Subject:
Title
Interlocal Agreement with the City of St. Petersburg for the Cross Bay Ferry service.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Interlocal Agreement with City of St. Petersburg (City) to provide seasonal funding for the Cross Bay Ferry service from November 1, 2019 to April 30, 2021.
• Funding is for season two, November 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020; and season three, November 1, 2020 through April 30, 2021 of the ferry service.
• Funding partners: the County, the City, the City of Tampa, and Hillsborough County.
• Each of the participating partners will provide funding in the amount of $149,182 for season two, and $147,881 for season three to the City for the operation of the ferry service.
• The term of this agreement shall commence on September 15, 2019, and shall terminate upon conclusion of season three of the ferry service.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.5 Provide safe and effective transportation systems to support the efficient flow of motorists, commerce, and regional connectivity
4.6 Support a vibrant community with recreation, arts, and culture to attract residents and visitors
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
Summary:
This interlocal agreement allows for the continuation of a funding partnership in support of the Cross Bay Ferry service for seasons two and three of this operation. The ferry service is a seasonal transit operation that provides direct service from downtown St. Petersburg to downtown Tampa from November 1st through April 30th.
Background Information:
The partners entered into the first interlocal agreement on September 14, 2018 for the purpose of providing funding in the amount of $150,000 from each party for season one of the ferry service, which was based on a pilot ferry service funded by these same partners in 2016-17.
HMS Ferries, Inc. (HMS) manages and operates the ferry service pursuant to and in accordance with a license and operating agreement between the City and HMS for a period of up to three seasons. If the ferry service is able to dock the vessel at the St. Pete Pier for season three of the ferry service, the amount of funding for this season from each of the participating agencies shall be reduced to $136,881.
There is also a revenue sharing provision pursuant to this agreement and the license and operating agreement between the City and HMS. The City is to receive fifty percent (50%) of all revenues generated from the seasonal ferry service above $400,000. In the event that the City receives any revenues from the ferry service, the participating partners will equally share in such revenues. However, season one of the ferry service revenues did not exceed $400,000, and the City does not expect revenues to exceed this amount for the next two seasons. During season one (1) of the ferry service, HMS reported total passenger count as 52,528 and total net revenue of $294,226.11.
The ferry service provides diversified regional transportation options for both visitors and residents, including commuters.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding of $149,182 has been requested to be added to the FY20 Tentative Budget for season two (2) of the ferry service. The funding for season three (3) of $147,881 will be requested during the FY21 budget process. Funding was provided from the Transportation Trust Fund in FY19.
Staff Member Responsible:
Addie Javed, Director, Public Works
Partners:
City of St. Petersburg, City of Tampa, Hillsborough County
Attachments:
Interlocal Agreement