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

March 16, 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 — 47 items

  1. 1 Closed Session at 5:30 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 ▶ jump to 0:15
  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 LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Borba, et al. v. County of Merced, et al. MSC Case No. 23CV-04368 Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) 26-226
  11. C. CALL TO ORDER ▶ jump to 28:28
  12. C.1. Invocation - Pastor Ceasar Johnson, Christian Life Center Merced
  13. C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
  14. D. ROLL CALL ▶ jump to 31:13
  15. 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.
  16. E. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
  17. 16 Approval of the Consent Agenda approved the Consent Agenda Pass
  18. F. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
  19. F.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Gateway Quilters’ Guild REPORT IN BRIEF Received by a representative from the Gateway Quilters’ Guild. 26-214 ▶ jump to 33:33
  20. G. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS ▶ jump to 42:04
  21. H. PUBLIC COMMENT ▶ jump to 42:20
  22. 21 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.
  23. I. CONSENT CALENDAR ▶ jump to 61:22
  24. 23 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.
  25. 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. 26-169 approved Pass
  26. I.2. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of December 15, 2025 and December 16, 2025 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 December 15, 2025 and December 16, 2025. 26-230 approved Pass
  27. I.3. SUBJECT: Award Bid to St. Francis Electric, LLC. for the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Grant (CMAQ) (059) Merced Traffic Signal Synchronization Project Number CP220066, in the Amount of $1,386,770 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers awarding a Construction Contract to St. Francis Electric, LLC. in the amount of $1,386,770 for the CMAQ (059) Merced Traffic Signal Synchronization Project. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Awarding the CMAQ Merced Traffic Signal Synchronization Project CP220066 to St. Francis Electric, LLC, in the amount of $1,386,770; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents and to approve change orders not to exceed 15% of the total contract. 26-181 approved Pass ▶ jump to 62:23
  28. I.4. SUBJECT: Acceptance of the 2025 General Plan Annual Report Summarizing the Status of the Merced Vision 2030 General Plan and the Steps Taken to Implement the General Plan Policies and Implementation Actions and Acceptance of the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report Summarizing the City’s Progress in Meeting the City’s Share of Regional Housing Needs and the Goals and Policies of the Housing Element Including Number of Entitlements, Permits, and Certificates of Occupancy for All Housing Types REPORT IN BRIEF Considers accepting the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report and the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and allows the public an opportunity to provide oral testimony and written comments regarding the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report for information only. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion accepting the 2025 General Plan Annual Report and the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report for information only. 26-204 approved Pass ▶ jump to 66:05
  29. I.5. SUBJECT: Authorize the City Manager to Execute a One-Year Agreement with Smarsh Inc., with the Option to Renew for Up to Two (2) Additional One-Year Terms, for a Total Potential Term of Three (3) Years and a Total not-to-Exceed Amount of $166,119 for Text Message and Social Media Archiving REPORT IN BRIEF Approve award of RFP to Smarsh Inc. for text message and social media archiving services and authorize execution of a one (1) year agreement, with the option to renew for up to two (2) additional one-year renewals, for a total potential term of three (3) years and a total not-to-exceed amount of $166,119. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Awarding the RFP to Smarsh Inc., for text message and social media archiving; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement with Smarsh Inc., with the option to renew for up to two (2) additional one-year terms for a total term not to exceed three (3) years, in an amount not to exceed $151,017, with additional expenditure authority of up to $15,102 (10%) for contingency, for a total authorized amount not to exceed $166,119, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; and, C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make any necessary transfer and appropriation for funds to be used explicitly for the expenditures of additional quantities, subscriptions, and services during the initial one-year term and potential two (2) additional year terms. 26-215 approved Pass
  30. I.6. SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Police Department to Apply for Grant Funds from the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District’s Public Benefits Grant to Partially Fund the Purchase of Replacement Vehicles for the Police Department and Purchasing Department, Accepting Grant Funding if Awarded, Waiving the Competitive Bid Process, and Approval to Purchase up to (5) Vehicles and Outfit (3) Vehicles with Police Lighting and Emergency Equipment REPORT IN BRIEF Considers adopting a resolution authorizing the Police Department to apply for grant funding from the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District’s Public Benefits Grant program to partially fund the purchase of new vehicles for the Police Department and Purchasing Department, accepting grant funding if awarded, waiving the competitive bid process, and approval to purchase up to (5) vehicles and outfit (3) of the vehicles with police lighting and emergency equipment. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Adopting Resolution 2026-15, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, to Apply for Grant Funding and Accept Grant Funding, If Awarded, from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Public Benefits Grants Program; and, If Awarded: B. Accepting up to $100,000 from the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District to replace Vehicles P-1305 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (detective vehicle), P-1306 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (detective vehicle), P-1308 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (detective vehicle), P-1309 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (detective vehicle), E-876 Chevrolet Venture (transport and delivery vehicle); and, C. Approving to increase revenue in the General fund up to $100,000 and appropriating the same; and, D. Approving to use pooled cash until grant reimbursement is received; and, E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District Grant Award and other necessary documents if approved as to form by the City Attorney; and, F. Approving to waive the competitive bidding process per MMC 3.4.210, to purchase (4) replacement vehicles from Razzari Ford in the amount of $133,899.94, (1) replacement vehicle from Tesla in the amount of $45,749.29 and to outfit (3) of the vehicles with police lighting and emergency equipment in the amount of $5,532.81; and, G. Allowing the Purchasing Supervisor to issue the purchase orders. 26-139 approved Pass ▶ jump to 71:57
  31. J. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  32. 31 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.
  33. J.1. SUBJECT: First Public Hearing - Introduction and Preliminary Review of Project Funding Scoring Results and Expenditure Recommendations for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Funds for Fiscal Year 2026/27, to be Included in the Draft U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Program Year 2026 Annual Action Plan; and, Receipt of Public Comment During a Public Hearing REPORT IN BRIEF Introduces project funding request applications received for the upcoming 2026 Annual Action Plan program year and results of project scoring; Introduces the preliminary estimated budget for the 2026 Program Year; Provides a brief update for the 2026 CDBG and HOME annual allocation announcement; Informs the Public and Council about upcoming public comment opportunities; and, provides a Public Hearing to receive Public Comment regarding all information provided. RECOMMENDATION City Council - A. Conduct a Public Hearing to receive public comment that will be considered for inclusion in the final draft of the 2026 Annual Action Plan; and, B. Review, discuss, and provide Council comment along with requested direction on the preliminary CDBG and HOME 2026 Annual Action Plan budgets, project funding applications and scoring, funding recommendations and prioritization of public service projects in consideration of the 15% public services cap, and direction regarding Contingency Plan adjustments after HUD’s allocation announcement, for inclusion in the upcoming final draft of the 2026 Annual Action Plan. 26-211 ▶ jump to 73:36
  34. K. ACTION ITEMS
  35. K.1. SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Police Department to Apply for Grant Funds from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Alcohol Policing Partnership Program Grant REPORT IN BRIEF Considers adopting a resolution authorizing the Police Department to apply for grant funding from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Alcohol Policing Partnership Program Grant. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Adopting Resolution 2026-16, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California to apply for grant funding and accept grant funding if awarded, from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Alcohol Policing Partnership Program; and, If Awarded, B. Authorizing the acceptance of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Alcohol Policing Partnership Program Grant not to exceed $100,000; and, C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make any necessary budget adjustments; and D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed; and E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Grant Award Agreement and any other necessary documents. 26-205 approved Pass ▶ jump to 108:08
  36. K.2. SUBJECT: Approval of a Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $5,549 From the Unreserved, Unencumbered Balance of Fund 8503-Asset Forfeiture, Transferring to the General Fund and Appropriating the Same to the Police Department for the Purchase of TLK100 Wave Two-Way Radios REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving a supplemental appropriation of funds from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in Fund 8503-Asset Forfeiture in the amount of $5,549, transferring to the General Fund and appropriating the same to the Merced Police Department to purchase TLK100 Wave Two-Way Radios. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion approving a supplemental appropriation from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in Fund 8503-Asset Forfeiture in the amount of $5,549, transferring to the General Fund and appropriating the same to the Police Department for the purchase of TLK100 Wave Two-Way Radios. 26-202 approved Pass ▶ jump to 111:53
  37. 35 SUBJECT: Request to Adopt Inspection Procedure Policy for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 179970.7 REPORT IN BRIEF During the 2023 legislative session, Assembly Bill 548 (“AB 548”) was enacted. 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 city’s building official, or code enforcement officer, or building inspector determines the substandard conditions could reasonably affect other units. This Resolution adopts a policy for the City of Merced that conforms with AB 548 and California’ Health and Safety Code Section 179970.7, thereby ensuring compliance with state law. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion approving Resolution 2026-17, a Resolution of the City of Merced, California, Establishing Inspection Procedures for Multi-Unit Substandard Buildings Policy. 26-221 approved Pass ▶ jump to 117:05
  38. K.4. SUBJECT: Approval of a First Amendment to the Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement with UC Village, LLC, Relating to the Annexation of Approximately 37.2 Acres of Land at the Southwest Corner of Bellevue and Lake Roads Called the UC Villages Annexation Project to the City of Merced and Approval of a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with De Novo Planning Group REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving amendments to the Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement with UC Village, LLC, and the Professional Services Agreement with De Novo Planning Group 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 UC Village, LLC, in the amount of $12,100, which includes the increase in contracted environmental services ($11,000) and management time by City staff (1,100); and, B. Approving the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with De Novo Planning Group in the amount of $11,000; and, C. Approving an increase of revenue in the amount of $11,000 to Fund 3000-Development Services, Developer Capital Fees account and appropriating the same to Fund 3000-Development Services, Professional Services account for payment to De Novo Planning Group; and, D. Approving an increase in revenue in the amount of $1,100 to Fund 3000-Development Services, Cost Recovery account; and, E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreements. 26-212 approved Pass ▶ jump to 148:42
  39. L. REPORTS
  40. L.1. SUBJECT: Report on 2027 Congressionally Directed Spending (Earmark Funding) Request Submissions REPORT IN BRIEF Report on 2027 Congressionally Directed Spending (Earmark Funding) Request submissions. RECOMMENDATION For Information Only. 26-219 ▶ jump to 151:27
  41. L.2. SUBJECT: Housing Successor Agency Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25 REPORT IN BRIEF Annual Report summarizing Housing Successor activity for the City of Merced (“City”) in Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2024-25 per Senate Bill (“SB”) 341 (DeSaulnier 2013-14), which requires the City to prepare an annual report on the City’s compliance with housing successor requirements imposed by Health and Safety Code (“HSC”) Section 34176.1(f). RECOMMENDATION City Council - Receive and file the Housing Successor Agency Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25. 26-096 ▶ jump to 154:49
  42. L.3. SUBJECT: Presentation and Discussion of Proposed Repeat Housing Code Violators Program Ordinance Adding a New Chapter 8.53 to the Merced Municipal Code REPORT IN BRIEF Staff is requesting the City to consider creating a Repeat Housing Code Violators Program to establish standards and procedures to penalize rental property owners who demonstrate a pattern of neglect, unresolved violations and unsafe conditions for tenants to maintain appropriate rental housing supply standards within the City of Merced. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Provide comments and suggestions to staff on the next steps. 26-222 ▶ jump to 169:07
  43. M. BUSINESS
  44. M.1. SUBJECT: Appointments to the Citizens’ Stipend Setting Commission with 6 Members to be Appointed by District and 1 Member to be Appointed At-Large REPORT IN BRIEF Considers the appointment of individuals to the Citizens’ Stipend Setting Commission. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion accepting nominations and appointing one individual to each of the six City Council Districts and one individual to be appointed at-large to the Citizens’ Stipend Setting Commission. 26-213 ▶ jump to 235:54
  45. 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. 26-167 ▶ jump to 243:33
  46. 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. 26-168 ▶ jump to 248:52
  47. N. ADJOURNMENT