Thursday, March 12, 2026 Minutes Page 1 of 5
CITY OF NEWARK
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
37101 Newark Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560 | (510) 578-4266 | E-mail: [email protected]
MINUTES
Thursday, March 12, 2026
7:00 P.M.
A. ROLL CALL
Mayor Hannon called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Vice Mayor Jorgens, Council Members Grindall, Catancio, and Little were present.
B. PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclaiming March as American Red Cross Month 2026
Mayor Hannon presented the commendation to the American Red Cross representative Ian Servin.
2. Commending Branden Uyeda, Senior Lifeguard; Yesenia Sandoval, Senior Customer Service Representative; James "Isaac" Taylor, Lifeguard; and Shawnna McAvoy, Lifeguard Mayor Hannon presented the commendation to Senior Lifeguard Branden Uyeda, Senior Customer Service Representative Yesenia Sandoval, Lifeguard James "Isaac" Taylor, and Lifeguard Shawnna McAvoy.
4. Presentation on the Awards the City and City Staff received in 2025 City Manager Benoun highlighted the City of Newark staff’s awards and recognitions over the past year, noting achievements across departments and honors for excellence in leadership, innovation, finance, technology, and public safety. The presentation celebrated staff contributions and aimed to establish an annual tradition of recognizing employee success. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
3. Ohlone College Newark Campus Residential Projects Overview City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
City Attorney Kris Kokotaylo provided an overview of the application process and advised the Council to receive the information and refrain from making any decisions until the scheduled public hearing presentation.
President Charles Sasaki and Vice President Rena Finch from Ohlone College, along with Todd Chambers from Lewis Group of Companies, gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
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Councilmembers asked clarifying questions and engaged in discussion regarding the Student Housing Project and market-rate housing.
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
No one from the audience requested to speak.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Council Member Catancio moved, Vice Mayor Jorgens seconded, to approve Consent Calendar items D.1 to D.8, 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 the February 26, 2026, City Council Minutes for the Closed Session, Special Meeting, and Regular Meeting
3. Adopt a resolution rejecting all bids for CIP Project No. 1289, Air Handler II at Silliman Aquatic Center
Resolution No. 11820
4. Adopt of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a three-year renewal of the Esri Small Government Enterprise Agreement (SGEA) and approving a budget amendment for Fiscal Year 2025–26
Resolution No. 11821
5. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve a purchase order with GovConnection, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $470,000 and amend the 2024-2026 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 to fund the purchase of replacement computers
Resolution No. 11822
6. Adopt a resolution approving plans and specifications; and award a construction contract to Adams Pool Solutions to replaster the Lazy River Pool at the Silliman Aquatics Center in the amount of $209,245 with an additional 25% construction contingency Resolution No. 11823
7. Adopt a resolution authorizing acceptance of the 2025-2026 First 5 Alameda County Measure C Early Care & Education Emergency Grant and amending the 2024-2026 Biennial Budget Resolution No. 11824
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8. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a second amendment the Contractual Services Agreement with 4Leaf, Inc. for additional Building Inspection Division plan review, field inspection, and miscellaneous support services and amending the 2024-2026 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
Resolution No. 11825
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
F. OTHER BUSINESS
None.
G. CITY MANAGER UPDATES
City Manager Benoun announced:
1. Newark Gardens waitlist is open for individuals aged 62 years or older, as well as those aged 18 or older with a disability, from February 25 to March 18, 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.
2. NMS PTSA & NMS Athletics Fundraiser supporting after-school sports, the Color Run, and Pancake Brunch is Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Newark Middle School, 6201 Lafayette Avenue.
3. Summer Recreation Positions Hiring Fair on Thursday, March 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Silliman Activity Center, 6800 Mowery Avenue, offering $18 per hour.
4. Budget & CIP Work Session is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026.
H. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
1. Adopt a resolution approving the reappointment of Rick Arellano, Sandra Arellano, and Olga Borjon to the Senior Advisory Committee for a two-year term
Resolution No. 11826
Council Members asked clarifying questions.
Vice Mayor Jorges moved, Council Member Catancio seconded, to reappoint Rick Arellano, Sandra Arellano, and Olga Borjon to the Senior Advisory Committee for a two-year term. The motion passed, 5 AYES.
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2. Adopt a resolution approving reappointment of Daniel Cardenas, Vinod Kumar, and Michael Marzano to the Measure GG/LL Oversight Committee for a four-year term Resolution No. 11827
Council Members asked clarifying questions.
Council Member Little moved, Council Member Catancio seconded, to reappoint Daniel Cardenas, Vinod Kumar, and Michael Marzano to the Measure GG/LL Oversight Committee for a four-year term. The motion passed, 5 AYES.
3. Update on the Public Art Committee Selection Process and Discussion on Increasing the Number of Committee Members
The Mayor proposed expanding the committee from five members—with one Newark high school student and two alternates—to ten members, including one non-voting Newark high school student for a one-year term, and no alternates. Meeting logistics and voting procedures were discussed and deemed feasible.
No members of the public requested to speak.
The Council agreed on the proposed structure, and ordinance amendments will be brought back for formal approval in April.
Council Member Catancio reported that the first annual Lunar New Year celebration drew approximately 1,200 attendees and thanked partners and colleagues for their support. She also noted participation in several community events and upcoming activities.
Vice Mayor Jorgens shared historical context about Newark’s first school, built in 1866 by local farmers and ranchers who raised $750. Located at Cedar and Newark Boulevard, the original Lincoln School served as both a school and community meeting place until 1945. While the building was preserved into the 1980s, it was later lost due to site consolidation, though some artifacts remain with the school district.
Council Member Little reported that the Yo-Yo Day event was highly successful and well attended, with participants of all ages enjoying interactive demonstrations and activities and noted interest in future youth programming.
Council Member Grindall commended Council Member Catancio for the well-organized Lunar New Year event and acknowledged Dr. Wahab’s contribution. He announced a town hall meeting on March 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the library, inviting residents to attend and engage. He also highlighted the upcoming Family Day at the Park, noting the Optimist Club’s sponsorship of the egg hunt as a longstanding tradition and the Newark Educational Foundation’s sponsorship of the Spring Showcase, which highlights student achievements.
Mayor Hannon announced upcoming activities, including an egg coloring contest and State of the City Address on April 18, encouraged community participation.
Thursday, March 12, 2026 Minutes Page 5 of 5
I. CLOSED SESSION
None.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hannon adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m.
/s/ Neetu Salwan, City Clerk