City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2019
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration and Approval to Waive Fees for the Docking of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) New Flagship Research Vessel the R/V Virginia in the City Marina.
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ISSUE: Consideration and approval to waive fees for the docking of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) new flagship research vessel the R/V Virginia in the City Marina.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approve a fee waiver to VIMS for the docking of its new flagship research vessel the R/V Virginia from Sunday, December 8 through Wednesday, December 11 in the City Marina.
BACKGROUND: The R/V Virginia allows VIMS scientists to monitor and study the Chesapeake Bay and its marine life much more effectively and expand the institute’s research footprint into the open waters of the coastal Atlantic from Maine to Florida. The 93-foot research vessel Virginia was built for VIMS in 2018 and is available for use by VIMS researchers and external parties. It offers flexibility in science outfitting, rapid turn-around for frequent use, and affordable operation. The vessel is easily adaptable to evolving scientific research areas such as environmental impact studies, the servicing of ocean-observing systems, and offshore-energy exploration and development surveys.
DISCUSSION: While docked in the City Marina, VIMS will host a dockside educational exhibit showcasing research conducted aboard the R/V Virginia. Visitors will also be able to speak with VIMS staff on board the vessel. VIMS will provide tours to the public for no fee on Sunday, December 8 from noon to 3 p.m. and on Monday, December 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Should attendance warrant, additional public tours will be added on Tuesday, December 10 & Wednesday, December 11. In addition to the public tours, VIMS will provide private tours for VIMS partners and stakeholders, and educational groups.
FISCAL IMPACT: $1,674 fee waiver. The City Council approved fee for commercial visiting vessels in $4.50/ft. per 24-hour docking. The City typically waives the docking fee for larger vessels of public interest that are owned by governmental or non-profit groups.
ATTACHMENTS: None
STAFF:
Debra Collins, Deputy City Manager
James Spengler, Director, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
Jack Browand, Division Chief, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
James Hixon, Dock Master, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities