City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MARCH 5, 2014
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RASHAD M. YOUNG, CITY MANAGER/s/
DOCKET TITLE:
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Consideration of Authorization for the City Manager to Execute the Docking Agreement with the Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation to Dock the Schooner Virginia at the City Marina and Waive Associated Docking Fees.
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ISSUE: City Council Consideration to authorize the City Manager to Execute the Docking Agreement with the Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation to dock the Schooner Virginia at the City Marina and waive associated docking fees.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council authorizes the City Manager to execute the Docking Agreement with the Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation to dock the Schooner Virginia at the City of Alexandria Marina from April 11, 2014 through April 14, 2014 and waive the associated docking fee (Attachment 1).
BACKGROUND: The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities received a docking request from the Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation (VMHF) on December 10, 2013 to dock the Schooner Virginia at the City Marina in April 2014 (Attachment 2). Created in 1997, the VMHF's goal is to represent Virginia's rich maritime history with the building and operation of the Schooner Virginia. VMHF is a 501 c(3), not-for profit organization. The Schooner Virginia is a reproduction of the last all sail vessel built for the Virginia Pilot Association. The original ship sailed for the Pilots from 1917-1926, training apprentice pilots in seamanship and navigation.
The VMHF proposes providing free public tours on Saturday, April 12, 2014 and Sunday, April 13, 2014. In addition, the Schooner Virginia will be available to the Alexandria Seaport Foundation in support of its educational programs.
DISCUSSION: At its February 18, 2014 meeting, the Waterfront Commission voted unanimously to endorse the visit of the Schooner Virginia and urges City Council to authorize the City Manager to execute the docking agreement with the Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation (Attachment 1). In addition, representatives of the Old Town Civic Association and Founders Park Citizens Association participated in the Waterfront Commission's February 18, 2014 endorsement of Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation's docking request. Consistent with approved visiting vessel dockings, the City will coordinate the use of portable toilets for use by visitors and the disposal of additional park refuse.
FISCAL IMPACT: Waiver of $1,098 in docking fees.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation Docking Agreement
2. Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation Docking Request
STAFF:
Debra Collins, Deputy City Manager
James Spengler, Director, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Jack Browand, Division Chief, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
James Hixon, Dockmaster, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities