Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a $142,325.00 Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE-23) grant Agreement between the City of San Leandro and the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways for Abatement of Surrendered and Abandoned Watercraft at the San Leandro Marina and the San Leandro Shoreline
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Infrastructure
• Sustainability & Resiliency
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a $142,325.00 SAVE-23 grant agreement between the City and the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways for the removal and disposal of abandoned and surrendered vessels.
BACKGROUND
The California Legislature developed two initiatives aimed at keeping abandoned vessels out of local waters. Senate Bill 172 (Rainey, 1997) established the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund (AWAF) administered by the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) to address the problem of abandoned watercraft. The purpose of the program is to provide funds to local public agencies to remove, store, and dispose of abandoned, wrecked, or dismantled vessels or any other partially submerged objects that pose a substantial hazard to maritime navigation.
The Vessel Turn-In (VTIP) Program was established by Assembly Bill 166 (Lieu, 2010) as a solution to prevent abandoned vessels before they happen. By providing an easy and free alternative for boat owners to surrender an unwanted vessel to a participating agency in lieu of abandonment, this program eliminates the expensive and difficult removal process that abandoned vessels often require. More importantly, the VTIP also works to prevent the risk of harmful water hazards and provides for the protection of the environment by preventing discharges of toxic pollutants that may leak from an abandoned vessel. In 2015, the DBW merged the AWAF and VTIP grants to form the Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) grant as part of an effort to streamline grant applications and disbursements.
Removal of the abandoned boats is one of numerous projects City staff is working on to address blight at the former San Leandro Marina. On September 25, 2023, the City submitted an application to the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) for emergency demolition of the dilapidated structures at the Marina to maintain public safety and reduce criminal activity that threatens the public and the environment. The demolition includes the removal of the boarded-up buildings, including the former Harbor Master’s Office, Spinnaker Yacht Club, San Leandro Yacht Club and restrooms, as well as removal of the ramps to the decommissioned boat docks. Removal of the abandoned boats is an essential next step in preparing for the demolition activities that are expected to begin in early 2024.
Analysis
In the last two fiscal years, the City received a total of $197,900 from the SAVE grant program. Using the SAVE-21 and SAVE-22 grant awards, Public Works removed a total of 17 vessels. With the closure of the harbor last January, boaters were given the opportunity to relinquish their vessels to the City for submission to the SAVE grant program. Staff applied for the SAVE-23 grant for FY2023-2024 based on anticipated need. On September 20, 2023, the State awarded $142,325 in grant funds and issued the Grant Agreement - Certificate of Funding.
Pursuant to California Harbors and Navigation Code §525(c), a 10% local matching contribution is required for the SAVE grant. The contribution may be rendered in cash, or through in-kind contributions that must be verified and approved, all at the discretion of the Department of Boating and Waterways. The local matching contribution could include, but is not limited to, administrative costs, personnel hours, and removal costs. The City will contribute the 10% local matching contribution in administrative costs and personnel hours (overseeing contracts and preparing watercraft for towing, removal and disposal).
If the grant agreement is not authorized, the Shoreline Fund will bear the cost without
reimbursement.
Financial Impacts
Sufficient funds are included in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Shoreline Fund budget (597-57-177-5165) for removal and disposal of abandoned and surrendered vessels. The SAVE-23 grant will reimburse a sum not to exceed $142,325.
This Council action will not impact fund balance because there are funds available in the FY2023-2024 adopted budget.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution SAVE-23 Grant
Attachment B: SAVE-23 Grant Agreement - Certificate of Funding
PREPARED BY: Liz Jimenez, Senior Management Analyst, Public Works