Merced City Council Meeting - January 5, 2026

The Merced City Council held its regular meeting at 6:01 PM on January 5, 2026, following a closed session (5:05-5:54 PM) concerning litigation in City of Merced v. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Case No. 23CV03845). The meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM. Key actions included approval of an ordinance on pedestrian crossings, adoption of a revised awards policy, and discussion of a new subcommittee structure.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (6-0, with Mayor Pro Tempore Boyle absent) the following items:
  • Waiver of reading of ordinances/resolutions (H.1)
  • Information only contracts for December 2025 (H.2)
  • Introduction of Ordinance 2586 amending backflow protection regulations (H.3)
  • Transition of public meeting livestreams from Facebook to YouTube (H.4)
  • Adoption of Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule ROPS 26-27 (H.6)
  • Amended Joint Powers Agreement with Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (H.7)
  • Resolution 2026-02 adjusting pay ranges for temporary classifications to comply with state minimum wage (H.8)
  • Street closure and use of parking lot for Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on January 19, 2026 (H.9)
  • Approval of Finance Officer Employment Agreement extension for five years (H.12)
• Four items were pulled for separate consideration: H.5, H.10, H.11, H.13.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tamara Cobb (Merced resident) formally invited the Council and community to the 29th annual Martin Luther King Unity March on January 19, 2026. She reflected on Merced’s progress since the era of segregation.
• Jennifer Flachman (Senior Management Analyst) announced the final town hall meeting on maintenance district assessment ballots (Wednesday at Golden Valley High School) and upcoming City Council Town Hall meetings (Thursday at Stephen Leonard Park Community Center, and additional dates).
• Mike Webber (Superintendent, Weaver Union School District) expressed support for city growth but raised concerns about 4,500 new homes planned in the Weaver district. He noted that developer fees cover less than 25% of school construction costs and that Weaver’s three schools are already at 1,000 students each (county average ~550-580). He called for continued dialogue on infrastructure and school funding.
• Glen Camarda (photographer) presented his fifth annual Merced calendar and encouraged support for local artists.
• Karthik Prasad (representing Congressman Adam Gray) outlined federal legislative priorities including lowering healthcare, grocery, and energy costs. He offered assistance with federal agencies (Social Security, IRS, VA) and noted the district office at 602 West 20th Street.

Discussion Items

• H.5 – Transfer of Strip of Land at 626 West Main Street

  • Councilmember Smith questioned whether a decision had been made to give the strip to an adjacent landowner. City Surveyor Joe Cardoso clarified that no decision had been made; the property will be transferred from the Successor Agency to the City and will follow the Surplus Land Act before any disposition. Approved unanimously (6-0).

• H.10 – Acceptance of $112,026 Proposition 56 Grant for Police Tobacco Enforcement

  • Councilmember Smith noted the item required five votes. He expressed support. Discrepancy: The minutes record a unanimous 6-0 vote, but the transcript indicates Council Member Xiong voted “no.” The motion carried with six ayes (Serratto, Dupont, Thao, Harris, Smith, Xiong) and zero noes per minutes; transcript states “motion passes with Councilmember Zhang voting no.” The grant will fund overtime for shoulder tap operations, minor decoy operations, retail inspections, and officer education.

• H.11 – First Reading of Ordinance 2587 Prohibiting Pedestrian Crossings Outside Crosswalks

  • City Attorney Craig Cornwell explained that state law (2022) decriminalized jaywalking except when there is “imminent danger.” The ordinance retains the prohibition but limits enforcement to imminent danger situations, serving primarily as an educational tool. Discussion clarified that controlled crosswalks (with flashing lights) remain distinct and that the ordinance aligns municipal code with state law. Approved unanimously (6-0).

• H.13 – Resolution Authorizing Sale of Merced Federal Building to Merced County Office of Education

  • Councilmember Dupont recused himself because MCOE is a client of his law firm. Councilmember Smith had pulled the item to allow Dupont to recuse. Approved 5-0 (Dupont recused, Boyle absent).

• I.1 – Council Policy C-8 Regarding Council Subcommittees

  • Councilmember Smith presented a draft policy establishing standing and ad hoc committees, with two-year terms (aligned with council terms), Brown Act compliance, and advisory roles. Discussion covered appointment of chairs, agenda-setting authority, and the distinction between advisory and decision-making committees. City Manager Scott McBride and City Attorney Cornwell offered suggestions, including reaffirming existing ad hoc committees via resolution. No formal vote was taken; the item will return in 30 days (first meeting in February).

• I.2 – Adoption of Revised Council Policy C-2 for Distribution of City Awards

  • City Manager McBride presented the revision, which limits ceremonial items to two per meeting to streamline proceedings. Councilmember Dupont proposed changing “should” to “shall” for the limit. Councilmember Smith suggested allowing “mayor or council member signature” on certificates. Staff clarified contact information requirements. The motion passed unanimously (6-0) with those amendments.

• I.3 – Request to Add Future Agenda Item (Comprehensive Roadway Assessment)

  • Councilmember Harris requested a master list of road conditions, remediation needs, and estimated costs, with possible citizen involvement. City Engineer Daryl Jordan noted that a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) study is underway through MCAG, expected within 6–12 months, covering all roads including residential. Council discussed the priority of arterials over residential roads and the need for reliable data. It was agreed to address the topic during the Strategic Planning Session on January 31, 2026.

• I.4 – City Council Comments

  • Councilmember Smith welcomed everyone back after the holidays. Councilmember Dupont reminded the public about upcoming town halls. Mayor Serratto wished a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, noting successes in 2025 and optimism for 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved (items H.1–H.4, H.6–H.9, H.12) unanimously.
• H.5 (land transfer) approved unanimously.
• H.10 (Proposition 56 grant) approved; vote discrepancy noted between minutes (unanimous) and transcript (one no vote).
• H.11 (jaywalking ordinance first reading) approved unanimously.
• H.13 (Federal Building sale) approved 5-0 with one recusal.
• I.1 (subcommittee policy) continued to the next meeting (early February 2026) for further refinement.
• I.2 (awards policy) adopted with amendments.
• I.3 (roadway assessment) deferred to the January 31 Strategic Planning Session.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.