Thursday, June 25, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 8
CITY OF NEWARK
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
37101 Newark Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560 | (510) 578-4266 | E-mail: [email protected]
MINUTES
Thursday, June 25, 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, and Catancio were present. Council Member Little was absent.
B. PRESENTATIONS
1. Introduction of Employees
Mayor Hannon introduced new employees: Police Officer Miranda Heckman and Police Officer Maria Gonzalez-Alvarez.
2. BART Presentation
District 6 BART Board Director Liz Ames and Manager of Local Government and Community Relations Bradley Dunn gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Former Fremont Mayor Lily Mei emphasized the importance of maintaining reliable public transit to support transit-oriented development and housing growth, and expressed concern that reducing transit services would negatively impact the community and regional commitments.
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
Vice Mayor Jorgens moved, Council Member Grindall seconded to take public comment for Item No.
F4 under the General Public Comment period. The motion passed with the following vote: AYES:
Grindall, Catancio, Jorgens, Hannon; ABSENT: Little.
Lupe Lopez, owner of Arteaga’s Food Center, opposed the proposed business license tax increase, citing its impact on grocery stores and urging the Council to create a separate category for grocery businesses.
Yoo-Yoo Yeh, Newark Project Lead for Urban Forest Friends, commented on the tree removal for the Civic Center solar project and encouraged consideration of long-term planning, tree replacement, and tree notification requirements.
Thursday, June 25, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8 Former Fremont Mayor Lily Mei supported the proposed business licensing ordinance, highlighting regional competitiveness, fairness, transparency, and continued engagement with the business community.
Newark Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Montes supported updating the business license tax, noting the current system is outdated and complex. The speaker commended staff outreach and expressed support for moving the item to the November ballot.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Council Member Grindall moved, Vice Mayor Jorgens seconded, to approve Consent Calendar items D.1 to D.10, that the resolutions be numbered consecutively, and that reading of the titles suffice for adoption. The motion was passed by the following votes: AYES: Grindall, Catancio, Jorgens, Hannon; ABSENT: Little.
1. Approval of Audited Demands
2. Approval of June 11, 2026 City Council Minutes
3. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute two master funding agreements with the Alameda County Transportation Commission
Resolution No. 11872
4. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a multi-year software as a service agreement with ClearGov, Inc. for cloud-based budget development, capital improvement planning, performance management, reporting, and transparency tools in an amount not to exceed $292,000
Resolution No. 11859
5. Adopt a Resolution to Accept Bid No. 2026-518 and Award a Contract to PC Solutions & Integration, Inc. for the Core Network Equipment Replacement Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $350,476.11 and Approve a Budget Amendment
Resolution No. 11860
6. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a three-year cooperation agreement for fiscal years 2027-2029 with Alameda County for participation in the Alameda County Urban County for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Resolution No. 11861
7. Approval of the plans and specifications and adoption of a resolution for acceptance of bid and award of contract for the Base Bid and Additive Alternate Bids No. 8 and No. 9 to G. Bortolotto & Company, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Asphalt Concrete Street Overlay Program Project No.
CIPA10005.FY2026 (Phase 2) in the amount of $1,042,000
Resolution No. 11862
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8. Adopt a resolution approving the Second Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Alameda County Environmental Health Department (ACEHD) for inspections of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Commercial Edible Food Generators
Resolution No. 11863
9. Approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a second amendment to an agreement with the Alameda County Fire Department for fire truck parts and service in an additional amount not to exceed $400,000 and amending the budget Resolution No. 11864
10. Adopt a resolution approving a third amendment to the contractual services agreement with Gachina Landscape Management, Inc. to provide landscaping services in an additional amount not to exceed $120,000 through October 31, 2026
Resolution No. 11865
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Conduct public hearing and adopt a resolution approving the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan
Resolution No. 11866
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
City Engineer Miki Tsubota gave the staff report recommending approval.
Mayor Hannon opened the public hearing.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Mayor Hannon closed the public hearing.
The City Council engaged in discussion and asked clarifying questions. It was noted that the initial General Plan update discussion is anticipated to come before the City Council in approximately two to three years. Council Member Grindall stated his interest in funding an education project and belief that the Capital Improvement Plan does not align with the vision of our community. It was clarified that the April 23 and May 28, 2026, City Council meeting minutes captured the Council’s collective direction to staff to not include an Education Element in the General Plan as an individual Capital Improvement Plan project.
Vice Mayor Jorgens moved, Council Member Catancio seconded, to adopt a resolution approving the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. The motion was passed by the following votes: AYES:, Catancio, Jorgens, Hannon; NOES: Grindall; ABSENT: Little.
Item E.2: Vice Mayor Jorgens recused himself due to a conflict of interest and exited the Council Chambers.
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2. Public hearing and adopt a resolution approving the Thornton Avenue Overlay, Phase 1 (Interstate 880 to Olive Street) ($4,070,000) and Traffic Signal Interconnect (Construction) ($10,000,000) projects in the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan
Resolution No. 11867
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
City Engineer Miki Tsubota gave the staff report recommending approval.
Mayor Hannon opened the public hearing.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Mayor Hannon closed the public hearing.
The City Council engaged in discussion and asked clarifying questions. It was clarified that a large portion of the cost estimate of the Traffic Signal Interconnect Project is the hard wiring.
Mayor Hannon moved, Council Member Catancio seconded, to adopt a resolution approving the Thornton Avenue Overlay, Phase 1 (Interstate 880 to Olive Street) ($4,070,000) and Traffic Signal Interconnect (Construction) ($10,000,000) projects in the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan.
The motion was failed by the following votes: AYES: Catancio, Hannon; NOES: Grindall; RECUSED: Jorgens; ABSENT: Little.
City Manager Benoun stated the process for returning to City Council to vote on the projects.
Council Member Grindall recommended reconsideration of the item, stating he would support the projects.
Council Member Grindall moved, Council Member Catancio seconded, to reconsider and conduct a second vote on the item to adopt a resolution approving the Thornton Avenue Overlay, Phase 1 (Interstate 880 to Olive Street) ($4,070,000) and Traffic Signal Interconnect (Construction) ($10,000,000) projects in the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. The motion was passed by the following votes: AYES: Catancio, Grindall, Hannon; RECUSED: Jorgens; ABSENT: Little.
Vice Mayor Jorgens rejoined the meeting.
Item E.3: Vice Mayor Grindall recused himself due to a conflict of interest and exited the Council Chambers.
3. Public hearing and adopt a resolution approving the Thornton Avenue Complete Streets - Hickory to Gateway ($12,000,000) project in the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan Resolution No. 11868
City Manager Benoun provided the staff report recommending approval.
Mayor Hannon opened the public hearing.
Thursday, June 25, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8 No one from the audience requested to speak.
Mayor Hannon closed the public hearing.
Vice Mayor Jorgens moved, Mayor Hannon seconded, to adopt a resolution approving the Thornton Avenue Complete Streets - Hickory to Gateway ($12,000,000) project in the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. The motion was passed by the following votes: AYES: Catancio, Jorgens, Hannon; RECUSED: Grindall; ABSENT: Little.
Council Member Grindall rejoined the meeting.
Item E.4: Council Member Catancio and City Manager Benoun recused themselves due to a conflict of interest and exited the Council Chambers.
4. Public hearing and adopt a resolution approving the Lakeshore Park New Interim Restroom ($80,000) and Lakeshore Park New Pathway Lighting ($200,000) projects for inclusion in the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan
Resolution No. 11869
Assistant City Manager Hovorka provided introductory remarks and project background.
City Engineer Miki Tsubota gave the staff report recommending approval.
Mayor Hannon opened the public hearing.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Mayor Hannon closed the public hearing.
Vice Mayor Jorgens moved, Council Member Grindall seconded, to adopt a resolution approving the Lakeshore Park New Interim Restroom ($80,000) and Lakeshore Park New Pathway Lighting ($200,000) projects for inclusion in the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. The motion was passed by the following votes: AYES: Grindall, Jorgens, Hannon; RECUSED: Catancio; ABSENT:
Little.
Council Member Catancio and City Manager Benoun rejoined the meeting.
F. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Conduct a study session to receive information and provide feedback on a development concept proposal for 5311 Central Avenue.
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
Senior Planner Carmelisa Lopez and project applicant Mark Robson from Robson Homes, LLC gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Thursday, June 25, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8 The City Council engaged in discussion and asked clarifying questions regarding community benefits, neighborhood inclusion, and off-site affordable housing.
Council asked staff to evaluate standards for the distribution of off-site affordable housing and asked the developed to consider paying the affordable housing in-lieu fee. Council also recommended inclusion of pedestrian and bicycle improvements along Central Avenue and Cedar Boulevard, redesign of bioretention areas to create usable park space, and increased residential density. Council further requested evaluation of missing middle housing and incorporation of accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units to support affordability and Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) goals.
2. Conduct a study session to receive information and provide feedback on a development concept proposal for 8000 and 8100 Jarvis Avenue
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
Senior Planner Carmelisa Lopez, Entitlement & Development Advisor Jason Laub from Laub Ventures and Architect Jessica Musick from ktgy gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Eric Hentschke, resident, requested that staff review historical approvals and prior conditions for the area, particularly related to traffic and access, and consider those constraints in evaluating the proposed development.
Council supported including a rental housing component and improving site integration. They raised concerns about open space, neighborhood impacts, and loss of jobs if rezoned, and emphasized park and dog amenities and community outreach. Council also discussed linking affordable and market-rate phases, shared amenities accessibility, HOA fees, parking capacity, on-site retail, additional units and coordinated delivery and occupancy conditions.
3. Adopt a resolution approving the 2026-2028 Biennial Budget Resolution No. 11870
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
Finance Director Krysten Lee gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
The City Council engaged in discussion and asked clarifying questions.
Vice Mayor Jorgens moved, Mayor Hannon seconded, to adopt a resolution approving the 2026- 2028 Biennial Budget. The motion was passed by the following votes: AYES: Catancio, Jorgens, Hannon; NOES: Grindall; ABSENT: Little.
It was noted that Council Member Grindall supports the budget and voted no due to his opposition of the budget including an increase to City Council compensation.
Mayor called for a recess at 10:00 p.m. The meeting resumed at 10:15 p.m.
Thursday, June 25, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8
4. Provide direction regarding potential placement of proposed ballot measure updating business license tax and receive an overview of business/stakeholder engagement and feedback regarding proposed ballot measure
City Manager Benoun gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Deputy Economic Development Director Angela Tsui gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
Public comments were received during the General Public Comment period (Agenda Item C).
Council discussed the proposed Business License Tax restructuring and potential revisions to the proposed tax rates. Council Member Grindall expressed support for restructuring the tax but opposed using it as a revenue-generating measure, citing concerns about its impact on the business environment.
Vice Mayor Jorgens moved, Council Member Catancio seconded, to approve the staff recommendation as presented, with direction that staff return at the July 9, 2026, Council meeting with options that include an increase to manufacturing businesses and a decrease for property rentals for Council consideration. The motion passed by the following votes: AYES: Catancio, Jorgens, Hannon; NOES: Grindall; ABSENT: Little.
5. Adopt a resolution approving amendments to the City of Newark Salary Schedule effective July 1, 2026
Resolution No. 11871
City Attorney Kristopher Kokotaylo gave the staff report recommending approval.
No one from the audience requested to speak
Vice Mayor Jorgens moved, Council Member Catancio seconded, to adopt a resolution approving amendments to the City of Newark Salary Schedule effective July 1, 2026. The motion was passed by the following votes: AYES: Catancio, Grindall, Jorgens, Hannon, ; ABSENT: Little.
G. CITY MANAGER UPDATES
City Manager Benoun announced:
1. Grooving at the Groove: Friday, 5:00–7:30 p.m. at Shirley Sisk Grove (next to NewPark Mall).
Gates open at 4:00 p.m.
2. Urban Forest Survey: Help shape Newark's future by completing the City's survey at https://arcg.is/0vPGi02 by June 30, 2026.
3. Fourth of July: Celebrate safely and help keep our community safe. Parks will be closed at 7:00 p.m. and fireworks are not allowed in the parks. The City has a zero tolerance policy for illegal fireworks and issues $1,000 citations to hosts of gatherings with illegal fireworks.
4. Firefighters Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, July 4, 8:00–11:00 a.m. at Fire Station 27, 39039 Cherry Street.
Thursday, June 25, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 8
5. CERT Training: Hands-Only CPR and Abdominal Thrust Maneuver on Wednesday, July 8, 6:30– 8:30 p.m. at the Newark Senior Center.
6. Cherry Street Housing Development (Harvest at Newark): Public review is open. A virtual public scoping meeting on Tuesday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m. to gather community input. Learn more at NewarkCA.gov/EnvironmentalReview.
7. Hybrid Council Meetings: Beginning July 1, 2026, Newark's public meetings will offer hybrid participation options in compliance with SB 707, allowing members of the public to attend either in person or remotely.
H. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
Council Member Grindall wished everyone a Happy Independence Day.
Council Member Catancio shared that she would represent Newark at the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California event, participate in an Independence Day parade, speak on a youth panel hosted by Assemblymember Alex Lee on July 8, encouraged support for local nonprofit fireworks fundraising, and urged residents to shop Newark.
Vice Mayor Jorgens highlighted Newark's history of salt harvesting, noting its origins before the City's incorporation and its role in the City's early economic development. He recognized the innovation of early salt producers and acknowledged the continued contributions of Newark businesses in creating jobs, driving economic growth, and enhancing the City's reputation.
Mayor Hannon closed the meeting by wishing his wife Kathleen a happy 48th wedding anniversary and expressing appreciation for their partnership.
I. CLOSED SESSION
None.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hannon adjourned the meeting at 11:11 p.m.
_____________________________
Neetu Salwan, City Clerk