CITY OF MERCED
Meeting Agenda
City Council Chamber
Merced Civic Center
2nd Floor
678 W. 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
City Council/Public Finance and Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, Merced Civic
Center, 678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340
6:00 PMMonday, February 2, 2026
Study Session at 4:00 PM/ Closed Session at 5:00 PM/ Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM NOTICE TO PUBLIC/AVISO AL PÚBLICO/CEEB TOOM RAU PEJ XEEM
WELCOME TO THE MEETING OF THE MERCED CITY COUNCIL/BIENVENIDO A LA REUNIÓN DEL CONCILIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MERCED/ZOO SIAB TXAIS TOS KOJ
TUAJ RAU HAUV CITY COUNCIL LUB ROOJ SAB LAJ
At least 72 hours prior to each regular City Council meeting, a complete agenda packet is available for review on the City ’s website at www .cityofmerced.gov or at the City Clerk ’s Office, 678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340. All public records relating to an open session item that are distributed to a majority of the Council will be available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. Spanish and Hmong translation is available at every regular meeting. Assisted hearing devices are available for meetings held in the Council Chamber.
Al menos 72 horas antes de cada reuni ón regular del Concejo Municipal, un paquete de agenda complete está disponible para su revisi ón en el sitio web de la Ciudad en www .cityofmerced.gov o en la Oficina del Secretario de la Ciudad, 678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340. Todos los registros p úblicos relacionados con un art ículo de sesi ón abierta que se distribuyen a la mayor ía del Concejo estar án disponibles para inspecci ón p ública en la Oficina del Secretario de la Ciudad durante el horario comercial habitual. La traducci ón al espa ñol y al Hmong est á disponible en todas la reuniones regulares. Los dispositivos auditivos asistidos est án disponibles para las reuniones que se celebran en el Salón del Consejo.
Sai kawg yuav tsum yog li 72 teev ua ntej rau txhua lub rooj sib tham ntawm cov Nom Tswv (City Council), yeej muaj tag nrho pob ntawv qhia txog tias rau cov neeg los nyeem hauv lub Nroog (City) qhov website www .cityofmerced.gov los sis nyob rau ntawm City Clerk ’s lub Office, 678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340. Tas nrho cov ntaub ntawv teev tseg no yuav muab rau cov Nom Tswv ntawm kev sab laj pub rau tsoom pej xeem sawv daws los nyeem nyob rau hauv City Clerk’s lub Office thaum lub caij ua hauj lwm. Muaj txhais lus Mev thiab lus Hmoob. Cov cuab yeej pab kom hnov lus muaj nyob rau ntawm cov Nom Tswv qhov chaw sib tham Council Chamber PUBLIC COMMENT: OBTAIN SPEAKER CARD FROM THE CITY
CLERK/COMENTARIO DEL PÚBLICO / KEV HLOOV RAU TEJ PEJ XEEM TXOG KEV TAWM SUAB, NCAUS LUS:
February 2, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
Members of the audience who wish to address the City Council are requested to complete a speaker card available at the podium in the back of the Council Chamber. Please submit the completed card to the City Clerk before the item is called, preferably before the meeting begins.
Material may be emailed to cityclerk@cityofmerced .gov no later than 1 PM on the day of the meeting. Please specify which portion of the agenda you are commenting on, for example, Public Hearing item #, Consent item #, or Public Comments. Material received before the deadline will be sent to the City Council and will be part of the record and will be mentioned as part of the Written Petitions and Communications portion of the agenda. Any emails received by the 1PM deadline will be posted on the City's website at www.cityofmerced.gov / government/city-council/council-meetings. Any correspondence received after the 1PM deadline will be distributed to the City Council and retained for the official record.
To view video (if available) or listen to the City Council meeting live, go to the City ’s website www.cityofmerced.gov, Facebook Live, or Comcast Public Access Channel 96.
Los miembros de la audiencia que deseen dirigirse al Ayuntamiento deben completar una tarjeta de orador disponible en el podio en la parte de atr ás de la C ámara del Concejo. Envíe la tarjeta completa al secretario de la ciudad antes de que se llame al art ículo, preferiblemente antes de que comience la reunión.
El material puede enviarse por correo electr ónico a cityclerk@cityofmerced .gov a m ás tardar a la 1 p.m. del d ía de la reuni ón. Especifique qué parte de la agenda está comentando, por ejemplo, el punto # de la audiencia p ública, el punto # de consentimiento o los comentarios públicos. El material recibido antes de la fecha l ímite se enviará al Concejo Municipal y formar á parte del registro y se mencionará como parte de la parte de Peticiones y Comunicaciones Escritas de la agenda. Todos los correos electr ónicos recibidos antes de la fecha l ímite de la 1 p.m. se publicarán en el sitio web de la Ciudad en www.cityofmerced.gov/ government/city-council/council-meetings. Cualquier correspondencia recibida despu és de la 1 p.m. se distribuirá al Concejo Municipal y se conservará para el registro oficial.
Para ver el video (si está disponible) o escuchar la reuni ón del Concejo Municipal en vivo, visite el sitio web de la ciudad www .cityofmerced.gov, Facebook Live o Comcast Public Access Canal
96. Cov pej xeem los koom lub rooj sib tham uas xav tawm suab rau lub nroog cov Nom Tswv (City Council) muaj feem los sau ntawv hauv daim ntawv tawm suab nyob ntawm lub sam thiaj hais lus sab xis ntawm Council Chamber. Thov xa daim ntawv tawm suab no rau tus City Clerk ua ntej lub sij hawm rooj sab laj pib.
Cov ntaub ntawv tuaj yeem xa email tau rau ntawm cityclerk@cityofmerced .gov tsis pub dhau li 1 PM rau hnub lub rooj yuav sib tham. Thov qhia kom meej tias nqe twg ntawd cov txheej txheem koj xav tawm tswv yim rau, piv txwv li, Cov Lus Hais hais rau pej xeem ntawd yog nqe twg #, Cov Lus Pom Zoo ntawd yog nqe twg #. los yog cov lus tso rau Pej Xeem tawm tswv yim rau. Cov
February 2, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
ntaub ntawv tau txais ua ntej hnub kawg yuav xa mus rau cov Nom Tswv City Council thiab yuav yog ib feem ntawm cov ntaub ntawv khaws tseg thiab yuav raug hais raws li ib feem ntawm kev sau ntawv thov tuaj thiab kev sib hais ntawm cov txheej txheem. Txhua qhov email tau txais 1 PM ntawd yuav muab tso rau hauv Lub Nroog qhov website ntawm www .cityofmerced.gov /government/city-council/council-meetings. Txhua tsab ntawv uas tau txais tom qab 1 PM lawm yuav muab xa rau cov Nom Tswv City Council thiab yuav khaws tseg rau hauv cov ntaub ntawv cai.
Yog koj xav saib video (thaum muaj) los sis mloog cov Nom Tswv (City Council) kev sib tham, mus saib hauv City ’s website www .cityofmerced.gov, Facebook Live, los sis Comcast Public Access Channel 96.
A. STUDY SESSION ROLL CALL
B. STUDY SESSION
B.1. 26-012 SUBJECT: Study Session to Discuss Formation of a New Community Facilities District (CFD) for Services
REPORT IN BRIEF
Study Session to discuss the formation of a new CFD for Services and review special tax rate analysis.
C. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
D. CLOSED SESSION
The legislative body shall provide the public with an opportunity to address the body on any item described in Closed Session [Government Code Section 54954.3(a)].
D.1. 26-130 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
D.2. 26-131 SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR Property: Mansionette Drive and Yosemite Avenue, Merced, CA APN 231-040-021; Agency Negotiators: D. Scott McBride, City Manager, Frank Quintero, Deputy City Manager, Venus Rodriguez, Finance Officer and Craig J. Cornwell, City Attorney; Negotiating Party: V.
Beglinger, Cox Castle Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
February 2, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8
E. CALL TO ORDER
E.1. Invocation - Debbie Croft, Alpha Pregnancy Health Center E.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
F. ROLL CALL
F.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.
G. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
H. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
H.1. 26-105 SUBJECT: Merced Downtown Partnership Annual Report and Update
REPORT IN BRIEF
Gloria Valdovinos, Executive Director of the Downtown Merced Partnership, will be sharing the work, progress, and impact of the Downtown Merced Partnership.
I. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
J. PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public who wish to speak on any matter not listed on the agenda may speak during this portion of the meeting and will be allotted 3 minutes. The Mayor may propose a further limit to the time available for all speakers at the discretion of the City Council, in order to accommodate as many speakers as possible. State law prohibits the City Council from acting at this meeting on any matter raised during the public comment period. Members of the public who wish to speak on a matter that is listed on the agenda will be called upon to speak during discussion of that item.
K. CONSENT CALENDAR
February 2, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
Adoption of the Consent Calendar may be made by one motion of the City Council, provided that any Council member, individual, or organization may request removal of an item from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration. If a request for removal of an item from the Consent Calendar has been received, the item will be discussed and voted on separately.
K.1. 26-029 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.
K.2. 26-091 SUBJECT: Information Only Contracts for the Month of January 2026
REPORT IN BRIEF
Notification of awarded Non-Public Works contracts under $39,000 and of Public Works contracts under $87,278.
K.3. 26-108 SUBJECT: Approval of a Service Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc., for Tree Pruning and Removal Services in Bellevue Ranch East, Bright Development, Bellevue Ranch West, University Park, Moraga Community Facilities Districts, Las Brisas, Fahrens Park II, La Bella Vista, Vista del Sol Maintenance Districts, and Other City Trees in a Total Amount not to Exceed $413,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a service agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc., for tree pruning and removal services at various Community Facilities Districts and Maintenance Districts for a total amount not to exceed $413,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a service agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc., in the amount not to exceed $413,000 for Tree Pruning and Removal Services; and,
B. Authorizing contract amendments not to exceed 10% of the total
February 2, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
contract amount; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to sign the necessary documents.
K.4. 26-058 SUBJECT: Accept and File Community Facilities District (CFD) Nos. 2003-1 (Bellevue Ranch East), 2003-2 (Services), 2005-1 (Bellevue Ranch West), 2006-1 (Moraga of Merced) Annual Disclosure Reports for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
REPORT IN BRIEF
The continuing annual disclosure reports contain certain CFD information required to be filed annually by the City per Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule 15c2-12(b) and Government Code sections 50075-50077 and 53410-53412.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion accepting and filing the CFD Annual Disclosure Reports for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for CFD Nos. 2003-1 (Bellevue Ranch East), 2003-2 (Services), 2005-1 (Bellevue Ranch West), 2006-1 (Moraga of Merced).
K.5. 26-095 SUBJECT: Adoption of a Modified Resolution Authorizing the Previously Approved Homekey+ Grant Application with Up Holdings California, LLC and UP Mercy Village LP, by Adding Self Help Enterprises as a Co-Applicant and Rescinding Resolution 2025-15
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a modified resolution due to changes required by the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) authorizing the submittal of a joint application for participation in HCD Homekey+ Grant Program with Up Holdings California, LLC and UP Mercy Village LP to include adding Self Help Enterprises as a co-applicant and Rescinding Resolution 2025-15.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Rescinding previously approved Resolution 2025-15; and, B. Adopting Resolution 2026-08, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, rescinding Resolution No. 2025-15 and authorizing a Joint Application and Participation in the Homekey+
February 2, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
Program; the execution of a standard agreement if selected for such funding and any amendments thereto; and any related documents necessary to participate in the Homekey Program; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Standard Agreements, and any related documents necessary to participate in the Homekey+ Grant Program.
L. ACTION ITEMS
L.1. 26-093 SUBJECT: Assessment Ballot Proceeding Voting Results - Quail Creek, Oakmont #3, Northwood Village, East College Homes, Oakbrook, Pleasanton Park, Merced Auto Center, Ridgeview Meadows, Fahrens Park I, Olivewood, Campus North, and Hansen Park Maintenance Districts
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept ballot results on the proposed increase in assessments to property owners in the Quail Creek, Oakmont #3, Northwood Village, East College Homes, Oakbrook, Pleasanton Park, Merced Auto Center, Ridgeview Meadows, Fahrens Park I, Olivewood, Campus North, and Hansen Park Maintenance Districts
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting assessment ballot proceeding results for the Quail Creek, Oakmont #3, Northwood Village, East College Homes, Oakbrook, Pleasanton Park, Merced Auto Center, Ridgeview Meadows, Fahrens Park I, Olivewood, Campus North, and Hansen Park Maintenance Districts; and,
B. Approving per unit annual increase in assessment levies to Quail Creek Maintenance District from $142.07 per unit to $198.18, Oakmont #3 Maintenance District from $115.97 to $191.20, Northwood Village Maintenance District from $39.46 to $162.02, Oakbrook Maintenance District from $11.09 to $18.34, and Ridgeview Meadows Maintenance District from $32.48 to $78.03, subject to annual Consumer Price Index adjustments; and,
C. Approving no increase in assessment levies to the East College Homes, Pleasanton Park, Merced Auto Center, Fahrens Park I, Olivewood, Campus North, and Hansen Park Maintenance Districts.
February 2, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
L.2. 26-087 SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution to Dissolve the Traffic Committee and Transfer the Duties to City Staff
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution to dissolve the Traffic Committee and transfer the related duties to City Staff for internal management and administration.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2026-07, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Dissolving the Traffic Committee and Transferring its Duties to City Staff.
L.3. 25-1072 SUBJECT: Approval of a Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $50,000 in the General Fund for Service Agreement with Hinderliter de Llamas & Associates (HdL) for a Business License Ordinance/Fee Study and Compliance Services
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Supplemental Appropriation in the amount of $50,000 in the General Fund for Service Agreement with HdL for business license ordinance/fee study and compliance services.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Supplemental Appropriation from the unencumbered, unreserved balance of the General Fund in the amount of $50,000; and, B. Approving Services Agreement with Hinderliter de Llamas & Associates to provide a business license ordinance/fee study and compliance services; and,
C. Allowing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
L.4. 26-067 SUBJECT: Authorization to Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Merced County to Manage the Distribution of a $150,000 Matching Grant from the Continuum of Care to the 73 South R Street - Veterans Village Project and Authorization to Accept, Execute, and Appropriate that Grant
February 2, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Merced County to manage the distribution of a $150,000 matching grant from the Continuum of Care to the 73 South R Street - Veterans Village Project. Authority to accept, execute, and appropriate that grant.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Authorizing an MOU with Merced County for the City to manage the distribution of matching funds in the amount of $150,000 for the 73 South R Street - Veterans Village project; and,
B. Authorizing to accept, increase revenue, and appropriate funds of $150,000 in Fund 2016-Homekey CC915 for the 73 South R Street affordable housing project; and,
C. Approving the use of pooled cash until reimbursement of funding is received; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute necessary agreements upon City Attorney’s Approval as to Form.
M. REPORTS
M.1. 26-057 SUBJECT: City of Merced Financial Forecast and CalPERS Update
REPORT IN BRIEF
Presentation of the Financial Forecast and CalPERS Update.
RECOMMENDATION
Information only.
N. BUSINESS
N.1. 26-072 SUBJECT: Proposed City Council Administrative Policy and Procedure C-8, City Council Committees and Appointments to Regional Organizations and Joint Powers Authorities
REPORT IN BRIEF
City officials and City staff have, after receiving Council input at direction at
February 2, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
both the October 20, 2025 and December 1, 2025 City Council meetings, drafted a proposed City Council Administrative Policy and Procedure C-8 (“Policy C-8”) for City Council Committees and Appointments to Regional Organizations and Joint Powers Authorities for consideration and adoption by the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving and adopting City Council Administrative Policy and Procedure C-8, City Council Committees and Appointments to Regional Organizations and Joint Powers Authorities; and,
B. Authorizing the Staff to present a Resolution for future Council Consideration adopting the various City Council committees in accordance with Policy C-8.
N.2. 26-073 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.
N.3. 26-033 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.
O. ADJOURNMENT