Agenda packet — Union City City Council, February 15, 2022

NOTICE AND AGENDA

CITY OF UNION CITY

CITY COUNCIL /

SPECIAL MEETING
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
6:00 PM
Held Via Teleconference.

Consistent with California State Assembly Bill 361, the City Council will be participating in the meeting via phone/video conferencing.

Please use the link below to join the webinar:
https://unioncity-org.zoom.us/j/89096272748?
pwd=eEtDV0NXdUZjL3FQUFRxT0s2SWlLQT09; Passcode: B%y&v.51

1. CALL TO ORDER

1.a. Roll Call

2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Comments limited to items on the Special Meeting Agenda

3. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS

3.a. Senior Commission (1 term expiration, 2 alternate vacancies) 6:00 p.m. - Teresita Zurbano

3.b. Human Relations Commission (4 term expirations, 1 vacancy) 6:15 p.m. - Charanjit Sahota
6:30 p.m. - Ramapreet Singh

3.c. Planning Commission (3 term expirations, 1 full seat vacancy, 1 alternate vacancy)
6:45 p.m. - Amandeep Sandhu Bhullar
7:00 p.m. - Seyi Mcclelland
7:15 p.m. - Ed Agbuya
7:30 p.m. - Babar Mohammad
7:45 p.m. - Kyle Shanks

4. ADJOURNMENT
/s/ Carol Dutra-Vernaci
Carol Dutra Vernaci
Mayor
Agenda Item
ATTACHMENTS:

Description Type
Teresita Zurbano Attachment

Agenda Item
ATTACHMENTS:

Description Type
Charanjit Sahota Attachment
Ramanpreet Singh Attachment

APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT

TO UNION CITY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
NAME: ___________________________________________________________________________________ (First) (Middle) (Last)
_______________________________________________ Home Phone______ (Address)
Email Address _____________________________________________________________________________ How long have you lived here? ________ Work Phone_ Cell Phone _ _____ __________________________________________________________________________________________ (Name and Address of Current Employer)
Education & Training: Highest Grade Completed__________________________________________________ Colleges/Universities/Attended:

Major: ____________________________________________________________________________________ What is your job title?________________________________________________________________________ Please give a brief description of your job responsibilities:
__________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Why do you want to serve on this commission?
__________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ What are your feelings about Affirmative Action?
__________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Do you have any training in Human Relations?
__________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ How would you define good human relations in a community? __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ What are the community activities in which you were previously involved and are currently involved? __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ What is the most important social service need in Union City? Why? __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ What is the area of human relations in Union City that is in need of improving? __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ How would you propose involving community groups in activities of the Commission? __________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: ____________________________ ONCE APPLICATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED, PRINT AND MAIL TO:

CITY OF UNION CITY
CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
34009 ALVARADO NILES ROAD
UNION CITY CA 94587
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 510-675-5348

APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO UNION CITY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION NAME:

Ramanpreet______________________________Singh
(First) (Middle) (Last)
Home Phone: (510)
(Address): Union City, CA
Email Address: [email protected]
How long have you lived here?: 11 Years
Work Phone: (510)-
Cell Phone: (510)-
Office of Senator Bob Wieckowski (District 10)
(Name and Address of Current Employer)
Education & Training: Highest Grade Completed: Diploma, obtaining an A.A Degree.

Colleges/Universities/Attended: Ohlone College (Graduating), Transferring to UC.

Major: Political Science and International Relations.

What is your job title?: Legislative Intern.

Please give a brief description of your job responsibilities:

As an intern, I conduct research on various issues such as - Environmental Quality and Climate Change
- Housing, Homelessness, and Transportation
- Public Safety and Criminal Justice
- Constituent Services and Community Engagement
- Education
- Elections
I assisted in forming new policy analyses and how we can better increase community engagement. letter writing and administrative support were also some of the various duties that I was assigned. I collaborated in a team setting and shadowed the District Office staff members on issues related to District 13. This internship provided me with hands-on experience to enhance my academic studies with real-world community engagement and public service.

Why do you want to serve on this commission?
As a longtime resident of Union City, it is my obligation to step up and serve my city on the Human Relations Council. I have prepared myself to best fit this commission as I have worked with our CA-(District 15) Congressman Eric Swalwell and currently interning with Senator Bob Wieckowski. This is helping me get a better understanding of my city and how we can work towards improving the communities and lives of people within for a better future.

What are your feelings about Affirmative Action?
I feel that Affirmative Action allows those with non-traditional, disadvantaged backgrounds to be able to progress and contribute to growing our society and creates paths for many more who believe they can achieve their dreams to have a chance and succeed.

Do you have any training in Human Relations?
I have been growing my skills and experiences in Human Relations and can confidently serve as commissioner as I have dealt with such aspects from a congressional office to a senate office. But not only can I provide but I learn more and grow in always improving my effort and role in such a position.

How would you define good human relations in a community? Human relations alludes to the capacity to collaborate in a positive and healthy way with others and fabricate strong connections in the workspace. The value of human relations in the community is what keeps the community alive and strong to bring upon change when it is needed.

What is the most important social service needed in Union City? Why? One of the important social services that Union City provides is the youth violence prevention and intervention services which definitely helps those that are dealing with such circumstance and It’s great that Union City offer’s counseling which is in need but something that should also be bought in perspective is the importance of providing help and resources for mental health and bring awareness to this issue as many do not understand the effects and impact that bad mental health has on our lives and how much our lives can be improved by putting mental health first.

What is the area of human relations in Union City that is in need of improvement? One area of human relations in Union City that is in need of improvement is outreach. As in arranging/having for community or city events and functions to build a better connection within the city's people. We can arrange such events such as city BBQ’s which we can host in parks and let people bring their own food, talk and have a good time. This helps build and create the culture of this city and builds trust with the city and it’s people to comfortably voice their opinion on what changes they want to make or if there's anything they want to fix.

How would you propose involving community groups in activities of the Commission? I can start by listening to the ideas of community groups and their members and then either start by constructing a plan or with a simple invite/meeting to align all of our ideas to successfully involve community groups in activities of the Commission. This can occur successfully by changing aspects that these groups feel don’t help them and the commission be involved in activities and other outreach.

Signature: Ramanpreet Singh
Date: 09/15/2021
ONCE APPLICATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED, PRINT AND MAIL TO: CITY OF UNION CITY CITY CLERK’S OFFICE 34009 ALVARADO NILES ROAD UNION CITY CA 94587 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 510-675-5348 Ramanpreet
Singh
ㅡ
[email protected]
510
Union City, California
14 Sept 2021
Human Relations Commission
Union City Commission
Union City, CA
To Whom It May Concern,
Hi, my name is Ramanpreet Singh and I currently transferring to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations/Affairs.

I am applying for the Human Relations Commission. I aspire to procure this opportunity as I have accumulated the experience and skills to be suited for this position as an office assistant as I have served as a Congressional Intern for Congressman Eric Swalwell where I assisted with day-to-day office administrative work such as answering phones, drafting official correspondence, and attending District events, also assigned to assist with various constituent casework or with district-based projects of importance. I also serve as an intern for the office of Senator Josh Becker and Senator Bob Wieckowski where I am further implying my organization skills to work on a variety of constituents’ requests as well as working in a fast-paced and professional setting in assisting in forming new policy analyses and how we can better increase community engagement. This experience has also helped me utilize and improve on my strong oral and written communication skills; For example, I have attached one of my early works, which was a policy brief that I had drafted and presented to the legislative staff of Congressman Eric Swalwell on how we can mitigate gun control in the United States. I also have experience interning California Democratic Party which helped me develop Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as improve my skills with software functions such as Microsoft and the ability to manage specific processes and tasks in the department under supervision as contacting various government organizations.

I am 20 years old and learning to be more independent in life as I am currently paying for my college as well as other expenses such as a car, clothes, and food. Things don’t come easy so this is more than just an opportunity as this is my passion as a son of a single mother who fought so hard to get me and my sister halfway across the globe to give us a better life. I am inspired and determined to one day provide opportunities for the less unfortunate to achieve their dreams.

Sincerely,
Ramanpreet Singh
Ramanpreet Singh
(510) ● Bay Area, CA ● [email protected]

EXPERIENCE
Guest Services Representative Jul 2021 - Present
San Francisco 49ers | Santa Clara, CA
- Served as an information specialist/way-finder.
- Helped guests navigate the stadium during special events and on game day. - Monitored assigned section to protect guests from potential hazards or safety concerns. - Surprise and delight! Proactively seeking opportunities to make lasting memories for the 49ers Faithful. - Committed to delivering Levi's Stadium's Common Purpose, Core Values, and Service Promise. - Perform additional duties as assigned.

California State Senate-Intern July 2021 - Present
Office of Senator Josh Becker | Sacramento, CA
As an intern, I conduct research on various issues such as - Environmental Quality and Climate Change
- Housing, Homelessness, and Transportation
- Public Safety and Criminal Justice
- Constituent Services and Community Engagement
- Education
- Elections
I assisted in forming new policy analyses and how we can better increase community engagement. letter writing and administrative support were also some of the various duties that I was assigned. I collaborated in a team setting and shadow the District Office staff members on issues related to District 13. This internship provided me with hands-on experience to enhance my academic studies with real-world community engagement and public service.

Leadership Launchpad Committee Member Jul 2021 - Sept 2021 Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association | Sacramento, CA A 10-week internship where I helped secure 400+ RSVP's for 15 Unity Against Hate Rallies in America, Help publish 1,000+ social media comments, ultimately garnering national media exposure - Assisted in completing 1,200+ public service announcement emails to organizations. - Conducted grant proposal research for nonprofits in education and the environment - Collaborated with team to develop nationwide tutoring proposal for under-served communities.

Intern Jul 2021 - Aug 2021
California Latino Capitol Association Foundation | Sacramento, CA - Attended committee hearings and contributed to discussions surrounding bill proposals - Communicated with constituents to help them solve issues related to public policy - Created Excel spreadsheets to keep track of data trends - Advocated for marginalized and vulnerable communities - Conducted extensive legislative research, summarized relevant arguments and provided the vote recommendations.

The program also allowed me to intern for California Democratic Party, which helped me develop Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as improve my skills with software functions such as Microsoft and the ability to manage specific processes and tasks in the department under supervision as contacting various government organizations.

Congressional Intern Jan 2021 - May 2021
Office of Congressman Eric Swalwell | Castro Valley, CA Assisting with day-to-day office administrative work such as answering phones, drafting official correspondence, and attending District events, also assigned to assist with various constituent casework or with district-based projects of importance. • Assisted staff with referrals, commendations, and written requests • Assisted office by answering phones, logging constituent calls, and constituent casework • Conducted research and compiled information regarding gun violence in the United States Production Associate Nov. 2020 - Jan. 2021
Tesla | Fremont, CA
As a Production Associate, I was trained to help build the Tesla Model Y. This position requires one to have a strong work ethic, reliable and flexible as to a job schedule, and value teamwork in a fast-paced and safety-focused environment.

Responsibilities
- Perform assembly work and operate manufacturing equipment. - Follow safety guidelines & procedures.
- Identify continuous improvement opportunities.
- Work 12 hours on foot to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time. - Frequently and repetitively lift, push and carry up to 35 lbs., and carry 20 lbs. - Frequently and repetitively bend, lift and reach to install vehicle parts. - Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist, and crawl for extended periods of time.

AVL Clerk/Poll Worker Nov 2020
Alameda County |Bay Area, CA
I was the AVL Clerk/Poll Worker for the voting poll in Alameda County. I was also a demonstrating officer as I helped various voters cast their votes electronically. Also helped citizens Register themselves to Vote in the 2020 Election.

IT Technician I Jan 2020 - March 2020
Corovan | San Leandro, CA
I am responsible for assisting in the relocation process by physically and professionally disconnecting and reconnecting workstation PCs, peripherals, and related hardware.
- I am assigned to work at different customer account locations to provide technical support for commercial moving projects.
- I am Responsible for ensuring customer requests relating to IT Technical support are carried out efficiently and in a timely manner.
- The company shut down due to COVID-19
Account Manager/Sales Associate
Emperia International | Fremont, CA
I was a sales associate for Emperia international, a marketing agency that had a partnership with Comcast/Xfinity. • increased customer lifetime value for Xfinity customers from 3 to 5 years. • Helped ensure customer satisfaction
• Maintained 87% customer retention rate as one of the top 15 representatives on the Xfinity/Comcast campaign. • Recruited and trained employees on skills related to sales and business development. • Was the youngest sales associate to be top 10 in the whole nation on the Xfinity/Comcast campaign just at 18 years old. • On track to generate $33 million in direct sales wire for a Fortune 500 client. • Responsible for customer acquisition as well as managing existing client accounts to deliver excellent customer service and raise NPS score.

EDUCATION
Ohlone College | Associate Degree in Political Science Expected Aug. 2021 ● GPA: 3.5
SKILLS
• HIGHLY ORGANIZED, DETAIL ORIENTED - EXCELLENT COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS • CUSTOMER SERVICE - STRONG WORK ETHIC
• GREAT TIME MANAGEMENT, SENSE OF URGENCY - STRONG “SOFT” SILLS • TAKES INITIATIVE
• ADAPTS TO CHANGES QUICKLY
• EFFECTIVE AND ATTENTIVE SPEAKING AND LISTENING
• IT EXPERIENCE
• MICROSOFT EFFICIENT
• DIRECT SALES
Agenda Item
ATTACHMENTS:

Description Type
Amandeep Sandhu Bhullar Attachment
Seyi Mcclelland Attachment
Ed Agbuya Attachment
Babar Mohammad Attachment
Kyle Shanks Attachment
Kyle Shanks Attachment

Kyle Shanks
650-
Union City CA 94587
[email protected]
May, 24 2021
Union City Council
34009 Alvarado-Niles Road
Union City, CA 94587
510-471-3232
Union City Council,
As a community oriented resident of Union City I was thrilled to learn you are recruiting a Planning Commissioner. I am a lifelong resident of the Bay Area, living my entire life on the Peninsula or in the South Bay. When my wife and I looked at homes in Union City two years ago, it dawned on me immediately the city was a hidden gem. Relative to much of the Bay Area, Union City is affordable, possesses beautiful scenery, a rich history, diverse culture and a warm small town feeling. My wife and I did not look any further. We decided this is where we wanted to raise our family and we bought a home immediately. We now have an eight week old daughter and are excited for the future of our family in the community. Prior generations and the current City Council have and are doing a tremendous job building this community.

My background in finance and economics immediately identified Union City as a place with unique economic opportunity with its advantageous position within the formidable economic engine that is the Bay Area. Union City has many sites within its jurisdiction ripe to be repurposed to better take advantage of the surrounding economic conditions. Since a significant portion of Union City is hillside with forbidding terrain and strict residential development guidelines and many existing commercial parcels are under existing lease or were infected by toxic materials during previous use, the City also faces a unique challenge in realizing its potential by 2040. The trick will be in attracting the right people to live and work in the city, preserving Union City’s charming neighborhoods, landscapes, and warm culture all while keeping housing affordable--no small challenge as the Bay Area becomes more and more impacted.

It is a challenge I am well positioned to help the community meet. Please consider some of my recent accomplishments.
● As the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Torras Leasing Company in Monterey, CA I contributed to the transition of fifty five thousand square feet of warehouse space historically used for logistics and agriculture storage into space used by the tourism and leisure services industries leading to more aesthetically pleasing facades and hundreds of thousands of dollars in increased revenue for the company and tax receipts for the city.
● As the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Mission Village Homeowners Association here in Union City, I earned praise from our construction consultant for my work driving our push to inspect and certify one hundred and forty decks to comply with new state legislation SB 326, ultimately making the community safer. ● As a Portfolio Analyst and Investment Counselor with Fisher Investments, I have advised hundreds of institutional investors and high-net worth individuals on investment strategy and the tradeoffs between enduring short term costs and achieving long term goals, resulting in millions of dollars gained.

I would very much like to use my skills for the benefit of the Union City community, in which my young family and I have a profound interest. The diversity, aesthetic appeal, rich history and unique potential make this a very attractive place to make a home. And there is still work to be done to maintain and increase the health and prosperity of Union City. I want to contribute to this as your next Planning Commissioner.

Please find enclosed my response to your application questions. I am eager to sit down with you and further discuss how I can add value. I will follow up with an email the first week of June or you can reach me immediately on my cell phone at 650 or by email at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Kyle Shanks
Name: Kyle Matthew Shanks
Address: Union City CA 94587
Email Address: kyleshanks @yahoo.com
How long have you lived here: Two years
Phone number: 650-
Name and Address of Current Employer: Fisher Investments: 1450 Fashion Island Blvd San Mateo, CA 94404 ; Torras Leasing Company: 2224 Del Monte Ave. Monterey, CA 93940 ; Mission Village Homeowners Association (volunteer): 208 Ladera Plaza Union City, CA 94587 Education and Training: Bachelor's degree
Colleges/Universities attend: Notre Dame
Major: History and Political Science
What is your job title: Fisher Investments: Investment Counselor ; Torras Leasing Company: Chair of Board ; Mission Village: Board Member/Treasurer
Please give a brief description of your job responsibilities: (Please use a continuation sheet if necessary) Fisher Investments (San Mateo, CA) - Investment Counselor: Advise investors on financial strategy to ensure a coordinated approach across asset classes resulting in millions of dollars gained. Coordinate resources across various departments to maintain strong relationships with high-net worth investors producing a high retention rate. Analyze market trends and separate the signal from the noise to stay on track for long term goals preventing millions in losses.

Torras Leasing Company, Chairman of the Board of Directors (Monterey, CA): Oversee and implement Board processes to certify strong governance and compliance with state regulations leading to smooth operation and high occupancy across a diverse portfolio spanning six acres of commercial real estate including warehouse, office and retail space. Negotiate with shareholders and officers to ensure over two-hundred thousand dollars in owner distributions while simultaneously making sure the company is staffed, incentivized and motivated to scale for future growth. Build financial strategies and engage strategic partners to support the company's vision, ensuring a coordinated direction.

Mission Village Homeowners Association Board of Directors, Board Member (Union City, CA): Review staff recommendations regarding repairs, maintenance and compliance for two-hundred and eighty-eight residential units, the accompanying amenities and landscaping then decide on most effective action resulting in an appealing and safe community. Consider feedback from community members and take action when appropriate, resulting in efficient allocation of limited resources and a culture of inclusive decision making.

Interview and evaluate vendors work to ensure long term mutually beneficial relationships that create positive synergies.

What is the primary role of the Planning Commission?
The primary goal of the Planning Commission is to establish policies to manage growth and development.

Considerations include location of development, jobs, new housing, parks, environmental protection, future location of infrastructure and delivery of city services.

How important should aesthetics be in approving a development? Aesthetics are critical to approving a development. The size, shape and overall balance of the buildings should fit in with the surrounding community and landscape, while avoiding bland uniformity. However, the commission should be cognizant of challenges, such as budget, infrastructure, parks, public health and climate, that developers face in achieving “perfect” aesthetics. We should strive for a balance of form and function, while ultimately working toward realization of the 2040 general plan.

As land values continue to increase, “affordable housing” becomes more and more scarce. What are your thoughts on the City’s responsibility to plan for and provide affordable housing? The City is responsible for ensuring an adequate amount of “affordable housing.” We should use both conventional tools, such as requiring new developments to designate a certain number of units as “affordable.”And consider a free market based approach, which would say increasing supply is the most effective way to reduce prices. Supply could be quickly increased by easing restrictions governing “accessory dwelling units,” and increased in the mid-term by approving new development.

What do you feel are some of the factors which go into making a residential neighborhood a “good place to live?”
Access to well paying jobs, quality education, safety, clean air and water and a variety of recreational and cultural activities are critical elements in making a neighborhood a “good” place to live. Ultimately a neighborhood is only as “good” as the people who live there. Community members who take a sense of pride in the community creates a long lasting positive environment. The positive energy will carry on from generation to generation and the community will move upward in a virtuous cycle. We should work to keep the community in that virtuous cycle.

What role should the economics of the development (City taxes received and the project costs) play in planning decisions?
Economics should play a critical role in planning decisions. The Commission should thoroughly consider the cost benefit analysis of new developments before making a decision. We should think of the concepts of cost and benefits in both the traditional sense, tax revenue received to the expenditure of additional city resources, and the non-traditional sense, for example pollution and environmental sustainability.

What types of businesses should Union City seek and why? Union City should attract employers who value integrity, innovation and community and who will bring skilled workers to the City. The businesses should be from a diverse set of industries from healthcare, finance, technology, retail and food service. By attracting a diverse set of businesses the City reduces risk associated with a decline in any one business sector. Employers who value integrity, innovation and community will impart these qualities into the culture of the City leading to sustainable long term growth.

In 1996 the voters approved Measure ii enacting very stringent development policies in the hillside area.

Pressure is mounting to allow some development in the hills. If Measure ii were proposed for amendment, under what conditions, if any, would you favor relaxing the policies? The hillside area is an important backdrop to Union City’s aesthetic appeal and part of our regional heritage.

Measure ii did well to protect it 25+ years ago. With that said, it can be updated to fit the current times. I would favor loosening restrictions to increase our housing stock, provided developers make efforts to match the aesthetics with the surroundings and respect environmental considerations. In particular, I believe language in the Hillside Plan regarding housing density should be reexamined.

Please name five persons you know who live in Union City. Do we have your permission to contact these individuals? Yes. You have permission to contact them. I will provide addresses upon request.

Shelley Ortez--Community Manager, Mission Village.

Liz Ames--BART Director District #6.

Jo Ann Lew--Union City Planning Commissioner.

Joan Jiang--President, Mission Village Board of Directors.

Zoe Wang--Union City Resident.
5/24/2021
Kyle Shanks
650-
Union City CA 94587
[email protected]
May, 24 2021
Union City Council
34009 Alvarado-Niles Road
Union City, CA 94587
510-471-3232
Union City Council,
As a community oriented resident of Union City I was thrilled to learn you are recruiting a Planning Commissioner. I am a lifelong resident of the Bay Area, living my entire life on the Peninsula or in the South Bay. When my wife and I looked at homes in Union City two years ago, it dawned on me immediately the city was a hidden gem. Relative to much of the Bay Area, Union City is affordable, possesses beautiful scenery, a rich history, diverse culture and a warm small town feeling. My wife and I did not look any further. We decided this is where we wanted to raise our family and we bought a home immediately. We now have an eight week old daughter and are excited for the future of our family in the community. Prior generations and the current City Council have and are doing a tremendous job building this community.