TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a grant agreement, and any necessary subsequent amendments, including amendments to the award amount, with California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $25,631, for the purchase of sailing 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 $25,631, offset by grant revenue. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
The Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) Department is requesting to execute a grant agreement and accept $25,631 in grant funds for the Leeway Sailing Center Equipment Replacement Project (Project). Funds awarded through the Grant will contribute to the much-needed replacement of non-motorized vessels at Leeway Sailing Center. These vessels are necessary to continue boating and aquatic programs offered through PRM, which provide affordable sailing and kayaking programs with a focus on water safety for visitors of all ages from the Southern California region.
In September 2022, California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBAW) began soliciting applications for the Aquatic Center Education Grant Program (Grant). This competitive grant supports non-profit organizations, colleges, universities and local agencies operating in California that offer on-the-water training to enhance basic boating safety. The City of Long Beach (City) application for the Grant submitted by PRM, which did not require a City Council Resolution, has been awarded.
Leeway Sailing Center is located at the south-western shore of Alamitos Bay in Long Beach and is operated by PRM staff. Leeway Sailing Center is separated from the open ocean by the Alamitos Peninsula, which makes it an ideal environment to offer beginner and intermediate programs away from unpredictable open ocean elements and within the watchful eye of certified boating and sailing safety instructors.
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 class
• Sailing camps
• Racing clinics
• Canoeing classes
Most vessels used at Leeway Sailing Center were built in the 1970’s 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. The City has been successful in securing four previous grant awards from DBAW totaling $137,480 to begin phasing in the replacement of Leeway’s older vessels.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on March 31, 2023, and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on April 5, 2023.
SUSTAINABILITY
Unlike motorized vessels, sailboats and kayaks do not create pollution. Acquisition of new vessels will enable PRM to teach more people how to use non-motorized boats, the use of which reduces exhaust fumes in the air and polluting fluids in the City’s waterways.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 2, 2023, to allow for execution of grant agreement and timely receipt of funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
Upon successful execution of the grant agreement, grant funds up to $25,631 will be used to purchase 20 kayaks and 20 sabot replacement sails for the Leeway Sailing Center Equipment Replacement Project. The grant is currently unbudgeted. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $25,631 in the General Grants Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, offset by grant revenue. The grant has no in-kind service or fund match requirement. Funding for Leeway Sailing Center's program and related vessel maintenance costs are appropriated in the Tidelands Operating Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation, and Marine Department. This recommendation has no staffing impacts 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,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER