TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to direct the Public Works and Library Services Departments to work with the City Auditor and the Long Beach Historical Society to immediately inventory and photograph all the contents of the storage buildings at the Public Service Yard and to determine the value of each item and the location where the items will be moved. Additionally, to prepare a report outlining what will be done to preserve these items as well as the Southern Pacific Passenger Depot prior to the property exchange being executed.
DISCUSSION
Over the years, the City of Long Beach has stored numerous historical items and artifacts at the Public Service Yard at San Francisco Avenue. For instance, when buildings were demolished in the downtown area, sconces and other parts of these buildings were taken by the City and stored at the Public Service Yard. Other items from different periods of the City's history are also stored at the same location. Additionally, there is the last remaining Southern Pacific Passenger Depot in the vicinity of the Public Service Yard.
The items have not been inventoried, photographed or assessed for their condition and value. Most are irreplaceable.
The City is in the process of exchanging the Public Service Yard with a private investor for property at and around 2nd and Pacific Coast Highway. The private investor may utilize the Public Service Yard for a truck depot and nothing has been negotiated or arranged for the inventory or preservation of the historical artifacts and Southern Pacific Passenger Depot.
Before this exchange is completed, the City needs to conduct an inventory, photograph the items and develop a plan to preserve these historical items and artifacts, including the Southern Pacific Passenger Depot.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GERRIE SCHIPSKE
COUNCILWOMAN, FIFTH DISTRICT
TONIA REYES URANGA
COUNCILMEMBER, SEVENTH DISTRICT
RAE GABELICH
COUNCILWOMAN EIGHTH DISTRICT