Isabel Carlos

The meeting included several presentations and discussions. The City Council proclaimed and recognized Arbor Day, emphasizing the environmental and economic benefits of trees. A proclamation was also issued to recognize Angelina Belli, a student athlete achieving national recognition in Girls Wrestling and accepting an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. An update was provided on Peninsula Clean Energy programs, including rate savings, community reinvestment projects like solar installations, and an upcoming rebranding to West Light Energy. During the public forum, comments were made regarding the establishment of a pilot program to provide county recording office services on the west side of Merced County, concerns over public information dissemination during a recent hazardous incident, and strong opposition to a proposed council pay raise agenda item, citing it as out of touch with voter expectations.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks and an invocation, followed by the approval of the agenda. Key agenda items included presentations recognizing an Employee of the Month for November 2025 and honoring the retirement of the City Attorney, William Vaughn, after over 22 years of service. The public forum featured several speakers. One speaker addressed matters concerning the local homeless population, including obtaining food, warmth (generators, tarps), bedding (mattresses), lighting, and sanitation facilities, and mentioned coordinating with churches, the National Guard, and the Fire Department for aid distribution. Another resident expressed appreciation for the Public Works department's follow-up on a hazardous sidewalk repair near the Elks Lodge. A third speaker requested quarterly public reports from the Council regarding the management and progress of the homeless encampment and the One Tree project, citing concerns about transparency in these and other city matters like ARPA funding and PBID discussions. The speaker also noted efforts to coordinate pet adoption events and thanked the Police Chief for work related to an upcoming special event.

The discussion involved nominations during the meeting, specifically a motion by member Smith, seconded by member Moran, to nominate Lori Gatuso for vice president. Following this, the need for a nomination for the position of clerk was raised.

The meeting included a proclamation honoring Stuart McCullik for achieving his fourth California state duck calling title and the 2025 Senior World Duck Calling Championship, recognizing his three decades of dedication to the sport. A second proclamation was made recognizing February 8th, 2026, as Four Chaplain Sunday to commemorate the sacrifice of four US Army chaplains during the sinking of the US Army Transport Dorchester in 1943. Public forum discussions covered updates from the Assemblywoman's office regarding recent legislative actions on housing and energy affordability, local funding allocations, and planned support initiatives like mobile office hours. Other speakers addressed animal welfare concerns, specifically supporting feral cat trapping programs and the efforts of police and animal control staff. A resident also presented a letter signed by over two dozen residents urging the City Council to ensure city resources are not used for federal civil immigration enforcement and to provide training related to constitutional rights and California's SB54 sanctuary law. A representative from the Chamber of Commerce spoke about the organization's long history, its volunteer nature, and current funding challenges due to expiring contracts, requesting continued support.

The meeting commenced with invocations and pledges, followed by roll call confirming a quorum, and approval of the agenda, with Item 17 (closed session) being pulled for a later date. Employee recognition included Officer Joshua Such as Employee of the Month for January 2026, and the Finance Department was recognized for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for the 11th consecutive year for fiscal year 23-24. New employees and promotions within the Police and Public Works departments were also introduced. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation from Merced College regarding a $50,000 grant to explore establishing a semiconductor technician program. The college detailed the national need for skilled technicians due to supply chain issues and outlined plans for curriculum development, seeking public-private partnerships, and potentially applying for $2 million in California Jobs First funds to attract industry to the Los Banos campus. The meeting concluded with the introduction of the Mid Valley Disposal presentation.