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 — 41 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, Facebook Live, 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, Facebook Live 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, Facebook Live, 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 - EXISTING LITIGATION City of Merced v. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, et al. MSC Case No. 23CV 03845 Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
- C. CALL TO ORDER
- C.1. Invocation - Lamar Henderson, Human Services Agency All Dads Matter
- C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
- 13 Approval of the Consent Agenda
- 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. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
- G. PUBLIC COMMENT
- 19 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.
- H. CONSENT CALENDAR
- 21 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.
- H.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.
- H.2. SUBJECT: Information Only Contracts for the Month of December 2025 REPORT IN BRIEF Notification of awarded Non-Public Works contracts under $39,000 and of Public Works contracts under $87,278.
- H.3. SUBJECT: Introduction of Ordinance to Amend Section 15.32.080, “State Connection Regulations - Backflow Protection Apparatus (BPA)” of the Merced Municipal Code to Reflect the State of California Water Board’s Regulatory Replacement of Title 17 with the Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook REPORT IN BRIEF Introduction of Ordinance to amend Section 15.32.080, “State Connection Regulations - Backflow Protection Apparatus (BPA),” to comply with new regulations that require all water suppliers to follow the most recent version of the State of California Water Board’s Cross Connection Control Policy Handbook, the regulatory document used to create the City of Merced Water Division’s Cross Connection Control Plan. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion introducing Ordinance 2586, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, amending Section 15.32.080, “State Connection Regulations - Backflow Control Devices,” of the Merced Municipal Code.
- H.4. SUBJECT: Approval of the Transition of Public Meeting Livestreams from Facebook to YouTube REPORT IN BRIEF Approval of the transition of public meetings from Facebook to YouTube to ensure long term public access, improved accessibility features, and broader compatibility across devices, while continuing to utilize existing broadcast platforms. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion approving the transition of public meeting livestreams from Facebook to YouTube.
- H.5. SUBJECT: Transfer a Strip of Land Situated at 626 West Main Street (APN 031-134-025) to the City of Merced REPORT IN BRIEF Authorizes the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced to transfer its interest in 626 West Main Street to the City of Merced for future development project. RECOMMENDATION Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - Adopt a motion: A. Approving the transfer of real property situated at 626 West Main Street (APN 031-134-025) to the City of Merced; and, B. Authorizing the Executive Director or Designee to execute the necessary documents.
- H.6. SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced Approving a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for July 1, 2026, Through June 30, 2027 (ROPS 26-27) REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving and adopting a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, which is due to the Department of Finance by February 1, 2026. RECOMMENDATION Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency - Adopt a motion approving Resolution SA 2026-01, a Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Merced approving a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) including Administrative Budget for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
- H.7. SUBJECT: Approving Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority Joint Powers Agreement as Amended and Restated REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving a Joint Powers Agreement as Amended and Restated with the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (CSJVRMA) to coordinate for the purpose of pooling funds to provide coverage for indemnification and defense and to purchase excess insurance for certain civil claims involving general liability. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Adopting Resolution 2026-03, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Approving Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement of the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority. B. Authorizing the execution of Joint Powers Agreement as Amended and Restated with CSJVRMA to amend the Agreement dated July 1, 1994, and as amended July 1, 2025. C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
- H.8. SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution to Amend the Pay Ranges for the Temporary Classifications of Lifeguard I, Lifeguard II, Pool Manager, Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Leader, and Recreation Specialist. Effective January 1, 2026, to Comply with State of California Minimum Wage Requirements REPORT IN BRIEF Considers adopting a Resolution to authorize amendments to the Pay Ranges for the Temporary Classifications of Lifeguard I, Lifeguard II, Pool Manager, Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Leader, and Recreation Specialist effective January 1, 2026, to comply with State of California minimum wage requirements. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Adopting a Resolution 2026-02, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, amending the salary range for the temporary classifications of Lifeguard I, Lifeguard II, Pool Manager, Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Leader, and Recreation Specialist; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
- H.9. SUBJECT: Approval of Street Closure Request and Use of City Owned Real Estate by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Committee for the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community March and Celebration on January 19, 2026, West 24th Street from the West Entrance of the Amtrak Station to I Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Martin Luther King Jr Way from West 24th Street to West Main Street and the Use of a Portion of Parking Lot #14 Located at 1739 Martin Luther King Jr. Way REPORT IN BRIEF: Authorizes the use and closure of West 24th Street from the West entrance of the Amtrak Station to I Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Martin Luther King Jr. Way from West 24th Street to West Main Street and a portion of the City Parking Lot #14 located at 1739 Martin Luther King Jr. Way on Monday, January 19, 2026, to hold a march, parade and food preparation for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. RECOMMENDATION: City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Adopting a motion approving the street closures for the parade staging area and route: W 24th Street from the east side of the west entrance of Amtrak to “I” Street, Martin Luther King Jr Way from W 24th Street to W Main Street; and, City parking lot 14, only to include the two isles on the east side of parking lot; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents; and,
- H.10. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution to Accept the Grant Award of $112,026 from the California Department of Justice California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 Proposition 56 Grant for the Police Department to Conduct the Following Operations on Overtime Status: Shoulder Tap Enforcement Operations, Minor Decoy Enforcement Operations, Retail License Inspections, and Officer Education REPORT IN BRIEF Considers accepting grant funding from the California Department of Justice (CADOJ) offered to the Merced Police Department in the amount of $112,026 from the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 Proposition 56 Grant to conduct the following operations on overtime status: shoulder tap enforcement operations, minor decoy enforcement operations, retail license inspections, and officer education. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Adopting Resolution 2026-05, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, to accept the grant funds in the amount of $112,026 from the State of California Department of Justice, Office of Attorney General, Tobacco Law Enforcement Grant Program and approving the Memorandum of Understanding; and, B. Accepting FY2025 State of California Department of Justice grant funds in the amount of $112,026; and, C. Approving increase in revenue in the amount of $57,188 in Fund 1000-General Fund (Police Division) and appropriating the same for conducting the enforcement operations; and, D. Authorizing the use of pooled cash until grant funds are reimbursed; and, E. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the necessary documents.
- H.11. SUBJECT: Consideration of the First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 10.24 of the Merced Municipal Code to Prohibit Pedestrian Crossings Outside of Crosswalks and Repealing Existing Section 10.24.020. REPORT IN BRIEF The Ordinance proposes revisions to Chapter 10.24 of the Merced Municipal Code to expressly prohibit pedestrians crossing outside of crosswalks and repeal the City of Merced’s existing prohibition against standing in the roadway in accordance with California law. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Introducing and approving the first reading of Ordinance 2587, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending Chapter 10.24 of the Merced Municipal Code to prohibit pedestrian crossings outside of crosswalks and repeal the prohibition on standing in roadways; and, B. Set the Ordinance for a second reading and adoption.
- H.12. SUBJECT: Approval of the Finance Officer Employment Agreement Extension for a Term of Five Years and Certain Benefits and Terms of Condition of Employment REPORT IN BRIEF Considers the approval of the Finance Officer Employment Agreement for an additional term of five years with certain benefits and terms of condition of employment. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion approving the Finance Officer Employment Agreement for an additional term of five years with benefits and terms of conditions of employment.
- H.13. SUBJECT: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute All Documents Necessary to Effectuate the Sale of the Real Property located at 415 W. 18th Street, Merced, California, commonly known as the Merced Federal Building (“Property”) REPORT IN BRIEF Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to (1) allow the United States, acting through the General Services Administration, to exercise its reversionary interest in the property located at 415 W. 18th Street, Merced, California (APN 031-064-007), commonly known as the Merced Federal Building, and (2) facilitate the subsequent sale of the property to the Merced County Office of Education (“MCOE”). RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to allow the United States, acting through the General Services Administration, to exercise its reversionary interest in the property located at 415 W. 18th Street, Merced, California; and, B. Adopting Resolution 2026-04, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving the sale of the Merced Federal Building located at 415 w.18th street, Merced, California; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to allow for the closing of escrow for the sale of the Property to Merced County Office of Education.
- I. BUSINESS
- I.1. SUBJECT: Council Member Smith’s Request to Discuss Council Policy C-8 Regarding Council Subcommittee’s REPORT IN BRIEF Council Member Smith’s request to discuss a Council Policy he drafted regarding Council subcommittees. RECOMMENDATION Provide direction to staff on the next steps.
- I.2. SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Revision of the City Council Policy for Distribution of City Awards and Other Forms of Recognition from the City Council REPORT IN BRIEF Considers adopting a Resolution and the proposed revisions to the City Council Policy for Distribution of City Awards and Other Forms of Recognition from the City Council. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2026-01, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adopting City Council Policy C-2, Distribution of City Awards and Other Forms of Recognition from the City Council.
- I.3. 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.
- I.4. 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.
- J. ADJOURNMENT