TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a grant agreement, and any documents necessary, to accept and expend grant funding in an amount not to exceed $26,100 from California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways, for the purchase of equipment for the Leeway Sailing Center equipment replacement project; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund (SR 120) in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PR) by $26,100, offset by grant revenue. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
In September 2017, California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), began soliciting applications for their Aquatic Center Education Grant Program (Grant). This competitive Grant provides assistance to 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, Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), submitted an application, and was awarded $26,100 in Grant funds.
PRM is requesting the City Manager to execute a Grant agreement to accept the $26,100 in Grant funds for the Leeway Sailing Center equipment replacement project. Funds awarded through the Grant will contribute to the much-needed replacement of non-motorized vessels, such as canoes, kayaks, and sailboats. The vessels are necessary to continue sailing, kayaking, and aquatic programs that are offered through PRM. These affordable programs focus on water safety for visitors of all ages throughout the Southern California region.
Leeway Sailing Center is located at the southwestern shore of Alamitos Bay 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
• Introduction, beginner, and intermediate bay kayaking
• Keelboat classes
• Sailing camps
• Racing clinics
• Canoeing classes
The vessels currently being utilized at Leeway Sailing Center were built in the 1970s; many of the vessels 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.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on March 21, 2018 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on March 29, 2018.
SUSTAINABILITY
Unlike motorized vessels, non-motorized vessels, such as sailboats and 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 April 17, 2018, as DBW only allows 30 days to process and return agreements. The awarded Grant funding must be expended by the Grant deadline of September 30, 2018.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Grant award from DBW for the Leeway Sailing Center equipment replacement project is currently unbudgeted. Therefore, an appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $26,100 in the General Grants Fund (SR 120) in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PR). Grant revenue will offset the expense appropriation, and the Grant does not require matching funds. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
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Respectfully Submitted,
STEPHEN P. SCOTT
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER