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 26, 2026
7:00 P.M.
A. ROLL CALL
Mayor Hannon called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Vice Mayor Jorgens, Council Members Grindall, Catancio, and Little were present.
Mayor Hannon announced that he would adjourn the meeting in memory of Sharon Marshak, co- founder of Tri-City Voice, whose leadership helped grow the publication into a respected voice for the Tri-City community.
B. PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclaiming Lunar New Year
Mayor Hannon presented a commendation to Crime Analyst Victor Wang, Public Works Director Howard Young, City Attorney Kristopher Kokotaylo, and Council Member Catancio.
2. Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel Presentation City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
The Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel (TAP), consisting of Panel Co-Chairs Rick Dishnica, President of Dishnica Company and Danielle Surdin O'Leary, Vice President of Municipal Engagement & Economic Development at Prologis; and panelists Cecily Barclay, Partner at Perkins Coie; Dena Belzer, President of Strategic Economics; Alan Chamorro, Executive VP of Lowe; Christine Firstenberg, President of MERR; Leslie Parks, Director of Economic Development at Good City Company; and Yann Taylor, Principal Architect at Field Paoli provided a summary of recommendations for the NewPark Mall area.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Council discussed NewPark Mall revitalization, focusing on incremental improvements, potential attractions, and a phased approach to enhance safety, connectivity, and economic activity while coordinating assets and engaging property owners.
Council requested staff provide an update on the TAP report, outlining steps taken to implement the ideas discussed during the meeting.
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Mayor called for a recess at 9:00 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9:07 p.m.
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Hannon asked that Item No. D.4 be pulled for further discussion.
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.3, 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 12, 2026, City Council Minutes
3. Adopt a resolution ratifying the Fifth Amendment and approving the Sixth Amendment to the Contractual Services Agreement with Yosh Enterprises, Inc. dba Orion Security for security guard services, and amending the 2024-2026 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Resolution No. 11817
NONCONSENT
4. Adopt a Resolution Accepting work with Villalobos & Associates, Inc. for 2025 Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk Replacement Project No. CIPA10007.FY2026 and 2025 Citywide Accessible Ramps Project No. CIPA10001.FY2026
Resolution No. 11818
Mayor Hannon pulled Item D.4 to show residents the visible results of infrastructure improvements, allowing them to see before and after photos of the work.
No one from the audience requested to speak
Mayor Hannon moved, and Council Member Little seconded, accepting work with Villalobos & Associates, Inc. for 2025 Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk Replacement Project No. CIPA10007.FY2026 and 2025 Citywide Accessible Ramps Project No. CIPA10001.FY2026. The motion passed, 5 AYES.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
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F. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a side letter agreement with Republic Services regarding credit to single-family account holders to resolve costs incurred due to service disruption
Resolution No. 11819
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
Environmental Services Manager James Scanlin gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
The representative from Republic Services thanked the Council and noted that credits had been issued for any service interruptions.
Council Members asked clarifying questions and held discussion regarding the project.
Council Member Grindall made a motion to continue the item for further discussion; the motion did not receive a second. Motion failed.
Vice Mayor Jorgens moved, and Council Member Catancio seconded, to approve a $15.26 credit to residents for Republic Services disruptions. The motion passed by the following votes: AYES:
Catancio, Little, Jorgens, Hannon; NOES: Grindall.
2. Community Preservation Update Informational Report
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
Community Preservation Manager Oscar Carrillo 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 a discussion highlighting landlord responsibilities, tenant notification procedures, and requested a future summary of the results.
G. CITY MANAGER UPDATES
City Manager Benoun announced:
1. March CERT Training on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Clark W.
Redeker Senior Center, 7401 Filbert Street.
2. Newark Gardens will open its waitlist for individuals aged 62 years or older, as well as those aged 18 or older with a disability, from February 25 to March 11, 2026. Applications can be submitted between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at sahahomes.org/apply. Newark Gardens is located at 35300 Cedar Boulevard.
3. The City's free "Fishing in the City" event will be held on Saturday, March 7th, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lakeshore Park for children ages 5-15.
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4. The City will be hosting the State of the City Address on April 18, 2026, at the Newark Civic Center, located at 37101 Newark Bld. The event will feature live performances, food trucks, a resource fair, and activities suitable for all ages.
5. The City of Newark was recognized as a "Certified Age Friendly Employer" on February 13, 2026, by the Age Friendly Institute.
6. Newark received $850,000 in federal funds from U.S. Representative Ro Khanna for the Cedar Boulevard Complete Streets project, including bike and pedestrian improvements.
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. Also highlighted actions taken by the Newark Police Department to keep the city safe.
Council Member Grindall announced upcoming Newark Educational Foundation Spring Showcase along with the annual Family Day at the Park on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Newark Community Center Park (35501 Cedar Blvd) with various fun activities. Also shared that he became a first-time grandfather to a baby named Hazel.
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.
Additionally, she highlighted that NUSD teacher Miss Chinn is being honored.
Vice Mayor Jorgens shared a historical account of the 1906 Bay Area earthquake, highlighting damage in Newark, community resilience, and the importance of improved disaster preparedness today.
I. CLOSED SESSION
None.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hannon adjourned the meeting at 11:05 p.m. in memory of Sharon Marshak. salwan
Neetu Salwan, City Clerk
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