SR-701-001-02 (9)
PD:JTB:MJM:f:\police\share\staffrpt\aquatrax.doc
City Council Meeting: February 24, 2004 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Lease Agreement with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. for AquaTrax
F-12 Personal Watercraft for the Police Department Harbor Unit
Introduction
This reports recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to
negotiate and execute a lease agreement with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
for an AquaTrax F-12 personal watercraft for the Police Department Harbor Unit.
Background
A personal watercraft (PWC) is a small jet propelled boat that seats from one to
three persons. The size, speed and maneuverability of a personal watercraft
ideally suit it to perform water safety and rescue operations around obstacles
such as sandbars, jetties and pier pilings. The Los Angeles County Lifeguard
Service is among the agencies that maintain a personal watercraft fleet to
augment traditional rescue craft.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has established a special program for qualifying
organizations to lease a Honda AquaTrax personal watercraft for a nominal cost
of $1 per year. To qualify, American Honda requires the applicant to
demonstrate that the equipment will be used in a manner that promotes the
program?s focus on education, environment and saving lives. The program offers
only a one-year lease, but the lessee may re-apply in successive years.
Discussion
The Police Department has submitted an application for one AquaTrax F-12 and
received notification from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. that the proposed
public safety uses qualify for the special lease program.
If approved by Council, the AquaTrax F-12 will replace a Sea Doo personal
watercraft that has exceeded its useful life. The Sea Doo has become unreliable
in emergency rescue situations and expensive to maintain and operate. Repair
costs increased from $638.17 in 2002 to $1,956.85 in 2003. The next anticipated
repair could cost as much as $4,000.
To ensure fast emergency deployment, the AquaTrax F-12 will be stored on the
Pier and launched by means of an existing hoist. It will also be used in training
exercises, water safety demonstrations, and to patrol the Pier and beach areas.
The Harbor Unit will keep a trailer used for the Sea Doo to transport the
AquaTrax F-12.
The AquaTrax F-12 promotes the environmental goals of American Honda Motor
Co., Inc. and the City of Santa Monica. The AquaTrax F-12 runs on a four-stroke
engine that produces significantly less noise and air pollutants, and is more fuel-
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efficient, than the two-stroke Sea Doo or other models of Honda personal
watercraft.
Budget/Financial Impact
Under the special program offered by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., the cost
to lease an AquaTrax F-12 for one year is a nominal $1, to be charged to
Account #30623.533140 (Boat Maintenance/Operation). No outlay for peripheral
equipment is anticipated since the AquaTrax F-12 will use existing trailer and
hoist equipment.
Currently, the Harbor Unit pays costs for the Sea Doo personal watercraft from
its Boat Maintenance/Operation budget account. In 2003, the cost to maintain
and repair the Sea Doo was $1,956.85 and fuel was approximately $400. The
AquaTrax F-12 is proposed as a replacement for the Sea Doo. The estimated
cost to maintain, insure and fuel the AquaTrax F-12 for one year is $1,250, and is
more than offset by eliminating the Sea Doo costs.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate
and execute a one-year lease agreement with American Honda Co., Inc. for one
(1) Honda AquaTrax F-12 personal watercraft, at the cost of $1.
Prepared by: James T. Butts, Jr., Chief of Police
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