City Council Meeting 9.21.2026

The City of Merced City Council meeting on September 21, 2026, included a study session on the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan. Staff described a 10-year framework informed by community engagement, with priorities covering park maintenance, safety and inclusion, partnerships, and financial stewardship. The plan identifies 10 potential capital priorities for the next 5–10 years—including completing the Merced Regional Sports Complex, renovating sports fields, improving Applegate Park access, and developing additional parks—but no funding or project awards were approved during the study session. Separately, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria reported state budget investments of $1.5 million for the City’s fire ladder-truck replacement project and $5 million for Bear Creek and Miles Creek infrastructure; these were reported state allocations, not council procurement approvals.

Council unanimously approved a supplemental appropriation from Fund 7006 for the Fire Department to purchase a 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe to replace a 2016 Ford Expedition that had reached the end of its service life; the purchase amount was not stated, and the fund is supported by state mutual-aid reimbursements. Council also unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-63 approving the 2025 HUD Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), which documents use of federal housing funds, including remaining COVID-era CDBG funds designated for a water and sewer project. No vendor selection, contract award, or bid approval was identified. Council directed staff to bring boards and commissions meeting-time issues, including potential impacts on access and staffing costs, to the Ethics and Governance Committee for further discussion.