TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to enter into an Other Transaction Agreement with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and any necessary amendments, so that the City's Public Works Department can "contract in", as necessary, to design, project manage, and construct the employee safety enhancements required of the TSA by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (District 5)
DISCUSSION
The Transportation Security Administration, under federal law, provides checked baggage security screening at the Long Beach Airport. When TSA assumed airport security screening operations after the September 11, 2001 attack, it set up a checked baggage screening facility within an unimproved, outdoor ramp area behind the existing Airport Terminal Building due to unavailability of other options. While the TSA has since covered the area with a canopy and vinyl moveable siding, the screening employees still must stand on the asphalt ramp. This location becomes especially problematic during heavy rains due to existing drainage conditions.
Earlier this year, the Long Beach Airport TSA checked-baggage screening operation was inspected by Federal OSHA, and several employee safety improvements were mandated:
1) Modify existing enclosures around TSA canopies to be more weather resistant.
2) Correct various drainage issues within the current TSA canopies, primarily involving temporary
elevated flooring to keep employees out of rainwater and reduce the potential of electrical hazards.
3) Install various equipment, such as additional bag belt rollers, to aid in reducing work-related injuries.
4) Provide modified electrical source outlets, including modifications to conduits and wiring, to ensure safety especially during rainy weather conditions.
TSA has estimated the OSHA-mandated improvements to be less than $200,000, and desires to contract with the City of Long Beach for engineering, project management, and construction services, based on the City's ability to complete the TSA employee safety improvements on a timely bases, versus other TSA outsourcing options. The subject improvements are only those that are necessary to meet Federal OSHA employee safety mandates at this time . In the relatively near future, TSA may approach the City with regard to installation of more efficient, more effective and more mechanized security screening equipment within their current area, which would further
address employee conditions . Terminal improvements, including TSA facilities, are currently under consideration by the City Council, decisions about which will be made separate and apart from these short-term safety and efficiency issues, relative to checked baggage screening.
This matter was reviewed by Budget Management Officer David Wodynski and by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on September 13, 2006.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the Airport Enterprise Fund as TSA will reimburse the City/Airport under the requested Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) . The OTA will permit reimbursement for all of the approved City expenditures incurred within the scope defined by the OTA.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CHRISTINE ANDERSEN |
APPROVED: |
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |