TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a permit with BAH Ventures, Inc., a California corporation, dba Rubber Duck Tours, for the purpose of operating an amphibious bus tour of downtown Long Beach and Rainbow Harbor, for a term of five years with one five-year renewal option, at the discretion of the City Manager or his designee. (District 2)
DISCUSSION
BAH Ventures, Inc. (BAH), is proposing to operate Rubber Duck Tours, a new tourist and resident attraction out of Rainbow Harbor. This attraction will promote the many cultural and recreational destinations that make Long Beach a truly unique city. BAH will purchase a Hydra Terra T vessel or "Rubber Duck" (Duck). The Duck is fully Coast Guard approved, classified as unsinkable, will hold 47 passengers, and is able to operate on both water and land. Passengers on the amphibious tour will have a Duck's eye view of the historic downtown area, where they will learn about Long Beach's transformation from a farm community to a bustling port city. The tour will continue as passengers "splash" through Rainbow Harbor for a view of the city's beautiful coastline. The cost of the gO-minute tour will be $30, with a discounted rate for children, seniors, military personnel, and students. This family attraction will enhance the tourist trade at Rainbow Harbor. An illustration of the Rubber Duck vessel and the proposed tour route are included (Attachment A).
BAH Ventures, Inc., was founded in December 2007, as a commercial brokerage firm with sales of over $65 million in Los Angeles County. Brent Harrison, owner/operator of BAH, is seeking to enter into new markets and has obtained the professional expertise of Gerald Tautenhahn, a Newport Beach business owner who possesses a 100-Ton Master Captain License and over ten years of experience in maritime operations. The holder of this license is allowed to operate Coast Guard inspected passenger vessels having a Certificate of Inspection stating the number of...
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