SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a 2-year renewal to Clearwater Ferry Services Inc., Water Taxi Operating Agreement, commencing on December 1, 2018 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
Based on RFP 34-16, City Council approved the initial Water Taxi Operating Agreement on November 17, 2016 and Clearwater Ferry Services Inc. (CFS) has been successfully providing water taxi services connecting downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach since that time. As provided for in the initial agreement, subsequent renewals subject to mutual agreement were anticipated. CFS wishes to continue providing water taxi services consistent with the initial term without any direct city subsidy.
CFS will continue to utilize the existing ferry landings outlined in RFP 34-16, as earlier anticipated enhancements and infrastructure upgrades have yet to be implemented. The General Fund will reimburse the Beach Marina Fund for the use of slips 149 and 150 which have been taken out of service for use as the beach ferry landing at a cost of $10,000 a year. CFS will also continue to use the vessel, Monica’s Crossing, purchased with city funds under the original agreement.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in special program 98604, 2016 Clearwater Ferry, to fund the first year of this agreement. Funding for fiscal year 2019/20 will be requested as part of the next year budget process.