City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 2 June 23, 2026
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 4.14
DATE: June 23, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Waive Further Reading and Adopt an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Union City Approving and Re-adopting a Military Equipment Use Policy as Stated in Chapter 2.62, “Military Equipment Use Policy” of the Union City Municipal Code in Compliance with Assembly Bill 481
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On June 9, 2026, the City Council unanimously voted to introduce an Ordinance approving and re-adopting a military equipment use policy and approve the 2025 Annual Military Equipment report. Staff now recommends that the City Council waive further reading and adopt the ordinance in compliance with AB 481.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Strategic Plan Alignment: Goal C: Economic, Community Development and Public Safety Strategy 13: Align public safety services with community needs
BACKGROUND
Effective January 1, 2022, Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481) was enacted and can be referenced in Government Code (GC) section 7070 through 7075. AB 481 requires the City of Union City Police Department (UCPD) to obtain annual City Council approval of a military equipment use policy by Ordinance before purchasing, raising funds for, acquiring, or using "military equipment" as defined in Government Code §7070(c).
Under AB 481, the City Council must annually review a Military Equipment Annual Use Report and a proposed Military Equipment Use Policy during a City Council meeting and may only re-approve the policy if it makes specific findings regarding the equipment, including safeguards, cost-effectiveness, reasonableness of use, and fiscal impact.
In compliance with AB 481, UCPD submitted its previously approved Military Equipment Use Policy 709 (Policy) and Annual Use Report to City Council and released these items to the community via its webpage at least thirty (30) days before City Council considered Agenda Item No. 4.14
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 2 June 23, 2026
the agenda item, in compliance with Government Code §7071(b).
A public community meeting was held on June 9, 2026, within thirty (30) days of release of the Annual Use Report in compliance with Government Code §7072(b).
DISCUSSION
On June 9, 2026, the City Council voted unanimously to introduce by title only an Ordinance to approve and re-adopt a Military Equipment Use Policy as stated in Chapter
2.62, “Military Equipment Use Policy” of the Union City Municipal Code. This ordinance confirms City Council’s approval of the proposed Policy establishing procedures associated with the continued and future use of military equipment by the Union City Police Department and making the required findings regarding the equipment, including safeguards, cost-effectiveness, reasonableness of use, and fiscal impact based upon approval of the 2025 annual military equipment report.
Should the City Council choose to waive the further reading and adopt the ordinance approving and re-adopting the Military Equipment Use Policy, the ordinance would be effective thirty days from the second reading.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. Ongoing compliance with the provisions of AB 481 will be managed by existing staff through the adopted budget.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council waive further reading and adopt an Ordinance approving and re-adopting a Military Equipment Use policy as stated in Chapter 2.62, “Military Equipment Use Policy” of the Union City Municipal Code in compliance with AB 481.
Prepared by: Brian Baumgartner, Police Captain
Submitted by: Jared Rinetti, Police Chief
Attachments
1. Proposed Ordinance
2. Exhibit A - Military Equipment Policy 709