TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an amendment, and any necessary documents, to Grant Agreement No. C8962346, with the California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways, to increase the grant award by $40,000, for a revised total grant award not to exceed $66,100, for the purchase of equipment for the Leeway Sailing Center equipment replacement project; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by $40,000, offset by grant revenue. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
On April 17, 2018, the City Council authorized the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) to enter into a grant agreement with California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways for the Aquatic Center Grant Program (Grant). This competitive grant provides funding to non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, and local agencies operating in California that offer on-the-water training to enhance basic boating safety. This program is offered as a first-year competitive process, with a second-year renewal option. The City’s application for the first-year competitive round was awarded in the amount of $26,100. An application for the second-year renewal was submitted and awarded. City Council authorization is requested to execute an amendment to accept $40,000 in additional grant funds, for a total grant award of $66,100.
Funds awarded through the Grant will contribute to the much-needed replacement of non-motorized vessels used by programs at Leeway Sailing Center. Leeway Sailing Center is located at the south-western shore of Alamitos Bay in Long Beach and is operated by PRM. Leeway Sailing Center is separated from the open ocean by the Alamitos Peninsula, which makes an ideal environment to offer beginner and intermediate sailing programs away from unpredictable open ocean elements and within the watchful eye of certified boating and sailing safety instructors.
These vessels are necessary to continue boating and aquatic programs offered through PRM, providing affordable sailing and kayaking programs with a focus on water safety for visitors of all ages from the Southern California region. Programs offered at Leeway Sailing Center are available year-round and include:
• Beginner and intermediate Sabot and Capri sailing lessons
• Intro, beginner, and intermediate bay kayaking
• Keelboat and canoeing classes
• Sailing camps and racing clinics
Many of the vessels currently used at Leeway Sailing Center were built in the 1970s and are past their useful lifespan. Safety is a concern and constant repairs can only extend the vessels’ usefulness for a short period. Budget constraints and the constant need for repairs on many of the aged vessels has made it difficult for PRM to afford replacements.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on June 10, 2019 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on June 12, 2019.
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 reduces exhaust fumes in the air and polluting fluids in the waterways.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 2, 2019, as the grant requires all equipment to be purchased, received, and paid prior to September 30, 2019.
FISCAL IMPACT
The increased grant award of $40,000 from the California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways for the Leeway Sailing Center equipment replacement project is currently unbudgeted. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $40,000 in the General Grants Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, offset by grant revenue. The grant has no matching requirement. This recommendation has no staff impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GERARDO MOUET
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER