The Newman City Council on Oct. 28 approved the consent calendar, which included waiving full readings of ordinances and resolutions, approval of warrants, minutes of the Oct. 14 meeting and a resolution authorizing the city manager or fire chief to execute an agreement with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) program funding.

Mayor Graham called for public speakers; none came forward. A motion to adopt the consent calendar was moved and seconded and carried by electronic vote, 5-0.

City Manager Michael told the council the Nov. 11 meeting (Veterans Day) will be canceled and the council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12; the second November meeting will be canceled for Thanksgiving week and the council will hold one meeting in December on Dec. 9.

Recreation staff member Ally said the Kajukimbo program is paused while the memorial building is used for voting and will resume Nov. 13. Ally also reminded residents of a trunk-or-treat event scheduled for Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. on Main Street and estimated attendance between 500 and 2,000 children; staff asked residents to drive slowly and noted food vendors will be present.

Public works staff reported the city received a 90% design package for the Nature Park project and is reviewing it with City Engineer Gouvea with the intention to move to bidding in early December. Public works also said repairs to the Canal School diversion structure were completed and that the irrigation system awaits PG&E connections; the department is coordinating with mosquito abatement, noting mosquito fish are in place and water continues to flow through the system.

Fire Chief Vaughn thanked the council for approving the VFC grant during the consent calendar, saying the funding "is gonna per help us purchase, much needed equipment that we're running short on." He reminded residents to use LED candles and flashlights for Halloween.

Council members offered brief closing remarks and adjourned the meeting; a motion to adjourn was made near the end of the session.