May 30, 2006 > Newark Council Meeting

Presentations and Proclamations
Recognition was given to Derek Marrero for completion of requirements necessary for Eagle Scout. Safety personnel were recognized for their selection as Police Officer of the Year (Dan Anderson), Paramedic of the Year (John Hill) and Emergency Medical Technician of the Year (Paul Derickson).

Optimist International designated the month of June as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The month of June was proclaimed as Business Appreciation Month and members of the Newark Chamber of Commerce accepted the proclamation.

Suzanne Shenfil, Director of Human Services for the City of Fremont and Dr. Ray Grimm, Program Coordinator for Aging, the Ultimate Adventure... Journeying Together presented an overview of the collaborative effort with the Tri-City Elder Coalition. This group previously received a $150,000 Robert Wood Johnson planning grant and has now qualified for an additional $750,000 implementation grant. The goal is to improve long-term care and supportive services for all seniors, but especially "at-risk" seniors in the Tri-City area.

A "declaration of support" for proposed legislation to allow an increase in vehicle registration fees for congestion management purposes met mixed support. Withdrawn from the consent calendar, Councilmember Al Nagy opposed Assembly Bill 2444 because it could be implemented without direct voter approval. Councilmember Sue Johnson concurred while Mayor Dave Smith and Councilmember Ana Apodaca leaned in the other direction citing the need for additional support of congestion management measures. Vice Mayor Luis Freitas remained silent on the issue and continued that stance as the vote on AB 2444 deadlocked at 2 ayes, 2 nays, 1 abstention. A vote of support for Senate Bill 1611 passed unanimously since it does require voter approval.

The date of Wednesday, June 7 at 5:30 p.m. was set for a work session to review the '06 - '07 Budget.

In oral communications, Cathy Norvell representing Relay for Life, an activity of the American Cancer Society, reminded the council of the upcoming 24-hour event beginning 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 24 that will finish Sunday, June 25. Held at Newark Memorial High School track, Relay for Life begins with a "survivor's lap" and continues as walkers and runners circle the infield - someone always on the track - to symbolize "cancer never sleeps." Noting that this disease "touches us all," Ms. Norvell spoke of an evening ceremony when luminaries (weighted bags with a small candle) are lighted around the track as "a path of hope." She noted that this is the largest nonprofit fundraiser in the world and the local goal this year is $120,000. Relay for Life activities are also held in other local communities as well during the summer. For more information, contact Jackie Kranich (510) 794-1938 or jkranich@sbcglobal.net.