City manager updates Council on Foster Farms cleanup funding request; brush pickup and recreation notices announced

City Manager Michael updated the Newman City Council on local project and service items during the March 24 meeting.

Michael said he had provided additional information to Congressman Gray’s office in support of the city’s $1,000,000 community funding request to demolish the Foster Farms site and remove asbestos-contaminated paint. "We're still in the process," Michael said; he told the council he expected the office to decide sometime in April or May and that staff had supplied the requested materials.

Michael also noted several current job openings posted at cityofnewman.com and said he expects one or two additional openings in the next 30–45 days. Recreation staff member Ally reminded residents that the last day for brush pickup in the city is March 31 and asked that yard debris be cleared from streets after that date for code-enforcement purposes. Ally also announced an adult recreational volleyball tournament on April 18.

In other staff items, Thomas said the Measure L project for L Street (Dunham) is approximately 90% complete and that staff remain hopeful on an aggressive timeline to finish the work by the end of the year. A police/fire representative said resources would be allocated as available to address safety concerns raised near Hunt Elementary. Fire department staff also announced a procession honoring former Chief Ken Johnson and reported five new explorer-program students.