Jonathan Arguello

The Planning Commission meeting featured discussions and actions on several agenda items. Key discussions included the election of officers and the approval of previous minutes from December 9, 2025. Public hearings addressed a resolution to approve a Conditional Use Permit (U-21-03) for a temporary Butler Amusements Carnival at NewPark Mall, scheduled for March 27 to April 5, 2026. A second public hearing concerned Z2025-002, a Zoning Text Amendment to update regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) to align with state law, including incentives like increased height limits and elimination of parking requirements. A third hearing involved recommending City Council approval for updates to the Affordable Housing Program, establishing a 10% inclusionary housing requirement for new developments of 20 or more units, with specific AMI targets for rental and for-sale units, alongside the implementation of a local live/work preference policy. Staff reports included an update on the Mowry Village project awaiting City Council consideration.

The meeting began with presentations, including commendations for Debbie Rodriguez upon her retirement and for Planning Commissioner Fitts on his 40th anniversary on the Planning Commission, as well as the introduction of a new employee. The Consent Calendar items approved included ordinances to update the affordable housing program and establish rent review requirements, adoption of a resolution for grant funds for the Jerry Raber Ash Street Park project, award of a construction contract for curb, gutter, sidewalk replacement and accessible ramps projects, approval of audited demands, budget amendments for roof replacements at the Silliman Aquatic and Activity Centers, and authorization for a contract amendment for the Old Town Streetscape Improvements Project. The public hearing addressed amendments to the Zoning Code regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units, which passed with an amendment to remove a 2-foot allowance for detached ADUs. Other business included presentations on the 2025 Community Survey Results, adoption of an update to the Climate Action Plan framework, an Economic Development Update, and acceptance of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the period ending June 30, 2025. City Council Matters included various announcements regarding community events and historical background on the City of Newark's name.

The City Council Workshop commenced with opening remarks from the Mayor appreciating staff dedication and emphasizing team collaboration. The City Manager reviewed workshop objectives, reflecting on the previous session, and the session utilized a facilitator and visual mapping. Discussions covered key qualities of effective City Council and staff collaboration, characteristics of the Council-Manager form of government, the role of the City Attorney, and best practices for meeting agendas, transparency, and communications. Following a lunch recess, the meeting reconvened with the Executive Team to review current conditions to maintain and aspirational conditions to achieve for the City. The Executive Team presented departmental highlights. Subsequently, key focus areas, priorities, and goals were discussed. The City Manager reviewed the City's vision statement and provided an overview of Strategic Priorities implementation, requesting feedback from the Council.

The meeting featured a presentation from the Recreation and Community Services Supervisor regarding the planned Newark Resource Center and the demonstrated need for Human Services in the community. Staff provided updates on current membership statistics and program schedules. New business included suggestions to invite a speaker from Republic Services to discuss recycling guidelines and to add a safety concern regarding the Senior Center's parking lot entrance to the next meeting agenda. A committee member also suggested increasing the frequency of city-hosted document shredding service days.

The City Council meeting included several key actions and discussions. The Consent Calendar involved the approval of prior minutes, the approval of Audited Demands, and the adoption of ordinances to amend the official zoning map for the "Mowry Village" subdivision project, rezoning parcels from Park to Residential High Density and Residential Low Density. Additionally, ordinances were adopted to add chapters regarding a Public Art Committee and Public Art in Public Places to the Municipal Code. The Public Hearing focused on an ordinance updating the City's Affordable Housing Program and requirements, resulting in approval of staff recommendations with an exception regarding the small project in-lieu fee application. Other Business included the introduction of ordinances establishing Residential Landlord and Tenant Relations regulations and a Rent Review program, along with the adoption of resolutions authorizing a contract for an Urban Forest Management Plan, approving the Emergency Operations Plan 2025 Revision, authorizing a CalPERS contract amendment, and approving an amendment to the City Manager's Employment Agreement, which included a 5% salary increase. The Council also appointed representatives to the Fremont--Newark / AC Transit Inter-Agency Liaison Committee.