TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a grant agreement, and any documents necessary, to accept and expend grant funding from California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, in an amount not to exceed $39,240, for the purchase of sailing equipment for the Leeway Sailing Center Equipment Replacement Project; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by $39,240, offset by grant revenue. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
In October 2020, the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), began soliciting applications for the Aquatic Center Education Grant Renewal Program (Grant). This competitive Grant assists nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, and local agencies operating in California that offer on-the-water training to enhance basic boating safety. The City of Long Beach, Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) submitted a Grant application, which did not require a City Council Resolution, and has been awarded $39,240 in grant funds.
PRM is requesting the City Manager to execute a Grant agreement for the Leeway Sailing Center Equipment Replacement Project (Project) and accept $39,240 in grant funds. Funds awarded through the Grant will contribute to the much-needed replacement of non-motorized vessels at Leeway Sailing Center. These vessels are necessary to continue boating and aquatic programs offered through PRM, that provide affordable sailing and kayaking programs with a focus on water safety for visitors of all ages from the Southern California region.
Leeway Sailing Center is located at the south-western shore of Alamitos Bay in Long Beach and is operated by PRM. Leeway Sailing Center is separated from the open ocean by the Alamitos Peninsula, which makes it an ideal environment to offer beginner and intermediate programs away from unpredictable open ocean elements and within the watchful eye of certified boating and sailing safety instructors.
Programs offered at Leeway Sailing Center are available year-round and include:
• Beginner and intermediate Sabot and Capri sailing lessons
• Intro, beginner, and intermediate bay kayaking
• Keelboat and canoeing classes
• Sailing camps and racing clinics
Many of the vessels utilized at Leeway Sailing Center were built in the 1970s and are past their useful lifespan. Safety is a concern and constant repairs can extend the vessels’ usefulness for only a short period of time. Budget constraints and the constant need for repairs on many of the aged vessels have made it difficult for PRM to afford replacements. PRM has been successful in securing two previous grant awards from DBW, totaling $66,100, to begin phasing in the replacement of Leeway Sailing Center’s older vessels.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on February 9, 2021.
SUSTAINABILITY
Unlike motorized vessels, non-motorized vessels, such as sailboats or canoes, do not create pollution. Acquisition of new non-motorized vessels will enable PRM to teach more people how to use these types of vessels, which will reduce exhaust fumes in the air and polluting fluids in the waterways.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 2, 2021, as the grant agency requires 30 days to process and return executed grant agreements.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive a grant award in an amount not to exceed $39,240 from DBW. As the grant is currently unbudgeted, an appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $39,240 in the General Grants Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, offset by grant revenue. The grant has no match requirement. Funding for Leeway Sailing Center’s program and related vessel maintenance costs are appropriated in the Tidelands Operating Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER