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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Merced City Council Meeting June 16, 2025: Budget Adoption and Public Hearings

City Council & Commissions — Monday, June 16, 2025

BodyMerced, California

SessionCity Council & Commissions

DateMonday, June 16, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 4:00:22

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:10

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

0:12

Welcome, welcome to the June 16th, 2025 meeting of the Merced City Council.

0:17

We're gonna be again with an invocation from Pastor Joel Dorman, Summit Church of Merced, and then after that, Pastor Dorman, if you could also be so kind to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:25

Pastor Dorman.

0:27

Would you stand and let's pray?

0:36

Our Father, we thank you for the beautiful day that you have made.

0:53

We thank you for our country and the ability and the freedom that we have to even protest and to yell at the top of our lungs that which we disagree with.

1:02

We thank you for that.

1:02

That's a privilege so many in our world do not have.

2:01

Thank you, Pastor Dorman.

2:04

Jennifer.

2:04

Okay, Jen Item D, roll call.

2:06

Councilmember DuPont.

2:07

Present.

2:08

DeAndra?

2:09

Harris?

2:10

Present.

2:11

Smith.

2:11

Present.

2:12

Jean?

2:12

Here.

2:13

Mayor Pro Tim Boyle?

2:14

Present.

2:15

And Mayor Serrado.

2:16

Here.

2:16

Mayor, I'd like to remind the audience that if they wish to address the City Council, they must submit a green request of speak form located at the podium in the back of the chamber.

2:24

Additionally, citizens can submit public comment to the City Council electronically no later than one p.m.

2:29

on the day of the meeting.

2:30

Comments 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.

2:38

And they will also be posted on the city's website.

2:41

Material may be emailed to City Clerk at City of Merced.org and any correspondence received after 1 p.m.

2:47

will be distributed to the city council and retained for the official record.

2:50

Also for those audience members who wish to hear the council meeting translated into Spanish Ramong, please let our interpreters know.

2:58

Good evening.

3:17

In accordance with government code 54952.

3:36

And the mayor receives an additional 100 each month as part of the adopted budget and resolution 2024-78.

3:42

The public financing and economic development authority, parking authority, and successor agency to the redevelopment agency receive no compensation.

3:50

Agenda item E report out of closed session.

3:52

There is no report out of closed session.

3:54

Agenda item F, ceremonial matters.

3:56

F1, certificate of recognition for the Merced United 2012 girls for competing and winning first place in their U-13 division in the Nor Cal State Cup.

4:06

Thank you, Jennifer.

4:13

All right, everybody, we're going to bring down the uh NorCal State Cup under 13 champions.

4:19

Want to bring down our Merced United 2012 girls.

4:22

Ladies and coaches, come on down, give a big round of applause.

5:02

First post for pictures real quick.

5:27

All right, coach, I want to give you or or one of these ladies a chance uh to talk about the tournament, how everything went, and uh just talk about uh what it means to both to our city and to your team to to be champions.

5:48

Yeah.

5:50

Good evening.

5:51

Um so the NorthCal State Cup tournament um it is a long tournament.

5:57

It started last September and it ended uh the end of April.

6:02

Um we were fortunate to to win the championship.

6:05

These girls put in a lot of hard work at practice two or three times a week.

6:10

We have to play league games, we had to play State Cup games, we played tournament games, a lot of work, so it it was a long term coming.

6:17

Um I I want to congratulate the girls on their hard work and dedication, and I want to congratulate the parents because without the parents, this would this wouldn't be possible.

6:29

Um their continued commitment is is awesome.

6:35

Special mention to four sets of parents that have been with my team since this all started.

6:40

Richard and Salina, Alison and Mark, um, Jasmine and and Jason, Juan and Angelica.

6:51

Thank you very much.

6:55

Um this is not just about soccer, it's about life lessons through soccer, and that's what we're all about.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural█████████████13%

Budget Equity Analysis███████████11%

Affordable Housing███████7%

Public Works███████7%

Parks and Recreation█████5%

Public Safety█████5%

Homelessness█████5%

Community Development Block Grant█████5%

Environmental Protection████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Merced City Council Meeting – June 16, 2025

The Merced City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, June 16, 2025, starting at 6:04 PM (following a Closed Session at 5:09 PM) and adjourning at 10:04 PM. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, public comments, a consent calendar, four public hearings, action items, and agenda requests. Key votes included adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget (5-1) and approval of the HUD 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan (6-0).

Consent Calendar

The Consent Calendar was approved 6-0 (Council Member DeAnda abstained) after no items were pulled. It included:

Reading by title of ordinances and resolutions
Approval of meeting minutes of February 18, 2025
Services Agreement with Restore Merced, Inc. for litter abatement (up to $185,000/year for two years, with renewal options)
Resolution setting FY 2025-26 special tax rates for CFD No. 2003-2 (Services)
Resolution approving the FY 2025/2026 SB1 project list for local streets and roads
Second Amendment to Container Purchase Agreement with Schaefer Plastics International, LLC
Property and machinery insurance renewal through Alliant ($1,346,650.37, an 11.82% premium increase)
Award of bid to MID Valley Protection for one solar surveillance camera trailer ($36,000) with waiver of future competitive bidding for up to two additional trailers
Amendments to legal services agreements with Hanson Bridgett LLP ($100,000), Richards, Watson & Gershon ($36,000), and Wilke Fleury LLP ($30,000) – total not to exceed $166,000
Legal Services Agreement – Litigation Matters with Richards, Watson & Gershon ($150,000)

Public Comments & Testimony

Brian Arechiga (Merced) urged a policy to control feral cats to protect endangered birds and mammals.
Several representatives from Bay Valley Tech (Phillip Lan, Aaron Ganderson, Justo Licona, Nathan Duncan, Javier Miranda) introduced the nonprofit, highlighted free tech training, and reported 35 of 38 internship participants are employed or pursuing further education.
Dominic Milano (Milano Technical Group) encouraged the city to attract more high-skilled engineering firms.
Curtis Thomas (Merced) discussed housing affordability (noting homes at Bellevue Ranch selling for $450,000–$650,000, with 90% to investors, and only 45% of residents can afford) and car dependency, urging more transportation options.
Dr. Salvador Sandoval (Merced) raised concerns about unreasonable search and seizure by unidentified ICE agents, referencing a recent detention outside the courthouse.
Youth United (Adrian Tejeda, Joe) presented a video on park conditions, noting trash, graffiti, drug remnants, and the need for dedicated park funding (citing Fresno’s Measure P as a model).
Arturo Martinez (Merced) advocated for better jobs, equitable housing, and praised local resilience.
Rhonda Batson (Merced) announced Juneteenth events at Applegate Park and Gilbert Messias Park.
Budget Public Hearing (J.4):
- Eddie Rodriguez (Merced) highlighted arts achievements and urged an open call for artists.
- Alicia Rivera (Merced) supported $120,000 for a water and sewer feasibility study in South Merced.
- Maria Calderon (Merced) opposed the budget, saying South Merced is excluded and needs water sewer extension.
- Ashley Marie Suarez (Merced) urged better community outreach for budget input and requested a rental registry, housing rehabilitation, and first-time home buyer program funding.
- Devon Verdin, Silver Sebastion, Natalie Linguini (Merced Trap Neuter Release) requested funding for a facility and low-cost spay/neuter clinic.
- Norma Cardona (Merced) supported mobile home rehabilitation and first-time home buyer programs, citing personal experience.
- Alejandro Cortes (Merced) opposed the budget, urging investment in South Merced including a rental registry, water/sewer study, and a new community plan.
- Gloria Sandoval (Merced) questioned the parks department move to the Senior Center (given high-speed rail plans), expressed concern about managing vs. ending homelessness, and asked about youth services.
- Curtis Thomas (Merced) questioned the move of parks offices, workers’ comp claims, and encouraged open-source software and bike lanes.
HUD Public Hearing (J.3):
- Sheila Garcia (Harvest Time) described the organization’s history and volunteer hours (over 7,200 last year).
- Dr. Jennifer Jones (Legacy Project) presented their housing support model.
- Mika Martinez (Harvest Time) reported feeding 851 people on the streets last month.
- Curtis Thomas urged spreading affordable housing sites to avoid concentration.
- Leticia Luque shared a success story of a family now building a home with Habitat for Humanity.
- Phillip Lan (Bay Valley Tech) advocated for tech training investment, claiming a trained tech worker could bring $4.5 million into the local economy over 30 years.
- Norma Cardona supported Bay Valley Tech and broadband access, citing domestic violence (789 cases) and sexual assault (107 cases) statistics from the consolidated plan.

Discussion Items

J.1 – Introduction of Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map Ordinance: Assistant Building Official Danny Brown explained the map (moderate zone only in northern Merced), required by state law with minimal impact. Council approved unanimously (6-0, DeAnda absent).
J.2 – Maintenance Districts Engineer’s Reports and Budgets: Deputy Director Juan Olmos presented 39 districts, budget highlights including eucalyptus tree maintenance ($100,000), and 12 stressed districts. Public comment: Curtis Thomas asked about eucalyptus costs. Council discussed CPI elections. Separately approved the resolution (6-0) and authorized elections for CPI increases (6-0).
J.3 – HUD 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan: Kim Nutt and Susie Kim presented the plan, which allocates CDBG ($1,089,413) and HOME ($447,510) funding. The recommended allocations: $50,000 to Project Sentinel, $41,000 to Dr. Jennifer Jones Foundation, and remaining public service funds to Harvest Time; $753,720 for Joe Herb Park renovations (including ADA upgrades, irrigation, lighting). Council discussion: Councilmember Harris questioned Bay Valley Tech’s $120,000 request (cost per person $2,000 for six-hour workshops). Council agreed to stick with April 21st allocations and updated Joe Herb project. Approved 6-0.
J.4 – Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Budget Adoption: Finance Officer Venus Rodriguez presented the budget. Changes from council direction included reducing the General Fund Reserve from 35% to 30%, freeing up $1.4 million to cover a $494,460 deficit and add back positions (zookeeper, police officers, firefighter, dispatchers). General Fund budget: $68.6 million; total city budget: $439.9 million. Public hearing included many speakers (listed above). Council discussion: Councilmember Xiong opposed, citing insufficient investment in South Merced and public safety over other departments. Councilmember Harris defended the budget. Vote: 5-1 (Xiong no, DeAnda absent) for City Council recommendations (resolutions revising reserve policy, affordable housing fund, and adopting budget). The parking authority, public financing authority, and successor agency budgets also adopted 5-1 (Xiong no).

Key Outcomes

Consent Calendar: Approved 6-0 (DeAnda abstained).
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Ordinance: Introduced and approved 6-0.
Maintenance Districts: Engineer’s reports adopted 6-0; elections for CPI increases authorized 6-0.
HUD 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan: Approved with allocations as recommended (6-0). Joe Herb Park renovations funded as amended.
FY 2025–2026 Budget: Adopted (including General Fund reserve reduction to 30%) for City Council, Public Financing Authority, Parking Authority, and Successor Agency – all 5-1 (Xiong opposed; DeAnda absent).
Action Items:
- K.1: Accepted $3,000 grant from First 5 Merced County for Movies in the Park – approved 6-0.
- K.2: Supplemental appropriation of $4,606 from Asset Forfeiture fund for police contract with Forensic Technology Inc. – approved 6-0.
Future Agenda Items:
- Councilmember Harris requested a vacant building/blight ordinance; referred to Public Safety Subcommittee with report by July 21.
- Councilmember Xiong requested a “Welcoming City” resolution for August 4 agenda; failed for lack of a second.
- Mayor Serratto requested a food vendor ordinance; Councilmembers Serratto, Harris, and Smith to work with city attorney, return August 4.
- Mayor Serratto requested discussion on a potential tax measure for 2026 ballot; ad hoc committee formed (Serratto, Harris, Smith) to report July 21.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome, welcome to the June 16th, 2025 meeting of the Merced City Council. We're gonna be again with an invocation from Pastor Joel Dorman, Summit Church of Merced, and then after that, Pastor Dorman, if you could also be so kind to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Dorman. Would you stand and let's pray? Our Father, we thank you for the beautiful day that you have made. We thank you for our country and the ability and the freedom that we have to even protest and to yell at the top of our lungs that which we disagree with. We thank you for that. That's a privilege so many in our world do not have. Thank you, Pastor Dorman. Jennifer. Okay, Jen Item D, roll call. Councilmember DuPont. Present. DeAndra? Harris? Present. Smith. Present. Jean? Here. Mayor Pro Tim Boyle? Present. And Mayor Serrado. Here. Mayor, I'd like to remind the audience that if they wish to address the City Council, they must submit a green request of speak form located at the podium in the back of the chamber. Additionally, citizens can submit public comment to the City Council electronically no later than one p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments 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. And they will also be posted on the city's website. Material may be emailed to City Clerk at City of Merced.org and any correspondence received after 1 p.m. will be distributed to the city council and retained for the official record. Also for those audience members who wish to hear the council meeting translated into Spanish Ramong, please let our interpreters know. Good evening. In accordance with government code 54952. And the mayor receives an additional 100 each month as part of the adopted budget and resolution 2024-78. The public financing and economic development authority, parking authority, and successor agency to the redevelopment agency receive no compensation. Agenda item E report out of closed session. There is no report out of closed session. Agenda item F, ceremonial matters. F1, certificate of recognition for the Merced United 2012 girls for competing and winning first place in their U-13 division in the Nor Cal State Cup. Thank you, Jennifer. All right, everybody, we're going to bring down the uh NorCal State Cup under 13 champions. Want to bring down our Merced United 2012 girls. Ladies and coaches, come on down, give a big round of applause. First post for pictures real quick. All right, coach, I want to give you or or one of these ladies a chance uh to talk about the tournament, how everything went, and uh just talk about uh what it means to both to our city and to your team to to be champions. Yeah. Good evening. Um so the NorthCal State Cup tournament um it is a long tournament.

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