Council approves block vote to accept more than $6 million in state grants, authorizes salt dome, park and boardwalk projects

The Long Beach City Council on April 1 approved a block vote covering items 1 through 10, authorizing multiple grant acceptances and a budget amendment. Council members voted in favor (Bendo, Lester, Reinhart and President Finn); Vice President Fiamaro was recorded as absent.

Council members and staff identified more than $6 million in state funding summarized at the meeting. The awards and authorizations approved include (as presented during the meeting):

- A resolution to reallocate FEMA funds into the capital projects fund budget (agenda item 1). - Authorization to enter into a contract for beach access control services (agenda item 2, awarded to Yodle Pass; discussed separately). - Approval of the 2024 LOSAP (length of service award program) eligible volunteer firefighter list (agenda item 3); staff said the list includes individuals who met the 50-point threshold required under New York State General Municipal Law. - Acceptance of a $100,000 grant from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York for renovation of the Long Beach Police Department headquarters front vestibule (agenda item 4). - Acceptance of a $600,000 grant to construct a covered salt storage dome (agenda item 5). Council discussion focused on escalating cost estimates since 2019 and options for construction materials, including galvanized steel, aluminum and sprung-membrane (fabric) structures. Staff said engineers are soliciting estimates and that galvanized steel could lower costs but requires careful specification and coating to limit corrosion. - Acceptance of a grant for Sherman Brown Park rehabilitation (agenda item 6). Staff indicated the playground and park reconstruction remain on schedule for completion by Memorial Day. - Acceptance of a $170,000 grant for a bayfront planning study (agenda item 7) to evaluate redevelopment options and economic analysis for approximately five acres of bayfront property to guide future development. - Acceptance of a $1,450,000 grant to fund boardwalk upgrades, two new concessions and three boardwalk extensions or "bump outs" (agenda item 8). Staff and consultants told the council the project includes space for shade structures and potential small-business or nonprofit uses; cost estimates for individual bump outs were not finalized. Earlier concession projects were cited at roughly $700,000 per concession as a historical reference. - Acceptance of a $3,359,000 New York Forward grant (Empire State Development) for streetscape improvements on Park Avenue and upgrades to Kennedy Plaza (agenda item 9). Staff said the Park Avenue work would replicate design elements used on a recent block, and Kennedy Plaza work would retain memorial bricks and commemorative elements while reconfiguring a pool so it has no raised lip and can better support events and safety. - A budget amendment to the general fund to accept reimbursement from the state court system for court upgrades and associated labor/materials (agenda item 10).

Salt storage: On item 5, staff said the city is not currently in compliance with New York State storage guidance because existing salt piles are exposed. The city said engineers are evaluating alternative dome materials; the grant is intended to cover a large portion of construction costs and the city would contribute remaining capital. Staff said bids should be ready after engineering options are finalized in the coming weeks and expressed the goal of having the structure in place before next winter to avoid ongoing disposal and re-purchase of salt under state rules.

Sherman Brown Park and boardwalk upgrades: For Sherman Brown Park (item 6), staff said the renovation is on track for a Memorial Day completion. For the boardwalk and concession work (item 8), staff said the grant prioritizes accessibility, shade and possible small-business uses; some cost figures (concessions ≈ $700,000 each) were referenced as prior quotes and the final scope and costs will be set at bid.

The block motion to approve items 1–10 was moved and seconded from the floor, carried in a roll-call vote with Bendo, Lester, Reinhart and President Finn voting yes and Vice President Fiamaro absent.