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Council directs staff to finalize Lady B tugboat agreement after advocates pledge funding
Summary
The council directed staff to return with final memorandum and agreement documents for the Lady B tugboat donation after advocates pledged to raise roughly $250,000 for abatement, site work and maintenance. The motion passed 4–1; one councilor voted no citing staffing and long‑term maintenance concerns.
Council directed staff to return with final agreement documents to accept the Lady B tugboat donation and proceed with a phased plan developed by local advocates.
Advocates described the vessel's local historical significance and presented a site plan that would display the tugboat on a berm in a city park with minimal visual impact and a new sidewalk. Sandy Carter, an advocate working on the project, said the group has developed a budget and contingency allowance and intends to raise funds for remediation, abatement and installation; "it's a small project, actually," she said, estimating total costs would be under $250,000 with allowances.
City attorneys outlined three legal flags: whether the city should take ownership prior to lead abatement, insurance implications, and the need for a stronger maintenance commitment from the advocates. Staff said the current MOU would not transfer title until advocates show they have raised the full amount (about $250,000) and that underwriting confirmed the city's insurer would defend liability claims, subject to appropriate design elements to discourage climbing. Council debated staff time and long‑term upkeep; Councilor Bridal voted no, citing staff burden and accessibility concerns. A motion to direct staff to return with final documents passed 4–1.
Staff will draft final MOU terms on ownership timing, fundraising benchmarks, lead abatement scheduling, and a formal maintenance pledge for council review.
