Public Meetings - Merced, California

The Merced City Council held a special meeting on December 2, 2025, beginning at 6:10 PM and adjourning at 7:48 PM, to interview five qualified candidates and appoint a representative to fill the District Two council seat vacancy until the next general municipal election. The meeting featured public comments, candidate presentations and Q&A, council deliberation, and a final vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Felipe Rojas-Flores, a District Two resident, urged the council to appoint someone who lives in District Two, citing the history of the district system and Measure T. - Isabel Sanchez, a long-time Merced resident, requested that the appointee live in the community and prioritize south side needs, including a grocery store, youth and elderly resources, and pedestrian safety. - Maria Vargas asked for a council member who lives in South Merced and understands local housing, homelessness, lighting, school crosswalks, and other community needs. - Ana Cintron expressed a desire for a representative who will advocate for the south side of Merced. - Maria Calderon, a 40-year resident of South Merced, noted persistent infrastructure issues (water, sewer, narrow roads) and asked that the appointee live in the area to understand these needs. - Ashley Marie Suarez, a policy advocate with Leadership Council, emphasized the importance of public input and urged the council to consider resident comments when making their appointment. Discussion Items - Candidate Presentations & Q&A: Five candidates—Jody George, Dina Gonzalez, Gloria Keene, Yang Thao, and Tommy Tran—answered questions from the council on their motivations, qualifications, vision for District Two, infrastructure needs, favorite aspects of the district, and closing statements. Candidates highlighted issues such as road repairs, traffic signals, lighting, drainage, parks, public safety, and the need for greater investment in South Merced. - Council Deliberation: Following a recess, council members discussed the candidates. Key points included the importance of appointing someone who lives in District Two (emphasized by Councilmembers Harris, DuPont, Smith, Xiong, Boyle, and Mayor Serratto), the value of experience (especially Planning Commission service), and the ability to hit the ground running. Councilmember Smith strongly supported Yang Thao, citing his detailed knowledge of District Two, Planning Commission background, and endorsement by former council member Deanda. Councilmember Xiong expressed a preference for Dina Gonzalez for her community engagement approach. Mayor Pro Tem Boyle and others leaned toward Yang Thao. Key Outcomes - Appointment: The council adopted a motion (5-1) to appoint Yang Thao as the District Two council representative, effective until the first Tuesday following the next general municipal election. Councilmember Xiong voted no. - Next Steps: The appointee will be sworn in at a future council meeting or special session (likely before the December 15 regular meeting). The vacancy on the Planning Commission created by Thao’s appointment will need to be filled. - Council Comments: No additional comments were made before adjournment.

The Merced City Council met on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included a closed session at 5:00 PM on labor negotiations and city manager performance evaluation, with no report out. The regular session covered special presentations, consent calendar items, public hearings, action items, and business discussions. Key outcomes included approval of building and fire code updates, granting of private patrol certificates, authorization for Fire Station 56 planning, acceptance of state homeland security grants, and direction on a special meeting to fill a council vacancy. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (6-0): Reading of ordinances and resolutions waived; contracts for November 2025; Traffic Committee minutes of September 9, 2025; Tax Transparency Commission minutes of May and August 2025; Planning Commission minutes (March–September 2025); City Council minutes of September 15, 2025; street closure for "Cheerful Giving" event on December 14, 2025, with $777.93 co-sponsorship; five-year audit agreement with Vasquez & Company LLP ($300,000 not-to-exceed); additional litigation costs of $175,000 for 2023 flood lawsuit (trial set for January 27, 2026); change order for Stephen Leonard Building rehab ($184,376); and setting public hearing for Speed Zone Ordinance on December 15, 2025. - Item I.10 (MOU for Community Park 42) – Approved 5-0 (Dupont recused): Extended MOU term to June 30, 2026, among City, County, School District, and Office of Education. - Item I.13 (Land Use Ordinance 2585) – Approved 4-1 (Xiong no, Dupont recused): Changed 3.19 acres from “Commercial Office” to “Self-Storage” at 1380 E. Yosemite Ave and 4.86 acres from “Commercial Office” to “Residential” at 3595 Parsons Ave. Public commenter Tom Clendenin requested neighborhood involvement. Public Comments & Testimony - Jennifer Flachman (City Staff): Announced brown bag concert December 11 at Bob Hart Square, maintenance district assessment ballot meetings (Dec 9, 11, Jan 7), and City Council town halls in January 2026. - Karthik Prasad (Congressman Adam Gray’s office): Provided legislative update—VA relieved $272M in veteran medical copays due to technical errors; SPEED Act passed Natural Resources Committee for permit streamlining; PRECISE Act introduced to increase precision farming loans; co-sponsored Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act. - Robert Davenport (Merced resident): Criticized roadway quality, suggested cobblestone bases with recycled materials; advocated transferring Yosemite Lake to citizens; called for community fellowships to solve issues. Discussion Items - Youth Jobs Training Program (F.1): Valente Huitron and participant Leonardo Vasquez presented. Program served 500 youth since 2022 (over 1,793 applicants), 450 placed in paid work experience, 75 secured employment. Demographics: 60% female, 63% aged 16–17, 79% low-income. Funded by $1.025M (initial) and $1.175M (extension). Business partners included 55 new businesses. Council discussed follow-up and program impact. - Public Hearings: - Building and Fire Code (J.1): Introduced Ordinances 2582 and 2583 adopting 2025 California Building Standards and Fire Code with local amendments. Approved unanimously (6-0). - Trust Point Protection Group (J.2): Granted certificate for private patrol services (Resolution 2025-71). Approved 5-1 (Xiong no). - Boosted Knight Patrol (J.3): Granted certificate (Resolution 2025-72). Approved 5-1 (Xiong no). Xiong expressed opposition to both, stating no public convenience/necessity. - Parks Fee Schedule (K.1): Set public hearing for December 15, 2025, to consider new fee schedule for Bob Hart Square and simplified fee model. Council discussed revenue shortfall, nonprofit discounts, co-sponsorship waivers, and police services costs. Approved unanimously (6-0). - Fire Station 56 & EOC (K.2): Authorized staff to proceed with site selection at M Circle and Bellevue for new fire station and emergency operations center. Estimated cost $14M (currently $8.7M available, shortfall $5.4M). Potential phasing of EOC ($2M) discussed. Approved unanimously (6-0). - Police Grants: - Portable X-Ray Machine (K.3): Accepted $69,252 grant (SHSGP) and waived competitive bidding for purchase from Novo Dr Inc ($69,200.98). Approved 5-1 (Xiong no). - Bomb Suit (K.4): Accepted $45,018 grant plus $1,300 from bomb budget for Med-Eng suit ($46,408.36). Approved 5-1 (Xiong no). - District 2 Vacancy (L.1): Council discussed format for December 2 special meeting to interview 13 applicants. Decided 3-minute opening, 2 minutes per question (4 questions), 90-second closing. Names of applicants to be determined; public comment before interviews (1–2 minutes per speaker). Questions: why candidate, standards to use, vision for district, infrastructure needs, favorite thing about district. No formal vote; directions given. - Council Subcommittees (L.2): Councilmember Smith proposed transitioning to formal standing committees (public safety, public works, finance, South Merced) subject to Brown Act. Council supported concept with implementation in 2026; directed staff to return with formal policy (C-8) and reaffirmation of advisory committees. Approved motion unanimously (6-0). - Appointment to Citizen Advisory Focus Group (L.3): Appointed Marisa Lewis (Recreation and Parks Commission) to serve as representative. Approved unanimously (6-0). Key Outcomes - All consent calendar items approved with specific votes as noted. - Building and Fire Code ordinances introduced (first reading) – unanimous. - Two private patrol certificates granted – both 5-1, with Councilmember Xiong voting no. - Parks fee schedule public hearing set for December 15, 2025 – unanimous. - Fire Station 56 and EOC site selection authorized – unanimous. - Two homeland security grants accepted (police equipment) – both 5-1, Xiong no. - Special meeting format for District 2 appointment established for December 2, 2025; no official vote. - Subcommittee structure to transition to standing committees; staff to return January 5, 2026 – unanimous. - Marisa Lewis appointed to Citizen Advisory Focus Group – unanimous. - Future agenda items: None requested. - Council comments: Highlights from Christmas tree lighting, community generosity, high school sports championships (special meeting December 16 at 5:30 PM). - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 9:17 PM after a recess (7:49–8:02 PM).

The Merced Tax Transparency Commission met on November 20, 2025, to review financial reports for Measures C and Y, address administrative inquiries, and postpone the election of a new chair. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approved the Tax Transparency Commission minutes of August 12, 2025, unanimously. Discussion Items - Measure C Revenue and Expense Reports (September 30, 2025): Finance Officer Venus Rodriguez presented the quarterly report. Fiscal year 2024-25 sales tax revenue under Measure C closed at $9 million, slightly below the budgeted $9.1 million. Quarter-over-quarter showed a positive increase of approximately $26,000. The commission approved the report unanimously. - Measure Y Revenue and Expense Reports (September 30, 2025): The report showed fiscal year 2024-25 revenue closed just over $1.6 million, continuing a decline. Quarter-over-quarter decreased by about $30,000. The commission approved the report unanimously. - Selection of New Chair (Postponed): The commission decided to postpone the election until the next meeting when all members are present. The motion passed unanimously. - Request to Add Future Agenda Item: A commissioner asked about the "administration reimbursement" line item; staff clarified it covers internal costs for city manager, finance, etc. A separate request was made for details on why investment earnings came under projection; staff agreed to provide a report at the next meeting (scheduled for February). - Commission Comments: A commissioner commented on the stress caused by ongoing road and utility projects in the city. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved Measure C and Measure Y financial reports. - Postponed the election of a new chair to the next meeting. - Staff will prepare a report on investment earnings for the next meeting.

On November 20, 2025, the Merced Tax Transparency Commission held a regular meeting. Two new commissioners, Felipe Rojas Flores (District 2) and Harpreet Takar, were welcomed. Staff noted that board clerk Alejandra was leaving for another public agency. The meeting included financial reports on Measure C and Measure Y revenues and expenses, and a discussion on selecting a new chair. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of August 12, 2025 (motion by Commissioner Murphy, second by Commissioner Chu; vote passed unanimously). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were submitted electronically or spoken from the audience. Discussion Items - Measure C Revenue and Expense Report (September 30, 2025): Venus Rodriguez, Finance Officer, presented the quarterly report. Fiscal year 2024-25 Measure C sales tax revenue closed at $9 million, slightly below the budgeted $9.1 million. Quarter-over-quarter, the second quarter of 2025 showed a positive increase of about $26,000 compared to the same period in 2024, but the full year was down about $50,000 (0.56%) from the previous year. Increases were seen in general consumer goods, restaurants, hotels, autos and transportation; decreases occurred in fuel and service stations, business and industry, food and drugs, and building and construction. - Measure Y Revenue and Expense Report (September 30, 2025): Venus Rodriguez reported that fiscal year 2024-25 Measure Y revenue closed at just over $1.6 million, significantly less than the prior year. Quarter-over-quarter continued declines were observed, with a $30,000 decrease in the last quarter compared to the same quarter in 2024. Cumulative decline from the prior year was about $172,000. - Selection of New Chair: The commission discussed choosing a new chair following the departure of the previous chair. Since several members were absent and Vice Chair Kastecki was not present, the commission voted unanimously (motion by Commissioner Johnson, second by Commissioner Murphy) to postpone the selection to the next meeting. - Future Agenda Requests: Commissioners requested information on administration reimbursement line items (clarified as internal administrative costs) and on investment earnings falling below projections. Staff agreed to provide a report at the February 2026 meeting. One commissioner noted the busy road work by PG&E and Race projects affecting city traffic. Key Outcomes - Approved Measure C and Measure Y revenue and expense reports (both passed unanimously). - Postponed selection of a new chair to the next meeting (scheduled for February 2026). - Directed staff to provide detailed answers on investment earnings and administration costs at the next meeting. - Adjourned the meeting (motion by Commissioner Chu, second by Commissioner Murphy; vote passed unanimously).

This regular meeting of the Merced Arts and Culture Advisory Commission focused on staff reports on approved art projects, requests for future agenda items, and commissioner updates on community arts events. No public comments were received, and no formal votes were taken except adjournment. Reports - E.1 Report on Status of Approved Art Projects: Senior Management Analyst Jennifer Flackman presented a comprehensive update on multiple projects. The Brown Bag concert series first concert was postponed from November 20 to December 11 due to rain; artist Brian Cade (soulful R&B) will perform 6:30–8 PM at Bob Hart Square (a no-alcohol zone). Subsequent concerts: December 18 (Cheryl Lockett and Two Hoots and a Holler), January 15 (Madison Mitchell and MAC Theater Camp youth choir), February 19 (The Wrecking Balls, top 40 rock), and closing with William Bailey and Zoe Ray. The Upcycle Project (trash art) at Fahrens Park opens December 4 with a January 30 submission deadline; selection in March, council approval in April. Bob Hart Square Medallion Project follows the same timeline. Staff continued working with schools for rotating art displays in the council chamber. The city partnered with Merced County Arts Council and Downtown Partnership Association to pursue a state designation as a downtown arts and cultural hub; a walking tour with California Arts Council representatives occurred recently. RFPs for a large-scale mural on R Street undercrossing (mid-December) and a utility box refresh project (spring) are in development. Remaining budget is approximately $13,500. An estimated $250–$500 is needed for engineering work (pedestals for Fahrens Park sculpture and Bob Hart Square medallion). Commissioner Colton raised a request from artist Christian Aguilar regarding the Kobe Bryant utility box mural—proposing to retain it if kept in good condition; Flackman agreed to bring a future discussion on box retention priorities. Commissioner Nick noted two typographical errors (Cheryl Lockett's name spelling and Fahrens Park possessive) in the report. Business Items - F.1 Request to Add Item to Future Agenda: Commissioner Colton requested adding a discussion on utility box deaccession priorities to a future meeting (likely January 2026). No formal motion was required. - F.2 Commission Comments: Vice Chair Dennis reported on the success of the state arts district walking tour, noting 20 semifinalists for 10 designations—none yet in the Central Valley—and expectation of a decision by year-end or early 2026. He highlighted the premiere of Karina Turner's film The Joy of Lao and upcoming events: Hamlet by Merced Shakes, CHA Show at the MAC, Arbor Gallery show, Bob Hart Square clock fundraiser (t-shirts), and a County Times fundraiser. Commissioner Glenn announced the December 6 Christmas parade downtown, a photo walk by Siena Ojo Studios, and Mercado celebration. Commissioner Rodriguez noted a documentary screening November 21 at the Carnegie and CNOHO's annual shopping event November 29. Flackman mentioned a January speakeasy fundraiser (details confidential). Key Outcomes - No formal votes or actions were taken on agenda items; the report was for information only. - Staff will bring back a discussion on utility box retention/deaccession criteria at a future meeting (staff suggested February 2026, but commissioner Colton requested January). - The $13,500 remaining budget will be considered for allocation, with the subcommittee to explore potential art types or funding of pedestal engineering. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:00 PM by unanimous vote.

The Merced Traffic Committee met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting was called to order at 2:03 PM by Chair Daryl Jordan and adjourned at 2:46 PM. The committee addressed five citizen requests and took action on each, including one item with public testimony. Consent Calendar - Approved the Traffic Committee meeting minutes of September 9, 2025, by unanimous vote (motion by Jordan, second by Olson). Public Comments & Testimony - El Portal Drive (Item F5): Two residents, Deborah Byrne and Lou Ann Parson, along with Joe Bruce (539 El Portal), spoke on behalf of 39 of 42 households. They described dangerous speeding (up to 55–60 mph in a 25 mph zone), near-misses, past accidents (e.g., hit light pole, knocked-down tree, multiple car collisions), and feelings of unsafety for pedestrians, children, and elderly. They requested traffic calming measures such as speed humps, radar monitoring, lane narrowing, or police enforcement. Joe Bruce noted he had previously brought the issue to the committee four years ago without resolution. Discussion Items - Item F1 – Speed Bumps on Buena Vista Drive (R Street to Highway 59): The citizen requested speed bumps similar to an existing speed table. Staff reported 41 accidents in the last five years, mostly at intersections. Public works and planning opposed speed bumps because Buena Vista is a collector road intended for moving traffic, and its existing S-curve design already slows traffic. Fire agreed. The committee voted to have police place the speed trailer when available and to inform the applicant about the city’s process for speed tables, which requires 100% neighbor participation and full neighborhood funding. - Item F2 – Handicap Accessible Parking on Story Avenue: A citizen asked for a designated accessible parking spot in front of their property due to construction blocking access. Staff noted that on-street ADA spots are permanent, must meet federal slope standards (rarely achievable on public streets), and would not be reserved for the individual household. The committee unanimously denied the request, with a motion to decline. - Item F3 – Advance Stop Sign at Wardrobe Avenue and West Avenue: The citizen cited four collisions (2020–2022); police records showed 10 accidents since 2020, most recently in 2023. The intersection layout is complex. The committee voted to table the item to a future meeting and directed engineering and public works to gather more details from the applicant (e.g., a completed diagram) and explore options. - Item F4 – Stop Signs at Donna Drive & San Jose Avenue and Donna Drive & De Anza Avenue: Staff reported zero accidents in the last five years. Public works noted that a speed table project on Donna Drive will begin within two weeks; they preferred to assess its impact before adding stop signs. The committee voted to deny the request, with a motion citing the upcoming traffic calming. - Item F5 – Traffic Calming on El Portal Drive (McKee Road to Parson Avenue): After public testimony, police presented accident data: 8 at Parsons & El Portal since 2021, plus others at Banbury, Sherwood, and McKee. Public works noted that a recent speed study now allows radar enforcement. Fire opposed speed humps unless designed with cutouts for emergency vehicles. The committee voted unanimously to have police increase enforcement (now permitted) and to have engineering provide the applicant with the city’s speed table application process (neighbor consensus and full cost). Key Outcomes - Item F1: Motion to request police speed trailer placement and inform applicant of speed table requirements; passed unanimously. - Item F2: Motion to deny the handicap parking request; passed unanimously. - Item F3: Motion to table and have engineering/public works investigate with the applicant; passed unanimously. - Item F4: Motion to deny the stop sign request pending results of the upcoming speed table installment; passed unanimously. - Item F5: Motion to support police enforcement (radar now allowed) and provide speed table application information to residents; passed unanimously. - Committee Reports: Public works reported crosswalk training attended by staff; police announced Sergeant McKinnon’s retirement (April 2026) and Sergeant Fister’s transition in January 2026.

The Merced City Council convened on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 6:03 PM (following a 5:04 PM closed session) in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included a public hearing on a major mixed-use appeal and development, a speed limit ordinance, multiple consent items, action items, and discussions on council ethics and the process to fill a vacant council seat. All six council members were present; Council Member Dupont recused himself from two items due to conflicts of interest. Consent Calendar - H.1–H.4, H.6, H.9 were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda, including waiving reading of ordinances, approving previous meeting minutes, authorizing the 2025 Christmas Parade street closure and in‑kind services, setting a public hearing for the 2025 Building & Fire Codes, increasing the Main Street Directional project contingency by $179,197.59 (total $324,068.30), and setting a public hearing for the Development Impact Fee annual report. - H.5 (Fire Inspection Report) – Pulled by Council Member Xiong. Discussion centered on the number of inspections (568 reported), the lack of a public list of failed properties, and ties to an upcoming anti‑slumlord ordinance. Approved 6‑0. - H.7 (Bear Creek Levee Repair Contract) – Pulled due to Council Member Harris’s recusal (client of his firm). Ratified the $1,061,822.88 contract with Rolfe Construction for 2023 flood repairs. Approved 5‑0 (Harris recused). - H.8 (McKee Road MOU with County) – Pulled by Council Member Xiong, who opposed the project, stating the city should prioritize roads most complained about by residents. Council Member Smith and Mayor Serratto supported it as a long‑demanded road. Approved 5‑1 (Xiong opposed). Public Comments & Testimony - Cindy Kelly criticized Council Member Xiong’s social media post comparing council actions to the KKK, calling it defamatory and urging an apology. - Marilyn Sobel (Merced Farm Workers Mutual Aid Fund) praised Xiong for supporting farm‑working families and urged his continued advocacy on affordable housing, youth investment, and immigrant safety. - Aggie Freeman called on Xiong to publicly apologize for his social media post. - Karthik Prasad thanked the city for the Veterans Parade and gave a federal update on behalf of Congressman Adam Gray, noting SNAP/CalFresh benefits were restored and efforts to protect Medicaid. - Kim Garner (Central Valley Opportunity Fund) promoted upcoming Christmas events, including the tree lighting and holiday parade. - Crissy Gallardo objected to the council’s decision to remove the Pride flag while flying a Christian flag, linking the action to exclusionary values. - Jazz Diaz supported Xiong and connected the Christian flag to Christian nationalism, urging anti‑racist action. - Sergio Carrera (UC Merced student) noted growth in North Merced but disparity with South Merced, asking for more balanced investment. - Yeva echoed concerns about Christian nationalism, racism, and the North‑South economic divide. - During Public Hearing I.1, eight speakers testified: Todd and Keaton Bender (applicants) described project revisions and asked for support; Robert and Carol Dinuzzo (appellants) argued the self‑storage use was incompatible and urged rejection; Tom Clendenin, Lee Boese, Xeva, Marilyn Sobel, and Michelle Porras all opposed the storage facility while supporting the housing component, and asked council to separate the two decisions. - During the Speed Limit Hearing (I.2), no public comments were made. - During the Code of Conduct discussion (L.1), six public speakers opposed the proposed revision, calling it retaliation against Council Member Xiong, and expressed concerns about free speech and political weaponization. - During the District 2 vacancy discussion (L.2), Marilyn Sobel urged a special election instead of an appointment, citing insufficient time for candidates to apply. Discussion Items - I.1 – Yosemite/Parsons General Plan Amendment & Self‑Storage Appeal: Associate Planner Valeria Renteria presented the project history. The applicant had reduced the residential density from 41 to 28 lots, changed to low‑medium density, restricted lots 1–15 to single‑story, widened roads, and limited self‑storage hours to 7 AM–7 PM. The appellant and neighbors raised concerns about compatibility, landscaping, heat island effects, and the risk of the storage being built first while housing stalls. Council discussed options: approve in whole, deny, or split the decision. Council Member Smith (district incumbent) favored granting the appeal for the general plan amendment and site utilization plan (housing/storage overall) but denying without prejudice the site plan review and minor use permits (storage‑specific) to allow the developer to refine the storage design with more greenery and heat‑reducing features. The motion carried 4‑1 (Xiong no, Dupont recused). Ordinance 2585 (land‑use change) was introduced on a 4‑0‑1 vote (Xiong absent, Dupont recused). - I.2 – Speed Limit Ordinance (Ordinance 2584): City Engineer Daryl Jordan and JLB Traffic Engineering presented a citywide speed study of 237 segments: 145 unchanged, 77 lowered, 15 raised. Council members raised concerns about raised limits on M Street, North Bear Creek, and other corridors, particularly regarding safety and infrastructure. Mayor Pro Tem Boyle and Council Member Xiong argued for more analysis of the raised segments. A motion was made to approve all lowered recommendations and continue the public hearing for further study of the raised limits, with the city attorney recommending a continued first reading. The motion passed unanimously (6‑0). - J.1 – LTF Claim ($756,873): Funds for Mission Avenue Road Rehabilitation. Approved unanimously. - J.2 – Affordable Housing Supplemental Appropriation ($218,000): Approved 5‑1 (Xiong opposed, arguing affordable housing funds should not be used for administrative costs). - J.3 – Preliminary Annexation Support (366 acres at Tyler & Mission): Acting Planning Manager Jonnie Lan presented the pre‑annexation application by Buildco, proposing up to 1,300 residential units, a school, commercial, business park, and open space in South Merced, adjacent to Community Park 42. Council supported the project for its potential to balance North‑South development. Approved 5‑1 (Xiong no, citing lack of affordable housing density and risk of county islands). - K.1 – Clock Replacement Grant: Director Chris Jensen reported a $27,000 matching grant from Central Valley Opportunity Fund for the Bob Hart Square clock replacement, with community fundraising (t‑shirt sales, donations) needed to reach the $77,000 total. Existing clock will be donated to the Merced Historical Society. Information only, no vote. - L.1 – Council Code of Conduct Revisions: Council Member Harris presented proposed changes to Resolution 2024‑65 to add a censure procedure. Council discussed definition of a complaint, balance between accountability and free speech, and concerns about weaponization. Council Member Xiong argued the revision was motivated by his social media post. No vote; Harris will take the resolution back to the Ethics and Governance Subcommittee. - L.2 – District 2 Vacancy Appointment Format: Council agreed on a special meeting December 2, 2025 at 6 PM (with possible continuation to December 3). Each of the six applicants will receive 15 minutes: opening (why they want the job), four predetermined questions (council’s appointment criteria, vision/infrastructure for District 2, worst road/infrastructure, favorite thing about District 2), and a closing statement. Public comment will be limited to 2 minutes per speaker (reducible to 1 minute if over 20 speakers). No public comment on non‑agenda items. Candidates will sit at a table in front of the council. - L.3 – One Voice Program (May 2026): Council selected Mayor Pro Tem Boyle and Council Member DuPont as representatives. Priority projects for federal advocacy: Highway 59 Bridge widening, Bear Creek flood infrastructure, and a side meeting with the FAA on airport runway improvements. Public safety communications infrastructure was noted for federal earmark requests. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Appeal 25‑0004 granted in part: General Plan Amendment and Site Utilization Plan approved; Site Plan Review and Minor Use Permit denied without prejudice (4‑1, Dupont recused). - Ordinance 2585 (land‑use change for the Yosemite/Parsons project) introduced (4‑0‑1). - Speed Limit Ordinance 2584: lowered speed limits approved; raised speed limits sent for further analysis; public hearing continued to a future first reading (6‑0). - LTF claim ($756,873), affordable housing transfer ($218,000), and preliminary annexation support (366 acres) all approved with one dissenting vote (Xiong) each. - Bear Creek levee contract ratified ($1,061,822.88, 5‑0, Harris recused); McKee Road MOU approved ($995,000, 5‑1). - Council will hold a special meeting on December 2, 2025 (with possible continuation to December 3) to appoint a District 2 council member using a 15‑minute question‑based format with limited public comment. - Council established priority projects for the May 2026 One Voice trip: Highway 59 Bridge, Bear Creek, FAA airport meeting, and public safety communications infrastructure.

This was the second meeting of the Citizen Advisory Focus Group (CAFG) for the City of Merced General Plan Update and Downtown Station Area Plan Project. The primary purpose was to review and provide initial feedback on the draft Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook, a comprehensive snapshot of current city conditions across multiple topics. The meeting included a presentation by consultant team MIG, led by Michael Gibbons and Brent Gibbons, followed by an extended discussion where CAFG members asked questions, requested additional data, and suggested clarifications. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval of the minutes from the August 27, 2025 CAFG meeting via a motion and roll-call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to speak. Discussion Items - Presentation of Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook: The consultants walked through 11 chapters covering land use, population/employment/housing, mobility, market/economic conditions, public facilities/services, air quality, environmental justice, and more. Key findings included: - Land use: 15% of land designated for high-density in the 2030 General Plan, but only 3% actually zoned; 40% of city land is public facilities. - Population: 98,000 residents (2025), a 16% increase since 2020; Hispanic/Latino majority now 59%. - Housing: 65% single-family detached; projected need for 11,000 new units by 2045 (7,000 single-family, 4,000 multifamily). - Mobility: Commute time increased by 7 minutes since 2010; biking to work decreased. - Environmental justice: 14 census tracts identified as disadvantaged; 93% of injury collisions occur in those tracts. - CAFG Member Feedback and Requests: Members raised numerous points, including: - Request to include raw numbers on biking to work, not just percentages. - Request for data on bike lane safety (KSI rates), animal control statistics, and emergency response times. - Clarification on land use designation percentages (acreage vs. units). - Interest in adding information on urban forestry, tree canopy, permeable surfaces, microplastics, noise/light pollution, and unhoused population. - Suggestions to consult additional data sources (North Valley Thrive, Urban Three, UC Merced). - Correction noted: Table 3-2 incorrectly listed Merced County population as 29,000 instead of 293,000. - Concern about the short turnaround for comments (8 days) and request for earlier distribution of future materials. - Environmental Justice Engagement: Consultants described plans for multilingual surveys, workshops, and targeted outreach to disadvantaged communities, with flexibility to adapt based on community trust. Key Outcomes - CAFG members were asked to submit written comments on the workbook by November 16, 2025 to city staff (Leah or Johnny). - The workbook will be revised into a public review draft and presented at a community open house planned for October 23, 2025 (downstairs, open house format). - The next CAFG meeting will focus on the Downtown Station Area Plan alternatives, not the General Plan. - City staff will provide flyers and summary materials to help members engage their communities.

The Merced Planning Commission met on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chamber. The meeting included approval of consent calendar items, a public hearing on a proposed 17-lot subdivision at 2500 E. Childs Avenue, and informational updates on upcoming planning initiatives. All commissioners except Swigert (excused) were present. Consent Calendar - Minutes of September 17, 2025 (D1): Approved unanimously. - Item D2 – Yosemite 1380 LLC Project Resolutions: The commission adopted resolutions consistent with its September 17 action: a resolution recommending denial to the City Council for General Plan Amendment 24-02 and Site Utilization Plan Revision 3 to Planned Development (P-D) 20; a resolution denying Site Plan Review Permit 551 and Minor Use Permit 24-13; and a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map 1332 and Environmental Review 24-25 (Negative Declaration). The city attorney noted a typographical correction to the resolution number (changed to 4172), a non-substantive change. The item passed after public comment. Public Comments & Testimony - Leah Brown (Management Analyst): Provided updates on the Bella Vista affordable housing groundbreaking ceremony (November 14, 2025, 2:00 PM) and upcoming meetings for the General Plan update and Downtown Station Area Plan, including a Citizens Advisory Focus Group (November 18, December 10, January 28 open house 2:00–6:00 PM) and a joint City Council/Planning Commission special meeting on February 2, 2026, 5:00–6:00 PM. - Robert DeLiner (on D2): Argued that the denial of the original project lacked specific evidence required by state law, emphasized strong property rights, and noted that staff had recommended approval. He urged the commission to consider the legal framework for infringement on property rights. - Public Hearing (E1) – 2500 E. Childs Avenue Subdivision: - Robert DeLiner: Opposed the new cul-de-sac design, stating it violates the general plan's traffic flow design which intended a through street. He noted that a temporary emergency vehicle access (EVA) at Brimmer Road would need permanent maintenance, and that a 17-lot cul-de-sac exiting onto a major arterial road (East Childs Avenue) is unsafe. - Aerial Man (resident on Rye Street): Expressed strong support for the new cul-de-sac design, citing safety for children playing in the street. She requested bollards on the connecting sidewalk to prevent vehicles from crashing through. - Christian Amato (resident, lot 9): Supported the new design, emphasizing neighborhood safety and family-friendly character. Asked about the fence line between lots 9 and 10. - Amy Valencia: Expressed agreement with the current plan, stating it is safer. - Patricia Gonzalez: Opposed the original through-street map but supported the current cul-de-sac design. She cited policies from the Merced County 2030 General Plan (CIR-1.7, LU 1.1, HS 1.3) and argued that increased traffic and safety risks require an environmental impact report rather than a categorical exemption. - Robert Ruby: Supported the new plan, stating that original intentions from decades ago should not dictate current decisions. Discussion Items - Item E1 – Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map 25-0013: Assistant Planner Matt Livingston presented the proposal for a 17-lot single-family subdivision on 3.38 acres south of East Childs Avenue. The project creates a new cul-de-sac off East Childs, with lot sizes ranging from 5,565 to 14,579 square feet. The project complies with the Low Density Residential (R-1-5) zoning and general plan density (5.1 units per acre, within the 2-6 units/acre range). Conditions include fire department cul-de-sac standards, a wooden fence between the existing subdivision and lots 9-10, and a sidewalk connecting the two cul-de-sacs. Commission questions addressed fence height (standard 6-7 feet), lot sizes, and adherence to MID requirements. The applicant's engineer, Cesar Perez, confirmed the design and noted the project was revised after the previous application was withdrawn. No rebuttal was given. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (D1, D2): Approved unanimously. - Public Hearing (E1): The commission voted unanimously (4-0) to approve Environmental Review 25-0038 (Categorical Exemption) and Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map 25-0013, subject to the 49 conditions in the resolution. The motion was made by Commissioner Ochoa and seconded by Commissioner Greggs. - Upcoming Items: The Acting Planning Manager announced training sessions for the November 19 and December 3 meetings, with topics including the Subdivision Map Act and planning process. Commissioners requested a case study review of a past complex item. The meeting adjourned after a unanimous vote.