TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract, and any necessary documents including any subsequent amendments, with the Long Beach Public Transportation Company, of Long Beach, CA, for the Belmont Shore Employee Bus Pass Program, in an annual amount not to exceed $270,000, for the period of January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with the Long Beach Public Transportation Company (LBT) to provide transit access to all eligible persons employed by Belmont Shore businesses on all established LBT bus service routes. As a result of exploring various options to mitigate resident and patron parking challenges, the Belmont Shore Business Association (BSBA) and the Belmont Shore Parking and Business Improvement Area Advisory Commission (Commission) established the Belmont Shore Employee Bus Pass Program (Program) in 2012. The Program utilizes existing LBT bus services to provide employees of Belmont Shore businesses unlimited rides on all LBT bus routes seven days per week at no cost. Due to the Program's success, the City Council has previously approved multiple extensions, and funding was provided by both parking meter revenues overseen by the Commission and Proposition A (Prop A) funds.
On August 8, 2017, the City Council awarded a contract to LBT for the Program for a one-year (1) period, with the option to renew for two (2) additional one-year periods. Both one-year renewals were exercised, and the contract expired on August 31, 2020. Prior to contract expiration, on February 20, 2020, the Commission voted unanimously to suspend the Program to reallocate funding to other Commission priorities. Based on community feedback from residents and Belmont Shore businesses, on June 16, 2022, the Commission voted unanimously to reinstate the Program. For the new, requested agreement, expenses will be capped by LBT at $270,000 annually for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. LBT will also provide the City of Long Beach (City) with monthly ridership reports to assess program outcomes. The City has also collaborated with LBT and the BSBA to develop communication materials to promote the Program's reinstatement to Belmont Shore businesses and their employees.
City Charter Section 1801 requires that contracts for City purchases be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after a competitive bid process but allows for awards without a competitive bid process when authorized by a Resolution adopted by the City Council.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Vanessa S. Ibarra on December 15, 2022, Purchasing Agent Michelle Wilson on November 14, 2022, and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on November 28, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 10, 2023, to allow the Program to continue.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Program will not exceed $270,000 for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2023, with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods, at the discretion of the City Manager. The Program’s first year will be funded with Prop A funds currently appropriated in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. If the Program is renewed for two additional one-year periods, Prop A funds will be allocated as part of the annual Capital Projects budget development process. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. Approval of this recommendation will benefit the local jobs by providing transit access to all eligible persons employed by Belmont Shore businesses.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER