City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 2 October 28, 2025
Agenda Item No. 5.4
DATE: October 28, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Setting the Start Time for Regular City Council Meetings at 6:30 PM Beginning in 2026
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This item requests that the City Council consider the adoption of a resolution to formally establish 6:30 p.m. as the start time for regular City Council meetings beginning in calendar year 2026. This adjustment is proposed at the request of Mayor Singh.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Goal B: Governance and Organization Effectiveness
This action reflects a commitment to best practices in local governance by optimizing meeting structure and public access.
BACKGROUND
Under Union City Municipal Code Chapter 2.04, the City Council has the authority to establish the time and place for its regular meetings. Historically, regular meetings have been held at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. At the request of Mayor Gary Singh, staff has prepared a resolution for Council consideration to shift the start time of regular meetings to 6:30 p.m. beginning in 2026.
DISCUSSION
The City Council may wish to consider merits that an earlier start time to the City Council meetings could offer:
• Efficiency of Agenda Flow: The earlier start time allows for ceremonial items such as proclamations, presentations, and recognitions to be addressed before the 7:00 p.m. hour. This enables the regular business portion of the agenda to begin promptly at or near 7:00 p.m., improving predictability and pacing of the meeting.
• Improved Accessibility for the Public: A slightly earlier start may be more convenient for residents who wish to participate in ceremonial items and general public comment, particularly those with earlier schedules or family commitments.
Agenda Item No. 5.4
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 2 October 28, 2025
• Preparation for SB 707 Implementation: Beginning July 1, 2026, SB 707 will require eligible legislative bodies, including Union City, to provide two-way telephonic or audiovisual access to meetings. With the potential for increased online participation and public comment, this modest shift would provide additional flexibility and buffer time for managing hybrid participation and maintaining orderly meeting flow.
The City Council should discuss this proposed modification to the start time of the City Council regular meeting. Staff have prepared a resolution should the City Council wish to proceed with the time adjustment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend Council discuss adjusting the start time of regular City Council meetings from 7:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. beginning in calendar year 2026 and should the City Council concur, adopt the attached resolution confirming this action.
Prepared by: Thai Nam Pham, City Clerk
Submitted by: Thai Nam Pham, City Clerk
Attachments
1. Draft Resolution