Merced City Council Meeting – April 20, 2026
Merced City Council Meeting – April 20, 2026
The Merced City Council met on April 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chamber, following a closed session at 5:00 PM. The meeting included ceremonial awards, consent calendar approvals, a report on SB 707 teleconferencing rules, procurement of compliance technology, discussion of a multi-unit substandard buildings policy, adoption of an urgency ordinance for street closure permits, naming of the Bob Hart Square stage, annexation amendments, a high-speed rail comment letter, and adoption of FY 2026/2027 goals. The meeting adjourned around 10:10 PM.
Ceremonial Matters
- Arbor Day Proclamation: Mayor Serrado proclaimed April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day. Angel Nunez of Public Works reported that the city maintains 47,574 trees, planted 386 trees, and removed 98 trees this year. The city has been a Tree City USA for 45 consecutive years.
- Volunteer of the Year Awards: Each council member and the mayor honored one volunteer: Dr. Nadine Villafana (District 1), Mike Abruzzo (District 2), Pastor Juan Ochoa (District 3), Aaron Lodwick (District 4), Chuck Herman (District 5), and the Merced County Rescue Mission (Mayor's at-large). Councilmember Zhang's nominee was absent.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously, except item I.5 (Shannon Parcade elevator modernization) was pulled for separate discussion by a member of the public.
- I.5 - Elevator Modernization: After public comment and staff explanation, the council approved a $431,673.63 contract with TK Elevator Corporation for elevator modernization at the Shannon Parking Structure, using the OMNIA cooperative contract. Funding comes from parking authority and facility funds. The item passed unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Aggie Freeman (Rotary): Congratulated volunteers and highlighted the Rotary District speech contest held at the MAC.
- Alison Rodriguez (CA High-Speed Rail Authority): Introduced herself as the new deputy regional director for the Central Valley.
- Eric Serrato (Downtown Neighborhood Association): Thanked the city for meeting on three priorities: BNSF quiet zone (a decade-long issue), code enforcement via a "dirty dozen" blighted properties list, and pedestrian safety. He pledged continued advocacy.
- Amanda Dayham (Kiwanis): Announced Kittyland's official opening on April 25, 2026, with a ribbon cutting at 9:30 AM.
- Ashley Marie Suarez: Thanked city for work on housing policies; requested weekly updates to the repeat violator database, replacement of "reasonable period" with "no longer than 30 days," penalties of $1,000 per day, and enforcement of tenant relocation assistance. Cited habitability issues in four complexes.
- Blanca Ojeda: Echoed support for an anti-slumlord ordinance but called for stronger penalties and tenant unionization. Cited EPA data on childhood lead exposure in census tracts 1302, 1401, and 1502.
- Adrienne Milan (Brookdale Gardens): Thanked council for starting the conversation on slumlord policies.
- Michelle: Criticized the city for not doing enough on youth violence and crime; urged more youth activities and strategic allocation of funds.
- Carthy Prasad (Congressman Adam Gray's office): Provided a federal update on permitting reform, noting the introduction of the CERTAIN Act.
- Gloria Sandoval: Questioned the elevator contract's scope and potential additional costs.
- Public on J2 (Housing Policy): Several speakers (Ashley, Ophelia, Rocio, Blanca) argued the revised policy fails to meet AB 548 requirements, lacks clear criteria, and does not adequately protect tenants. They requested specific health/safety code references, shorter notice periods, and tenant relocation funds.
- Public on J6 (HSR): Alex Carrillo urged council to oppose SB 1411 and keep the station downtown. Blanca Ojeda supported downtown location. Another speaker opposed HSR entirely, favoring Amtrak investment.
- Public on J7 (Goals): Ashley recommended inclusionary zoning for affordable housing, a grocery store in South Merced, and a tenant protection fund. Another speaker urged environmental justice elements and investment in South Merced.
Discussion Items
Report: SB 707 Teleconferencing Rules (K.1)
Chief Deputy City Attorney Rhonda Lucas presented changes to the Brown Act under SB 707, effective July 1, 2026. She outlined five teleconferencing options: traditional, reasonable accommodation, emergency, just cause, and eligible subsidiary body. Key requirements: public must be able to participate remotely; if a tech disruption occurs, the meeting must pause; just cause limited to two meetings per year for commissions and five for council; eligible subsidiary bodies can meet entirely remotely with council authorization renewed every six months. Councilmember Smith questioned applicability to charter cities; Lucas stated the consensus is that it applies. Public comment urged not to reduce speaking time and to provide interpretation services.
J1 - SB 707 Compliance Technology Procurement
Jeff Bennyhoff (IT) presented required and optional technology items. Required: remote registration/queue system ($34,546), off-site equipment for town halls, and stream monitoring. Optional: third-party government use ($16,469), asynchronous public comment portal ($1,901), video production streaming system ($48,000), agenda item display on stream, remote countdown timer, and Sam Pipes room backup ($6,000). Total cost $123,824, with $100,000 from PEG fund and $21,300 from Support Services. Council discussed and approved all optional items except the third-party use (motion by Councilmember Smith, second by DuPont). The motion passed unanimously. This item required five votes.
J2 - Multi-Unit Substandard Buildings Policy
City Attorney Cornwell presented Resolution 2026-18 to rescind prior policy and establish inspection procedures. The only change added "not to exceed 30 days" for code enforcement to draft a notice of violation. Councilmember Zhang noted he expected broader changes including timelines for corrective actions. Councilmember Smith agreed there were three time-sensitive actions. After public comment criticizing the policy as insufficient, Councilmember Harris suggested continuing the item. Councilmember Smith moved to create an ad hoc subcommittee (Zhang, Harris, Smith) with the city attorney to study and return by the first meeting in July. Seconded by Harris. Passed unanimously. The original resolution (2026-17) remains in effect.
J3 - Urgency Ordinance: Moratorium on Street Closure Permits
City Attorney Cornwell explained a 45-day moratorium to address gaps in the current framework. Allows administrative approvals under strict criteria (no adverse traffic/emergency impacts, 30-day spacing, staff review). Councilmember DuPont credited for suggesting the government code section. Public comments from Patricia Pratt (downtown business owner) and Irvin Mendoza (artist) supported but requested clearer criteria and consideration of business impacts. Council approved unanimously (Ordinance 2590).
J4 - Naming Bob Hart Square Stage as Merced Rotary Stage
Parks Director Chris Jensen presented the Recreation and Parks Commission recommendation. Merced Rotary Club offered a $50,000 contribution. The stage will be named "Merced Rotary Stage." Councilmember Zhang opposed, arguing ARPA funds should have been used for pandemic relief and the stage should honor that. Motion by Harris, second by Smith, passed 6-1.
J5 - University Vista Annexation Amendments
Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero presented the first amendment to the Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement with University Vista Master Plan, LLC ($49,706 increase to $990,748 total) and the Professional Services Agreement with Environmental Science Associates ($45,188 increase to $900,681 total) for environmental services. Changes due to increased housing units (from 4,176 to 5,576) and commercial square footage, plus wildfire/cultural impact analysis. Public comment opposed development due to sensitive habitats and endangered species. Motion by DuPont, second by Tao, passed unanimously.
J6 - High-Speed Rail Letter of Comment
Deputy City Manager Quintero presented a letter responding to the draft 2026 Business Plan and Technical Supporting Document. Key concerns: station relocation to Mission Avenue/Highway 99, loss of local control, shared infrastructure costs, and need for community engagement. Councilmember Harris wanted the tone adjusted; others supported as is. Motion to approve by DuPont, second by Tao, passed unanimously.
J7 - FY 2026/2027 Goals and Priorities
City Manager Scott McBride presented the strategic priority areas: Public Safety & Quality of Life, Infrastructure & Transportation, Economic Development, Parks & Community Services, Fiscal Sustainability, Governance & Engagement. New elements: performance measures, objectives, and focus on a drainage master plan, code enforcement, and downtown revitalization. Councilmembers praised the format and ongoing projects. Motion by Harris, second by Smith, passed unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar: Approved; I.5 passed separately.
- SB 707 Technology: Approved with $123,824 in expenditures; optional third-party use excluded.
- Substandard Buildings Policy: Continued to July 2026; ad hoc subcommittee formed (Zhang, Harris, Smith).
- Street Closure Moratorium: Approved (45-day urgency ordinance).
- Stage Naming: Approved 6-1.
- University Vista Annexation: Amendments approved.
- HSR Letter: Approved as submitted.
- Goals and Priorities: Approved.
- Adjournment: In memory of former Public Works Director John Rajo.
Meeting Transcript
All right, good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome and welcome everybody to the April 20th, 2026 meeting of the Merced City Council. We're going to begin with an invitation from uh Pastor Juan Ochoa from the Calvary Church here in Merced. And Pastor Ochoa, if you could also be so kind to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance after you conclude, sir. Thank you. Let us bow our heads. Father, we thank you so much for the City Council members, Father. We thank you for our law enforcement. We thank you, Father, for the great citizens of the city, Father, that make this city as special as it can be. We pray, Father, that you would fill them all with wisdom with knowledge, God, that comes directly from heaven, Lord, to give them a vision for what you want to do within the city. God, we ask that you would continue, Lord, to fill them up with so much peace, oh God, as they're dealing with the issues of the city. We're praying, Father, that you would give them favor everywhere that they go, O God. And Lord, we just pray, Father, that you just continue, Lord, to be near them as well. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic under which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. All right, thank you, Pastor Ocho. Appreciate you pinch hitting tonight. Gen item D, roll call. Councilmember DuPont. Here. Tao. Present. Harris. Present. Smith. Present. Zhang. Here. Mayor Pro Tem Boyle. Here. And Mayor Serrado. Present. Mayor, I'd like to remind the audience if they wish to address the City Council, they must submit a green request to 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 1 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 will be posted on the city's website. Material may be emailed to City Clerk at City of Merced.gov 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. Hi. Good evening. Hola buenas tardes, me amoir Nasarate, soy interpret in Espanyol. Si cupan neutra, voy a estar sentada cadrás. Muchas gracias. Thank you, Murna. In accordance with government code 54952.3, it is hereby announced that the city council sits either simultaneously or serially as a public financing and economic development authority, parking authority, and or successor agency to the redevelopment agency.
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