Thursday, May 14, 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, May 14, 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 Kennedy Elementary School Girls and Boys Soccer Teams Mayor Hannon presented a commendation to Kennedy Elementary School Principal Luis Lenzi, Girls and Boys Soccer Teams, Coach Andrew Cheng, Coach Billy Lopes, and Coach Erik Ibarra.
2. Proclaiming Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month
Mayor Hannon presented a proclamation to Director of Student Life at Ohlone College Hing D. Potter, Birch Grove Primary School teacher Denise Nguyen, President of the Filipino National Historical Society Linda Canalas, and city staff.
Mayor Hannon presented a commendation to a teacher at Birch Grove Primary School Denise Nguyen.
Mayor Hannon presented a commendation to President of the Filipino National Historical Society Linda Canalas.
3. Proclaiming Bike to Wherever Day and Fix Your Bike Day Mayor Hannon presented a Bike to Wherever Day proclamation to Management Analyst I Morgan Pedersen and Associate Civil Engineer Jerrald Yang.
Mayor Hannon presented a Fix Your Bike Day proclamation to Wynn Kageyama from Fremont Freewheelers Bicycle Club, Andreas Kadavanich from Bike Fremont, and John Becker from Viola Blythe Community Services.
Thursday, May 14, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6
4. Proclaiming May 14, 2026, as Arbor Day
Mayor Hannon presented a proclamation to Maintenance Supervisor Dan Cianciarulo.
5. Proclaiming designating May 17 to 23, 2026, as Public Works Week Mayor Hannon presented a proclamation to Maintenance Supervisor Dan Cianciarulo and Associate Civil Engineer Jerrald Yang.
6. Proclamation designating May 17 to 23, 2026, as Emergency Medical Services Week in Newark
Mayor Hannon presented a proclamation to Alameda County Fire Department Deputy Chief Ryan Nishimoto and Alameda County Fire Department staff.
7. Proclamation designating May 10 - 16, 2026 as National Police Week Mayor Hannon presented a proclamation to Police Chief Jonathan Arguello and police department staff.
8. Introduction of Employees
Mayor Hannon introduced Public Safety Clerk Mayra Smith and Police Officer Ryan Johnson and announced the promotion of Police Lieutenant Yama Homayoun.
9. Commanding Officer Thomas Dale as Officer of the Year for 2025 Mayor Hannon presented a commendation to Officer Thomas Dale.
10. Commending Employee of the Year Krishnan Narayan, Senior Information Technology Analyst
Mayor Hannon announced Senior Information Technology Analyst Narayan Krishnan was selected as the employee of the year.
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
Former Fremont Mayor Lily Mei and Ben thanked the City Council, City staff, community partners, elected officials, and sponsors for supporting the Asian Heritage Month event at NewPark Mall, reported an estimated attendance of 5,000–7,000 people and highlighted the event’s role in promoting community unity.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Thursday, May 14, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 6 Vice Mayor Jorgens moved, Council Member Catancio seconded, to approve Consent Calendar items D.1 to D.7, 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 23, 2026, City Council Minutes for the special and regular meetings
3. Approve the plans and specifications, and adopt a resolution awarding a contract to A CST Group, Inc, dba Dynasel USA for the Jerry Raber Ash Street Park - Updated Playground & Park Furnishings (CIP1407), Mirabeau Park - Updated Playground (CIP1408), and Birch Grove Park - Updated Playground (CIP 1409) projects
Resolution No. 11845
4. Adopt a resolution for approval of the Annual Engineer's Reports and adopt a resolution declaring the City's intention to levy and collect assessments for Landscaping and Lighting District Nos. 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and setting a public hearing for July 9, 2026 in accordance with the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 Resolution No. 11846
Resolution No. 11847
5. Adopt a resolution approving the Engineer's Report, declaring intention to order formation of Landscaping and Lighting District No. 21 (Tract 8665) and to levy and collect assessments, and setting the public hearing date for July 9, 2026
Resolution No. 11848
6. Adopt a resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute an Amendment No. 1 to the master contractual services agreement with Fehr & Peers and approve an amendment to the 2024-2026 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
Resolution No. 11849
7. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a cooperative agreement between the City and the Alameda County Water District (ACWD) for cost-sharing related to the waterline pavement restoration work associated with the Thornton Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Phase 1 project (CIP001366)
Resolution No. 11850
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
F. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Study Session on Newark's Industrial Lands Study Report City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
Thursday, May 14, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6 CEO of Strategic Economics Dena Belzer gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Council Members thanked Ms. Belzer for the presentation, asked clarifying questions and held discussion regarding the project.
2. Adopt a resolution to approve First-Time Homebuyer Program Guidelines and authorize the City Manager to enter into agreements to provide direct financial assistance to first-time homebuyers, and to amend the 2024-2026 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan to appropriate funds from the Housing Impact Fee Fund to fund the First-Time Homebuyer Program Resolution No. 11851
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
Housing Policies and Programs Manager Michael Coulom and President and CEO of Hello Housing Jennifer Duffy gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
A Newark resident expressed support for the program and suggested revisions to the eligibility and asset guidelines, noting the program would benefit residents with long commutes, including teachers.
Council Members asked clarifying questions and held discussion regarding the project.
Council Member Grindall moved, Council Member Little seconded, to increase funds from three million to four million. The motion failed by the following votes: AYES: Grindall; NOES: Catancio, Little, Jorgens, Hannon; ABSTAIN: None.
Vice Mayor Jorgens moved, Council Member Catancio seconded, to approve the staff recommendation that the First-Time Homebuyer Program Guidelines and authorize the City Manager to execute agreements to provide direct financial assistance to first-time homebuyers in accordance with the Program Guidelines, and to amend the 2024-2026 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement plan to appropriate $3 million for direct assistance to moderate and lowerincome homebuyers in Newark and $133,000 for the contract balance with Hello Housing for program design and administration. The motion passed, 5 AYES.
3. Waive full reading and introduce by title only an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newark repealing and replacing Chapter 2.11, "Election Campaigns" of the Newark Municipal Code
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
City Attorney Kristopher Kokotaylo 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 held discussion regarding the project.
Mayor Hannon moved, Vice Mayor Jorgens seconded, to repeal and replace Chapter 2.11, “Election Campaigns” of the Newark Municipal Code to eliminate the expenditure ceiling provision
Thursday, May 14, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6 and establish a standalone campaign contribution limit of $800 per candidate or candidatecontrolled committee. The motion passed by the following votes: AYES: Catancio, Jorgens, Hannon; NOES: Little, Grindall; ABSTAIN: None.
4. Consider a resolution amending the Master Fee Schedules for aquatic center nonresident user fees or accept staff's recommendation to take no action City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
Interim Recreation and Community Services Director Roya Gonzalez 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 held discussion regarding the project.
Council Member Grindall moved to raise the nonresident daily drop-in fee from $13 to $15. With no second, the motion failed. No further action was taken.
G. CITY MANAGER UPDATES
City Manager Benoun announced:
1. The Tenant Protections Program is now in effect. The rental registry is open, and landlords must register their rental properties by July 1, 2026.
2. The Newark Boba Trail “Bike to Boba” event will take place from May 14 through May 31.
Community members can pick up a Boba Passport, collect stamps at participating locations, and receive special discounts.
3. The Newark Gardens II waitlist is now open. Applications are due by May 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Applications are available online at sahahomes.org/apply.
H. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
Council Member Little announced that May is Brain Awareness Month and highlighted a Jammers Strong Foundation fundraiser at Panda Express, with 28% of proceeds benefiting the organization. She also announced “Pokemon Funday,” a free kids’ event at 88 Card House on June 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., featuring activities, card trading, and door prizes.
Council Member Grindall expressed support for improving City–school coordination and directed individuals as to where they can obtain more information, which he plans to submit to the City Manager for inclusion in the May 28 Community Facilities staff report. He also announced a Newark Memorial High School night market on Friday at 5:30 p.m. supporting the school, and an upcoming “Coffee with the Council Member” at Starbucks on Cedar Boulevard to discuss City issues with residents.
Council Member Catancio reported serving as a scholarship reader for Newark Memorial High School and noted the ceremony was held that evening. She announced upcoming attendance at an Alameda County Water District meeting and Vice Mayor Jorgens attending the Ava Energy Board meeting as her alternate. She also reminded everyone to shop Newark.
Thursday, May 14, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 6 Vice Mayor Jorgens provided historical context regarding Newark’s early use of eucalyptus trees, noting that they became widespread in the late 19th and early 20th centuries following the town’s founding. He also noted that planting a native coast live oak reflects the city’s natural history and will benefit future generations.
Mayor Hannon shared motorcycle safety information in recognition of motorcycle awareness efforts, citing national and California traffic fatality statistics involving motorcyclists. He also thanked volunteers and staff who participated in a recent tree planting event at Mirabeau Park, where more than 80 volunteers planted 26 new trees. He expressed appreciation for community efforts to enhance Newark’s environment and urban greenery.
I. CLOSED SESSION
None.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hannon adjourned the meeting at 11:12 p.m.
_____________________________
Neetu Salwan, City Clerk