Merced changes massage parlor process; adds to City Fire budget

Massage therapists who begin practicing in Merced next year will have to be licensed under stricter state rules, according to a decision made by City Council members attempting to crack down on illegal prostitution.

The agreement to require new therapists to obtain licenses from the state, rather than the city, was among several motions approved by the council during its regular meeting Monday.

The effort is meant to do away with parlors that have served as fronts for prostitution, leaders said. Local therapists who already have a valid permit will be allowed to renew it with the city through 2026: After that, they, too, will be required to obtain state licenses.

In addition to the massage therapist decision, the council approved several housekeeping matters, passing them unanimously on 6-0 votes. Mayor Stan Thurston was absent.

The council made a number of other decisions Monday:

▪  City Council added $54,994 to the Merced City Fire Department’s overtime budget. Chief Shawn Henry said the money will cover the staffing needed to post a firefighter at Merced Municipal Airport through the end of the fiscal year.

Boutique Air, which began Merced operations in October, charters several more flights than the city’s previous air carrier and each flight needs supervision from a firefighter, Henry said.

▪  Merced-based Taylor Service Backhoe Inc. won the $639,976 contract for renovations at Stephen Leonard Park, on T Street in south Merced. The firm submitted a lower bid than a Madera company.

▪  Avison Construction Inc. of Madera was the beneficiary of a contract of $136,558 for sidewalk infill on portions of Buena Vista Drive. Principal architect John Sagin said the project is a part of the state Department of Transportation’s air-quality grant program.

▪  The Merced Main Street Association received approval to put “certified farmers market” signs on light poles downtown to promote the Saturday farmers market, which is held in a parking lot at 16th and Canal streets.

This story was originally published December 21, 2015 at 8:52 PM with the headline "Merced changes massage parlor process; adds to City Fire budget."