TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into a right-of-entry permit with Orange County Coastkeeper, and/or its agents, to enter Jack Dunster Marine Biological Reserve for the purpose of erecting an interpretive sign, from August 1, 2014 through July 31, 2015, with one, one-year renewal option at the discretion of the City Manager or his designee. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
On June 21, 2011, the Long Beach City Council authorized a right-of-entry permit to allow California State University Fullerton (CSUF) to enter Jack Dunster Marine Biological Reserve (Dunster) for a native Olympia oyster restoration project (Attachment). The Olympia oyster (ostrea lurida) is the only oyster native to California and has experienced substantial population declines throughout its historical range, from Alaska to Baja California, Mexico. A single adult oyster can filter 50 gallons of water a day consuming plankton, thereby allowing sunlight to penetrate and aquatic vegetation to flourish. By restoring the native oyster beds at Dunster, this project will improve the integrity and resilience of the area's ecosystem through water quality enhancement. The project, which is still in progress, has restored a 30-meter by two-meter "community" oyster bed at Dunster. Orange County Coastkeeper (Coastkeeper), which has partnered with CSUF, provides an educational component of the project to local junior and high school students.
In order to continue to enhance the ecological, educational, and socioeconomic benefits of oyster and wetland habitat in Long Beach, Coastkeeper proposes to install a 26-inch by 36-inch interpretive sign at Dunster. The sign will include details on the biology, life history, ecological, and economic importance of the Olympia oyster, and will feature key elements of the restoration project. Currently, there are several other interpretive signs located at Dunster that provide public education regarding the flora and fauna found at Dunster.
On June 12, 2014, the Marine Advisory Commission reviewed the interpretive sign proposal and approved recommending this project to the City Council for approval.
The proposed right-of-entry permit will contain the following major provisions:
· Term: One year, August 1, 2014 through July 31, 2015.
· Renewal Option: One, one-year renewal option at the discretion of the City Manager or his designee.
· Location: Jack Dunster Marine Biological Reserve located on the northern side of the Los Cerritos Channel between Marine Stadium and Pacific Coast Highway.
· Authorized Use: Installation of one interpretive sign to describe the Olympia oyster restoration project for public educational purposes.
· Conditions of Use: Coastkeeper shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and approvals. Coastkeeper shall submit the final sign design and sign structure to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) for approval prior to installation.
· Sign Installation: Coastkeeper shall pay for the sign, sign structure, and installation of the sign at a location approved by PRM.
· Permit Fee: Due to the educational nature of the interpretive sign, PRM shall not charge a permit fee.
· Insurance: Coastkeeper and its agents shall indemnify the City of Long Beach and provide evidence of insurance as required by the City's Risk Manager.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Kendra L. Carney on June 10, 2014, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on June 13, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 1, 2014, in order to allow the execution of the right-of-entry permit in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact or local job impact associated with the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER