Darin DuPont

election debate

No direct financial impact mentioned, but your vote could influence future spending.

Flood Risk and Climate Resilience

About $9.1 million has been secured for Bear Creek restoration, plus $5 million in new state budget funds for Bear Creek and Miles Creek flood infrastructure.

Bicycle and pedestrian safety policy

Developer pays construction cost, reimbursed through public facilities impact fee credits.

Fahrens Park One maintenance district funding crisis

Fahrens Park One reserves can sustain reduced service for about two years.

Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan

The top-ten project list runs roughly $100 million, and the city says it will need grants, partnerships, and new revenue to tackle it.

Mural RFP artist pay dispute

Funding levels for the public art project were called insufficient by the speaker.

Jobs and Economic Development

No direct city cost; the tax incentives are federal capital-gains breaks that don't touch local property or sales tax.

Housing Affordability and Housing Mix

Mixed-use housing can generate dramatically more property tax revenue per acre — one analysis cited figures of roughly $384,000 for residential versus $9.9 million for mixed-use.

Comprehensive General Plan Update

The full process, including the required environmental impact report, runs into 2027-2028 and will shape where the city invests in infrastructure, housing and jobs for decades.

Equitable Funding Across Art Forms

The full ~$58,000 annual budget was on the table in July.

Downtown redevelopment of 626 W. Main Street

The lot appraised at $55,000; the recommended buyer offers $25,000 but plans $450,000-$550,000 in improvements.

Bob Hart Square fountain repair vs. planter conversion

Repairs can be done within already-budgeted money.

Alleged Assault at El Portal Imaging

VST Development Infrastructure Financing via JPA/CFD

No city debt — the CFD itself repays bonds — but special taxes would fall on future VST homeowners.

Sweetie animal cruelty case

Water operator job descriptions cite outdated certifying agency

Food Truck Regulation and Planning Commission Authority

No direct cost to residents, but a moratorium could pause new food truck businesses while the ordinance is studied.

East 21st Street Safety

Blue Light Camera Program donation

$85,566 federal grant covers the purchase; no local match mentioned.

2026-2036 Parks Master Plan adoption

Full build-out of listed priorities could approach $100 million; adoption itself commits no money.

Consent Calendar (balance: H.1, H.2, H.4-H.7)

H.3 Tractor and Flail Mower Purchase ($66,990.22)

I.1 Police Department JAG Grant — Camera Trailers

I.2 Bob Hart Square Fountain Repairs

I.3 Devonwood Apartments Fee In-Lieu Agreement ($579,415)

Approval of Street Closure Request with the Use of City Owned Property Located at Bob Hart Square, and for In-Kind Services Provided by the City of Merced, Submitted by United Way of Merced County and the Merced Christmas Collaborative for…

Approval of Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Subrecipient Agreements with Harvest Time ($63,539), Project Sentinel ($43,875), and Merced County Human Services Agency ($50,000), Consistent with the Respective Programs…

Consent Calendar (Items I.1-I.3)

I.4 — West Coast Arborists tree contract amendment

I.5 — Twelve Chevrolet trucks, $627,128.61

I.6 — Two Ford Explorer detective vehicles, $77,021.28

J.1 — Select Porch on Main for 626 W. Main Street

J.2 — JPA with MCOE for Virginia Smith Trust infrastructure

J.3 — Adopt 2026-2036 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan

J.4 — 120 Glock 45 Gen 5 pistols, $106,327.42

J.5 — $1,346 for Fahrens Park assessment ballot noticing

J.6 — Cook's Communications fire vehicle upfitting, $300,000

Consent agenda (balance of items)

F-6 El Capitan parking agreement — continued

G-1 Vacation 26-0002 — Canal Street easement (Bob Hart Square)

J.2 — JPA with MCOE for Virginia Smith Trust infrastructure

Recused because his law firm represents the Merced County Board of Education and VST

I-2 Items added to future agendas

Community Park #42 MOU Second Amendment (L.6, pulled for separate vote)

Merced County Office of Education is a client of my law firm.

Council stipend increase (Resolution 2026-25)

He said a raise is bad timing given two consecutive years of budget deficit.

K.1 — Repeat Housing Code Violators ordinance (first reading)

Mid-Year Budget Review — omnibus motion including $30,000 tortoise exhibit add-on

Believed adding unknown dais requests at mid-year usurps the budget process.

Direct Transportation/HSR Subcommittee to study station relocation and report back in 45 days

Seconded the motion; wanted more questions answered before any formal vote.