Council Revokes Conditional Use Permit, Orders Change to City Code on Freeway Signs

Here are highlights from the June 9 Newark City Council Meeting:

• The council approved a recommendation to revoke a conditional use permit granted in 1998 to the property at 7220 Central Ave. for a wireless communication facility.

• Council ordered a text amendment to its city code about requirements for signs seen from freeways. The change would allow the city to consider signs that are non-site specific.

• The city’s Paramedic Program special tax was set at $15 per benefit unit beginning with the 2011-12 fiscal year. This tax was approved by Newark voters in 1997 as a way to fund paramedic services. Approval of the tax allowed for an annual adjustment that could not exceed $15. The current special tax rate is $14.68. The special tax generates funds used for Paramedic Program costs for advanced life support medical supplies and equipment, paramedic education, additional compensation for paramedic duties and program administration.

• The council voted to give Mayor David Smith authorization to sign a three-month Letter of Agreement with the First Responder Advance Life Support Services Agreement with the County of Alameda. The current agreement expires on June 30. By state law, the County of Alameda is responsible for establishing procedures and policies for approval and designation of paramedic services providers within Newark.

• A report on the 2010 Health Assessment of Alameda County was presented by Tina Nunez, chief of ambulatory care services at Washington Hospital.

Also at the meeting:

• Detective David Higbee of the Newark Police Department was honored with a proclamation for being named

• The Newark-based Farmers and Farmerettes Square Dance Club made a presentation of a contribution to the Newark Betterment Corporation.

All five council members were present for the meeting. To review the agenda from the June 9 meeting, click here.