At Tuesday's bi-monthly Board of Commissioners meeting, Mayor Brian Stack began the meeting by first and foremost congratulating all those that helped with the town's Thanksgiving Dinner.
The dinner was held at three different churches with "heart-warming" help from volunteers, the clergy, and the community, said Mayor Stack.
The mayor also noted that the event, held for those disadvantaged, lonely, or unable citizens, would be an annual event.
"I want to give a public thanks to all those working together," said the mayor.
Afterwards, Mayor Stack and the Board of Commissioners awarded a proclamation to Father Juan Luis Calderon of Centro Guadalupe on 35th Street.
The proclamation noted the "wonderful and inspiring work in helping those in need" done by Father Calderon and Centro Guadalupe.
Father Calderon accepted the award and in a following interview, noted the importance of the accomplishment.
"It's a surprise and also a pleasure that the city saw the excellence in what we do," said Father Calderon. "We're used to [helping] a lot but it's rare that outsiders not involved in the church, acknowledge that."
Father Calderon also noted that as a six-year Union City resident (and American resident), this is the first time the center has been awarded an honor like this.
Two "new" captains, officers
At the meeting, board members also voted to amend a Police Department ordinance that would appoint two special police officers for the Union City court and add two additional police captains to the force.
Police Chief Charles Everett attended the meeting to comment and answer any questions.
"I suggested to the mayor adding two additional captains," said the chief.
During the meeting Chief Everett noted that the current ordinance allows for three police captains and that it "hasn't worked out too well for us."
The ordinance, which will undergo further consideration at the next town meeting, won't create two new positions but will rearrange administrators.
"We're keeping the same number of supervisors," said the mayor. "We're just moving some around."
The amended ordinance will also add two part-time special police officers to guard the courtroom.
In addition to soon-to-be installed metal detectors outside the courtroom, the police officers, who will receive specialized training at the Police Academy and carry a weapon, will add further security to the court.
"The state mandates a certain level of security at the court," said Chief Everett, "so as to provide a consistent presence and not take anyone [officers] off of the street."
A pursuing ordinance was also introduced to raise the hourly pay of the special officers from $13 to $15 an hour and according to Chief Everett, will be funded by the police budget.
The introduced ordinances will seek further consideration the town's next meeting on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., at City Hall located on 3715 Palisade Ave.
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