March 29, 2005 > Newark Council Meeting

by Susana Nuñez

NPresentations and Proclamations:
All members of the Council were present with the exception of Councilmember Tong. The meeting began with the introduction of three new city employees to the community. Administrative Analyst, Sherry Nikzat, in the Recreation and Community Services Department; Administrative Support Specialist II, Rebecca Blair; and Senior Administrative Support Specialist, Lisa Mendes were introduced.

In addition, April 2005 has been proclaimed as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Yvette Brittain, Fremont Human Relations Commissioner, was presented with the prepared proclamation. Also, the Council received an Award of Excellence from the California Park and Recreation Society for the George M. Silliman Family Aquatic Center.

The final item, which was unlisted, was a presentation to Councilmember Johnson for her 20 years of service on the Council. She was presented with a bouquet of roses and commended for being a tireless senior advocate, being the first and only chair of the Newark Senior Citizens Committee, as well as being a strong library services advocate. Councilmember Nagy will be celebrating 25 years of serving on the Council next month, and preparations are underway for his commendation.

Written Communications:
The Council decided not to review a joint staff committee report of a wall sign (Arroyo's Market and Taqueria) at 7055 Rich Ave. (formerly L and A Fish Market). A review of a conditional use permit and a planned unit development for sign modifications at 35466 Dumbarton Court (Residence Inn by Marriott) and 34905 Newark Blvd. (Courtyard by Marriott) was approved. Also approved was the review of a conditional use permit and a planned unit development for a retail building at 6147 Jarvis Ave. (Raley's Shopping Center).

Consent Calendar:
All consent items were approved simultaneously. The Council approved plans and specifications, acceptance of bid and award of contract to Monterey Mechanical Company for Newark Health Center Building HVAC replacement. The mayor was authorized to sign a Letter Agreement with Waste and Management extending the expiration date for 60 days of the current agreement for solid waste collection and collection and processing of recyclable materials. He was also given authorization to sign an agreement with Joel Nelson Production, Inc. for the 2005 Music at the Grove Program. Authorization was given to the city to apply for an Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) and for the city manager to sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

Nonconsent:
Authorization was given to the mayor to sign an agreement with the Rotary Club of Newark for the installation of a Veterans Memorial Monument at City Hall.

Council Matters
The Council wished the community and staff a happy Easter. They also extended condolences to the family of John Baker. Baker passed on Dec. 26, 2004 and was a part of the Newark-on-Trent, England Sister City program. He also participated in the Newarks of the World Gatherings. The meeting was adjourned in his memory.

Closed Session
The Council held a conference with legal counsel over Existing Litigation of Workers Compensation, WCB. They also held a conference with counsel over Existing Litigation of City of Newark v. City of Fremont at Alameda Country Superior Court.