April 27, 2004 > City of Newark Meeting

This week's meeting began with five presentations and proclamations. First on the list was Maria Lara, who was presented as the newly hired Administrative Analyst in the Fire Department. Darryl Reina, the Recreation and Community Service Program Director, received a commendation in honor of his retirement after 38 years of service to Newark.

Next was a proclamation of the appointment of ambassadors to Newark-on-Trent, England. From May 5-12, 2004, the Newark representatives will be visiting Newark-on-Trent, England for the purpose of continuing to promote cultural understanding and civic pride amongst the Newarks of the world. This year's ambassadors are Ellen Harris, Laurie Marshall, Newark City Councilmember Alan Nagy, F. Preston (Bud) Spalding, Pat Spalding, Paula Stoner, Dave Tanner, Judy Tanner, and Nancy Thomas.

The next proclamation was that of proclaiming April 22, 2004 as Arbor Day in Newark. In recognition to the city's dedication to its tree resources, the National Arbor Day Foundation named Newark a Tree City U.S.A. for the seventeenth consecutive year. The last proclamation was for Latinos Unidos de Newark (LUNA) of Cinco de Mayo Week in the City of Newark, which will be from April 28 through May 5.

Before the council went on to the usual Public Hearing items, they took a moment to recognize Assistant City Manager John Becker for running in the Boston Marathon. He averaged eight and a half minute miles and finished in the top 4,000 out of 22,000. The council awarded him a "Greek" wreath headpiece in honor of his accomplishment.

The Public Hearing item this week was to consider adoption of an ordinance to amend the Newark Municipal Code by deleting Building Security Regulations and by adding Security Code. The current Security Ordinance is in a format that is difficult for the public to understand and some standards are either out-of-date or in conflict with the California Building Code. The item passed and the new Building Security Ordinance will become enforceable on May 22, 2004.

On the consent calendar, the first item approved was the acceptance of bid and award of contract to El Camino Paving, Inc. for the 2004 Street Patch Paving Program. Next was the authorization for the Fire Department to purchase automated external defibrillators for the Police Department patrol vehicles, and amendment of the 2002-2004 Biennial Budget. The purchase of the defibrillators is an attempt to provide cardiac arrest victims with assistance from trained police officers while they wait for ambulances and medics. For every minute the initial shock from the defibrillator is delayed, the patient's likelihood of survival decreases by seven to ten percent. A presentation by the Police Department was provided during the meeting.

Next was the second reading and adoption of an ordinance to amend the Newark Municipal Code by deleting Building Security Regulations and adding Security Code, which was spoken of in the Public Hearings portion of the meeting, as well.

The next item approved was the authorization for the Mayor to sign Memorandum of Understanding with Life Eldercare, Inc., for subsidy of the Meals on Wheels service in Newark Life Eldercare, Inc. has requested financial assistance for the Meals on Wheels service since the economic downturn has decreased the amount of money they receive through their grant and fundraising process.

Next approved was the application for Measure B funding and budget for Newark Paratransit. The Alameda County Improvement Authority (ACTIA) administers the distribution of Measure B, a half-cent transportation sales tax that provides funding to the Paratransit Program of Newark. Each year the City is required to submit an application for funding and budget to ACTIA outlining the Paratransit services offered in the upcoming fiscal year. Finally, the resolution of the Newark City Council supporting a statewide ballot initiative to require voter approval before state government takes local tax funds was approved.

In the City Attorney Reports, the $10,000 claim of Wendy Raffo for alleged damage to her car when a city tree fell over it during a major store was denied. Also denied was the $252.12 claim from Paul Cardoso for alleged damage to his car when a city tree fell over it as well during a major storm.

During the Council Matters, a summer recess during the month of August for the City Council was approved

The meeting was adjourned in memory of James R. Griffiths and Bonnie-Claire King.