Legislation and Policy Committee Staff
Report Page 1 of 2 February 2, 2026
Agenda Item No. 4.1
DATE: February 2, 2026
TO: Members of the Legislation and Policy Committee
FROM: Thai Nam Pham, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Request to Amend Commission Norms and Guidelines – Excused Absence Notification Requirements
BACKGROUND
On November 12, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved updated Commission bylaws and authorized submission of a letter requesting a change to the Citywide Commission Norms and Guidelines regarding excused absence notification timelines. The request seeks to modify the current seventy-two (72) hour notice requirement to twenty-four (24) hours.
The Commission Norms and Guidelines were recently adopted by the City Council and align with Union City Municipal Code Section 2.20.040, which establishes attendance standards for Brown Act bodies.
DISCUSSION
Under the current Commission Norms and Guidelines, commissioners are required to provide at least seventy-two (72) hours’ notice for excused absences related to employment conflicts, lack of transportation, or previously scheduled vacation or travel.
This requirement is intended to support quorum planning, compliance with the Brown Act, and timely staff coordination.
Staff have reviewed the request and noted that modifying the notice requirements would necessitate amendments to both the recently adopted Commission Norms and Guidelines and the underlying ordinance. Given the recency of adoption and the administrative and legislative steps required, staff does not recommend pursuing changes at this time.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with receiving this item. Potential future impacts would depend on Council direction and any resulting ordinance or policy amendments.
RECOMMENDATION
Agenda Item No. 4.1
Legislation and Policy Committee Staff
Report Page 2 of 2 February 2, 2026
Receive the request from the Parks and Recreation Commission and provide direction.
Staff recommends maintaining the existing seventy-two (72) hour notice requirement and taking no further action at this time.
Prepared by: Thai Nam Pham, City Clerk
Attachments
1. Parks and Recreation Commission Letter to City Clerk Requesting Amendment to Commission Norms and Guidelines (Dated November 12, 2025)
2. Parks and Recreation Commission Bylaws – Final Draft (Reviewed and Approved November 12, 2025)
3. City of Union City Commission Norms and Guidelines for Boards, Commissions, and Committees