City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 3 May 26, 2026
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 4.5
DATE: May 26, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Appointing Individuals to Serve on the Economic Development Advisory Team, Park and Recreation Commission, Climate Action Plan Task Force, and Senior Citizens Commission
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommends that the City Council consider the Mayor’s proposed appointments to fill current vacancies on the Economic Development Advisory Team, Park and Recreation Commission, Climate Action Plan Task Force, and Senior Citizens Commission and adopt a resolution confirming the appointments.
The proposed appointments are as follows:
• Chioma Chuks-Orji as a regular at-large member on the Economic Development Advisory Team for a term expiring December 31, 2029;
• AJ Assef as an alternate commissioner on the Park and Recreation Commission for a term expiring December 31, 2029;
• Shirley Rivera as an at-large community member on the Climate Action Plan Task Force for a term expiring December 31, 2030; and
• Chris Angelo as an alternate commissioner on the Senior Citizens Commission for a term expiring December 31, 2029.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
• Goal B - Governance and Organizational Effectiveness: Supports continuity and effective participation on City advisory bodies.
• Goal D - Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure: Supports the Climate Action Plan update process through the appointment of an at-large community member to the Climate Action Plan Task Force.
• Goal E - Communication and Outreach: Supports civic participation by filling vacancies and maintaining public representation on advisory bodies.
Agenda Item No. 4.5
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 3 May 26, 2026
BACKGROUND
Under California Government Code Section 40605, the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, makes appointments to City boards, commissions, and committees unless otherwise provided by statute. The City Council has previously adopted procedures and guidelines governing commission service, including provisions allowing the Mayor to consider a current alternate commissioner for appointment to a regular vacancy, subject to City Council approval.
Current vacancies exist on the Economic Development Advisory Team, the Climate Action Plan Task Force, the Senior Citizens Commission, and the Park and Recreation Commission. The City Clerk posted a Notice of Unscheduled Vacancy on May 4, 2026, identifying vacancies on the Economic Development Advisory Team, the Climate Action Plan Task Force, and the Senior Citizens Commission. The Park and Recreation Commission alternate position is available following the City Council’s adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-003, which amended Union City Municipal Code Section 2.21.020 to allow up to three alternates on the Commission.
The vacancy on the Economic Development Advisory Team occurred due to the passing of former member Barry Ferrier. Although current alternates are not automatically elevated to regular seats upon a vacancy, the Mayor may consider a current alternate for appointment to a regular vacancy, subject to City Council approval. Mayor Singh recommends appointing Chioma Chuks-Orji, who currently serves as an alternate member of EDAT, to fill the regular at-large member vacancy.
DISCUSSION
Mayor Singh recommends the appointment of the following individuals, subject to City Council approval:
Advisory Body Appointee Position Term Expiration
Economic
Development
Advisory Team
Chioma Chuks-Orji Regular At-Large
Member
December 31,
2029
Park and
Recreation
Commission
AJ Assef Alternate
Commissioner
December 31,
2029
Climate Action Plan
Task Force Shirley Rivera
At-Large
Community
Member
December 31,
2030
Senior Citizens
Commission Chris Angelo Alternate Commissioner
December 31,
2029
If Chioma Chuks-Orji is appointed to the regular at-large seat on the Economic Development Advisory Team, her current alternate at-large seat will become vacant. Staff will process the resulting alternate vacancy separately in accordance with applicable law and City procedures.
Agenda Item No. 4.5
City Council Staff Report Page 3 of 3 May 26, 2026
Upon Council approval, the City Clerk’s Office will administer oaths of office and provide onboarding information, including applicable training and filing requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional fiscal impact associated with the recommended action beyond existing meeting stipends, if applicable, already budgeted for commission service.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council consider the Mayor’s proposed appointments to fill current vacancies on the Economic Development Advisory Team, Park and Recreation Commission, Climate Action Plan Task Force, and Senior Citizens Commission and adopt a resolution confirming the appointments.
Prepared by: Thai Nam Pham, City Clerk
Submitted by: Thai Nam Pham, City Clerk
Attachments
1. Draft Resolution
2. Application Packet