Thursday, March 26, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 4
CITY OF NEWARK
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
37101 Newark Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560 | (510) 578-4266 | E-mail: [email protected]
MINUTES
Thursday, March 26, 2026
7:00 P.M.
A. ROLL CALL
Mayor Hannon called the meeting to order at 8:20 p.m. Vice Mayor Jorgens, Council Members Grindall, Catancio, and Little were present.
B. PRESENTATIONS
None.
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, Council Member Grindall 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 March 12, 2026, City Council Minutes
3. Adopt a resolution designating, by title, the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Finance Director as Authorized Agents and authorizing the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Form 130 - Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies Resolution No.11828
4. Adopt a resolution acknowledging receipt of a report made by the Fire Chief of the Alameda County Fire Department regarding the inspection of certain occupancies required to perform annual inspections in such occupancies pursuant to sections 13146.2 And 13146.3 of the California Health and Safety Code
Resolution No. 11829
Thursday, March 26, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4
5. Mid-Year Budget Review and adoption of a Resolution Amending the 2024–2026 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26
Resolution No. 11830
6. Initiation of Fiscal Year 2026-27 Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District Proceedings and authorization to execute amendment No. 3 to the Contractual Services Agreement with Francisco & Associates for the Administration of the City’s Landscaping and Lighting Districts and other Special Financing District Administration Services
Resolution No. 11831
Resolution No. 11832
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
F. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Macks Craic, Inc., dba Mack5 for Consulting Project Management Services in an amount of $4,398,229, for the Fire Stations #27 and #29 Replacement Project (CIP No. 1410)
Resolution No. 11833
City Manager Benoun 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 and engaged in discussion.
Council Member Little moved, and Vice Mayor Jorgens seconded, to adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Macks Craic, Inc., dba Mack5. The motion passed, 5 AYES.
2. Introduction of the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan and request for direction on utilizing excess Measure GG and Measure LL funding with respect to the Central Avenue Overpass Project or the Cultural Arts Center Project
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and requested that Council provide direction to staff based on the options outlined below:
Option 1 (Staff Recommendation):
• Suspend Overpass Project and work to reallocate funds to other viable City projects • Refine funding analysis to pay for the Cultural Arts Center Option 2:
• Refine funding analysis to pay for the Overpass Project • No Cultural Arts Center project
Thursday, March 26, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 Option 3:
• Suspend Overpass Project and work to reallocate funds to other viable City projects. • No Cultural Arts Center project.
• Refine funding analysis for alternative projects
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 direction to staff.
Mayor Hannon moved, Council Member Little seconded, not to proceed with the Central Avenue overpass project. The motion passed, 4 Ayes, with Council Member Grindall opposed Mayor Hannon moved, Vice Mayor Grindall seconded, to approve the Option 1 directing staff to proceed with issuing RFPs and hiring a consultant, using a project budget of up to $63 million based on Concept C. Staff will return with a refined project plan, updated cost analysis, revenue feasibility, programming options, and integration into the Five-Year CIP. The motion passed, 5 AYES.
Staff will prepare a list of prioritized transportation and infrastructure improvements for Council review, along with recommendations for ACTC fund allocations and reallocations at a future meeting.
G. CITY MANAGER UPDATES
City Manager Benoun announced:
1. Document Shredding Event on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 37440 Filbert Street, contact [email protected] or call (510) 578-4929 for more information.
2. Free compost will be available and delivered to your residence on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sign-up is required by March 31, 2026, at https://www.newarkca.gov/residents/compost-soilgiveaway.
3. Family Day at the Park, Spring Showcase, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Newark Community Center Park, 35501 Cedar Blvd. including various fun activities.
H. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
Council Member Little announced several upcoming community events: the Pan y Café by Arteaga’s grand opening on March 27, a comedy night at Swiss Park that evening, and a fundraising night on April 17 at the Tri-City Athletic Center for the Newark Knights Softball team. She noted that volunteers are needed for the Coastal Cleanup on April 25, hosted by the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and shared that the Newark Memorial High School boys’ volleyball team is seeking support for new uniforms.
Council Member Grindall noted that the Optimist Club is sponsoring the Egg Hunt at Family Day in the Park and thanked them for their partnership with the City.
Thursday, March 26, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4 Council Member Catancio attended the Newark Girls Softball League opener. She will volunteer at Family Day in the Park, noting the egg hunt schedule: adaptive needs at 10:00 a.m., and hunts for ages 4 and under and 5+ at 10:30 a.m.
Vice Mayor Jorgens highlighted Newark’s early baseball history, noting the 1900s Wedgewoods - mostly local iron workers - who played across the Bay Area and celebrated the 1910 Dumbarton Rail Bridge opening, helping shape the city’s community pride.
I. CLOSED SESSION
None.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hannon adjourned the meeting at 10:02 p.m.
_____________________________
Neetu Salwan, City Clerk