Title
Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply to the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways for a Grant to Renovate the Encinal Boat Launch Facility Under the Harbor and Watercraft Revolving Fund. (Recreation and Parks 280)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jill Keimach, City Manager
Re: Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply to the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways for a Grant to Renovate the Encinal Boat Launch Facility Under the Harbor and Watercraft Revolving Fund
BACKGROUND
The Encinal Boat Launch Facility is a public marina launch and is an important recreational facility for the community of boaters, paddlers and sailors. It was last renovated in 1981, funded by a grant from the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) and a grant from the State Wildlife Conservation Board.
On February 5, 2013, the City Council authorized a grant application to the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways, Harbor and Watercraft Revolving Fund to renovate and improve the Encinal Boat Launch Facility.
In April 2015, the City was awarded a $300,000 planning grant to design the improvements and fund all required project permits. The 90% plans and specifications were approved this month by DBW and all regulatory agency permits have been filed. The project will soon be ready for construction.
DISCUSSION
The Encinal Boat Launch Facility is an important recreational asset and is an aging facility with a poorly paved parking lot, unusable restrooms (portable toilets are the current alternative), and a deteriorated ramp. There is increasing demand on the Encinal Boat Launch Facility, especially for non-motorized craft. The Alameda Community Sailing Center, O’Kalani Outrigger Canoe Club, and Stacked Adventures are local non-profit organizations that all have their base of operations at this facility and use it on a daily basis. The Encinal Boat Launch provides direct access to the San Francisco Bay, unlike the Grand Street Boat Launch, located on the estuary.
The Encinal Boat Launch Facility improvement project scope includes the following:
• Replace the existing dock float and add a second dock float for non-motorized watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, stand up paddles and others.
• Renovate the boat ramp.
• Replace and expand the restrooms facility.
• Create ADA compliant access between the parking lot, restroom and boat ramp.
• Add a fish cleaning station and outdoor shower.
• Install new lighting.
• Install new vehicle safety features and signage.
A community design input meeting was held on March 14, 2016 with good attendance from the motorized and non-motorized boating communities. That input was incorporated into the current design. The design is being finalized and this authorization will allow staff to apply for $1,242,000 in grant funding for facility construction. The DBW staff has strongly encouraged the City of Alameda to apply for construction funds.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no immediate financial impact from this action. The DBW grant requires no matching funds from the city. If grant funds are received, it will not include funding for the parking lot improvement but also will not require the parking area be renovated. According to the engineer’s estimate, this portion of the project totals $236,000. It will require funding from another city funding source, which would be determined if the grant is received.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action does not affect the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Guidelines Sections 15301 (Repair, maintenance and/or minor alteration of an existing facility.) In addition, the Encinal Boat Ramp project will also require permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, BCDC and the Regional Water Quality Board. These permits are designed to ensure appropriate actions are taken during construction to avoid construction impacts to biological and/or water quality resources.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply to the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways for a grant to renovate the Encinal Boat Launch Facility under the Harbor and Watercraft Revolving Fund.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Edwin Gato, Acting Finance Director