February 1, 2005 > City of Newark council meeting Jan. 13

by Susana Nuñez

The first meeting of the new year began with the welcoming of the city's new council member, Paul Tong. Tong was appointed recently after former Vice Mayor Alberto Torrico went on to become an assemblyman, leaving an empty seat on the council. Councilmember Nagy was promoted to Vice Mayor and Tong will serve as a councilmember until elections in the fall. Next was the presentation of newly hired police officers Joli Gentry, Sean Tinney and Carson Thomas. The Union Sanitary District, whose presentation to the city council served as an update of its activities, also made a presentation. Under Written Communications, the council did not review the joint staff committee review for a duplex at 37249 Spruce St.

On the Consent Calendar, all items were approved simultaneously, with the exception of one, which Councilmember Tong had not had the opportunity to discuss. The pulled item was a second reading of an ordinance amending Title 2 (Administration and Personnel), Chapter 2.09 (City Council Members- Salaries) of the Newark Municipal Code to provide for salaries to the mayor and members of the city council. Tong received the chance to abstain and the item passed. Also approved were the acceptance of contract with ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance, Inc., for Fire Station No. 3 and landscape restoration and drainage correction. Next was the acceptance of contract with Pacheco Brothers Gardening, Inc., for park and landscape maintenance. An acceptance of contract with Pearson Equipment and Maintenance Company for Enhanced Vapor Recovery (EVR) upgrade for service center tanks passed as well. The mayor received authorization to sign a contract with The Consulting Group for environmental consulting services for the Newark History Museum-Phase 2. He also received authorization to sign an agreement with Spangle Associates for planning assistance.

Under the City Attorney Reports, the claims of Diem Ngo, Mechele Oliveira and David and Lucy McDaniel were all rejected. On Aug. 31, 2004, the city received a claim for $5,000 from Ngo for alleged damages to his property from city tree roots. On Oct. 26, 2004, the city received a claim for $153 from Oliveira for alleged damages to her property from the city tree trimmers. On Apr. 21, 2004, the city received a claim for $173 from the McDaniel's for alleged damages to their property caused by a city tree. The claims and all relevant information were forwarded to ABAG Plan, the city's insurance administrator, who recommended that all be denied.

As the meeting came to a close, Tong expressed his appreciation for his appointment as the new councilmember, stating, "I'm ready to go!" The council welcomed Tong aboard and wished everyone a happy new year.