City advances marine complex design; fireboat expected in October–November, staff plan dock arrangements

City staff presented a design contract and budget allowance for the marine complex and public safety dock, noting that the project will support both police and fire vessels. The commission heard that the new fireboat is anticipated to arrive in October or November and that an interim rigid-hull inflatable (RIB) will be staged on a lift so it won’t need to be trailered from Special Operations Station.

Why it matters: The marine complex and public safety dock are intended to improve emergency response times for maritime incidents, enable storage and quicker deployment of police and fire vessels, and support future additional vessels the commission may purchase.

Design and funding: Staff described a professional services agreement with West Architecture and Design for the marine complex in the amount of $334,515 plus a 10% allowance ($33,452) for contingencies. Staff said the project will be funded by the fire assessment (public safety assessment) and that the public safety dock will house both police and fire boats. Hugh (fire department) confirmed the fireboat arrival timeframe as “October, November.”

Vessel storage and staging: Commissioners discussed options for storing additional vessels on trailers behind a fence east of the station or using floats on the dock; staff said there should be “plenty of room” on the east side of the station and agreed to review whether a float or trailer parking area could be incorporated. Staff also noted they will place the RIB on the dock lift when completed so it will be quickly available until the larger fireboat arrives.

Next steps: Staff will move forward with the design services agreement and return with further planning for vessel storage and construction scheduling; no final construction contract adoption was recorded in the transcript during this meeting.