Agenda Item
DATE: 8/12/2025
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITYCOUNCIL
FROM: JOAN MALLOY, CITYMANAGER
SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPOINTING BARRY FERRIER TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY TEAM (EDAT); AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPOINTING AJ ASSEF, HARPREET KAUR,
PRAIRNAGUPTAGARG, DEEPTI GARG,AND MADHU SINGH TO THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN UPDATE
TASK FORCE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council is requested to consider appointments to fill one vacancy on the Economic Development Advisory Team (EDAT) and to appoint five non-Councilmembers to the Climate Action Plan Update Task Force.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Goal C. Economic, Community Development, and Public Safety: Promote community growth and innovation through forwardthinking strategies; and Goal D. Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure: Create a sustainable community and maintain infrastructure.
BACKGROUND
Economic DevelopmentAdvisory Team(EDAT)
Pursuant to Union City Municipal Code Section 2.40.060, a member’s seat is automatically vacated after three consecutive unexcused absences. On July 23, 2025, staff issued a notice to member Arun Coumar confirming that his seat was vacated for non-attendance.
Mayor Singh recommends appointing Barry Ferrier, a former EDAT member, to fill this vacancy for a term ending August 8, 2027.
ClimateAction Plan Update Task Force
On May 27, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-070 establishing the Climate Action Plan Update Task Force. The Task Force will provide feedback at key milestones during the Climate Action Plan (CAP) update process. Membership includes two City Councilmembers, one representative each from the Planning, Human Relations, and Parks and Recreation Commissions, and two atlarge community members.
The Mayor is recommending the following at-large community members:
AJ Assef
Harpreet Kaur
In addition, the following representatives have been recommended by their respective commissions and are forwarded for City Council consideration:
Planning Commission Representative: Prairna Gupta Garg
Human Relations Commission Representative: Deepti Garg
Parks & Recreation Commission Representative: Madhu Singh All Climate Action Plan Update Task Force appointments will expire December 31, 2030.
DISCUSSION
Appointments to EDAT and the CAP Update Task Force require City Council approval upon the Mayor’s recommendation. These appointments will ensure the continued work of the EDAT and the successful formation of the CAP Update Task Force in accordance with the Council’s strategic goals.
EDAT meets at least quarterly, and serves as a standing committee to advise the City Council on factors affecting businesses in Union City and the economic health of the community, including but not limited to:
Business retention;
Business attraction;
Business development;
City initiatives, such as zoning and taxes that may impact businesses; and Other factors affecting economic growth and vitality of Union City.
The CAP Update Task Force will convene at major project milestones during for an anticipated two-year period, up until the CAP is formally adopted by the City Council. While the CAP Update Task Force will not have decision-making authority, its contributions will help shape the final strategies and policies included in the CAP. Specifically, the Task Force will be responsible for:
Reviewing and providing input on technical materials and draft documents; Identifying opportunities and challenges from a community perspective; Helping to prioritize strategies for emissions reductions and climate adaptation; Serving as a liaison between the City and broader community stakeholders; and Supporting public engagement by encouraging community participation.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this appointment.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution appointing Barry Ferrier to the Economic Development Advisory Team for a term ending August 8, 2027; and
2. Adopt a resolution appointing AJ Assef, Harpreet Kaur, Prairna Gupta Garg, Deepti Garg, and Madhu Singh to the Climate Action Plan Update Task Force for terms ending December 31, 2030.
Prepared by:
Thai Nam Pham, City Clerk
Submitted by:
Thai Nam Pham, City Clerk
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Draft Resolution -Appointment to the Economic DevelopmentAdvisory Team(Barry Ferrier)
Resolution
Draft Resolution -Appointments to the ClimateAction Plan Update Task Force (NonCouncil Members) Resolution
CAPApplication -Assef,AJ Attachment
CAPApplication - Kaur, Harpreet Attachment
R
EVIEWERS: Department
ReviewerActionDate
CityManager’sDepartmentPhan, JenniferApproved8/8/2025-4:08PM CityManager’sDepartmentPhan, JenniferApproved8/8/2025-4:09PM