CITY OF NEWARK
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Council Chambers, 37101 Newark Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560 | (510) 578-4266 | E-mail: [email protected] Teleconference Location: Council Member Grindall participating remotely from Hotel Lulu, 1850 S Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, California 92802
MINUTES
Thursday, September 24, 2026
7:00 P.M.
A. ROLL CALL
Mayor Hannon called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Vice Mayor Jorgens, Council Members Grindall (participating remotely), Catancio, and Little were present.
B. PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclaiming National CERT Week
Mayor Hannon presented a proclamation to Emergency Coordinator Ricardo Martinez and CERT members: Sam Elbandak, Rudy Kelly, Todd Stewart, and Jared Schwalb.
2. Proclaiming September as National Preparedness Month Mayor Hannon presented a proclamation to Emergency Coordinator Ricardo Martinez C. PUBLIC COMMENT
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Item H.1 was taken out of order and heard before the Consent Calendar.
H. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
1. Adopt a resolution approving the Mayor’s appointment to the Public Art Committee Resolution No. 11897
Mayor Hannon provided introductory remarks.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Council Member Little moved, Vice Mayor Jorgens seconded, to adopt a resolution to appoint Mariana Lucchesi Leite Naveca to the Public Art Committee for a term expiring September 24, 2030. The motion passed, 5 AYES.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Grindall asked that Item No. D.3 be pulled for further discussion.
Vice Mayor Jorgens asked that Item No. D.4 be pulled for further discussion.
Thursday, September 24, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, September 24, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4 Council Member Little asked that Item No. D.7 be pulled for further discussion.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Council Member Catancio moved, Vice Mayor Jorgens seconded, to approve Consent Calendar items D.1, D2, D.5, D.6, and D.8, that the resolutions be numbered consecutively, and that reading of the titles suffice for adoption. The motion was passed 5 AYES.
1. Approval of Audited Demands
2. Approval of September 10, 2026, City Council Minutes
5. Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Advanced Exercise Fitness Solutions for Fitness Equipment and Flooring Replacement at the George M. Silliman Community Activity Center and amending the 2026-2028 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan Resolution No. 11892
6. Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the acceptance of the 2026-2027 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) federal grant through the State of California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and amending the 2026-2028 Biennial Budget
Resolution No. 11893
8. Adopt a resolution amending the Citywide Salary Schedule to change the classification title of Maintenance Superintendent to Public Works Maintenance Manager in conformance with California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5
Resolution No. 11895
NONCONSENT
3. Waive further reading and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 2.09 of the Newark Municipal Code ("City Councilmembers-Compensation") to increase the salaries of the Mayor and City Councilmembers
Ordinance No. 568
Council Member Grindall pulled Item D.3 to vote against the item.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Council Member Little moved, and Vice Mayor Jorgens seconded, amending Chapter 2.09 of the Newark Municipal Code ("City Councilmembers-Compensation") to increase the salaries of the Mayor and City Councilmembers. The motion was passed by the following votes: AYES: Catancio, Little, Jorgens, Hannon; NOES: Grindall.
7. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Fourth Amendment to the Contractual Services Agreement with Granicus LLC in an additional amount of $13,031.92 for website maintenance, hosting, and licensing services
Resolution No. 11894
Council Member Little pulled Item D.7 inquiring if the fee was a one-time charge or an annual increase. Staff clarified that it was a one-time fee for a one-year contract extension.
Thursday, September 24, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 No one from the audience requested to speak.
Council Member Little moved, and Vice Mayor Jorgens seconded, to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Fourth Amendment to the Contractual Services Agreement with Granicus LLC in an additional amount of $13,031.92 for website maintenance, hosting, and licensing services. The motion was passed 5 AYES.
4. Waive further reading and adopt an ordinance amending the Newark Zoning Map to include specific additional parcels in the -BRH Overlay District to comply with state law and ensure consistency among the City's code
Ordinance No. 567
Vice Mayor Jorgens pulled Item D.4 to recuse himself due to a conflict of interest and left the City Council Chambers.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
Council Member Little moved, and Council Member Catancio seconded, amending the Newark Zoning Map to include specific additional parcels in the -BRH Overlay District to comply with state law and ensure consistency among the City's code. The motion was passed by the following votes:
AYES: Grindall, Catancio, Little, Hannon; RECUSED: Jorgens.
Vice Mayor Jorgens returned to the Council Chambers.
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
F. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Year-end budget review and adoption of a resolution amending the 2024–2026 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal year 2025–26
Resolution No. 11896
City Manager Benoun provided introductory remarks and project background.
Deputy Finance Director Gloria Del Rosario gave the presentation. The presentation is on file with the City Clerk.
No one from the audience requested to speak.
The City Council asked clarifying questions and held discussion.
Council Member Little moved, and Council Member Catancio seconded, to adopt a resolution amending the 2024–2026 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal year 2025–26.
The motion was passed 5 AYES.
G. CITY MANAGER UPDATES
City Manager Benoun announced:
1. Coffee with a Cop: Join the Newark Police Department in celebrating National Coffee Day on Tuesday, September 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Shibam Coffee Co. in Newark.
Thursday, September 24, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4
2. Free Document Shredding Event: Open to Newark residents only. No appointment is necessary.
The event will be held Saturday, October 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 37440 Filbert Street, Newark.
3. Rental Housing Inspection Pilot Program: The City has launched its Rental Housing Inspection Pilot Program and is currently inspecting 64 rental units using a 74-item checklist based on city and state requirements. The pilot will help the City assess rental housing conditions and determine resources needed for a potential citywide inspection program, with the review expected to be completed in early 2027.
H. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
Council Member Grindall reported attending the League of California Cities Annual Conference and noted that a resolution regarding local control over land use decisions would be considered and next year’s conference will be held in San Jose. He also commended the Newark Days event.
Council Member Little reported that 47 books had been donated for the new Elmwood Correctional Facility library and noted plans to seek additional donations. She announced the second annual Heroes in the Community event, scheduled for the following Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Silliman Center. She recognized Newark CERT and thanked City staff and volunteers for their contributions to Newark Days and commented on the time capsule. She also announced an upcoming haunted house fundraiser benefiting Newark’s Deaf adult community and the grand opening celebration of the Tri-City Athletic Center expansion.
Council Member Catancio commented on the Newark Days event and time capsule, noting the participation of community members, students, and seniors. She noted that she would attend the Heroes in the Community event on October 3 and the Science in the Park event at Cal State East Bay.
Vice Mayor Jorgens reflected on Newark’s 71st anniversary of incorporation and discussed the City’s history with flood control efforts in the early 1950s. He noted differing levels of support for flood control bonds among communities in Washington Township and the two-thirds voter approval requirement. He noted that the bonds were ultimately approved in 1955 and discussed the historical significance of Newark’s incorporation and local decision-making.
Mayor Hannon echoed his colleagues’ comments regarding Newark Days and thanked the volunteers, particularly Lori Gratz, and City staff for their contributions. He also recognized the Optimist Club for purchasing and installing a Little Free Library at Birch Grove Park, thanked Public Works staff for the installation, and emphasized the importance of encouraging children to read.
I. CLOSED SESSION
None.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Hannon adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
_____________________________
Neetu Salwan, City Clerk