Thursday, April 23, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 6
CITY OF NEWARK
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
37101 Newark Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560 | (510) 578-4266 | E-mail: [email protected]
MINUTES
Thursday, April 23, 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 May 2026 as Building Safety Month
Mayor Hannon presented a proclamation to Building Inspectors Bryan Cabeceira and Ray Yang.
2. Introduction of an Employee
Mayor Hannon introduced new employee, Building Inspector Ray Yang.
3. Presentation on Newark Library
Newark Library Manager Joe Stoner gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Council Members commended the Newark Library Manager Joe Stoner and staff for their outstanding service, community engagement, and for providing valuable programs and resources that make the library a vibrant community hub.
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
Diann Castleberry, AC Transit representative, informed the City Council of potential future service reductions due to budget shortfalls, announced upcoming public outreach opportunities, and invited community feedback regarding proposed transit service scenarios.
Vice Mayor Jorgens and Council Members Grindall, Catancio, and Little presented a commendation honoring Mayor Michael K. Hannon for his exemplary service and leadership, congratulating him on his 70th birthday and extending best wishes for his continued health, happiness, and success.
Mayor called for a recess at 7:59 p.m. The meeting resumed at 8:20 p.m.
Thursday, April 23, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6 D. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Little asked that Item No. D.3 be pulled for further discussion.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Council Member Catancio moved, Council Member Grindall seconded, to approve Consent Calendar items D.1, D.2, D.4, D.5, D.6, D.7 and 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 April 9, 2026, City Council Minutes for the Regular Meeting
4. Adopt a resolution initiating proceedings for the formation of Landscaping and Lighting District No. 21 (Tract 8665) and ordering preparation of the required Engineer's Report pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 and Section 4 of Article XIIID of the California Constitution Resolution No. 11839
5. Adopt a resolution initiating the 2026 Weed Abatement Program and setting June 11, 2026, for public hearing
Resolution No. 11840
6. Adopt a resolution approving a Contractual Services Agreement with WSP USA Inc. to conduct stormwater inspection services as required by the City's stormwater discharge permit Resolution No. 11841
7. Adopt a resolution approving a Contractual Services Agreement with Verdantas Inc. to conduct stormwater inspection services as required by the City's stormwater discharge permit Resolution No. 11842
8. Adopt a resolution awarding a contract to Plummerbuilt, Inc. for construction of the Service Center Fueling Facility (CIP 1310), consolidating related CIP Projects 1330, 1334, and 1335, and amend the FY 2024-2026 budget
Resolution No. 11843
NONCONSENT
3. Waive further reading and adopt an ordinance amending the Chapter 2.14, "Public Art Committee", of the Newark Municipal Code
Ordinance No. 564
Council Member Little pulled Item D.3 to verify the Public Art Committee members, which was amended from five to nine members.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Thursday, April 23, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 6 Council Member Little moved, and Vice Mayor Jorgens seconded, to waive further reading and adopt an ordinance amending the Chapter 2.14, "Public Art Committee", of the Newark Municipal Code. The motion passed, 5 AYES.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee Schedule and Related Fee Adjustments
Resolution No. 11844
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
Accountant Ivan Quon gave the staff report recommending approval.
Mayor Hannon opened the public hearing.
No one requested to speak.
Mayor Hannon closed the public hearing.
Council Member Grindall expressed concern regarding aquatic center fee subsidies and proposed increasing non-resident fees to 25% above resident rates to improve cost recovery.
Moved by Council Member Grindall, seconded by Vice Mayor Jorgens directing staff to return at the next meeting with potential 20% to 25% increases to non-resident aquatic center rates. The motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Grindall, Little, Jorgens; NOES: Hannon, Catancio.
Moved by Council Member Catancio, seconded by Council Member Grindall to adopt a resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee Schedule and related fee adjustments. The motion passed, 5 AYES.
F. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Consideration of projects to be included in the Draft Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan 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.
Julio Lines, Newark resident, expressed support for the quiet zones project and thanked the City for its efforts to reduce train horn noise near his home.
Ashton Tang, Newark resident, expressed concern about train horn noise affecting sleep and quality of life. He requested an update on the timeline and progress of the City’s quiet zones project.
Thursday, April 23, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6 Council reviewed ongoing planning studies related to future capital projects and provided direction on proposed CIP additions. Council supported advancing design work for a pedestrian bridge connection near the Bayside development but did not support adding an educational element study or a bus shelter improvement project at this time. Staff will return with the full draft CIP for further review prior to adoption with the annual budget in June.
Item F.2: Vice Mayor Jorgens recused himself due to a conflict of interest and exited the Council Chambers.
2. Consideration of the Thornton Avenue Pavement Overlay, Phase 1 (Interstate 880 to Olive Street) and Traffic Signal Interconnect (Construction) projects to be included in the Draft Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
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 received an update on two CIP projects: the Thornton Avenue pavement overlay ($4M, fully designed and awaiting Caltrans approval) and a $1M traffic signal interconnect project to install fiber infrastructure and improve signal timing along key corridors.
Vice Mayor Jorgens rejoined the meeting.
Item F.3: Council Member Grindall recused himself due to a conflict of interest and exited the Council Chambers.
3. Consideration of the Thornton Avenue Complete Streets - Hickory to Gateway Project to be included in the Draft Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan 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 considered the Thornton Avenue Complete Streets project (Hickory to Gateway) for the 5- year CIP, discussing safety benefits and confirming that no work is planned on Marshlands Road.
Council Member Grindall rejoined the meeting.
Item F.4: Council Member Catancio and City Manager Benoun recused themselves due to a conflict of interest and exited the Council Chambers.
4. Consideration of Lakeshore Park Projects to be included in the Draft Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
Thursday, April 23, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6 City Engineer Miki Tsubota gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Staff presented two Lakeshore Park CIP projects: pathway and lighting improvements and an interim restroom. Council supported both and requested staff explore accelerating the restroom timeline, and staff noting the need for community outreach before implementation.
Council Member Catancio and City Manager Benoun rejoined the meeting.
G. CITY MANAGER UPDATES
City Manager Benoun announced:
1. Slurry Seal Road work is underway on 80 street locations with rain-related delays extending the schedule. List and map of impacted streets information is available on the website:
ewarkca.gov/capitalprojects.
2. Solar panel installations will begin May 4 at the Silliman Activity Center and in June at City Hall over a 12-week phased period. Updates will be shared on social media and signage will be in place to help navigate Sportsfield and Silliman Center.
3. Two community surveys are currently open: the Future Urban Forest Management Plan (newarkca.gov/ufmp) and the Future Housing Options survey (housing.newarkca.gov), both with a deadline of May 31, 2026.
4. Free emergency preparedness workshops are scheduled for April 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and May 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the library.
5. Ash Street Summer Camp registration opens May 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for Newark residents.
6. Family Fun Run and 4K Race will take place on Saturday, May 2 at Lakeshore Park, with check-in beginning at 9:00 a.m.
7. The Hearts Smart Walking Challenge is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6 at 9:00 a.m. at the Mark Green Sports Center in Union City.
H. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
Council Member Catancio reported attending the State of the City event and noted baby ducklings at Lakeshore Park, reminding residents to observe wildlife without feeding them and encouraging support for local businesses in Newark.
Vice Mayor Jorgens reported plans to participate in the upcoming 4K race and highlighted the importance of continued investment in community spaces through the Capital Improvement Program.
He also reflected on the historical development of community facilities in Newark and emphasized the Thursday, April 23, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 6 ongoing role of shared public spaces in strengthening the community and supporting future generations.
Council Member Grindall reported attending a housing summit with the Mayor and staff. He announced a “Coffee with the Council Member” event on April 26 at 9:30 a.m. at Oldtown Starbucks and congratulated the Mayor on his birthday and a successful State of the City address.
Mayor Hannon thanked colleagues for a surprise recognition and suggested exploring future community involvement opportunities such as potential improvements or fundraising for Watkins Hall.
I. CLOSED SESSION
None.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hannon adjourned the meeting at 11:16 p.m.
_____________________________
Neetu Salwan, City Clerk