TITLE
Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending Sections 16.08.471 and 16.08.650, relating to Marinas read and adopted as read. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
The Long Beach Municipal Code, Chapter 16.08, relates to the recreational marinas and waterfront areas operated by the City, including rules related to the use of Marine Stadium. Last summer, a number of issues arose, prompting questions about possible changes that can be made to the Municipal Code, which will enhance recreation at Marine Stadium.
The Municipal Code currently allows for motorized vessels to utilize Marine Stadium between 8:00 a.m. and dusk every day, unless Marine Stadium is being used for a permitted special event. During the winter months, particularly on weeknights, there is very little use of Marine Stadium for water skiing and wakeboarding. At the same time, the Long Beach Junior Crew, a private club open to the public, which is aligned with the Long Beach Unified School District to offer rowing for physical education credits, operates a very popular and successful junior rowing program. The young athletes participate in this program on weeknights, between 3:30 p.m. and dusk.
To better utilize Marine Stadium to meet the needs of the highest number of users, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) is recommending that motorized vessels be allowed to utilize Marine Stadium during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to dusk every day during the year, with the exception of Monday through Wednesday, from October 1 through March 31, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., excluding any school holidays observed during that period.
Secondly, PRM has received requests from water skiing and wakeboarding enthusiasts asking the City to increase the length of vessels allowed to use Marine Stadium for these sports. The companies that manufacture vessels for water skiing and wakeboarding purposes are building more maneuverable, albeit longer, vessels. PRM and the Marine Safety Division of the Fire Department have evaluated these requests, and are in support of a change to the Municipal Code to allow vessels up to twenty-three feet in length, not including swimstep, to be utilized for these sports.
Lastly, the Municipal Code currently restricts swimming and wading in Marine Stadium. However, persons who utilize the Stadium for boating activities anchor their vessels, and wade to and from their vessels to rest, picnic, change passengers, use restroom facilities, and enjoy the area. Not only is it necessary to wade to and from their vessels, historically, individuals enjoying the Stadium for boating activities have been allowed to wade into the water to cool off. The anchored vessels create a safety zone along the beach area, long recognized by the Marine Safety Division rescue boat operators. PRM is recommending that the Municipal Code be changed to allow wading, but still prohibit swimming, in Marine Stadium.
These proposed changes were evaluated by the Marine Advisory Commission, including significant public comment, over a three-month period. The Marine Advisory Commission ultimately supported all of these changes.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on June 22,2010, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on June 23, 2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 13, 2010, in order to implement this Municipal Code change as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is minimal fiscal impact associated with this request PRM staff surveyed the use of Marine Stadium on weekday afternoons during the winter, and an average of one vessel per day, which equates to $12 per day, utilized Marine Stadium during this period. This is no impact to jobs associated with this request
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AMENDING THE LONG BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTIONS 16.08.471 AND 16.08.650, RELATING TO MARINAS
Respectfully Submitted,
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER