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, September 21, 2026
Study Session at 4:00 PM/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. • Register using the kiosks located at the back of the Council Chambers, 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.
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.
September 21, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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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. STUDY SESSION ROLL CALL
B. STUDY SESSION
B.1. 26-791 SUBJECT: Study Session in Review of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan
REPORT IN BRIEF
Review Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan, including plan’s findings, recommendations, priorities, and implementation strategies, and provide feedback and/or direction to staff in preparation for City Council proposed adoption.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a Motion:
A. Recommending Staff present Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan as presented to City Council for potential adoption at a later date; or
B. Recommending Staff incorporate suggested changes to Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan; and present Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan to City Council for potential adoption at a later date.
C. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
D. CLOSED SESSION
September 21, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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Meeting Agenda
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. 26-805 SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS - Property: 692 and 710 W. 16th Street, Merced, CA APN 031-360-001 & -027; 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. Guzman, Merced County Association of Governments; Price and Terms of Payment Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8 E. CALL TO ORDER
E.1. Invocation - Maggie Guekguezian, United Methodist Church 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. 26-766 SUBJECT: Presentation from Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria Regarding the Legislative Update
REPORT IN BRIEF
Assemblywoman Soria will be providing a legislative update.
I. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
I.1. 26-700 SUBJECT: Proclamation - Constitution Week
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by a representative of the Daughters of the American Revolution the Merced River Chapter.
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J. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
K. PUBLIC COMMENT
K.1. 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.
L. 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.
L.1. 26-702 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.
L.2. 26-787 SUBJECT: Information Only - Planning Commission Minutes of May 6, 2026; May 20, 2026; June 3, 2026; June 17, 2026; and August 5, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
L.3. 26-769 SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of December 15, 2025, December 16, 2025, and January 8, 2026
REPORT IN BRIEF
September 21, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
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 December 15, 2025, December 16, 2025, and January 8, 2026.
L.4. 26-728 SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Approving the City’s 2026 Biennial Review and Revisions to the Conflict-of-Interest Code
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution with amendments to the City's Conflict of Interest Code, as required by the Political Reform Act.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2026-62, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Rescinding Resolution No. 2024-87 and Updating the City’s Conflict of Interest Code.
L.5. 26-786 SUBJECT: Approval of a First Amendment with California Public Policy Group (CPPG) for an Additional Nine (9) Month Term for Legislative Advocacy, Consulting, and Grant Seeking and Writing Services for an Additional Amount of $90,500 for a Total Contract Amount not to Exceed $209,500
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a First Amendment with California Public Policy Group (CPPG) for an additional nine-month term, extending the contract expiration date from September 30, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The First Amendment will also add an additional compensation of $90,500 for services rendered from October 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, bringing the total contract amount to $209,500.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a first amendment with California Public Policy Group (CPPG) for legislative advocacy, consulting, and grant writing services to extend the term of the contract to June 30, 2027; and,
B. Approving the additional compensation amount of $90,500 with a total
September 21, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
contract amount not to exceed $209,500; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
L.6. 26-772 SUBJECT: Approval of a Revised Second Amendment to the Community Park #42 Memorandum of Understanding Extending the Term Through December 15, 2026
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers a revised Second Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between City of Merced, County of Merced, Merced Union High School District, and Merced County Office of Education regarding the collaborative development of Community Park #42, extending the term through December 15, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a Motion:
A. Rescinding the City Council's June 15, 2026 authorization of the Second Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between City of Merced, County of Merced, Merced Union High School District, and Merced County Office of Education, which would have extended the term of the Memorandum of Understanding through September 30, 2026; and B. Approving the revised Second Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding extending the term through December 15, 2026; and C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the revised Second Amendment.
L.7. 26-767 SUBJECT: Approval of the 2027 Cafeteria Plan Renewal Regarding Employees’ and Retirees’ Health and Welfare Benefits Including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life and Flexible Spending
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the renewal of the 2027 Cafeteria Plan regarding employees’ and retirees’ health and welfare benefits.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the employees’ health and welfare benefits cafeteria plan renewal for calendar year 2027 including the addition of the Concern
September 21, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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Employee Assistance Program; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
L.8. 26-686 SUBJECT: Approve the Purchase of Parts, Equipment, and Supplies as Necessary for Public Works Maintenance and Operations Through June 30, 2027
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210, and the purchase of various parts, equipment, and supplies for Public Works maintenance and operations for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code Section 3.4.210 for annual supplies and services; and,
B. Approving the purchase up to $80,000 with Frank A Olsen Company through June 30, 2027; and,
C. Approving the purchase up to $80,000 with Howk Well & Equipment Co, Inc., through June 30, 2027; and,
D. Approving the purchase up to $75,000 with Rush Truck Center through June 30, 2027; and,
E. Approving the purchase up to $45,000 with Staples Business Advantage through June 30, 2027; and,
F. Approving the purchase up to $75,000 with Universal Automotive through June 30, 2027; and,
G. Approving the purchase up to $80,000 with USEMCO, Inc., through June 30, 2027; and,
H. Authorizing the City Buyer to issue the Purchase Orders.
L.9. 26-410 SUBJECT: Approval of Master Subscription and License Agreement with ESO Solutions, Inc. for a Records Management System for a Term not to Exceed Five Years. The Combined Cost of the Five-Year
September 21, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
Agreement will not Exceed $114,186.42; Terminate the Electronic Patient Care Reporting System with Sansio HealthEMS
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider approval of a Master Subscription and License Agreement (Agreement) with ESO Solutions, Inc. for a term not to exceed five years, to consolidate all ESO public safety records management software utilized by the Fire Department under a single agreement and to add the electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) module. This action will streamline patient care reporting and administrative functions while ensuring compliance with state and federal reporting requirements. Also considers approval to waive the competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Merced Municipal Code § 3.04.210 for the purchase of ESO’s ePCR system ($21,5047.34/annually with a 3% escalator) to ensure continuity with existing ESO software modules, and authorization to terminate the existing ePCR agreement with Sansio HealthEMS.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Master Subscription and License Agreement with ESO Solutions, Inc. to continue maintenance and support for the public safety software utilized by the Fire Department for a maximum term of five years in an amount not to exceed $114,186.42; and,
B. Authorizing the waiving of the competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code § 3.04.210 for sole sourcing based upon ESO Solutions, Inc. being the only company licensed to provide the unique necessary ePCR features needed and standardization of its records management system; and
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents; and D. Authorizing the City Manager to terminate the existing “Electronic Patient Care Records” system software subscription with Sansio Health EMS.
L.10. 26-730 SUBJECT: Approval of Supplemental Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad in the not-to-Exceed Amount of $36,000 for Preliminary Engineering Services for the Installation of an Interconnect with a Traffic Signal at Highway 59 and the Railroad Spur, Project No.
CP260040
September 21, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a supplemental agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for preliminary engineering services for the installation of an interconnect with a traffic signal at Highway 59 and 16th Street, in a not to exceed amount of $36,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a supplemental agreement with Union Pacific Railroad in a not to exceed amount of $36,000; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to sign the necessary documents.
L.11. 26-737 SUBJECT: Accepting Merced Community College’s In-Kind Donation for Stephen Leonard Park Basketball Court Mural and Equipment Upgrades
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept In-Kind Donation Valued at $25,000 from Merced Community College for a Basketball Court Mural and Backboard/Hoop Upgrades at Stephen Leonard Park.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Donation Acceptance Agreement for In-Kind Donation valued at $25,000 from Merced Community College including a mural and new basketball hoops at Stephen Leonard Park; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make necessary budget adjustments M. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Members of the public who wish to speak on public hearings listed on the agenda will be heard when the Public Hearing is opened, except on Public Hearing items previously heard and closed to public comment. After the public has commented, the item is closed to further public comment and brought to the Council for discussion and action. Further comment will not be received unless requested by the Council.
M.1. 26-342 SUBJECT: Public Hearing on Draft Vision Statement for the
September 21, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
Comprehensive General Plan Update
REPORT IN BRIEF
Public Hearing to Discuss the Draft Vision Statement for the Comprehensive General Plan Update.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Conduct a Public Hearing to discuss, edit, or revise the language of the Draft Vision Statement.
M.2. 26-741 SUBJECT: Public Hearing - Receipt of Public Comment and Adoption of a Resolution to Approve and Submit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Program Year 2025 to HUD
REPORT IN BRIEF
Public Hearing and requested adoption of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Program Year 2025, with authorization to perform final updates to the report before its submittal to HUD by September 28, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council -
A. Holding a Public Hearing to receive public comment from interested parties.
B. Adopting Resolution 2026-63, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Approving the 2025 Program Year Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER); and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to make final updates to the approved CAPER report prior to and after its submittal to HUD, should HUD require any additional modifications.
N. ACTION ITEMS
N.1. 26-770 SUBJECT: Approval of a Supplemental Appropriation in Fund 7006-Fleet for Replacement and Approval to Purchase One (1) 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD ($79,014), from National Auto Fleet Group Plus a 10% Contingency ($7,902) for a Total not-to-Exceed Amount of $86,916 for the Fire Department to Replace Vehicle F-1423
September 21, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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Authority/Parking Authority
Meeting Agenda
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the purchase of one (1) 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD in the amount of $79,014 plus a 10% contingency ($7,902) for a total not-to-exceed amount of $86,916, using the cost savings government procurement program (Sourcewell). The proposed purchase will replace aging fleet vehicles and is anticipated to improve fleet reliability, reduce ongoing maintenance costs, and enhance operational efficiency.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210 and authorizing the purchase to be made with a cooperative purchase agreement through Sourcewell, a government procurement program; and,
B. Approving a supplemental appropriation from the unencumbered unreserved fund balance in Fund 7006-Fleet Replacement in the amount of $86,916 for replacement of Vehicle F1423; and
C. Approving the purchase of one (1) 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD Tahoe in the amount of $79,013.39 from National Auto Fleet Group - Chevrolet of Watsonville, through Sourcewell contract # 091521-NAF; and, D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents and the City Purchasing Supervisor to issue the Purchase Order/Change Order(s), and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% ($7,902) of the purchase price.
O. BUSINESS
O.1. 26-637 SUBJECT: Council Member Xiong Request to Discuss Moving Boards and Commissions Meeting Times
REPORT IN BRIEF
Council Member Xiong request to discuss Moving Boards and Commissions Meeting Times.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
September 21, 2026City Council/Public Finance and
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Meeting Agenda
O.2. 26-658 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.
O.3. 26-709 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.
P. ADJOURNMENT