Thursday, February 5, 2026 Minutes Page 1 of 2
Minutes
City Council Workshop
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Hyatt Place Newark / Silicon Valley
Sycamore Meeting Room
5600 John Muir Dr., Newark, CA 94560
A. ROLL CALL
Mayor Hannon called the meeting to order at 9 A.M. Vice Mayor Jorgens, Council Members Catancio, Grindall, and Little were present.
B. City Council Workshop
1. Welcome from Mayor Hannon
Mayor Hannon welcomed the Council Members and the staff. He expressed his appreciation for the staff’s hard work, dedication, and thoroughness in providing project information. He emphasized that the City Council operates as a team and highlighted the importance of collaboration, unity, and working together to serve the best interests of the City.
No one from the public requested to speak.
2. City Council discussion consisting of opening comments from City Manager Benoun, discussion of effective governance, looking to the future, celebrating accomplishments and discussion of goals and priorities
City Manager Benoun stated that the workshop offered an opportunity for the Mayor, Council Members and staff to collaboratively develop a shared vision. He reviewed the workshop objectives and reflected on the January 2025 session.
Jan Perkins served as the facilitator for the retreat, and Julie Gieseke prepared large visual maps to illustrate the discussion as it took place.
Thursday, February 5, 2026 Minutes Page 2 of 2
A group discussion was held addressing various topics, including the key qualities of effective City Council and staff collaboration, the characteristics of the Council-Manager form of government, the role of the City Attorney, and best practices for developing City Council meeting agendas, transparency, and communications.
The meeting then recessed for a lunch break.
The meeting reconvened, with the Executive Team joining following the activity facilitated by Ms. Perkins involving the Mayor, Council Members, and staff, which focused on best governance practices.
The Mayor, Council Members, and staff reviewed the current conditions that should be maintained in future years, as well as aspirational conditions not currently in place that they aim to achieve for Newark. The Executive Team shared highlights from their respective departments and their contributions to the community.
The meeting recessed for a break.
Upon reconvening, the Mayor and Council Members discussed key focus areas and outlined their priorities and goals.
City Manager Benoun reviewed the City’s vision statement and sought input from the Mayor and Council Members. He also provided an overview of the implementation of Strategic Priorities and requested that the Mayor and Council Members review the materials provided and share feedback at a later time.
The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the Mayor, Council Members, City Manager, and City Attorney.
C. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hannon adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
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Neetu Salwan
City Clerk