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City Council/Public Finance and Economic Development Authority/Parking Authority

May 18, 2026 ·6:00 PM Final

City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, Merced Civic Center, 678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340

Agenda PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 50 items

  1. 1 Closed Session at 5:00 PM/Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM
  2. 2 NOTICE TO PUBLIC/AVISO AL PÚBLICO/CEEB TOOM RAU PEJ XEEM
  3. 3 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
  4. 4 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 reunión regular del Concejo Municipal, un paquete de agenda complete está disponible para su revisión 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 públicos relacionados con un artículo de sesión abierta que se distribuyen a la mayoría del Concejo estarán disponibles para inspección pública en la Oficina del Secretario de la Ciudad durante el horario comercial habitual. La traducción al español y al Hmong está disponible en todas la reuniones regulares. Los dispositivos auditivos asistidos están 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
  5. 5 PUBLIC COMMENT: OBTAIN SPEAKER CARD FROM THE CITY CLERK/COMENTARIO DEL PÚBLICO / KEV HLOOV RAU TEJ PEJ XEEM TXOG KEV TAWM SUAB, NCAUS LUS:
  6. 6 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, YouTube, 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 atrás de la Cámara del Concejo. Envíe la tarjeta completa al secretario de la ciudad antes de que se llame al artículo, preferiblemente antes de que comience la reunión. El material puede enviarse por correo electrónico a cityclerk@cityofmerced.gov a más tardar a la 1 p.m. del día de la reunión. Especifique qué parte de la agenda está comentando, por ejemplo, el punto # de la audiencia pública, el punto # de consentimiento o los comentarios públicos. El material recibido antes de la fecha límite se enviará al Concejo Municipal y formará parte del registro y se mencionará como parte de la parte de Peticiones y Comunicaciones Escritas de la agenda. Todos los correos electrónicos recibidos antes de la fecha límite 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 después 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 reunión del Concejo Municipal en vivo, visite el sitio web de la ciudad www.cityofmerced.gov, YouTube 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 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, YouTube, los sis Comcast Public Access Channel 96.
  7. A. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
  8. B. CLOSED SESSION
  9. 9 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)].
  10. B.1. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager Scott McBride, City Attorney Craig Cornwell, Finance Officer Venus Rodriguez, Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero, Human Resources Manager Suzanne Fierro, LCW Legal Representative Che Johnson; Employee Organization: Merced Police Non-Sworn Association. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6 26-434
  11. B.2. 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) 26-441
  12. B.3. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Richter vs. City of Merced, WCAB Case No. ADJ20002314 Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) 26-443
  13. B.4. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION De Jong vs. City of Merced, WCAB Case No. ADJ19023878 Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) 26-442
  14. C. CALL TO ORDER ▶ jump to 0:01
  15. 15 Invocation - Pastor Ceasar Johnson, Christian Life Center Merced ▶ jump to 0:09
  16. 16 Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag ▶ jump to 2:36
  17. D. ROLL CALL ▶ jump to 2:57
  18. 18 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.
  19. E. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION ▶ jump to 4:53
  20. 19 Approval of the Consent Agenda approved the Consent Agenda Pass
  21. F. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
  22. F.1. SUBJECT: Project Update from RACE Communications REPORT IN BRIEF Jim Miller, Government Affairs Race Communications, will be sharing an update on the RACE Communications project. 26-328 ▶ jump to 4:58
  23. F.2. SUBJECT: Merced Arts Festival Presentation REPORT IN BRIEF Patricia Pratt and Earvin Mendoza, from Urbanist Collective, will be presenting on the Merced Arts Festival. 26-382 ▶ jump to 14:46
  24. F.3. SUBJECT: Merced Fire Department Advanced Life Support (ALS) Update, Recognition of National EMS Week 2026, and Presentation of Clinical Excellence Awards REPORT IN BRIEF In recognition of National EMS Week 2026, Battalion Chief Mickey Brunelli will provide an update on the status of the Merced Fire Department’s Advanced Life Support (ALS) program and recognize Paramedic Field Training Officers for their clinical excellence and contributions to its advancement. 26-402 ▶ jump to 28:12
  25. G. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
  26. G.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Bike Month REPORT IN BRIEF Received by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission. 26-371 ▶ jump to 35:05
  27. H. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS ▶ jump to 39:23
  28. I. PUBLIC COMMENT ▶ jump to 39:39
  29. 28 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.
  30. J. CONSENT CALENDAR ▶ jump to 64:56
  31. 30 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. ▶ jump to 66:30
  32. J.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. 26-429
  33. J.2. SUBJECT: Consider Approving the Consulting and Professional Services Contracts for On-Call Consultants for Planning, Environmental, and Project Support Consulting Services REPORT IN BRIEF Recommend approving multiple Consulting and Professional Services Contracts for on-call Consultants to assist with Planning, Environmental, and Project Support Consulting Services. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with Cupples Keller Design; and, B. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with EMC Planning Group, Inc.; and, C. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with Environmental Science Associates; and, D. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with GHD, Inc.; and, E. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with Helix Environmental Planning; and, F. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with JB Anderson; and, G. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with BKF, Inc.; and, H. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with Page & Turnbull; and, I. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with Precision Civil Engineering, Inc.; and, J. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with Provost and Pritchard; and, K. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with QK, Inc.; and, L. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with Rincon; and, M. Approving a Consulting and Professional Services Contract with Site Lab Urban Studio; and, N. Authorizing the City Attorney to make minimal administrative changes if necessary; and, O. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreements. 26-102 approved Pass
  34. J.3. SUBJECT: Approval to Purchase One (1) New Ford F-350 Work Truck from Rush Truck Centers in the Amount of $110,743.57, Plus a 10% Contingency ($11,074.36), for a Total not to Exceed Amount of $121,817.93 as an Addition for the Water Division REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving the purchase of one new work truck for the Water Division in the amount of $110,743.57, plus a 10% contingency for a total amount not to exceed $121,817.93, utilizing the cost savings government procurement program (Sourcewell). The purchase of the new vehicle will support the newly established Lead Instrumentation Technician position, improve operational efficiency, enhance reliability, and reduce maintenance costs. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving to waive 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 the purchase of one new Ford F-350 work truck in the amount of $110,743.57 from Rush Truck Centers, through Sourcewell contract # 032824-RTG; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents for the purchase specified above and the City Purchasing Supervisor to issue the Purchase Order(s), and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% ($11,074.36) of the total purchase price. 26-378 approved Pass
  35. J.4. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council Administrative Policy and Procedure C-9, Legislative Body Reasonable Accommodation for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act REPORT IN BRIEF An administrative policy consistent with the recent legislative updates to California’s Ralph M. Brown Act (“Brown Act”) to allow for members of the City of Merced’s legislative bodies with disabilities to participate in meetings remotely as a reasonable accommodation for consideration and adoption by the City Council. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving Resolution 2026-22, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adopting Administrative Policy and Procedure C-9, Legislative Body Reasonable Accommodation Policy for Remote Participation at Meetings Subject to the Brown Act; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to undertake any necessary steps to enact Policy C-9. 26-414 approved Pass ▶ jump to 66:48
  36. J.5. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving Final Map #5431 for Bellevue Ranch North, Village 24A, Subdivision for 10 Single-Family Lots, Generally Located West of G Street, North of Pacific Loon Court, and the Approval of the Subdivision Agreement for the Bellevue Ranch North, Village 24A Subdivision REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving Final Map #5431 for 10 single-family lots, located west of G Street, north of Pacific Loon Court, and the subdivision agreement for Bellevue Ranch North, Village 23A, Subdivision. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving Resolution 2026-24, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving the Final Map Tract No. 5431 Bellevue Ranch North, Village 24A; and, B. Approving the Subdivision Agreement for Bellevue Ranch North, Village 24A; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. 26-337 continued ▶ jump to 65:06
  37. K. PUBLIC HEARINGS ▶ jump to 69:28
  38. 37 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.
  39. K.1. SUBJECT: Public Hearing - Request to Open and Continue the Scheduled Public Hearing, Receipt of Final Public Comment, and Final Review and Approval of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2026 Annual Action Plan to the June 1, 2026, City Council Meeting, Including Approval and Award of Funding for Projects and Activities Listed in the Draft Final Plan REPORT IN BRIEF Due to the unfinalized status of the 2026 project list and related text sections of the Draft 2026 U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan, as well as recalculations in progress of final HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) Program available funds after the April 6, 2026, Council authorization of a conditional funding commitment to an affordable housing project, the Housing Division requests City Council open the scheduled public hearing and continue it to the June 1, 2026, City Council meeting, to allow staff additional time to work out final project and budget details. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Open a Public Hearing, Accept any Public Comment from Interested Residents in Attendance, and Continue the Public Hearing and the Final Review and Approval of the 2026 Annual Action Plan to the June 1, 2026, City Council Meeting. 26-406 ▶ jump to 69:31
  40. K.2. SUBJECT: Public Hearing - Site Plan Review Permit #26-0018 and Minor Use Permit #26-0030 Initiated by Eric Gonsalves, on Behalf of Yosemite 1380 LLC, Property Owner. The Project Site is a 3.19-Acre Portion of a 5.7-Acre Parcel. The Subject Site is Generally Located on the South Side of East Yosemite Avenue Approximately 460 Feet West of Parsons Avenue (1380 E. Yosemite Avenue). This Request would Allow the Development of a Self-Storage Facility (Approximately 500 Storage Units) at a Site Zoned Planned Development #20 (P-D #20) and Designated Business Park in the General Plan REPORT IN BRIEF Staff recommends that this item be continued to the City Council meeting of June 1, 2026, to allow staff additional time to conduct research. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion to continue this item to the City Council meeting of June 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, in the City Council of Chambers. 26-409 ▶ jump to 79:33
  41. K.3. SUBJECT: Adoption of an Urgency Ordinance Extending a Temporary Moratorium on Street Closure Encroachment Permits Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65858 REPORT IN BRIEF Consider adopting an urgency ordinance extending a temporary moratorium on the approval, issuance, processing, or appeal of street closure encroachment permits under Merced Municipal Code Section 12.42 and other administrative policies, for a period of ten months and 15 days, while allowing limited administrative approvals under defined criteria. This extension will provide the City time to further evaluate and implement a comprehensive regulatory framework governing street closures to ensure public safety, coordination, and consistency in application with the City’s focus on the nature of the special event going forward. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Adopting Ordinance 2592, an urgency ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Extending for a Period of Ten Months and Fifteen Days, Pursuant to California Government Code 65858, a Temporary Moratorium on Street Closures; and B. Directing staff to continue to study this issue and return with proposed amendments to the Merced Municipal Code to establish a comprehensive framework governing street closures, focusing on the nature of the special event, including distinctions between parades, community events, and other uses of the public right-of-way. 26-413 ▶ jump to 81:39
  42. L. REPORTS
  43. L.1. SUBJECT: Direction on the Process for Remote Participation to be in Compliance with Senate Bill (SB) 707 REPORT IN BRIEF Staff will provide an overview of the function and use of remote public participation to be in compliance with SB 707 and request Council direction on process. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Discuss and provide direction to staff for further implementation and planning purposes. 26-400 ▶ jump to 120:59
  44. L.2. SUBJECT: Potential City of Merced Energy Efficiency Upgrade Projects REPORT IN BRIEF Report on potential energy efficiency energy upgrade projects for various city facilities. RECOMMENDATION City Council to accept the report and provide comments and suggestions to staff on potential next steps. 26-433 ▶ jump to 171:28
  45. L.3. SUBJECT: Review and Discussion Regarding the City of Merced Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget REPORT IN BRIEF Review of the City Manager’s proposed FY 2026-27 Budget. RECOMMENDATION For information and discussion only. 26-424 ▶ jump to 213:52
  46. M. BUSINESS
  47. M.1. SUBJECT: Mayor Pro Tempore Boyles Request to Discuss America’s 250th Birthday and California’s 150th Birthday REPORT IN BRIEF Mayor Pro Tempore Boyles request to discuss America’s 250th Birthday and California’s 150th Birthday. RECOMMENDATION Provide direction to staff on the next steps. 26-404 ▶ jump to 282:35
  48. M.2. 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. 26-430 ▶ jump to 296:36
  49. M.3. 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. 26-431 ▶ jump to 296:50
  50. N. ADJOURNMENT ▶ jump to 298:52