Sep 15, 2026 Board Meeting

[00:00:03]

GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME TO THE SEPTEMBER 15TH MEETING OF THE MERCED COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

[CALL TO ORDER]

[8:30 A.M. – CLOSED SESSION]

FITZGERALD VERSUS COUNTY OF MERCED ETL MERCED SUPERIOR COURT CASE NUMBER 25CV-03232 AND CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR. APPROXIMATELY 4.9 ACRES LOCATED AT 2050 WARDROBE AVENUE.

MERCED. AGENCY NEGOTIATOR DAVID MIRRIONE, ASSISTANT COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NEGOTIATING PARTIES, COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL GONELLA REALTY. UNDER NEGOTIATION TO REQUEST AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY AND VALUE.

THE PUBLIC WILL BE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON ANY MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED IN CLOSED SESSION PRIOR TO THE BOARD ADJOURNING INTO CLOSED SESSION.

TESTIMONY IS LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES PER PERSON AND 30 MINUTES TOTAL.

FOR THOSE ATTENDING IN PERSON, PLEASE STEP UP TO THE PODIUM FOR OUR REMOTE ATTENDEES, PLEASE USE THE RAISE HAND FEATURE ON ZOOM OR PRESS STAR NINE IF YOU ARE CALLING BY PHONE TO BETTER FACILITATE THE MEETING AND ENSURE FAIRNESS. WE WILL START WITH FIVE SPEAKERS IN PERSON, FOLLOWED BY FIVE REMOTE SPEAKERS UNTIL THE TIME HAS EXPIRED.

THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN UP PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE CLOSED SESSION ITEMS. SEEING NO ONE IN THE ROOM, I'LL CHECK ONLINE.

MR. CHAIR, THERE ARE NO REMOTE SPEAKERS LOGGED IN.

THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, I WILL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE CLOSED SESSION ITEMS AND WE WILL NOW ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION. GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME TO THE SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2026 MEETING OF THE

[10:00 A.M. REGULAR MEETING]

NOW WE WILL HAVE THE INVOCATION LED BY REVEREND ROBERT MORRIS, AND HE IS WITH VALLEY HARVEST CHURCH.

AND THEN SUPERVISOR PEDROZO WILL LEAD US IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, WE COME TO YOU THIS MORNING ASKING FOR A BLESSING UPON THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING.

WE ASK, LORD, THAT YOU WOULD GUIDE AND DIRECT.

WE'RE PRAYING OVER EVERY BOARD AGENDA ITEM THAT WOULD BE TAKEN WITH COMPASSION AND GUIDANCE. WE PRAY OVER EVERY DISCUSSION THIS MORNING, DEAR GOD, AND WE'RE PRAYERFULLY OVER THE BOARD MEMBERS THAT HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO REPRESENT THEIR DISTRICTS AND THEIR RESIDENTS THAT YOU'D BLESS THE PROCLAMATION THIS MORNING. WE PRAY ALL OF THIS IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.

AMEN. PLEASE JOIN ME IN THE PLEDGE. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS. ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

THANK YOU, REVEREND MORRIS AND SUPERVISOR PEDROZO.

IT IS NOW TIME FOR PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK ON ANY MATTER OF PUBLIC INTEREST WITHIN THE BOARD'S JURISDICTION,

[ PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK ON ANY MATTER OF PUBLIC INTEREST WITHIN THE BOARD'S JURISDICTION EXCLUDING ITEMS ON THE BOARD'S AGENDA]

FOR THOSE ATTENDING IN PERSON, PLEASE STEP UP TO THE PODIUM FOR OUR REMOTE ATTENDEES, PLEASE USE THE RAISE HAND FEATURE ON ZOOM OR PRESS STAR NINE IF YOU ARE CALLING BY PHONE.

TO BETTER FACILITATE THE MEETING AND ENSURE FAIRNESS, WE WILL START WITH FIVE SPEAKERS IN PERSON, FOLLOWED BY FIVE REMOTE SPEAKERS UNTIL THE TIME HAS EXPIRED.

HMONG AND SPANISH TRANSLATORS ARE AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.

THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN A PUBLIC COMMENT AGAIN.

THIS IS FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS ONLY. IF YOU'RE NOT ABLE TO REGISTER ONLINE WITH THE RAISE YOUR HAND FEATURE DURING THE REGULAR AGENDA, I WILL CHECK BACK AT THE END OF THE MEETING TO SEE IF ANY REMOTE PARTICIPANTS STILL WISH TO COMMENT.

THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, ALL PUBLIC COMMENT IS OPEN.

HELLO. GOOD MORNING CHAIR. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND EVERYONE HERE TODAY.

MY NAME IS AGGIE FREEMAN. I'M A ROTARY LEADER.

I'M GRATEFUL TO BE HERE REPRESENTING THE MERCED POLICE DEPARTMENT, K-9 ASSOCIATION AND SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION.

FIRST, A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTS LAW ENFORCEMENT K9 TEAMS, OUR HANDLERS, OUR VOLUNTEERS, OUR SPONSORS, OUR PUBLIC SAFETY PARTNERS AND NEIGHBORS.

[00:05:02]

NOW I HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT COMMUNITY INVITATION.

ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD, 8 A.M. IN ATWATER AT CASTLE PAWS ON PATROL AND ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17TH, 8 A.M. LAKE YOSEMITE RECREATION AREA. YOU MAY RUN THE FIVE K CHALLENGE YOURSELF IN THE TEN K OR ENJOY A FAMILY FRIENDLY ONE MILE WALK WITH OR WITHOUT YOUR DOG.

REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN AT RACE OFFICIAL. WHETHER YOU'RE A SERIOUS RUNNER, A CHEERFUL WALKER, OR SOMEONE WHOSE DOG HAS BEEN TRAINING BY CHASING SQUIRRELS, THERE'S A PLACE FOR YOU. AND IF A CANINE PASSES YOU ON THE COURSE, PLEASE DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY.

THEY'VE HAD PROFESSIONAL TRAINING. BEHIND THE FUN IS A MISSION THAT MATTERS.

PAWS ON PATROL HELP SUPPORT THE NEEDS OF OUR CANINES, INCLUDING CARE FOR THEIR DEVOTED PARTNERS, MEDICAL CARE AFTER THEY RETIRE FROM SERVICE. OUR CANINES AND HANDLERS SHOW UP FOR THIS COMMUNITY EVERY DAY ON OCTOBER 3RD AND OCTOBER 17TH. WE GET TO SHOW UP FOR THEM. SO BRING YOUR FAMILY, BRING YOUR FRIENDS, BRING YOUR DOG ON A LEASH AND BRING YOUR COMMUNITY SPIRIT.

RUN, WALK, VOLUNTEER, DONATE, SPONSOR OR SIMPLY COME CHEER.

EVERY REGISTRATION, EVERY CONTRIBUTION, AND EVERY ENCOURAGING VOICE ALONG THE ROUTE SAYS, WE APPRECIATE OUR CANINE TEAMS. TO THE BOARD, OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS, AND EVERYONE HELPING US MAKE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE, THANK YOU.

YOUR SUPPORT MEANS MORE THAN YOU KNOW AND PROBABLY EARNS YOU A FEW EXTRA TAIL WAGS.

PLEASE JOIN US SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD IN ATWATER AT COUNCIL AND SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17TH IN LAKE YOSEMITE AT MERCED FOR PAWS ON PATROL.

LET'S MAKE IT A JOYFUL MORNING FOR MERCED AND ATWATER, AND A GREAT DAY FOR SOME VERY DESERVING FOUR LEGGED HEROES.

THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE? OKAY. DO WE HAVE ANYONE ONLINE? MR. CHAIR, WE HAVE NO REMOTE ATTENDEES.

THANK YOU. THE PUBLIC COMMENT IS NOW CLOSED FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS. WE'LL NOW MOVE ON TO OUR CONSENT CALENDAR. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS ONE THROUGH 15.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ITEMS ONE AND TWO REQUIRE A 4/5 VOTE.

PUBLIC COMMENT WILL BE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES PER PERSON.

FOR THOSE ATTENDING IN PERSON, PLEASE STEP UP TO THE PODIUM.

FOR OUR REMOTE ATTENDEES, PLEASE USE THE RAISE HAND FEATURE ON ZOOM OR PRESS STAR NINE IF YOU ARE CALLING BY PHONE.

TO BETTER FACILITATE THE MEETING AND ENSURE FAIRNESS WE WILL START WITH FIVE SPEAKERS IN PERSON, FOLLOWED BY FIVE REMOTE SPEAKERS UNTIL TIME IS EXPIRED.

THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, I'LL OPEN UP PUBLIC COMMENT FOR CONSENT CALENDAR CALENDAR ITEMS ONE THROUGH 15.

GOOD MORNING CHAIR, MEMBER OF THE BOARD, CEO HENDRICKSON HENDRICKSON AND COUNTY COUNCIL.

MY NAME IS ANNA CAUSEY, AND I'M HONORED TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF MERCED COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICES IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH.

FIRST, I WANT TO EXTEND OUR DEEPEST THANKS FOR YOUR PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER AS RECOVERY MONTH HERE IN MERCED COUNTY.

YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT SENDS A POWERFUL SIGNAL THAT RECOVERY MATTERS, THAT OUR COUNTY STANDS UNITED IN SUPPORT OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY ON THIS JOURNEY.

THE 2026 NATIONAL THEME RECOVERY IS REAL. RESTORING EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE REFLECTS WHAT WE SEE EVERY DAY IN OUR WORK.

RECOVERY AND HEALING ARE STRENGTHENED THROUGH CONNECTION.

THIS YEAR'S MESSAGE RECOGNIZES THE MANY INDIVIDUALS WHO SUPPORT AND INSPIRE THE RECOVERY JOURNEY, INCLUDING FIRST RESPONDERS, HEALTH CARE AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, PEER ADVOCATES, AND FAMILY MEMBERS. TOGETHER, WE CREATE A NETWORK OF SUPPORT THAT HELPS INDIVIDUALS MOVE BEYOND SIMPLY SURVIVING TO BUILDING MEANINGFUL, HEALTHY AND FULFILLING LIVES.

HERE IN MERCED COUNTY, RECOVERY ISN'T JUST AN IDEA.

IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE FEEL AND SEE AND EXPERIENCE EVERY DAY.

IT'S FOUND IN THE COURAGE OF SOMEONE TAKING THAT STEP TOWARD THEIR HEALTHIER LIFE, AND STRENGTHEN THOSE WHO HAVE WALKED THE PATH AND RETURNED TO LIFT EACH OTHER UP.

EVERY STEP FORWARD MATTERS, AND EVERY STORY OF RECOVERY IS A REMINDER THAT CHANGE IS POSSIBLE.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS AND CREATING PATHWAYS TO HOPE.

WE ARE EXPANDING OUR NARCAN DISTRIBUTION TO SAVE LIVES, MAKING SERVICES EASIER TO ACCESS SO THAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE WHEN IT'S NEEDED MOST, AND STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY. WE DON'T WANT TO LEAVE ANYONE BEHIND.

[00:10:02]

YOUR LIFE HAS VALUE. RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO WALK THIS JOURNEY ALONE.

RECOVERY MONTH IS A TIME TO UPLIFT STORIES OF STRENGTH.

BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT'S A TIME TO RECOMMIT.

RECOMMIT TO COMPASSION, TO EQUITY, TO STANDING BESIDE ONE ANOTHER IN BOTH STRUGGLE AND SUCCESSES.

AS WE MOVE FORWARD, LET US CONTINUE TO BE A COMMUNITY THAT BELIEVES IN SECOND CHANCES, CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEALING, AND REMINDS US THAT EVERY PERSON HAS THEIR STORY AND IS NOT DEFINED AS THEIR HARDEST CHAPTER.

TOGETHER, WE CAN TURN MOMENTS OF STRUGGLE INTO OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHANGE, BUILD STRONGER CONNECTIONS, AND CREATE A COMMUNITY WHERE RECOVERY IS NOT ONLY POSSIBLE BUT CELEBRATED.

LET US CONTINUE TO REACH OUT. SPEAK UP. BREAK DOWN BARRIERS AND WALK ALONGSIDE THOSE WHO ARE FINDING THEIR WAY TOWARD RECOVERY.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE? DO WE HAVE ANY ONLINE? MR. CHAIR, THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO REMOTE ATTENDEES.

ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, I'LL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS ONE THROUGH 15.

WHAT IS THE PLEASURE OF THE BOARD? I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR SILVEIRA AND A SECOND BY SUPERVISOR PEDROZO.

[CONSENT CALENDAR]

MOTION CARRIES FOUR ZERO. AT THIS TIME, I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY

[Additional Item]

COLLEAGUES, WANT TO JOIN ME? COME ON UP. ALL RIGHT. YEAH. WHEN YOU'RE HELPING PEOPLE, DO YOU GO ALL THE WAY? YEP. YES.

WHY DON'T YOU STEP UP? ARE YOU GOING TO RECEIVE IT? YES. WELL, I WON'T READ THE PROCLAMATION, BUT I WILL READ THE IMPORTANT PART.

AFTER ALL THE HARD WORK HAS BEEN DONE, THE MERCED COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DO HEREBY PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 2026 AS RECOVERY MONTH IN MERCED COUNTY AND ALL ENCOURAGING AND ALL ENCOURAGED, ALL IN MERCED COUNTY AND ENCOURAGES ALL RESIDENTS, ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO SUPPORT THOSE IN RECOVERY, REDUCE THE STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, AND RECOGNIZE THAT RECOVERY IS REAL. RESTORING EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE FOR INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND OUR COMMUNITIES. SO THANK YOU [APPLAUSE].

COME ON IN A LITTLE TIGHTER. [INAUDIBLE] ONE, TWO. THANK YOU. COULD YOU GET ONE FOR HER SO WE CAN PUT IT UP ON OUR WALL.

THAT'S OKAY. THANK YOU. YES. THREE GUYS. ONE, TWO.

GOT IT. AND THEN BEFORE YOU GO, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS? OKAY. ANYBODY ELSE? THAT. NO. NO. ALL RIGHT. YOU COVERED IT ALL ON PUBLIC COMMENT.

SO. WELL THANKS AGAIN. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU [APPLAUSE].

OKAY. AT THIS TIME, I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE THE WORKFORCE, INVESTMENT STAFF AND PROSPERO BOARD MEMBERS UP TO RECEIVE PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER AS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MONTH.

SUPERVISOR MCDANIEL SENDS HIS REGARDS AND WISHES HE COULD BE HERE, BUT HE IS CURRENTLY IN WASHINGTON, DC.

HEY. HELLO? SORRY, SORRY.

SORRY.

[00:15:07]

THERE YOU GO. HOW ARE YOU DOING? GOOD MORNING.

HEY, MONICA. HELLO. HI. WELL, I GUESS NOBODY'S MINDING THE SHOP RIGHT NOW. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, WE, THE MERCED COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DO HEREBY PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 2026 AS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MONTH THROUGHOUT MERCED COUNTY AND ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO JOIN IN RECOGNIZING THE AMAZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE LOCAL WORKFORCE, AND THAT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN SUPPORTING THOSE WORKERS AND GROWING THE LOCAL ECONOMY.

SO THANK YOU. WHO'S GOING TO RECEIVE THIS? ALL RIGHT.

CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS? THANK YOU SO MUCH, SUPERVISOR. THERE ARE ABOUT 120,000 WORKERS IN MERCED COUNTY.

AND THAT MEANS EVERY DAY FOLKS GET UP TO WORK, OR THEY CLOCK IN FOR THE NIGHT SHIFT TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES AND KEEP THIS ECONOMY HUMMING. WE HAVE A GREAT WORKFORCE, BOARD, BUT WE DON'T DO IT ALONE.

THERE ARE PARTNERS THAT DO THIS WORK AND THEY'RE UP HERE AS WELL.

AND SO WE THANK YOU AND CELEBRATE ALL OF THEIR WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH US.

AND JUST A QUICK LITTLE STORY. YOU THINK OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, HELPING BIG BUSINESSES.

ERIC SERRATO AND HAS BEEN WORKING WITH A BUSINESS THAT HAS TWO BROTHERS THAT ARE STARTING, NO EMPLOYEES. AND IT'S REALLY KIND OF AN EXCITING BUSINESS IN THE AG WORLD.

AND THEY'RE DEVELOPING THIS BUSINESS AND SOMEDAY I THINK THEY'LL HAVE LOTS AND LOTS OF EMPLOYEES.

AND SO IT DOESN'T MATTER. ONE 0 OR 100 WORKFORCE DOES A GREAT JOB IN HELPING THE BUSINESSES IN MERCED COUNTY.

SO THANK YOU [APPLAUSE]. ANYBODY ELSE?

[BOARD ACTION]

FOR THOSE ATTENDING IN PERSON, PLEASE STEP UP TO THE PODIUM FOR OUR REMOTE ATTENDEES, PLEASE USE THE RAISE HAND FEATURE ON ZOOM OR PRESS STAR NINE IF YOU ARE CALLING BY PHONE TO BETTER FACILITATE THE MEETING AND ENSURE FAIRNESS. WE WILL START WITH FIVE SPEAKERS IN PERSON, FOLLOWED BY FIVE REMOTE SPEAKERS UNTIL THE TIME HAS EXPIRED.

OKAY. WE WILL BEGIN WITH PUBLIC WORKS. ITEM 16 THROUGH 18.

AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN UP PUBLIC COMMENT FOR.

OH, THERE YOU GO. MR. CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.

GOOD MORNING. JUST WITH REGARD TO ITEM 18, JUST A BRIEF CLARIFICATION.

I DO WANT TO SPEND A MOMENT JUST TO TO REALLY REINFORCE THAT THIS ITEM ESTABLISHES THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE CITY OF MERCED WILL REIMBURSE THE COUNTY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS AND CONSULTING SERVICES RELATED TO VEGETATION MANAGEMENT.

IMPORTANTLY, THIS ALSO INCLUDES REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE ACTUAL VEGETATION MAINTENANCE WORK.

WE WERE GOING TO BE REVIEWING THE MOU AND MAY ADD ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE TO MAKE THAT CLEAR, AND ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO AMBIGUITY THAT THE CITY'S REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATION WILL INCLUDE ACTUAL MAINTENANCE. THIS HAS BEEN DISCUSSED WITH THE CITY, AND WE ARE WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH THEM TO ENSURE ENSURE THAT THE AGREEMENT

[00:20:03]

WE CERTAINLY APPRECIATE OUR WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM, AND THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF MERCED WORKING TOGETHER TO PROACTIVELY ADDRESS POTENTIAL CHALLENGES BEFORE THEY BECOME PROBLEMS THIS COMING WINTER.

SO WITH THAT SAYING, WITH THAT BEING SAID, MR. CHAIRMAN, I CERTAINLY WOULD RECOMMEND APPROVAL. THANK YOU.

AT THIS TIME, I'LL OPEN UP PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS ITEMS 16 THROUGH 18.

OKAY. IS THERE ANY ONLINE. MR. CHAIR, THERE ARE NO REMOTE SPEAKERS LOGGED IN.

OKAY, I'LL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT. OH OF COURSE.

DID YOU. IT WASN'T ON.

GO AHEAD. NO. OKAY. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR. AND I JUST WANTED TO REITERATE AND ECHO WHAT CEO HENDRICKSON SAID.

I'VE BEEN GETTING A LOT OF CALLS LATELY FROM THE CITY OF MERCED. THEIR COUNCILMEMBERS, AND THEN ALSO, YOU KNOW, DIFFERENT RESIDENTS AND CONSTITUENTS WHO ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE UPCOMING POTENTIAL FOR THE EL SUPER EL NINO AND THE FLOODING THAT HAS TAKEN PLACE IN THE PAST. AND I THINK I JUST WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT, AGAIN, THE COLLABORATIVE NATURE OF MERCED CITY AND THE COUNTY OF MERCED, BECAUSE WE REALLY DO TRY AND WORK HARD OR TRY TO WORK TOGETHER ON A LOT OF DIFFERENT PROJECTS, AS YOU CAN WITNESS WITH MCKEE. AND THEN NOW WITH BEAR CREEK, I THINK IT'S ANOTHER THING THAT WE'RE REALLY TRYING TO PINPOINT, LIKE, LOOK WHO'S CAN DO THE WORK AND NOT POINT FINGERS, JUST COLLABORATIVELY DO IT TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE DOING SOMETHING FOR THE PEOPLE. SO I TOO, WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE CITY FOR THEIR WILLINGNESS TO BE COLLABORATIVE IN NATURE ON THIS AND PROACTIVE WITH US TO PREPARE FOR WHAT COULD POTENTIALLY HAPPEN. SO THANK YOU. OKAY. I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR SILVEIRA AND A SECOND BY SUPERVISOR PACHECO.

I'LL CALL FOR THE VOTE. PLEASE RECORD THE VOTE.

MOTION PASSES FOUR ZERO. NEXT, WE WILL HAVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICES.

ITEMS 19 THROUGH 23. THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, I'LL LET PUBLIC COMMENT ON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICE ITEMS. 19 THROUGH 23. OKAY. ANY ONLINE? MR. CHAIR, THERE ARE NO REMOTE ATTENDEES LOGGED IN.

OKAY. SEEING NONE. ALL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT AND BRING THE ITEMS BACK TO THE DAIS.

I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR SILVEIRA AND A SECOND BY SUPERVISOR PEDROZO.

I'LL CALL FOR THE VOTE. PLEASE RECORD THE VOTE.

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. OKAY. NEXT, WE HAVE HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY.

ITEMS 24 THROUGH 27. AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT FOR HUMAN SERVICE AGENCY ITEMS 24 THROUGH 27.

OKAY. ANY ONLINE. MR. CHAIR, THERE ARE NO REMOTE ATTENDEES LOGGED IN.

I'LL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT AND BRING IT BACK TO THE DAIS.

I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR PEDROZO AND A SECOND BY SUPERVISOR SILVEIRA.

I'LL CALL FOR THE VOTE. PLEASE RECORD THE VOTE.

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. NEXT, WE HAVE HEALTH.

ITEMS 28 THROUGH 32. AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN UP PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE HEALTH ITEMS 28 THROUGH 32.

ANY ONLINE? MR. CHAIR, NO REMOTE ATTENDEES LOGGED IN AT THIS TIME.

I'LL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT. BRING IT BACK TO THE DAIS.

HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR SILVEIRA AND A SECOND BY SUPERVISOR PEDROZO.

I'LL CALL FOR THE VOTE. SUPERVISOR PACHECO. WOULD YOU LIKE TO OPINE? PLEASE RECORD THE VOTE. MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

NEXT, WE HAVE THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S ITEMS. ITEM 33.

[00:25:01]

ANY ONLINE? MR. CHAIR, THERE'S NO ONLINE ATTENDEES.

OKAY. THANK YOU. I'LL BRING IT BACK TO THE DAIS.

I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR SILVEIRA AND A SECOND BY SUPERVISOR PEDROZO.

I'LL CALL FOR THE VOTE. PLEASE RECORD THE VOTE.

THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. NEXT, WE HAVE FIRE.

ITEM 34. AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN UP PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEM 34.

DO WE HAVE ANY ONLINE? MR. CHAIR, WE HAVE NO REMOTE ATTENDEES.

I'LL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEM 34. BRING BACK THE DAIS.

I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR SILVEIRA, SECOND BY SUPERVISOR PACHECO.

I'LL CALL FOR THE VOTE. PLEASE RECORD THE VOTE.

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. NEXT, WE HAVE PROBATION.

ITEM 35. AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN UP PUBLIC COMMENT FOR PROBATION ITEM 35.

IS THERE ANY ONLINE? MR. CHAIR, WE HAVE NO REMOTE ATTENDEES.

THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, I'LL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT AND BRING IT BACK TO THE DAIS.

I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR PACHECO AND A SECOND BY SUPERVISOR PEDROZO.

I'LL CALL FOR THE VOTE. PLEASE RECORD THE VOTE.

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. NEXT WE HAVE SHERIFF.

ITEM 36. I'LL OPEN UP PUBLIC COMMENT FOR SHERIFF ITEM 36.

ANY ONLINE? MR. CHAIR, WE HAVE NO REMOTE ATTENDEES.

ALL RIGHT, WE WILL OR I WILL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT.

BRING IT BACK TO THE DAIS. I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR SILVEIRA, A SECOND BY SUPERVISOR PACHECO.

I'LL CALL FOR THE VOTE. PLEASE RECORD THE VOTE.

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. NEXT, WE HAVE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

ITEMS 37 AND 38. AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN UP PUBLIC COMMENT FOR COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ITEMS 37 AND 38.

SOMEBODY OUT THERE MUST HAVE THE UNDER. IS THERE ANY ONLINE.

MISTER CHAIR, WE HAVE NO REMOTE ATTENDEES. ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU. I WILL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT AND BRING IT BACK TO THE DAIS.

I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR SILVEIRA A SECOND BY SUPERVISOR PEDROZO.

I'LL CALL FOR THE VOTE. PLEASE RECORD THE VOTE.

THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. NEXT, WE HAVE BOARD APPOINTMENTS.

ITEMS 39 AND 40. ALL RIGHT. AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN UP PUBLIC COMMENT FOR BOARD APPOINTMENTS.

ITEMS 39 AND 40. IS THERE ANY ONLINE? MISTER CHAIR, NO REMOTE ATTENDEES.

ALL RIGHT, I'LL CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT AND BRING THE ITEM BACK TO THE DAIS.

I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR PEDROZO AND A SECOND BY SUPERVISOR PAREIRA.

I WILL CALL FOR THE VOTE. PLEASE RECORD THE VOTE.

THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. NEXT, WE HAVE BOARD ITEMS AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS.

[BOARD INFORMATION & POSSIBLE ACTION]

ANY ONLINE? MR. CHAIR, NO REMOTE ATTENDEES. ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, I WILL BRING IT BACK TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT AND BRING IT BACK TO THE DAIS.

I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR SILVEIRA, PACHECO, SECOND BY SUPERVISOR PACHECO.

I'D LIKE TO CALL FOR THE VOTE. PLEASE RECORD THE VOTE.

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. WE WILL NOW RECESS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING AND CONVENE AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AS THE COUNTY OF MERCED DELTA-MENDOTA GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY.

AT THIS TIME, I WILL OPEN UP PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON AGENDA ITEMS AS WELL AS THE ONE ACTION ITEM ON THIS AGENDA.

AS A REMINDER, THE NONAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD MUST BE REGARDING ITEMS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

AS THE COUNTY OF MERCED DELTA-MENDOTA GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY AND TESTIMONY IS LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES PER PERSON.

OKAY. DO WE HAVE ANY COMMENT ONLINE? MR. CHAIR, WE HAVE NO REMOTE ATTENDEES.

ALL RIGHT. THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR BOTH NON-AGENDA AND AGENDA ITEM.

[00:30:02]

OH. ITEM ONE. YEAH. WE'LL DO A MANUAL VOTE. IS THERE A MOTION? MR. CHAIR? OH. OH, SORRY. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR.

MY MOTION IS TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS THE MERCED COUNTY DELTA-MENDOTA GSA UPDATING THE GROUNDWATER MONITORING AND REPORTING GUIDELINES AND SETTING THE NONCOMPLIANCE PENALTIES AS PRESENTED IN ATTACHMENT FIVE TO THE GROUNDWATER MONITORING AND REPORTING GUIDELINES.

OKAY. I HAVE A MOTION BY SUPERVISOR SILVEIRA A SECOND BY SUPERVISOR PEDROZO.

DOES IT HAVE TO BE ROLL CALL? YOU COULD JUST YOU COULD JUST DO BOTH WAYS.

OKAY. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? SAME SIGN. MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY FOUR ZERO.

OKAY. WE WILL NOW MOVE ON TO BOARD ACTION AS SUBMITTED BY COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

OH, I'M RECONVENING AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

YEAH. AT THIS TIME, WE WILL NOW RECONVENE AS THE MERCED COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. WAS THERE ANY PUBLIC COMMENT ONLINE? WE STILL HAVE NO REMOTE ATTENDEES. ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU. AT THIS TIME, WE WILL HAVE BOARD REPORTS AND I WILL START WITH SUPERVISOR SILVEIRA.

[REPORTS/BOARD DIRECTION]

SINCE THE LAST TIME WE MET, I WANT TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO PAT PALAZZO.

HE WAS NAMED THE LOS BANOS DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION FARMER OF THE YEAR.

THEY HAD AN EVENT HERE THIS PAST WEEK OUT IN LAS VEGAS.

SO CONGRATULATIONS. GREAT. LONG TIME FAMILY FARMER IN THE LOS BANOS AREA.

AND THE HONOR COULDN'T HAVE WENT TO A BETTER FAMILY, SO CONGRATULATIONS TO THEM.

HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH EDITH VILLA PADUA.

SO SHE IS THE NEW REPRESENTATIVE FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT.

I WANT TO THANK THEM. I CAN REMEMBER OUR RELATIONSHIP, MY RELATIONSHIP WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT.

WHEN I FIRST GOT ON THE BOARD, I WOULD CALL IT NOT SO GREAT.

BUT THEY HAVE DONE A REALLY GOOD JOB OF INFORMING THE BOARD AND BEING PRESENT.

AND SO AS THOSE ISSUES THAT CONSTITUENTS HAVE COME FORWARD, WE HAVE A POINT OF CONTACT THERE.

AND AS THEY'RE EXPANDING THEIR LEADERSHIP TEAM, THEY BROUGHT EDITH ON BOARD.

AND SO I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH HER YESTERDAY, I BELIEVE IT WAS.

AND THE LAST THING THAT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS THE LAO BOAT RACES.

AYE PARTICIPATED ON THE ROCK AND ROW TEAM. HOWEVER, WE WERE WE DIDN'T MAKE IT OUT OF THE TIME TRIALS, WHICH, YOU KNOW, I DON'T KNOW. IT IS WHAT IT IS, BUT I LIKE TO SAY GLASS HALF FULL, SOMETHING THAT I'M VERY PROUD OF OUT OF THAT EVENT.

WE DID TAKE SECOND IN BOTH OF OUR HEATS, SO WE NEVER DID FINISH IN LAST PLACE.

THAT'S GREAT. AND THEN KING FROM PROSPERO, HE WAS ON OUR TEAM AND, AND I, I KNOW THIS BECAUSE WE HAD SOME MUSIC PLAYING AND I INTRODUCED KING TO A NEW REPERTOIRE OF MUSIC.

I DON'T THINK HE EVER LISTENED TO COUNTRY MUSIC IN HIS WHOLE LIFE.

AND SO HE HAS A GOOD ROBUST BACKGROUND NOW IN COUNTRY MUSIC.

I WAS CONVINCED THAT AT LEAST ONE OF THOSE SONGS HE MAYBE HEARD BEFORE, BUT NO, HE'S NEVER HEARD NOT ONE OF THEM.

SO NOW WHEN HE GOES SOMEWHERE AND SOMEBODY PLAYS SOME COUNTRY MUSIC, HE WILL BE ABLE TO SAY, WELL, LISTEN, ACTUALLY, I'VE HEARD THAT ONE BEFORE. SO IT WAS, IT WAS A GOOD, A GOOD TIME FOR ALL THAT WERE THERE.

APPRECIATE THE COUNTY FOLKS. BHRS AS WELL AS HSA BOTH HAD TEAMS THERE.

AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLKS THAT ARE PUTTING THIS ON.

YOU KNOW, THE FIRST YEAR THERE WASN'T TOO MANY TEAMS, BUT NOW YOU'RE STARTING TO SEE SOME I THEY'RE LIKE SEMIPROFESSIONAL TEAMS. THEY'RE LIKE THEY'RE LEGIT THERE. I SEE SOME BIG BOYS THAT WERE ON SOME OF THESE TEAMS AND IT'S GETTING A LOT MORE COMPETITIVE.

BUT A GREAT DAY TO BE HAD BY ALL AND VERY THANKFUL THAT WE TOOK PART IN IT AND LOOK FORWARD TO DOING IT NEXT YEAR.

THANK YOU, MISTER CHAIR. SUPERVISOR PEDROZO. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR. YES, JUST A COUPLE OF THINGS. I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AT THE HOMELESS SHELTER A COUPLE WEEKS BACK, WHICH WAS REALLY ENLIGHTENING, AND IT WAS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO GO OUT AND JUST TALK.

IT WAS ACTUALLY AFTER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING THAT WE HAD HERE AT THE BOARD, AND I THOUGHT THEY HAD SOME GOOD QUESTIONS.

BUT IT WAS ALSO A GREAT, GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THEM.

AND THEN I ATTENDED THE UC MERCED PACE GRADUATION.

IT WAS WHERE THE STUDENTS PUT ON THEIR, THEIR ONGOING PROGRAMS AND THEIR PROJECTS TO DISPLAY FOR THE COMMUNITY,

[00:35:06]

I ATTENDED A LABOR DAY BARBECUE AT THE LAKE HOSTED BY OUR NORTH VALLEY LABOR FEDERATION.

I ALSO WANT TO THANK WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR THEIR CONTINUED COMMUNICATION WITH US.

I THINK THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT THEY THEY DO THAT.

AND THEN YES, FINALLY, AND THANK YOU FOR ACKNOWLEDGING THE BOAT RACE.

WHEN THEY CAME, WHEN THE VLF CAME TO ME THREE YEARS AGO ABOUT DOING THIS, YOU KNOW, WE GET THOSE, WE GET HIT UP A LOT ABOUT STUFF LIKE THAT. AND I SAID, WELL, YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW THROUGH.

AND SO PLEASE, YOU KNOW, CONTINUE TO KEEP US UPDATED ON WHAT'S GOING ON, WHAT WE CAN DO.

AND THE GROUP HAS DONE A PHENOMENAL JOB OF REALLY DISPLAYING THEIR CULTURE AND WELCOMING THEIR CULTURE TO THE COMMUNITY.

AND, YOU KNOW, JUST SHOWING OFF, YOU KNOW, AND HOW PROUD THEY ARE OF WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

I DISAGREE WITH SOME OF THE TIMES. BUT I WILL SAY THAT IT WAS FUN.

I THINK WE, I'M VERY PROUD OF THE MERCED COUNTY AND FOR THE THREE TEAMS THAT WE HAD SHOWING UP.

AND I ENCOURAGE EVERYBODY, EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT ROWING TO GO OUT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE, THE FESTIVITIES.

THE NIGHT BEFORE, THEY HAVE THE DRAGON BOAT LIGHT CEREMONY, WHICH IS REALLY COOL.

AND THEN THE DAY OF THAT SATURDAY, WHEN ALL THE RACING HAPPENS, THERE WAS SOME BIG TEAMS OUT THERE, WHICH WAS INTERESTING AND LIKE SOME PROFESSIONAL, I THINK THEY WERE PROFESSIONAL OR SEMIPROFESSIONALS, BUT IT JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT WITH THEM COMING IN, YOU HAD PEOPLE THAT WERE SKIPPING OUT ON A SAN DIEGO RACE TO COME TO MERCED COUNTY FOR OUR RACE, WHICH I THOUGHT WAS REALLY COOL TO SEE THE PEOPLE CAMPING OUT THE NIGHT BEFORE.

IT WAS, IT WAS A LOT OF FUN. AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THAT EVENT EVERY YEAR.

AND IT JUST GOES TO SHOW AGAIN, SOMETHING I TALK ABOUT ALL THE TIME IS THE CULTURAL DIVERSITY WE HAVE HERE IN MERCED COUNTY IS SECOND TO NONE.

SO I REALLY APPRECIATE THAT. THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR.

SUPERVISOR PACHECO. THANK YOU CHAIR. JUST A COUPLE OF QUICK THINGS TO ON THE 26TH, I ATTENDED THE MEMORIAL FOR ROGER WOOD AND ATWATER VERY WELL ATTENDED EVENT.

IT WAS A FULL TWO HOURS JUST BECAUSE EVERYBODY HAD A LOT OF GOOD THINGS TO SAY.

JUST A TESTAMENT TO HIS IMPACT ON OUR COMMUNITY.

AND HE WILL BE MISSED. ON THE FIRST, I MET WITH REPRESENTATIVE MARGARET ORTEGA FROM SENATOR PADILLA'S OFFICE.

SHE CAME IN AND TALKED ABOUT OUR FLOOD PREPAREDNESS AND [INAUDIBLE] AND WHAT WE'VE BEEN DOING.

WE ACTUALLY TOOK A TOUR OUT THERE TO THANK YOU TO THE SENATOR AND SENATOR AND SOME SOMEONE TO MEET WITH US AND GET THE PROGRESS OUT THERE.

AND THEN ON SUNDAY, THE SIXTH, I ATTENDED THE CENTRAL VALLEY BARBECUE FESTIVAL OUT AT THE FAIRGROUNDS.

AGAIN, VERY VERY GOOD EVENT. LOTS OF PEOPLE ACTUALLY ACTUALLY RAN OUT OF SOME OF THE FOOD.

BUT LOTS OF PEOPLE THERE, A LOT OF PEOPLE HAD FUN.

THE WEATHER COOPERATED WITH US FOR A BIT. SO I JUST WANT TO CONGRATULATE SAM RANGEL AND HIS ORGANIZATION FOR A WONDERFUL EVENT FOR FOR MERCED.

AND THAT'S ALL I HAVE. JERRY. THANKS. THANK YOU.

COUNCILOR HANSEN. NOTHING. CEO HENDRICKSON. NOTHING, SIR.

ALL RIGHT. WELL, I TOO HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET EDITH VILLA PADUA FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT.

AND AND I'LL TELL YOU, YOU KNOW, I DON'T KNOW, NINE, TEN YEARS AGO WHEN I GOT ON THE BOARD, EVERY ITEM THAT WE HAD WITH WITH OUR DISPOSAL COMPANIES WAS A BIT CONTENTIOUS AND AWKWARD, AND WASTE MANAGEMENT HAS STEPPED UP AND REALLY, I THINK DONE A GOOD JOB AT HEARING THE SUPERVISORS AND RESPONDING IN THE COMMUNITY AND AND SO I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING THAT WITH WITH EDITH AND JUST REALLY APPRECIATED HER ABILITY TO WORK WITH US AND TO COMMUNICATE WELL.

AND I THINK OUR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ALSO APPRECIATES THAT.

AND I SHARED THAT WITH THEM AS WELL. SO I DID NOT ATTEND THE LAO FAMILY BOAT RACES.

HOWEVER, I AM HEARING A SUGGESTION THAT THERE BE TWO DIVISIONS NEXT YEAR, THE BIG GUYS AND THEN THE REST OF US.

SO I GUESS WE'LL MAKE A RECOMMENDATION THAT WAY.

AND WITH THAT, I WILL ADJOURN THE SEPTEMBER 15TH MEETING OF THE MERCED COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.