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

October 6, 2025 ·6:00 PM Final

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

Agenda — 58 items

  1. 1 Closed Session at 5:00 PM / Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM
  2. 2 NOTICE TO PUBLIC/AVISO AL PÚBLICO/CEEB TOOM RAU PEJ XEEM
  3. 3 WELCOME TO THE MEETING OF THE MERCED CITY COUNCIL/BIENVENIDO A LA REUNIÓN DEL CONCILIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MERCED/ZOO SIAB TXAIS TOS KOJ TUAJ RAU HAUV CITY COUNCIL LUB ROOJ SAB LAJ
  4. 4 At least 72 hours prior to each regular City Council meeting, a complete agenda packet is available for review on the City’s website at www.cityofmerced.gov or at the City Clerk’s Office, 678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340. All public records relating to an open session item that are distributed to a majority of the Council will be available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. Spanish and Hmong translation is available at every regular meeting. Assisted hearing devices are available for meetings held in the Council Chamber. Al menos 72 horas antes de cada reunión regular del Concejo Municipal, un paquete de agenda complete está disponible para su revisión en el sitio web de la Ciudad en www.cityofmerced.gov o en la Oficina del Secretario de la Ciudad, 678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340. Todos los registros públicos relacionados con un artículo de sesión abierta que se distribuyen a la mayoría del Concejo estarán disponibles para inspección pública en la Oficina del Secretario de la Ciudad durante el horario comercial habitual. La traducción al español y al Hmong está disponible en todas la reuniones regulares. Los dispositivos auditivos asistidos están disponibles para las reuniones que se celebran en el Salón del Consejo. Sai kawg yuav tsum yog li 72 teev ua ntej rau txhua lub rooj sib tham ntawm cov Nom Tswv (City Council), yeej muaj tag nrho pob ntawv qhia txog tias rau cov neeg los nyeem hauv lub Nroog (City) qhov website www.cityofmerced.gov los sis nyob rau ntawm City Clerk’s lub Office, 678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340. Tas nrho cov ntaub ntawv teev tseg no yuav muab rau cov Nom Tswv ntawm kev sab laj pub rau tsoom pej xeem sawv daws los nyeem nyob rau hauv City Clerk’s lub Office thaum lub caij ua hauj lwm. Muaj txhais lus Mev thiab lus Hmoob. Cov cuab yeej pab kom hnov lus muaj nyob rau ntawm cov Nom Tswv qhov chaw sib tham Council Chamber
  5. 5 PUBLIC COMMENT: OBTAIN SPEAKER CARD FROM THE CITY CLERK/COMENTARIO DEL PÚBLICO / KEV HLOOV RAU TEJ PEJ XEEM TXOG KEV TAWM SUAB, NCAUS LUS:
  6. 6 Members of the audience who wish to address the City Council are requested to complete a speaker card available at the podium in the back of the Council Chamber. Please submit the completed card to the City Clerk before the item is called, preferably before the meeting begins. Material may be emailed to cityclerk@cityofmerced.gov no later than 1 PM on the day of the meeting. Please specify which portion of the agenda you are commenting on, for example, Public Hearing item #, Consent item #, or Public Comments. Material received before the deadline will be sent to the City Council and will be part of the record and will be mentioned as part of the Written Petitions and Communications portion of the agenda. Any emails received by the 1PM deadline will be posted on the City's website at www.cityofmerced.gov/ government/city-council/council-meetings. Any correspondence received after the 1PM deadline will be distributed to the City Council and retained for the official record. To view video (if available) or listen to the City Council meeting live, go to the City’s website www.cityofmerced.gov, 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.
  7. A. CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
  8. B. CLOSED SESSION
  9. 9 The legislative body shall provide the public with an opportunity to address the body on any item described in Closed Session [Government Code Section 54954.3(a)].
  10. B.1. SUBJECT: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS -- Agency Designated Representative(s): City Manager Scott McBride, Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero, Finance Officer Venus Rodriguez, Human Resources Manager Suzanne Fierro, LCW Legal Representative Gage Dungey; Employee Organizations: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 57 and Merced Association of City Employees (MACE). AUTHORITY: Government Code Section 54957.6 25-877
  11. B.2. 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) 25-904
  12. B.3. SUBJECT: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION - Title: Finance Officer; Authority: Government Code Section 54957 25-905
  13. C. CALL TO ORDER
  14. C.1. Invocation - Bruce Metcalf, Rescue Mission
  15. C.2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
  16. D. ROLL CALL ▶ jump to 3:03
  17. 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.
  18. E. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION ▶ jump to 4:54
  19. F. CEREMONIAL MATTERS
  20. 19 Approval of the Consent Agenda approved the Consent Agenda Pass
  21. F.1. SUBJECT: Proclamation - Hispanic Heritage Month REPORT IN BRIEF Received by a representative of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 25-858 ▶ jump to 4:59
  22. G. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
  23. G.1. SUBJECT: Presentation on Young Legislators Program 2025 REPORT IN BRIEF Presented by Joyce Dale from State Senator Ana Caballero’s Office. 25-880 ▶ jump to 9:52
  24. H. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS ▶ jump to 18:37
  25. I. PUBLIC COMMENT ▶ jump to 19:04
  26. 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.
  27. J. CONSENT CALENDAR ▶ jump to 46:42
  28. 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.
  29. 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. 25-769 approved Pass
  30. J.2. SUBJECT: Information Only Contracts for the Month of September 2025 REPORT IN BRIEF Notification of awarded Non-Public Works contracts under $39,000 and of Public Works contracts under $87,278. 25-869 approved Pass
  31. J.3. SUBJECT: Information Only - Traffic Committee Minutes of July 8, 2025 RECOMMENDATION For information only. 25-865 approved Pass ▶ jump to 52:41
  32. J.4. SUBJECT: Approval of City Council/Public Financing and Economic Development/Parking Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2025 and May 5, 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 April 21, 2025 and May 5, 2025. 25-881 approved Pass
  33. J.5. SUBJECT: Approval of First Amendments to Professional Services Agreements with Interwest Consulting Group Inc., CSG Consultants Inc., and Bureau Veritas North American Inc. to Extend the Term of the Agreement to October 16, 2026 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving First Amendments to the Professional Services Agreements with Interwest Consulting Group Inc., CSG Consultants Inc., and Bureau Veritas North American Inc. to extend the term of the agreement to October 16, 2026. RECOMMENDATION City Council- Adopt a motion: A. Approving the First Amendment to Contract for Professional Services with Interwest Consulting Group Inc., to extend the term for services to October 16, 2026; and, B. Approving the First Amendment to Contract for Professional Services with CSG Consultants Inc., to extend the term for services to October 16, 2026; and, C. Approving the First Amendment to Contract for Professional Services with Bureau Veritas North American Inc., to extend the term for services to October 16, 2026; and, D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the above agreements. 25-751 approved Pass ▶ jump to 48:53
  34. J.6. SUBJECT: Selection of Eligible Roadway and Safety Projects and Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to File the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) Exchange Fund Claim in the Amount of $1,318,873 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers selecting the McKee Road Rehab Project (CP260036) as Eligible Projects and authorizes staff to complete the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) Claim Form in the total amount of $1,318,873 for submittal to Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG). RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Selecting the McKee Road Rehab Project (CP260036) as the Eligible Project; and, B. Directing Staff to complete the 2024-2025 RSTP Claim Form by listing the selected projects and corresponding project costs; and, C. Adopting Resolution 2025-58, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing the City Manager to file the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) Exchange Funds claim for fiscal year 2024-2025; and, D. Authorizing Finance Officer to make the necessary budget amendment to reconcile the RSTP estimated budget amount to match the actual claim amount; and, E. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents. 25-795 approved Pass ▶ jump to 57:29
  35. J.7. SUBJECT: Approval of City-Owned Real Property Use #25-0007 by Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) to Use the First Floor of the Civic Center to Host a Reception for the California Transportation Commission, to Include Serving of Alcohol (Beer and Wine Only), on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4:00 pm., to 8:00 p.m. REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving the use of the First Floor of the Civic Center for Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) to Host a Reception for the California Transportation Commission, to include serving of alcohol (beer and wine only) on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4:00 p.m., to 8:00 p.m. (this is to include set-up and clean-up). RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion A. Approving the use of the first floor of the Merced Civic Center by MCAG to host the California Transportation Commission on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.; allowing the serving of alcohol; subject to the conditions outlined in the administrative report; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to ensure compliance with the approved conditions. 25-861 approved Pass
  36. J.8. SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution to Implement a Grant Policy as Part of the City’s Administrative Policies and Procedures REPORT IN BRIEF Considers the adoption of a Resolution to implement a Grant Policy for the City of Merced. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion approving Resolution 2025-59, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adopting the Grant Policy. 25-834 approved Pass ▶ jump to 61:26
  37. J.9. SUBJECT: Approval of Contract Renewal for Subscription Services not to Exceed 5 Years for an Online Citizen Reporting System Through LexisNexis for an Amount Not to Exceed $86,291.50 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving the renewal of the LexisNexis software subscription, which enables community members to file certain police reports online. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving a Software Subscription Agreement with LexisNexis; and, B. Approving Law Enforcement Agreement with LexisNexis; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute necessary documents. 25-855 approved Pass
  38. J.10. SUBJECT: Approval to Purchase Accessible Pedestrian Signal Components (Push Buttons at Schools), for a Total Cost not to Exceed $106,310.32, for Measure V Funded Project CP250040 and Approval to Purchase School Flashing Beacons for a Total Cost not to Exceed $132,703.67, for Measure V Funded Project CP260037 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirements pursuant to Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 and approving the purchase of Accessible Pedestrian Signal components to upgrade 15 traffic signals near schools as well as replace 26 school flashing beacons. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code Section 3.04.210 in order to standardize equipment; and, B. Approving the purchase of accessible pedestrian signal components for the not to exceed amount of $106,310.32 from Jam Services, Inc.; and, C. Approving the purchase of school flashing beacons for the not to exceed amount of $132,703.67 from Jam Services, Inc.; and, D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents, the City Buyer to issue the Purchase Order, and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price. 25-815 approved Pass ▶ jump to 76:50
  39. J.11. SUBJECT: Approval Purchase One (1) New Kubota Skid Steer Loader, Compact Construction Equipment, Model SSV75HFRC, and Necessary Attachment Equipment from Garton Tractor, Inc., in the Amount of $72,003.89 as a Vehicle Replacement for E-1199 for the Water Division REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving the purchase of one Kubota Skid Steer Loader, Model SSV75HFRC, in the amount of $72,003.89 utilizing the cost savings government procurement program (Sourcewell). The purchase of the new vehicle will replace aging equipment that will improve reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and increase efficiency in daily operations. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210 and authorizing the purchase to be made with a cooperative purchase agreement through Sourcewell, a government procurement program; and, B. Approving the purchase of one Kubota Skid Steer Loader, Model SSV75HFRC, in the amount of $72,003.89 from Garton Tractor, through Sourcewell Kubota contract # 112624-KBA; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents for the purchase specified above; and, D. Authorizing the issuance of the Purchase Order and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price. 25-846 approved Pass ▶ jump to 52:04
  40. J.12. SUBJECT: Approval to Purchase One (1) New Curbtender Quantum 8YD Refuse Truck, and Necessary Attachment Equipment, From Rush Truck Centers, in the Amount of $186,210.75 for the Refuse Department as an Addition for the Refuse Department REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving the purchase of one 2026 Curbtender Quantum 8YD Refuse Rear Loader body in the amount of $186,210.75 utilizing the cost savings government procurement program (Sourcewell). The purchase of the new vehicle will increase collection efficiency, improve reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and increase efficiency in daily operations. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210 and authorizing the purchase to be made with a cooperative purchase agreement through Sourcewell, a government procurement program; and, B. Approving the purchase of one 2026 Curbtender Quantum 8YD Refuse Rear Loader body in the amount of $186,210.75 from Rush Truck Centers, through Sourcewell contract # 032824-RTG; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents for the purchase specified above; and, D. Authorizing the issuance of the Purchase Order, and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price. 25-847 approved Pass
  41. J.13. SUBJECT: Approval to Purchase Two (2) New Side Loader Refuse Trucks, and Necessary Attachment Equipment, From Interstate Truck Center - Valley Peterbilt, in the Total Amount of $877,105.01 for the Refuse Department to Replace Vehicles E-1400 & E-1362 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving the purchase of two 2026 Peterbilt 520 truck with NewWay Sidewinder Side Loader body in the amount of $877,105.01 utilizing the cost savings government procurement program (Sourcewell). The purchase of the new vehicles will replace aging equipment that will improve reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and increase efficiency in daily operations. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210 and authorizing the purchase to be made with a cooperative purchase agreement through Sourcewell, a government procurement program; and, B. Approving the purchase of two 2026 Peterbilt 520 truck with NewWay Sidewinder Side Loader body in the amount of $877,105.01 from Interstate Truck Center - Valley Peterbilt, through Sourcewell contract # 032824-PMC; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents for the purchase specified above; and, D. Authorizing the issuance of the Purchase Order, and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price. 25-848 approved Pass
  42. J.14. SUBJECT: Approval to Purchase One (1) New Front Loader Refuse Truck, and Necessary Attachment Equipment, From Interstate Truck Center - Valley Peterbilt, in the Amount of $384,392.95 for the Refuse Department to Replace Vehicle E-1401 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving the purchase of one 2026 Peterbilt 520 truck with NewWay Mammoth Front End Loader body in the amount of $384,392.95 utilizing the cost savings government procurement program (Sourcewell). The purchase of the new vehicle will replace aging equipment that will improve reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and increase efficiency in daily operations. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Waiving the City’s competitive bidding requirement as permitted by Merced Municipal Code section 3.04.210 and authorizing the purchase to be made with a cooperative purchase agreement through Sourcewell, a government procurement program; and, B. Approving the purchase of one 2026 Peterbilt 520 truck with NewWay Mammoth Front End Loader body in the amount of $384,392.95 from Interstate Truck Center - Valley Peterbilt, through Sourcewell contract # 032824-PMC; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents for the purchase specified above; and, D. Authorizing the issuance of the Purchase Order, and approval of change orders not to exceed 10% of the total purchase price. 25-849 approved Pass
  43. J.15. SUBJECT: Authorization to Accept $95,000 in Grant Funds from the California Office of Traffic Safety to Conduct DUI Checkpoints, DUI Saturation Patrols, Traffic Safety Enforcement, Distracted Driving Enforcement, Motorcycle Enforcement, Pedestrian/Bicycle Enforcement, Street Racing Enforcement, and Educational Presentations, Along with Funds for Attending Training and Funds for Checkpoint Supplies as Part of the California Office of Traffic Safety Traffic Enforcement Program Grant REPORT IN BRIEF Considers accepting grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety offered to the Merced Police Department in the amount of $95,000 from the Traffic Enforcement Program Grant to conduct DUI Checkpoints, DUI Saturation Patrols, Traffic Safety Enforcement, Distracted Driving Enforcement, Motorcycle Enforcement, Pedestrian/Bicycle Enforcement, Street Racing and Sideshow Enforcement, Educational Presentations; and, to purchase checkpoint supplies, and to attend training related to alcohol enforcement. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Accepting the California Office of Traffic Safety Traffic Enforcement Program Grant in the amount of $95,000; and, B. Approving the use of pooled cash until grant funds are reimbursed; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the OTS Grant Award and other necessary documents. 25-578 approved Pass ▶ jump to 82:27
  44. K. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  45. 44 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.
  46. K.1. SUBJECT: Public Hearing - General Plan Amendment #24-03, Zone Change #435, Establishment of Residential Planned Development (RP-D) #83, and Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map #1333, Initiated by Lennar Homes of California, on Behalf of Merced Gateway, LLC, Property Owners. The Subject Site is Located at 3345, 3351, and 3610 E. Gerard Avenue, at the Southwest Corner of Campus Parkway and E. Gerard Avenue. The General Plan Amendment Would Change the General Plan Land Use Designation for Approximately 73.7 Acres from Manufacturing/Industrial (IND) and Business Park (BP) to Approximately 40.25 Acres of Low-Medium Residential (LMD), Approximately 22.65 Acres of High-Medium Density Residential (HMD), and Approximately 9 Acres to Remain Business Park (BP). The Zone Change Would Allow the Establishment of Residential Planned Development (RP-D) #83 to Change the Land Use from Business Park to “Residential” and Establish Development Standards for this Development. The Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map Would Subdivide Approximately 73.7 Acres to into Approximately 570 Residential Lots, Two Open Space/Park Areas Totaling Approximately 3 Acres, and Two Lots Designated Business Park (B-P) Totaling Approximately 9-Acres for Future Development REPORT IN BRIEF Considers General Plan Amendment #24-03 to amend the General Plan Land Use Designation from Business Park (BP) and Manufacturing/Industrial (IND) to Business Park (BP), Low-Medium Residential (LMD), High-Medium Residential (HMD) and consider Zone Change #435 to allow the Establish Residential Planned Development (RP-D) #83. Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map (VSTM) #1333 would allow the development of 570 residential lots and about 9 acres of commercial/business park uses. Council would also consider the Environmental Review and Legislative Action Agreement for approximately 73.7 acres located at 3345, 3351, and 3610 E. Gerard Avenue, at the southwest corner of Campus Parkway and E. Gerard Avenue. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Adopting Resolution 2025-60, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, #24-30 (Mitigated Negative Declaration) for General Plan Amendment #24-03 for approximately 61.7 acres of land generally located on the southwest corner of East Gerard Avenue and Campus Parkway, and approving General Plan Amendment #24-03 for the same property changing the General Plan designation from Business Park (BP) and Manufacturing/Industrial (IND) to Business Park (BP), Low Medium Density Residential (LMD), High-Medium Density (HMD); and, B. Introducing Ordinance 2581, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving Zone Change #435 and Establishment Residential Planned Development (RP-D) #83, changing the land use designation from Business Park to Residential for 61.7 acres for an approximate 73.7 acre-parcel generally located on the southwest corner of East Gerard Avenue and Campus Parkway; and, C. Approving the Legislative Action Agreement and authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents. 25-842 approved Pass ▶ jump to 83:39
  47. L. ACTION ITEMS
  48. L.1. SUBJECT: Approval of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Between the City of Merced Police Department and the University of California Merced Police Department REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving a MOA between the City of Merced Police Department and the University of California Merced Police Department. This is a no cost agreement that outlines operational responsibilities between the two departments. RECOMMENDATION City Council – Adopt a motion: A. Approving of a Memorandum of Agreement with the City of Merced Police Department and the University of California Merced Police Department; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents. 25-843 approved Pass ▶ jump to 109:46
  49. L.2. SUBJECT: Approving an Amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the City of Merced and the Merced Union High School District and Rescinding Prior Council Action Approving the Previous Memorandum of Understanding, for Fiscal Years 2025-2028 REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving new terms and rescinding previously approved 3-year MOU between the City of Merced and the Merced Union High School District. The Merced Union High School District has requested a change in the language regarding the purchase of a new police vehicle to a vehicle use fee. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving an amended Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Merced and the Merced Union High School District, and rescinding prior Council action approving the previous Memorandum of Understanding, for Fiscal Years 2025-2028; and, B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents. 25-874 approved Pass ▶ jump to 112:11
  50. L.3. SUBJECT: Approval of a Contract with California Public Policy Group (CPPG) for Legislative Advocacy, Consulting, and Grant Seeking and Writing Services REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving a one-year contract with California Public Policy Group for legislative advocacy, consulting, and grant seeking and writing services, with the option to extend for up to two one-year terms for a total contract term of three years. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving a contract for legislative advocacy, consulting, and grant writing services with California Public Policy Group through September 30, 2026, in an annual amount not to exceed $119,000.00, with an option to extend for up to two one-year terms for a total contract term of three years; and B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents. 25-860 approved Pass ▶ jump to 114:25
  51. L.4. SUBJECT: Land Use Determination #25-02 - Finding of Public Convenience or Necessity for Vallarta Supermarket for Alcohol Sales for Off-Site Consumption at 851 West Olive Avenue REPORT IN BRIEF This report provides options for the City Council to consider making a Finding of Public Convenience or Necessity (PCN), as required by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to issue a Type 21 alcohol license (allowing the sale of beer, wine, and spirits for off-site consumption) for a new grocery store located at 851 West Olive Avenue. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion approving the Finding of Public Convenience or Necessity to allow Vallarta Supermarket, located at 851 West Olive Avenue to obtain a Type 21 license for off-site consumption allowing the sale of beer, wine, and spirits (Option #1 as shown in the “Council Action” section of this Administrative Report). 25-879 approved Pass ▶ jump to 147:03
  52. M. BUSINESS
  53. M.1. SUBJECT: Consider Individual City Council Member’s Request that the City Display Commemorative Flags at Bob Hart Square per Council Policy C-7 for the 2026 Calendar Year REPORT IN BRIEF Council Members to request commemorative flags to be flown at Bob Hart Square for the 2026 Calendar Year RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion A. Adding commemorative flag requests from City Council to the 2026 calendar year; and, B. Adding this item back to the October 20th City Council Meeting to approve a Resolution per the City Council Policy C-7. 25-876 approved Pass ▶ jump to 166:04
  54. M.2. SUBJECT: Council Member Harris’ Request to Discuss Changes to the Traffic Committee from a Committee to a Potential Council Appointed Commission with Monthly Meetings REPORT IN BRIEF Council Member Harris requested a discussion on a potentially changing the Traffic Committee to be a Council appointed Commission with monthly meetings. RECOMMENDATION Provide direction to staff on next steps. 25-867 ▶ jump to 179:33
  55. M.3. SUBJECT: Designation of A Voting Delegate for the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference Annual Business Meeting, October 8th - 10th, 2025, Long Beach, CA REPORT IN BRIEF Designate District Three City Council Representative Mike Harris as the City’s Voting Delegate for the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference Annual Business Meeting, October 8 - 10, 2025, Long Beach, CA. RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Designating District Three City Council Representative Mike Harris as the City’s Voting Delegate for the October 8 through 10, 2025, League of California Cities Annual Conference Business Meeting; and B. Authorizing staff to submit the Voting Delegate designation form to the League of California Cities prior to the conference. 25-875 approved Pass ▶ jump to 203:09
  56. M.4. 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. 25-777 ▶ jump to 204:02
  57. M.5. 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. 25-781 ▶ jump to 204:20
  58. N. ADJOURNMENT adjourned Pass