NOTICE AND AGENDA
CITYOF UNION CITY
LEGISLATION AND POLICYCOMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, January 27, 2025
4:00 PM
City Hall - City Council Conference Room
34009Alvarado-Niles Road
Union City, CA94587
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of the Minutes
3.a. Approve the Minutes from July 29, 2024 Meeting
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Comments limited to items on the Meeting Agenda
5. Business Matters
5.a. Review and Discussion of Commission and Committee Board Structures and Recommendation to City Council
5.b. Options Regarding Larry Orozco Teen Workshop
1. Repairs and Renovations
2. Historic Designation
5.c. Consideration ofAuthorization to Use City Seal/Logo for National League of Cities Drug Discount Programand Recommendation to City Council
6. ADJOURNMENT
Posted: January 24, 2025
/s/ Thai Nam Pham
Thai Nam Pham, MMC, CPMC
City Clerk
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Committee regarding an item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the City Clerk's Counter at City Hall located at 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, California, during normal business hours. Assistance will be provided to those requiring accommodations for disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Interested parties must request accommodations at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting by calling (510) 675-5448.
Agenda Item
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Action Minutes Attachment
MINUTES
CITY OF UNION CITY
LEGISLATION AND POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, July 29, 2024 | 1:00 PM
City Hall - City Council Conference Room
34009 Alvarado-Niles Road
Union City, CA 94587
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Dutra-Vernaci at 1:04 PM.
2. Roll Call
Attendance Attendee Name
Present Councilmember Singh
Mayor Dutra-Vernaci
Absent None
3. Approval of the Minutes
3.a. Approve the Minutes of the May 20, 2024 Legislation and Policy Meeting
Mayor Dutra-Vernaci and Councilmember Singh approved the Minutes of the May 20, 2024 Legislation and Policy Meeting.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None
5. Business Matters
5.a. City Council Compensation and Travel Budget
CITY COUNCIL COMPENSATION
City Manager Joan Malloy presented the Salary and Benefits Comparison Report for Union City Elected Officials.
Mayor Dutra-Vernaci did not express support for a $300/per month increase in City Council salary.
Councilmember Singh expressed support for a $300/per month increase in City Council salary.
City Manager Malloy and City Attorney Kris Kokotaylo responded to questions from Mayor Dutra-Vernaci and Councilmember Singh.
City Attorney Kokotaylo stated he will prepare an ordinance for $300/per month increase for Mayor and Councilmembers for the September 10, 2024, City Council Meeting; however, any changes cannot take effect until after the election in November 2024.
TRAVEL AND TRAINING BUDGET
City Manager Joan Malloy presented the Alameda County Cities Travel and Training Budget Comparison as of July 26, 2024.
Mayor Dutra-Vernaci and Councilmember Singh discussed Resolution No. 6234-23, adopted at the November 28, 2023, Regular City Council Meeting, which amended the City Council Expense Policy (UCCP #2023- 01), and recommended leaving the travel and training budget amounts unchanged.
5.b. Structure of Union City Advisory Bodies
City Clerk Thai Pham presented information regarding the Youth Commission's current structure and the staff recommendation that it become a Council advisory body.
Mayor Dutra-Vernaci and Councilmember Singh provided their comments regarding.
City Manager Malloy summarized that staff would pursue staggered terms, with half of the Commission members appointed on odd years and half on even years, making August 1 the effective date of all commissions.
Mayor Dutra-Vernaci, Councilmember Singh, and staff requested to discuss the Commission/Committee attendance policy, attendance tracking, and use of alternates at the next Legislation and Policy Committee Meeting.
City Attorney Kokotaylo will draft an ordinance to abolish the Youth Commission for the August 13, 2024, City Council Meeting.
5.c. Introduction of Project Labor Agreement
City Manager Malloy presented examples of Project Labor Agreements offline prior to this meeting, as requested by the City Council, as the Carpenters Union is interested in participating in a Project Labor Agreement.
City Manager Malloy requested direction if there is interest in pursuing Project Labor Agreements; labor groups have not yet been engaged but requested to attend the Legislation and Policy Committee meeting when this item is discussed.
Mayor Dutra-Vernaci and Councilmember Singh expressed interest in pursuing Project Labor Agreements.
Mayor Dutra-Vernaci recommended that staff contact the Carpenters Union and obtain a proposal in writing for consideration at a future Legislation and Policy Committee Meeting.
Mayor Dutra Vernaci also recommended meeting separately with the Carpenters Union and Building Trades Union.
City Manager Malloy stated that staff will contact the Carpenters’ Union and Building Trades Union for further discussion.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Dutra-Vernaci adjourned the meeting at 2:53 p.m.
Agenda Item
Agenda Item
Agenda Item
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Staff Report Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Updated NLCPrescription Discount Card Program FAQ
Attachment
Attachment 2 - Sample Discount Card Attachment
1 DATE: January 28, 2025
TO: Legislation & Policy Committee –Mayor Gary Singh & Councilmember Lance Nishihira VIA: Joan Malloy, City Manager
FROM: Serenity Mlay, Management Analyst I
SUBJECT: National League of Cities Endorsed Program – CVS Caremark Prescription Drug Discount Card This report was initially presented to the Legislation and Policy Committee on May 9, 2023, at which time the committee decided not to pursue any further action on the program. However, the program remains active and continues to receive support from the National League of Cities (NLC). It is important to note that the only updated information pertains to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet; all other content remains unchanged since the 2023 report.
SUMMARY
The National League of Cities (NLC) has partnered with CVS/Caremark to offer a no-cost prescription discount card program to all member cities. The program aims to help uninsured residents save money on the cost of prescription medications not covered by insurance. There is no cost to enroll, no fees, no enrollment form to fill out, no limit on the frequency of use, no age or income limitation.
Should the City Council wish to participate in the CVS Caremark Prescription Drug Discount Card Program, the Council would need to:
Enroll in the program.
Authorize the use of the City’s logo for marketing purposes that would be used on the prescription discount card; and
Develop a communication plan.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Enrollment by City
The City can enroll in the program by:
1. Logging onto NLC website and filling out the appropriate information, submit a PDF of the City logo, and request the quantity of prescription discount cards for CVS to print. There’s no limit to the quantity that is needed. No separate agreement with CVS is required.
2. CVS will send prescription discount cards to the City for distribution to residents. Should City Council provide direction to move forward, these cards could be made available at the City’s public facilities/community centers, such as the Ruggieri Senior Center, Mark Green Sports Complex, Decoto Resource Center, and City Hall, along with nonprofits, such as Centro de Servicios, Union City Family Center, and Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center.
Residents also have the option to print the discount card themselves.
Enrollment by Residents
Residents can enroll in the program by following these instructions:
1. Log on to website, click on Print Your Card. From there, they will be prompted to enter the City name, Union City. The card will populate on the screen and be available for printing and immediate use. 2 2. The residents can use the card at any participating Caremark Pharmacies, major chain and most independent pharmacies nationwide. The location of participating pharmacies is listed on the Caremark website or can be downloaded here. Currently, there are five participating pharmacies in Union City.
3. When the resident picks up medication from the pharmacy, they’ll present their card at check out, where a discount will be applied to any prescriptions NOT covered by insurance.
Other Resources Available
The CVS Caremark Prescription Drug Discount Card Program website also provides additional services to residents:
1. Residents can look up the name of prescriptions to determine the cost and its availability.
2. Residents can access education on prescription safety, generic drug usage, and drug interactions.
3. Residents can access CVS Caremark Customer Care where they can read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or speak to a representative to address their concerns.
DISCUSSION
This item is being brought to the Legislation & Policy Committee as it requires the City to grant permission for CVS Caremark to use the City logo for commercial purposes. Under UCMC Chapter 1.08, Section 1.08.050, Use of City seal and/or City logo:
The City seal and City logo are the property of the City of Union City. The City seal and City logo are established to identify official documents and official City personnel, facilities, property, events, and other publications. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly and publicly display the City seal or City logo, or any colorable imitation that may be mistaken for the same, that has been affixed digitally or physically to any item or document, including a website, for a private purpose or commercial purpose, or in any manner that may reasonably be calculated to convey the impression that the item or document is endorsed, authorized or approved by the City, unless the display is authorized by the City Council or City Manager. (Ord. 793-14 § 4, 2014)
Program Promotion
To ensure resident participation in the program, a thoughtful communication plan should be developed:
1. CVS would provide the City with marketing materials to print such as bill stuffers and posters in English and Spanish. Posters will not have the City name or logo printed on them.
2. The City should create a webpage with information about the program, linking it to the CVS Caremark Prescription Drug Discount Card Program website for residents to access the card, FAQs, locations for card pick up, list of local pharmacy locations, and 1-800 number to speak with a CVS Caremark customer care representative.
3. The City should appoint a staff person to manage the City’s participating in the program and answer any questions or inquiries that may be received from the public.
4. The City can also use social media, news releases, City website, or create a promotional video that explains the program and highlights its benefits.
NLC Member Participation
The following is a list of Bay Area cities participating in the CVS Caremark Prescription Drug Discount Program, based on data provided by the National League of Cities (NLC) as of 2020. According to our contacts at the NLC, the program is transitioning to a digital platform, which will include features such as QR codes, links to local pharmacies, and more. These updates are expected to be reflected in the next few weeks. 3 CITY NAME YEARS TOTAL Rx’s TOTAL SAVINGS TOTAL UTILIZERS Mountain View 2015-2019 111 $1,185.67 71
Pleasanton 2015-2020 298 $691.45 89
San Jose 2015-2020 374 $9,055.97 215
San Leandro 2015-2020 221 $4,310.35 114
Sunnyvale 2015-2019 11 $143.97 9
Data Source: 2020 NLC Prescription Discount Card
Cost
There is no cost to the residents to participate in the program. There is some cost to the City associated with staff time with the initial setup of the program such as enrolling the City, conducting public outreach, and distributing and maintaining marketing materials.
Program Information
For more information about the program and City enrollment, log on to CVS Caremark - National League of Cities
CONCLUSION
The program is free to participate in, with the only expense being staff time required to manage the information plan, communications and respond to public inquiries. Residents may save up to 80% on generic medications and up to 40% on brand-name medications. However, it is important to note that the CVS Caremark Prescription Drug Discount Program applies only to medications paid for out-of-pocket and cannot be used in conjunction with insurance.
According to the report from the National League of Cities (NLC), the program has a relatively low rate of return.
Additionally, there are other free prescription drug discount programs available on the market, such as GoodRx, Drugs.com, Optum, and WellRx, which may offer similar or greater benefits to residents.
NEXT STEPS
City staff is seeking a recommendation from the Legislation & Policy Committee on whether this item should be brought to the City Council for consideration. If approved by the City Council, the next step would be to prepare a communication plan for outreach to the community, create a webpage with information about the CVS Caremark Prescription Drug Discount Card Program, and enroll in the program. Conducting any additional public outreach would be at the City’s discretion.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – Updated NLC Prescription Discount Card Program FAQ Attachment 2 – Sample Discount Card
National League of Cities Prescription Drug Discount Card Frequently Asked Questions
I just received my card. Can I use it right away?
Yes, use your card to start saving immediately. Present your prescription discount card at a participating retail pharmacy when you fill or refill your prescriptions.
Which pharmacies accept my card?
Most major retail pharmacy chains such as Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Walmart and Rite Aid accept your prescription discount card.
How much will I save?
While savings on each prescription may vary, this program saves up to 80% on generics and up to 40% off retail prices. Present your card to the pharmacist along with your prescription for the exact price.
What if I lose my card?
Please call 1-877-321-2652 to obtain a replacement card.
Can I use my card to get discounts on over-the-counter products and non-prescription medications?
Yes, discounts are available on OTC products with a doctor's written prescription.
How is this prescription discount program different from traditional prescription insurance? This plan is not insurance; it is a prescription discount program. The card provides immediate discounts at the pharmacy. You will pay the lower of a discounted price or the pharmacy's regular retail price.
Can I use my prescription discount card with my current insurance benefit to reduce my costs? Your card cannot be used in conjunction with other insurance. However, you are able to use your card to purchase prescriptions that are not covered by these Prescription Savings Card
This Card is NOT insurance
RxBIN 004336 Member Help Desk
1-844-379-1668
Pharmacist Help Desk
1-800-364-6331
RxPCN ADV
RxGRP RXNLCMOVCA
Issuer
ID RXNCL031501
1/22/25, 5:29 PM National League of Cities
https://nlc.cvscaremarkmyd.com/RXNCL031501 1/1