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Newark council issues proclamations, approves consent calendar and committee appointments
Summary
The council proclaimed March as American Red Cross Month, commended lifeguards and staff award winners, unanimously approved the consent calendar, and approved reappointments to the Senior Advisory and Measure GGLL Oversight committees; council directed staff to return with public art committee ordinance changes.
Mayor Michael Hanna opened the March 12 meeting with a proclamation recognizing March as American Red Cross Month in Newark, praising local volunteers and partnerships. "Therefore, I, Michael Hanna, on behalf of my Newark city council, recognize this as American Red Cross Month 2026 in Newark," the mayor said, and invited Ian Servin, a Red Cross volunteer, to accept the proclamation and thank the city for its partnership.
The council also formally commended four city employees for a lifesaving response at the George M. Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center; Brandy Nguyen, a senior lifeguard, accepted the commendation on behalf of her team and thanked supervisors for training and support.
During the consent calendar the council approved routine items on a single motion, including audited demands, minutes, contract awards, and budget amendments. Council Member Catanccio moved approval, the vice mayor seconded, and the mayor announced the motion “passes unanimously.”
In council business the body approved reappointments to the Senior Advisory Committee (Rick Arellano, Sandra Arellano and Olga Borjan) and appointments to the Measure GGLL Oversight Committee; motions were made and seconded and council recorded the votes as passing. The mayor also proposed expanding the Public Art Committee from five to nine members (including a student member); council discussed logistics, voting status for student members, and staggered terms and asked staff to return with ordinance language in April for formal action.
No members of the public spoke during the general public comment period. City Manager David Benoon closed the presentations portion with community announcements including a senior housing application window, a county fire fundraiser, and a recreation hiring fair. The meeting adjourned after council member reports and the mayor’s reminders about upcoming events.
