Newark City Council
July 14, 2022

AGENDA
Thursday, July 14, 2022
7:00 P.M.

HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING

REFER TO THE END OF THE AGENDA TO REVIEW

OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE MEETING
REMOTELY OR IN-PERSON.

IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON A FACE COVERING
IS RECOMMENDED BUT NOT REQUIRED.

A. ROLL CALL
B. PRESENTATIONS

1. Introduction of employees

2. Proclamation for the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America Council No. 16 Holy Ghost Festival
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
The public is invited to address the City Council on any item not listed on the agenda. Public Comments are generally limited to 5 minutes per speaker. Please note that State law prohibits the Council from acting on non-agenda items.

D. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar items are considered to be routine and may be approved by one motion.

There will be no separate discussion on these items unless there is a request by a Council Member, a staff member, or a member of the public to remove an item for separate discussion and action.

1. Approval of Audited Demands

2. Approval of June 23, 2022, special and regular meeting minutes

3. Adopt a Resolution Finding That There is a Proclaimed State of Emergency; Finding That

3. Adopt a Resolution Finding That There is a Proclaimed State of Emergency; Finding That Meeting in Person Would Present Imminent Risks to the Health or Safety of Attendees as a Result of the State of Emergency; and Authorizing Continued Remote Teleconferenced Meetings of the Legislative Bodies of the City of Newark for the 30 Day Period Beginning July 14 Pursuant to AB 361
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Hearing to consider property owners' objections and adopt a resolution confirming the Superintendent of Streets' Report concerning weed abatement assessments F. OTHER BUSINESS

1. Presentation of City of Newark Quiet Zone Study

2. Introduction of an Ordinance amending Chapter 2.09 of the Newark Municipal Code ("City Councilmembers-Salaries") to increase the salaries of City Councilmembers and Mayor by ten percent (10%)
G. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
City Council Members report on attendance at intergovernmental agency meetings, conferences, and seminars since the last meeting. City Council Members may also announce upcoming events and coordinate attendance; report on local events attended since the last meeting; and make brief comments on issues of concern.

H. CLOSED SESSION
I. ADJOURNMENT

HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING NOTICE
This meeting is being conducted utilizing teleconferencing and electronic means consistent with Assembly Bill 361 (2021). Members of the public may attend the meeting in person, virtually via Zoom, or watch it via YouTube. If you attend the meeting in person, a face covering is recommended but not required.

Mayor Nagy, Vice Mayor Hannon, and Council Members Bucci, Collazo, and Freitas may be attending this meeting via teleconference. Teleconference locations are not open to the public. In the event that any members of the City Council elect to attend this meeting via teleconference, all votes conducted during the teleconferencing session will be conducted by roll call vote.

How to view the meeting remotely:

Livestream online at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC383NGSxaPwZP1lkJbo2T8A Copy/paste the YouTube URL into your browser if the link does not automatically open.

How to participate in the meeting remotely, via Zoom Webinar:

From a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82672517447 Packet Page 2
From a telephone dial 1- 669-900-9128, Webinar ID 826 7251 7447 Provide live, remote public comments, when the Mayor calls for comments. Use the raise your hand feature in Zoom to be called upon by the City Clerk.

For frequently asked Zoom questions, please go to Agendas and Minutes and select the Frequently Asked Questions link.

No question shall be asked of a council member, city staff, or an audience member except through the Mayor. No person shall use vulgar, profane, loud or boisterous language that interrupts a meeting. Any person who refuses to carry out instructions given by the Mayor for the purpose of maintaining order may be guilty of an infraction and may result in removal from the meeting.

Council Meeting Access/Materials:

The agenda packet is available for review at Agendas and Minutes. The packet is typically posted to the City website the Friday before the meeting, but no later than 72 hours before the meeting.

Pursuant to Government Code 54957.5, supplemental materials distributed less than 72 hours before this meeting, to a majority of the City Council, will be made available for public inspection at this meeting and will be posted, if time allows, at Agendas and Minutes. Materials prepared by City staff and distributed during the meeting are available for public inspection at the meeting or after the meeting if prepared by some other person. Documents related to closed session items or are exempt from disclosure will not be made available for public inspection. For those persons who require special accommodations, please contact the City Clerk at least two days prior to the meeting at City Clerk or 510-578-4266.

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Item  B. 1.

DATE 07/14/2022
TO Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM Sheila Harrington, City Clerk
SUBJECT    Introduction of employees
The following employees will be introduced at the City Council meeting:

Rebecca “Becca” Hicks, Recreation Coordinator at the Newark Senior Center Alysia Reyes, Junior Engineer
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Item  B. 2.

DATE 07/14/2022
TO Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM Sheila Harrington, City Clerk
SUBJECT    Proclamation for the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America Council No. 16 Holy Ghost Festival
The Portuguese Fraternal Society of America Council No. 16 will celebrate the annual Holy Ghost Festival and their anniversary in the City of Newark on July 23 and 24, 2022.  Representatives from the Portuguese Fraternal Society will be at the City Council meeting to accept a proclamation.

Attachments
Proclamation No. 1875
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PROCLAMATION NO. 1875
PORTUGUESE FRATERNAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA COUNCIL NO. 16
99th ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, the Annual Newark Pavilion/Portuguese Fraternal Society of America (P.F.S.A.) Council No. 16 Holy Ghost Festival will be celebrated in Newark on July 23-24, 2022; and
WHEREAS, this event will also be the celebration of the Society’s 99th Anniversary in the City of Newark; and
WHEREAS, the early members of P.F.S.A. were involved in and contributed greatly to the development of the City of Newark; and
WHEREAS, these early members of P.F.S.A. established the Holy Ghost Festival, thus preserving their Portuguese homeland traditions and sharing those traditions with all Newark residents; and
WHEREAS, the City of Newark wishes to join the Portuguese community of Newark in the celebration of their 99thAnniversary of the Annual Newark Pavilion/P.F.S.A. Council No. 16 Holy Ghost Festival;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Alan L. Nagy, Mayor of the City of Newark, on behalf of the Newark City Council, do hereby proclaim July 23-24, 2022, as days of celebration of the PORTUGUESE FRATERNAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA COUNCIL NO. 16
99th ANNIVERSARY
and ask all citizens of the City of Newark to join in celebration of this event and in celebration of the rich cultural history that our Portuguese community shares with all residents of Newark.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set forth my hand and caused the Official Seal of the City of Newark, State of California, to be affixed this Fourteenth Day of July, Two Thousand Twenty-two.

ALAN L. NAGY
Mayor
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Item  D. 1.

DATE 07/14/2022
TO Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM Krysten Lee, Finance Director
SUBJECT    Approval of Audited Demands
Attachments
Audited Demands
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Item  D. 2.

DATE 07/14/2022
TO Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM Sheila Harrington, City Clerk
SUBJECT    Approval of June 23, 2022, special and regular meeting minutes Attachments
Regular Meeting Minutes
Special Meeting Minutes
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City of Newark | Newark City Council
Mayor Alan L. Nagy | Vice Mayor Michael K. Hannon | Council Members: Luis L. Freitas, Maria “Sucy” Collazo, & Mike Bucci

Minutes
Thursday, June 23, 2022
7:00 P.M.

A. ROLL CALL
Mayor Nagy called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Present were Council Members Collazo, Freitas (via Zoom), Bucci, and Vice Mayor Hannon.

B. PRESENTATIONS

1. Introduction of employees
Mayor Nagy introduced Human Resources Technician Deepa Iyer.

C. PUBLIC COMMENT
No one requested to speak.

D. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Collazo moved, Vice Mayor Hannon seconded, to approve Consent Calendar items D.1 to D.12, that the resolutions be numbered consecutively, and that reading of the titled suffice for adoption. The motion passed, 5 AYES.

1. Approval of Audited Demands

2. Approval of June 9, 2022, meeting minutes

3. Adopt a resolution confirming the continued existing of a local emergency due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Resolution No. 11367
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Page No. 2
City of Newark City Council Minutes June 23, 2022

4. Adopt a resolution Finding That There is a Proclaimed State of Emergency; Finding That Meeting in Person Would Present Imminent Risks to the Health or Safety of Attendees as a Result of the State of Emergency; and Authorizing Continued Remote Teleconferenced Meetings of the Legislative Bodies of the City of Newark for the 30 Day Period Beginning June 23 Pursuant to AB 361 Resolution No. 11368

5. Adopt a resolution establishing the Fiscal Year 2023 Tax Appropriations Limit Resolution No. 11369

6. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Attorney to execute a Certification and Mutual Indemnification Agreement with the County of Alameda Resolution No. 11370
Contract No. 22034

7. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Second Amendment to the Contractual Services Agreement with 4Leaf Inc. to Provide Temporary Professional Planning Services
Resolution No. 11371
Contract No. 22034

8. Adopt a Resolution Approving Contractual Services Agreements with MNS Engineers, Inc. and CSG Consultants, Inc. for on-call Public Works Construction Inspection Services
Resolution No. 11372
Contract No. 22035 MNS
Contract No. 22036 CSG

9. Adopt a resolution accepting public subdivision improvements for Tract 8498 Classic 36304 Newark Boulevard, a 9-lot residential subdivision located at 36304-36310 Newark Boulevard
Resolution 11373

10. Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchase order with Dell Marketing, L.P. (Dell) in the amount of $360,668.25 Packet Page 26
Page No. 3
City of Newark City Council Minutes June 23, 2022
for the renewal of software licenses and subscription services Resolution No. 11374

11. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Senate Bill 1) Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Project List
Resolution No. 11375

12. Year-end Budget Review and Adopt a Resolution Approving an Amendment of the 2020-2022 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2022
Resolution No. 11376
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Hearing to consider adopting a resolution for annual levy of assessment in conjunction with Landscaping and Lighting District Nos. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19
Resolution No. 11377
Public Works Director Fajeau gave the staff report recommending approval.

Mayor Nagy opened the public hearing at 7:13 p.m.

No one from the public requested to speak.

Mayor Nagy closed the public hearing at 7:14 p.m.

Council Member Freitas moved, Council Member Collazo seconded, to adopt a resolution confirming diagrams and assessments and levying assessments for fiscal year 2022-2023 Assessment District Nos. 1,2,4,6,7,13,15,16,17,18,19 pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972.The motion passed, 5 AYES.

2. Hearing to consider adopting a resolution for annual levy of assessment in conjunction with Landscaping and Lighting District Nos. 10 and 11 Resolution No. 11378
Council Member Collazo announced that she would recuse from participating in this item due to real property interests in Landscaping and Lighting District Nos. 10 and 11.

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Page No. 4
City of Newark City Council Minutes June 23, 2022
City Manager Benoun announced that he would recuse from this item due to real property interest in Landscaping and Lighting District No. 11.

Council Member Collazo and City Manager Benoun exited the City Council Chambers.

Public Works Director Fajeau gave the staff report recommending approval.

Mayor Nagy opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.

No one from the public requested to speak.

Mayor Nagy closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m.

Vice Mayor Hannon moved, Council Member Bucci seconded, to adopt a resolution confirming diagrams and assessments and levying assessments for fiscal year 2022- 2023 Assessment District Nos. 10 and 11 pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972. The motion passed, 4 AYES, 1 RECUSED.

Council Member Collazo and City Manager Benoun returned to the City Council Chamber.

3. Adopt a resolution approving the 2022-2024 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
Resolution No. 11379
City Manager Benoun gave the staff report recommending approval.

Mayor Nagy opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.

No one from the public requested to speak.

Mayor Nagy closed the public hearing at 7:18 p.m.

Vice Mayor Hannon moved, Council Member Collazo seconded, to adopt a resolution approving and adopting a Budget and a Capital Improvement Plan for the City of Newark for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 and providing for the post-auditing of paid demands certified or approved as conforming to such approved budget. The motion passed, 5 AYES.

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Page No. 5
City of Newark City Council Minutes June 23, 2022
F. OTHER BUSINESS

1. Adopt Resolutions approving: 1) the Memorandum of Understanding with the Newark Association of Miscellaneous Employees; 2) the Memorandum of Understanding with the Newark Police Management Association; 3) the Compensation and Benefit Plan for the Confidential Employee Group; 4) the Compensation and Benefit Plan for the Management, Supervisory, and Professional Employee Group; and 5) an Amendment to the Employment Agreement with City Manager David Benoun to Serve as City Manager Resolution Nos. 11380 – 11384
City Attorney Kokotaylo gave the staff report recommending approval.

No one from the public requested to speak.

Vice Mayor Hannon moved, Council Member Collazo seconded, to adopt resolutions:
1) Approving and adopting a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Newark and the Newark Association of Miscellaneous Employees, authorizing the city manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding and approving an amendment to the city’s salary schedule in conformance with California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5, and
2) Approving and adopting a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Newark and the Newark Police Management Association, authorizing the city manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding and approving an amendment to the city’s salary schedule in conformance with California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5, and
3) Approving and adopting a compensation and benefit plan for the confidential employee group, authorizing the city manager to execute the compensation and benefit plan and approving an amendment to the city’s salary schedule in conformance with California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5, and 4) Approving and adopting a compensation and benefit plan for the Management, Supervisory, and Professional Employee Group authorizing the city manager to execute the compensation and benefit plan and approving an amendment to the city’s salary schedule in conformance with California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5
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City of Newark City Council Minutes June 23, 2022
5) Approving an amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement with David J.

Benoun and approving an amendment to the salary schedule in conformance with California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5
The motion passed, 5 AYES.

2. Introduction of an Ordinance amending Chapter 2.09 of the Newark Municipal Code ("City Councilmembers-Salaries") to increase the salaries of City Councilmembers and Mayor by three percent (3%)
Assistant City Manager Hovorka presented the proposed ordinance based on the City Council’s direction at the May 26, 2022 meeting.

No one from the public requested to speak.

Vice Mayor Hannon suggested raising the salaries by 10 percent instead of the previously discussed 3 percent. He stated that the total cost of the proposed 3 percent increase for the Mayor and all Council Members was $2,748 per fiscal year. A 10 percent increase would have a total cost of $6,468. He stated that an increase was needed to attract people to run for office. He suggested tabling the item and returning with the 10 percent ordinance.

Vice Mayor Hannon moved, Council Member Collazo seconded to adopt a motion directing staff to return at the next council meeting with an ordinance reflecting a 10 percent salary increase. The motion passed, 4 AYES, 1 NO (Bucci).

G. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
Mayor Nagy reminded the public about the new Social Host Ordinance regarding illegal fireworks and that only Safe and Sane Fireworks are allowed.

Council Member Bucci congratulated the Newark Little League All Stars for winning the first game of their tournament. He noted that City Manager Benoun is the team manager.

Council Member Freitas congratulated Mayor Nagy on his State of the City speech. He wished everyone a safe and sane Fourth of July holiday. He commended Assistant City Manager Hovorka on her leadership.

Council Member Collazo congratulated the Newark Little League All Stars. She stated that the city should only charge fees for the field use for tournaments. She attended Packet Page 30
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City of Newark City Council Minutes June 23, 2022
Jean Ficklin’s Juneteenth story time at the library. She announced the concert series at Shirley Sisk Grove. Shop Newark.

Vice Mayor Hannon congratulated the Newark Little League All Stars. He commended public safety for their service on the Fourth of July holiday.

H. CLOSED SESSION
I. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m.

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City of Newark | Newark City Council
Mayor Alan L. Nagy | Vice Mayor Michael K. Hannon | Council Members: Luis L. Freitas, Maria “Sucy” Collazo, & Mike Bucci

Minutes
Special Meeting
Thursday, June 23, 2022

A. ROLL CALL
Mayor Nagy called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.

Present were Council Members Collazo, Freitas (via zoom), and Vice Mayor Hannon. Council Member Bucci was noted absent.

B. CITY MANAGER REPORTS

1. 2022 State of the City Address
Mayor Nagy gave the 2022 State of the City Address. He focused on the impact of COVID-19 on the City’s budget, programs, and services. He also addressed crime, homelessness, and provided an update on developments and events.

C. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagy adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m.

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Item  D. 3.

DATE 07/14/2022
TO Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM Kristopher Kokotaylo, City Attorney
SUBJECT    Adopt a Resolution Finding That There is a Proclaimed State of Emergency; Finding That Meeting in Person Would Present Imminent Risks to the Health or Safety of Attendees as a Result of the State of Emergency; and Authorizing Continued Remote Teleconferenced Meetings of the Legislative Bodies of the City of Newark for the 30 Day Period Beginning July 14 Pursuant to AB 361

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to continue conducting City Council and all other City Council appointed Board and Commission meetings remotely due to health and safety concerns for the public and making related findings in compliance with AB 361 (2021).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since near the start of the COVID-19 pandemic the City has been able to conduct meetings of its legislative bodies remotely pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20, which suspended certain provisions of the Brown Act allowing the City to conduct its meetings virtually.  On June 11, 2021, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order that ends the clauses of Executive Order N-29-20 which suspended those provisions of the Brown Act on September 30, 2021.  Governor Newsom signed AB 361 into law on September 16, 2021.  AB 361 allows the City to continue conducting virtual meetings where the Governor has proclaimed a State of Emergency and state or local officials have imposed or recommended social distancing or where the City Council has declared the need to meet remotely due to imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.

On September 23, 2021, the City Council made the necessary findings pursuant to AB 361 to continue to conduct virtual meetings.  AB 361 requires that the City Council revisit the need to continue conducting virtual meetings every 30 days.  The City Council last made the necessary findings on June 23, 2022.

Staff and the City Attorney recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution making the necessary findings pursuant to AB 361 to continue conducting virtual meetings.

Absent further action of the City Council, the City's legislative bodies would need to continue in-person meetings 30 days after June 23, 2022.

BACKGROUND
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On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the State address the broader spread of COVID-19.

On March 17, 2020, the City Council adopted a Resolution ratifying the proclamation of a local state of emergency  by the Director of Emergency Services due to COVID-19.

On March 17, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-29-20, which suspended certain provisions of the Brown Act in order to allow local legislative bodies to conduct meetings telephonically or by other means. Additionally, the State implemented a shelter-in-place order, requiring all non-essential personnel to work from home.

The City has established virtual meetings for all City Council and City Council appointed Board and Commission meetings. The virtual meetings have allowed the Council and advisory bodies to continue to conduct City business from remote locations while ensuring the public’s continued access to government meetings in a safe manner.

On June 11, 2021, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-08-21, which among other things, rescinded certain clauses of Executive Order N-29-20 after September 30, 2021, including clauses that suspended certain provisions of the Brown Act.  Thus, effective October 1, 2021, agencies would have had to transition back to public meetings held in full compliance with the Brown Act.

Since the Governor issued Executive Order N-08-21, the highly contagious Delta variant has emerged, causing a spike in cases throughout the state and within the Alameda County. Additionally, since then, the highly contagious Omicron variant and sub-variants BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 have emerged, resulting in the greatest nationwide COVID-19 infection rate since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, state and local officials strongly recommend wearing masks indoors. State officials further recommend the use of masks when social distancing is not possible.

Additionally, as a result of the highly contagious Omicron sub-variants, the Counties of Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Alameda have the highest COVID-19 case rates in the state.

On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361 (2021) which allows for local legislative and advisory bodies to continue to conduct meetings via teleconferencing under specified conditions and includes a requirement that the Council make specified findings.  AB 361 took effect immediately.

The City Council adopted a resolution pursuant to AB 361 on September 23, 2021 in order to allow the City’s legislative bodies to continue conducting virtual meetings after September 30, 2021.  The resolution included all of the necessary findings required pursuant to AB 361.  The City Council has adopted continued resolutions since that time.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
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DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
The California Legislature approved AB 361 and the Governor signed the bill into law on September 16, 2021. AB 361 allows local legislative bodies to continue to meet remotely after the expiration of the clauses of Executive Order N-29-20 which suspended certain Brown Act provisions.  Under AB 361, the City and its legislative bodies will be allowed to continue to meet remotely when:
• The local agency holds a meeting during a declared state of emergency; • State or local health officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing;
• Legislative bodies declare the need to meet remotely due to present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.

The City meets the requirements to continue holding meetings remotely in order to ensure the health and safety of the public:
• The Governor has declared a State of Emergency, and the City Council has ratified the proclamation of a local emergency by the Director of Emergency Services; • The CDC recommends social distancing of at least six feet due to COVID-19, and CalOSHA recommends social distancing under certain circumstances and maintaining six feet of distance can avoid close contacts requiring quarantine; • The Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19 have resulted in a significant increase of COVID-19 cases within the state and throughout Alameda County; • Meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees, the legislative bodies, and staff.

Pursuant to AB 361, the City Council is required to declare every 30 days that the City’s legislative bodies must continue to meet remotely in order to ensure the health and safety of the public.

The proposed resolution includes the necessary findings pursuant to AB 361 to allow the City Council and the City’s legislative bodies to continue meeting remotely.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact of adopting this resolution.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL
Prepared by – Kristopher J. Kokotaylo, City Attorney
Approved by – David J. Benoun, City Manager
Attachments
AB 361 Resolution July 22
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RESOLUTION NO. xxxx

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

NEWARK FINDING THAT THERE IS A PROCLAIMED
STATE OF EMERGENCY; FINDING THAT MEETING IN

PERSON WOULD PRESENT IMMINENT RISKS TO THE

HEALTH OR SAFETY OF ATTENDEES AS A RESULT OF
THE STATE OF EMERGENCY; AND AUTHORIZING

CONTINUED REMOTE TELECONFERENCED MEETINGS OF

THE LEGISLATIVE BODIES OF THE CITY OF NEWARK
FOR THE 30 DAY PERIOD BEGINNING JULY 14 PURSUANT
TO AB 361
WHEREAS, all meetings of the City of Newark’s legislative bodies are open and public, as required by the Ralph M. Brown Act (Cal. Gov. Code 54950 – 54963), so that any member of the public may attend, participate, and watch the City’s legislative bodies conduct their business; and
WHEREAS, on March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the State prepare for a broader spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”); and
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, the City Council adopted a Resolution ratifying the proclamation of a local emergency by the Director of Emergency Services due to COVID-19; and WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-29-20 suspending certain provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act in order to allow local legislative bodies to conduct meetings telephonically or by other means; and
WHEREAS, as a result of Executive Order N-29-20, staff set up virtual meetings for all City Council meetings and meetings of all legislative bodies within the City; and WHEREAS, on June 11, 2021, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-08-21, which, effective September 30, 2021, ends the provisions of Executive Order N-29-20 that allows local legislative bodies to conduct meetings telephonically or by other means; and WHEREAS, on September 16, 2021, Governor Newsom signed AB 361 (2021) which allows for local legislative bodies and advisory bodies to continue to conduct meetings via teleconferencing under specified conditions and includes a requirement that the City Council make specified findings. AB 361 (2021) took effect immediately; and WHEREAS, AB 361 (2021) requires that the Governor declare a State of Emergency pursuant to Government Code section 8625; and
WHEREAS, AB 361 (2021) further requires that state or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing, or, requires that the legislative body Packet Page 36
determines that meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health and safety of attendees; and
WHEREAS, such conditions now exist in the City, specifically, Governor Newsom has declared a State of Emergency due to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, since issuing Executive Order N-08-21, the highly contagious Delta and Omicron variants, in addition to Omicron sub-variants, of COVID-19 have emerged, causing an increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the State and Alameda County; and WHEREAS, on August 3, 2021, in response to the Delta variant of COVID-19, the Alameda County Health Officer issued an order for nearly all individuals to wear masks when inside public spaces; and
WHEREAS, following the Alameda County Health Order the Omicron variant emerged and was designated as a variant of concern by the United States; and WHEREAS, the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant has resulted in the greatest nationwide COVID-19 infection rate since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) continues to recommend physical distancing of at least 6 feet from others outside of the household and CalOSHA recommends social distancing under certain circumstances and maintaining six feet of distance can avoid close contacts requiring quarantine. State and local officials currently strongly recommend wearing masks indoors and state officials further recommend the use of masks when social distancing is not possible; and
WHEREAS, because of the rise in cases due to the Delta and Omicron variant of COVID19, and now the Omicron sub-variant, the City is concerned about the health and safety of all individuals who intend to attend City Council and meetings of the City’s other legislative bodies; and
WHEREAS, on September 23, 2021, the City Council found that the presence of COVID-19 and the increase of cases due to the Delta variant would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees, including the legislative bodies and staff, should the City’s legislative bodies hold in person meetings; and
WHEREAS, the highly contagious Omicron variant has since resulted in several highly contagious sub-variants; and
WHEREAS, due to the presence of the highly contagious Omicron sub-variants, the Counties of Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Alameda have the highest COVID-19 case rates in the state; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has subsequently found that the presence of COVID-19 and the number of cases due to the Delta and Omicron variants would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees, including the legislative bodies and staff, should the City’s legislative bodies hold in person meetings; and
Packet Page 37
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the imminent risks of the City’s legislative bodies holding in person meetings to the health or safety of attendees continues to exist due to the Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the City shall ensure that it’s meetings comply with the provisions required by AB 361 (2021) for holding teleconferenced meetings.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Newark as follows:

1. The above recitals are true and correct, and incorporated into this Resolution.

2. In compliance with AB 361 (2021), and in order to continue to conduct teleconference meetings without complying with the usual teleconference meeting requirements of the Brown Act, the City Council makes the following continued findings:
a) The City Council has reconsidered the circumstances of the state of emergency; and
b) The state of emergency, as declared by the Governor and City Council, continues to directly impact the ability of the City Council and the City’s legislative bodies, as well as staff and members of the public, from meeting safely in person; and c) The CDC continues to recommend physical distancing of at least six feet due to COVID-19, state and local officials continue to recommend wearing masks and physical distancing under certain circumstances, and as a result of the presence of COVID-19 and the increase of cases due to the Delta and Omicron variants, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees, the legislative bodies and staff.

3. City Council and City’s legislative bodies may continue to meet remotely in compliance with AB 361, in order to better ensure the health and safety of the public.

4. The City Council will revisit the need to conduct meetings remotely within 30 days of the adoption of this resolution.

Packet Page 38
Item  E. 1.

DATE 07/14/2022
TO Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM Neal Hornbeck, Assistant Maintenance Superintendent SUBJECT    Hearing to consider property owners' objections and adopt a resolution confirming the Superintendent of Streets' Report concerning weed abatement assessments

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council, by motion, act upon any objections by property owners for assessments on their parcels for the 2022 Weed Abatement Program and, by resolution, confirm the Superintendent of Streets Report concerning weed abatement assessments.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Newark conducts an annual weed abatement program as a fire prevention measure.  This is a combined effort between the City's Maintenance Division and the Alameda County Fire Department Fire Prevention staff.  Vacant properties with the potential for extensive weed growth are typically included in the program and property owners have the option to either complete the weed abatement work themselves or have the work completed by a City contractor. On May 26, 2022, the City Council directed the Superintendent of Streets to abate weeds on 125 parcels of land.

Following notification, property owners cleared 113 parcels and the remaining 12 parcels were cleared by the City's contractor.   The properties cleared by the City's contractor have a resulting range of assessments between $540 and $4,536.  The combined total for all assessments was $15,876.

BACKGROUND
The City of Newark conducts an annual weed abatement program to abate weeds on vacant properties that are not properly maintained by property owners to the satisfaction of Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) Fire Prevention staff.  The program is authorized by, and conducted pursuant to, Government Code Sections 39560, et seq.  The abatement work typically consists of tractor mowing, supplemented with manual labor to clear weeds abutting fences and to removal debris to facilitate tractor work.  Property owners have the option to make their own arrangements for weed and debris removal.  All properties on which the City performs the abatement work would be assessed the full cost of that work, including administrative costs.

Administrative coste are 20% of the cost of the weed abatement services pursuant to the adopted Master Fee Schedule.  There are approximately 125 industrial, residential, and commercial parcels that have large areas of vacant ground with regular seasonal Packet Page 39
weed growth that could develop into a fire hazard if not properly maintained.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
The Superintendent of Streets’ report on the 2022 Weed Abatement Program is submitted pursuant to Resolution No. 11333 adopted by the City Council on April 14, 2022.  The report showing the assessments for the fall 2021 and the spring 2022 weed abatement has been posted as required.  Owners whose properties are subject to an assessment may protest at this meeting or submit their objections prior to the hearing.

As of July 1, 2022, no written objections have been received.   On May 26, 2022, the City Council directed the Superintendent of Streets to abate weeds on 125 parcels of land.  Following notification, private property owners cleared 113 parcels and the City’s contractor cleared 12 parcels.  This year, the assessments ranged from $540 to $4,536.  The lowest cost is for a vacant property that required minimal work.  The highest cost was for a property that required extensive tractor work.  There were no additional supplemental lot clearings for the 2021 fall abatement work included in this year’s assessments.  The combined total for all assessments, including administrative fees, was $15,876.

FISCAL IMPACT
The 2020-2022 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 provides sufficient funding for the 2022 Weed Abatement Program.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL
Prepared by – Neal Hornbeck, Assistant Maintenance Superintendent Reviewed by – Soren Fajeau, Public Works Director
Reviewed by – Kristopher J. Kokotaylo, City Attorney
Approved by – David J. Benoun, City Manager
Attachments
Resolution
Exhibit A
Packet Page 40
(nhr1)
RESOLUTION NO.

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

NEWARK CONFIRMING THE REPORT OF THE

SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS CONCERNING WEED

ABATEMENT ASSESSMENTS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Newark, by Resolution No. 11,333, ordered certain rubbish, refuse, dirt, and weeds to be abated in the manner provided by Sections 39560 and 39586 inclusive, of the Government Code of the State of California; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Streets has caused said rubbish, refuse, dirt, and weeds to be abated. Nuisances abated and an accounting of the cost of abatement in front of or on each separate parcel of land has been set forth in a report entitled “Exhibit A – 2022 City of Newark Weed Abatement – Total Assessments” and attached hereto.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the report of the Superintendent of Streets attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit A is hereby confirmed.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the cost of abating the nuisance for each respective parcel is set forth in said report under the column entitled “Total Assessment”.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that there is hereby levied a special assessment against each parcel of land described in said report in the amount of $15,876.00 as shown in said column “Total Assessment”.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the costs levied as a special assessment against the parcels of land described in said report shall become a lien upon the property.

Packet Page 41
3,3.1,3.2 092-0131-001-09 Filbert St at Snow 864
8 092-0030-014-03 6717 Thornton Ave 1080
11 092-0041-008-03 SP Railroad Property 1512
34-34.5 092-0126-019-00 SMCTD RR ROW 4536
28 92A-2300-006-12 38403 Cherry St 2160
35 537-0852-001-02 8787 Enterprise Dr 864
36 092-0115-011-00 37445 Willow St 864
36 092-0100-004-02 Willow St - Enterprise 1080
45 092-0125-010-00 7843 Railroad Ave 540
49 092-0135-023-00 Walnut St Corner Lot 540
68 920-14000600 8333 Enterprise Dr 1296
73 901-011100300 Springhill Suites 6100 Mall Rd 540
TOTAL $15,876

EXHIBIT A
2022 City of Newark Weed Abatement

TOTAL ASSESSMENTS
MAP NO. APN LOCATION Total Assessment
Packet Page 42
Item  F. 1.

DATE 07/14/2022
TO Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM Jayson Imai, Assistant City Engineer
SUBJECT    Presentation of City of Newark Quiet Zone Study

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council receive the presentation on the City of Newark Quiet Zone Study. This item is informational only.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This informational item provides an overview of federal quiet zone regulations, summary of recommended quiet zone improvements at each at-grade crossing within the City of Newark, estimated costs of the improvements, and available funding sources.

BACKGROUND
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has established rules regarding the use of locomotive horns at roadway-rail grade crossings. The Final Rule, which was effective in 2005 (49 CFR Parts 222 and 229, Use of Locomotive Horns at Roadway-Rail Grade Crossings; Final Rule) is outlined in the Federal Registrar. The Final Rule details specific requirements regarding the sounding of locomotive horns at all public roadway-rail at-grade crossings in the country, known as the ‘Train Horn Rule.’ At the core of this study is a provision in the Final Rule that allows for a local authority to establish “quiet zones” within which locomotives would not be required to routinely sound their horns.  Quiet zones must be at least a half-mile in length and have at least one public at-grade rail crossing.

On December 9, 2021, City Council approved a Contractual Services Agreement with R.L. Banks & Associates (RLBA) for Railroad Quiet Zone Study, Project 1276, to evaluate the feasibility of establishing “quiet zones” at existing at-grade railroad crossings in the City of Newark.

There are 10 active and 3 inactive public roadway-rail at-grade crossing locations within the City of Newark.  One of the active at-grade crossings, Central Avenue, is scheduled to be grade separated with Central Avenue Overpass, Project 1014.

Additional information on existing at-grade crossings within the City of Newark is presented below:

Packet Page 43

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
RLBA reviewed the FRA Grade Crossing Inventory data and conducted onsite inspections of all public at-grade crossings within city limits to determine their overall condition and identify any local factors which may have an impact on the feasibility of establishing a quiet zone.

For purposes of the study, at-grade crossings within the City were grouped into three corridors and one freestanding crossing.  The three corridors designated for Quiet Zone study are:

Coast Subdivision between Jarvis Avenue and Central Avenue (total 6 at-grade crossings)
Niles Subdivision between Cedar Boulevard and Sycamore Street (total 3 at-grade crossings)
Newark Industrial Lead between Willow Street and Ash Street (3 at-grade crossings)
The one designated freestanding crossing is the at-grade crossing at Mowry Avenue, which is over a mile from the adjacent Coast Subdivision study corridor.

The Quiet Zone Study has determined that the six (6) at grade-crossings in the Coast Subdivision study corridor, three (3) at-grade crossings in the Niles Subdivision study corridor, and at-grade crossing at Mowry Avenue can qualify for a waiver of the Train Horn Rule with identified Supplementary Safety Measures, which at the majority of crossings generally consist of the installation of four-quadrant security gates.

The three (3) at-grade crossings within the Newark Industrial Lead appear to be functionally out of service.  Therefore, the Quiet Zone study does not recommend a waiver of the Train Horn Rule, but instead recommends that the existing, active warning devices be removed in their entirety at each crossing and replaced with crossbuck signs as specified by the California Public Utilities Commission.

The FRA’s Quite Zone Calculator tool provides estimated costs of recommended Supplementary Safety Measures. These cost figures represent an assumed national average cost and are provided solely to provide a planning baseline. Furthermore, the Packet Page 44
estimated costs reflect only the material and installation costs associated with the selected Supplementary Safety Measure(s) and do not include costs associated with connection of the improvements to the railroad or roadway signal system or any required track, crossing surface, or roadway pavement work.

FRA’s Quiet Zone Calculator tool estimates the total cost of recommended Supplementary Safety Measures for the Coast Subdivision study corridor, Niles Subdivision study corridor, and Mowry Avenue at-grade crossing at $600,000, $450,000, and $150,000 respectively.  Again, these costs represent assumed national average costs and do not necessarily reflect current construction costs in the Bay Area.  Refined construction cost estimates will be developed as at-grade crossing locations are prioritized and design concepts are developed for the recommended Supplementary Safety Measures.

Last week, the FRA issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the new Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program authorized by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The purpose of the RCE program is to support highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that improve the safety and mobility of people and goods. The FRA will award approximately $573.3 million in total program funding.  Staff intends to submit an application for FY 2022-2023 RCE funding for the planning, prioritization, and engineering design of the Supplementary Safety Measures and related infrastructure improvements required to qualify the identified at-grade crossings for a waiver of the Train Horn Rule.  A subsequent RCE funding application would be submitted in FY 2023-2024 for construction of the identified improvements.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.  This is an informational item only.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL
Prepared by – Jayson Imai, Assistant City Engineer
Reviewed by – Soren Fajeau, Public Works Director
Reviewed by – Kristopher J. Kokotaylo, City Attorney
Approved by – David J. Benoun, City Manager
Attachments
Quiet Zone Final Report
Presentation
Packet Page 45
June 30, 2022
City of Newark CA
Quiet Zone Study
Prepared by R.L. Banks & Associates, Inc.

Arlington VA
Table Of Contents
Quiet Zones Generally
Overview
Proposed Quiet Zones
Mowry Avenue
Coast Subdivision
Niles Subdivision
Excluded Crossings
Newark Industrial Lead
Other Crossings within City Limits Excluded from Quiet Zone Study Appendix 1. Maps (Full Size)
Map 1. City of Newark
Map 2. Coast Subdivision and Mowry Avenue
Map 3. Niles Subdivision
Map 4. Newark Industrial Lead
Appendix 2. FRA Quiet Zone Calculator Pages
Coast Subdivision Calculator Page
Niles Subdivision Calculator Page
Appendix 3. Mowry Avenue Quiet Zone Study, RLBA, January 14, 2022 Packet Page 46
QUIET ZONES GENERALLY1
Only local governments or public agencies may establish a quiet zone, which must be at least 1⁄2 mile in length and have at least one public highway-rail grade crossing. Every public grade crossing in a quiet zone must be equipped at minimum with the standard or conventional automatic warning devices (i.e. flashing lights and gates). Communities have the option to establish partial quiet zones restricting locomotive horn sounding during overnight hours between10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M.2
Local government(s) must work in cooperation with the railroad that owns the track and the appropriate state transportation authority to convene a diagnostic team to assess the risk of collision at each grade crossing where they wish to silence the horn. An objective determination is made about where and what type of additional safety engineering improvements are necessary to effectively reduce the risk associated with silencing the horns based on localized conditions such as highway traffic volumes, train traffic volumes, the accident history and physical characteristics of the crossing, including existing safety measures.

Examples of additional safety engineering improvements that may be necessary to reduce the risk of collisions include: medians on one or both sides of the tracks to prevent a motorist from driving around a lowered gate; a four-quadrant gate system to block all lanes of highway traffic; converting a two-way street into a one-way street; permanent closure of the crossing to highway traffic; or approved variations of these treatments.

As an alternative to quiet zones, communities may also choose to silence locomotive horns through the installation of wayside horns at each crossing (train-activated stationary acoustical devices directed at highway traffic), as a one for one substitute for train horns.

Once all necessary safety engineering improvements are made, the local community must certify to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that the required level of risk reduction has been achieved. A quiet zone may only take effect after all necessary safety measures are installed and operational.

Notably, in a quiet zone engineers have no legal duty to sound the horn, but may exercise discretion during emergency situations (i.e. the presence of a vehicle or a person on the track). Under federal regulations, engineers must sound the horn to warn railroad maintenance employees or contractors working on the tracks. If a railroad or individual engineer fails to sound the locomotive horn as required or is unnecessarily sounding the horn in an established quiet zone, they are subject to enforcement action by FRA.

Calculating the Level of Risk3
In order to create a quiet zone, one of the following conditions must be met:

1. The Quiet Zone Risk Index (QZRI) is less than or equal to the Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT) with or without additional safety measures such as Supplementary Safety Measures (SSMs) or Alternative Safety Measures (ASMs) described below. The QZRI is the 1 https://railroads.dot.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/fra-locomotive-horn-sounding-and-quiet-zone-establishment 2 This is a matter of community option. A nighttime Quiet Zone application is held to the same standards as a 24- hour Quiet Zone
3 https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/2020-05/QuietZoneBrochure.pdf Packet Page 47
average risk for all public highway‐rail crossings in the quiet zone, including the additional risk for absence of train horns and any reduction in risk due to the risk mitigation measures. The NSRT is the level of risk calculated annually by averaging the risk at all of the Nation’s public highway‐ rail grade crossings equipped with flashing lights and gates where train horns are routinely sounded.

2. The Quiet Zone Risk Index (QZRI) is less than or equal to the Risk Index With Horns (RIWH) with additional safety measures such as SSMs or ASMs. The RIWH is the average risk for all public highway‐rail crossings in the proposed quiet zone when locomotive horns are routinely sounded.

3. Install SSMs at every public highway‐rail crossing. This is the best method to reduce risks in a proposed quiet zone and to enhance safety.

The Quit Zone Risk Index is calculated by using the FRA’s Quiet Zone Calculator4tool which is preloaded with the values for the crossing as based on the Grade Crossing Inventory System5and the Grade Crossing Incident Database6. The Calculator allows the user to make correction in the crossing data for purposes of calculation but does not enter these changes in the database. The user enters the proposed Supplementary Safety Measure(s) and the calculator determines the revised Risk Index for the crossing(s). Maps, providing context to the proposed quiet zones are attached as Appendix 1. The Calculator work sheets in connection with the Coast and Niles Subdivisions are attached as Appendix 2.

FRA Estimated Costs
The Quite Zone Calculator includes an Estimated Total Cost of the improvements which have been entered by the user. These cost figures represent an assumed national average cost and are provided solely to provide a planning baseline. They only represent the material and installation of the selected Supplementary Safety Measure(s) and do not represent the cost of connection to the railroad or highway signal system signal system and any required or incidental track, crossing surface, or highway work. RLBA recommends the informal solicitation of informal quotes before committing to budget figures.
4 https://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/quiet/login.aspx
5 https://railroads.dot.gov/safety-data/crossing-and-inventory-data/crossing-inventory-dashboards-data-downloads 6 https://railroads.dot.gov/accident-and-incident-reporting/highwayrail-grade-crossing-incidents/highwayrail-gradecrossing Packet Page 48

PROJECT OVERVIEW
R L Banks & Associates, Inc. (RLBA) was retained by the City of Newark, California (the City) to perform a feasibility study of establishing one or more railroad crossing quiet zones within the city limits. Federal regulations7, known as the ‘Train Horn Rule’, require that locomotive engineers must begin to sound train horns at least 15 seconds, and no more than 20 seconds, in advance of all public grade crossings. The regulation also allows a local government to apply for a waiver of this requirement where it can show that the likelihood of a train-motor vehicle collision will not be increased due to additional safety measures which have been implemented at the crossing(s) in question. Crossings or groups of crossings where the wavier has been granted are designated as Quiet Zones.

RLBA surveyed the existing crossings within the city limits and compiled an inventory which is enumerated in Table 1 below. The list has been organized by the designated name of the rail line (not the operating railroad) and whether or not, in our opinion, the crossing or group of crossings can qualify for the wavier and designation as Quiet Zones.

For purposes of the study, the seventeen8identified grade crossings within Newark were grouped into one freestanding crossing and three corridors. Four private crossings within these corridors were determined not to impact the quiet zone analysis.

The freestanding crossing is Mowry Avenue, GX 749946C which is over a mile from the adjacent crossings and was dealt with in a prior report included as Appendix 3. The three corridors designated for Quiet Zone study are: 1) the Coast Subdivision between Jarvis Avenue GX 749937D and Central Avenue GX 749943G inclusive (six grade crossings); 2) the Niles Subdivision between Cedar Road9 GX 750033G and Sycamore Street GX 750050L inclusive (three grade crossings); and 3) the Newark Industrial Lead between Willow Road GX 750021M 749 Code of Federal Regulations Part 222
8 One additional crossing showed as being in Newark on the Federal Railroad Administration Safety Map https://fragis.fra.dot.gov/GISFRASafety/), however this was determined to be the result of a survey error. 9 Cedar Boulevard is shown as Cedar Road on the FRA documentation and for the sake of clarity we do so here Packet Page 49
and Ash Street GX750028K inclusive (three grade crossings). These are shown on Map 1 below.

RLBA reviewed the FRA Grade Crossing Inventory data and, accompanied by the Assistant City Engineer, conducted an onsite inspection of all the public grade crossings within the city limits to determine their overall condition along with any local factors which would have an impact on the feasibility of establishing a quiet zone. While we were not authorized to either open the control housings or perform any testing, all of the crossing signals, except those on the Newark Industrial Lead, appeared to be in good repair and were observed to be functioning properly. The signals on the Newark Industrial Lead appeared to be out-of-service and therefor unmaintained.

Map 1. City of Newark Rail-Highway Grade Crossings
Packet Page 50

PROPOSED QUIET ZONES
Mowry Avenue Quiet Zone
RLBA’s report of January 14, 2022 determined that the potential future improvements at Mowry Avenue, GX 749946C would allow it to qualify as a Quiet Zone. RLBA, therefore, recommends that if the crossing is modified in accordance with the plans provided by the City that the City apply for a Waiver of the train Horn Rule at Mowry Avenue. The report is incorporated herein by reference and a copy is attached hereto as Appendix 3.

Coast Subdivision Quiet Zone
The Coast Subdivision Quiet Zone represents a north/south Union Pacific rail corridor approximately 2.2 miles in length between the City Line in the vicinity of Highway 84 and the junction with the Niles Subdivision in the vicinity of Central Avenue. The line is primarily singletrack north of Thornton Avenue and double track plus yard tracks south of Thornton. The line’s current traffic count is an average of six trains per day.

There are six crossings at grade in the Coast Subdivision Quiet Zone corridor. It is RLBA’s opinion that these six crossings as a group can qualify for a waiver of the Train Horn Rule. This will be discussed in more detail below.

Map 2. Coast Subdivision Grade Crossings Recommended for Inclusion in Quiet Zone Packet Page 51
The six crossings in the Coast Subdivision Quiet Zone are discussed individually below.

Jarvis Avenue 749937D – Jarvis Avenue is four lanes with a median strip. The crossing angle is approximately 45 degrees. Each direction of travel is already equipped with double gates and cantilevered signals, effectively producing the same effect as a four-quadrant gate. While RLBA has used the addition of four-quadrant gate for purposes of calculating the risk index, we believe that the FRA will accept the current configuration.

Haley Street 749938K – Haley Street is four lanes with no median. It is equipped with twoquadrant gates and cantilevered signals. RLBA recommends the installation of four-quadrant gates along with additional center striping and collapsible bollards.

Mayhews Landing Road 749939S – Mayhews Landing Road is two lanes with no median. It is equipped with two-quadrant gates and pedestal10 signals. RLBA recommends the installation of four-quadrant gates along with at least one cantilever signal, additional center striping and collapsible bollards.

Thornton Avenue 749940L – Thornton Avenue is four lanes with no median. It is equipped with two-quadrant gates and cantilevered signals. The crossing is complicated by the presence of commercial driveways immediately adjacent to the track on the north side of the street.

Provision will have to be made to ensure that the track cannot be accessed from either of these properties while the gates are down. RLBA recommends the installation of four-quadrant gates along with cantilever signals, additional center striping and collapsible bollards.

An additional complication is the presence of Alameda County Fire Department Station 28 in the southwest quadrant of the crossing. The apparatus in this station is frequently delayed in its response to much of the City by the presence of a train on the crossing and can be blocked from leaving the station by traffic backed up at the crossing. RLBA suggests that an additional railroad crossing warning signal with a “Do Not Block Fire Station” sign be placed immediately west of the fire station and that the City and the Fire Department discuss the installation of a remote occupancy indicator in the fire station which will allow the fire apparatus to indicate to their dispatcher a delayed response if the station receives an assignment while a train is occupying or approaching the crossing.

Carter Avenue 749941T – Carter Avenue is four lanes with a center median. It is equipped with two-quadrant gates and cantilevered signals. RLBA recommends that each side be doublegated along with the necessary signage and pavement markings. RLBA further recommends that the median on the northbound side be extended to prevent motor vehicles from going around the gate
Central Avenue 749943G - As this crossing is going to be replaced with an overpass, there is no need to budget additional crossing improvements.

The risk values associated with each crossing, with and without the recommended improvements, are shown in Table 2 below. The cumulative risk index with horns of the Coast Subdivision 10 A pedestal signal is one which is mounted on a pedestal or a post on the side of the road and is referred to as such in order to differentiate it from a cantilever signal which is mounted on a bridge structure cantilevered over the roadway.

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Corridor if no improvements are made is 51,907.00. This is significantly higher than Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT) of 15,488.00. The Quiet Zone Risk Index with all of the improvements and the grade separation of Central Avenue is 1,691.05. The recommended Supplementary Safety Measures lower the risk index at each crossing to a level significantly below the NSRT. In addition, the cumulative risk index associated with the corridor is reduced further by the inclusion of the planned Central Avenue overpass project which completely eliminates the crossing with the highest risk index in the corridor.

For comparison purposes, Table 3 shows
the comparative risk index for No
Improvement, Quad Gates Only without
the planned grade separation of Central
Avenue, and Quad Gates with Separation
of Central Avenue scenarios
In the event that the Thornton Avenue
crossing is not approved for a Train Horn
Rule Waiver then the Carter Avenue
crossing will not either as they are in close
proximity to each other. However, the cumulative Quiet Zone Risk Index associated with the three remaining adjacent crossings is 3,521.18, which is still significantly below Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold of 15,488.00
Project Cost The estimated cost in Table 2 is the cost generated by the FRA Quiet Zone Calculator. Removing the FRA’s arbitrary $4,000,000 cost of the Central Avenue Grade Separation Project leaves $115,000 per crossing as the marginal cost of installing four-quadrant gates at each of the five remaining crossings or a total of $575,000. As this figure does not include any incidental paving or crossing surface work, or the cost of any necessary changes to the existing railroad or highway signal systems to accommodate the additional equipment, RLBA believes a more accurate figure would be in the vicinity of $150,000 per crossing. As RLBA has only recommended the installation of additional signals at four of the five crossings, this results in a planning figure of $600,000 in signal improvement costs in connection with the Coast Subdivision Quiet Zone
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Niles Subdivision Quiet Zone
The Niles Subdivision Quiet Zone corridor represents an east/west Union Pacific rail connector approximately 1.25 miles in length between City Line in the vicinity of Interstate 880 and the junction with the Coast Subdivision in the vicinity of Central Avenue. The line is primarily doubletrack, with an average of twenty trains per day.

There are three crossings at grade in the Niles Subdivision Quiet Zone corridor. It is RLBA’s opinion that the three crossings as a group can qualify for a waiver of the Train Horn Rule. This will be discussed in more detail below.

Map 3. Niles Subdivision Rail-Highway Grade Crossings
The three crossings in the Niles Subdivision Quiet Zone are discussed individually below.

Cedar Road 750033G - Cedar Road is four lanes with no median. It is equipped with two-quadrant gates and cantilevered signals. RLBA recommends the installation of four-quadrant gates along with additional center striping and collapsible bollards. There is an intersection with St.

Isabel Avenue on the north side of Cedar Road adjacent to the west side of the railroad rightof-way. RLBA believes that there is sufficient distance between the crossing and the Packet Page 54
intersection to meet the 60-foot separation requirement11 .

Cherry Street 750032A – Cherry Street is four lanes with center median. Each direction of travel is already equipped with double-gates and cantilevered signals, effectively producing the same effect as a four-quadrant gate. While RLBA has used the addition of four-quadrant gate for purposes of calculating the risk index, we believe that the FRA will accept the current configuration. However, the intersection with Baine Avenue on the west side of the right-ofway is near enough that the City will need to reconfigure the intersection to meet the 60-foot separation requirement and may need to seek a waiver.

Sycamore Street 750030L – Sycamore Street is three lanes with a center turn lane. It is equipped with two-quadrant gates and cantilevered signals. RLBA recommends the installation of fourquadrant gates along with additional center striping and collapsible bollards The risk values associated with each crossing, with and without the recommended improvements, are shown in Table 4 below. The cumulative risk index with horns of the Coast Subdivision Corridor if no improvements are made is 47,710.57. This is significantly higher than Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT) of 15,488.00. The Quiet Zone Risk Index with all of the improvements and the grade separation of Central Avenue is 6,366.50.

Project Cost The estimated cost in Table 4 is the cost generated by the FRA Quiet Zone Calculator. The total of $345,000 equals $115,000 per crossing as the marginal cost of installing four-quadrant gates at each of the three crossings. As this figure does not include any incidental paving or crossing surface work, or the cost of any necessary changes to the existing railroad or highway signal systems to accommodate the additional equipment, RLBA believes a more accurate figure would be in the vicinity of $150,000 per crossing or a planning figure of $450,000 in signal improvement costs associated with the Coast Subdivision Quiet Zone. This figure does not include the reconfiguration of the two intersections cited above. 11 49CFR222 Appendix A 3 b Medians or channelization devices must extend at least 100 feet from the gate arm, or if there is an intersection within 100 feet of the gate, the median or channelization device must extend at least 60 feet from the gate arm.

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Newark Industrial Lead
The Newark Industrial Lead is not recommended for a wavier of the Train Horn Rule. It is further recommended that the existing, active warning devices be removed in their entirety and replaced with crossbucks as specified by the California Public Utilities Commission.

The Newark Industrial Lead appears to be functionally, though apparently not legally, out of service. The most recent inventory of all three crossings FORM FRA F 6180.71, dated 07/20/2021, Part II, Block 1.c. shows a train count (2019) of two daily switching trains, however Google imagery dated 2020-2021 shows significant amounts of rail removed from two of the three tracks and no connected industrial spurs. This was confirmed by a site visit. As a significant portion of the Dumbarton bridge has been removed, there is no current possibility of through traffic.

Map 4. Newark Industrial Lead Coast Grade Crossings Not Recommended for Inclusion in Quiet Zone
All three crossings are currently equipped with flashing light and gates. Area residents and frequent users of the three crossings are accustomed to the absence of trains on the line. In the event that a crossing signal does activate it will probably be ignored. RLBA, therefore, recommends that the existing crossing signals be removed and replaced with RAILROAD CROSSING signs (R15-1) combined with YIELD (R1-2) Signs in accordance with Section 8B.04 of the MUTCD Crossbuck Assemblies with YIELD or STOP Signs at Passive Grade Crossings.

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Other Excluded Crossings
Several crossings within Newark City Limits were excluded from the study as they are not on active rail lines, are within yard limits or are not accessible by the general public. Data associated with all of these crossings was confirmed by a site visit. 22029U MP 29.58 Coast Subdivision is a gated private access road used to access the drainage canal. It has no impact on the Quiet Zone Study.
450368T MP 31.29 and 749944N MP 31.7 Coast Subdivision are private crossings within Yard Limits, not on the main line and do not impact the Quiet Zone Study. 749950S MP 33.40 Coast Subdivision Stevenson Boulevard is a private crossing which is located on the city line with Fremont. It does not impact the Quiet Zone Study. 837816X Willow Street (not included in Table 1) was determined to be a survey data recording error. The actual crossing was determined to have been in the City of Alameda.

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Appendix 1 Maps
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Appendix 2
FRA Grade Crossing Calculator Worksheets
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Coast Subdivision Worksheet
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Niles Subdivision Worksheet
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Appendix 3
Mowry Avenue Quiet Zone Study
RLBA, January 14, 2022
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14 January 2022
City of Newark CA
Mowry Avenue Quiet Zone Study
Prepared by R.L. Banks & Associates, Inc.

Arlington VA
Introduction
This Report Responds to the City of Newark’s request that R.L. Banks & Associates, Inc. (RLBA) Start work early on the Mowry Avenue at-grade railroad crossing.

Location
Newark CA is located in Alameda County on the east side of San Francisco Bay, near the South end of the bay, The Coast Subdivision of the Union Pacific Railroad runs north - south (timetable direction) along the west side of the city, parallel to the bay. The Niles Subdivision and the Newark Industrial Lead run east and west respectively from the Coast Subdivision roughly in the center of the city
The Mowry Avenue crossing (GX No. 749946C) is the southernmost (MP 32.325) of seven crossings located within the city limits of Newark, along the Coast Subdivision.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
Demographics
West of the crossing Mowry Avenue provides access to an auto parts yard and several salt ponds.

East of the crossing is a community recreation center and some commercial development. These do not generate traffic over the crossing.

Railroad: Union Pacific Coast Subdivision
The railroad is a double track mainline with a single siding. The mainline track is maintained as FRA Class 4. Maximum timetable speed is 79 miles per hour. The average daily train count is 46 including 18 daily passenger trains
Highway: Mowry Avenue
Mowry Avenue is a two-lane local road which dead ends west of the crossing. The most recent traffic count is less than 1,000 vehicles per day.

There is no sidewalk.

Crossing Conditions GX No. 749946C
The current crossing protection is lights, gates, and bell with the necessary signage and pavement marking. There are no channelization devices nor are there any traffic lights. A copy of the current Grade Crossing Inventory form is attached as Exhibit A.

The most recent train v motor vehicle collision was in 2006. Prior to this there were a total of 6 in Packet Page 66
12 years. There are no reports of trespasser collisions related to the crossing.

POTENTIAL CHANGES
Demographics
Potential future development west of the crossing could result in increased recreational, commercial, residential or other uses.

Railroad – None
Highway
Improvements at this crossing could potentially include widening of Mowry Ave through the crossing, the addition of a sidewalk on the south side and other necessary upgrades to the crossing to allow the crossing to be considered for inclusion in a quiet zone. A drawing showing these improvements is attached as Exhibit B.

Quiet Zone Analysis
49 CFR Part 222 et seq provides the overall regulatory guidance for the establishment of a Quiet Zone. The regulatory process and the requirements are summarized in the Federal railroad administration pamphlet in Guide to The Quiet Zone Establishment Process12.Appendixes A and B respectively define Supplementary Safety Measures (SSMs) and Alternative Safety Measures (ASMs).

All public highway‐rail crossings in the quiet zone must have, at a minimum, an automatic warning system consisting of flashing lights and gates. The warning systems must be equipped with constant warning time devices (except in rare circumstances) and power out indicators.

There are four separate criteria which may be used to determine whether a crossing may be included in a Quiet Zone.

1. Every public highway‐rail crossing in the proposed quiet zone is equipped with one or more SSMs and or ASMs.

2. The Quiet Zone Risk Index (QZRI) of the proposed quiet zone is less than or equal to the Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT) without installing SSMs or ASMs.

3. The QZRI of the proposed quiet zone is less than or equal to the Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT) after the installation of SSMs or ASMs.

4. The QZRI of the proposed quiet zone is less than or equal to the Risk Index with Horns (RIWH) after the installation of SSMs or ASMs.

Analyzed with each of these sets of criteria the results are as follows:

1. Every public highway‐rail crossing in the proposed quiet zone is equipped with one or more SSMs and or ASMs.

The SSMs defined in Appendix A to Part 222. These SSMs are: 1) Medians and/or Channelization devices; 2) One-way streets with gates; 3) Four quadrant gate systems; and 4) Temporary or 12 https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/2020-05/QuietZoneBrochure.pdf Packet Page 67
permanent closure (of the crossing).

The drawings provided show, in addition to the basic light gate combination, a 6-inch-high median on both sides of the crossing with flexible tubular delineators on the western/southern side of the of the crossing. This median meets the requirement13 for an additional SSM and the crossing is eligible for inclusion.

2. The Quiet Zone Risk Index (QZRI) of the proposed quiet zone is less than or equal to the Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT) without installing SSMs or ASMs.

The NSRT is 15,488 and the QZRI is 36,301.06. for the unmodified crossing. This does not meet the criteria for inclusion.

3. The QZRI of the proposed quiet zone is less than or equal to the Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold (NSRT) after the installation of SSMs or ASMs.

The NSRT is 15,488 and the QZRI is 9,075.27 for the crossing with the added SSMs. This qualifies the crossing for inclusion.

4. The QZRI of the proposed quiet zone is less than or equal to the Risk Index with Horns (RIWH) after the installation of SSMs or ASMs.

The RIWH 21,763.23 and the QZRI is 9,075.27 for the crossing with the added SSMs This qualifies the crossing for inclusion.

Summary
In Summary Mowry Ave may be qualified as a Quiet Zone With the installation of the Supplemental Safety Measure (SSM) two-quadrant gates, given that raised medians are part of the Union Pacific Railroad Improvements Plan.
13 Due to the precise nature of the language used in the Grade Crossing Risk Calculator RLBA recommends the addition of reflective delineators on both sides of the crossing Packet Page 68
Exhibit A
Grade Crossing Inventory Form
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Exhibit B
Union Pacific Railroad Improvements
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Exhibit C
Quiet Zone Crossing Eligibility Matrix
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Newark, California
Rail-Highway Grade Crossing
Quiet Zone
Feasibility Study
Prepared by:

R.L Banks & Associates, Inc.

Arlington, Virginia
Michael Allen [email protected]
Thomas Messer [email protected]
Newark CA City Council July 14,2022
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Newark, California
Grade Crossing Inventory
Proposed Eligible
749937D 001L-29.10 UP Public At Grade Open 29.10 Newark Coast Sub Jarvis Avenue P Y 749938K 001L-29.30 UP Public At Grade Open 29.31 Newark Coast Sub Haley Street P Y 922029U UP Private At Grade Open 29.58 Newark Coast Sub Private 749939S 001L-30.00 UP Public At Grade Open 30.05 Newark Coast Sub Mayhews Landing Rd P Y 749940L 001L-30.40 UP Public At Grade Open 30.42 Newark Coast Sub Thornton Avenue P Y 749941T 001L-30.60 UP Public At Grade Open 30.62 Newark Coast Sub Carter Avenue P Y 749943G 001L-31.10 UP Public At Grade Open 31.12 Newark Coast Sub Central Avenue P Y 450368T UP Private At Grade Open 31.29 Newark Coast Sub N N 749944N UP Private At Grade Open 31.70 Newark Coast Sub N N 749946C 001L-32.20 UP Public At Grade Open 32.25 Newark Coast Sub Mowry Avenue P Y 749950S 001DAB-36.40 UP Private At Grade Open 33.40 Fremont Coast Sub Stevenson Blvd 750033G 001DAB-38.60 UP Public At Grade Open 33.70 Newark Niles Sub Cedar Road P Y 750032A 001DAB-37.80 UP Public At Grade Open 34.46 Newark Niles Sub Cherry Street P Y 750030L 001DAB-37.50 UP Public At Grade Open 34.77 Newark Niles Sub Sycamore Street P Y 750021M UP Public At Grade Open 36.42 Newark Newark Ind Ld Willow Road N N 750024H 001DAB-36.70 UP Public At Grade Open 36.78 Newark Newark Ind Ld Spruce Street N N 750028K 001DAB-37.10 UP Public At Grade Open 37.06 Newark Newark Ind Ld Ash Street N N FRA
Crossing #
Cal PUC
Crossing #
RR Type Position Status Mile
post
City RR
SubDivision
Street
Newark Industrial
Lead Excluded
Private Crossings in
Yard Limits
NA
NA
Quiet Zone
Coast Subdivision
Quiet Zone
Mowry Quiet Zone
Excluded
Niles Subdivision
Quiet Zone
Newark CA City Council July 14,2022
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Map of
Newark
Grade Crossings
Showing Potential
Quiet Zones
Key:

Recommended
Coast Subdivision
Mowry Avenue
Niles Subdivision
Not Recommended
Newark Industrial Lead
Newark CA City Council July 14,2022
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Possible and Recommended Quiet Zones
• Four possible Quiet Zones studied
• Three Recommended
• Coast Subdivision between Jarvis Avenue and Central Avenue • Mowry Avenue
• Niles Subdivision between Sycamore Street and Cedar Boulevard • One Not Recommended
• Newark Industrial Lead between Ash Street and Willow Road (Willow ‘Street’ in FRA database)
• Excluded Crossings
• Four private crossings deemed not relevant to study
Newark CA City Council July 14,2022
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Recommended Improvements
Coast Subdivision Quiet Zone
• Jarvis Avenue 749937D – No improvement needed
• Haley Street 749938K – Four-quadrant gates and collapsible bollards • Mayhews Landing Road 749939S – Four-quadrant gates and collapsible bollards • Thornton Avenue 749940L – Four-quadrant gates, cantilever signals, collapsible bollards and an additional crossing signal with a “Do Not Block Fire Station” sign west of the fire station
• Carter Avenue 749941T – Double-gate on each side and extend the median on the northbound side
• Central Avenue 749943G – Crossing to be grade separated • Quiet Zone Risk Index 1,691.05 versus Current Risk index 51,907.00 Newark CA City Council July 14,2022
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Recommended Improvements
Mowry Avenue Quiet Zone
• Mowry Avenue 749946C plans submitted by the developer meet the criteria for a Quiet Zone
• Quiet Zone Risk Index 5,412.73 versus Current Risk Index 36,301.06 Newark CA City Council July 14,2022
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Recommended Improvements
Niles Subdivision Quiet Zone
• Cedar Boulevard 750033G - Four-quadrant gates and collapsible bollards • Cherry Street 750032A – No crossing improvements needed. Intersection with Baine Avenue on the west side needs to be reconfigured to meet the 60-foot separation requirement and may need a waiver
• Sycamore Street 750030L – Four-quadrant gates along with additional center striping and collapsible bollards
• Quiet Zone Risk Index 6,366.50 versus Current Risk Index 47,710.57 Newark CA City Council July 14,2022
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Newark Industrial Lead
Quiet Zone – Not Recommended
• Recommend removing all crossing signals on the industrial lead and replacing them with crossbucks
• Non-working signals are a safety hazard
Newark CA City Council July 14,2022
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Private Crossings Excluded From Study
• Excluded Crossings
• 22029U MP 29.58 Coast Subdivision gated private access road to access the drainage canal
• 450368T MP 31.29 and 749944N MP 31.7 Coast Subdivision private crossings within Yard Limits
• 749950S MP 33.40 Coast Subdivision Stevenson Boulevard private crossing at the Fremont city line
Newark CA City Council July 14,2022
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Railroad Crossing Elimination Program
• Competitive grants
• Authorizes $2.5 billion; appropriates $3 billion
• FY22: $575 million
• Eligible projects:
• Grade separation or closure
• Track relocation
• Improvement or installation of safety equipment
• Other crossing safety projects
• Groups of related projects
• Planning and design
• Railroad approval is required before proceeding to construction • Federal share may not exceed 80%
10 Packet Page 86
Program Highlights
• No more than 20 percent of funding in any one state
• At least 20 percent of funds for rural or Tribal areas • 0.25 percent of funding for safety information and education programs • At least 3 percent of funding for planning grants
11 Packet Page 87
Evaluation of Applications
• Primary evaluation:
 Improve Safety
 Grade separate, eliminate, or close
crossings
 Improve mobility
 Reduce emissions, protect the
environment, and provide
community benefits
 Improve access for emergency
services
 Provide economic benefits
 Improve access to communities
separated by rail crossings
• Considerations:
 Innovation
 Use of local labor
 Improve mobility for multiple
modes of transportation
 State planning
 Financial Support from Rail
Carriers
12 Packet Page 88
Administration and Secretarial Objectives
• Addressing Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency • Improving Equity and Community Connections
• Improving Safety and Efficiency
• Creating Good Jobs and Economic Opportunities
13 Packet Page 89
Item  F. 2.

DATE 07/14/2022
TO Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM Lenka Hovorka, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT    Introduction of an Ordinance amending Chapter 2.09 of the Newark Municipal Code ("City Councilmembers-Salaries") to increase the salaries of City Councilmembers and Mayor by ten percent (10%)

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council waive full reading and, by title only, introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 2.09 of the Newark Municipal Code ("City Councilmembers-Salaries") to increase the salaries of City Councilmembers and Mayor by ten percent (10%).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Chapter 2.09 of the Newark Municipal Code requires that the City Council, as part of the two-year biennial budget cycle, review its compensation and consider increases in the Consumer Price Index for the region and increases in compensation awarded to staff since the previous adjustment to City Council compensation.  On June 23, 2022, the City Council directed staff to return with an ordinance increasing Councilmember and Mayor salaries by ten percent (10%).  The City Attorney prepared the proposed ordinance and it is included for the City Council’s consideration.

BACKGROUND
The monthly salary and benefits for the Mayor and City Council are set by City ordinance. The Mayor's salary is currently set at $2,727 per month and City Councilmembers' salaries are set at $1,247 per month. These salaries were last increased in January, 2019, which was more than 11 years since the prior adjustment.

At the Newark City Council meeting held on May 26, 2022, City staff requested the Council provide direction on whether it would like to consider an ordinance for adjustment of the salaries for City Councilmembers and the Mayor. The Council directed staff to return for Council consideration an ordinance that would reflect a three percent (3%) salary increase for the Councilmembers and Mayor, which was presented at the June 23, 2022 City Council meeting. At the June 23, 2022 meeting, the City Council voted 4 - 1 to direct staff to return with an ordinance for Council consideration that would reflect a ten percent (10%) salary increase for the Councilmembers and Mayor.

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DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
City Council considered the Consumer Price Index for the region and increases in compensation awarded to staff since the previous adjustment to City Council compensation. Since the Councilmembers' and Mayor's last increase in compensation effective January 1, 2019, the Consumer Price Index for the region totaled approximately 10% cumulative for the periods of February 2020, 2021, and 2022. City staff received a 1.5% salary increase effective July 1, 2020, and an additional 1.5% effective July 1, 2022.

At the May 26, 2022 City Council meeting, the Mayor and City Councilmembers initially discussed their compensation and asked staff to return with an ordinance for Council consideration that would reflect a three percent (3%) salary increase for the Councilmembers and Mayor. At the June 23, 2022 City Council meeting, the Mayor and City Councilmembers had a further discussion regarding their compensation and asked staff to return with an ordinance for Council consideration that would reflect a ten percent (10%) salary increase for the Councilmembers and Mayor.

The City Attorney has prepared a draft ordinance that would, starting January 1, 2023, increase the salary of Councilmembers from $1,247 per month to $1,371. The Mayor's salary would increase from $2,727 per month to $2,999 per month.  There are no other proposed revisions.

FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed ten percent (10%) increase in salaries will result in a fiscal impact of $9,216 annually. This is $6,468 more than the initial proposed increase of three percent (3%). For fiscal year 2022-23, the impact is $4,608, as the increases are proposed to be effective January 1, 2023, the mid-point of the fiscal year.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL
Prepared by – Lenka Hovorka, Assistant City Manager and Kristopher J. Kokotaylo, City Attorney
Approved by – David J. Benoun, City Manager
Attachments
Council Compensation Ordinance
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ORDINANCE NO.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK AMENDING CHAPTER 2.09, CITY COUNCILMEMBERS-COMPENSATION, OF THE NEWARK

MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF CITY COUNCILMEMBERS AND MAYOR BY TEN PERCENT (10%)
WHEREAS, Chapter 2.09 ("City Councilmembers-Compensation") of the Newark Municipal Code provides for the payment of salaries and benefits to Newark City Councilmembers and the Mayor; and
WHEREAS, Section 2.09.010 authorizes the City to pay Councilmembers a salary of one thousand two hundred forty-seven dollars ($1,247) per month; and WHEREAS, said section authorizes the City to pay the Mayor a salary of two thousand seven hundred twenty-seven dollars ($2,727) per month; and WHEREAS, said salaries took effect January 1, 2019; and WHEREAS, City Councilmembers and Mayor have not received an increase in salary since January 1, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is authorized by Government Code Section 36516 to increase the salary of Councilmembers and the Mayor in an amount not to exceed five percent (5%) per calendar year from the operative date of the last adjustment of salary; and WHEREAS, the City Council is authorized by Government Code Section 36516.1 to pay an elected Mayor salary in excess to that which they receive as a Councilmember; and WHEREAS, at the City Council meetings held on May 26, 2022 and June 23, 2022, City staff presented to the Council regarding the Mayoral and City Council Member salary and benefits; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to increase salary of the Councilmembers and Mayor by ten percent (10%) starting January 1, 2023.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newark does hereby ordain as follows:

SECTION 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Ordinance.

SECTION 2. Amendment of Section 2.09.010 the Newark Municipal Code. Subsections (A) and (B) of Section 2.09.010 (“Salary”) of Chapter 2.09 (“City Council”) of Title 2 ("Administration and Personnel") are hereby amended as follows (replacements in double underline; deletions in strikethrough):

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2.09.010 Salary.

A. Pursuant to Government Code Sections 36516 and 36516.5, each councilmember, other than the mayor, shall receive a salary of one thousand two hundred forty-seven dollars one thousand three hundred seventy-one dollars per month commencing January 1, 2019 January 1, 2023.

B. Pursuant to Government Code Section 36516.1, the elective mayor shall receive compensation in the amount of two thousand seven hundred twenty-seven dollars two thousand nine hundred ninety-nine dollars per month commencing January 1, 2019 January 1, 2023.

SECTION 3. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the Ordinance, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, provisions of this Ordinance are severable. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be held unconstitutional, invalid, or unenforceable.

SECTION 4. CEQA. Approval of the ordinance is exempt from further environmental review under the general rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. As a series of text amendments and additions that do not authorize any new activity, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment.

SECTION 5. Publication and Effective Date. I n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h G o v e r n m e n t C o d e s e c t i o n 3 6 5 1 6 . 5 , this ordinance shall take effect January 1, 2023. Before expiration of fifteen (15) days after its passage, this ordinance shall be published in the Tri-City Voice, a newspaper of general circulation published and printed in the County of Alameda and circulated in the City of Newark.

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