Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Council Procedures Votes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Votes at a glance: Newark council approves RM3 funding request, building‑code update and consent items
Summary
The council approved several procedural and regulatory items Thursday, including a funding allocation request for RM3 bridge‑toll dollars, a triennial building code update, and routine demands on the consent calendar. One councilmember recused from a regional funding item.
At its Oct. 23 meeting the Newark City Council approved several routine but consequential items.
Key outcomes: - Regional Measure 3 funding request: The council authorized staff to submit a funding allocation request to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for $15,000,000 in RM3 bridge‑toll funds to support the Old Town Streetscape project and Thornton Avenue resurfacing. Councilmember Jorgens recused himself from the vote because he disclosed a leasehold interest in the Thornton Avenue area; the motion passed 4‑0 with one recusal noted in the minutes.
- Building code update (public hearing and adoption): The council held the required public hearing and adopted updates to Title 15 (Buildings and Construction), incorporating the 2024/2025 California building and related codes with local modifications. Staff noted a single clarifying change aligning sprinkler requirements with state standards; the ordinance passed unanimously.
- Consent calendar and audited demands: The council approved the consent calendar items, including the audited demands and routine administrative items; one item (D3, the RM3 funding request) was pulled for separate consideration because of a recusal. Motions were recorded and votes taken as part of the meeting minutes.
Why it matters: The RM3 allocation advances capital street and streetscape work funded through Bay Area bridge tolls. The building code adoption updates Newark’s local code to reflect state changes and local amendments, including fire‑safety sprinkler alignment. The consent calendar approvals allow the city to proceed with routine operating actions and financial payments.
What the council did not do: The votes did not appropriate construction funds to specific contracts at the meeting; the RM3 action authorized the funding request submittal to MTC, not final construction contract awards.
Provenance: Staff presentations for the RM3 request were made by City Manager Benoon and project staff; the building code update presentation was given by Chief Building Official Matthew Farrell.
