HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS3 - Back Bay Science Center on Shellmaker Island - formerly the Marine Studies CenterCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Study Session Agenda Item No. 3
September 23, 2003
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Robert Burnham, City Attorney; rb urn harr a�cit�.newport-beach.ca.us
Dave Kiff, Assistant City Manager; dkiff@city.newport- beach.ca.us
SUBJECT: Update on status of Back Bay Science Center (formerly known as the
Marine Studies Center) on Shellmaker Island.
BACKGROUND
The City Council has consistently supported the concept of developing, in cooperation
with the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the County of Orange, a facility on
Shellmaker Island that would serve as a center for water quality testing, research and
education. The City Council has taken the following actions relative to the Back Bay
Science Center:
• In 2000, the City Council included the Back Bay Science Center in the list
of projects for which the City was seeking approval from the Trustee
Agencies responsible for monitoring use of the American Trader Oil Spill
litigation proceeds (Oil Spill Funds);
• On April 24, 2001, the City Council directed staff to proceed with the
planning and design of the Back Bay Science Center;
• On June 22, 2001, the City Council requested State funding for the Back
Bay Science Center;
• On October 9, 2001, the City Council authorized the City Manager to
proceed with specific contracts relating to design, construction, and the
placement of a temporary water quality lab on Shellmaker Island;
• On September 9, 2003, the City Council authorized Ron Yeo Architects to
prepare plans and specifications for the Back Bay Science Center;
The Back Bay Science Center will include a County- operated water quality lab, facilities
for DFG personnel involved in the management of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological
Reserve, space and exhibits for water quality education and research programs, a
wetland restoration area and ecological interpretive stations. The City has taken a
leadership role in the planning and design of the Back Bay Science Center using Oil
Spill Funds earmarked for that purpose.
UPDATE
The following is a list of the recent events related to the Back Bay Science Center:
• The City, DFG and the County are reviewing a draft Cooperative
Agreement that addresses issues such as the phasing of construction if
we don't have sufficient funds to construct the entire project, the financial
commitments of each party and the topics to be included in an agreement
relating to operation of the Back Bay Science Center;
• The Parties have prepared a conceptual "Interpretive Plan" that describes
the functions of the Back Bay Science Center and the manner in which
each function will be accommodated on site.
• The City has, on behalf of DFG (the lead agency), prepared a Negative
Declaration for the Back Bay Science Center;
• The Parties are in the process of preparing a Coastal Development
Permit Application and we have met with Coastal Commission Staff on
the site to discuss possible Coastal Act issues.
• The Parties are meeting with various community groups and
organizations to describe the Back Bay Science Center and seek input on
the project.
In the near future, staff anticipates asking the City Council for approval or direction on
the following issues:
• Approval of the Cooperative Agreement including a City commitment to
assist in funding the Back Bay Science Center with Beacon Bay lease
revenue that the City must use for projects in Upper Newport Bay;
• Establishment of a Back Bay Science Center endowment fund that would
receive contributions earmarked for the construction and /or operation of
the Back Bay Science Center;
• Approval of a Use and Occupancy Agreement that would take the place
of a lease and would grant the City and the County the right to occupy
office space on Shellmaker and the right to access the site for the
purposes outlined in the Cooperative Agreement.
• Approval of an Operating Agreement that would identify the respective
roles and responsibilities of the City, DFG and the County after the Back
Bay Science Center is constructed.
Staff will be providing a brief power point presentation covering these issues and
presenting additional information about the Back Bay Science Center.
r1-1 Dave Kiff
obert Burnham
Back Bay Science Center
Newport Beach City Council
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
The Concept
A fun, active, challenging, hands -on place for
children, teens, college students, and adults to
learn and research environmental protection,
restoration, and estuarine water quality.
o Touch Tanks
C� Working Water Quality Lab
U Real tidepools
0 Coastal Commission -OK'd WQ curriculum
o Active restoration area
0 "Green" buildings, green parking areas
The Partners
Partners in the BBSC are:
• The California Department of Fish and Game
• The County of Orange — Health Care Agency's
Water Quality Lab
• UCI (Crew and academics /research)
• Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends
• City of Newport Beach
Tidepool Ranger Coordinator
Water Quality Education
• California Coastal Commission (education)
Funding
Funds Available /Allocated
• City of Newport Beach (American Trader) _ $ 500,000
• Dept of Fish & Game (American Trader) = 250,000
• Dept of Fish & Game (CARA- Light) = 900,000
• OC Health Care Agency (Tobacco Tax) _ $ 1,230,000
Subtotal = $ 2,880,000
BBSC Facility Expenses
Construction (including design & mgmt) _ $ 4,500,000
Interpretation /Education = $ 300,000
Subtotal = $ 4,800,000
SHORTFALL = $ 2,000,000
Wetlands Restoration (Grant Funded) _ $ 500,000
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Options Before Us
0 Find some more funding
. Private sector benefactors
. Corporate sponsorship
. State bond revenues
. SB 573 dedicated dollars
Phase and /or downscale
How to Find Out More...
0 Web Sites & E -mail us:
(City's web site — look under "News /Events" then
"Back Bay Science Center ")
(Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends)
Questions & Comments