Exhibits:
1. Diagram of Existing and Proposed Seal Haul Out Location
2. Curriculum Vita of Dr. James Thomas Harvey

Update and Follow-Up on Harbor Seal Haul Out Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the City of Alameda and the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) at Alameda Point. (Base Reuse 819099)

To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

From: Elizabeth D. Warmerdam, Interim City Manager

Re: Update and Follow-Up on Harbor Seal Haul Out Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the City of Alameda and the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) at Alameda Point

BACKGROUND

The Central Bay Operations and Maintenance Facility is being planned and developed by WETA to serve as one of two maintenance bases for WETA's existing and future ferry fleet. Staff has been working with WETA on this project for four years. The location of the facility is in the City-owned area known as Term-1 at Alameda Point, which also is in the State Tidelands.
On March 3, 2015, the Alameda City Council approved the first reading of the lease agreement with the condition that staff return with an agreement with WETA to work to construct a new haul out for the harbor seal community currently located at Alameda Point. On March 17, 2015, staff presented an MOU between WETA and the City agreeing to work diligently to permit and build a new seal haul out and the City Council approved the second reading of the lease. The goal of the MOU is to have the new haul out in place prior to the demolition of the existing location.

DISCUSSION
On March 18, 2015, City and WETA staff began contacting harbor seal experts to consult on the haul out relocation project. The list of experts was circulated among members of the community who voiced concern about the seals and a short list was created. WETA contracted with Dr. Jim Harvey of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in Monterey. WETA reached out to members of the community and created a Harbor Seal Working Group (Working Group). On April 24, 2015, the Working Group met on-site with Dr. Jim Harvey, WETA and City staff to view the existing seal haul out, consider existing relocation sites, and discuss a new proposed location with the goal to determine the best potential option for continuing the seal population in Alameda. At the end of the meeting, there was consensus to consider relocating the haul out further down the waterway toward the beach. WETA will be responsible for securing the required permits for the proposed site.
Staff is working to ensure that the proposed site is consistent with real estate and environmental documents. WETA will begin working with the regulatory agencies to move the project forward. In addition, Dr. Harvey proposed some intermediate actions that can be taken to help encourage the seals to become comfortable with the new proposed location. He is summarizing the meeting and will provide recommendations to the Working Group, WETA, and City staff.
Next Steps
1. Distribute meeting summary and harbor seal information drafted by Dr. Harvey.
2. WETA will initiate the permit process(es) with the appropriate regulators.
3. WETA will hire a designer/builder for the haul out structure.
4. City will place interim signs at the boat ramp and near the haul out to inform the public of legal distances from seals.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This report is submitted for information purposes only.
RECOMMENDATION
This report is submitted for information purposes only.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Ott, Chief Operating Officer, Alameda Point

By:
Nanette Mocanu, Assistant Director Community Development Department

Exhibits:
1. Diagram of Existing and Proposed Seal Haul Out Location
2. Curriculum Vita of Dr. James Thomas Harvey