Merced City Council considers ordinances to address blight, fireworks and RV parking

Public safety and code enforcement have been among the top discussion topics for the Merced City Council in the past several weeks.

With two council meetings remaining this year, the seven-member board has reviewed ordinances addressing blight, homelessness, and parking enforcement. Here is a recap of some from the Nov. 17 meeting.

1. Vacant Building Ordinance, moved to a second reading at a future council meeting before final adoption: The numerous blighted structures scattered across the city are not only an eyesore but a threat to public health and safety, city leaders say. The vacant building ordinance would require commercial and residential property owners to maintain their buildings.

Property managers who fail to comply would be charged an undetermined quarterly fee. The ordinance was voted down during its second reading, and after Police Chief Steven Stanfield and Interim Fire Chief Casey Wilson spoke about the need for more community input.

Council members motioned for the ordinance to be reviewed and returned for a second reading within 90 days.

2. Dangerous Fireworks Ordinance, moved to a second reading at a future council meeting before final adoption: This ordinance amends existing legislation banning the possession, use, storage and sale of illegal fireworks.

The penalties start at $1,000 for a first offense, $2,000 for a second offense within a 12-month period, and $3,000 for subsequent violations within a 12-month period.

3. RV Parking Ordinance, moved to a second reading at a future council meeting before final adoption: Frustrated drivers maneuvering around recreational vehicles (RV) obstructing their view of traffic might support this proposal, which aims to deter people who might be living out of their RVs while parked on the street.

Under the rule, RV owners are prohibited to park their campers on public and residential streets and will incur an undetermined fine if out of compliance. The ordinance does not apply to people who are loading and unloading, or who are engaged in emergency repairs. Owners may request 72-hour passes if the need arises.

“In a normal-sized residential street, you put a couple RVs on there, and then we start having collisions because we have neighbors who can’t see around them,” Stanfield said.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday Dec. 2.