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 — 47 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: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation. Two (2) potential case. Pursuant to California Government Code Section Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2)
- B.2. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION - Title: City Manager; Authority: Government Code Section 54957
- B.3. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION In RE: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, MDL 2804, Case No. 1:17-md-2804 (Remnant Defendants) Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
- B.4. 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
- C. CALL TO ORDER
- C.1. Invocation - Pastor Ceasar Johnson, Christian Life Center Merced
- C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
- D. ROLL CALL
- 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
- 19 Approval of the Consent Agenda
- F. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
- F.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Arbor Day REPORT IN BRIEF Received by representatives of the City of Merced Public Works Department, Parks and Trees Division.
- F.2. SUBJECT: City Council Volunteer of the Year Awards REPORT IN BRIEF Council Members nominated a volunteer within their district and the Mayor nominated one at-large volunteer to highlight those who have given back to their community.
- G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
- H. PUBLIC COMMENT
- 25 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
- 27 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. 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.
- I.2. SUBJECT: Approval to Procure One (1) New Cardiac Monitor for the Fire Department and Utilize a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (Sourcewell Contract #041823-STY, Amendments #1 and 2), in an Amount not to Exceed $60,000 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving the Fire Department’s request to procure one (1) new LIFEPAK 35 (LP35) Cardiac Monitor from Stryker utilizing a cooperative purchasing agreement (Sourcewell Contract #041823-STY, Amendments #1 and 2) in an amount not to exceed $60,000 and waive the competitive bidding process. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving to waive the competitive bidding requirements as stated in Section 3.04.210 of the Merced Municipal Code due to cooperative purchasing; and, B. Approving the use of Sourcewell Contract #041823-STY, Amendments #1 and 2; and, C. Authorizing the purchase of one (1) new cardiac monitor (LIFEPAK 35) from Stryker in an amount not to exceed $60,000; and, D. Authorizing issuance of the Purchase Order and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents.
- I.3. SUBJECT: Approval of First Amendment to the Animal Control Services Contract with the County of Merced to Extend the Term of the Agreement for One Additional Year for the Housing, Handling, Securing, Transfer and Disposition of Dogs and Cats Captured by Ordinance or Code and Delivered by the City’s Designated Animal Control Provider REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving a one-year amendment to the existing Animal Control Services contract with the County of Merced (Contract #329) to continue providing housing, handling, and related services for animals impounded by the City of Merced. The proposed amendment extends the contract term through June 30, 2027. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving First Amendment to Services Agreement with the County of Merced to extend the agreement for Animal Control services for one additional year through June 30, 2027; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
- I.4. SUBJECT: Approve the Purchase of Parts, Equipment, and Supplies as Necessary for Public Works Fleet Maintenance and Operations Through June 30, 2026 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving the purchase of various parts, equipment, and supplies for Public Works maintenance and operations for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. 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 $50,000 with ARI Phoenix, Inc., dba ARI Hetra, through June 30, 2026; and, C. Approving the purchase up to $200,000 with C&R Royal SVC, Inc., through June 30, 2026; and, D. Approving the purchase up to $150,000 with Ferguson US Holdings, Inc., through June 30, 2026; and, E. Approving the purchase up to $100,000 with Grainger through June 30, 2026; and, F. Approving the purchase up to $300,000 with Horizon Distributors through June 30, 2026; and, G. Approving the purchase up to $120,000 with McCain Traffic Supply (Swarco McCain) through June 30, 2026; and, H. Approving the purchase up to $150,000 with Municipal Maintenance Equipment through June 30, 2026; and, I. Approving the purchase up to $250,000 with Ray Gaskin through June 30, 2026; and, J. Approving the purchase up to $60,000 with Pacific Landscape Supply, Inc., through June 30, 2026; and, K. Approving the purchase up to $100,000 with Pazin & Myers, Inc., through June 30, 2026; and, L. Approving the purchase up to $120,000 with YSI, Inc., through June 30, 2026; and, M. Authorizing the City Buyer to issue the Purchase Orders.
- I.5. SUBJECT: Approval to Purchase Elevator Modernization Services from TK Elevator Corporation Utilizing the OMNIA Cooperative Purchasing Contract #R200502 in the Amount of $431,673.63 for the Shannon Parcade Elevator Project CP250038 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 as a result of cooperative purchasing and approving the purchase of elevator modernization services for the Shannon Parking Structure through the OMNIA Cooperative Purchasing Program, Contract #R200502 in the amount of $431,673.63. 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 purchases necessary for standardization on particular types of equipment; and, B. Approving the purchase elevator modernization service from TK Elevator Corporation, in the amount of $431,673.63; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the contract documents, and approval of future contract amendments not to exceed 10% of the total contract price.
- J. ACTION ITEMS
- J.1. SUBJECT: Approval of a Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $21,300 from the Unreserved, Unencumbered Fund Balance of Fund 7008 Support Services and Authorize Procurement of SB 707 Compliance Technology up to $123,824, for Public Meeting Access and Broadcasting Systems REPORT IN BRIEF Staff recommends that the City Council approve a supplemental appropriation of $21,300 from the unreserved, unencumbered balance of Fund 7008-Support Services, waive competitive bidding as permitted by Municipal Code, and authorize the procurement of SB 707 compliance technology for a total cost not to exceed $123,824. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving a supplemental appropriation of $21,300 from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in Fund 7008-Support Services and appropriating the same to Software subscription account; and, B. Waiving the City competitive bidding requirements as permitted by Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 for standardization of equipment and cooperative purchasing; and, C. Authorizing the increase of expenditure authority under the Sourcewell Contract #121923 by $20,872 for a total not to exceed of $520,872 for several cooperative agreements for technology and equipment for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and, D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a change order agreement with Granicus for $1,901; and, E. Approving the procurement and implementation of SB 707 compliance technology, including the required components identified in this report, for a total cost of $34,546; and, F. Approving the procurement and implementation of the optional enhancements identified in this report, for a total additional cost of $89,278.
- J.2. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Rescinding Resolution 2026-17 and Establishing Inspection Procedures for Multi-Unit Substandard Buildings Policy REPORT IN BRIEF California AB 548 requires cities to develop policies and procedures to meet specific requirements for inspecting buildings when a housing unit is found to be substandard or in violation of state housing laws. The attached Resolution rescinds the prior policy adopted on March 16, 2026, and allows for City Council to further consider additional language for this policy. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving Resolution 2026-18, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Rescinding Resolution No. 2026-17 and Establishing Inspection Procedures for Multi-Unit Substandard Buildings Policy; and, B. Adopting a policy for said inspection procedures; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
- J.3. SUBJECT: Adoption of an Urgency Ordinance Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on Street Closure Encroachment Permits Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65858 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers adopting an urgency ordinance establishing 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, while allowing limited administrative approvals under defined criteria. The moratorium will provide the City time to evaluate and implement a comprehensive regulatory framework governing street closures to ensure public safety, coordination, and consistency in application. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Adopting Ordinance 2590, An urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, establishing a temporary moratorium on street closures, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65858; and B. Directing staff to study and return with proposed amendments to the Merced Municipal Code to establish a comprehensive framework governing street closures, including distinctions between parades, community events, and other uses of the public right-of-way.
- J.4. SUBJECT: Consideration of Recommendation of Recreation and Parks Commission to Honor the Request to Name the Stage in Bob Hart Square Plaza, Merced Rotary Stage REPORT IN BRIEF Requesting Council’s consideration of the application for naming the Stage in Bob Hart Square Plaza, Merced Rotary Stage; accepting and appropriating a one-time contribution of $50,000. RECOMMENDATION Council- Adopt a motion: A. Requesting Council’s consideration of the proposed Facility naming application by Merced Rotary Club to name the Stage in Bob Hart Square Plaza to Merced Rotary Stage; and, B. Accepting a contribution of $50,000 from Merced Rotary Club, increase revenue in Fund 5000-Parks and Community Service CIP and appropriating the same to CP220073 Bob Hart Square Expansion for the betterment of the plaza.
- J.5. SUBJECT: Approval of a First Amendment to the Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement with University Vista Master Plan, LLC, Relating to the University Vista Annexation (Annexation #22-02) to Annex 290 Acres of Land Located at the Northwest Corner of Bellevue Road and Lake Road to the City of Merced, and Approval of a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Environmental Science Associates REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving amendments to the Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement with University Vista Master Plan, LLC, and the Professional Services Agreement with Environmental Science Associates to increase the amount of the contract for environmental services and to reimburse for City staff time to manage said contract. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving the First Amendment to the Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement with University Vista Master Plan, LLC, in the amount of $49,706, which includes the increase in contracted environmental services ($45,188) and management time by City staff ($4,518) for a total contracted amount of $990,748; and, B. Approving the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Environmental Science Associates to complete Environmental Services for University Vista Annexation (Annexation #22-02) in the amount of $45,188 for a total contract amount of $900,681; and, C. Approving an increase of revenue in the amount of $45,188 to Fund 3000-Development Services, Developer Capital Fees account and appropriating the same to Professional Services account for payment to Environmental Science Associates; and, D. Approving an increase in revenue in the amount of $4,518 to Fund 3000-Development Services, Cost Recovery account; and, E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
- J.6. SUBJECT: City of Merced Letter of Comment to the DRAFT 2026 Business Plan and Technical Supporting Document as Published by the California High-Speed Rail Authority REPORT IN BRIEF City staff prepared a Letter of Comment concerning High-Speed Rail’s DRAFT 2026 Business Plan including the Technical Supporting Document. Staff is seeking direction from the City Council if they desire to submit the Letter of Comment to the High-Speed Rail Authority. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving the Letter of Comment to the High-Speed Rail Authority’s DRAFT 2026 Business Plan including the Technical Supporting Document; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to send a Letter of Comment to the California High-Speed Rail Authority regarding the DRAFT 2026 Business Plan and Technical Supporting Document on behalf of the City Council of the City of Merced.
- J.7. SUBJECT: Approval of the City Council FY 2026/2027 Goals and Priorities, Including the Following Strategic Priority Areas: Public Safety and Quality of Life; Infrastructure and Transportation; Economic Development; Parks and Community Services; Fiscal Sustainability; and Governance and Engagement REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving the City Council FY 2026/2027 Goals and Priorities, including the following Strategic Priority Areas: Public Safety and Quality of Life; Infrastructure and Transportation; Economic Development; Parks and Community Services; Fiscal Sustainability; and Governance and Engagement. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion approving the City Council FY 2026/2027 Goals and Priorities, including the following Strategic Priority Areas: Public Safety and Quality of Life; Infrastructure and Transportation; Economic Development; Parks and Community Services; Fiscal Sustainability; and Governance and Engagement.
- K. REPORTS
- K.1. SUBJECT: Presentation and Discussion of Senate Bill 707 Teleconferencing Rule Changes to the Ralph M. Brown Act (“Brown Act”) REPORT IN BRIEF Staff will provide an overview of the legal changes to the teleconferencing rules contains in the Brown Act as a result of the passage of Senate Bill 707 in 2025 and their impact on the City. This is the second presentation on this topic, with the first presentation occurring at the April 6, 2026 Merced City Council Meeting. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Discuss and provide direction to staff for further implementation and planning purposes.
- L. BUSINESS
- L.1. 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. 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.
- M. ADJOURNMENT