Form revised May 5, 2009

FISCAL NOTE FOR NON-CAPITAL PROJECTS

Department:	Contact Person/Phone:	DOF Analyst/Phone:
Parks and Recreation	Paula Hoff/ 615-0368	Jennifer Devore/ 615-1328

Legislation Title:  AN ORDINANCE relating to the use of premises under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Recreation; authorizing the Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation to enter into an agreement with King County for construction of a floating dock and use of a portion of real property at Seacrest Park for operation of the Elliott Bay Water Taxi.

Summary of the Legislation:

This legislation authorizes the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation to enter into a Construction and License Agreement between the City and the King County Ferry District (County) for construction of and use of a new dock at Seacrest Park.  In lieu of a use permit fee the County will construct a new dock to replace the existing floating dock that has reached the end of its useful life.  Upon completion the new dock will be the property of the City.  The County will share use of the new dock with the public.  The City will be responsible for all reasonable costs associated with the routine maintenance and repair of the dock and the County will be responsible for repairing or correcting any design or construction defects in the improvements and for repair of any damage caused by its operation of the water taxi.  We are anticipating about $7,500 annually for increased maintenance for addition of a year-round floating dock.   This includes increased litter pick-up from higher use and increased maintenance from having the dock in the water during the winter months.

Background:

The Elliott Bay Water Taxi has been operating from the dock at Seacrest Park for 12 years.  In March 2009, the Board of Park Commissioners recommended, and the Superintendent concurred, to allow year-round operation of the taxi, operating from Seacrest dock, on a temporary basis starting in 2010.  The County’s goal is to have a permanent new site within five years.  The new floating dock will enable year-round operation while at the same time providing a replacement facility that will enhance recreational use of Seacrest Park.  The new dock will include: a wider, longer gangway improving access, particularly for people with disabilities, and new concrete floats providing greater stability.  A change in orientation of the new dock moves the water taxi further from the scuba dive area, improving access for kayakers and other small boats, and reduces shadowing of the near-shore area.  When completed, the new dock will be owned by the City.

___X_ This legislation has financial implications.

We are anticipating about $7,500 annually for increased maintenance with the addition of a year-round floating dock.  This includes increased litter pick-up from higher use and increased maintenance from having the dock in the water during the winter months.

What is the financial cost of not implementing this legislation? N/A

• Does this legislation affect any departments besides the originating department?  Over time there may need to be some signage/parking improvements in and around the site by Seattle Department of Transportation..

· What are the possible alternatives to the legislation that could achieve the same or similar objectives?  N/A

· Is the legislation subject to public hearing requirements? Yes, we had a public meeting in the community to discuss the proposal on January 15, 2009.  In addition, the Board of Park Commissioners held a public hearing on March 12, 2009, and then recommended that the Superintendent move forward with year-round service of the Elliott Bay Water Taxi.

· Other Issues (including long-term implications of the legislation): N/A