CITY COUNCIL: Report & Policy Direction on Pursuing Purchase or Lease of BeachTech Equipment

Meeting Date: November 2, 2010
Prepared by: Rich Guillen

City Council
Agenda Item Summary

Name: Receive report and provide policy direction on pursuing the purchase or lease of the
BeachTech equipment.
Description: City Council approved the expenditure of $15,000 to cover costs related to the
demonstration of a beach rake for the period of three to four months. Although the
BeachTech equipment was offered at no cost to the City, the estimated costs were to
cover the lease of the tractor and the equipment operator. The demonstration began on
September 9, 2010 and concluded in mid-October when the beach area was reduced due
to increased wave action.
Public reaction to the beach rake operations was about 50/50 in support/opposition and
the Public Works Superintendent noted some problems with the BeachTech
demonstration (see Staff Report).
A second beach rake company (H Barber) also is interested in providing a free
demonstration of its equipment next summer when the beach sand is replenished.
Overall Cost:
City Funds: The amount spent to date on the BeachTech demonstration was
$5,454.83, leaving a balance in the annual budget for another
demonstration of $9,545.17.
Grant Funds: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Provide policy direction.
Important Considerations: The City Council may consider three options: 1) agree to another
demonstration of the H. Barber rake next summer (so the tractor lease should continue);
2) purchase the BeachTech equipment and tractor; or 3) return the BeachTech equipment
and terminate the tractor lease immediately.
The use of beach cleaning equipment is more costly than the hired contract labor
(Mainstay) used in the past. A question remains – will the investment in the beach rake
result in a more pristine beach than using Mainstay at a budgeted cost of $10,000/year?
Decision Record: In the 2010/11 Budget, Council approved the expenditure of $15,000 to
conduct a three-to-four month demonstration of the beach rake.
Reviewed by:
_____________________________ __________________
Rich Guillen, City Administrator Date