TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a lease between the City of Long Beach and the Aquarium of the Pacific to accommodate a southerly expansion of the Aquarium including a watershed exhibit and classroom, and a husbandry and veterinary care center; and execute an amendment to the Shoreline Park 6(f)3 Agreement to allow for the conversion of the southerly expansion site. (District 2)
DISCUSSION
The Aquarium of the Pacific (Aquarium) has received commitments of grant and donor funding of approximately $3 million for expansion of its facilities, including the addition of a classroom/ community meeting room, watershed exhibit, and husbandry and veterinary care center. These improvements to the Aquarium will contribute to the overall viability of the Aquarium in numerous ways including: providing an enhanced entertainment and educational experience, creating essential animal care facilities, and updating facilities and amenities required for the Aquarium's various accreditations. These expansion facilities are planned for the unused landscaped area to the south of the Aquarium's current lease area (Exhibit A).
The Aquarium currently leases approximately 5.9 acres of federally-protected City of Long Beach (City) land for operation of the Aquarium facility. This original lease will terminate on November 31, 2031. The Aquarium has requested to enter into a new lease agreement for the southern expansion site (Exhibit B).
A new and separate lease will be developed to cover the expansion property, as the current lease is tied to a prior bond issuance. The new lease will address only the 0.45 acres needed for the expansion site. The new lease will include the following major provisions:
Lessor: City of Long Beach
Lessee: Aquarium of the Pacific
Leased Premises: Approximately 0.45 acres adjacent to the southern boundary of the Aquarium's current leased facility.
Term: Shall commence immediately upon signature and be coterminous with the current lease, expiring November 31, 2031.
Rent: Lessee shall pay to the Lessor as rent for the premises the sum of one dollar ($1.00), payable in advance.
Additionally, to accommodate the Aquarium's proposed southerly expansion, the City has requested an amendment to the Shoreline Park 6(f)3 Agreement from the National Parks Service through the California Department of Parks and Recreation. On June 19, 2007, the City received notice that the conversion request was approved (Exhibit C).
This report was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Heather Mahood on July 12, 2007, and Budget and Performance Management Bureau Manager David Wodynski on July 13,2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
It is requested that the City Council approve this lease on July 24, 2007, to accommodate funding requirements placed on the Aquarium by its granting agencies.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the suggested action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PHIL T. HESTER DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
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APPROVED: |
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ANTHONY W. BATTS |
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CITY MANAGER |