CITY OF NEWARK
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
NEWARK
37101 Newark Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560 | (510) 578-4266 | E-mail: [email protected]
MINUTES
Thursday, February 12, 2026
7:00 P.M.
A. ROLL CALL
Mayor Hannon called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. Vice Mayor Jorgens, Council Members Grindall, Catancio, and Little were present.
B. PRESENTATIONS
1. Commending Macha Swag Dance
Mayor Hannon presented a commendation to the Macha Swag Dance Group and choreographers Ezhilvanan Oppilamani and Renukha K. Raj.
2. February 2026 American Heart Month
Mayor Hannon presented the proclamation to Community Outreach Manager Kayla Gupta, Director of Quality and Special Programs Maria Nunes, and Injury Prevention Coordinator Garrett Cordes of Washington Health.
3. Proclaiming February 2026 as Black History Month
Mayor Hannon presented the proclamation to Afro-American Cultural & Historical Society Founder Jean Ficklin & Secretary Marion Langford.
4. Newark Unified School District Presentation
Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Karen Allard delivered a presentation on Newark Unified School District student success initiatives. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
5. Introduction of a promoted employee
Mayor Hannon announced the promotion of Police Captain Brian Simon.
Mayor called for a recess at 7:50 p.m. The meeting resumed at 7:57 p.m.
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
Peter Friedrich spoke against public leaders supporting the organizations HSS (Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh) and RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh).
Thursday, February 12, 2026 Minutes Page 1 of 4
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Vice Mayor Jorgens moved, Council Member Catancio seconded, to approve Consent Calendar items D.1 to D.6, that the resolutions be numbered consecutively, and that reading of the titles suffice for adoption. The motion passed, 5 AYES.
1. Approval of Audited Demands
2. Approval of January 22, 2026, City Council Minutes
3. Approval of February 5, 2026, City Council Minutes
4. Waive further reading and adopt an ordinance amending the contract between the City of Newark and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System Ordinance No. 562
5. Adopt a resolution approving an amendment to the Contractual Services Agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for additional on-call Public Works construction inspection services and amend the 2024-2026 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
Resolution No. 11816
6. Waive further reading and adopt an ordinance amending Title 17 (Zoning) of the Newark Municipal Code to amend Chapter 17.26, §17.26.040, Accessory Dwelling Units, generally affecting development standards for the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units, and to amend Chapter 17.45, §17.45.010, Residential Uses, generally affecting the use classification for Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance No. 563
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
F. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Informational report regarding playground design at Birch Grove, Mirabeau, and Jerry Raber Ash Street parks
Assistant City Manager Hovorka provided introductory remarks and project background City Engineer Miki Tsubota gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
No one from the audience requested to speak
Council members asked clarifying questions, engaged in discussion, and provided feedback regarding the playground design, including suggestions for increased connectivity between Thursday, February 12, 2026 Minutes Page 2 of 4
playgrounds on the same site and requesting staff to explore a parks-specific revenue source.
Council Member Little announced that she would recuse due to a conflict of interest. Council Member Little left the City Council Chambers.
2. Informational report regarding playground design at Newark Community Park City Engineer Miki Tsubota gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Council members asked clarifying questions, engaged in discussion, and provided feedback regarding the playground design to replace the current monster with another animal. They also considered alternative bid options, such as dismantling and displaying the monster or digitizing the Council Member Little returned to the Council Chambers.
G. CITY MANAGER UPDATES
Assistant City Manager Hovorka announced:
1. Recreation Coordinator Danielle Cranon-Jones has been selected as an honoree for Assemblymember Alex Lee's Black History Month recognition event scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church in San Jose.
2. The Lunar New Year Variety Show will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the George M. Silliman Community Activity Center.
3. The 51st Annual Black History Month Program will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the George M. Silliman Community Activity Center.
4. Fitch Ratings revised the City's outlook to Positive with a AA+ IDR, citing strong demographics, economic trends, and above-average household income.
H. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
Council Member Little announced Mission Peak District Cub Scout Yo-Yo Day to be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.
Council Member Grindall announced his monthly "Coffee with the Council Member" meeting scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Four Corners Starbucks, located at 5877 Jarvis Avenue, to discuss community concerns.
Council Member Catancio announced a free Lunar New Year community event celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Newark Library, She reported attending the East Bay Realtors annual gala, and shared that the Filipino National Historical Society is seeking Bay Area historical photographs (1920s-1980s) for an upcoming publication.
Thursday, February 12, 2026 Minutes Page 3 of 4
Vice Mayor Jorgens recognized Newark's 150th anniversary and highlighted the historical significance of Swiss Park as a community gathering space, noting its connection to the City's tradition of supporting recreational amenities.
Mayor Hannon reported attending a Newark High School student listening session, commended youth engagement, and expressed appreciation for colleagues' community events and Council participation.
1. CLOSED SESSION
None.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hannon adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Asalwan
Neetu Salwan, City Clerk
Thursday, February 12, 2026 Minutes Page 4 of 4