TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to execute documents necessary to accept and expend grant funds from the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways, to reimburse the City of Long Beach for costs incurred to remove and dispose of abandoned watercraft. (Districts 2,3)
DISCUSSION
Throughout the year, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), through its Marine Bureau, must deal with vessels that are found adrift, abandoned at our docks, sinking, or in danger of sinking, in the marinas and navigable waterways along our coast. Normally, these vessels are brought to the docks or launch ramps by the Fire Department or Police Department, and then stabilized, if possible. If the vessel sinks or is deemed to be a navigable hazard, it must be removed and destroyed.
The Marine Bureau attempts to locate the last registered owner to pay for the expenses incurred in this effort. If a registered owner cannot be located or refuses to pay for the stabilization and removal, the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), offers grant funds to reimburse public agencies for most of the costs involved in this effort. The Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund grant requires the City of Long Beach (City) to initially pay 100 percent of the costs incurred for each abandoned vessel; subsequently, DBW will reimburse the City for 90 percent of those costs. DBW then makes an effort to obtain reimbursement from the registered owner, if one has been identified.
The City has participated in this grant program since 1999. Based on the overwhelming need throughout the state, DBW has awarded grants to all interested parties proportionally. On January 5, 2014, PRM was informed that the City would be awarded $8,000 for a 24-month period, January 15, 2014 through January 15, 2016.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Ande...
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