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
Monday, October 19, 2026 6:00 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.
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 [email protected] 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.
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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. 26-852 SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION - Title: City Attorney Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957
B.2. 26-855 SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION City of Merced v. Viraaj Investments, LLC et al, MSC Case No. 23CV-00538 AUTHORITY: California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
B.3. 26-856 SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Evans vs. City of Merced, WCAB Fresno Case No.
ADJ21506081, ADJ21506080 Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
B.4. 26-857 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)
C. CALL TO ORDER
C.1. Invocation - Shahid Sohail, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
D. ROLL CALL
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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. 26-863 SUBJECT: Proclamation - Hispanic Heritage Month
REPORT IN BRIEF
Received by a representative of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
H. PUBLIC COMMENT
H.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.
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. 26-802 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 CITY OF MERCED Page 3 Printed on 10/14/2026
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Resolutions, pursuant to Section 412 of the Merced City Charter.
I.2. 26-833 SUBJECT: Approval of Master Services Agreement with Hinderliter de Llamas and Associates for Consultation Services for Sales, Use and Transaction Tax
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the Master Services Agreement with Hinderliter de Llamas and Associates (HdL) for Consultation Services for Sales, Use and Transaction Tax.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Master Services Agreement with Hinderliter de Llamas and Associates for Consultation Services for Sales, Use, and Transaction Tax; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the necessary documents.
I.3. 26-838 SUBJECT: Approval of Street Closure Request for West Main Street, 18th Street, Canal Street, and “O” Street, The Use of Bob Hart Square, and Power Connections at Bob Hart Square, West Main Street at Martin Luther King Jr. Way, and West Main Street at “O” Street. Submitted by Benjamin Hernandez with the County of Merced for the 22nd Annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. Until 7:00 P.M.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers allowing the use of City streets on November 11th, 2026, for the Veteran’s Day Parade. The Street Closure Request includes 18Th Street, West Main Street, H Street, Canal Street, and O Street. The use of Bob Hart Square, and power connections at Bob Hart Square, West Main Street at Martin Luther King Jr Way, and West Main Street at “O” Street.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the street closures for the parade route: W Main St from “G” Street to “O”, “O’ Street from W Main Street to W 20th Street, and the staging area from “H Street from W Main Street to W 18th Street, W 18th St from “G” Street to Canal Street as requested by Benjamin Hernandez, CITY OF MERCED Page 4 Printed on 10/14/2026
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Merced County Veterans Services for the 22Nd Annual Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, November 11, 2026.; and,
B. Authorizing the use of Bob Hart Square from 09:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
I.4. 26-713 SUBJECT: Approval of First Amendment to Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc., for Tree Pruning and Removal Services in Bellevue Ranch East, Bright Development, Bellevue Ranch West, University Park, Provance, University Park II, Moraga Community Facilities Districts, Village Landing, Maintenance District #1, Mansionette, Las Brisas, Fahrens Park II, La Bella Vista, Vista del Sol Maintenance Districts, and other City Trees
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a First Amendment to Services Agreement with West Coast Arborists for tree pruning and removal services in an amount not to exceed $413,000.00 annually at various Community Facilities Districts, Maintenance Districts, and other City locations.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a First Amendment to Services Agreement with West Coast Arborists, Inc., in the amount not to exceed $413,000 annually for Tree Pruning and Removal Services; through June 30, 2028, with the option to extend through June 30, 2031; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to sign the necessary documents and approval of future amendments or change orders up to 10% of the total contract cost.
I.5. 26-843 SUBJECT: Approval to Award Bid to Ferro Automotive Group for the Purchase of Twelve (12) 2026 or Newer Chevrolet Pickup Trucks - Including Three (3) Chevrolet Colorado 2WD Crew Cab LT, Five (5) Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Trucks, and Four (4) Chevrolet Silverado EV e4WD Work Trucks - for a Total Cost of $627,128.61 for the Facilities, Refuse, Streets, Storm Drains, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Street Maintenance, Tree Divisions, and Merced Police Department
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REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding the bid to Ferro Automotive Group for the purchase of twelve (12) 2026 or newer Chevrolet pickup trucks serving the Facilities, Refuse, Streets, Storm Drains, Park Maintenance, Street Maintenance, Tree, Wastewater Treatment Plant Divisions, and Merced Police Department (MPD), consisting of three (3) Chevrolet Colorado 2WD Crew Cab LT units, five (5) Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Trucks (two 4WD Crew Cab and three 2WD Regular Cab), and four (4) Chevrolet Silverado EV e4WD Crew Cab Standard Range Work Trucks, for a total bid amount of $627,128.61.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the bid to Ferro Automotive Group for the purchase of twelve (12) 2026 or newer Chevrolet pickup trucks for the Facilities, Refuse, Streets, Storm Drains, Park Maintenance, Street Maintenance, Tree, Wastewater Treatment Plant Divisions, and Merced Police Department, as follows:
· Three (3) Chevrolet Colorado 2WD Crew Cab LT units at $43,303.06 each;
· Two (2) Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD Crew Cab 153” Work Truck 8.2’ Box units at $58,462.56 each;
· Three (3) Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 2WD Regular Cab 142” Work Truck 8.2’ Box at $54,905.61 each;
· Four (4) Chevrolet Silverado EV e4WD Crew Cab Standard Range Work Trucks at $53,894.37 each;
· For a combined total of $627,128.61; and,
B. Authorizing the City Buyer to issue the Purchase Order(s), and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
I.6. 26-846 SUBJECT: Approval to Award Bid to Razzari Ford for the Purchase of Two (2) 2027 Ford Explorer Active 100A RWD Vehicles for a Cost of $38,510.64 Each for the Merced Police Department to Replace Two (2) Detective Units, P-1315 and P-1316
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers awarding the bid to Razzari Ford as the lowest bidder for the purchase of two (2) 2027 Ford Explorer Active 100A RWD vehicles at the CITY OF MERCED Page 6 Printed on 10/14/2026
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cost of 38,510.64 each, totaling $77,021.28, to replace Merced Police Department Detective Units P-1315 and P-1316 - both 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid detective vehicles identified for replacement in the City’s FY 2026/27 Vehicle Replacement schedule. Following a competitive solicitation that opened September 29, 2026, in which Razzari Ford’s bid demonstrated full compliance with all seventy-three specification requirements, offered a fifty-day delivery timeline, and was $17,330.62 less than the only other bid received from LYNK Group LLC, which did not fully comply with bid specifications.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Awarding the bid to Razzari Ford for the purchase of two (2) 2027 Ford Explorer Active 100A RWD vehicles at a cost of $38,510.64 each, for a total amount of $77,021.28, for the Merced Police Department to replace Detective Units P-1315 and P-1316; and,
B. Authorizing the City Buyer to issue the necessary Purchase Order(s); and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price.
J. ACTION ITEMS
J.1. 26-761 SUBJECT: Authority to Negotiate a Purchase and Sale Agreement Regarding City-Owned Real Property at 626 W. Main Street (APN 031-134-025)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff is requesting authority from the City Council to negotiate a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Hopeton Properties, LLC, regarding the City-owned property at 626 W Main Street (APN 031-134-025) pursuant to a Request for Proposal bid.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing Staff to negotiate a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Hopeton Properties, LLC, for the City-owned property located at 626 W. Main Street; and directing staff to return the Purchase and Sale Agreement to the City Council for consideration at a future meeting.
J.2. 26-854 SUBJECT: City Council input and Direction on Creating a Joint CITY OF MERCED Page 7 Printed on 10/14/2026
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Powers Authority (JPA) with Merced County Office of Education Board (MCOE) to Fund Critical Infrastructure for the Virginia Smith Trust (VST) Development Project
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff is seeking input and direction from the City of Merced City Council on proposed documents necessary to create a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) between the City of Merced and the Merced County Office of Education Board (MCOE) for the purpose of financing critical infrastructure to serve the Virginia Smith Trust (VST) Development Project.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council: Provide input and direction to staff on proposed documents necessary to implement a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) with the Merced County Office of Education Board (MCOE) for land secured financing to provide infrastructure to the VST project.
J.3. 26-816 SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Accepting the 2026-2036 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan as Presented to Guide Park Development, Operation, Maintenance and Capital Investment Priorities and Standards
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting the City of Merced 2026-2036 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan through Resolution recognizing the Strategic Action Plan as the City's long-term framework for park maintenance, recreation operation, facility management, open space designation, partnerships, funding priorities, and capital investment.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2026-67 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Approving and Adopting the Park, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan for the City of Merced.
J.4. 26-830 SUBJECT: Consider Awarding a Purchase to LC Action Police Supply and Approving the Purchase of 120 GLOCK 45 Gen 5 Pistols and Accessories in an Amount not to Exceed $106,327.42
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers waiving competitive bidding requirements for purposes of standardization and approving the purchase of 120 GLOCK 45 Gen 5 CITY OF MERCED Page 8 Printed on 10/14/2026
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pistols, holsters, and related accessories from LC Action Police Supply in an amount not to exceed $106,327.42.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Authorizing the waiver of competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Section 3.04.210 of the Merced Municipal Code based upon the operational need for standardization and interoperability with local law enforcement partners; and
B. Approving the purchase of 120 GLOCK 45 Gen 5 pistols, holsters, and related accessories from LC Action Police Supply in an amount not to exceed $106,327.42; and
C. Authorizing the issuance of a purchase order to LC Action Police Supply in an amount not to exceed $106,327.42; and
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
J.5. 26-845 SUBJECT: Approval of a Supplemental Budget Appropriation from the Unreserved, Unencumbered Fund Balance of the General Fund in the Amount not to Exceed $1,346 and Transferring to the Fahrens Park Maintenance District to Cover the Assessment Balloting Proceeding Noticing Costs
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a supplemental budget appropriation from the Unreserved, Unencumbered Fund Balance of the General Fund in the amount not to exceed $1,346 and transferring to the Fahrens Park I Maintenance District to cover the assessment balloting proceeding noticing costs.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving a supplemental budget appropriation from the Unreserved, Unencumbered Fund Balance of the General Fund in the amount not to exceed $1,346, transferring to Fund 4021- Fahrens Park Maintenance District and appropriating the same to cover the assessment balloting proceeding noticing costs.
J.6. 26-794 SUBJECT: Approval of a Three-Year Services Agreement with Cook’s Communications, Corp. in an Amount not to Exceed $300,000 for as Needed Fire Department Vehicle Upfitting, Modification, Repair, and CITY OF MERCED Page 9 Printed on 10/14/2026
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Related Services Including an Initial Expenditure of $155,619 Plus a 10% Contingency for Current Command and Support Vehicle Purchases
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the approval to waive competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 to maintain fleet equipment standardization and approve a three-year, not to exceed $300,000 agreement with Cook’s Communications, Corp. for as needed vehicle upfitting, equipment installation, integration, and maintenance.
Initial authorization of $155,619, plus a 10% contingency, is requested for command support vehicle outfitting detailed in Attachments 2, 3, and 4. All expenditures will be authorized on an as-needed basis.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 based on the city’s operational need for standardization of MFD vehicle upfitting, equipment installation, electrical integration, fabrication, programming, maintenance, repair, and related services; and,
B. Approving a supplemental appropriation from the unencumbered unreserved fund balance in Fund 7006-Fleet Replacement in the amount of $171,180 ($155,619 plus $15,561 as 10% contingency); and C. Approving a three-year Services Agreement with Cook’s Communications, Corp. for as needed and as authorized Fire Department vehicle upfitting, equipment installation, electrical integration, fabrication, programming, maintenance, repair, and related services, in an amount not to exceed $300,000; with an initial expenditure of $155,619 plus a 10% contingency allocated immediately for specific vehicle outfitting project; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents for the purchase specified above, the Finance Officer to make the appropriate budget adjustments, the City Buyer to issue the Purchase orders, and the approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price for initial specific vehicle outfitting projects.
K. REPORTS
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K.1. 26-747 SUBJECT: Presentation of the Annual AB 481 Report Detailing Military Equipment Currently Used by the Merced Police Department and Crime Statistics Update
REPORT IN BRIEF
Merced Police Department is required by State Assembly Bill 481 to report and obtain approval for the use and funding of any equipment defined under the bill as Military Equipment. Chief Stanfield will make a brief presentation that will include an inventory of all defined Military Equipment currently in use at the Merced Police Department as well as a Crime Statistics Update.
RECOMMENDATION
Information Only.
K.2. 26-815 SUBJECT: City of Merced Public Art Program and Investment Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
Report on the City’s public art program, including its growth, funding and investment, artist opportunities, and the process used to review and award public art projects.
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
L. BUSINESS
L.1. 26-803 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.
L.2. 26-804 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.
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M. ADJOURNMENT
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