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, August 17, 2026
Closed Session at 5:00 PM/Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM
NOTICE TO PUBLIC
WELCOME TO THE MEETING OF THE MERCED CITY COUNCIL
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.
TRANSLATION DISCLAIMER: The City of Merced offers automated translations of agenda materials as a convenience to the public. Translations are generated by software and may contain errors. The City does not guarantee the accuracy of translated content. If there is any difference between a translated version and the English version, the English version controls.
PUBLIC COMMENT: OBTAIN SPEAKER CARD FROM THE CITY CLERK Members of the audience who wish to address the City Council may submit a Request to Speak in one of the following ways:
• Complete a green Request to Speak card available at the back of the Council Chamber and submit it to the Deputy City Clerk, preferably before the item is called and/or the meeting begins. • Scan the QR code corresponding to your preferred language (English, Hmong, or Spanish ) and follow the instructions.
• Submit a Request to Speak online by visiting PublicComment.cityofmerced.gov.
Individuals participating virtually by phone must provide a valid phone number so staff can identify the caller during the meeting and must use the number they registered with to call in. Please be patient as this is a new process and there may be some disruptions or issues. Staff will do their best to ensure an efficient and transparent meeting that complies with all applicable laws.
Comments may be emailed to cityclerk@cityofmerced .gov no later than 1 PM on the day of the meeting. Please specify on which portion of the agenda you are commenting, for example, Public Hearing item #, Consent item #, or Public Comments.
August 17, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
Economic Development
Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
Material received before the deadline will be sent to the City Council, part of the record, and 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 the official live video broadcast of the City Council meeting, visit the City’s YouTube channel.
For convenience, the meeting may also be viewed through the City’s website at cityofmerced.gov, on Comcast Public Access Channel 96, or on AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
A. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
B. 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)].
B.1. 26-653 SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant Exposure to Litigation: One (1) Potential Case. Pursuant to California Government Code Section Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2)
B.2. 26-654 SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION - Title: City Manager; Authority: Government Code Section 54957 B.3. 26-691 SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS -- Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager Scott McBride, Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero, Finance Officer Venus Rodriguez, Human Resources Manager Suzanne Fierro, City Attorney Craig Cornwell; Employee Organizations: International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1479. AUTHORITY: Government Code Section 54957.6
B.4. 26-692 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)
C. CALL TO ORDER
C.1. Invocation - Pastor Ceasar Johnson, Christian Life Center Merced C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
D. ROLL CALL
August 17, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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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
F. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
F.1. 26-613 SUBJECT: Proclamation - National Breastfeeding Month
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accepted by Miranda Griswold, Regional Breastfeeding Liaison for Merced County WIC.
F.2. 26-699 SUBJECT: Certificate of Recognition to Carlos David Garcia
REPORT IN BRIEF
Certificate of Recognition received by Carlos David Garcia for his rescue efforts in the July 5,2026 Car Crash.
G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
H. 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.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
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.
I.1. 26-619 SUBJECT: Reading by Title of All Ordinances and Resolutions
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Meeting Agenda
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.
I.2. 26-693 SUBJECT: Information Only - Planning Commission Minutes of May 6, 2026, May 20, 2026, June 3, 2026, and June 17, 2026
I.3. 26-625 SUBJECT: Approval of a Cooperative Purchase Utilizing County of Merced 2026 AMS FOCUS Agreement No. 2026120 with AMS.NET in an Amount not to Exceed $160,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
REPORT IN BRIEF
Approval of a Cooperative Purchase Utilizing County of Merced 2026 AMS FOCUS Agreement No. 2026120 with AMS.NET in an Amount Not to Exceed $160,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Authorizing the use of the County of Merced 2026 AMS FOCUS Agreement No. 2026120 for the procurement of goods in an amount not to exceed $160,000 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
I.4. 26-656 SUBJECT: Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Black Water Consulting Engineers, Inc., in the Amount not to Exceed $97,268 for the 2026-2030 Urban Water Use Objective (UWUO) Reporting Forms and Review of Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Landscape Area Measurements and Land Use
Classification Datasets (CII-LAM-LUCD) for the Contract Term Ending July 31, 2030
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving an agreement for professional services with Black Water Consulting Engineers, Inc. to complete the City’s 2026-2030 UWUO reporting forms required by the State Water Resources Control Board
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Meeting Agenda
(SWRCB) by January 1st of each year and to support the review and reporting of the City’s CII-LAM-LUCD.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving an agreement with Black Water Consulting Engineers, Inc., in the amount not to exceed $97,268 to complete the City’s 2026-2030 UWUO reporting forms required by the SWRCB and to support the review and reporting of the City’s CII-LAM-LUCD; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to sign the necessary documents.
I.5. 26-678 SUBJECT: Approval of an Early Site Access Agreement with the Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority (MCRWMA) for Early Morning Operations at the Highway 59 Landfill in the Amount of $51,000 Through June 30, 2027
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving an agreement with the MCRWMA for conducting early morning operations at Highway 59 Landfill.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving an Early Site Access Agreement with the Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority in the Amount not to Exceed $51,000 through June 30, 2027; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
J. ACTION ITEMS
J.1. 26-679 SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution to Apply for and Authorization to Accept, if Awarded, the California Natural Resources Agency Urban Greening Grant Program, not to Exceed $5 Million for the Urban Greening of the Merced Regional Sports Complex (CP-42) Project to Enhance Climate Resilience, Expand Recreational Opportunities, and Improve Community Amenities
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution to apply for up to $5 million in grant
August 17, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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Meeting Agenda
funding through the California Natural Resources Agency's Urban Greening Grant Program. If awarded, grant funds will be used for the Urban Greening of the Merced Regional Sports Complex (CP-42), including pedestrian pathways, landscaping, shade trees, an additional sports field, and other amenities that improve climate resilience, accessibility, recreational opportunities, and community benefit.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2026-54, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Approving an Application for Climate Bond Grant Funds for the California Natural Resources Agency Urban Greening Program for the Urban Greening of the Merced Regional Sports Complex (CP-42) Project; and,
If awarded,
B. Authorizing the acceptance of grant funds from the California Natural Resources Agency's Urban Greening Grant Program in an amount not to exceed $5 million, for the Urban Greening of the Merced Regional Sports Complex (CP-42); and,
C. Accepting, Increasing Revenue and Appropriating funding in Fund 5000-Parks and Community Services CIP, not to exceed $5 million; and, D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
E. Authorizing the City Manager and Finance Officer to execute all documents, including any amendments.
J.2. 26-698 SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-53 Establishing Inspection Procedures for the Multi-Unit
Substandard Buildings Policy
REPORT IN BRIEF
Assembly Bill 548 (2023), codified as California Health and Safety Code section 17970.7, requires local enforcement agencies to adopt policies and procedures governing inspections of multi-unit residential buildings when substandard conditions may affect additional dwelling units. The City Council previously adopted Resolution No. 2026-17 to comply with these statutory requirements.
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RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Rescinding Resolution 2026-17; and
B. Approving Resolution 2026-53, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Establishing Inspection Procedures for Multi-Unit Substandard Buildings Policy.
K. BUSINESS
K.1. 26-635 SUBJECT: Council Member Xiong Request to Discuss Tenant Protection
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Member Xiong request to discuss Tenant Protection.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
K.2. 26-671 SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to the Tax Transparency Commission (District 4)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Annual appointments to the Tax Transparency Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as Commissioners of the Tax Transparency Commission (District 4); or, B. Directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
K.3. 26-694 SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Districts 6)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill vacancies on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
August 17, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting nominations and appointing individuals to serve as members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Districts 6); or, B. Accepting nominations and appointing as many members as Council sees appropriate and directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
K.4. 26-701 SUBJECT: Designation of A Voting Delegate for the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference and General Assembly Meeting, September 23rd - 25th, 2026, Anaheim, CA
REPORT IN BRIEF
Designate District Three City Council Representative Mike Harris as the City’s Voting Delegate for the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference and General Assembly Meeting, September 23 - 25, 2026, Anaheim, CA.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Designating District Three City Council Representative Mike Harris as the City’s Voting Delegate for the September 23 through 25, 2026, League of California Cities Annual Conference and General Assembly Meeting; and
B. Authorizing staff to submit the Voting Delegate designation form to the League of California Cities prior to the conference.
K.5. 26-620 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.
K.6. 26-621 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
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legislative body under this section.
L. ADJOURNMENT