CSJVRMA to amend the Agreement dated July 1, 1994, and as amended July 1, 2025.
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
January 5, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
H.8. SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution to Amend the Pay Ranges for the Temporary Classifications of Lifeguard I, Lifeguard II, Pool Manager, Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Leader, and Recreation Specialist. Effective January 1, 2026, to Comply with State of California Minimum Wage Requirements
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution to authorize amendments to the Pay Ranges for the Temporary Classifications of Lifeguard I, Lifeguard II, Pool Manager, Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Leader, and Recreation Specialist effective January 1, 2026, to comply with State of California minimum wage requirements.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting a Resolution 2026-02, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, amending the salary range for the temporary classifications of Lifeguard I, Lifeguard II, Pool Manager, Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Leader, and Recreation Specialist; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
This Consent Item was approved.
H.9. SUBJECT: Approval of Street Closure Request and Use of City Owned Real Estate by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Committee for the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community March and Celebration on January 19, 2026, West 24th Street from the West Entrance of the Amtrak Station to I Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Martin Luther King Jr Way from West 24th Street to West Main Street and the Use of a Portion of Parking Lot #14 Located at 1739 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
REPORT IN BRIEF:
Authorizes the use and closure of West 24th Street from the West entrance of the Amtrak Station to I Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Martin Luther King Jr. Way from West 24th Street to West Main Street and a portion of the City Parking Lot #14 located at 1739 Martin Luther King Jr. Way on Monday, January 19, 2026, to hold a march, parade and food preparation for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration.
January 5, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting a motion approving the street closures for the parade staging area and route: W 24th Street from the east side of the west entrance of Amtrak to “I” Street, Martin Luther King Jr Way from W 24th Street to W Main Street; and, City parking lot 14, only to include the two isles on the east side of parking lot; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents; and,
This Consent Item was approved.
H.12. SUBJECT: Approval of the Finance Officer Employment Agreement Extension for a Term of Five Years and Certain Benefits and Terms of Condition of Employment
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the approval of the Finance Officer Employment Agreement for an additional term of five years with certain benefits and terms of condition of employment.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the Finance Officer Employment Agreement for an additional term of five years with benefits and terms of conditions of employment.
This Consent Item was approved.
H.5. SUBJECT: Transfer a Strip of Land Situated at 626 West Main Street (APN 031-134-025) to the City of Merced
REPORT IN BRIEF
Authorizes the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced to transfer its interest in 626 West Main Street to the City of Merced for future development project.
RECOMMENDATION
Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - Adopt a
motion:
January 5, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
A. Approving the transfer of real property situated at 626 West Main Street (APN 031-134-025) to the City of Merced; and,
B. Authorizing the Executive Director or Designee to execute the necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member SMITH.
Council Member SMITH and City Surveyor Joe CARDOSO discussed the recommendation of this item, ownership of the strip of land, and the process of disposing of the property.
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, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Thao, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle1 -
H.10. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution to Accept the Grant Award of $112,026 from the California Department of Justice California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 Proposition 56 Grant for the Police Department to Conduct the Following Operations on Overtime Status: Shoulder Tap
Enforcement Operations, Minor Decoy Enforcement Operations, Retail License Inspections, and Officer Education
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting grant funding from the California Department of Justice (CADOJ) offered to the Merced Police Department in the amount of $112,026 from the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 Proposition 56 Grant to conduct the following operations on overtime status: shoulder tap enforcement operations, minor decoy enforcement operations, retail license inspections, and officer education.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2026-05, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, to accept the grant funds in the amount of
January 5, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
$112,026 from the State of California Department of Justice, Office of Attorney General, Tobacco Law Enforcement Grant Program and approving the Memorandum of Understanding; and,
B. Accepting FY2025 State of California Department of Justice grant funds in the amount of $112,026; and,
C. Approving increase in revenue in the amount of $57,188 in Fund 1000-General Fund (Police Division) and appropriating the same for conducting the enforcement operations; and,
D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the necessary documents.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member SMITH.
Council Member SMITH stated his support for this item and that the item requires five votes.
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, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Thao, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle1 -
H.11. SUBJECT: Consideration of the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 10.24 of the Merced Municipal Code to Prohibit Pedestrian Crossings Outside of Crosswalks and Repealing Existing Section 10.24.020.
REPORT IN BRIEF
The Ordinance proposes revisions to Chapter 10.24 of the Merced Municipal Code to expressly prohibit pedestrians crossing outside of crosswalks and repeal the City of Merced’s existing prohibition against standing in the roadway in accordance with California law.
RECOMMENDATION
January 5, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Introducing and approving the first reading of Ordinance 2587, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending Chapter 10.24 of the Merced Municipal Code to prohibit pedestrian crossings outside of crosswalks and repeal the prohibition on standing in roadways; and,
B. Set the Ordinance for a second reading and adoption.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member SMITH.
Council and City Attorney Craig CORNWELL discussed the law that passed to decriminalized jaywalking, the Ordinance addressing the remaining exceptions, the benefits of the Ordinance to educate the residents, other changes to the Ordinance, and clarified eminent danger when crossing the street.
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, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Thao, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong 6 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle1 -
H.13. SUBJECT: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute All Documents Necessary to Effectuate the Sale of the Real Property located at 415 W. 18th Street, Merced, California, commonly known as the Merced Federal Building (“Property”)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to (1) allow the United States, acting through the General Services Administration, to exercise its reversionary interest in the property located at 415 W. 18th Street, Merced, California (APN 031-064-007), commonly known as the Merced Federal Building, and (2) facilitate the subsequent sale of the property to the Merced County Office of Education (“MCOE”).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
January 5, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
A. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to allow the United States, acting through the General Services Administration, to exercise its reversionary interest in the property located at 415 W. 18th Street, Merced, California; and, B. Adopting Resolution 2026-04, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving the sale of the Merced Federal Building located at 415 w.18th street, Merced, California; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to allow for the closing of escrow for the sale of the Property to Merced County Office of Education.
Mayor SERRATTO pulled this item at the request of Council Member SMITH.
Clerk's Note: Council Member DUPONT recused himself from this item due to Merced Office of Education is a client of his firm.
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, Council Member Thao, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle1 -
Recused: Council Member Dupont1 -
I. BUSINESS
I.1. SUBJECT: Council Member Smith’s Request to Discuss Council Policy C-8 Regarding Council Subcommittee’s
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Member Smith’s request to discuss a Council Policy he drafted regarding Council subcommittees.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
Council Member SMITH gave a brief presentation on the Council Policy C-8 regarding Council Subcommittee's draft that he provided for Council consideration.
January 5, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
Council, City Manager Scott MCBRIDE, and City Attorney Craig CORNWELL discussed the current structure of committees and the changes the policy is proposing, authority of the committees, the various committees the Council serves on, how often Council gets appointed to the Committees, resolution to reaffirm ad-hoc committees, the language in the proposed policy, the City Manager managing the agenda, and the process on items going on the subcommittee agenda.
Clerk's Note: No formal vote was taken, this item will come back in 30 days.
I.2. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Revision of the City Council Policy for Distribution of City Awards and Other Forms of Recognition from the City Council
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution and the proposed revisions to the City Council Policy for Distribution of City Awards and Other Forms of Recognition from the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2026-01, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adopting City Council Policy C-2, Distribution of City Awards and Other Forms of Recognition from the City Council.
City Manager Scott MCBRIDE gave a brief presentation on the changes to Council Policy C-2.
Council and Assistant City Clerk Jennifer PARSLEY discussed a language change, the success of a Special Meeting that was held for ceremonial items, who can request certificates, limiting the number of ceremonial items on a Council agenda, and the necessity of providing contact information.
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, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Thao, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
6 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle1 -
January 5, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Minutes
I.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 add an item on a comprehensive roadway project list with an assessment and schedule, condition, remediation necessary and estimated cost, and proposed citizen involvement to establish a list.
Council and City Engineer Daryl JORDAN discussed Council Member HARRIS' request.
Clerk's Note: Council decided to have this discussion during the Strategic Planning Session.
I.4. SUBJECT: City Council Comments
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provides an opportunity for the Mayor and/or Council Member(s) to make a brief announcement on any activity(ies) she/he has attended on behalf of the City and to make a brief announcement on future community events and/or activities. The Brown Act does not allow discussion or action by the legislative body under this section.
Council Member SMITH welcomed everyone back from the holidays.
Council Member DUPONT spoke on the upcoming Town Hall meetings.
Mayor SERRATTO wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and spoke on the success of 2025 and looking forward to a great 2026.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Clerk's Note: The Regular Meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.
A motion was made by Council Member Harris, seconded by Council Member Dupont, to adjourn the Regular Meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Serratto, Council Member Dupont, Council Member Thao, Council Member Harris, Council Member Smith, and Council Member Xiong
6 -
No: 0
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle1 -