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City staff reports: Rite Aid site, pothole repairs, firefighter deployment and summer events
Summary
At the July 8 Newman City Council meeting staff and council members discussed a vacant Rite Aid shopping center’s deteriorating condition, ongoing investigations into pavement subsidence on Jensen Road, a firefighter deployed to the Madre Fire and upcoming community events including a July 19 movie night.
City staff and council members reported several operational items at the July 8 Newman City Council meeting, including concerns about a vacant Rite Aid property, pavement problems on Jensen Road, a firefighter deployed to a large wildfire and community events.
A council member, Rotem, said the shopping center near Highway 33 has deteriorated since Rite Aid closed, citing torn pavement, trash and possible loitering. “The pavement is terribly torn up, it’s really an eyesore,” Rotem said and urged the city to pressure the property owner to improve and secure the site.
Public works staff reported two potholes or subsidence areas on Jensen Road at the Jensen and Fig intersection following recent paving work; contractors and the city’s engineering team are investigating the cause and a temporary patch is in place for safety while a permanent repair is planned. “The patch was there for both safety and we don't have to close down that part of the road while we investigate,” staff said.
Fire Chief Bowen reported that one firefighter was deployed to the Madre Fire near Santa Maria and said that fire had burned roughly 80,610 acres and was about 55% contained at the time of the meeting. He also said Newman’s “big red” engine is in for repairs, temporarily reducing fire response capacity, and that July 4 saw one dumpster fire and a small grass fire with no significant injuries.
Parks and recreation staff announced a movie night scheduled for July 19 with activities starting in the early evening and a dusk movie showing; staff said they will coordinate with mosquito abatement to reduce pests during the event.
Council members thanked residents for attending and said staff would follow up on the shopping‑center condition and public‑works repairs. No formal action or votes were taken on these items; they were reported as staff updates and informational items.
