1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Emma Kelley, Parks and Recreation Director MEETING DATE: January 21, 2025
SUBJECT: Update on the Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Railcar Loan to the City of Lomita and Appointment of Ad Hoc Committee Members
RECOMMENDATION
Appoint two members of the City Council to a Red Car Ad Hoc Committee for a term expiring on June 30, 2025.
BACKGROUND
In 2023, the Port of Los Angeles contacted the City of Lomita to offer one of its replica Waterfront Red Trolly Railcar (Red Car) for loan to be displayed at the Lomita Railroad Museum for an indefinite period of time. On November 7, 2023, Lomita City Council directed staff to engage in negotiations with the Port of Los Angeles to consider a Lease Agreement to receive the Red Car.
DISCUSSION
The draft lease agreement to display the Red Car at the Lomita Railroad Museum is nearly finalized. However, during discussions, staff considered several important details to which the City Council should be aware. First, the Port of Los Angeles owns two Red Cars, one of which will be loaned to the Huntington Library in Arcadia, CA., and the other to Lomita. One of the Red Cars appears in photos to be significantly deteriorated and in dilapidated condition. Staff will need to inspect both Red Cars in person to determine if it is in the City’s best interest to move forward with accepting the Red Car.
Secondly, the Port of Los Angeles informed staff that if the City accepts receivership of the Red Car, they will only coordinate and pay for transport of the Red Car to Lomita Railroad Museum, but the City will be responsible for placement of the Red Car to its final resting spot.
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. {{section.number}}a
2 Lastly, staff has considered the costs of various options should the City undertake this project. Estimates range from $100,000 to $750,000 for various preparations, including grading and leveling the Irene Lewis lawn area, securing and protecting the Red Car from vandalism and weathering, and installation (i.e. crane rental, street closures, utility shutoffs, etc.).
Staff recommends that the City Council appoint two Ad Hoc members of the City Council to serve as advisory members and report back to the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no financial implications resulting from this recommendation.
OPTIONS
1. Appoint two City Councilmembers to the Red Car Ad Hoc Committee for a term ending June 30, 2025.
2. Provide Staff with alternative direction.
Prepared by: Approved by:
_______________________ ______________________
Emma Kelley Andrew Vialpando
Parks and Recreation Director City Manager