TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a grant agreement, and any necessary subsequent amendments, including amendments to the award amount, with California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $32,140, 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 $32,140, offset by grant revenue. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
PRM is requesting authority to execute a grant agreement for the Leeway Sailing Center Equipment Replacement Project (Project) and accept $32,140 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, to continue to provide affordable sailing and kayaking programs with a focus on water safety for visitors of all ages from the Southern California region.
In September 2021, the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) began soliciting applications for the Aquatic Center Education Grant Program (Grant). This competitive grant provides assistance to non-profit 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 (City) application for the Grant, submitted by the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM), which did not require a City Council Resolution, has now been awarded.
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 class
• Sailing camps
• Racing clinics
• Canoeing classes
Most vessels used at Leeway Sailing Center were built in the 1970’s and are past their useful lifespan. Safety is a concern and constant repairs can only extend the vessels’ usefulness for a short period. Budget constraints, and the constant need for repairs on many of the aged vessels, has made it difficult for PRM to afford replacements. The City has been successful in securing previous grant awards from DBW totaling $105,340 to begin phasing in the replacement of Leeway’s older vessels.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on March 7, 2022 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on March 24, 2022.
SUSTAINABILITY
Unlike motorized vessels, sailboats and canoes do not create pollution. Acquisition of new boats will enable PRM to teach more people how to use non-motorized boats, the use of which reduces exhaust fumes in the air and polluting fluids in the City’s waterways
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 12, 2022 in order to comply with the grant performance period deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT
Upon successful execution of the grant agreement, funds up to $32,140 will be used to purchase 10 sailboats and 15 kayaks for the Leeway Sailing Center Equipment Replacement Project. The City will receive a grant award in an amount not to exceed $32,140 from DBW. The grant is currently unbudgeted. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $32,140 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
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER