Council authorizes harbor commission loan for Cabrillo Marina Phase 2, adds fire-station contingency

The Los Angeles City Council on July 28 authorized the Board of Harbor Commissioners to borrow up to $11,866,000 from the California Department of Boating and Waterways to design, construct and operate Phase 2 of the Cabrillo Marina. Councilmember Rodolfo Sborinch (item sponsor) moved the action and the council amended the authorization to permit an additional $2,000,866 (for a total of $13,000,866) contingent on two conditions: (1) the City Fire Department accepts the findings of an ongoing port fire services study and (2) the state boating-and-waterways funds are allowed to be used for a fireboat station or related fire-station build-out.

The speaker presenting the communication told the council the harbor department previously delayed the marina project and that a related fire-station build-out near the marina remained unresolved. He asked the council to make the additional $2 million contingent upon the fire services study’s findings and a determination that the state loan funds can be applied to a fire-station purpose. The council instructed staff to report back to the Commerce Committee and the Public Safety Committee once the fire services study is complete and the harbor department has a determination from the state about eligible uses.

The council asked the city attorney and staff to confirm that the council could authorize the borrowing in this manner; city attorneys confirmed council authority under the charter. Council approved the amended authorization by roll call (12 ayes). The action was noted as subject to the mayor’s approval.