The Merced City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included special presentations, a ceremonial proclamation, public comments, consent calendar approvals, public hearings, discussion items on remote participation and energy efficiency, a budget review, and a council request to discuss upcoming birthday celebrations. Key actions included adopting an urgency ordinance extending a moratorium on street closures and approving a remote participation accommodation policy.
Good evening, everyone. Want to welcome everybody to the May 18th, 2026 meeting of the Merced City Council. We're going to begin with an invitation from Pastor Caesar Johnson from Christian Life Center in Merced. And then after that, uh Councilmember Tao will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Ask everyone to please bow your heads. Heavenly Father, we thank you for your presence. We thank you that you are alive and you hear us. You care for us, and you hold all authority. This evening, Lord, we thank you for the blessings that are in the city of Merced. It's diverse, beautiful people, the resources, the parks, the bike paths, businesses, farms, schools, the artists and creatives that give this community life and expression. Lord, we recognize that leadership is stewardship, and we don't take that responsibility lightly. So we ask for your blessing and direction over this meeting tonight. Bless our council members, our state city staff members, the volunteers, the first responders, community leaders, and not just them, but Lord, bless their families, Lord, bless their marriages. Father, we ask that you remind us that God, we know we don't all agree in here. Lord, there's times that we'll have tension and disagreement and division. But yet, despite our differences, God, you have placed us together in the city of Merced, and you've called us to work together for the good of our community. So help us to remember the humanity in one another. In a world that's increasingly divided, let us actively pursue unity for the betterment of this city and those that dwell in it. Lord, your ways are higher than our ways, and your thoughts are better than our thoughts. And you've guided his in history, kings and leaders in nations. So, Lord, we need your wisdom today. You said in your word that you will give us wisdom in James 1.5 if we lack it. So, Lord, we ask for your wisdom. And Lord, we recognize that we're just humans trying to do our best. And we want to be sensitive to what's right and what's just. In a world that's full of darkness, may your light shine in this room, guide our motives, purify our hearts, and let the decisions made reflect integrity, compassion, and truth. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. I'd like to be able to send the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic from which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Pastor Johnson. Okay, Jen Item D, roll call. Councilmember DuPont. Present. Tao. President. Harris. Smith. Zhang. Here. Mayor Pro Tem Boyle. Here. And Mayor Serrado. President. Mayor, I'd like to remind the audience if they wish to address the City Council, they must submit a green requested 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.