TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents necessary to execute a new Right-of-Entry Permit with the Long Beach Plaza Little League, a chartered member of Little League Baseball, Inc., and/or its agents, for the construction and/or installation of various improvements to the baseball and softball fields at Cherry Park. (District 7)
DISCUSSION
Long Beach Plaza Little League (LBPLL), a chartered member of Little League Baseball, Inc., is a non-profit youth sports organization based in Long Beach. LBPLL has provided the Long Beach community with a premiere baseball experience since 1955. LBPLL is currently a thriving league with close to 300 boys and girls playing Little League Baseball at levels ranging from T-ball to Senior Challenger. In addition, LBPLL's Challenger Division, which was started in 1979, provides mentally and physically handicapped children ages 4-18 the ability to play Little League Baseball.
Cherry Park, located at 1901 East 45th Street (Cherry Park), has a main baseball field, softball field and T-ball field that have been used non-exclusively by the LBPLL since 2008. LBPLL has identified funding for, and/or arranged for the donation of, several improvements to the fields at Cherry Park, and with the assistance of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), has proposed the construction and/or installation of various improvements at Cherry Park. On December 12, 2013, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the following proposed improvements, and recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to grant a Right-of-Entry Permit to LBPLL:
· Concession Stand behind Main Field: Install a modified metal shipping container with exterior enhancements/façade to serve as a concession stand (Container) with a cement walkway, with installation of sewer, water and electrical services to the Container.
· · Main Field and T-ball Field:
o Extend the 3rd base line fence by approximately 95 feet
o Extend the 1st base line fence by approximately 105 feet
o Install two 15 foot foul poles
o Install a permanent T-ball backstop on the southeast corner of the field
o Install grass and a sprinkler system on the infield
· Softball Field: Extend the fence on the Cherry Avenue side by approximately 110 feet
· Utilities: LBPLL shall, at the discretion of PRM, the Long Beach Water Department and Southern California Edison (SCE), use PRM's existing fresh water line, sewer line, and electrical service to establish the utilities necessary to operate the Container. For the irrigation of the main field, LBPLL shall utilize PRM's existing reclaimed water lines.
LBPLL shall be responsible for obtaining any and all applicable City, State or SCE required permits and paying any related installation fees. In addition, LBPLL shall ensure that all improvements satisfy American's With Disabilities Act requirements. Upon completion of the aforementioned improvements, PRM shall issue a Permit with LBPLL, as approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission, to utilize and operate the Container and reimburse PRM for utilities, pursuant to Section 16.16.060(B.) of the Long Beach Municipal Code.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on December 19, 2013, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on December 19, 2013.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 7, 2013 in order to allow LBPLL to complete the proposed improvements prior to the start of their season in late February.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of utilities related to the LBPLL is expected to be nominal and will initially be borne by the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department's (PR) General Fund (GP) budget. PR will monitor the increased utility costs during LBPLL's first season following the improvements and determine the amount of reimbursement due to the City and the cost that LBPLL will pay for utilities on a go-forward basis. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER