Title
Staff Report for the Resolution approving a $49,000 Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund (AWAF) 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 abandoned watercraft subject to lien at the San Leandro Marina and the San Leandro Shoreline
Staffreport
As required by the provisions of Senate Bill 172, Chapter 930, Statutes of 1997, the Division of Boating and Waterways implemented the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund (AWAF) program 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 watercraft or any other partially submerged objects that pose a substantial hazard to maritime navigation. The San Leandro Marina currently has eight abandoned watercraft that are subject to lien, and must be removed and disposed.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund Grant Agreement, between the City and the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways.
BACKGROUND
The City has removed and disposed of many watercraft over the past 50 years. From 2004 through 2010, an average of two watercraft per year were removed and disposed. During 2011 and 2012 the City of San Leandro placed liens on 27 watercraft; 11 liens were paid by the owner and returned, five were sold by the City, five were disposed of at City expense, and six were awaiting removal and disposal. In early 2013, two abandoned watercraft were found on the San Leandro Shoreline, one was towed into the San Leandro Marina and liened by the City. The second watercraft remains abandoned on the San Leandro Shoreline, due to a hole in its hull. Currently there are eight watercraft that require removal and disposal.
The City applied for a $75,000 AWAF grant in April 2013 based on bids received from two vendors. On July 1, 2013 the State approved a $49,000 grant pending the State budget approval. On January 7, 2014 the State grant agreement documents were received for review by staff and approval by the City Council.
Analysis
Under California Harbors and Navigation Code §527, a 10-percent local matching contribution is required for the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund 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 and/or storage costs. The City will contribute the 10% local matching contribution in administrative costs and personnel hours to oversee the contracts and prepare the watercraft for towing, removal and disposal.
Staff estimates the costs of removal and disposal of the eight watercraft will be between $4,500 and $6,500 per watercraft. If the grant is not approved the Shoreline Fund will bear the cost without reimbursement.
Applicable General Plan Policies
· General Plan, Chapter 3.3H. San Leandro Marina
· General Plan, Goal 9
Legal Analysis
The City Attorney reviewed the grant agreement and has approved it as to form.
Fiscal Impacts
The Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund grant is a sum not to exceed $49,000.00 submitted to the City of San Leandro via reimbursement. Ten percent matching contribution is required and the City intends to make the match through administrative costs and personnel hours.
Budget Authority
An expenditure account (597-57-177) was established and will require a $49,000 appropriation from the Shoreline Fund available cash. A revenue account (597-3607) was established to receive reimbursements from the State for the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund Grant. Although the Shoreline Fund has a negative fund balance primarily due to debt, there is sufficient cash available to cover expenses until the grant proceeds are received.
PREPARED BY: Delmarie Snodgrass, Marina Manager, Public Works