SR-308-001-03 (2)
CCS:f:ccsadmn\share\staffreports\osm\lifeguardsrvs
Council Meeting: September 24, 2002 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM City Staff
SUBJECT: Agreement with Los Angeles County for Lifeguard Services
INTRODUCTION
This report requests that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute an agreement with Los Angeles County for lifeguard services at Santa Monica
State Beach.
BACKGROUND
Since 1974, the City has contracted with Los Angeles County to provide lifeguard
services at Santa Monica State Beach. In 1997, the City and County implemented a
management services contract which was consistent with the County’s contracts with
other beach cities. This contract stipulated an agreed upon annual payment
representing the City of Santa Monica’s proportionate share of the total cost of Los
Angeles County lifeguard services.
DISCUSSION
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The proposed agreement with the County uses the same management service structure
as the 1997 agreement. City staff has analyzed the County’s cost data and
apportionment formula and has determined that the annual payment of $1,293,030 for
the base year of the contract is reasonable based on services provided. This base
amount is the same as the annual payment in FY01-02. The annual payments will be
adjusted each year by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The contract also includes a provision for the City to reserve $125,000 a year for the
first four years of the agreement (accumulated $500,000) for the purpose of improving
or expanding the Lifeguard Headquarters located at 1642 Ocean Front Walk. The
headquarters was built in 1950’s and is owned by the City of Santa Monica. While the
County has made extensive repairs to the structure over the years, the building is in
need of substantial renovations and improvements to continue to be a viable facility for
lifeguard operations. The accumulated $500,000 will be used for renovation,
replacement or expansion of lifeguard facilities. The remaining terms of the agreement
are similar to the prior agreement and continue the current high quality of service and
public safety standards.
The proposed term is four years, beginning on October 1, 2002 with two additional five-
year extensions. The City’s agreement with the State of California to operate the Beach
terminates on December 31, 2006. If the long-term operating agreement with the State
is extended, the proposed options with the County could be exercised.
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BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACT
The FY02-03 City Budget includes an appropriation for payments of $1,293,030 in
Account 11522.555060. $125,000 will be reserved on the Balance sheet each year
through FY2005-06 and appropriated when the project is closer to implementation.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute an agreement with Los Angeles County for lifeguard services at Santa Monica
State Beach.
Prepared by: Barbara Stinchfield, Director, Community & Cultural Services Dept.
Elaine Polachek, Open Space Manager
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