To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: GREG KAPOVICH, WATERFRONT & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
TITLE
title
APPROVE AN AGREEMENT FOR PROJECT SERVICES WITH COAST CONSTRUCTION GROUP FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SEABASS GROW-OUT FACILITY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $67,000 AND THE TERM OCTOBER 1, 2024 TO JULY 1, 2025
end
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
For over two decades, the Redondo Beach Sea Lab operated a white seabass grow-out facility with the intent to restore depleted seabass populations in the Pacific Ocean to a higher and more sustainable level. In June 2019, the Sea Lab ceased operations due to funding and lease issues and the region has been without a facility ever since. To replace this lost amenity the City Council identified funding and directed the Harbor Commission and staff to determine what would be needed to re-establish a grow-out facility and explore potential locations within King Harbor to house the program.
After reviewing multiple sites, the Harbor Commission selected the Harbor Patrol Dock as the best location to implement a new grow-out facility. During this process, staff identified Clark McNulty, from Coast Construction Group, as an expert with experience in establishing white seabass programs and the capability to install the replacement facility. It is recommended that the City Council approve an agreement with Coast Construction Group for design and construction of the new seabass pen.
BACKGROUND
For many years, the Redondo Beach Sea Lab operated a white seabass grow-out project in partnership with Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute in Carlsbad, California. Hubbs-SeaWorld hatched the fish and transferred them to the Sea Lab where they were raised in grow-out pens (generally for five months) until they were old enough to be released into the Santa Monica Bay. The program released between 5,000 to 12,000 fish per year.
Following a referral from City Council, the Harbor Commission discussed possible locations within the Waterfront and conducted a site walk with staff to explore eight areas of interest within Basins I, II, and III. Staff then consulted with Clark McNulty of Coast Construction Group regarding materials needed to construct the pens. In April 2024, staff, and the Harbor Commission sub-committee, visited the new Harbor Patrol docks with Mr. McNulty and found that the area near Fire Station 3’s look-out office was the most viable location due to the size, water flow conditions, and controlled site access. Mr. McNulty has prepared a list of materials needed to construct the grow-out pen and has estimated a total project cost that will not exceed $67,000. The estimate is based on a similar seabass program operating in Marina Del Rey. Coast Construction Group will work with staff to obtain required permits, procure materials, and construct the pen. Staff is working towards preparing an agreement with an additional firm for on-site grow-out activities. This agreement will be presented to the City Council prior to the completion of pen construction to ensure operations are initiated without delay.
COORDINATION
The agreement was reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost for design and construction of the new seabass grow-out facility will not exceed $67,000. City Council appropriated $60,000 of Tidelands Funds for the project. The additional $7,000 of funding is available in the Waterfront and Economic Development Department’s annual operating budget.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Agmt - Coast Construction Group
• Insurance - Coast Construction Group