This agenda item is in alignment with the following:

Goal D, Strategy 8. Update the Climate Action Plan and also include regional goals in the plan. (Council Priority)

The City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), adopted in 2010, included the establishment of a Climate Protection Task Force, a 16-member committee authorized by City Council Resolution 4063-10. The mandate of that Task Force was to “...represent the diverse interests of Union City throughout the [CAP] process, and to provide comments on the draft CAP.” The composition of the Task Force encompassed representation from the City Council, Planning Commission, Union Sanitary District Board, New Haven Unified School District, Chamber of Commerce, and citizen representatives. Over a 10-month period, the Task Force convened five meetings to deliberate on key sectors and identify potential mitigation measures relevant to Union City.

In preparation for the CAP Update, a key component of the planning process involves the creation of an advisory body, much like the 2010 Task Force, to provide guidance and feedback at critical milestones in the process. At its regular meeting on February 11, 2025, the City Council voted 4-1 to place on a future agenda the consideration of forming an Ad Hoc Committee to support the CAP Update.

At its regular meeting on May 13, 2025, the City Council considered staff’s recommendation to adopt a Resolution authorizing the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to advise on the Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update. During the meeting, the City Attorney advised the Council that the proposed composition of the Ad Hoc Committee would not comply with the Brown Act. Specifically, the inclusion of individuals outside the City Council would result in the committee being classified as a legislative body, thereby subjecting it to the full requirements of the Brown Act.

In light of this, staff has revised the proposed structure to ensure compliance with applicable open meeting laws while maintaining the City’s commitment to public engagement and transparency. The proposed structure is also informed by the direction provided by the City Council its May 13, 2025 meeting.

Task Force Composition and Selection Process

Staff recommends the formation of a Climate Action Plan Task Force composed of the following members:

• Two City Councilmembers;
• One member from the Planning Commission;
• One member from the Human Relations Commission;
• One member from the Parks and Recreation Commission; and
• Two community members.

The proposed Task Force will consist of seven members to ensure effective deliberation and timely input, while still reflecting a diversity of perspectives. 

To identify the community members, staff will publicize the opportunity using the City’s outreach platforms. Interested individuals will be invited to submit applications and interviews may be held depending on the number of applications received. Staff will review all submissions and forward candidates to the Mayor for consideration subject to City Council approval. City Councilmembers serving on the Task Force will be selected by the Mayor subject to City Council approval. Similarly, each of the respective Commissions listed above will be asked to recommend one representative for consideration by the Mayor subject to City Council approval.

There is no impact to the General Fund.

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution, authorizing the formation of a Climate Action Plan Task Force.