Report Prepared by: Jacob Fister, Sergeant, Merced Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Street Closure Request Submitted by Liza Servin for the 2026 Central California Band Review on November 14th, 2026, from 6:00 A.M. Until 3:00 P.M.
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving the use of City streets and Joe Herb Park on November 14th, 2026, for the Central California Band Review.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the street closures of Parsons Avenue, from Merced Avenue to Childs Avenue; East Childs Avenue, from Watertown Drive to Parsons Avenue, as requested by Golden Valley High School Band Boosters Coordinator Liza Servin for the 2026 Central California Band Review scheduled Saturday, November 14th, 2026. The applicant has also requested the use of Joe Herb Park through Parks and Recreation. The street closures will be between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., residents within the street closure will be escorted by the Merced Police Traffic Unit; subject to the conditions of the administrative staff report; and,
B. Authorizing the use of Joe Herb Park from 06:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter Section 200.
City of Merced Municipal Code Section 12.42.010.
State of California Vehicle Code Section 21101(e).
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2026-2027 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
A request was received from Liza Servin, representative of the Golden Valley High School Band Boosters, to close the following streets and utilize Joe Herb Park for the 2026 Central California Band Review Parade:
• North Parsons Avenue from Merced Avenue to East Childs Avenue.
• East Childs Avenue from Watertown Drive to Parsons Avenue.
• Manzanita Avenue at East Childs Avenue.
Parsons Avenue, north of East Childs Avenue to Merced Avenue, will be closed to northbound and southbound traffic to accommodate band warm-up activities prior to judging. East Childs Avenue will be closed to eastbound and westbound traffic between Parsons Avenue and Watertown Drive, including the intersection of Manzanita Avenue and East Childs Avenue.
Westbound traffic on East Childs Avenue will be directed south onto Watertown Drive to Dinkey Creek Avenue, where motorists may travel north or south on Parsons Avenue. Northbound traffic on South Parsons Avenue will be directed into the westbound turn lane and permitted to turn as regulated by the traffic signal. Eastbound traffic on East Childs Avenue will be directed south onto Parsons Avenue, maintaining full access to surrounding residences and businesses. Approximately half of the intersection at East Childs Avenue and South Parsons Avenue will be secured with traffic cones and barricades to provide sufficient space for participating bands.
Buses transporting participants will be directed into Joe Herb Park using the Yosemite Parkway entrance. Buses will proceed through the park before entering the Golden Valley High School parking lot. Upon departure, buses will be directed north onto Parsons Avenue.
The parade route has been modified from previous years to improve traffic circulation, reduce the impact on surrounding businesses and residential neighborhoods, and minimize the costs associated with police personnel assigned to traffic control. The revised route is intended to reduce the number of intersections requiring dedicated traffic control personnel while maintaining a safe environment for parade participants and spectators. Additionally, the changes are designed to minimize traffic congestion and preserve access for motorists traveling to and from nearby businesses and residences. These modifications will allow the department to manage the event more efficiently while reducing the overall staffing and overtime costs associated with previous parade operations.
The requested street closures will occur on Saturday, November 14, 2026, between 6:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. The Merced Police Department will monitor the event to ensure appropriate traffic control procedures are followed and that traffic control devices, including barricades and cones, are properly positioned along the designated closure routes.
The Merced Police Department anticipates utilizing, at minimum, the following personnel to provide traffic control and ensure public safety during the event:
One (1) Police Sergeant
Two (2) Traffic Officers
Three (3) Community Service Officers
All assigned personnel will be working on an overtime basis. The revised parade route and associated traffic control plan are intended to provide a safe and successful event while minimizing the financial and operational impacts on the department and the surrounding community.
The event would be held under the following conditions:
1. Event sponsors shall furnish a certificate of liability insurance with coverage of no less than $1,000,000.00 and naming the City of Merced as an additional insured.
2. Event sponsors shall contact all businesses and residences affected by the street closure, advising them of the hours, conditions and reasons thereof. This will be done no less than thirty (30) days prior to the event.
3. Event sponsor shall be responsible for placing and removing all traffic barricades and posting of parking restrictions where streets are closed.
4. Event sponsor shall be responsible for disposing of any trash and debris generated from the event.
5. Event sponsor shall provide adequate supervision of the parade participants during this event as required by the Merced Police Department.
6. The event sponsor has agreed to reimburse the City for the Merced Police Department staff time associated with the Band Review not to exceed $6,100.00.
7. Event Sponsor shall agree to indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all liability, costs, damages, or injuries to persons or damage to property which might arise out of or in any way be connected with the use of an encroachment/street closure permit for this event.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
This funding is included in 26/27FY Police Budget.
The Merced Police Department will assist residents living within the street closure to and from their residences. The Merced Police Department will use, at minimum, the following staffing to provide traffic control for this event. One (1) Police Sergeant, two (2) Traffic Officers, three (3) Community Service Officers. The Police Sergeant, Officers, and Community Service officers being used will be on overtime.
Cost to Police Department budget:
Staff on Overtime:
Sergeant (1) $152/hr for 10 hours =$1520
Traffic Officers (2) $127/hr for 10 hours =$2540
Community Service Officers (3) $68/hr for 10 hours =$2040
Total cost =$6100
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026 Central California Band Review Street Closure Application and Map