TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute any and all documents necessary or desirable to enter into leases with public or private parties for terms not to exceed six months, with an option for one six-month extension at the sole discretion of the City Manager, to lease or occupy real property in response to the proclaimed emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
Adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents, including subcontracts and any subsequent amendments, to apply for, accept, and expend grant funding for financial assistance to respond to the proclaimed emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On March 4, 2020, the City of Long Beach (City) declared local health and city emergencies to strengthen the City’s preparedness and ability to respond to COVID-19, commonly known as novel coronavirus. City Council ratified the declarations on March 10, 2020. As part of the overall assessment of potential City needs to respond to the serious and imminent threat of an outbreak of COVID-19, it has been determined that there may be a need to enter into leases for the use of public or private property not owned or controlled by the City, both vacant lots and buildings, for emergency responses such as additional homeless shelters, staging areas, and temporary public safety facilities.
The current process for City leasing of private property is somewhat protracted and, on average, requires three to four months of advance preparation and, ultimately, City Council approval. This upfront timing restriction does not align with the City’s need to proactively respond to the COVID-19 crisis. To be more responsive and to better coordinate with emergency response partners, it is recommended that the City Manager be authorized to enter short-term leases, at rental rates reflective of the duration and use during the City’s occupancy. The leases would be limited to an initial six...
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