February 3, 2004 > City Council Meeting Notes

by Susana Nuñez

On Thursday, January 22, 2004 the City of Newark held its second meeting of the month. At the meeting Newark's Personnel Department presented two new employees. Christina Gendreu who will be holding a Personnel Technician position and Joella Kapu, now the department's new Administrative Support Specialist II. Also, Jack Burgess, Senior Civil Engineering Associate, retired from the City on January 30, 2004, after having served 39 years and 11 months. A commendation was prepared and given to Mr. Burgess in recognition to his service. Joanne Onstad (Personnel Department) has also retired from the City after 16 years and 4 months of service. A commendation was prepared and given to her as well.

Items approved during the public hearing were for a new wireless telecommunications facility at 37555 Sycamore Street, by both Sprint and Verizon Wireless, and a mid-year amendment of the 2002-2004 Biennial Budget and Capitol Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2003-2004. The Governor's new recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2004-2005 proposes cuts to cities, and an estimated $624,000 in revenue to Newark. The city is halfway through the second year of its two-year budget plan and acknowledges that it is important to be prepared for these possible budgets cuts to the city, due to the still recovering economy and its huge deficit. This amendment recommends holding spending at the budgeted levels for this year.

The city attorney reported two claims. One of $25 from Daryl Prince for the alleged loss of a hat he had when taken into custody, and another for $2, 964. 47 from Jose Gaoiran for alleged damage to his vehicle when a city tree fell on his car.