One notable issue discussed was the public’s concern over the city’s budget process and governance. Donna Jackson, a resident, voiced her frustration about the continuous deferral of the budget process, leaving citizens uninformed about financial decisions. She questioned the transparency of police expenditures, alleging that the mayor’s travel involved excessive police presence. Jackson also criticized the allocation of $6 million to the housing authority, arguing it did not adequately support vulnerable groups like the homeless and seniors. Her comments highlighted broader concerns about the mismanagement of city resources, including neglected city services such as a fire truck that had been out of service for three years.

Following Jackson, another speaker, an investor named Edison, expressed concerns about increased property taxes and vandalism in Newark. He described a recent incident at his South 18th Street property and called for more police presence to ensure safety. Edison acknowledged improvements in Newark but emphasized the need for better support for property owners and enhanced security to protect investments.

Ariel Leavitz, a public policy specialist, urged the council to consider an ordinance banning the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores. Citing issues with a local store sourcing from out-of-state puppy mills, she argued that adopting such a measure would promote humane treatment of animals and align Newark with other cities’ practices.

The council meeting also included discussions on the management and security of Newark’s watershed, which spans over 37,000 acres across four counties. Officials provided updates on completed security upgrades, including infrared cameras, internet connectivity at dam sites, and physical barriers. The watershed’s five reservoirs, which hold 15.5 billion gallons of raw water, are monitored by security personnel and drones. Despite these measures, concerns about unauthorized usage and encroachments persist, prompting recommendations for increased security personnel and strategic enforcement to boost revenue and deter unauthorized activities.

A council member raised questions about the impact of a recent wildfire that burned approximately 800 acres of the watershed. The directors attributed the fire to drought conditions and stressed the importance of controlled burns to manage vegetation and reduce risks. They acknowledged the collaborative efforts of local responders and the use of the city’s water resources in addressing the wildfire.

Revenue generation strategies for the watershed were a focal point, with discussions on managing hunting and fishing activities to ensure proper licensing and financial benefits for the city. Officials highlighted the challenges of securing the expansive watershed, noting a reduction in illegal tree cutting due to increased security measures. The use of drones to monitor activities and document trespassing was emphasized, with a strategy in place to improve enforcement.

The conversation also touched on the staffing of the watershed management team. Officials clarified the roles of five foresters, two engineers, three security personnel, and four maintenance workers. The suggestion of hiring additional staff to enhance revenue collection sparked debate, with concerns about whether the increase in personnel would offset the associated costs.

Another topic of interest was the Verizon building project and potential revenue generation through the development of cabins for overnight camping. The engineering department was tasked with re-engaging in the cabin project, seen as a way to enhance summer camp experiences for young people. The potential for increased revenue from such initiatives was discussed, though concerns remained about the effectiveness of staffing levels in achieving financial goals.