TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any subsequent amendments, between the City of Long Beach and Long Beach Transit for the use of Berth 3 in Alamitos Bay Marina, to facilitate transit operations for its AquaLink water bus service along the waterfront. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
Since 1999, Long Beach Transit (LBT) has operated AquaLink, a water bus service, on the downtown waterfront between the Queen Mary, the Maya Hotel and Rainbow Harbor. In 2001, LBT expanded its service to include water bus service from the downtown waterfront to Alamitos Bay Marina (ABM). To facilitate both services, the City of Long Beach (City) gave LBT exclusive use of dock space in both Rainbow Harbor Marina and ABM.
The City has invested available funding in the improvement of docks utilized by LBT for these services. In 2008, the City rebuilt Dock 9 in Rainbow Harbor Marina to provide ADA accessibility, utilizing Proposition C funds; in 2010, the City rebuilt the dock at Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier to replace the deteriorated timber docking system, as well as to provide ADA accessibility, utilizing funds from the Transportation Fund (SR 182) and the Traffic Mitigation Program (CP 201); in 2015, LBT renovated Berth 3 in ABM to provide ADA accessibility, utilizing partial funding from the Tidelands Operations Fund (TF 401), as approved by the City Council on February 11, 2014.
Under LBT’s Alamitos Bay, Berth 3, Dock and Gangway Easement Agreement, the City shall grant LBT a non-exclusive use easement of Berth 3 for the sole purpose of operating LBT’s AquaLink water bus service.
The proposed agreement contains the following major provisions:
• Premises: Alamitos Bay Marina, Berth 3.
• Authorized Use: Operation of LBT’s AquaLink water bus service.
• Dock Fee: LBT will be allowed to use the docks free of charge, and for no other reason than for the operation of the water bus service.
• Maintenance: LBT shall be solely responsible for maintenance and/or repair of the easement.
Despite LBT’s use of Berth 3 at no charge, the City will benefit from the water bus service of transporting residents and visitors along the waterfront. Passengers will patronize the area’s businesses and restaurants, which will help stimulate the local economy.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on March 22, 2016 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on March 23, 2016.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 19, 2016, in order to enable the execution of the agreement in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact or local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MARIE KNIGHT
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER