March 18, 2009 > Union City Council Union City Council March 10, 2009 Installed Union City Chamber of Commerce Board Members. Accepted a $17,000 donation from "Friends of Drigon Dog Park" to install six solar lights at the dog park. The Friends began fundraising three years ago, when they learned the City had no budget for lighting at this facility, and plan to reach their target of $20,000. Police Department to purchase a utility vehicle for $28,418 plus tax and license fees using funds from the vehicle replacement account. The existing vehicle is to be replaced due to age and increasing maintenance costs. Contract awarded to Epps Chevrolet of St. Helena, California. Unanimously voted to adopt Resolution urging the California State Legislature to introduce and support legislation to include wine and liquor bottles in the Beverage Container Recycling and Reduction Act. Mayor Mark Green - Yes Vice Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci - Yes Manny Fernandez - Yes Jim Navarro - Yes Richard Valle - Yes City Manager Reports Discussion of charter cities vs. general law cities initiated by Councilman Richard Valle who will reach term limits in 2010. Conversion to a charter city would permit re-election. No further discussion for change is planned. Public Comment Westgate Ventures, representing the owner of Union Landing commercial property, asked the Council to consider Smart & Final as a tenant in space vacated by Linens 'n' Things. The Planning Department had previously informed the owner and agent that the space is zoned "sub-specialty" and considers Smart & Final as a supermarket/grocery store. Westgate Ventures believes that Smart & Final meets the sub-specialty criteria because it supplies caterers and small businesses. The matter will be referred to the Planning Commission for consideration on March 19.