September 30, 2009 > Union City Council Union City Council September 22, 2009 Proclamations and Presentations Corporal Steve Mendez delivered a presentation about the Police Department's Explorer Program. Requested $10,000 for operating costs, uniforms, and travel expenses for members. He discussed the benefits of the program to both the Police Department and the young explorers. Recognized Michael L. Emerson, originator of the Flight 93 Memorial in Sugar Mill Landing Park. Consent Calendar State and Federal criminal background checks to be introduced for EMT technicians as their certifications are renewed, including the Fire Department. Costs are $30 each; total $690. Police Department to present $7,000 grant money to the Alameda County Health Department to educate youth about the effects of smoking and enforce tobacco laws. No cost to the city. Golden State Specialty Vehicles (San Ramon) to supply one 2005 F350 4x4 diesel vehicle for the Police Department's Crime Scene Investigations Unit. Cost is $48,950 plus tax and license. Godbe Research to assess feasibility of a utility users tax to augment the City's 2010 revenues. The same firm conducted the polling for Hayward's May 2009 Measure A campaign and is currently doing the same for Newark's Measure L which will appear on the ballot in November 2009. Cost not to exceed $20,000. City to lend $2M to the Redevelopment Agency to fund design and construction of a police substation in the Alvarado Plaza Shopping Center. City Manager Reports Introduced an interim ordinance to establish a moratorium on drug paraphernalia shops (head shops) pending the review and amendment of zoning regulations in the interests of public health, safety and welfare. Mayor Mark Green - Yes Vice-Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci - Yes Manny Fernandez - Yes Jim Navarro - Yes Richard Valle - Yes