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
Agenda — 55 items
- 1 Closed Session at 5:00 PM/Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM
- 2 NOTICE TO PUBLIC/AVISO AL PÚBLICO/CEEB TOOM RAU PEJ XEEM
- 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 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 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 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.
- A. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
- B. CLOSED SESSION
- 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)].
- B.1. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION - Title: City Manager; Authority: Government Code Section 54957
- B.2. 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
- B.3. 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
- B.4. 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: K. Price, Valley Children’s Hospital, Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8
- C. CALL TO ORDER
- C.1. Invocation - Mark Mayo, Bear Creek Community Church
- C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
- D. ROLL CALL
- D.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.
- E. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
- F. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
- F.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Foster Care Awareness Month REPORT IN BRIEF Accepted by representatives of the Merced College NextUp.
- 21 Approval of the Consent Agenda
- F.2. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Downtown Merced Lao New Year REPORT IN BRIEF Accepted by Sue Emanivong
- G. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
- G.1. SUBJECT: Special Presentation 2026 Merced Real Estate Update, Presented by Loren Gonella, Broker Associate, Coldwell Banker Commercial Select Real Estate, Merced, CA REPORT IN BRIEF Loren Gonella, Broker Associate, Coldwell Banker Commercial Select Real Estate, will be sharing an update on Merced Real Estate.
- H. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
- I. PUBLIC COMMENT
- 27 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.
- J. CONSENT CALENDAR
- 29 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.
- 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.
- J.2. SUBJECT: Information Only Contracts for the Month of April 2026 REPORT IN BRIEF Notification of awarded Non-Public Works contracts under $39,000 and of Public Works contracts under $87,278.
- J.3. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of January 5, 2026 REPORT IN BRIEF 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 January 5, 2026.
- J.4. SUBJECT: Award of Request for Proposals (RFP) for Legacy ERP System Support to THOR, Inc. for a Five-Year Term and a not to Exceed Amount of $196,300 REPORT IN BRIEF Staff recommends awarding an RFP for Legacy ERP System Support to THOR, Inc. for a five-year term and a not to exceed amount of $196,300 with specialized expertise required to maintain the City’s Legacy ERP System during ERP transition. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Awarding the RFP and approving the Agreement with THOR, Inc; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents
- J.5. SUBJECT: Request to Set a Public Hearing to Consider Parks and Community Services Proposed Updated Fee Schedule to Include New Rates for Bob Hart Square and Merced Open Air Theater (MOAT), and the Addition of Merced Regional Sports Complex (CP42), and Fahrens Park Disc Golf Course REPORT IN BRIEF Parks and Community Services is requesting a Public Hearing be set to consider new fees to be added to the current fee schedule for Recreation Facility Use. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion setting a Public Hearing for June 1st, 2026, to consider revisions to the current fee schedule that would include new fees for Bob Hart Square and Merced Open Air Theater and the addition of Merced Regional Sports Complex, and Fahrens Park Disc Golf Course.
- J.6. SUBJECT: Approval of Purchase Orders with Valley Animal Hospital for Veterinary Services in the Amount not to Exceed $47,000 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers authorizing purchase orders with Valley Animal Hospital in an amount not to exceed $47,000 for veterinary services supporting Animal Control operations and Police K9 care through the end of Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Staff intends to complete a competitive bidding process for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027for veterinary services. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing the Purchasing Supervisor to issue purchase orders with Valley Animal Hospital for veterinary services in an amount not to exceed $47,000 through the end of Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
- J.7. SUBJECT: Award Bid to Stockbridge General Contracting, Inc., a California Stock Corporation for Construction of Phase 1 of General Vang Pao Park, Project CP240049 in the Amount of $986,977.00 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers awarding a Construction Contract to Stockbridge General Contracting in the Amount of $986,977.00 for the construction of Phase 1 of General Vang Pao Park, Project CP240049, including Aletha June Playground and the General Vang Pao Memorial, located at the corner of Cardella Road and Freemark Avenue. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Awarding the construction contract for Aletha June Playground in General Vang Pao Park, Project CP240049 to Stockbridge General Contracting, Inc., in the amount of $986,977.00; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve change orders not to exceed $42,328.00.
- J.8. SUBJECT: Authorizing the Purchase of a Restroom Building for Project CP220061 - Community Park 42 (CP- 42) with CXT Precast Concrete Products in the Amount of $129,355.90 Through Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Process REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving to waive of the City’s competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 and approving the purchase of a restroom for Community Park 42 in the amount of $129,355.90. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as allowed by Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 to utilize cooperative agreements through Sourcewell, a government procurement program; and, B. Approving the purchase of a 10’ x 17’ Cortez Restroom in the amount of $129,355.90 through Sourcewell Contract # 052725-CXT; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents as required to purchase the above-described buildings.
- J.9. SUBJECT: Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Black Water Consulting Engineers for Design and Engineering Services for Project CP200037 - Municipal Well Site No. 23 in the Amount not to Exceed $1,106,975.00 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving a three-year professional services agreement for design and engineering services for Project CP200037 Municipal Well Site No. 23 with Black Water Consulting Engineers in the amount not to exceed $1,106,975.00 RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving the Professional Services Agreement with Black Water Consulting, for Design and Engineering Services for Project CP200037 - Municipal Well Site No. 23 in the amount not to exceed $1,106,975.00; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the necessary documents.
- K. ACTION ITEMS
- K.1. SUBJECT: The First Reading of an Ordinance Adding a New Chapter 8.53 of the Merced Municipal Code to Create a Repeat Housing Code Violators Program REPORT IN BRIEF This Ordinance proposes a new Chapter 8.53 of the Merced Municipal Code to Create a Repeat Housing Code Violators Program to establish standards and procedures to penalize rental property owners who demonstrate a pattern of neglect, unresolved violations, or unsafe conditions for tenants to preserve rental housing supply within the City of Merced. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Introducing and approving the first reading of Ordinance 2591, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adding Chapter 8.53 of the Merced Municipal Code to create a Repeat Housing Code Violators Program; and, B. Setting the Ordinance for a second reading and adoption.
- K.2. SUBJECT: Authorization to Execute and Deliver Construction Installment Sale Agreement with State Water Resources Control Board to Provide Financing for Improvements to the Merced Wastewater Treatment Facility REPORT IN BRIEF Authorizes execution and delivery of agreement for up to $50,000,000 of low-cost financing through the California Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program for certain improvements to the wastewater treatment facility. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Adopting Resolution 2026-21, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California authorizing the execution and delivery of a Construction Installment Sale Agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any other necessary documents.
- K.3. SUBJECT: Acceptance and Appropriation of an Additional $2,970.00 of U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Home Investment Partnership Program - American Rescue Plan Act (HOME-ARP) Funds That Were Due to the City With the Original Allocation of HOME-ARP Funds in April of 2021; and, Approval of an Updated HOME-ARP Conditional Commitment Reservation Letter for the Mercy Village Apartments Project for Use of the Additional Funding REPORT IN BRIEF Considers accepting and appropriating $2,970.00 of additional HOME-ARP funding that HUD has determined are owed to the City, in order to add them to the original 2021 HOME-ARP grant funding for use towards eligible activities; and, Approval of an Updated Conditional HOME-ARP Funding Commitment Reservation Letter to Upholdings to allow the Mercy Village Apartments affordable housing project to use the additional funding. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt motion: A. Adopting Resolution 2026-20, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Accepting and Authorizing Appropriation of An Additional $2,970.00 of Home Investment Partnership Program - 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (HOME-ARP) Funds; and, B. Authorizing issuance of an updated HOME-ARP Conditional Commitment Reservation Letter to Upholdings California, LLC, developer of the Mercy Village affordable housing project at 3015 Park Avenue, to allow use of the additional HOME-ARP funding, for a total amount of up to $1,961,248 towards eligible costs of the project; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all related documents; and, D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to perform all necessary budget adjustments.
- K.4. SUBJECT: Approval of a Design Professional Services Agreement with Kitchell Corporation, for Construction Management Services for Project CP090007 - Fire Station 56 in the Amount of $676,190 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving a three-year design professional services agreement for Construction Management services for Fire Station 56 with Kitchell Corporation in the amount of $676,190. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving the Design Professional Services Agreement with Kitchell Corporation, for Construction Management Services for Project CP090007 - Fire Station 56 in the amount of $676,190; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the necessary documents.
- K.5. SUBJECT: Approval of a Restated Joint Powers Agreement of the Transit Powers Authority for Merced County REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving restated Joint Powers Agreement of the Transit Powers Authority for Merced County; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving the Restated Joint Powers Agreement of the Transit Powers Authority for Merced County; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
- K.6. SUBJECT: Accept Grant Funds from the Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) Funded by Opportunity Merced in the Amount of $124,725 to Support Parks and Community Services Implementation of the Trailblazers Outdoor Recreation Program REPORT IN BRIEF Considers accepting grant funding from Central Valley Community Foundation funded by Opportunity Merced in support of an outdoor recreation program focused on mentorship, vocational training, and nature-based recreation for teens through Parks and Community Services, Trailblazers Outdoor Recreation. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Authorizing the acceptance of Grant from Central Valley Community Foundation in the amount of $124,725; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to sign necessary documents; and C. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed.
- K.7. SUBJECT: Accept Grant Funds from Central Valley Community Foundation (Opportunity Merced) in the Amount of $27,000, and Private Donations Collected by United Way of Merced County from Legacy Donors in the Amount of $16,000, and Proceeds from T-Shirt Sales in the Amount of $1,738 in Support of the Replacement of the Clock in Bob Hart Square Through the Time Well Spent Initiative REPORT IN BRIEF Considers accepting grant funding from Central Valley Community Foundation (Opportunity Merced) and private donations collected by United Way of Merced County in support of replacing the clock in Bob Hart Square through the Time Well Spent initiative. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving the Grant Agreement with Central Valley Community Foundation and accepting grant funding in an amount not to exceed $27,000; and, B. Authorizing the acceptance of Legacy Donations collected by United Way of Merced County not to exceed $16,000; and, C. Authorizing the acceptance of proceeds from Time Well Spent t-shirt sales from United Way of Merced County $1,738; and, D. Authorizing the Mayor to execute the Donation Acceptance Agreement. E. Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to sign necessary documents. F. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make any necessary budget adjustments.
- K.8. SUBJECT: Approving Professional Services Agreement with Merced City School District Expanded Learning Opportunity Funding to Support Parks and Community Services FUNdamentals Youth Sports Programs Including Jr. Giants Baseball, NFL Flag Football, and Jr. NBA/WNBA Basketball and Accepting Funding in Amount of $231,588.05 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving professional services agreement for Merced City School District Expanded Learning Opportunity Funding to support Parks and Community Services FUNdamentals youth sports programs including Jr. Giants Baseball, NFL Flag Football, and Jr. NBA/WNBA Basketball and accepting funding in amount of $231,588.05 This contract would cover the cost of up to 500 K-6th grade MCSD students participation in recreation programs. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Authorizing the City Manager to sign Professional Service Agreement with Merced City School District; and, B. Authorizing acceptance of $34,738 and increasing revenue in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Service, Cost Recovery Youth Sport Division.
- L. REPORTS
- L.1. SUBJECT: Report on the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission’s Selections of the R Street Undercrossing Mural Design and the Recycle Sculpture Design Awards REPORT IN BRIEF City staff to report on the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission’s Selections of the R Street Undercrossing Mural Design and the Recycle Sculpture Design Awards. RECOMMENDATION Information Only.
- M. BUSINESS
- M.1. SUBJECT: Mayor Serratto’s Request to Discuss Downtown Parking on 18th Street REPORT IN BRIEF Mayor Serratto’s request to discuss downtown parking on 18th Street. RECOMMENDATION Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
- 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.
- 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.
- N. ADJOURNMENT