Report Prepared by: D. Scott McBride, City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Provide Mutual Aid for Urgent Health and Safety Concerns at Crist Avenue and DeLong Street in the City of Merced
REPORT IN BRIEF
The County of Merced is requesting that the City provide support, (i.e. police, fire, public works personnel and public works equipment), to its cleanup activities scheduled for April 21, 2025 and April 22, 2025 south of Hwy 99, north of E Chids Avenue. Camping activities on an adjoining private parcel is occurring and several trash accumulations, debris piles, and public health hazards have been identified, necessitating coordinated cleanup efforts for the safety of the public and responding personnel.
Staff is also seeking authority for a temporary closure of a portion of Crist Avenue and DeLong Street in the City of Merced not-to-exceed One Hundred Twenty (120) days to prevent further access to this camping site during the summer months (high risk of fire) for public safety concerns.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the City to provide Mutual Aid Support to the County of Merced to address Urgent Health and Safety Concerns near Crist Avenue and DeLong Street; and,
B. Authorizing the temporary closure of a portion of Crist Avenue and DeLong Street in the City of Merced for a term not-to-exceed One Hundred Twenty (120) days.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than as recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
DISCUSSION
On April 21st and April 22nd the Merced County Sheriff’s SET team, other County personnel and private Outreach programs have scheduled a cleanup of the area south of Hwy 99 adjacent to the City-County limits, north of E. Childs Avenue to address the growing number of campers trespassing on private property. There are several vehicles, trailers, and RV’s that are being stored or used for shelter in this area. There is no potable water or sewer. The area also has no garbage collection. As the trash surrounding the camp increases, the drying vegetation in the area becomes a significant fire hazard. It is estimated that the camp now hosts 50 or more occupants, with the volume of solid waste increasing daily. While the County is requesting City resources, i.e. police, fire, public works personnel and public works equipment, the potential for a fire outbreak is a direct concern for the City.
Staff is also requesting a temporary closure of a portion of Crist Avenue and DeLong Street in the City of Merced for a term not-to-exceed One Hundred Twenty (120) days. This action will allow the City to limit persons gaining access to this parcel to use as a camping site which during the summer months has a high risk for fires.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed. Fund 1019 Substandard Properties has sufficient funding in the approved FY 2024-25 budget and will be utilized to fund the cost of the street closure equipment, including a gate, estimated at $8,000.
ATTACHMENTS
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