Fremont council rejects resolution to make city lead applicant for federal rail grant

The Fremont City Council voted 3–5 on June 23, 2026 against Resolution 2026-150, which would have authorized the City of Fremont to act as the lead applicant for a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program application on behalf of Rail Modal Group.

Councilmember Horner moved to approve the resolution and Councilmember Jensen seconded. The three councilmembers voting in favor were Ganem, Horner and Jensen. Councilmembers Von Behren, Marsh, Lathrop, Vaughan and Peterson voted against the motion, resulting in the motion’s failure. No further action on the resolution was recorded at the meeting.

Mayor Dev Sookram called the special meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 400 East Military and the council completed a roll call showing eight members present. The agenda for the special meeting was posted at the Municipal Building and online on June 17, 2026, and public notice was run in the Fremont Tribune as described in the official minutes.

The resolution text on the record authorized the City of Fremont to serve as lead applicant for a CRISI grant application "on behalf of Rail Modal Group." The minutes do not record additional detail about the proposed grant application, such as the project scope, requested federal amount, or proposed local match, nor do they record council debate or reasons given by individual members for their votes.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:11 p.m. after a motion to adjourn by Councilmember Jensen, seconded by Councilmember Horner, which passed unanimously.